Clothing shopping in Washington, DC
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Filene’s Basement (White House Area)
If you aren’t from the east coast, you probably haven’t ever had the privilege of shopping at Boston-based Filene’s Basement. This discount store is a bargain-hunter’s paradise, devoted to men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. You’ll have to dig, but you can score pieces by the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Ralph Lauren, BCBG, DKNY and Missoni. Filene’s has a second location inside the Shops at National Place.
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Filene's Basement (Penn Quarter)
If you aren’t from the east coast, you probably haven’t ever had the privilege of shopping at Boston-based Filene’s Basement. This discount store is a bargain-hunter’s paradise, devoted to men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. You’ll have to dig, but you can score pieces by the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Ralph Lauren, BCBG, DKNY and Missoni. There's another location near the White House.
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Remix
One of the few vintage shops in the area, the Remix has a good selection of men’s and women’s attire from decades past. You’ll find soft leather gloves, fuzzy pink boas, slender strapless dresses, mirrored sunglasses, and satin smoking jackets and western shirts for the gents. There’s a private room with couture pieces – Oscar de la Renta and Pucci as well as delicate dresses and gowns dating back to the 1910s.
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Dekka
Overlooking a lively stretch of U St, Dekka is a youthful and creative space where you pick up locally made fashion, jewelry and artwork. Stylish T-shirts, whimsical dresses and framed black-and-white photographs are just a small part of the eclectic merchandise, which includes the work of over 30 local artists and designers. Stop in on the first Saturday of the month (from 6:30pm to 10:30pm) for cocktails, video, music and designer specials.
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For the Greater Good
Portraits of Mao, Malcolm X, Che Guevara and other cult figures adorn the walls of this exquisite little shop. The clothes here – fine denim, high-end sweaters, button-downs and handsome jackets – are trim and nicely cut, creating a stylish well-tailored look. If the fashion here seems a little too staid, head two doors down to its sister shop, Commonwealth.
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Annie Cream Cheese
One of several vintage shops in George-town, Annie’s has some of the best selections, at least for women. You’ll find tennis skirts, oversized sunglasses, sexy skirts and tops, glammy high heels – with a bevy of top designers represented. The men’s selection is poor, unless monochrome polyester shirts and pleather jackets strike your fancy.
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Redeem
redeem ‘It’s never too late to change’, is the motto of this enticing little clothier on 14th St. Redeem carries indie labels and a small selection of local designers, and targets urban and hip but cashed-up customers. Look for Ernest & Sewn denim, Colcci ankle boots, Corpus sweaters and other unique labels.
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Caramel
This dapper little boutique on U St sells a well-edited selection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories that aim for a stylish effortlessness. Look for comely I-Shandi dresses, eye-catching Leather Island belts and incredibly soft denim apparel. The artwork on the walls is also for sale – all created by local artists.
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Lost Boys
A recent addition to DC’s fashion scene, Lost Boys sells stylish but staid men’s clothing for that well-tailored, slightly preppy Georgetown look. Super soft James Perse polos, Ernest & Sewn jeans, candy-striped Steve Alan button-downs and skinny ties by Band of Outsiders are a few recent hits.
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Patagonia
Staffed with knowledgeable sales clerks and stocked with everything you need for a trip to the great outdoors, this tri-level shop has a giant collection of Patagonia’s trusted gear, including trendy garb for women and men along with camping supplies, down jackets, and hiking shoes and shorts.
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Secondhand Rose
This small, cramped secondhand shop sells consignment clothing, usually well-known labels and nothing more than two years old. This isn’t a place for bargain hunters – no $10 dresses here – but Secondhand Rose has a speedy turnover and all items are in good condition.
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Backstage
This costume store caters to both the drag crowd and government types in search of unusual attire for masquerade parties. It rents outfits, and you can buy funky face paints, wigs and masks – including those creepy presidential masks (covering every president from Nixon to Obama).
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Meeps Vintage Fashionette
This vintage clothier is a fun place to browse with its racks of mod dresses, cowboy shirts, suede jackets, beaded purses, leather boots, Jackie O sunglasses and denim jumpsuits. Meeps also carries a small selection of local designers – mostly clever and eye-catching T-shirts.
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Nana
Nana is a sweet little boutique selling a mix of funky and classic fashions. Look for Holly Aiken bags, Dagg & Stacey coats and blouses, dresses and skirts by Classic Girl, Uppsee Daisies and Elaine Perlov. Nana throws in a few well placed vintage pieces to complete the look.
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Betsy Fisher
The sales team at this classy women’s boutique makes you feel like a queen while trying on fantastic pieces by designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Nicole Miller. The styles run the gamut from funky and fashion forward to elegant but a touch on the conservative side.
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Smash!
There’s a slightly punk-rock vibe to this small upstairs shop. In addition to a solid selection of vinyl (covering mostly classic and indie rock and soul), Smash! sells used and new CDs and youthful streetwear (punky T-shirts, Doc Martens and secondhand clothing).
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Relish
Set on peaceful Cady’s Alley, Relish sells high-end fashion for the girls. The two-level store boasts top-name labels and indie designers alike, including pieces by Marni, Jilsander and Nicole Fahri. Shoes, bags and accessories all make nice eye candy.
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Green & Blue
The boutique may be named for soothing colors, but its cool tones aren’t just swatches of the palette; there are plenty of smart blouses, clutches and assorted accessories here that run the rainbow in terms of presentation, and all suggest style.
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Everett Hall Designs
Celebs, NBA and NFL stars and other wealthy types hit Everett Hall's boutique when they're in town. This big-name DC designer does beautiful hand-tailored Italian suits for men, often in bright colors, as well as cutting-edge sportswear and shoes.
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Secondi
Up a narrow row of stairs, Secondi is filled with beautiful top labels like Marc Jacobs jackets and slightly loved Manolo Blahniks. It’s not the cheapest shop in the city, but it has a good collection of big-name designers.
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All About Jane
For chic fashion, this popular women's boutique is a great stop. Prices are reasonable and designs are truly unique - something that's hard to come by these days. The only downer is that the selection is rather limited.
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Cowboy Western Wear
This little Western shop will guarantee you are dressed to the nines for that night out two-steppin'. Even if you don't know how to 'swing your partner,' it has a great selection of boots and other Western wear.
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Proper Topper
Fedoras, panama hats, short- and wide-brimmed straw hats – they’re all for sale at the Proper Topper, along with children’s books, wallets, jewelry, scarves and a few snazzy black dresses.
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Pua Naturally
Pua Naturally provides a refreshing retreat from museum-hopping. Women head here to splurge on high-end ethnic clothing, like long flowing skirts and hand-woven jackets from southern Asia.
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Up Against the Wall
This music-blaring boutique is one of DC’s top funky fashion spots for the hip-hop set. It sells baggy jeans, sports jerseys and all the other bling you need to dress like a rapper.
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