Women’s Boutique
Winner: Undeniable Boutique
The Mosaic District’s impressive mix of independent retailers has made it a destination for the region’s fashion savvy—and Undeniable Boutique sits atop many a shopper’s must-visit list. With its mix of fun, flirty and relatively affordable pieces, plus on-site stylists and private shopping parties, it’s easy to see why the store’s motto, “Shopping made easy. Shopping made fun,” has stuck. // 2920 District Ave., Suite 140; Fairfax
Runner-Up: Scout & Molly’s
Although it’s a national chain, Scout & Molly’s has made a name for itself with its neighborhood feel. Look for a mix of in-demand clothing and accessories brands, as well as featured pieces from up-and-coming local designers. // Multiple locations
Skin and Beauty Boutique
Winner: Bluemercury
Founder Marla Malcolm Beck started this local brand with just one storefront in Georgetown 20 years ago and today it’s a nationwide phenomenon that caters to the skin care-obsessed. The shops stock best-in-class brands, along with Beck’s own M-61 line of powerful skin care products and lune+aster, her all-natural makeup collection. // Multiple locations
Runner-Up: Skinfinity
Whether you’re looking for some quick Botox or a luxurious medical-grade facial, this medspa—founded by a longtime plastic surgery nurse—is a go-to for many Northern Virginians in search of a refresh. // 421 Church St. NE, Suite H, Second floor, Vienna
Men’s Clothing
Winner: Nordstrom
An enduring favorite among the region’s gents, Nordstrom offers wardrobe options for every occasion under one roof. Plus, personal shoppers are available if you need extra assistance coming up with just the right look. // Multiple locations
Vintage Clothing Boutique
Winner: Havana Vintage
Owner Nolkis Roman, who grew up in Cuba, travels the world to stock her Great Falls shop with one-of-a-kind, yet affordable fashions, accessories and decor items. Havana Vintage also doubles as a consignment shop—but we’re willing to bet most clients pick the store credit over cash in this shop stocked with vintage treasures. // 1137 Walker Road, Great Falls
Runner-Up: Auntie TE’s
With a recent move to be close to fashion-centric Mosaic District, Thresa Cizmar (otherwise known as the eponymous Auntie TE) offers more items than ever, including secondhand jewelry, handbags, even painted furniture. // 2931-B Eskridge Road, Fairfax
Fashion Blogger
Winner: Blonde in the District
Body positive beauty blogger Dani Sauter developed a devoted following sharing her style adventures in the DC region. We asked the Old Town Alexandria resident to spill her top three fashion faves.
1. My favorite shop in all of NoVA is ELOQUII in the Pentagon City Mall. ELOQUII is a fashion brand for women sizes 14 and up and it is my go-to shop for everything. They have the best, most fashionable and stylish items for curvy women.
2. Undeniable Boutique is a fabulously curated boutique and you can always find something unique and fun that you can’t find at other places.
3. Sophie Blake’s collection of jewelry (at her shop in Mosaic District) is absolutely stunning and so beautifully designed. I’ve been a fan of her designs for years.
Affordable Accessories
Winner: Lou Lou Boutique
Make sure you have time to browse when you enter a ubiquitous Lou Lou Boutique. The affordable accessories store is packed to the gills with pieces that promise to turn any outfit into a standout. The Middleburg-based boutique is a homegrown success story with now nearly 30 locations. // Multiple locations
Editor’s Pick: She’s Unique
The mother-daughter duo behind this Old Town Alexandria boutique stocks an array of sleek, stylish accessories in an equally stylish setting. // 205 King St., Alexandria
Fine Jewelry
Winner: Alexandria & Company
Formerly Lawrence Miller & Co., this Old Town gem has changed its name but not its jewelry-making traditions. Dating back more than 50 years, it specializes in custom jewelry made on-site by a team of craftsmen, including goldsmiths, silversmiths, polishers and apprentices. If you’re looking to create a quality piece that can be passed down for generations, this tiny Old Town shop is the place. // 121 S. Royal St., Alexandria
Runner-Up: Quest Fine Jewelers
This family-owned jeweler has been in business for two decades offering custom designs for very special occasions, including engagement rings and wedding bands. // 8431 Lee Highway, Fairfax
Lingerie
Winner: Trousseau
In this age of internet ordering of, well, everything, Trousseau is bucking tradition. The lingerie shop near Tysons Corner is a brick-and-mortar only, with longtime clients visiting for fittings across all stages of life. From bridal to nursing bras, from fitness to everyday, Trousseau’s talented team of lingerie experts help clients get the right undergarments for every occasion. // 306 Maple Ave. W. Vienna
