Shoes Don't Judge

As a super busy mom of three young girls, I love the way a put together outfit makes me feel like I somewhat have my life together. Fashion, while sometimes intimidating, has always been something that I’ve loved. Finding a way to take the trends and bring them about in a relatable and wearable way is just my jam. But let’s be real, my cluttered minivan doesn’t exactly scream “fashion template.” So, how did I end up owning two boutiques and an ever-growing retail business?

I opened Poppy & Stella ten years ago because I wanted to bring cute shoes to Fells Point. Like many women, I love shoes like I love my best friends. Shoes don’t care what your hair looks like. Shoes don’t care if you’ve gained 20 pounds. The right shoe can make you feel confident and joyful even on the crappiest morning. Shoes don’t judge.

Over the years, as the store has evolved, I’ve maintained the core value that what we wear does not define us, but it can reflect our inner beauty and enhance our daily existence. I want Poppy & Stella to be a place where everyone who enters our doors feels comfortable and finds something that makes them smile – from a killer pair of heels to an affordable pair of sparkling earrings to the handbag that makes their chaotic life look perfectly put together. From the staff I hire, to the images we post, my hope is that it’s clear that we love you, just as you are.

We are bombarded with daily messages telling us to look a certain way, dress a certain way, be a certain size. Fuck that. I want my customers, my friends, my sisters, my daughters, and myself to say, “I am just right.” It’s important to me that my store makes everyone feel just a bit better about themselves when they walk out than they did when they walked in.

What would make that true for you? Tell me how we can be better. What do you want to see in our stores? Plus-sized and petite clothing? Practical every-day wear or one-of-a-kind statement pieces? I recognize the lure of big box and online stores, and I want the Poppy & Stella community to be one that’s irreplaceable. 

You can give us your feedback here: https://goo.gl/forms/Tcna3G1KhHLSuwxh1

We have exciting happenings unfolding (um, hello e-commerce site!) and we vow to stay true to our roots and where we began. Poppy & Stella will continue to be a retail haven for you to visit, shop, and feel confident and loved. Because for me, that’s what it’s all about.

XO,

Kelley