Expressions

Strolled in over lunch today. Clothes look fairly cheap and the salesperson was rude. She hollered some specials to me from the back of the store but I barely heard her over the thumping techno music. Then as I was trying to leave, she came barreling past me with two arms full of dresses, bumping into me without saying excuse me.

It is such a nice workday break to walk over to Expressions with my co-​workers, try on cute clothes, and walk away with some new gems. The sales staff are always very helpful, and they’re usually pretty good with offering some sort of discount. Don’t go here looking for bargains, though – just unique, cute, feminine clothes.

Yuck is the expression that comes to mind when I think of this store.
I was excited to hear that there was a clothing boutique right in Foggy Bottom, but I was sorely disappointed with the selection here. The store, which stretches across two small retail spaces, carries an odd, sloppy mishmash of clothing, shoes and purses, and evening wear, some of of which was in outdated styles and of extremely poor quality (think Windsor Fashions or Rave, circa 2003). Some items had clearly been sitting around for a long time – the packaging on the tights was faded and dusty.
Also, since the store occupies two retail spaces, if you arrive at a quiet time, it’s possible that nobody will be working the space you are in and you’ll have to hunt down help. I got a frosty reception when I finally located someone.
I wouldn’t make a trip to 2000 Penn (which is primarily an office building… move along kids, not much to see here!) for this store. There are other places to shop in the District that are far less depressing!

Oh I love this store! Okay, so it’s odd that it is split up between two different sides of 2000 Penn. And, okay, the sales staff won’t wow you with unbelievable friendliness, although if you have a question or need help they will help. They don’t just ignore you at least.
But what keeps me going back — to the point that I have banned myself from the store because my budget can’t take any more for a while — are the cute dresses and jewelry. Love them! I wish they would have more of each item (once a size is gone, forget getting any more). I’ve gotten cute metal flower rings on sale for $ 10 a piece. And some very cute dresses for $ 75 – 50 — dresses that are different from the chain stores that make up most of DC. Tired of walking down the street and being able to recognize where most of the outfits you see on the street came from? Go to Expressions. The clothes aren’t crazy or weird. They are hip and sometimes very classic styles (at least the dresses and coats are) but they are a different alternative to the same old boring Ann Taylor and Loft that I am so tired of seeing on everyone. Anyway I digress. The stores has cute styles that aren’t very expensive. If that sounds good enough to you then go check it out.

I’m pretty sure that the owners here become irritated with me because I just go in to browse, oh — EVERY FRIDAY. Expressions is not just a store — it is an experience I look forward to with gusto throughout the work week. Spreadsheets must be done with so I can get to Expressions!
To begin with, Expressions is a small store and very well managed. The employees are really great peoples and they are very honest. From reading Mel B’s review, it seems they are Turkish — which explains a lot. In my experience, Europeans have always been more helpful and honest than my country people in regards to sartorial matters.
My cutest, most adorable and awesome clothes have all come from here. Namely, a reindeer dress. Also, a gorgeous cream boiled wool Mod style dress with bell sleeves. Additionally — oh — just a bunch of other clothes that serve dual capacities in both work and my social life. I try to quantify my wardrobe by certain categories. One of those categories is: Clothes to save to give to future daughter. All of my purchases from here fall under that category.
It has kind of a cheesy name, but one that I really love telling people — simply for the pleasure of juxtapositions:
«Hey, Gill — where did you get that dress/​skirt/​shirt? I LAAAVE IT.»
«Oh, thanks so much! I got it at EXPRESSIONS (as I wiggle my eyebrows enthusiastically).»
«AHAHA WHAT A GREAT NAME FOR A STORE!»
I recommend this place to anyone with style who isn’t interested in looking trite. It has classy items. Imagine a Euro-​Style Anthropologie.
This is the end of my fairy tale.

came here with a friend who was GIDDY because she was introducing me to her FAVORITE store in DC. they’ve got cute, stylish, classy, and trendy but not hoochy clothing. it’s a step up from H & M or Forever 21. am in LOVE with my short gray swing coat with ¾ length sleeves that trumpet out $ 70, orange print on black dress/​tunic with tear-​drop cut out in the back and adorably cute little sleeves $ 30, and a sizzling turquoise and white summer top $ 20. friend bought gorgeous necklace/​earring set, cute and classy blazer and pencil skirt set, black-​sequined top to wear for new year’s eve, and a soft purple sweater with a very cool built-​in-​hoodie/​scarf. will definitely come back to both stores next time i’m in DC for another conference.

I. Love. Turkish. People.
I noticed immediately that the owner at least seemed Turkish and it turns out he was half Turkish and Persian was incredibly happy that I noticed. They have a certain aura and demeanor to them– super generous, content with life, and personable. I talked with the owner for several minutes about Turkey and making that connection is really such a hook for me to go back. Turkish people are incredibly smart, warm and are really business savvy.
Anyways, onto the clothes. I went the «Expressions I» first, which is the one closest to Au bon pain which has jewelry, accessories, jeans and work attire and the «Expressions II» which is a few steps down underneath the ground floor has tons of formal dresses, dresses, and some shoes.
I bought what I am pretty sure is my favorite top in a long time for $ 33. I love unique, but simple and this place has it. And I’m with Stef W. when she says it’s contemporary and I feel like I could wear these things for several years.
Go here if you’re looking for something fun for going out, a cute suit for work, or a special birthday dress all at manageable prices! It’s a few steps up from Forever 21 so be sure to check back frequently.