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From world-class art to locally designed jewelry, we’ve tracked down the best shopping in the world’s coolest cities. Find that last-minute holiday gift, or take home something memorable for yourself.
The Draw: This only-in-Washington shop offers personal shopper-type service and an inventory of cutting-edge, mostly women’s (some men’s) fashions by designers whose clothes you won’t find anywhere else in the city, such as the Italian line Marni and the Belgian designer Dries Van Noten. Designs are distinctly European in look—heavy on grays, black, and unusual shades of green. The Scene: This expansive, two-level boutique sits in the middle of Cady’s Alley, which is a complex of chi-chi stores, such as Waterworks and Yves Delorme, that nestle quietly behind the mayhem of M Street. Saturdays serve up the best buzz, as international sophisticates alight here to dine on pastries and savories at the city’s most darling eatery, Leopold’s Kafe & Konditorei, then crisscross the alley to shop at Relish and its neighbors. Hot Tip: Ask to see those pieces that have been designed exclusively for Relish by master artisans, such as Anthony Nar’s sterling silver with a black and frosted-grey diamond collection.
The Remix
645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Capitol Hill, 202-547-0211 remixvintage.com
The Draw: Owner Stacey DiTata has an eye for uniquely stunning pieces, be it a 1940s cocktail dress or a 1960s sharkskin suit. The Scene: Frequently named a “best bet” for vintage shopping by the Washington Post and other local publications, The Remix is known for its wonderful selection of fashionable men’s and women’s clothes from the 1920s to the 1970s, as well as for choice jewelry and houseware items. Young women in their twenties especially favor The Remix, which also draws a cross-section of independent-minded shoppers. Located in a row of storefronts across the street from Eastern Market, The Remix is busiest on weekends, when people from the neighborhood shop at the boutique, then hit Eastern Market’s stands. Hot Tip: Ask to enter the roped-off room, where particularly spectacular high-end designs hang.
The Draw: Designers from around the country have designated the Tiny Jewel Box as one of the five best US retailers of designer jewelry. The Scene: Founded in 1930 and still run by the Rosenheim family, this veritable Washington institution is the go-to place for exquisite vintage and antique jewelry, fine Swiss watches, creations of top designers such as David Yurman and Cathy Waterman, exclusive diamonds, bridal selections, and beautiful house gifts. Tiny Jewel Box resides in a handsome six-story townhouse on busy Connecticut Avenue, halfway between the White House and Dupont Circle. Hand-holding young couples dash in to try on wedding rings, while middle-aged doyennes enter grandly and are greeted by name. Hot Tip: Tiny Jewel Box custom-designs a line of Federal collection pieces, including desk accessories bearing images of historic American figures and Washington scenes, perfect as presents to take home.