Fitness Clothing
Winner: Athleta
The store may be a national chain (under the same ownership umbrella as Gap and Banana Republic), but it’s devoted to sustainable and social justice values, including making sure its athletic wear is produced sustainably and with fair trade. Think of them as yoga pants with a purpose. // Multiple locations
Runner-Up: Lululemon
The ubiquitous yoga pants and athletic wear that have come to define Lululemon are enduringly popular for a reason. They have a fashionable fit, sure, but the company also offers a community (think running and yoga workshops) at each local store. // Multiple locations
Vintage Home Finds & Antiques
Winner: Quinn’s Auction House
A family-owned business for more than 30 years, Quinn’s Auction House in Falls Church is a treasure trove of hand-picked antiques. If you’re new to the auction world, try out the Weekly Treasures Auction on Wednesday evenings. The company also offers estate sales and appraisal services. // 360 S. Washington St., Falls Church
Runner-Up: Acme Mid-Century + Modern
Don Draper’s character may have been questionable, but his city apartment? A midcentury modern dream. Live out all your Mad Men fantasies at this authentic shop on Royal Street. // 1218 King St., Alexandria
Furniture
Winner: Belfort Furniture
Claiming the mantle of largest furniture showroom in all of NoVA and DC, Belfort Furniture has been a go-to for Northern Virginians since 1982. Belfort strives to be affordable and a one-stop shop, offering furniture for every room in the house, plus free design services. // 22250 Shaw Road, Dulles
Consignment Shop – Adults
Winner: Wardrobe Rescue
Offering a great mix of new-to-you clothing, Wardrobe Rescue has been outfitting frugal yet fashionable women since 2011. Bonus: the consignment shop donates any unsold items to Women Giving Back, a local nonprofit supporting women and children in crisis. // 134 Church St. NW, Vienna
Runner-Up: Current Boutique
This longtime consignment staple has multiple locations in the region and offers plenty of on-trend options for fashionistas seeking affordability. // Multiple locations
Consignment Shop – Kids
Winner: Little Lords & Ladies
That outfit you splurged on for your baby’s birthday photo? Why not pass it on—and make some money back also? Little Lords & Ladies stocks children’s clothes from infants to tweens, offering parents an opportunity to not feel quite so guilty when your growing babe only gets one or two uses out of that designer outfit. // 14155 Sullyfield Circle, Suite I, Chantilly
Editor’s Pick: Bellies & Babies
Find high-end clothing on its second life for your kiddo—plus moms-to-be can dress their bumps, as well, at this Del Ray shop that offers both children’s clothing and maternity wear. // 1913 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Children’s Clothing
Winner: Ashby Mae Boutique
Your kids will be picture perfect with the selection of infant and children’s clothing from this family-owned boutique in Leesburg. Look for clothing, accessories and gifts, all curated by a mother-daughter team who opened the shop in 2016. // 305 Unit N, E. Market St., Leesburg
Runner-Up: Pink & Brown Boutique
With a goal of providing clothing that’s 100% organic, this Old Town boutique lets parents balance style—while doing their part to save the planet for the next generation. // 1129 King St., Alexandria
Home Decor
Winner: Home Goods
It’s nearly impossible to stop in to Home Goods without snapping something up. The national chain offers an array of home decor items that help interior design fans brighten up a space—without breaking the bank. // Multiple locations
Tailor
Winner: Tang’s Alterations
Xiao-Yin Byrom, otherwise known as Tang, and her team are a go-to for tailoring for many Northern Virginians in the Manassas area. The longtime tailor’s 30 years of sewing experience and an art degree means she understands the construction of a garment and delivers top-quality alterations. In addition to everyday alterations, she offers services for both wedding dresses and Irish dance costumes. // 8675 Sudley Road, Manassas
Shoe Repair
Winner: Sam Torrey
It’s not uncommon to wait in line on a Saturday morning to drop your shoes (or your handbag, or your luggage) off at this tiny shop on Lee Highway in Arlington. Serving customers since 1945, the longtime cobbler can give new life to your favorite pair of shoes. // 5267 Lee Highway, Arlington
Runner-Up: Old Town Shoe and Luggage Repair
Located on bustling King Street, this popular repair shop has been serving Northern Virginia for 35 years, transforming shoes, handbags, luggage and more. // 824 King St., Alexandria
Our Best of NoVA 2019 issue is on stands now. Pick up a copy to find all of this year’s winners, across multiple categories, including Arts & Entertainment, Family & Kids and Food.
