The Forecast

I go in here a few times of year — they have funky stuff around xmas time that are great for last minute gifts and their July sale is amazing. I’ve never purchased clothing there as it’s still a little beyond my age and price range, but they have Mephisto sandals and cute home goods. I’ve never gotten gruff from the staff — hello on the way and out — and I’m not their target demographic either.

Looking for something unique? Try Forecast! I don’t know of any other small retail clothing store in DC that has as much panache as Forecast. I’ve been shopping there for at least 20 years and it makes me feel better just to go in to the store and enjoy its atmosphere. The line is sophisticated and geared towards Washington professionals looking for a different, perhaps more European look. The prices are high, but so is the quality of the clothing. The summer sale starts tomorrow, so check it out!

WOW!!! i cant believe this!!! I stopped in today at the suggestion of my hairdresser for something to wear at a daytime wedding. I am a middle-​age woman (young at heart) looking for «sexy/​classy» attire. After being shown a lovely brown printed cardigan and black accordian-​pleated skirt, I asked for something a little dressier. I suggested a strapless or spagetti strap dress with a cover-​up that I could remove for dancing. The woman who waited on me told me that that would be «inappropriate». When I told her I was looking for something a little «different», she suggested I check the sales rack. By that time I’m feeling a little likeJulia Roberts in «Pretty Woman». I told her it was an African-​American wedding and she informed me that «that makes a difference» and «we woulndnt have anything you like». I’m sorry, maybe I’ve mis– taken this lady for someone with manners. But this is CAPITOL HILL!!! The center of the Nations Capitol.
P. S., I happen to be a white woman and could have bought the little store.

A sign stating «Colored folk not welcome!» should be placed in the window. My friend (an Indian girl) and I (A.A.) made the mistake of walking into that store after enjoying a great Saturday afternoon shopping in Eastern market. The saleswomen were rude and inattentive. No one greeted us as we walked in and they certainly did not ask us if we needed help. The store btw was not busy, maybe 2 – 3 customers total. My friend was interested in this camel colored leather hobo which happened to have a tear in the seam on the bottom of the purse. When she asked the sales lady if they had another bag that she could purchase, the woman looked at my friend as if she had 8 heads and simply said «no!» My friend and I were in such shock we left without saying a word. I obviously will not be visiting this store and I encourage others not to either. They are rude, overpriced, and sell defective items. I don’t know if their behavior towards us was racially motivated but if it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck…

I love this store! Debbie the owner of the store is amazing at pulling things for me when I don’t have time to shop! She remembers size and styles that you prefer and has amazing taste! I think she has been in business for over 30 years and she obviously works hard at it and it shows! I’ve also gotten the same treatment when she wasn’t available from her staff! The clothing and shoes are beautiful! You pay a decent wage for them but each piece is beautiful and timless so it’s worth it! I also love the selection of home goods and gifts! I have a salon in the area and I often send my clients and they come back with rave reviews and beautiful things! They are always there for me with my manic schedule and I hope to visit them again soon!

Definitely a gem of DC.
This is a delightful, upscale boutique and has EVERYTHING that a professional woman needs or would want in fashion. There is tasteful, personal touch and attention to detail in their choice of merchandise that is rare, especially in DC. From casual to work to formal, there is a refreshing diversity of styles from Brooks Brothers WASP-​y (which isn’t bad with moderation) to Breakfast at Tiffany’s chic, with a splash of Zsa Zsa Gabor (when you want a bit of technicolor). It’s really like a mini-​department store for women.
The ladies who work there are particularly attentive in attending to their guests… and you are treated as such (rather than an anonymous customer). They saved me when I had spent two weeks frantically seeking the perfect dress for a ball. Eight hours before the ball, I flew into Forecast, prescribed my preferences to my attendant and she flew with passion to gather experimental outfits. I ended up with the perfect sequin dress, shoes to match and some sparkly Swarovski to top it off. I have been loyal ever since. Bought a timeless clutch and throw for my mom there as well. She loves them.
Why not five stars? Admittedly on the pricey side, but while I am ever the bargain-​hunter, I am also willing to pay the price for a marriage of quality and fashion that is hard to come by. The hours are also a bit inconvenient (closed on Sundays) when I would love to take my time to browse while I meander through Eastern Market. Also, they should have more hats! Big hats, small hats, grand hats, handsome hats… to go with the outfits.
Read the catty review (which Unilocal took off) by Neal F — who sounded more like a competitor rather than an actual Unilocaler. Could be truth in it, but it is more an opinion on the owner’s inclinations and persona rather than a review of what the shop offers. There does seem to be a bit of an air of suburban soccer-​mom when you enter the shop, but negligible given the superb choice in staff and merchandise.

This is a 2-​story shop with handbags, candles, sox and jewelry on the first floor; and clothing on the second floor. Staff is pushy and unfriendly. Clothing selection is fair. I was only interested in one designer that they carry. I wouldn’t waste your time visiting this shop. I won’t anymore.