stores
Shopping
Hu's Wear
Marlene Hu Aldaba, who also owns designer footwear spot Hu's Shoes across the street, has created here a gorgeously spare spot filled with the designer pieces to match: Proenza Schouler striped peplum jackets, hot pink Alexander McQueen minis—it's the perfect mix of youthful and classic. 2906 M St. NW, 202- 342-2020, hushoes.com
Shopping
Good Wood
Clever vignettes—'50s tables piled with books, antique vanities strewn with distressed mirrored trays—at this vintage furniture mainstay make you feel like you’ve scored an invitation to somebody’s very cool loft. 1428 U St. NW, 202-986-3640, goodwooddc.com
Shopping
Ginger Root Design
Recycling-minded seamstresses Kristen Swensen and Erin Derge transform secondhand ties and fabrics into profoundly cute ascot-esque accents and bloomer shorts. They'll also redesign your most unflattering garments (yes, heinous bridesmaid dresses, this means you). 1530 U St. NW, basement, 202-567-7668, gingerrootdesign.com
Shopping
Caramel
At this boutique/gallery, cartoony prints from beloved D.C. artist Dave Peterson line the walls, the Crayola-hued jersey dresses and military-inspired coats hail from eco-friendly lines, and owner Sarah Watkins hosts regular fundraisers for local nonprofits. 1603 U St. NW, 202-265-1930, caramelfashion.com
Shopping
Charm Georgetown
Georgetown’s latest jewelry destination has a really well-balanced mix of black-tie and everyday pieces—and the twinkling array of colorful crystal statement earrings and delicate stone pendants include many under-$100 options. 2910 M St. NW, 202-298-0420, charmgeorgetown.com
Shopping
Foundry
At this new addition to the vintage promenade that is U Street, Yvette Freeman sells lovingly refurbished, reasonably priced 20th-century estate-sale furniture and industrial signage. Recently spotted: a pair of cowhide-covered director’s chairs for $525. 1522 U St. NW, 571-277-5245, foundrybyfreeman.com
Shopping
Violet
A trip to this purple-walled Adams Morgan newcomer yields a complete night-out ensemble—on a Capitol Hill intern’s budget. Party attire like paneled miniskirts, slick envelope clutches and drapey tops rolls in at well under $100. 2439 18th St. NW, 202-621-9225, violetdc.com
Shopping
ValleyGirl
Ask a local where she bought her adorable mustard peacoat (or drapey ikat cardigan or coral minidress) and she’ll point you to this well-stocked shop—a must-hit for wearables under $250. 406 E. Hyman Ave., 970-920-4475, valleygirlboutique.com
Shopping
Von Freytag Vintage
Gilded picture frames and wooden birdcages adorn this two-room vintage trove, where cranberry Armani shifts and structured Longchamp satchels are all in pristine condition and reasonably priced (we spotted a Parisian trench for $70). 302 S. Galena St., 970-544-1744
Shopping
Bloomingbird's
This sunny, brick-walled shoe spot carries bejeweled René Caovilla slingbacks, slick Aquatalia boots that are snowproof but don’t look it and what may be the world’s snuggliest handstitched shearling slippers. 304 S. Galena St., 970-925-2241
