N. A WAY OF LIVING WITH ELEGANCE OR GRACE; IMPECCABLE TASTE
They're the designers, boutiques, and artists who put a twinkle in your eye.
Gretchen Hitchner Ginger Boutique
Former Hill staffer Gretchen Hitchner was as fed up as the rest of us in her hunt for cute outfits. So she did something about it by making her shop an ever-reliable source for clothes you'll actually want to wear. Read more
Spice Rack
Ginger Boutique Opens
The full-body frosting was laughable at best. And let’s not even mention the blindfold episode.
Past attempts to add some spice to your life have fallen a little flat.
You’ll have more success with Ginger, the new Bethesda Row boutique from Gretchen Hitchner (formerly of Periwinkle in Alexandria) that stocks clothing, jewelry, bags, and shoes.
Check out summery dresses from Yoana Baraschi, tailored jackets from Saja, and Min Young Lee’s floaty tops, not to mention items from Trovata, Hera, and Linda Loudermilk. The ever-expanding selection of accessories includes belts from Kristin Kahle, clutches by Pa-Tou-Tou, and Wendy Mink necklaces.
The airy, open space is shopper- and ecofriendly with glossy bamboo flooring, wide reclaimed wood racks, colorful murals, and fitting rooms big enough for two.
Just don’t get any ideas.
Ginger, 7114 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda (301-664-9242 or gingerstyle.com).
Daniela Cermanova and Michaela Schwartz Ela Ela Custom Couture
Design duo Daniela Cermanova and Michaela Schwartz are bringing signature style back with bespoke attire and a revamping service that will turn any dated frock into a personal triumph. Read more
Made to Order
Ela Ela Custom Couture
Thanks to Rihanna, we had “ella ella eh eh eh” stuck in our heads for 2007.
But now we’re passing the mic (or rather, the baton) to designer Daniela Cermanova and partner Michaela Schwartz for keeping it there in 2008.
The gals behind adorable Dupont Circle boutique Green and Blue just launched Ela Ela Couture, a line of bespoke clothing.
After a short consultation, Cermanova will whip up a design, pick fabrics (unless you want to supply your own), and take measurements. Once you approve everything, she’ll finish the look in a few weeks.
Sure, she does custom evening gowns, skirts, pants, bags, and whatever else you could want. But she can also revamp old pieces. (Breathe again, fugly bridesmaid dresses!)
And that’s music to your ears.
Available at Green and Blue, 1350 Connecticut Avenue NW, between Dupont Circle and N Street (202-223-6644).
Check out our DailyCandy Dossier— newsy, irreverent, and borderline ridiculous posts updated throughout the day.
Luciana and Joshua Tiktin Dekka Showroom
Artistic husband and wife Joshua and Luciana Tiktin, a musician and designer respectively, created the genre-bending Dekka Showroom to display art, clothing, and music from dozens of local designers alongside their own creations. Read more
Dekka-rate
Dekka Showroom Opens
Sometimes showing unique style is like swimming upstream against a current of popped collars.
It isn’t easy to scout uncommon pieces that actually look good.
But just when it seems simpler to succumb to mass-produced crap, salvation has arrived with Dekka, a new showroom dedicated to local designers. Tucked into the second floor of a row house, the two-room shop has clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, and art.
Items range from Yosoy’s Miami-inspired dresses to Xzuberance’s polo-packed urban wear. Also on hand: jewelry made from Peruvian silver, handbags, mineral makeup, paintings, and music. If it’s an art form worth showing, it’s here.
Proving that it’s always darkest before the spawn.
Dekka, 1338 U Street NW, between 13th and 14th Streets, second floor (202-986-1370 or dekkafam.com).
