Shopping in Washington, DC
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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.
reviewed
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B
Ching Ching Cha House of Tea
This atmospheric wood-paneled teahouse feels a world away from the shopping mayhem on M St. Stop in for a light meal or a refreshing pot of rare tea; the shop stocks an amazing variety of exquisite teas, along with books, ceramic tea sets and teapots.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Political Americana
You’ll have to dig a bit, but hidden amid the bland heaps of token Americana trinkets are one-of-a-kind political souvenirs – signed documents by famous statesmen, single-print historical photos and DVDs of important moments in American history.
reviewed
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Dean & Deluca
The New York gourmet chain has an overwhelming and mouthwatering selection of produce, meat and baked goods in this revamped brick warehouse. Outside is a lovely canopied dining area for noshing on ready-made sandwiches, soups and pastries.
reviewed
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Oya Mini Bazaar
One of several West African handicraft shops in the neighborhood, Oya Mini Bazaar stocks an impressive selection of wooden masks, tapestries, small sculptures, batik prints, woven baskets and other curios. The prices are quite reasonable.
reviewed
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Fire & Ice Of Georgetown
The eye-catchers at this unique jewelry boutique are the creative pieces crafted from silver and semiprecious stones but you'll also find smaller trinkets like polished fossils perfect for your daughter to purchase with her allowance.
reviewed
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Second Story Books
Packed with dusty secondhand tomes, this atmospheric Dupont Circle bookshop also sells secondhand CDs (mostly jazz and classical). The prices are decent, and the choices are broad (particularly in the realm of history and Americana).
reviewed
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Chanel Boutique At The Willard Collection
One of the world's largest Chanel boutiques, this shop inside the classy DC hotel offers the classic designer's signature line of shoes, suits, purses and sunglasses. It's also one of the few major designers to have a shop downtown.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Mustard Seed
A Bethesda stalwart, this shop has been around for decades. Skip the overpriced new clothes displayed up front and head straight for the better deals in the middle. You have to dig a bit, but you can come up with designer finds.
reviewed
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Big Planet Comics
Not just for comic-book-loving geeks, Big Planet appeals to a surprisingly diverse audience, with an excellent collection of limited editions and graphic novels, plus posters, t-shirts, manga material and collectible stuff.
reviewed
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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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Written Word
Pick up something special for the writer in your family here. The store sells beautiful handmade paper sheets, unique journals and greeting cards, along with custom-designed stationery and old-fashioned fountain pens.
reviewed
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Lambda Rising
This landmark in gay and lesbian DC sells CDs and videos, as well as books covering a range of provocative topics. Check out the flyers and free giveaways near the door to find out what’s happening in gay DC.
reviewed
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Bead Museum
The Bead Museum Washington DC closed its doors to the public on December 31st, 2008. The majority of the programs affiliated with the museum will continue as activities of The Bead Society of Greater Washington.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Appalachian Spring
Touting its motto, ‘celebrating American craft, ’ this local chain features handmade pottery, woodcarvings, quilts and jewelry. The carved wooden boxes and hand-blown glass bowls make nice gifts.
reviewed
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ADC Map & Travel Center
This wee downtown storefront is packed with everything from road atlases to language guides, with huge foldout sheet maps of the district, children’s activity guides and a small selection of globes.
reviewed
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Himalayan House
This place oozes positive karma, probably because the handicrafts, jewelry and clothing all come straight from Nepal and Tibet. The Tibetan ritual crafts are fun to investigate even if you are not buying.
reviewed
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Dj Hut
If you're looking for hard-to-find breakbeat or jungle in vinyl, try this shop. It caters to DJs working the turntables and has many obscure used and new records, including many funk and hip-hop choices.
reviewed
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Candey Hardware
This family-owned hardware shop - around since 1891 - is like something out of small-town USA. It survives in transient DC by offering friendly service and everything the locals need around their homes.
reviewed
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Cady’s Alley
Not a store per se, Cady’s Alley is exactly that, a small street lined with ubercool (and often expensive) interior-design boutiques selling everything from concept furniture to faucets of the future.
reviewed
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Y
Mazza Gallerie
This upscale mall is on the Red Line near the Maryland border. Anchored by Neiman-Marcus, Mazza has a variety of upscale boutiques, plus a Williams-Sonoma. Downstairs is a seven-screen movie theater.
reviewed