Shopping in Washington, D.C. by Judith Ritter

The U Street area of Washington, D.C. called the “U Street Corridor”, is one of the city’s most historic and unique districts and is now one of its hippest. Once called “Black Broadway” for its clubs and theatres catering to the city’s African-American population, the neighborhood today is both shabby and chic and definitely the beloved of the hip hop and hipper-than-thou sets. Little shops in Victorian era buildings are popping up like mushrooms after a spring rain all along U from about 9th to 17th streets and on nearby adjacent blocks although the intersection of 14th and U is most certainly the epicentre of cool these days.

The names of the shops are often as quirky as the goods they carry. Take Pulp (1803 14th Street NW; www.pulpdc.com) for example. This house of colourful curios is so crowded with goods, shoppers have to squeeze between the aisles and shelves jammed with novelties, naughty greeting cards and old fashioned toys. Popular items include finds such as sets of slang flashcards (e.g. “wangsta” means a cross between a “wannabe” and a “gangsta”) and six foot toy rubber snakes that will fit in anyone’s budget.

For something a little more genteel but no less unique Simply Home (412 U Street at 14th Street; www.simplyhomedc.com) carries one-of-a-kind home accessories, jewelry and clothing. Simply Home, also a restaurant and bar, is the brainchild of a former Thai journalist whose mission on U Street is to showcase items of contemporary design inspired by traditional Thai arts, crafts and materials. No one piece illustrates the fusion more than a great suspended bubble pendant lamp fashioned entirely of tiny silkworm cocoons.

Step into Wild Women Wear Red (1512 U Street at 15th Street; www.wildwomenwearred.com) and step out in footwear guaranteed to turn heads. “Funky and functional” the owners claim, but it’s the funky part that stops foot traffic along U. All the shoes are handmade and all from independent designers. Many of the shoes such as Cydwoq’s made -to -order two tone croc boots with a brocade-look kitten heel and Trippen’s squishy elk leather pseudo sandals are simply works of art. Wild Women Wear Red, one of the first boutiques to start the U Street revival, isn’t only fancy footwear central; it also bills itself as a hot venue for parties and art openings. Rent the space, have blast and get a 15% discount on any shoes in the store.

Hunting for just the perfect dress that’s cheeky and chic-y? Pink November (1231 U Street at 13th Street) is the spot. From its welcoming candy stripe awning outside to its comfy mauve velvet sofa inside, Pink November invites shoppers to “stay-a-while” and browse through the neo-vintage, girly dresses, the one-of-a-kind purses and the glam rock shoes. Most outstanding must-haves include items such as a metallic gold biker style jacket emblazoned with the slogan “Rock On”. Pink November is clearly not a shopping destination for the conservative set, but legendary among urban chic and college crowd.

After a wardrobe makeover at the U Street clothing boutiques take a break with a book in a big easy chair at airy and sleek brand new hangout, Busboys and Poets (2021 14th Street between U and V streets; www.busboysandpoets.com). This hybrid bookstore-bar-café is a bookstore with a mission. The crammed shelves are full of hard to find tomes for the peace and justice crowd. From the classic Che Guevera Reader to the recent, controversial Lipstick Jihad, a memoir about growing up Iranian-American, the books at Busboys and Poets are meant to challenge the status quo. Avid readers can get their activist/intellectual book fix and affordable snacks until midnight weekdays and 2 AM on weekends.