Madda Fella Brings Its Key West Clothes to M Street

“Live life now,” proclaims Key West clothing store Madda Fella, which has popped up at 3277 M St. NW (in the former space of Capitol Prague Restaurant) through Christmas Eve. Full of beach, sports and outdoor wear, the company touts its adventure-driven purpose with shirts, pants and accessories for “living a life full of sunshine, blue water, friends and fishing.”

The company’s namesake comes from Caribbean slang that is an expression for surprise, astonishment or frustration. Evoking the spirit of author, adventurer and Key West resident Ernest Hemingway, the writing in its catalogue rivals — because it’s real — that of J. Peterman of “Seinfeld” fame.

M Street store proprietor Grace Louden, originally from Maryland, is the daughter of the company’s co-founder Mike Louden and brought her mascot 10-week-old golden retriever, Ella, to the store for the retail adventure. The store with its Key West vibe has kept the back bar, which is used for special events on Saturday afternoon.