Upstairs on 7th grounded by earthy collection

Upstairs on 7th is one of those boutiques that move you. Grounded by a collection of earthy clothing, it appeals to the woman who needs her clothes to either propel her or ease her through the day.

The upscale boutique offers a myriad of international and national designers who speak the same language of comfort chic. Perhaps that is why its demographic resonates with the Washingtonian professional who wants to relax on the weekends in a loose-fitting knit sweater by Dress to Kill, a “fits every figure” Butter by Nadia dress, or floor-grazing tunic by Planet.

While not all apparel and accessories are produced with alternative materials save the faux-leather Buddha Bags, owner Ricki Peltzman has introduced her clients to independent designers who produce “slow fashion” (small volume and laborious craftsmanship) goods in shades of white and black. The pop of color aided by handbags, jewelry, and belts.

“I love that there are eco-friendly garments and accessories, but they must be interesting first and foremost,” Peltzman says. “We’ve had products made from bamboo and we had at one point sold accessories made completely out of soda bottles and caps.” Peltzman’s most recent commitment to going “green” has been switching to recycled paper shopping bags.

The store’s location has equally been on the move until it landed in the lobby of an office building in downtown Washington last summer. Prior locations included space at two area art galleries – an indication of Peltzman’s aesthetic for wearable art. To access the store on a weekend, it is advised to walk through the Potbelly’s on 11th Street NW and exit the back door, turn left and a few feet ahead is the store, where Peltzman invites you to rest a minute on the comfy chairs and offers a glass champagne before you peruse the collection. Just as down to earth as can be.

Until January 31, selected items are up to 40% off – a bargain that won’t be resurrected until July (two sales per year). While at the register, put your savings into the “Charity bowl”, a donation drive benefiting a different charity each month.

Save the Date: February 27, 2010; 12 – 5 p.m. Jewelry designer Justin Giunta stops by to talk about his new lower-priced line, Deviated. Proceeds from the line benefits the SOHO (Space of Her Own) program.