Who she is: Elise Peterson
Her gig: Store manager and buyer at It's Vintage Darling (3423 14th Street NW; 202-525-1327)

How did you get the job?
"While riding through Columbia Heights, I cruised by a sign that read "It's Vintage Darling." I squealed 'Vintage!' and hit a swift U-turn. Shortly thereafter, I'd constantly be in the shop picking up vintage pieces to add to my collection on a weekly basis. Finally, after parting ways with another vintage boutique in D.C., the ladies of IVD asked me to join their team. I've been in vintage bliss since."

Describe your personal style.
"I choose pieces because of how they make me feel. Of course, I love to play with vintage, because — as I have said time and time again — wearing vintage allows people to effortlessly express their individuality. I'm immediately drawn to statement pieces that evoke a 1970s blacksploitation vixen vibe. A little Foxy Brown action, anyone? Pieces from that period are usually vibrant and hard to miss —the essence of what I like to be. Overall, I choose pieces that are wild conversation starters, and can balance out the mounds of curl and fluff that adorn my head."


Photographed by Sebastian Marin