D.C. will never be a fashion capital—it’s simply not big enough for that. Luckily, its intimate feel is rubbing off on the fashion developments both on and off M St. Lettie Gooch is the latest addition to the city’s fast growing boutique scene.
Set in the eclectic area of U St., the adorably sized store is the realization of the dream of the owner, Theresa Watts. “The store is an extension of my passion to help women feel good about themselves,” Watts, who is also the founder of an image consulting and styling company, said.
Named after Ms. Watts’ grandmother Lettie, who greatly inspired her passion for fashion, the store has a relaxed and welcoming feel. Described by Watts as having a “SoHo feel,” the charm of the clothes is offset by the exposed brick walls and colorful flower arrangements. “I want Lettie Gooch to be a boutique where women can feel at-home comfortable, but also to be a place to stay up with what’s hot in fashion,” she said. “It’s for people who want to step outside the box to express their individuality.”
The best part about this boutique is that it offers brands impossible to find elsewhere in the District, such as the exclusive new Beyoncé line, Ranahan Jeans and Saltworks Denim. What caught my eye, however, was the Foreign Policy by Cesar printed silk dress, the key piece for achieving this season’s trend for patterns and prints and a staple for summer evenings out.
Aside from casual ladies’ attire, the store also carries a seasonal selection of shoes and unique accessories. Highlights include colorful handmade Ecoist handbags, created from recycled candy wrappers by Mexican artists and African amber and copper bead necklaces by J.P. & Mattie, the easy answer to the must-have bright and quirky accessories trend of 2006.
Men may feel a little left out as the boutique is for girls only, but not for long. “There is a demand for contemporary menswear,” Watts said. She is hoping to expand to include a line for men very soon.
Lettie Gooch is located on 1911 9th Street N.W., between T and U Streets. Their phone number is 202-332-4242. Closed Mondays.
