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Insider’s Guide: Kim Putens shares her favorite hidden gems

The Alexandria resident and owner of Bloomers is finding truth in the less-is-more philosophy.

Kim Putens
Photo by Christin Boggs Peyper
Kim Putens
Photo by Christin Boggs Peyper

Kim Putens, Alexandria resident and owner of Bloomers, is finding truth in the less-is-more philosophy. The former management consultant and co-founder of both the beauty shop Bellacara and the Old Town Boutique District is happy to take life at a slightly slower place, investing energy in her shop and enjoying family time.

Her Store

The whole concept of Bloomers is I wanted to offer a fun and unique place for women to come and buy their everyday undergarments.

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Favorite Underwear

The Fleur’t Boyshort is by far my favorite. And Natori’s Bliss Girl Briefs. I work out all the time, so I’m always in workout clothes. Hanky Panky has a no-show: the Bare Boyshort.

coffee
Photo courtesy of Big Pants/Adobe Stock
Restaurants

I love Del Ray Café; it’s my favorite. And it’s casual, but it’s so good. This place [Misha’s in Alexandria]—I’ve been next to these guys for 17-plus years, and they are amazing. They’re so good to me, and their coffee and their tea is amazing.

Orangetheory
Photo courtesy of Orange Theory
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Fitness

Orange Theory’s been my thing right now. I love Alexandria Kettlebell. And I do matboxing at Pilates ProWorks.

Old Town bag
Photo by Christin Boggs Peyper
Old Town Favorites

The Bishop Boutique. She’s got great shoes. I just bought some beautiful stuff for my husband, who loves to do cocktails, from The Hour.

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Skin Care

[Purederm eye] patches—they’re hydrating collagen. I love them. I found them a couple years ago, and I can’t live without them. Aveeno has this brand of moisturizer that has this soothing, calming something.

(July 2017)

eye mask
Photo by Christin Boggs Peyper
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