Retail Therapy for the Gray Days Ahead
By • December 27, 2023 0 1000
I don’t shop. I like to say I am looking for visual stimulation. Happily, there are now two new options in Georgetown within a few storefronts of each other with plenty to delight the eye and deplete my wallet.
I first became aware of Dolce Vita online where a metallic square-toed ballet flat was calling my name. Unfortunately, my size was sold out but I found it and a wide array of other splendid choices at the store’s newest brick and mortar location at 1400 Wisconsin Ave. NW. (They’re also in Melrose and Soho.)
Curvy white benches and artful wall displays create a warm coastal vibe, all the better to set off a collection of stylish boots, booties, dress and casual shoes and bags. According to the manager, Camille Chetrit, Dolce Vita is committed to reducing their carbon footprint with paperless checkout and recyclable packaging. It also offers inclusive sizing to fit and flatter a variety of leg silhouettes.
In the end, I did not buy the flats — cute as they are — but I did walk out with visions of shoe temptations dancing in my head. Some even on sale!
Chic and cheeky sum up the merchandise and shopping experience at Clare V, where California cool meets French style, infusing every item — be it a “Ciao”-inscribed change purse, woven leather bag with a carved heart handle or a fringe-draped sweatshirt with sophistication and wit. There’s also a collection of jewelry, glasses and colorful fashion accessories that will brighten even the dreariest mood.
And speaking of visual stimulation, don’t miss “La Vie de Clare V,” a vibrant coffee table book that distills the founder and owner’s design philosophy and sources of inspiration.
The store, located at 1238 Wisconsin Ave. NW, is the 14th in a collection of Clare V stockists from Amagansett to Paris and fits right in with Georgetown’s post-pandemic retail renaissance where “unique” has always been a part of our vocabulary.
In addition, Clare Vivier, who lives part of the year in the Loire Valley, is committed to working for equity and egalité and believes that “community, both local and global, is vitally important.” The company actively supports women-centered organizations like Every Mother Counts, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Everytown for Gun Safety. Another plus for Washington’s fashion-forward and socially conscious shoppers.
’Tis the season. Go treat yourself to something wonderful.
Stylish footwear at Dolce Vita. Photo by Susan Bodiker.
