I used to really like this shop, but a recent experience ruined it. The owner was extremely pushy, insisting several items looked great on me even though they clearly didn't fit. When I decided not to buy, she dropped the smile and gave me a sour look of disapproval. She should respect how a customer feels. Will not return. read more

While I found the prices to be a little higher than necessary, the array of items were fantastic

Kitschy. Eclectic. Fun. [window shopping] I made a quick walk through after brunch just to see what they had going on. This place is definitely vintage. From the smell, organization, and selection. If you're looking for some classic pieces, this is it. There's jewelry, accessories, handbags, shoes, outerwear, knickknacks, and more. You name it, it's probably in there. Although it was busy, the owner/operator made time to chat with me. I appreciated that. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in the area. __ I eat. @f.hux I thrift. @DCthriftish read more

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I have a hard time giving places less than 5 stars, because I love supporting small businesses, but I want to be fully honest here. Pros: 1) lots of funky, fun finds here! I bought a very cool 80s blazer and love the unique style of it Cons: 1) the place is quite stinky -- everything is musty and I had to immediately take my item to the dry cleaner for fear it might infect my closet. 2) the prices are pretty high. I'm a regular vintage shopper so I'm pretty used to vintage price points -- this is definitely a bit on the higher side (nothing completely absurd, but it did seem steep to me -- and she won't haggle which on some level I understand, her rent is probably quite high in this area) 3) The hours are terrible. The first time I tried to come here, the shop was randomly closed because the owner was on a trip (can't blame her for that, but there was no sign explaining so we stood around for a while trying to figure out if we were even trying the right door because it was completely unmarked) 4) The fitting room is def a weird set up. It's basically just a folding screen she set up in the corner of the store that other shoppers mistake for more clothes so some came way too close to seeing me undressed. All in all, this is a cute vintage store with some great finds. If you're willing to overlook the smell and the higher prices, you'll love it! As a lover of vintage finds, I certainly thought this place was cute, but wanted to note there were some slightly off-putting aspects. read more

05/29/2021 The smell in the store was awful... like a stale porta potty! Ugh. I don't know if the building is having issues with its sewage or what, but it makes shopping really uncomfortable because the smell was really distracting and bad. Hopefully the owner is, like, aware of the smell. I hope this changes! read more

Brings back memories of back in the day . I saw of sun shades I haven seen in years . I tried on a pair that had my procription . I had a grate time . This store is in a grate location near my home . There is something for almost everyone . So much cool stuff in one place . It made my day : ) read more

Mercedes Bien Vintage - I wanted to let you see what's on special this week .Ventage glasses . I love it . - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The other reviewers are right. There are nice clothes here and it could be a fun place to try on clothes, but the sales woman is terrible. She wouldn't let me try on a dress with stretchy fabric, marked at a 26" waist, because she insisted it "wouldn't flatter" my shape and "it's really more of a small." I'm a 28" waist, so I'm not sure what she meant by that - again, the fabric was stretchy. Incredibly rude. Also, her insistence that she has "an trained eye" and I should "take advantage of her experience" is overshadowed by the fact that she has terrible taste and told me that a skirt I tried on looked great when it very obviously didn't. Don't go to this store, go somewhere that the sales people aren't rude and you actually want to spend your money. read more

WONDERFUL store! I've been in DC for almost six years and one of my greatest laments is the lack of interesting/unique clothing stores. This shop is easy to miss (only open weekends, not the best signage out front and up a large flight of stairs on the second floor which the owner told me is "like climbing up to an attic") and I don't want any more people to wait as long as I did to find it! All of the items in the shop are well-curated and range from about mid-50's to mid-80's. Very diverse collection of beautiful necklaces, belts, handbags and accessories of all kind. Both a men's and women's section (but ye,s the women's section is much larger). And as mentioned in a previous review hands down the best selection of cowboy boots in DC (I bought a pair and am very pleased). Even better than having a great selection in a vintage store though, is a friendly and knowledgeable owner. Mercedes seemed genuinely interested in chatting about store dynamics and clothing with me while I labored over my boot choices. You can tell she puts a great amount of love into her work and I'm already looking forward to next weekend so I can go visit again. read more

