As the DCFashion Fool, I love showcasing the style of Washington DC. That’s why it’s not uncommon to see me in stores around town from time to time. As the “Man About DC”, I have the unique opportunity to see and spotlight some of the best areas in this town that makes this city so great. That’s why I was so excited when Capitol File Magazine asked to spend a day at CityCenterDC. I was going to put together two of my loves, a little shopping and showing off a great part of my fair city.
Washington, DC has been experiencing quite revitalization over the last few years and in just a short period of time CityCenterDC has become one of the hottest destinations in the city. With its luxury shopping and find dining, it is a gem located right in the center of town. So I was more than eager to spend a day a CityCenterDC with Capitol File Magazine showing off some of the places that makes this place special.
Stop 1: Breakfast
We began our day at Fruitive, the plant based organic restaurant. You know what they say, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” For our epic adventure we needed energize ourselves for a full day of adventure. Fruitive is known for its cold pressed juices and super berry fruit bowls.
Why I like it
“I’m a sucker for a tasty avocado toast. Add in a cold pressed juice and I’m good to go.”
Stop 2: Retail Therapy
Naturally as part of my day at CityCenterDC, we would do a little shopping. What’s nice is there are a lot of options for men. For tailored clothing guys can hit up, Paul Stuart, Canali, Burberry and Hugo Boss and for more casual styles there’s Vince, Zadig & Voltaire, CH Carolina Herrera just to name a few. Did I also mention Moncler, Gucci, Loro Piana, Ferragamo? Upscale shopping at its best and right in the heart of town.
Of course we would not have time to hit all those places, so we popped into Paul Stuart because I knew they had some new fall pieces in store. I’m in love with plaid and they had great choices for the season. I’m in love with the Mink Plaid suit. With the peak lapels and striking pattern, I can see it paired with some bold accessories for a great go to look for the fall.
For a more relaxed look, an unlined blazer in a fall jewel tone paired with off-white slim trousers is definitely a best bet. Paul Stuart has a new line of slacks name the Harley, after one of the DC store’s most popular salesman and overall sharp dresser.
Why I like it
“I love the bright colored bold ties and pocket squares that really help define the Paul Stuart look. Plus I’m a fan of the Phineas Cole line with its modern approach to style.”
Stop 3: Lunch
Our shopping experience took a little longer than I thought. So many choices in one store that lunch time came sooner than I thought. It was time for Fig and Olive. The social influencer in me loves the beautiful space of this restaurant. It’s ideal for capturing the most some terrific food shots but the restaurant is so much more than that.
The restaurant’s menu is pays tribute to Provence combining both French and Mediterranean influences. For starters go for the burrata or the signature crostini. I was all in for the Rivera Salmon for my entrée.
Why I like it
“I know we were there for lunch but Fig and Olive has a fantastic Happy Hour every day from 4 – 7 pm. Not to be missed is the Cucumber Cosmo. It’s light, refreshing and one of the restaurant’s top picks.”
Stop 4: Spa Treatment
It’s not just women who like a bit of pampering; guys are enjoying these pleasures as well. As we become more in tune with our outer appearance, we also see the need to work on our skincare routine as well. Our next stop was Caudelie for an express facial. Not only did I come out with cleaning glowing skin but I was also quite relaxed. I will admit I did skip the extraction phase. If you’ve had a facial you can understand why (smile).
Why I like it
“I’m all for a treatment that’s going to take 10 years off my face and leave me relaxed. Plus I can pick products that are not overly feminine and more suitable to my sensibilities.”
Stop 5: More Retail Therapy
If you know me, you know I love a great pair of shoes. For any guy who is big into shoes, Sky Valet Shoes is the place to be carrying brands like Alden, Crockett & Jones and my favorite, John Lobb. This is the store’s second location in the city and it is mecca for a shoelover. You wanna win my heart? Let me run wild in this store. I have my eye on some double monk strap John Lobb’s in a burnish brown. They are absolutely stunning!
Why I like it
“Sky Valet Shoes carries some of the most beautiful shoes for guys that you can’t find anywhere else in town. Plus with over 30 years as a DC store owner and shoemaker, Hetom Hodikoglu is one of the most knowledgeable men on shoes. Added bonus? Shoe shines here are one of the most reasonable in the city!”
Stop 6: Drinks
Of all the places in CityCenterDC, Centroclina is one I’ve never stepped in. That being said, I have had their food on numerous occasions. The restaurant caters many of events in the area; I’ve always been a fan of their small bites. Since we were spending a day at CityCenterDC, I figured I should experience the Italian restaurant and market on its home turf instead of waiting for it to come to me. We decided to grab a quick drink so I could experience the restaurant in its element.
Stop 7: Dinner
When Capitol File asked what I wanted to do as part of my day at CityCenterDC high on my list was a visit to Del Friscos. I love a good steak and I’ve only had nothing but great experiences every time I’ve visited. One of my problems is I always order the same things. Cheesesteak eggrolls have long been a favorite go to and I knew I was going to devour some at this visit. What I didn’t know is I would be trying a new entrée that only became available this week. Who can say no to a 3 four ounce filets each with a different topping? Definitely not me! My toppings included Oscar style (béarnaise, asparagus and jumbo crab meat), gorgonzola fondue and diver scallop with heirloom tomato jam!
Why I like it
“Cheesesteak eggrolls, a trio of filets, thick cut bacon in a bourbon sauce! What’s not to love?”
Stop 8: Dessert
After a full day and no matter how full I get, there’s always still room for dessert. For our final stop we hit Dolcezza. We needed something sweet to end the day. It really didn’t take much arm twisting to get Capitol File to say yes to a little gelato. I mean really a couple of scoops and life is good! I went dark chocolate and raspberry.
Why I like
“My motto is life is short! Eat dessert first! Dolcezza gelato is creamy and worth every added calorie!”
A day at CityCenterDC Look Details
As I mentioned, we didn’t have a chance to hit all of the stores in the area. That’s not to say I have poked my head in many of the stores from time to time. After all I am the DCFashion Fool. With the exception of my jeans, my entire look was made up of brands located at CityCenterDC
Blue blazer (part of suit) – Hugo Boss | Checked dress shirt – Hugo | Tan suede loafers – Ferragamo | Blue rimmed sunglasses – Dior
2 comments
I’m loving everything about this. Sounds like an awesome day!
Thanks it was a great day
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