Describe your establishment. It’s a Parisian-inspired home decor and vintage gift shop. And what I mean by Parisian style is my interpretation of the early 1900s, that whole Lost Generation thing. So it’s got a lot of rustic qualities and yet it’s also got a lot of chic designer handbags, French soaps, candles, French glassware.
How did you become interested in all things French? About 10 years ago, I went to Paris for the first time and I absolutely fell in love with the city, architecture, culture — the entire way of life. When I came back, I started decorating my home in Parisian kind of French styles. I’ve always had a love for antiques.
How did that translate into an idea to start your business? I was out having ice cream with a girlfriend of mine and we were talking about our dream jobs. And I said I would love to have a little French boutique in a charming little community, maybe go to Paris once a year on a buying trip.
What made you take the plunge? I’d gotten to the point in my career where I’d kind of done the rounds at a lot of Washington organizations, from nonprofit to radio and television stuff. But none of that was fulfilling to me. I was looking for something more creative, something that would use more of my natural talents.
How’s business? Today is my one-year anniversary and I could not have asked for a better start. We’ve done almost a half-million dollars in sales.
What’s your favorite part of the job? Seeing the looks on customers faces when they find something they love. It’s just so validating because everything in this shop, from the largest purchase to the smallest detail, is something that’s come out of my heart and my soul.
Le Village Marché
Setting foot in this eight-month-old boutique in the Village at Shirlington is a bit like wandering through a Parisian flea market. Handmade notecards and blocky soaps from Marseille share shelf space with cheery dish towels and Paddywax soy candles. Choose from such new items as engraved silver credit card holders, or go for vintage appeal with fleur-de-lis glasses. Or get the best of both worlds with one of the store’s salvaged items: We like these door handles and iron finials turned wine stoppers ($18-$24 each).
attn: Washington, D.C. subscribers! We are thrilled to be featured in the October issue of Lucky Magazine! Be sure to check us out among their Lucky Breaks.
Le Village Marche' ... This new Arlington home decor store carries a diverse range of patterned tote bags, rustic photo frames, and large blocks of aromatic, olive-oil-based soaps. Save 20% on any one item (excluding furniture and sale items). [ actual coupon must be present at time of purchase and may not be combined with any other offer or promotion ]
Alphabet City Going Global in Washington, From A to Z
By Julia Feldmeier
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, July 15, 2007; M06
Ah, Washington. So aesthetically charming. So intellectually vibrant. So fabulously foreign. Don't believe us? We've devised an A to Z guide of international fun in and around the District. Oh, sure, our area has Embassy Row and the World Bank. We have Parisian streets (thank you, L'Enfant), three international airports and floods of foreign tourists, such as those from Europe, Asia and eighth grade. (Kidding! We heart all those distracted tweens milling about the Tidal Basin. Really.) But it's easy to become insulated in our own cultural bubble or to dream of traveling abroad to exotic places -- forgetting, of course, all of the foreign opportunities here on our home turf. So read on for our alphabet soup. It's an eclectic dish, we know -- but isn't that what's so great about America?
F Francophile. If you hear the word "French" and immediately think, "Je l'adore," then you'll love Le Village Marché, the recently opened home store in Virginia. Stocked with items one might find at a Parisian flea market -- fleur-de-lis bookends, antique armoires, wrought-iron trellises for the garden and smaller trinkets -- this shop has something for tout le monde.
Le Village Marche' opens, plus special deals for Lucky readers...
By Michelle Haney Maddux
Recently Opened!
Shirlington Village's new French home decor and gift boutique, Le Village Marche' (4150 S. 28th Str., Arlington, 703-379-4444), houses Gallic-centric glassware and tabletop goods from the past, peppered with modern accessories by local designers.
Le Village Marche'
4150 S. 28th St., Suite 101
Arlington, VA 22206
703.379.4444
levillagemarche.com
Who's in charge? Angela Phelps, owner
What's tres chic? A home decor and gift boutique with a Parisian influence, Le Village Marche' showcases a blend of vintage pieces to capture a pastoral European charm and modern accessories resembling those you might see in stylish cafes. Located in the heart of Arlington's Shirlington Village, this "village shop" is worth a look.
