Cool Shops in Hot Hampden

Hampden rocks the indie boutiques like nobody's business, and it boasts a stellar collection of dining and drinking establishments (covered in a later post).  If you are intrigued by a commercial district where hip wine bars and long-time watering holes co-exist, and where you can buy cotton diapers, mid-century modern antiques, timeless menswear, fashion forward ladies' attire, handcrafted jewelry, and alternative books and comics all within one short walk, you will love Hampden, and you must visit the Hampden Village Merchants Association's website ASAP, because I cannot possibly give all of the merchants their due right here, right now.

Ma Petite Shoe, pictured here and in the above photograph, sells both shoes and chocolate.  Does it get any better?  The welcoming shop features shoes from the newest designers (including Vegan-friendly footwear), children's slippers, accessories, and artisan chocolate from across the globe.

Locally-made Mouth Party caramels occupy a prime spot in the midst of Ma Petite Shoe's mouth-watering collection of chocolates.

Cloud 9 Clothing offers contemporary, trendy clothing and accessories for women and features brands such as Fidelity Jeans, Free People, Seychelles shoes, and Baked Beads. 

In addition to Hampden, Cloud 9 also has shops in Canton, The Shops at Kenilworth, and Rockville.

Speaking of "rocking," Hampden's own Soft and Cozy Baby sells Rockabye Baby CDs, so if you consider it a top priority to school your newborn in Red Hot Chili Peppers or Green Day, pop in!

Soft and Cozy Baby offers much more than lullaby versions of rock music.  This store serves Eco-conscious parents-to-be, with its collection of cloth diapers and wipes, organic mattresses, and glass water bottles.  When I stopped in to pick up a gift, I learned that they also sell products for new parents, from nursing covers to attractive diaper "messenger" bags, and older siblings, such as toys and lunch bags.

You do not have to be eco-conscious to appreciate the range or quality of products available at Soft & Cozy Baby, or to appreciate the expertise.  During my visit, I stumbled upon a class in cloth diapering!

Studio C Jewelry and Gifts offers stunning handcrafted jewelry and hand bags, as well as scarves, shoes, clothing, and accessories.  Currently, the store is in the running for the City Paper's People's Choice award for Baltimore's Best Jewelry Store, and you have until September 6 to vote.

My amateur photographs do not do justice to the work displayed here, so I encourage you to visit in person or on-line, where you can link to the owner's Etsy shop.

Trohv boasts one of Baltimore's most eclectic selections of gifts, but I like this store most for its well-built, unique furniture and home goods.

For some reason, everyone always seems happy in Trohv.  Maybe it is the smart and slightly irreverent sense of humor that sneaks its way into some of the gifts and greeting cards.  Clearly, people love Trohv - note the numerous Best of Baltimore awards displayed behind the counter.