Pennsylvania Avenue might be known for sartorial flourishes no wilder than pinstripe suits and power ties, but the Remix, a vintage boutique recently relocated to Capitol Hill from Alexandria, is bringing some whimsy to the neighborhood. Owner Stacey DiTata eschews the rummage-store aesthetic of many vintage shops, where a velvet cocktail frock might cozy up to a breezy cotton sundress. "I try to bring contemporary merchandising standards to vintage," she says. "Otherwise, it's like putting great art in the basement."

The result of DiTata's sharp eye and organization is an easily navigable selection of wearable vintage goods ("I only get ironic around Halloween," she says), including 1940s to '70s dresses and separates for men and women. There's also an impressive selection of chunky, candy-colored jewelry. An "invitation only" room houses the shop's most delicate (and pricey) pieces, such as a mod Courreges minidress, flapper gowns and a late 1950s Dior dress. And at the rear of the store, a housewares section is a trove of kitschy ceramics and heaps of textiles, from pompom-fringed tablecloths to barkcloth draperies.

Drool-worthy clothes that are fun to browse: The combination just might be enough to convince some khaki-wedded congressional staffers that it's time for a style remix.

The items below are available at the Remix (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 202-547-0211, www.remixvintage.com ).