Mercedes Bien Vintage - Trying to pick out some cowboy boots! So many fun dresses in this store. - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great vintage shop. HIGHLY curated- no Goodwill junk here. As such... you are not going to be paying $5 for a dress. These are legit fashion items in pristine condition. The shop owner is super knowledgeable & chatty read more

This is the single best vintage clothing store I have ever been to- incredibly well-curated, with a wide variety of decades and styles, and everything is in pristine condition. It's mostly women's clothing, with a small men's section. I bought an amazing pair of 70's Lee jeans and a cool belt (they have a phenom belt selection). Great shoes, jewelry, and handbags, too. I could have spent thousands at this store without blinking! That being said, the prices seem to be pretty reasonable for what they are selling- much of it is vintage designer, after all. I'd echo what other reviewers have said about the owner- she has great taste, and is clearly very experienced. She will also tell it how it is- sure, if she doesn't think something looks good on you, or thinks it's not going to fit, she'll tell you! That perspective is super valuable, in my opinion! I will be going back there this weekend. Truly one of the coolest stores I have ever been in, period. read more

This walk-up establishment is only open on weekend afternoons, but it's right in the midst of the Adams Morgan milieu and very easy to find, next door to the Black Squirrel. It's a small store with men's and women's vintage clothes, shoes, hats, eyewear and jewelry. I'm especially impressed by how nice the owner is, and what a great eye she has for solid vintage women's clothing and accessories. Everything is unusual, well made and classy, skewing towards a sixties and seventies vibe. Any time I visit she finds clothes for me that I wouldn't have chosen myself but that fit and look great, and she's got a very uplifting patter about how fantastic your eyes and your posture are, what a classic figure you've got, and how you need to look at the positives in your shape more, and carry yourself well. I know, I know, obvious salesmanship, but I like her style and she always improves mine! The prices here seem fair to me; it's well-curated, not Salvation Army, and so there are no steals. But most things I've seen are in the $40-$140 range, which I think is very reasonable for the quality and the personal attention. read more

I think the best way to review this place is, It's like the soup nazi on Seinfeld. Absolutely amazing merchandise, but you need to follow the rules, and deal with the elitist to get amazing products. I believe the other reviews are correct, where she only runs the store on weekends as a hobby, and I'm sure it's her obsession with vintage clothing that has lead her to have this store. Absolutely Gorgeous items. Average price that was on the racks was about $85-100 for a dress. This is out of my price range, but if you need that special something you'll find it here. I was in there for about 15 minutes and she was dealing with 2 other females, and completely ignored me. I didn't mind, and it appears as if she doesn't care and does what she wants, she has amazing clothing! If you're looking for amazing vintage stuff go here, I would skip Annie Cream Cheese, in Georgetown unless you're in a bind. Mercedes Bien has a better selection and better prices, you just have to wait until the weekend, and deal with the unique customer interaction. read more

I didn't buy anything on my first visit, but I definitely will be back. I love the shop owner's sweetness and helpfulness. I watched as she patiently got out hats and jewelry and gloves for this picky customer to try on. She arranged the woman's hair so she could better see the "complete look" and tried really hard to find things that matched what the woman described. Apparently, she was going to some ritzy event...The owner's patience was quite admirable. Vintage collectors can be an eccentric bunch, and they don't put up with BS. With that said, they can also be the most passionate, warm people ever. The owner is definitely the latter. She clearly loves her merchandise and really cares about helping you find what you need. I asked to see two items from the glass case--a coral pin from the Victorian era with painstaking detail and an antler material bracelet with, again, intricate detail. Both items were beyond what i was able to spend that day, but I think I may give myself a gift of one or the other after I get my tax return. As you can probably guess, items in this shop range from moderate to expensive, but the pricing is commensurate with the workmanship and time period. This is not junk. And the selection is not limited to just women's clothing and accessories. While women's apparel and jewelry dominate, there is a section in the back devoted to men's dress shirts, sports jackets, and other casual wear. Other possible items of interest: cowboy boots, both sexes, vintage clutch purses, tea partyish hats, and gorgeous belts of all colors and eras. Recommended for special occasions, when you need a little something to add oomph to your outfit, or if you're just in the mood for a rare find, a clothing piece that will be unlike any other that you can buy in mass produced store. read more

