MAP IT
DC is filled with locally-owned shops that stock cool clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts.
Nancy Perlstein’s boutique may be tucked quietly in Georgetown’s Cady’s Alley, but Relish remains a cathedral of designer clothes. The stock leans toward the tailored, understated and European: Dries van Noten, Martin Margiela, Massimo Alba with a few American accents (hi Marc Jacobs!) thrown into the mix. The staff is a chic army of stylists.
You’ll find more than just unique hats in this Cathedral Heights shop (though you’ll find plenty of cool chapeaus). This DC establishment stocks finds like garden party clothes from Tracy Reese in the summer, après-ski looks from Plenty in the winter, as well as accessories, kid’s clothing, toys, gift books and housewares. Hats off to this shop!
This sweet shop stocks luxury label consignment finds from sought after brands like Chanel, Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli, as well as a collection of brand new apparel. Keep an eye out for when the store hosts on-site auctions if you want to snap up an investment piece.
The name is apt: Salt & Sundry has everything from home goods to baby products to stationery. Be prepared to want it all, whether you keep up an active correspondence or not. Candles, cleansers, clothing, drinkware, etched glass, furnishings....that's just the beginning. There's also a “Gifts for Guys” section, lest you think the establishment caters only to women buyers. The store also has a nook for DC-specific wares, both District-themed and made locally. Last but certainly not least, they'll sell you salt: pink, Himalayan and ready to garnish.
With "Furnishings and Whatnot" as its subtitle, Miss Pixie's immediately telegraphs how playful and fun it is. Quirky delights emerge throughout the sea of products, including vintage furniture, silverware, postcards, decor and much more. Owner Pixie Windsor recently downsized the store from its iconic 14th Street spot to a more manageable space back in its original home in Adams Morgan. You're still sure to discover gems at the DC staple that has been around for more than 25 years. Note that most goods are in and out within a week, so act quickly. And each customer gets a free pink pen.
A revelation of consignment shopping, Secondi is ideal for a "treat yoself" day as some of its products are on the pricier side for a secondhand boutique. Even if you’re just browsing, this gem and its second floor views of Dupont Circle are a perfect pick-me-up when you need a moment to refresh. Prices decrease the longer an item remains in the store, which is a fun but risky game to play with the high-end brands that end up here.
You’re strolling through Georgetown when you spot the chairs and umbrellas at the quieter end of Potomac Street. You’re heading toward them, away from the buzz of M Street, and you notice to your right a gate to a garden and a tiny sign: “OPEN." You walk through the gate, down a brick path, into the garden and right to the door of a completely hidden and totally tempting gift and garden store. It’s an absolute treasure, full of unique items including one-of-a-kind handmade journals, plants, gemstones, inscribed compasses and inspirational art. In short, it's a dazzling array of heartfelt items you never knew were there in a place you may have never discovered without us to guide you. You can thank us later.
A mainstay in the heart of Woodley Park, this unassuming storefront is easy to walk past if you’re not paying attention. But once you step inside (at 2062 Connecticut Avenue NW, to be precise), the sweetly incensed interior is full of authentic Indian apparel and crafts that are both gorgeous and affordable. Behind the counter, you’ll find amiable owner Vijay Bhojwani, who will treat you like a longtime friend and make sure you find everything you’re looking for. From elephant print pants to t-shirts to delicately embroidered dresses, India Art & Craft is a small wonder.
Now that you have read up on indie boutiques, it’s time to start digging even further into DC’s shopping scene. Read up on the many options at your disposal.
More About DC
