Foxy Lady

Fast fashion—or mass produced styles that go from the runway to retail quickly to capitalize on trends—has never been appealing to boutique owner Macy Della of Bear Fox Babe in Old Ellicott City. 

“I hate trends,” says Della. “I really just want people to be aware that they can get quality pieces at an affordable price.” 

And that’s why she opened Bear Fox Babe—named after nicknames for her two dogs and her husband (cue the “awwws”)—in a charming little cottage in Old Ellicott City’s Lot D last April. 

Having worked in the fashion industry as a model, Della noticed that designers would get rid of leftover pieces from each season at a much lower price point. She then began making connections with showrooms and building her inventory with samples and overstock from some of her favorite designers—brands like Rachel Zoe, Free People, and Reformation. 

“We are always at least at half off the suggested retail price,” says Della. “Of course I am most often compared to Marshalls or the Nordstrom Rack, but my pieces are at an even lower price point and my selection is much more curated.” 

After the devastating flood that took place last summer, Ellicott City came to a standstill, and while Bear Fox Babe only had minimal damage, Della chose to leave her original store space for a new location on Main Street in March. 

“It is daunting, because we are right in the center and if something ever happened again it would affect us drastically,” Della says. “But I’m willing to risk it because I love this town.” 

The new store is light and airy with more room for product and Bear Fox Babe’s recently launched rental collection, which consists of evening wear and cocktail dresses available for week-long rentals starting at $22. Della is able to reach more people in the new space and offers free personal shopping. 

“Boutiques are supposed to be a tailored experience,” she says. “That’s part of the joy in it for me. I want to create an experience.”