If you want quality clothes and don't want to spend retail money or dig through clearance racks for clothes that are out of season, go to the often ignored vintage store. I have been to a few "high end" vintage stores in the area. And I prefer Mercedes Bien. Like most thrift stores in the area there's alot more to offer for women, but there is a small room dedicated to men that's worth checking out. Note that they're only open on Saturday and Sunday though! A thought: While women are often most excited to show their most recent item of clothing, men are most excited to show their oldest piece of clothing. read more

This store has some great vintage clothing. A lot of women's stuff but she has an entire section for men. Great jewelry and BOOTS. My boyfriend and I both got cowboy boots for the extremely reasonable price of $68 each. She finds interesting pieces and prices them all reasonably. Mercedes is knowledgable and it's definitely worth dropping in - even if it's only for the experience! read more

This is one of the better vintage shops I've stopped into. Everyone raves about Meeps but I like it here much better (if you're looking for things to actually wear, not costume). The owner has a great eye, so trust her judgement when she says something will look great on you. The dresses are carefully selected and the shop is not stuffed to the gills like so many other vintage stores-- but this allows you to see individual items that are displayed. The things that are hanging on the wall seem to be the best choices and will catch your eye (and everyone else's so don't leave to 'think about a dress' because it will be gone!) There's no actual dressing room- and you'll be changing next to a window- so this isn't a place for modesty. Like Angela V., I knew the owner's "your figure is fantastic!" was all sales sales sales-- but I loved it nonetheless! The clothes are all classy and lean mostly towards a 70s vibe...great accessories to choose from especially belts! I found a cute patent black belt for $18 and most dresses than I saw were $50-$70, so not too too pricey. The owner also mentioned to me that she sews, so if you find something that needs a little tweaking, she can probably help you out with that as well. A great little find :) read more

As good as vintage gets. Since I have moved to Los Angeles, I can't help but wish I had this wonderful magical shop close by. The owner is a dream. In fact, I think she is the reason I kept coming back. She has an eye for detail, structure, quality, and material that helps you feel confident in purchasing clothes from different decades. Whenever I walked into her boutique, I would walk out feeling like I had a history lesson in Fashion & Design. Make sure to do your homework on the hours as they are somewhat limited. read more

I love Mercedes. Mercedes has been doing vintage and retro since before it was cool. Really, Mercedes is well respected in the vintage community. My family and friends have dealt with her for over 20 years. I have a tremendous amount of respect for her. It's amazing at how well versed she is, every conversation with her I feel like I'm getting history lesson. What I like about Mercedes is she is honest. She will tell you what she thinks even if it is not what you want to hear. If she thinks it will not fit or look good on you she will let you know. I prefer that over a salesperson who have me walking out the store looking like even more of a hot mess than I already do. (I don't need to pay money for that I can do it for free on my own). Honestly her prices are not that high. They are competitive and bit lower than the rates of Urban Outfitters. Mercedes is a natural when it comes to sales styles or business. No matter what I will support this woman 100%. If you are a fan of kitchen or mod definitely check her out. Everything she has a specifically hands selected by her. A lot of other vintage dollars will buy stuff from China and label it vintage,this is a major no-no in the vintage community. Mercedes actually has ethics. Keep it up Chica you are awesome. read more

Great vintage clothing store in Adams Morgan. It is only open on weekends but the owner, Mercedes, provides excellent customer service. She will help you find and pick out that perfect thing for you. She has a gift. She knows her merchandise will and stocks the shop with quality clothing. Trust her, she has a good eye. read more

This tucked away vintage shop has an amazing selection of jewelry, fur, coats, sunglasses and high end vintage perfect clothes. I almost walked out with a mink scarf, fur hat and a beautiful deco pin that would have looked fabulous with my new fur hat and scarf. Instead I walked away with a gorgeous '50s era Trifari brooch for my girlfriend. The owner is simply wonderful and provides great customer service. Some of the items are a bit pricey, but the selection is truly special and one-of-a-kind vintage. read more

