Accessories
Lou Lou Boutique
When every candy-colored statement necklace starts to look the same, turn to lou lou for chic relief. Started with a single boutique in Middleburg, the store has expanded to include locations all over NoVA that offer a unique shopping experience and an impressive selection of jewelry, handbags, hats and other accessories. –WD
Multiple NoVA locations
STAFF PICK
Bargain Nail Polish
U.S Maxim Nail Supply, Inc.
The Eden Center, the culture hub of NoVA’s Vietnamese community, is also home to one of the best nail polish stores. You can pick up OPI for $4, plus professional brands. There’s also gels and plenty for nail artists: caviar, powder, glitter and long, skinny bottles, with brushes to match; best for intricate designs. –SG
6799 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church; 703-538-9898
Bikes
Spokes Etc. Bicycles
The specialized knowledge and expert advice offered by Spokes Etc. staff is what sets it apart from big box sports and outdoors stores. They specialize in bicycles and focus on quality products for expert cyclists and casual riders alike. Plus, they offer comprehensive maintenance to keep your two wheels running smoothly. –WD
Multiple NoVA locations
Everyday Jewelry
PavÉ Jewelers
Pieces from Pavé Jewelers will elevate your look and infuse your day-to-day life with luxury. They sell a wide variety of jewelry, including gems and Swiss watches, but if you can’t find the perfect bit of sparkle, owner Vishal Hemrajani and the staff can create beautiful custom items. –WD
3033 Wilson Blvd., 7th Floor, Suite 735, Arlington; 703-647-4130
Courtesy of Ketterman’s Jewelers
Fine Jewelry
Ketterman’s Jewelers
A Leesburg institution since 1951, family-owned Ketterman’s Jewelers stands out for its awe-inspiring selection of jewelry. They curate their merchandise with the customer in mind, and excellent service is always the highest priority as they serve their friends and neighbors. Choose from among dozens of designer lines, or ask about custom jewelry. –WD
38-C Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg; 703-777-0033
Fitness Clothing
Lululemon Athletica
Indulge in the athleisure aesthetic with clothes that can actually serve you well in the gym with activewear from Lululemon. For extra incentive to jump into the fit lifestyle the brand promotes, NoVA locations partner with local studios each quarter to offer complimentary classes, and some offer free in-store yoga. –WD
Multiple NoVA locations
Furniture
Belfort Furniture
It’s tough to provide enough variety to appeal to different styles in a single store, but Belfort Furniture comes as close as possible in a 100,000-square-foot location with items for every room in the house. With low prices, delivery options and a focus on customer service, you won’t need to go anywhere else. –WD
22250 Shaw Road, Sterling; 703-406-7600
Kitchen Store
Sur la Table
Staff members at Sur la Table are experts on the many products they offer, but as Tysons Galleria store manager Eric Maenner says, sometimes the best stuff is free, like recipe tips and advice. For hands-on experience, the Arlington and Alexandria locations have culinary programs, including this summer’s cooking camp for kids and teens. –WD
Multiple NoVA locations
STAFF PICK
Layering Jewelry
She’s Unique
Owner Katya Ananieva has changed the face of statement jewelry in the area by stocking her Old Town Alexandria boutique with delicate, minimalist pieces from independent designers. The small store aims to carry new designers each season, and Ananieva regularly showcases how to effectively layer the items on the store’s social media accounts. –AB
205 King St., Alexandria; 703-836-8863
Lingerie
Belle Mode Intimates
Belle Mode has the shortcut to feeling good this bikini season, and it’s all in the suit. According to owner Nicole Martin, 85 percent of women wear the wrong cup size, but with a fitting at Belle Mode and an impressive selection of cup-size swimwear and bras, every woman can find her most flattering option for the beach and beyond. –WD
11889 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax; 703-543-4737
Men’s Clothing Store
Nordstrom
Men enjoy shopping at this retail giant because of the wide range of options from suiting to sportswear; brands such as Canali, Ted Baker and Zenga are best-sellers in the area. Most importantly, the customer service and expert product knowledge is top-notch. All associates are suit-fit certified, and personal styling services are free. Stock up on fall essentials this summer at the highly anticipated anniversary sale July 17-August 2. –AB
Multiple NoVA locations
STAFF PICK
New Boutique
Anthom
The natural design of the brick-and-mortar location of this popular online boutique reflects the overall breath of fresh air this store provides. Anthom carries pared-down, unique and versatile pieces from under-the-radar designers for fashionable looks that feel of-the-moment. –AB
2910 District Ave., Fairfax
Running Gear
Potomac River Running
Fostering community through a solitary sport can be a challenge, but Potomac River Running is a local favorite because it does just that. Their goal is to make runners—customers or not—happy, whether that be through the perfect-fitting shoes or organized group runs. –WD
Multiple NoVA locations
STAFF PICK
Signature Scent
Rouge Leesburg
With a scent library of over 600 oils from across the globe, Anita Henry, owner of Rouge Spa and Boutique, can create unique scents on the spot while explaining each particular note in the custom-blended fragrance. –AB
17 S. King St., Leesburg; 703-779-3700
Courtesy of BlueMercury
Skin and Beauty Boutique
Bluemercury
While this locally started skin and beauty boutique consistently draws in customers with luxury products to test, one of the most popular lines among NoVA women is the brand’s own m-61 technical skincare line. Customers can also enjoy facials, massages, waxing, makeup and more at the store’s in-house spa at the Arlington, Fairfax and Old Town Alexandria locations. Bluemercury has made such a mark on the beauty industry that retail giant Macy’s acquired the established brand this year. –AB
Multiple NoVA locations
Photography by Mollie Tobias
Vintage Boutique
Chic Envy
Store owner Christina Crawford’s best asset might be the fashionable women in her community; with a wealth of consignors, she has the luxury of being picky with what she accepts. Vintage items in the store can date back to the ’40s, but they look just as good now as they did then. –WD
11893 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax; 703-268-5228
Vintage Home Finds
Evolution Home
Personality isn’t store-bought; it evolves over time. At Evolution Home, they believe that a home should mirror that process. With antiques, vintage items and modern pieces brought in by consignors, the store itself is ever-changing, and customers can find the perfect finishing touches they didn’t even know they needed. –WD
6239 Shields Ave., Alexandria; 703-519-1911
Women’s Boutique
Undeniable Boutique
This repeat Best of NoVA winner continues to impress loyal customers with unique items from hard-to-find brands entering the store each week. There is also a welcoming community vibe within the store: “We love throwing parties and hosting fashion shows, DJs, bands, radio stations, wine tastings, makeovers, photo booths, trunk shows—you name it. Fashion and fun go together at Undeniable Boutique,” says owner Alicia Russman. –AB
11891 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax; 703-327-4417
(June 2015)