Washington, D.C. - February 07, 2007

Present Tense

Apres Peau Opens

Gift giving is not your forte. Mom was merely being polite when she thanked you for the Mr. Bubbles and pair of rainbow toe socks you gave her for her 60th.

Next time head to Après Peau, just opened by a local doctor as a side project to her skin care practice.

With its minimalist interior and focus on hard-to-find gifts, the store aims to become D.C.’s answer to Colette or Takashimaya (on a very small scale).

Pick up jewelry by Kiln, Hayden-Harnett bags, or Skin sleepwear. Grab housewares from SCAD, candles by Linari, or an art book. You can’t go wrong with any of the stationery, private label chocolates, or beauty products (Hyalogy skin care from Japan, Miller et Bertaux fragrances, and an exclusive line of Juicy Tubes).

So put down that Chia Pet and head over.

Your friends will sincerely thank you for it.

Après Peau, 1430 K Street NW, between 14th and Vermont Streets (202-783-0022).