The clothes at Mercedes Bien are interesting and sometimes even radical, but I have never found anything I deemed worth the asking price. Prices are negotiable with the owner who is friendly and willing to give assistance. I've only been a handful of times, but each time only one person is working. She's very friendly, knowledgeable and patient but isn't authorized to haggle. My boyfriend and I have met the owner and she even brought in some hats for him to try on, one of which he bought, loves and does not stop wearing. I, however, as a large person have never found anything remotely my size. If your a female vintage clothing lover above a size eight, I would suggest going somewhere else. Basically, the place has a unique collection of clothes and accessories which are overpriced to me but may be in the budget of others. If you don't mind spending a pretty penny, you'll probably find something that tickles your fancy. Its fairly small but definitely a great place to at least window-shop. It would be great if they were open during the week when I'm in Adams Morgan with nothing to do. read more

unexpectedly found this store when we were looking for a restaurant in Adams Morgan and decided to go in despite the flight of steep narrow stairs. She has lots of lovely and interesting dresses, jackets, and skirts mostly from 60s era but also other eras. Also a great collection of 50s and 60s jewellery Everything in fairly good clean condition and cute and attractive, but generally on the pricier side. E.g., got some very pretty Weiss clip-on earrings for $38. read more

Mercedes Bien Vintage - the doorway to get upstairs to the store - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

True vintage is scarce here in DC and Mercedes is the real deal. Some really great pieces I found: --a black ladies who lunch jacket with REAL leopard collar and cuffs ($145) --a stunning long red silk embroidered Chinese coolie jacket ($145) --a soft and warm faux cheetah coat ($95) Truthfully, I didn't think I'd like the coat until Mercedes urged me to try it on. Hanging on a wall didn't do it justice. As soon as I had it on, I knew it had to go home with me. Listen to her even if you're reluctant--she knows her stuff. You'll be surprised to discover what works on you. The prices for these items are more than reasonable considering their craftsmanship and rarity. You'll also find some very lovely shoes, belts, and funky costume jewelry. Shop is only open on Saturdays from 12-6 and Sundays from 12-5. read more

I needed a crinoline for my wedding dress and called this shop. The owner worked with me to understand what I wanted then searched her inventory and sent a picture of what they had that might fit the bill. I came in to try it on and she had several additional options. Her first pick was perfect and my wedding outfit is now complete. She was extremely helpful. A great experience. Only open Saturday and Sunday so plan around that! read more

Mercedes Bien Vintage - This photo shows the crinoline I bought. - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Mercedes has a wonderfully curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories.There is a focus on quality classic and statement pieces. She really knows her stuff! I enjoyed browsing and chatting with her. I will certainly be returning. Today I purchased a bold 60s enamel flower brooch to add to my collection. read more

Mercedes Bien Vintage - Today's purchase! - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The store is small and so is the selection, but there are some beautiful pieces there, most quite unique and in excellent shape. It's obvious as you walk in that the owner has great taste. Prices can be on the higher side, but that's a reflection of the high quality of the merchandise (especially as compared to other DC vintage stores). One of the reviewers below complains about not getting attention while in the store and says it's absurd to go back when no one bothered to acknowledge her 7-10 minute visit. I think it's absurd to write off a good store for not being greeted. Mistakes happen, but it would be a mistake to not have access to great vintage because your ego was not stroked. I for one prefer less attention when shopping anyway. During my first visit to the store about a year and a half ago, all I bought was a pretty summer straw hat. This time around, I went looking for a wedding dress and ended up buying a splendid antique (Victorian?) lace dress that Mercedes was keeping at home because it was too frail to display. She also conditioned it for me and though the dress needs a bit of repair and alteration work, it is an amazing find and almost a work of art. I'll treasure it forever. All in all, I highly recommend the store and its owner. read more

I wish I could give this place no stars. Not only did I get terrible service, but I was insulted by a woman who looked to be the shop owner. She was attending to a customer who was interested in a handbag, which was little. The shop owner/ sales woman goes, "I think we're going to start seeing women carrying bags more like this size, and not like that." Then she points at my bag (I wasn't standing far from them), which was a big hobo bag. "It's so much easier to find your cell phone in a bag this size", talking about the small handbag. I shot her a dirty look and walked right out of there. Yes, the stuff is super expensive. It was really the terrible experience I had there, though, that ensured that I will never be back. You'd have to be an idiot to think that that's good customer service! Or maybe she just didn't care, which is even more distressing. read more

