Where Author Kayleigh Kulp Heads For Vintage Marc Jacobs

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We're asking some bold-faced names in Washington, D.C. to provide their hidden retail gems—those unique stores around D.C. that we might not all know about. Cue the Beatles: We're about to get a little help from our friends.

Images via Kayleigh Kulp and Yelp
Local writer Kayleigh Kulp, author of the new book Booze For Babes, is on a mission to stop hostesses from serving bottled margarita mix ever again. In her book, she chronicles what newbies need to know about the hard stuff, from how to train your palate to how to equip your home bar. The book also shines a spotlight on female bartenders, distillers, and spirits experts, proving that a whiskey neat isn't just a "manly" drink. When Kulp isn't writing about the craft cocktail scene or setting up shop at the District Flea, she's exploring the Maryland shopping scene and finding thrift stores that are worth the drive. We asked Kulp to share her favorite destination for vintage in the area:

"I've always been obsessed with repurposing old glassware, bar tools and furniture in new ways, so it was natural for me to eventually approach my closet the same way. I'm always looking for funky prints and patterns, and high quality natural materials like leather, wool, silk, linen and cotton. Those are the types of things that are really expensive and hard to find new, even in a lot of small boutiques. I tend to shop local near my home in Hyattsville, I absolutely love Village Thrift in Bladensburg. I'll go there for a good deal on a high-quality, underrated gem. You have to spend a sometime picking through all the options, but that's the fun part!

Some of my favorite finds recently were a black leather miniskirt, Pendleton Scottish tartan blazer, a throwback Diane Von Furstenberg sweater, high-waisted and chevron patterned Marc Jacobs pants, and a silk leopard print shirt. Shopping vintage has also encouraged me to swear off polyester, and take bigger fashion risks over the years while appreciating the classics. Plus, I'm never wearing the same thing as anyone else."

· Village Thrift [Official Site]
· Booze for Babes [Official Site]

Village Thrift

4960 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg MD 20710