Shop Girls

When sisters Chrissy and Farah Fitzgerald found out their favorite consignment store in downtown Annapolis was closing in 2012, they knew it was a sign that they should start one of their own. And within a few months, that’s just what they did.

Chrissy, left, who has an extensive fashion background, and Farah, a graphic designer, grew up in Severna Park and were attracted to their store’s Maryland Avenue address in Annapolis because of the sense of community.

“It’s like Gilmore Girls,” says Chrissy. “We liked the idea of being able to make a difference in this area. We noticed right away how appreciated we were by the locals.”

The sisters chose the name Navette—which means “little ship” or “shuttle” in French—because when the store opened, they collected consignment from New York City and “shuttled” it down to their shop to mix with the local offerings, allowing their customers access to unique fashions they wouldn’t typically see in the area.

“All of our shoppers have such different tastes,” says Chrissy. “Some want Lilly Pulitzer, some want designer labels, and some want Free People.”

Navette gained popularity by sharing its varied consignment goods on Instagram and other forms of social media, but the sisters always had plans to start their own brand and fashion line. So in March 2015, they began designing their first in-house line of silk shirts and dresses.

“We are really influenced by Japanese designers,” says Farah. “We love the idea of having classic silhouettes with kind of quirky prints.”

The first collection, which consists of four styles in 14 variations, with three original prints and two solids, is designed to be seasonally versatile and day-to-night friendly, not to mention flattering for all ages and body types.

“We kept the working women in mind,” says Chrissy. “Whether you [own] an art gallery or you are an attorney, you can wear [our pieces].”