Welcome to Our Newest Store, Vernacular

by Kay Stephenson, VHCA Vice President

In language, vernacular means “spoken as one’s mother tongue”. In architecture, it means “concerned with domestic and functional rather than monumental buildings”. For Chelsea and Kris, owners of the newest shop in the neighborhood, the name is synonymous with “east coast casual with a west coast vibe”.

The shop, which hosted its grand opening over the weekend, offers mostly casual women’s apparel and accessories, with a curated mix of gifts and home décor items as well. It also offers functional items that are different and fun – like the copper-accented french press for your coffee.

When Chelsea and Kris saw that Stanton Home Furnishings was moving out, they jumped at the chance to open a shop in this vibrant section of Virginia-Highland. A short two months later, and they are open for business at 1044 N. Highland Ave. Monday – Thursday 11 – 7, Friday and Saturday 11 – 8, and Sunday 11 – 6.

Kris said he asked property owner Stuart Meddin about the other open spaces in the strip (Dakota J’s former space and the recently vacant Half-Moon store) but both were already spoken for. No hints though. We will just have to wait and see what pops up.

Chelsea said they don’t have a specific target demographic, and I saw all ages in the shop – they have something for everyone, and at prices that don’t break the bank. They even offer the couple-friendly partner couch, which is nice for an after-brunch catch-up on email while others shop.

Stop in to Vernacular soon and welcome Chelsea & Kris, along with Carol, their full-time store manager, and Miah, the assistant manager. We couldn’t be happier to have them in the neighborhood, and I didn’t make it out of the store without a purchase!

Lovely things from truly nice people.