Endless Summer

Written by Sakura Buker 

Tucked between the C&O Canal and 31st Street, Boat House Apparel is bringing beach resort fashion to Georgetown. And, as the canal rehabilitation project nears its end, Boat House Apparel’s waterfront beginnings will be reimagined in D.C. Founded in 2014 on the shores of Lake Okoboji, Iowa, Samantha Ring and Laura Bjornstad strive to deliver chic comfort to their customers in both Iowa and the District.

Hollywood on the Potomac had the chance to stop by during their Summer Market Sale which featured cute designs, bubbly–water and wine–and pizza from neighborhood favorite Il Canale. The store’s cozy interior is lined with sweatshirts, tees, and dresses that take boardwalk attire to a fabulous level.

Over pizza and sparkling water Samantha explained, “We wanted to create something that you could actually wear to dinner. From boat to brunch–something you could elevate, but something that you felt comfortable going on the boat in or taking a stroll down the canal.” One such piece, the Founder’s Fleece, a charming crew neck decorated with one of her proudest designs, features iconic D.C sights hand-drawn by Samantha herself. The pullover can be paired with leggings, for a more comfortable vibe, or a cute skirt for a casual night out on the water.

Founders Fleece crew neck. Photo credit: Sakura Buker

Whatever ensemble a customer chooses, they can be sure that every piece is designed and hand picked to provide what Boat House Apparel does best; a stylish blend of two equally warm and welcoming communities – “We have something for everyone, from grandmas to granddaughters” as Samantha put it.

Step into Boat House Apparel and you’ll be transported to that coastal hideaway that you’ve been day-dreaming about. The white wood-slatted walls evoke memories of sun bleached beach homes and strolls down the boardwalk. Samantha explained, “I have people who come in who are from the opposite side of the country, California, and it reminds them of their little hidden gem resort destination. That’s what we want them to feel when they come into the shop; we want them to feel like they found something that makes them feel like they’re on vacation for even just a few minutes.”

Time slows down as you beat that D.C heat and stop in, peruse light and flowy floral pants or a soft cashmere tee. Georgetown has been the perfect spot for Boat House Apparel–right on the soon-to-return water and supported wholeheartedly by their neighbors, patrons and businesses alike. That much is evident in their collabs with local businesses–beloved Martin’s Tavern for one–and their dedication to all things Georgetown. If you’ll recall, that complimentary pizza was sourced from neighbor and friend Il Canale.

“The Georgetown community is the best at welcoming us into the neighborhood. Everybody from the locals who live here to the community, the businesses that have been here forever– they really take you under your wing and they share with you” said Samantha, and here’s to many more years of Boat House Apparel’s seaside chicness in Georgetown.

Visit Boat House Apparel at Canal Side, 1061 31st St NW.