Washington, D.C. shopping guide, part II.

Guest post by Grant Harris of Image Granted.

Image courtesy Rue 14.Rue 14
1803A 14th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009

Owned and operated by a husband and wife tag team, Rue14 has been a fixture of D.C. shopping since it opened in late 2008. Husband Andrew brings his experience as a buyer at Brooks Brothers, while Jiwon relies on her expertise gained from her time working in production for Ralph Lauren. The idea for Rue 14 was to bring the look and feel of a SoHo boutique to D.C. without the NYC price tags. The store carries a progressive lineup of modern offerings including Gant, Happy Socks, Nudie Jeans, Penfield, and Will Leather Goods, among others.

Image courtesy Georgetown Patch.

Sky Valet
1800 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007

You could be forgiven for passing by Sky Valet’s modest Wisconsin Ave. storefront, which barely hints at the selection of men’s shoes within. Sky carries some of the highest quality, most world-renowned (and most expensive) footwear brands around. Including bluchers, oxfords, monks, loafers, and boots, the lineup includes cordovan models from Alden, Edward Green whole cuts and cap toes; Loake suede oxfords and desert boots; Crockett & Jones double monks and slip ons; and Bowhill & Elliot evening slippers. From American-made to bench-made in Britain, Sky Valet can suit footwear needs from casual to formal. Sky also does a brisk business in shoe repair.

Tari
1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC

One of the newest thrift and consignment shops in the District is Tari. Another gem located in the Georgetown neighborhood, Tari offers consignors and consumers a place to find luxury brand names at lower prices. Zegna blazers, Borrelli and Canali shirts, Burberry and Brioni trench coats and vintage Charvet ties are prevalent throughout the store. You’ll have to become a regular to catch the best stuff, but that’s the idea.

Everard’s
1802 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007

Louis Everard has dressed everyone in D.C. from presidents to business owners, to bloggers. Everard’s has two locations in the District but the most recognized is the Georgetown location, just a couple doors up from Sky Valet. Louis sells American heritage suiting brands such as Hickey Freeman, but also carries the best of non-U.S. brands, like Marcoliani socks, Tino Cosma ties, and Martegani shoes. Everard’s prides itself on its made to measure service and will gladly create something to your personal taste.

Monita
1961 Chain Bridge Rd.
Mclean, VA 22102

Monita Italian Leather is a shoe shop and walk-in made-to-order footwear boutique. The Tysons Corner shop is the only boutique located in a residential shopping mall on our list. Monita offers its customers ready-to-wear as well as custom footwear from several of a dozen little known, but well-established Italian brands the average American consumer may not be familiar with (like Doucal’s and Maurizi). Customers have manyoptions from suede oxfords to calfskin Beatle boots to penny loafers. For MTO, the customer’s measurements are taken on site and then are allowed to select from upwards of 50 different shoe styles including leathers, brogueing, laces, etc. Weeks later you’ll enjoy a hand-lasted, hand-finished pair of custom shoes.

Other worthwhile stops:

J. Press
1801 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20036

The venerable trad-ing post only has four locations, so it’s always worth a stop for university stripe OCBDs (with flap pocket), ribbon belts, and sack jackets that remain much same as they were 30 years ago or more (some of the salesmen are the same, too, and can share some good stories).

Field English Custom Tailors
2134 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20007

As close as D.C. comes to Savile Row, Field Tailors has been creating bespoke men’s clothing for decades. William Field II took over the business from his father a few years ago and still offers English cut suits in fabrics from Dormeuil and others. Appointments preferred.