Kick, Push, Rock

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Retail Therapy By

Mariessa Terrell

Photograph By

Kristopher Johnson

Celebrating Go Skate Day 2014 with 400 skaters at Palace 5ive.

To me, the crush of summer brings out more than Havaianas flip flops and Paparazzi visors. I find that dressing for the notorious DC humidity means having an active Uber car service account and a knack for glamorizing cotton basics for the Hotel Rouge happy hour and beyond. Plus, July presents another boon - a rare opportunity to meet native Washingtonians in their element. Gone may be the days of the Haines Point summer jams. But in July you can still find what you need in MidCity DC to stay cool.

KICK PUSH

I’ve always enjoyed celebrating July 4th in the city. When else can you drive sans gridlock from MidCity to the Palisades in less than 12 minutes? Opt for a Palace 5ive branded skateboard instead and you may just shave an extra 3 minutes off even this commute. In the seven years since its launch, Palace 5ive (2200 14th St., NW) has cemented itself as the premier DC destination for hard skater apparel, boards and footwear.

Preferring roller rinks to asphalt, I never kick pushed for fun. Yet I recall watching the ESPN X-Games skate board competitions back in the mid 90’s and being awed by the superior skills of athletes like Tony Hawk. Today, attending the 2014 Palace 5ive Go Skate Day activities, I am still amazed. But I am also fascinated by the “cool” that most skaters project. Hours dedicated to perfecting a craft explains the confidence. But the fashion investigator in me maintains that the Palace 5ive gear - flat technicolored sneakers with thick soles by Vans or Nike (Jordan) SB high tops, loose graphic t-shirts (some pressed by the Palace 5ive staff) and boards to order make all the difference. Since skateboarding is not only here to stay, but is also growing in popularity, consider becoming a member of the Palace 5ive family. But, like any clique worth joining, you have to be invited. Get your login and password to access the re-launched website today. www.palacefive.com

ROCK

As always the Independence Day theme throughout the DMV remains squarely within the Stars and Stripes borders. But, if you really want a mash up (LA/NYC street couture meets Rosie, the Riveter) version of the red, white and blue, visit Rosie's and Rockers located at 2001 13th St. NW. Here, seasonal options for the ladies are more pin up than hoe down. Find Betty Page inspired dresses with leopard detailing, belted capris with clever cutouts and fitted peekaboo tops with black dotted mesh tulle. And, for guys, think rock god with plenty of ironically worded t-shirts, edged out gothic jeans and moto leather.

I'm currently digging the SourPuss branded,nautical-striped cotton ice skater dresses and retro patent leather handbags. I also love the irreverent jewelry, punk-inspired socks and aviator sunglasses priced to move. Ah, the power of a perfectly curated aesthetic. From the crimson walls to the new signage to the original art, Rosie's is consistent. This may explain why after 20 minutes with Mateen I suddenly wanted to pin curl my hair and identify a metal band to follow around the country. (www.rosiesandrockers.com)