U Street

Located at 1807 14th Street just north of T Street, Home Rule has been open since 1999. If you’re looking for home goods and don’t feel like going to the mall you’ll find lots of great options here. They’ve got tons of stuff for the kitchen and bathroom. They claim to have best collection of shower curtains in town. The shop is small but they use the space efficiently and the staff are extremely helpful. Prices range from a dollar to $250 with the average sales price being $32. Any fans of Home Rule out there? Check out some pictures of the interior after the jump. (more…)

When I wrote about Dekka’s grand opening a few weeks ago it was too crowded to check out the store but I promised to return. And this past Saturday, I was able to check out all the goods and speak with two members of the designer’s collective. The idea behind Dekka, located at 1338 U Street, is very cool. It features a collective of designers who pay a “small reasonable fee” to display their goods. I spoke with two of the members, Marilani Huling (pictured above) and Sheri Green. Green and Huling explained to me that the store has 15 designers. The 15 designers include 2 handbag designers, 2 Jewelry designers (of which Huling is one), 7 clothing designers, 1 cosmetics (Green) and 3 artists. And the coolest part is that all the designers are local. So those who are interested in supporting local designers, check ’em out! More photos after the jump. (more…)

You can easily walk by this small basement store at 1843 14th Street just south of T Street. Now, I’m not a huge record fan but you have to dig the style of this store. And wasn’t it just national record store week or something like that? Actually, now may be a good time to explain to me the appeal of purchasing records. Is it because the quality is somehow more authentic? Anyway, this store is super fresh and if you like the vinyl you ought to check it out.