There was a time when Arlington, Virginia, US was full of quirky little shops and off-beat eateries. These days, visitors and natives alike are much more likely to find only chain stores and national brands on the streets of Arlington. The unusual and the unconventional is sadly more and more of a rarity in this Northern Virginia suburb. Two Virginia natives are out to change all that, starting with a cute little shop called Covet.
Autumn Clayton and Sabrina Cabada are old college friends, who had been tossing around an idea for a store/gallery combination for a while. They envisioned a place that would be interesting and unique, and full of the types of things they loved to buy and loved to make. Both Autumn and Sabrina are from creative backgrounds – Sabrina paints and Autumn is a jewelry designer and baker, so the thrill and satisfaction of making things by hand is well known to both of them. They knew whatever form their for-now-imaginary shop would take, that handmade goods would be the focal point.
Just a few months ago, Autumn got a call from Sabrina about a space in Arlington that she found, that would be perfect for their now-not-so-imaginary shop. Both women knew that the time was right to make their dream a reality, and six weeks later, Covet was open for business!
Their tag line is “you know you want it,” which for me totally sums up how I feel when I’m surrounded by gorgeous handmade things. I know I’m not the only one who has that urge to collect when I see a pretty bit of something that I know is the brainchild of some creative soul somewhere. Knowing the care and love that went into creating that item is just irresistible!
In addition to being makers themselves, Autumn and Sabrina are both avid Etsy shoppers, and many of the products featured at Covet are from designers and crafters found there. The store is stocked with a variety of jewelry, accessories, and housewares, and new items are being added regularly.
Covet is not just a store, but also an art gallery, featuring some of Sabrina’s paintings, and also works from local artists. Some of the first events planned for the space will focus on the artists currently showcased in the in-store gallery.
Covet is only a few weeks old, and it is already a favorite destination for locals who crave something special. “Our customers are thrilled and often shocked when we tell them that what they are holding in their hands is made by fingers and not factories,” says Autumn. She and Sabrina know that customers want to have a connection to the the things they spend their money on, and that’s what Covet’s focus on handmade goods is all about.
Covet is located at 5140B Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sundays 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. Join Autumn, Sabrina, and Arlington residents in the know for the official grand opening party on May 7, 2010.