This is hands down, my favourite place to shop in all of D.C!…read more
As a seasoned shopaholic, there are a few things that create a shopping experience that make me want to come back for more. This Alice and Olivia boutique has them all, and then some!
Let me break down why this store rocks:
1) The clothes!
Insert a million heart eyed emoji here. From classy pieces for the boardroom, to rock and roll looks to own a night out in, and elegant gowns for the most sophisticated gala, they have you covered. The fabrics are all quality, and none of the clothes suffer from pulled threads, fraying, or wear and tear the way that cheaper pieces do (ever notice how clothes at Forever 21 are falling apart on the hanger? Yeah, that doesn't happen here.) they also have a few yoga pieces that are really well designed - and the bags and accessories are always tempting! I have bought jeans (they make the best white jeans in the world by the way), cocktail dresses, pencil skirts, and crop tops here. And I seriously considered one of their sequinned gowns as a wedding dress!
2) The service!
When I'm shopping, there is a line between attentive service and "please stop hovering so I can actually browse the racks on my own for a minute please". The staff here completely nail this balance! Sometimes I come in, a little under-caffeinated, and they give me space to aimlessly browse the racks and pet all the pretty clothes. Other times I walk in with something in mind and they always make it happen.
For me, the real star at this location, and the reason I will keep bringing my business here is Alena. She is the best sales associate I've ever worked with! When I want a piece, she will have it shipped to my house or the boutique if they don't have my size in stock. She will place pieces on hold for me during sales, and messages me when cute pieces come in that I might like. I've received notes in the mail from her congratulating me on my engagement, which is incredibly classy.
She always makes shopping at the boutique a fun experience for me and anyone else who comes in with me! I've tried on so many new styles and silhouettes at her encouragement and love the outfits she puts together!
3) No Pressure To Purchase
One time I came in because I wanted to look at their Basquiat collection. It had just come in to the store and the girls working there said they hadn't seen any of the pieces on customers yet, would I like to model the whole collection for them? Ummmmmmmmm.... obviously?! I never feel bad trying on pieces and not purchasing anything in the store, and there is never an expectation of purchase when you try on items here.
4) The Shipping
It's nice to shop somewhere with an online store too. It means there is more availability, and you can scope out items before you go into the boutique. When you order items online from Alice and Olivia (or have them shipped from the boutique for free - which is what I do) they arrive in a white box, wrapped up in printed tissue paper, with a handwritten note thanking you for your purchase and hoping that your love your new pieces.
This review is turning into an epic novel, so here's the skinny: shopping here can be whatever you want it to be - a party with your girlfriends, a focused shopping expedition, or a solitary browse. One thing that is consistent is perfect service and a selection of beautiful clothes with styles and shapes to suit everyone.