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Mercedes Bien Vintage
Rating Details »
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan2423 18th St NW
2nd Fl
(between N Adams Mill Rd & N Belmont Rd)
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 360-8481
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
6 reviews for Mercedes Bien Vintage
True vintage is scarce here in DC and Mercedes is the real deal. Some really great pieces I found:
--a black ladies who lunch jacket with REAL leopard collar and cuffs ($145)
--a stunning long red silk embroidered Chinese coolie jacket ($145)
--a soft and warm faux cheetah coat ($95)
Truthfully, I didn't think I'd like the coat until Mercedes urged me to try it on. Hanging on a wall didn't do it justice. As soon as I had it on, I knew it had to go home with me. Listen to her even if you're reluctant--she knows her stuff. You'll be surprised to discover what works on you.
The prices for these items are more than reasonable considering their craftsmanship and rarity. You'll also find some very lovely shoes, belts, and funky costume jewelry.
Shop is only open on Saturdays from 12-6 and Sundays from 12-5.
The clothes at Mercedes Bien are interesting and sometimes even radical, but I have never found anything I deemed worth the asking price. Prices are negotiable with the owner who is friendly and willing to give assistance. I've only been a handful of times, but each time only one person is working. She's very friendly, knowledgeable and patient but isn't authorized to haggle. My boyfriend and I have met the owner and she even brought in some hats for him to try on, one of which he bought, loves and does not stop wearing. I, however, as a large person have never found anything remotely my size. If your a female vintage clothing lover above a size eight, I would suggest going somewhere else.
Basically, the place has a unique collection of clothes and accessories which are overpriced to me but may be in the budget of others. If you don't mind spending a pretty penny, you'll probably find something that tickles your fancy. Its fairly small but definitely a great place to at least window-shop. It would be great if they were open during the week when I'm in Adams Morgan with nothing to do.
This is one of the better vintage shops I've stopped into. Everyone raves about Meeps but I like it here much better (if you're looking for things to actually wear, not costume).
The owner has a great eye, so trust her judgement when she says something will look great on you. The dresses are carefully selected and the shop is not stuffed to the gills like so many other vintage stores-- but this allows you to see individual items that are displayed. The things that are hanging on the wall seem to be the best choices and will catch your eye (and everyone else's so don't leave to 'think about a dress' because it will be gone!)
There's no actual dressing room- and you'll be changing next to a window- so this isn't a place for modesty. Like Angela V., I knew the owner's "your figure is fantastic!" was all sales sales sales-- but I loved it nonetheless!
The clothes are all classy and lean mostly towards a 70s vibe...great accessories to choose from especially belts! I found a cute patent black belt for $18 and most dresses than I saw were $50-$70, so not too too pricey.
The owner also mentioned to me that she sews, so if you find something that needs a little tweaking, she can probably help you out with that as well.
A great little find :)
This place has some really pretty stuff. It's definitely a little bit on the pricey side compared to other vintage shops around DC, but the clothes are nice and the owner does a great job of maintaining a consistently good collection. It has just the right amount of clothes--not so crowded that it's a chore to sift through. I would definitely go back. I just wish it was open on weekdays!
This walk-up establishment is only open on weekend afternoons, but it's right in the midst of the Adams Morgan milieu and very easy to find, next door to the Black Squirrel.
It's a small store with men's and women's vintage clothes, shoes, hats, eyewear and jewelry. I'm especially impressed by how nice the owner is, and what a great eye she has for solid vintage women's clothing and accessories. Everything is unusual, well made and classy, skewing towards a sixties and seventies vibe. Any time I visit she finds clothes for me that I wouldn't have chosen myself but that fit and look great, and she's got a very uplifting patter about how fantastic your eyes and your posture are, what a classic figure you've got, and how you need to look at the positives in your shape more, and carry yourself well. I know, I know, obvious salesmanship, but I like her style and she always improves mine!
The prices here seem fair to me; it's well-curated, not Salvation Army, and so there are no steals. But most things I've seen are in the $40-$140 range, which I think is very reasonable for the quality and the personal attention.
Mercedes Bien was born and raised in DC. She bought and sold vintage before most people ever thought about wearing it. She has a tremendous eye and sense of style. I first noticed her selling a few choice pieces in the old wknd flea market at the top of Georgetown/Wisconsin Ave in the school parking lot. This flea market no longer exists, but when it did - Mercedes was there - selling everything from pill box hats, Lilian vintage jackets from the 40's, to bakelite, etc. Anyway, suffice it to say, that she knows her stuff - and in the world of collectors, she is very respected. I have bought from her for years. She has mailed things to me when I lived in other places. She knows what I like. She knows what looks good. She just knows. There aren't many real vintage collectors like her anymore. So I cherish anytime she feels like opening this sweet shop and bringing fun things from her well-stocked home.
