Good Form

People are always asking me where I get my clothes and, I have to say, it is one of the nicest compliments that one never tires of hearing.  I pride myself on supporting locally owned businesses whether shopping for food or fashion, and often it is in these little, local shops where you find not only one-of-a-kind pieces that not everyone at the next party will be wearing, but some great steals as well. 

One of my favorite “discoveries” in the past few years is a fantastic place called Form Boutique.  Formerly located right on the south-western side of The Avenue in Hampden near Mud & Metal and 13.5%, Form relocated a few years ago to the fashionable Woodberry neighborhood in the Clipper Mill Complex right next-door to Woodberry Kitchen.  (On a side note, how the owner stays slim working next-door to such gourmet hot-spots, I’ll never know.  Also, is there a fashion rule about proximity to foodie hot spots and good style?)

Form Boutique opened in April 2007 offering very lovely, relatively pricey designer pieces by Diane Von Furstenberg, Milly, JBrand, Shoshanna, and Alexis Bittar.  I would describe the pieces they carry as modern, feminine, and trendy with beautiful craftsmanship in gorgeous fabrics.  Their website says they “carry a finely edited yet wide selection of contemporary lines.”  Nicely stated.  The very stylish and extremely helpful (yet not pushy) owner, Aimee, also makes her own delicate, feminine jewelry as well as carrying some very nice purchased pieces.

I became a fan back when they were on the avenue by scouring their sale room in the back and occasionally stalking a few full-priced items until they went on sale.   You’ll remember I mentioned a few months back a beautiful, white, strapless, embroidered, eyelet dress I bought here a few years ago.  I also scored a classic grey pencil skirt with an adorable, quirky ruffle in the back instead of a kick pleat.


White, strapless, embroidered dress by To The Max, $135

 When Form moved to its currently location, though, it took on a new role – stylish, trendy, new pieces as well as a very select assortment of consignment offerings…which I LOVE!   Now, I give props to some of Baltimore’s venerable consignment stores, but to be honest, they either fall in one of two categories (or both) – not the highest quality or not the most current styles.  When Form Boutique began taking consignment (for store credit only) it filled the niche for high-quality and modern and trendy consignment in Baltimore.  (If you know of others out there, don’t be shy – let me know).

Since then, I’ve acquired quite a few steals from classic, work staples like this khaki, short-sleeved, pant suit by BCBG.

This photo makes the pants look a little like culottes, but if you look closely you can see that the pants start right under the label inside the jacket.  The pants are actually very long and leg-lengthening on my 5'2 frame.


These maroon, wide-legged, wool-crepe slacks from Miu Miu, which look great with navys and purples...


Miu Miu Originally $325, Purchased for $84

This fantastic tweedy skirt suit from Banana Republic with an asymmetrical jacket...


Originally $150, Purchased for $58

 And who isn’t crazy about these tan leather Kate Spade sling backs with the little red, leather flower on each shoe!  (These are a perfect example of something that, although a tad pricey when I first saw them at $84, kept popping up every time I went to Aimee’s boutique, so finally I knew they just must be waiting for me to scoop them up.)

Kate Spade Leather sling backs, Originally $325, Purchased for $84

I’ve also uncovered a few fun treats as well, like these green, sequined Guess heels for $18!!!  Wouldn’t these be great with a short, black dress and a messy up do with a night of dancing with your girlfriends?

And this timeless, paisley/floral-print sun dress, which reminds me of what you would wear to say goodbye to a lover before he departs to fight in WWII.


Max Studio Dress, Originally $175, Purchased for $28



I will admit that not everything there is for me as the cuts and styles do lean very much toward the modern.  Most of the new pieces Form orders also tend to run very petite (like the owner, Aimee, herself) but whether looking for a steal or ready to splurge, from clothes to accessories, you’re guaranteed to find something one-of-a-kind at Form Boutique.

**Update**

I finally got around to wearing my dresses and taking pictures.  Here they are on.