I actually thought she was overbearing. I couldn't pick up a piece without her telling me how great it was, which it was, but I couldn't just look. I was looking for something more specific and taking the time to browse at other items. My daughter liked a hat, not what she needed, and when I told my daughter to wait and see if she could wear it at school, the women interjected and got involved in the conversation trying to assist my daughter in the purchase. What was worse is that I was actually considering purchasing a more expensive sweater, instead I walked out. Her items were fabulous, too bad I will not be returning do to a pushy attitude. read more

Actually got really nice service, this woman doesn't have to have this store she does is for fun it seems from the conversation I had with her, She is actually real, but I wouldn't take it for being rude, she is just really honest, she is open only on the weekends, and I did score a REALLY nice YSL jacket for 80 bucks, she has things in great condition, and she is the longest running vintage shop in DC! She knows her stuff, and she prides herself in NOT BS'ing with her items! read more

When I can enter the store, spend about 7-10 minutes browsing, and then leave without one of the two sales girls ever acknowledging that they had a warm body in the store, I don't care what kind of clothing you're selling: I'm never going back. Absurd. read more

Mercedes is charming and she has a fine eye for merchandise but this is not a place for bargain vintage. Most of the pieces are in the upper end of what I would consider paying. That being said, she has some great stuff! I got a linen Armani kneeling coat unlined linen just gorgeous $125. There weren't many handbags but she had some great vintage pieces period lot's of 50s 60s and 70s items read more

I wore the items I bought there ONE time but everything looks so glamorous that you want to try on or buy everything. It is important to note that my sister and I will not go back there simply because we are scared of being followed around by the shop lady and told how every item will look so good on! Good luck in the fitting "room" -- the shop lady will be right there waiting so she can tell you how perfect it is for you. And it comes with a heavy price tag, beware! read more

I really didn't like this place - it was expensive and the staff was not very friendly or helpful, as though it was my fault I had to ask the prices for things without tags. Not as well curated as Treasury but has a lot of high end designer stuff if that's what you like. Only open Saturdays, I think. read more

This is a wonderful store! It has a little bit for everyone! Jewelry, clothing, accessories...the owner is a very nice lady and was very helpful! Everything was organized and priced clearly. read more

Exceptional. This boutique is all discernment, taste and quality. The passion of the owner is clear as everything you pick up has purpose and meaning. Don't miss. read more

Mercedes! What a wonderful woman, so knowledgable and helpful. She was able to show me a few of her ideas without being a "pushy salesperson." My friend and I left the store with a fair amount of unique things for not too much money. Sadly, the gucci shoes were a little too small. Overall a great experience and I'll be sure to visit next time I'm in the area. read more

The best experience i have ever had at a vintage shop. Mercedes was very helpful, the store had a ton of gems waiting for the right person and that person was me ;) Quality vintage! Go see!! read more

My husband and I discovered this gem today, and we were both impressed by the quality, service and prices. There is a terrific selection of vintage clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. for both men and women, in casual and dressy styles. The owner, who I believe is Mercedes herself, was amazing. She spent over an hour picking out clothes for me, suggesting outfits, and really going above and beyond - all without ever being pushy or overbearing. She seemed to genuinely love what she does. I rarely find a single vintage clothing item in my size (12-14), let alone multiples. Here, I found so many wonderful pieces that I actually had to pare down my selection when it came time to check out. It was heaven. As my hubby said, he's rarely seen me enjoy shopping so much. He also found some great stuff. The owners take great care with her items, which are all in top condition. She had even altered some pieces herself to update them and make them more wearable. Prices ranged from $50-$150 for dresses - very reasonable, considering the quality. I got a sweater for $22, which was a steal. The store is only open on weekends, but it's well worth making time for a visit. read more

This is a very nice vintage clothing store with good quality items. Nice wool, leather men's outerwear.

I signed up an Yelp account in order to write this review. You can't miss this place if you are looking for good quality, not-used-or-second-hand type of things. Do talk to the store owner she is awesome and gave me great advices. Without her I wouldn't have found those lovely pieces that fit me perfectly. A little expensive I'd say, but you'll be totally happy with what you purchase there. And remember to bring cash because for some reason my BOA card didn't work, but there is an ATM machine nearby, so it shouldn't be a problem. read more

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