Our Washingtonian Recommends lists bring you the best places to eat, drink, and be entertained—all selected by Washingtonian editors.
American/Holiday
There’s a gift for every host and hostess at this rustic-inspired small goods shop, including classy melamine plates, a variety of candles, and patterned matchbooks, along with tasseled wool throw blankets and a Mason jar for every need. Their luxe plaid scarves would make a great present, too—for yourself.
1319 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-684-2790.
Ann Mashburn & Sid Mashburn
Bright hits of color in classic, refined shapes are mainstays at the new DC outposts from this Southern husband-and-wife duo. The women’s shop is white and airy, while the men’s store hits more Californian notes.
Ann Mashburn, 3251 prospect St., NW; 202-864-0367. Sid Mashburn, 3206 N St., NW; 202-864-0365.
Bluemercury
Local husband and wife/business partners Barry and Marla Beck opened their first high-end beauty shop here in 1999. Now there are five stores in the District alone, and 82 other branches ranging from Alexandria all the way to California. Pick up Fresh soaps, Bumble and bumble hair products, Jo Malone scents, and Peter Thomas Roth face masks, along with two in-house lines: vegan makeup from lune + aster, and dermatologist-tested skincare from m-61.
3059 M St., NW; 202-965-1300.
Bonobos
Admittedly a departure from the traditional retail scene, this innovative menswear e-tailer brings its Web-only business off-line with an interactive showroom in Cady’s Alley, where customers are able to see, touch, and try on samples of the style before placing an order on the website. In-store guides help usher shoppers through the line’s modern-prep suits, denim, shirts, and chinos, providing personal attention, style advice, and fit expertise.
3320 Cady’s Alley, NW; 202-333-7949.
Goorin Bros.
This family-owned hatmaking chain began in 1921, and opened its Georgetown store in 2013. You’ll find a variety of men’s and women’s styles—cloches, fedoras, baseball caps—for both every-day wear and special occasions.
1214 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-338-4287.
Hu’s Wear
Marlene Hu Aldaba’s two-story designer showroom is lined with fierce fashions from high-end lines such as Alexander McQueen, Proenza Schouler, and Isabel Marant. Forward-thinking fashionistas should head to the basement, where the store keeps it’s best pieces. Al-daba also has a footwear shop, Hu’s Shoes, across M Street.
2906 M St., NW; 202-342-2020.
Relish
This airy boutique is a true find for Washington’s stylish mature set. Modern elegance in the form of Balenciaga, Maison Martin Margiela, and Dries Van Noten separates is complemented by a smart selection of leather boots, roomy totes, and Henry Beguelin necklaces.
3312 Cady’s Alley, NW; 202-333-5343.
Sherman Pickey
Lilly Pulitzer resortwear may feature prominently, but you don’t have to vacation in Palm Beach to shop at Sherman Pickey. Cool brands for women include Chloe & Reese, Jules Reid, and Milly; men can choose among Peter Millar cashmere sweaters and Smathers & Branson needle-point belts.
1647 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-333-4212.
Also in Georgetown
All the big name brands, like J.Crew (3222 M St., NW; 202-965-4090), Tory Burch (1211 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-337-1410), Madewell (1237 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-333-3599), Free People (3009 M St., NW; 202-333-2013), Zara (1238 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-944-9797), Sephora (3065 M St., NW; 202-338-5644), Apple (1229 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-572-1460), Rent the Runway (3336 M St., NW), Design Within Reach (3306 M St., NW; 202-339-9480), and Dean & DeLuca (3276 M St. NW; 202-342-2500).
This article appears in Washingtonian’s Welcome Guide.
