You’re never too young to develop an eye. When I was in kindergarten at John Rurah Elementary School in Baltimore, I’d tell my mother, "Don’t pick me up from school unless you’ve got make-up on and your hair is done and you’re in a nice outfit." She still takes my advice.

When the time came to make a life, I ruled out astrophysics and Russian Literature to study Fashion Merchandising at the University of Maryland. From there, I began a ten-year career in high-end women’s retail, starting at the White Flint Bloomingdale’s where, from 1981-86, I managed Place Élégante, its woman's couture designer’s boutique.

Then, from 87-91, I managed and bought clothes and accessories for Paraphernalia, a women’s specialty emporium in Chevy Chase. I once persuaded Tammy Faye Bakker to turn down the sparkle for at least a season and buy head-to-toe suede at my store. She never looked better.

In 1991, I became a realtor and opened a firm in Baltimore, J.G.S. Residential, which is still going strong, but as the new century dawned, I found I missed the faster pace and seasonal excitement of fashion. From 1999 to 2006 I created my own personal shopping company and worked with Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. On February 14th, 2006 I opened the Handbags in the City store in Baltimore's popular up scale retail area of Harbor East.

I probably don’t need to tell you that, as the hottest selling item of women’s merchandise, handbags have become the new shoes. From the signature classics—Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Judith Lieberman, and Kate Spade—to up-to-the-minute trendsetters—Lulu Guiness, Isabella Fiori, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Chloë—I am always on the lookout for the latest must-have designer handbags, and am thrilled to be able to offer them to you at my new store location in downtown Baltimore.

So browse through my store and find something stunning for your hand to hold.

George Sakellaris