Treasury

Treasury sells items old and (relatively) new, including jewelry.

Vintage Clothing: Best Bargains in D.C.

We have a little fashion secret around here: Some of the best buys in D.C. aren’t at those swank boutiques along Connecticut Avenue—instead, they’re tucked away in troves of renewal known as vintage shops. At these places, a wardrobe can be yours for a fraction of retail costs. Many of the D.C. area’s consignment boutiques make sure their wares stay up-to-date, so you never have to worry about accidentally wearing a past fashion faux pas.

Treasury (1843 14th St., NW, second floor, Washington DC; 202-506-6908; shoptreasury.com)
You’ll find some priceless booty at Treasury, a boutique that promises entertainment as well as funky shopping pieces. Art parties and community events are the fringe benefit to unique dresses, eye-catching jewelry, and totally rockin’ printed pumps. If you’re lucky, a reasonably priced designer handbag might be lurking on the top shelf. Get even more tempted by checking out its blog, where the owners feature an original Treasury outfit each week.

Annie Creamcheese (3279 M St., NW; 202/298-5555; anniecreamcheese.com)
More than 5,000 pieces of designer and vintage clothing are waiting for you at this upscale boutique. The store promises pristine garb at 50 percent of regular retail prices. Accessories round out the collection, and there’s a split between high-end Chanel and Prada and dressy inspirations spanning the decades from flapper 1920s to disco 1970s.

Mustard Seed (7349 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, Md.; 301/907-4699; mustardseedshop.com)
With an ever-changing inventory of “Target to Prada,” this is a one-stop haven for shoppers of all budgets. The store, like many consignment havens, sticks to the changing seasons, so you’ll get use out of your purchases right away. Shoppers swear to buying denim here (brands range from Rock of Republic to Citizens), and be sure to check out the shoe collection for fun printed flats—or maybe some Tory Burch flip flops to properly bring in the sunshine?

Junction (1510 U St., NW; 202/483-0261; junctionwdc.com)
The smatterings of abstract graphic designs on bright walls should alert you: This isn’t your normal frou-frou getaway. Come here for secondhand retro-chic items such as a vivid yellow-cropped jacket or a vintage prom dress in a color that’s hot right now. It’s the ideal spot to finish off a basic outfit with a dash of pizzazz … and definitely some attitude. (Bonus? There’s a men’s section, so your man can browse, too.)

Current (2529 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va.; 703/528-3079; currentboutique.com)
Fan of Banana Republic? Marc by Marc Jacobs? Express? If it piques your interest to find hip brands versus real vintage circa the 1960s, stop by Current. Easily accessible via Metro, the consignment store offers name-brand finds for a steal. You’ll be tempted by the colored work-appropriate blazers and fun tops, and probably snap up some funky jewelry on your way to the register.

[img credit: black dress, Treasury; blue dress, Junction]