Terra

I loved this place, but walked by last night, and it’s GONE. Sadness. I was just there a few weeks ago. I don’t think there was any warning at all. My friend called the phone number to see if maybe they were just remodeling or had moved, and got a recording to say it’s a non-​working number. Bummer!

I think they have closed as of December 2009. I walk by here every day. Yesterday it was open; today everything was gone and there were just nude mannequins inside. Bummer. They had such pretty dresses.

I’ve been shopping at Terra more or less since it opened several years ago. I’ve had nothing but the best experiences from day one. Usually I have a very hard time walking out of the store empty handed as there is something for everyone there — from hip everyday to runway-styled&unique pieces of clothes and jewelery. The owner (mother-​daughter) team is absolutely fantastic in suggesting pieces and helping in decision making. Shopping at Terra is a unique, and quite personalized experience and I really, really appreciate the honesty and attention I can get while there.
I strongly suggest popping in your head there at any time — because it really is free to try things, can you imagine ;) — and I am sure you will walk out with a big smile, feeling good, and chances are — with something adorable in your bag that will make some heads turn and your friends envious!

I would like to start by saying it’s a total shame that Sandy C.‘s comments are the first that interested viewers have to read. It’s as if she’s talking about a completely different boutique. I have shopped at Terra since it opened and have watched it evolve as a neighborhood gem. The products they carry have varied over time, understandably, to better tailor to the desires of their demographic. The one thing, however, that has never changed, is the sincerity and helpfulness of the owner and her employees. One of the main reasons I have returned to the store time and time again is because she gives such unbiased genuine opinions and advice on my purchases. Never once have I felt pressured or rushed, and sometimes I even think she SHOULD try and sell something to me because it was so beautiful, regardless of the higher price tag. I am extremely sensitive to customer service and I would leave a store before being treated unkindly or feeling like I’m being forced into hurrying or liking something. Terra has a collection of truly beautiful and unique clothes and accessories that are a refreshing break from the same old standards of the other DC boutiques that all seem to carry the same lines/​brands/​styles as everyone else. I’ve worked in the media, hospitality and in public relations in Washington and I’m constantly recommending Terra when I get compliments on their pieces. I only pass on what I believe in to my friends and peers and I stand by Terra 110%. My advice to readers: Keep in mind all of the other responses and don’t judge by one seemingly difficult reviewer.

I had a horrible experience there. I went in just to browse because I saw some beautiful clothes at the window. Being petite, I asked them if they carry smaller sizes. The woman said, they cut small, but I can see for myself. I decided to go ahead, picked something out, and asked for her opinion. She responded, «you might as well try it on. It is free to try things.» Alright, that should have been a warning, but I decided to let it go.
Some other women came in the shop, and as per women clothing stores, you bond over the things you are trying on, asking for each others opinion, etc. Met this cool woman there, and we just hit it off and gave each other tips. This same clerk beckoned me over and said to me, «You do not talk to my customers. You are making me lose business by taking up my dressing room. You needed help, we gave you help, we are done.» I was aghast and didn’t know how to respond. If anything, I told the woman she looked great in something she tried on. And because they had limited space, I had offered my room to other people and just changed in the common area.
That was a truly horrible experience, and while they had nice stuff, I could never get anything there because it would remind me of this horrible, demeaning experience.

I love this little store, the clothes are very unique and you wont find their brands in every other store! If you re looking for unique pieces that are very original, classic yet hip this is the place. the owner Oriana is a doll and so is her mother that is sometimes there to help.
She has great accessories and books too!

Came here in search of Trumpette baby socks but alas, they’re no longer carried at Terra.
You will find a selection of fancy frocks as well as covetable handbags.

Well, I am somewhat biased as Ilana and Oriana, mother/​daughter owner duo are my boyfriend’s mom and sister respectively, but this store is pretty awesome.
Before I begin, I guess I should say that Ilana probably has some of the best taste I have ever come across. As in she will transform a prefab trailer home into a fabulous pad filled with color and style that could adorn the pages of domino. (Just in theory of course).
Back to Terra… such an amazing eclectic collection of goodies from all over the world, beautiful jewelry, bags and women’s clothes, and awesome books and other high end luxury items. Terra is certainly a gem in DC, a little SF, a little LA, and a little NY. All in one fabulous store.

I’m in trouble due to the wall o’ baby socks. My son loses a sock every five minutes so I am on a constant mission to replace the missing footwear.
The inside of the store is really cool. It is clear from the items on display are for sale, but there is not much «stuff» to fill in the space so it looks kind of like a gallery.
Other than the baby socks, there is so much stuff I want from here. Gorgeous cashmere throws, beautiful leather bags and shiny silver jewelry. The Nepalese salt and pepper shakers are cute and very unique.

This is a total boutique home furnishing store of sorts. While they only have a few pieces of furniture for sale, it seems they specialize in all sorts of trinkets to decorate your home or apartment with. They have a lot of really cool books; like this one on the history of the t-​shirt and another entitled, «The Allure of Women.» I definitely ended up flipping through the pages, I mean it had this rad picture of Kate Moss on the cover, I couldn’t help it.
They also have a number of other random things like slippers, scarves, socks, and other things that everyone needs. This is a good place to do some Christmas shopping in Washington.

This brand new hipster shop is only a couple weeks old (so their site isn’t up yet). The owners have a background in San Francisco and LA stores, and the aesthetic reflects this. The way they display their goods makes it feel more like you’re in a museum rather than a retail store. They have great bags, jewelry, coffee table books and fancy schmancy candles, all from different parts of the world. But my favorite?
The WALL of BABY SOCKS!
Too cute! I wanted to buy some for myself, even though I don’t have any babies.