Note: This post was originally published Dec 2020, but since its still *ultra* relevant, I wanted to reshare for this year!
Original post date: December 9, 2020
If there's one thing I've realized about 2020, is its the year of the woman. With an incoming female VP in January, women in politics and positions of power, and women being the top nominees for the upcoming 2021 Grammys- just to name a few instances - this year has been packed with serious girl power. As an avid supporter of other women, I wanted to create gift guides this year that are dedicated to women.
This year my focus on gift guides is going to be a bit different. In previous years, I've published tons of gift guides and this year it just didn't feel right to me. After a tough year for many businesses, I wanted to be more focused on small, local shops and helping to spur the economy in my surrounding community. I created this guide based on my personal, first hand experience in each shop. All of the shops included are DMV local, woman-owned businesses that I actively shop or admire on the regular. Between today's post for Part 1 and tomorrow's post for Part 2, this gift guide will feature 50 DC area women-owned businesses.
I broke out the shops by category and in alphabetical order and will be sharing Part 2 with artists, home & decor, pets, and food & beverage tomorrow. Each shop has amazing gift options for anyone on your list.... or yourself, if you're looking to treat yo-self this holiday season!
Clothing, Accessories & Fun Finds:
Bishop Boutique - Chic boutique focused on shoes, clothing, and fab accessories! | Location: Old Town ALX & online.
Diament Jewelry - My literal go-to shop for gifts year-round! Diament Jewelry has an extensive collection of jewelry, fun items, gifts, cards, and *much* more. | Location: The Wharf & online.
District of Clothing - A fabulous, empowering lifestyle apparel brand that promotes progression, action, and self-love. | Location: online.
Dmaran Design - Specializing in super cute hair accessories and matching masks! | Location: online & in select boutiques in Old Town ALX.
At GoodWood DC
GoodWood DC - One of my personal *faves*, GoodWood is about as unique as it comes in DC! A mix of women's clothing (with inclusive sizing!), jewelry, beauty items, exotic perfumes, and vintage and modern furniture and home wares, GoodWood is an experience all in itself! | Location: U Street.
The Hive / The Shoe Hive - If you want elevated style and gifts, The Hive and The Shoe Hive will have you covered. The Hive is focused on clothing and accessories, and The Shoe Hive is focused on shoes (of course!), accessories, and select kids accessories and gifts. | Location: Old Town ALX & online.
More Than Your Average - One of the only vintage resellers I know dedication to plus size, More Than Your Average always has the most fun, colorful, and joyous selects. | Location: online.
The Outrage
The Outrage - Talk about serious girl power and political and social activism- The Outrage is a badass shop focused on all things female empowerment and equality for ALL. | Location: 14th Street & online.
Periwinkle Boutique - A feminine boutique with clothing for dress, lounging, or play, and accessories. | Location: Old Town ALX & online.
Proper Topper - A legit DC staple for 30 years, Proper Topper is a fabulous shop carrying hats, clothing, and items for women, men, children, and home. | Locations: Dupont Circle, Cathedral Heights, online.
Secretly Gifting Pop-up
Secretly Gifting - If you're looking for an ultra fun gift that you won't find elsewhere, Secretly Gifting is where its at! I recommend visiting their incredible holiday pop-up for the full experience! | Location: Cathedral Heights & online.
Threadleaf - For ethical, sustainable fashions, Threadleaf has a collection of beautifully curated dresses, jewelry, and more! | Location: Old Town ALX & online.
Undeniable Boutique
Undeniable Boutique - A DMV staple, Undeniable Boutique is a boutique created for women who want to stand out! | Location: Mosaic District & online.
Vintage Mirage - Another vintage fave, Vintage Mirage has the most amazing vintage one-of-a-kind jewelry, handbags, and clothing! Its one of my personal faves to find unique treasures in Old Town! | Location: Old Town ALX & online.
Vintage Mirage
Jewelry:
3 Shades Chic - Known for their beaded bracelets, 3 Shades Chic specializes in bold, handmade necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for women and men. | Location: online.
Fifty Two Thursdays - This blogger duo creates handmade necklaces, bracelets, and mask chains that give off beachy-cool & chic vibes. | Location: online.
Mallory Shelter / Shelter - Lightweight and easy to wear, classic jewelry + a collective of other designers & makers in the brick and mortar shop! | Location: Union Market & online.
Rachel Pfeffer Designs
Rachel Pfeffer - Quirky and fun jewelry picks (tip- if you have a cat lover on your list, Rachel's cat items are purrrfect!). | Location: online.
She's Unique - For feminine and delicate jewelry designs. | Location: Old Town ALX & online.
Sophie Blake Jewelry
Sophie Blake - Sophie Blake has the most beautifully designed jewelry I've ever seen! Sophie's designs are modern, unique, different, and inspired from her travels around the world! | Location: Mosaic District & online.
Beauty & Self-Care:
Cera Wax Studio - For the best waxing in the city (a gift cert for a brow wax & tint is a fab gift!) and clean beauty picks and amazing candles. | Location: Mosaic District, Bethesda, and online.
Cera Wax Studio
Ivy Wild - DC's best for clean, non-toxic, natural makeup and skincare. | Location: online
Salon deZEN - My go-to hair salon! If you are looking for a holiday hair refresh, Salon deZEN will take care of you! Plus, they have a fun shop with hair accessories and cute gift items galore! | Location: Old Town ALX.
Shea Yeleen - Quite possibly the best lotion I've ever used, Shea Yeleen was founded to empower women & create living wage jobs for women shea butter producers. | Location: The Wharf Pop-Up & online.
Shea Yeleen
Take Care - Small batch & natural skincare and beauty products. | Location: Georgetown & online.
Veer & Wander - A gorgeous apothecary featuring ultra-hip brands and products that I can guarantee you've never heard of! | Location: Union Market & online.
XOXO
Blonde in the District