Alexandria’s Crilley Warehouse. (Photography by Heather Fuentes)
Abby Wolverton believes in a bit of attitude when it comes to the way women dress. It’s why she and Sarah Bryen picked the name Sassy for their newish boutique in Alexandria’s Crilley Warehouse. “Anyone who’s met me can tell why I picked that!” says the entrepreneurial Wolverton, who grew up in Charlottesville and has a background in business. “Men sometimes use it almost as a barb, but I love women with a little sass and personality in their style—and our inventory reflects that.”
Equally cheeky: The unlikely duo became friends after realizing they dated the same man in the previous five years, discovered their shared passion for fashion and went into business together. Since opening in October, their mid- to high-end space has peddled new and like-new pieces from legacy brands such as Armani, Escada and DVF, and lesser-known labels including Joseph Ribkoff and Julie Dorst.“We try to aim for classic with a twist,” says Bryen, a DC-area native who also works in marketing. “Sometimes it can be one small detail or sometimes it’s just a really good cut or material. We never want clothes that wear the woman; we want to highlight the woman wearing the clothes.”
They offer wardrobe consulting and personal shopping, and they go the extra mile in search of that must-have item. “What’s different for us [than other stores] is that while most of the pieces we carry are unique—vintage, hard-to-find, designer—we’re willing to work to track down that [product] at a client’s request,” says Bryen. They source from estate sales throughout NoVA (mainly Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax) and in DC. “It’s the best part of the job,” adds Wolverton. She’s also working on a new jewelry line for spring with her grandmother and gem maven, Sherry Weber, while Wolverton and Bryen both are building out the store’s consulting services. So, how’s the reception been? “My favorite comment was a lady who came in and said, ‘Wow, you have some wild stuff!’” says Wolverton. “Our customers feel that everything we sell comes off the page, and they seem to enjoy the whimsy.” Turn the page to see their sassy fashion picks for spring. // 218 N. Lee St., Alexandria
Sassy Spring
The women of Sassy Boutique share what you should be wearing this spring.
New
1. Byron Lars Dress, $245
“This designer is a favorite of Michelle Obama—and Sassy too! The teal brightens up the palette for spring while the cut remains versatile for both outdoor events and eveningwear.” –Wolverton
New
2. Yoana Baraschi Crochet Dress, $240
“I see this as a perfect date-night dress. The crochet material makes it breathable and a little beachy, but the cut and color keep it an Audrey Hepburn-inspired, classic LBD.” –Wolverton
Like-New
3. Escada Blazer, $250
“This blazer is completely versatile: Dress it up for the office or wear it with jeans. The colors scream spring and the workmanship is stunning.” –Bryen
Like-New
4. Kate Spade Straw Totes, $75 each
“We love Kate Spade! She was beauty and class, and had a vulnerability behind the glam. We celebrate her work—and, besides, straw bags are definitely having a moment.” –Bryen
New
5. Le Fash Tops, $95 each
“[They are a] favorite of our equestrian customers—super flattering because the sides are jersey fabric and give, yet are cut to accentuate the waistline. [They’ll] be fabulous for all the equestrian events we have coming up!” –Bryen
New
6. Julie Dorst Skirt, $235
“The highlighter-color striped flair skirt brings personality and color to the workplace.”
–Wolverton
Like-New
7. Diane von Furstenburg Dress, $98
“I love the wild colors and pattern on this; I think we all crave that after winter. It’s also 100% silk, so very light and airy, which is great as the weather gets warmer.” –Wolverton
New
8. Yoana Baraschi A-line Dress, $239
“I feel this one will be fantastic for outdoor spring events, especially when paired with a lovely sun hat.” –Bryen
This post originally appeared in our March 2020 print issue. For more stylish finds, subscribe to our weekly Shopping newsletter.