The restaurants and eateries at the Village at Shirlington recently welcomed a stylish new neighbor: Le Village Marche (www.levillagemarche.com). The French-inspired home decor and gift boutique has opened its doors just in time for spring shopping. Owner Angela Phelps has stocked her shop with a charming blend of flea market finds, antique reproductions and handmade jewelry from local artisans. Find sparkling "candle-iers" ($80 to $158), an assortment of antique wire baskets (starting at $60) and delicate, decorative wood bird cages (from $80) alongside diaper bags, dog treats, stationery, scarves and soaps (starting at $4). The mix is old and new and completely fresh. Check it out at 4150 S. 28th St., Arlington, or call 703-379-4444.
A new boutique in Shirlington Village, Le Village Marche (4150 S. 28th St., Arlington, VA.: 703/379-4444; www.levillagemarche.com), showcases vintage home decor and chic accessories that reflect store owner Angela Phelps' love for Paris. With jewelry, stationery, soaps, items for your favorite pooch and more, you'll be whispering, "J'adore Le Village" as you shop. And here's another reason to love it: During May and June, readers who mention Washington Flyer get 10 percent off.
FLEUR-DE-LIS bookends ($16 each), herbal soap, vintage rattan suitcases and other Paris flea market-ytreats star at Shirlington's new Le Village Marche(4150 S 28th St.; 703-379-4444). The pretty shop also hawks furniture, like a cafe table and chairs ($300) that look stolen from the Tuilleries.
A little piece of France just moved into The Village at Shirlington, and it's called Le Village Marche. Step inside this newly opened home store and you'll feel as though you're walking through a Parisian flea market. This unique boutique showcases a variety of lovely items such as vintage scales and glass seltzer bottles. There's also a nice collection of antique and reproduction furniture, French glass and tableware, soy candles, and even spa products for pets. You can bring a touch of Paris outside with some of Le Village Marche's garden accessories such as distressed planters, wrought-iron trellises, vintage topiaries, and wire birdhouses. There's something for nearly everyone inside this Arlington, Va., hot spot. For more information, check out the store's Web site at www.levillagemarche.com.
They don’t have the friendliest reputation, but you’ve never had a problem bonding with the French. (You’re especially tight with Mme Camembert and M. Vivier.)
So you’ll want to quickly acquaint yourself with Le Village Marche. The newly opened home store makes you feel like you’re walking through a Parisian flea market — and it’s stocked with all the goodies you might find in one.
Fall in love with vintage scales and glass seltzer bottles. Become smitten with the antique and reproduction furniture, including a blue shuttered cabinet, glass-front armoire, and extra-large farm tables. And go ga-ga for garden accessories such as distressed planters, wrought-iron trellises, vintage topiaries, and wire birdhouses.
Meanwhile, stock up on animal ramekins; fleur-de-lis-patterned glasses; 1930s postcards; and other charming, unexpected trinkets.
Because everybody enjoys a little French twist.
Le Village Marche, The Village at Shirlington, 4150 South 28th Street, Arlington (703-379-4444).
Paris in Virginia Arlington resident Angela Phelps left her heart in Paris but took it back once she decided to open a store in Shirlington to stock vintage French decor. Le Village Marche, which opens March 24, will feature French glass and tableware, hip gifts for new moms, even spa stuff for Fifi. Mais oui.
Shop Opening. Le Village Marche. This new vintage French home decor and gift boutique recently opened in Shirlington. Owner Angela Phelps has stocked the shop with everything from French glass and tableware to accessories by local designers.
Kathie Lee Gifford browsing the Shirlington boutique Le Village Marché yesterday. Regis's former co-host -- who penned the musical "Saving Aimee," opening next month at Signature Theatre just down the street -- wore black velour sweats, wandered the store with daughter Cassidy and an actress from the show, and bought a candle holder, French soaps and a vintage trunk as a prop for the play. "You look a lot like Kathie Lee Gifford," a customer told her. "I am her," she said.
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Thursday, March 22, 2007
