December 11, 2006

Full Frontal Fashion

DressCodes Boutique

Most of the time, it takes a sweaty dance floor, a sketchy bathroom, and a smug-mugged doorman to prove you’ve just stumbled upon the next big thing.

On better occasions, all you need is a friendly, “Hi, come check us out. We’re new and just opened in Decatur.”

At least that’s the case at DressCodes, a guys’ and girls’ shop stocking the kind of clothes that fashion dreams are made of: Filippa K, Soia & Kyo, and cool accessories owners Brett and Karen Mascavage score in Korea.

Yet, somehow, the place is adorably pretense free. The walls are decked with consigned street art by emerging artists, and mini Boston terrier pups roam the store licking strangers with reckless abandon.

You can expect informal tutorials on everything from the perks of Japanese selvage denim (ask Karen) to the best way to preserve shoes when you wear it (Brett uses duct tape). Just don’t forget to check your attitude at the door.

Hopefully, you’re already big on that.

DressCodes, 201 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, unit 117, Decatur (404-343-2894).