Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Vote for this year's most innovative, inspiring, and promising designer or boutique.
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Jessica del Pilar Setchi
Store owner Jessica del Pilar stocks the District's first ecoboutique with organic, fair trade, or locally produced brands, including faves Stewart + Brown and Del Forte Denim. Read More
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Originally published on August 24, 2007
Seven Wonders
Setchi Ecoboutique Opens
Hiding receipts from loved ones. Sneaking out of work early to do it. Lying about where you were.
Shopping shouldn’t leave you in need of a twelve-step meeting.
For a guilt-free fix, head to Setchi, the new ecoboutique with dozens of lines of earth-friendly clothing and accessories. All of their collections are organic, reclaimed, fair trade, or locally produced. And, of course, they’re good-looking (no ugly hemp ponchos or Jesus sandals here).
Choose jeans from Del Forte Denim, Loyale dresses, jackets by Stewart + Brown, and tees from Turk + Taylor. They also have Moonrise, Muumuu Heaven, and Enamore and will continually add new designers.
The charming shop’s design elements are all green and sustainable (reclaimed woods, vintage light fixtures, recycled carpeting). And every purchase comes with a free reusable canvas tote.
So you can carry the message to others.
Setchi, 1614 Wisconsin Avenue NW, between Reservoir Road and Q Street (202-333-5570). -
Katie Uhre Scout
Local designer Uhre works with artisans in Nicaragua to produce her sleek, handmade crocodile clutches and gives a portion of her sales back to Nicaraguan charities. Read More
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Originally published on March 20, 2007
Scout’s Honor
Scout Clutches
You’re a good scout, no question. You help little old ladies cross the street and give up your seat on the bus to passengers with armloads of groceries.
And seeing as one good deed serves another, it’s time to reward yourself with a bag from Scout.
The local company works with artisans in Nicaragua to create handmade crocodile clutches that are pleasantly classic and look smashing dressed up or down. A portion of sales goes back into social programs for the underserved Nicaraguan communities and children’s health and education.
Pick from three styles — the Telica, a lovely envelope shape; the Leon, a trapezoid; and the Granada, a sleek rectangle — in a variety of colors like rich mocha, smooth ginger, and deep lime. Each bag has a simple snap closure; suede lining; and enough room for wallet, keys, phone, and makeup.
So you’ll always be prepared.
Available at Sassanova, 1641 Wisconsin Avenue NW, between Reservoir Road and Q Street (202-471-4400); online at scoutimportcompany.com. -
Larry Incognito Commonwealth
Owner Larry Incognito keeps urban tastemakers flush in limited-edition neon Nikes, brands like Maharishi and Acapulco Gold, and other skater essentials at his Norfolk, Virginia-based shop. Read More
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Originally published on January 19, 2007
Common Ground
Commonwealth Opens
Your street cred is so low, you thought Stussy was “stuffy” misspelled. And the only deck you own is on the back of your house.
Before you lose any more face, seek solace at Commonwealth, the new Florida Avenue boutique that stocks all kinds of street and athletic wear, with plenty of skater gear thrown into the mix.
An offshoot of the Norfolk, Virginia, original, the store shows its roots (hometown of Missy, Pharrell, and Timbaland) with a groovy but totally wearable selection of threads. Pick up tees by Acapulco Gold, Edwin jeans, Keep shoes, limited-edition Nikes, and accessories from Comme des Garçons. You’ll also flip for new pieces from Greedy Genius, Hellz Bellz, and Maharishi.
One trip should be enough to get your hipster stock on the rise.
Or at least to teach you that shredding isn’t just something you do to Gruyere.
Commonwealth, 1781 Florida Avenue NW, between 17th & 18th Streets (202-265-1830 or cmonwealth.com).