Saving the Economy (One Pair of Shoes at a Time)

What better way to celebrate spring than plucking a sassy, sexy, new pair of shoes in Georgetown? In the nick of time comes SimplySoles -- the brand new shoe emporium in Georgetown Park.

"Our favorite quote of the season is 'Saving the economy one pair of shoes at a time,'" says founder Kassie Rempel, whose website encourages you to "peek in my closet."

Now you can do even better.

The Mt. Pleasant resident opened a new store in the mall after wanting a store in Columbia Heights. "I thought, Columbia Heights is the up-and-coming place," she said.

But high rents and a few crime scares -- plus an aggressive effort by Georgetown Park -- convinced her to bring her collection to the mall on M Street.

The rent was less. Who would have thunk? Because of ongoing litigation over the future of the mall, SimplySoles was only offered a two-year lease, max. "It requires a lot of investment to build out a store with such a short lease," Rempel said.

Such arrangements inevitably hurt the somewhat sleepy cave of shops.

Nonetheless, "It feels right to be in Georgetown," she said.

The store does feel right, filled with bright colors, shapes and temptations that can't be ignored. Bring a credit card. Bring two.

"On a cost-per-wear basis, shoes -- namely those well-crafted and timeless in style -- keep in shape and in fashion," she says. Besides "the perfect black dress, white shirt and flattering pair of jeans -- shoes are the best investment in your wardrobe."

Economic stimulus in Georgetown? Sole mate.

Photos by RJSmith