If you’ve ever dreamed of a Target-like shopping experience, but all of the curated goods were produced by local and independent makers, then you may want to stop by Meghan Evans’ new boutique, Park Story, at Mosaic District.
Evans’ store may be new, but she isn’t new to the fashion world. In 2015, the 5’10” designer began work on her own line of women’s attire because she wasn’t happy with what was available for tall women. She launched her eponymous clothing line in 2017, and then in October 2018 opened Park Story, where she could not only sell her line, but also carry and support other local and independent makers.
“I went the way of opening my own boutique to offer a more comprehensive shopping experience and I call it a local and independent version of Anthropologie [because] I think Anthropologie does a fantastic job of marrying beauty, home, clothing, shoes and accessories without detracting from any one of the product categories,” Evans says. “I wanted to create an opportunity for local brands to have a more upscale shopping experience that was more permanent.”
At Park Story, shoppers will find a plethora of unique, handmade products such as clothing brands from NoVA-based designers Virginia Dare Dress Co. and Mimi Miller Clothing, along with DC-based Maven Women and independent Nashville maker Emily Phillips. Home lines include Occoquan-based Pure Palette Scents, DC’s Handmade Habitat, pottery from White Hearth in Berryville and Alexandria-based Living Threads Co. In addition, accessories are sourced locally. Find jewelry from Jamie Park in Alexandria; Kicheko Goods and Sarah Cecelia Jewelry, both from DC; shoes from Charix in DC; and Arlington-based Farrier Leather handbags.
Park Story started as a pop-up, but Evans recently got word the store will remain open through at least late July. She hopes to make the store permanent, if not in Mosaic, than elsewhere. “This is me testing the waters to see what works and what doesn’t,” she says. “Is it viable long-term before selling my life away long-term on a lease?”
Evans runs the store as a boutique focusing on set vendors and bringing in new items from existing brands to keep things fresh. She’s not planning on changing out brands seasonally, but pop-up events will continue as a way to offer more brands.
Evans’ goal with Park Story is to expose people to the fact that there is a large designer and maker community in the area, most of which have a unique story and a hardworking entrepreneur behind the scenes. “People just don’t realize how much local goods and talent there is to be had,” she says. “And putting it on their everyday commute and travel footprint makes them aware of that and then makes it easier for them to make the choice to shop local.” // Park Story: 2905 District Ave., Suite 125, Fairfax
