Style File: Killer Trash

It’s almost impossible to find just one thing to look at in Killer Trash. From the rainbow row of mannequin heads to the hefty collection of furs, the Fells Point joint certainly isn’t lacking in whimsy and style. And when it comes to everyday clothes or even pieces for your upcoming Halloween party (it's just around the corner!), the shop’s long-time owner Elaine Ferrara has you covered—literally. We met up with Ferrara at her boutique where she talked attitude, shopping and stamina.

1. How would you describe your boutique in one sentence?
EF: It's killer trash.

2. What's your superpower?
EF: Stamina. I started being in the clothing business in 1970. I sold these things new back then and now I’m selling them again.

3. Who is your style inspiration/icon?
EF: Right now I love Lady Gaga.

4. What is your favorite item currently in your collection?
EF: I love the flapper dresses, I love the leopard coats, I love the furs. It’s hard to pick out one item; it’s too eclectic! That’s why I’m in this business, because I don’t have to just like one thing.

5. What is the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to love?
EF: I never really followed a trend ever in my life. I guess the most outrageous I can think of—which isn’t outrageous to me at all but it seemed to be for other people—that I would wear every piece of clothing, everything on my body, leopard. My mother thought I was crazy.

6. What is your guilty pleasure?
EF: Shopping!

7. How did you get the name for your boutique?
EF: In the early 1970s, John Waters had a store called Divine Trash. It was a great shop on Read Street and I always loved that name, and I wanted to use it but I couldn’t. I had a little dog named Killer for 13 years - the best dog in the world. So, Killer Trash!

8. What is your favorite saying/motto?
EF: “What’s goin’ on down there?! Did we make any money?”

9. No outfit is complete without...?
EF: I think attitude. It’s how you wear it.

10. What is your current favorite and least favorite trend?
EF: Those photo print dresses with the cats on it and stuff, the very Tumblr-style dresses. I’m more into comfort these days than anything. But I just can’t think of anything that I absolutely can't stand.

Our top three picks:

(From left to right: Leopard Steve Madden wedges, $28; Velvet jeweled loafers, $20; 1960s floral dress, $40; 1950s Weiss earrings, $50 and $38)