U Street

I know I’ve been finding a lot on U Street, but man, there are a lot of cool hidden places on U Street, so what I can say. At anyrate this most recent one, Caramel, is located at 1603 U Street right across the street from Stetsons and Local 16. It is very unassuming from the outside but inside there is quite a deep store with mens and womens clothing and accessories and even photographs. I spoke with owner, Sarah Watkins, who told me the that shop has now been open for almost two years. Watkins designers are both local and from LA, NY, Canada and Italy. Ed note: Further proof that the damn Canadians are taking over the world. Her store features casual pieces as well as those that “you can wear out at night”. Watkins mentioned that she is beginning to stock more pieces that are from eco friendly lines. Prices vary widely from t-shirts at around $25 to dresses at $475 and everything in between. Lots more photos of the cool interior after the jump. (more…)

I stopped by DEKKA located at 1338 U Street on the second floor this past Saturday. The place was smashed so I, unfortunately, didn’t get to speak with the owner but from their Web site they describe themselves as “a store in the heart of U” featuring fashion, art, and music from primarily local talent. It is the first and only such Co-Op in DC.” Pretty cool. Unfortunately the place was so crowded I was unable to get a good look at the offerings. However the place was also filled with beautiful models, so that was nice. I’ll go back when it is less crowded to do a proper profile. In the meantime check out some photos of art, the crowd and some more beautiful models after the jump.  Although now that I think about it there  seems to be something forced , you know not genuine, about paying models to attend your opening.  What are your thoughts on models who are paid to attend  grand openings? (more…)

It’s pronounced rock candy. I never would have got it on my own. Anyway, this is another one of the stores that I always walk by but never stop in. As many of you know I’m a huge fan of the word sweet, so when I saw “sweet decor” I had to check it out. It is located at 1515 U Street and opened up last June. I knew I made the right move checking it out when I walked in and the first thing I found were pigs for sale! So I spoke with owner, David Dennis, who actually lives in Petworth about the store. Dennis describes the store as “modern, colorful and we don’t take ourselves too seriously yet everything’s functional.” He chose to open the store in the U Street neighborhood because he wanted to be a part of a neighborhood that was “eclectic, like me”, he said. He came up with the name RCKNDY because “rock candy is colorful, bright and comes in a variety of flavors and has a little bit of an edge to it and that’s what the store’s all about.” If you are in the market for some sweet decor I highly recommend you check it out. Lots of photos after the jump, including the pigs of course. (more…)