Children’s Clothing
Winner: Ashby Mae Boutique
This family-owned boutique in Leesburg continues to outfit NoVA’s youngest with clothing, accessories and gifts that bring their cuteness factor to the next level. From must-have shoes to in-season dresses provided by over two dozen international brands, kiddos are always ready for a photo op in items from this Leesburg boutique. // 305 E. Market St., Unit N, Leesburg
Winner: Pink & Brown Boutique
All clothing items at this Alexandria-based boutique are made of 100% organic cotton and the finest fabrics, giving your children an ideal, comfortable fit. Plus, the shop is full of other goodies too, like nursery decor, toys, books and even skin care, including homemade bath bombs and soap bars. // 1129 King St., Alexandria
Consignment Shop – Adults
Winner: Current Boutique
With four locations in the DMV, Current Boutique—founded by expert bargain shopper and Arlington resident Carmen Lopez—has become a go-to shop for women looking to purge their closet, and also walk away with something fabulous. // 2601 Wilson Blvd., Arlington and 1009 King St., Alexandria
Winner: Mint Condition
Located in the heart of Old Town, this one-of-a-kind consignment shop offers products from high-end brands like Tory Burch, Stuart Weitzman and Lilly Pulitzer. From accessories to on-trend closet staples, the entire selection of products is curated and selected with purpose by the owners, who happen to be sisters-in-law. // 103 S. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria
Consignment Shop – Kids
Winner: 529 Kids Consign
It’s no secret that children grow fast, constantly outgrowing the cute outfits you picked out for them even less than a year ago. With 529 Kids Consign, you can transfer your gently worn former favorites for new, upscale children’s wear that owner Megan Podolsky curates herself, and at an affordable price point too. // 122 S. Royal St., Alexandria and 21020 Sycolin Road, Suite 125, Ashburn
Vintage Clothing Boutique
Winner: Amalgamated Costume & Design Studio
From accessories from the 1960s to art-deco-inspired attire resembling outfits adorned in the Roaring ’20s, Amalgamated Costume & Design is a one-stop shop for premier vintage pieces. Owner Shelley White is a professional custom designer by trade, working with fashion designers, stage acts and costume enthusiasts alike to find the proper look for any upcoming event. No matter what you’re searching for, all items are inspired by another era that you’ll most definitely want to be a part of. // 5179 B Lee Highway, Arlington
Winner: Dig! Records and Vintage
Relics of the past consider this shop in historic downtown Leesburg to be one of note, thanks to its wide array of records—featuring sounds of punk, psych, soul, funk, jazz and more—vintage clothing, turntables and audio gear. And, once in a while, the owner offers free finds, as well as discounts all collectors or music enthusiasts will appreciate. // 212C Loudoun St. SE, Leesburg
Fashion Blogger
Winner: Blonde in the District
Old Town resident and beauty blogger Dani Sauter has been spreading messages of body positivity for years, continuing to gain supporters through her blog and Instagram page, where she has more than 110,000 followers. From where to find the best size-inclusive styles to must-indulge restaurants in the District, her page is a one-stop shop of local insights.
Winner: Alicia McCaslin Styles
Whether you’re searching for wellness tips or products for the home that will elevate your space, Alicia McCaslin is here to help. The local blogger also serves as a wardrobe stylist, available for consultations, personal shopping and closet audits too.
Fitness Clothing
Winner: Athleta
Founded in 1998, Athleta was born with a mission to meet the unique needs of all athletic women, no matter their fitness interests. From sports bras to comfort-focused joggers, the national chain has something for everyone. // 11923 Market St., Reston and 8034 Tysons Corner Center, McLean
Winner: lululemon
Over the past 20 years, lululemon has become known as a fitness haven for men and women, selling athletic clothes perfect for yoga, running, full-body training and more. In addition to its several storefronts in NoVA, there are more than 460 lululemon stores internationally, as well as a surplus of merchandise on the company’s online site. // Multiple locations in Northern Virginia
Furniture
Winner: Belfort Furniture
For nearly two decades, Dulles-based Belfort Furniture has supplied DMV residents with one of the largest selections of home furniture in the region, all at a reasonable price point. Throughout the site, you’ll find five showrooms to browse through, offering everything from outdoor furniture to wall decor. // 22250 Shaw Road, Dulles
Winner: Patina Polished Living
This unique home goods store—founded by a pair of women skillful in economics and graphic design—offers vintage, handcrafted and luxury furniture or decor that will add a little life to any NoVA home. // 605 Franklin St., Alexandria
Jewelry
Winner: Alexandria & Company
Through worldly craftsmanship, a unique perspective and more than 50 years of experience, the team at Alexandria & Company creates and restores beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry for local residents of the region. All specialized pieces are made on-site at the tiny Old Town location, and are guaranteed to bring joy to the wearer for generations to come. // 121 S. Royal St., Alexandria
Winner: Quinn’s
For over 30 years, Quinn’s has been bringing premier fine jewelry to customers of Northern Virginia, through both custom and premier designs. With every item, including engagement rings, wedding rings, anniversary rings and fine diamond jewelry, customers are guaranteed to have a piece that stands out, lasts a lifetime and meets their exact specifications. // 14901 Potomac Town Place, Suite 170, Woodbridge
Lingerie
Winner: Belle Mode Intimates
From fitness to everyday, teens to older adults, this intimates-focused shop strives to outfit their clients in flattering, comfortable and perfectly fitting undergarments. No matter what you’re looking for, the experienced staff will be there to help, as “every woman deserves the perfect fit,” according to the boutique’s motto. // 11889 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax
Winner: Trousseau
Husband-and-wife duo Sarah and Michael Wiener helm this decades-old staple in Vienna, making it easy for locals to find custom-fit lingerie (with help from the experienced fit team!) in over 160 sizes and variants. In addition to luxe lingerie that’s built to last, the store offers bath and body products, candles and Europe-made pajamas too. // 306 Maple Ave. W., Vienna
Men’s Clothing
Winner: Men’s Wearhouse
Men’s Wearhouse has been outfitting gentlemen in authentic, on-trend sport coats, outerwear, shoes and so much more for over 45 years. At its over 700 stores nationwide and online platform, there is a promise to give every shopper the fit, quality and fabric they desire. // Multiple locations
Winner: Nordstrom
From comfortable loungewear to top-of-the-line tuxedos, Nordstrom offers premium attire for all men of the Northern Virginia region and beyond. Plus, most of the regional locations offer personal styling services to help gents achieve the desired look they’re hoping for. // Multiple locations
Shoe Repair
Winner: Guarantee Shoe Repair
Manuel, the cobbler and owner of Guarantee Shoe Repair, has been bringing quality back to standard shoes, boots, loafers and more for years from his Vienna shop. While there’s no website listed online, Manuel and his local business have received raving reviews over the past decade, described as “always friendly,” “worth the money” and a “refreshing mom and pop place.” // 131 Church St. NW, Vienna; 703-938-8881
Skin and Beauty Boutique
Winner: Bellacara
NoVA and DC residents have been relying on beauty haven Bellacara for more than two decades for high-end cosmetics, skin care and hair products. All items, supplied by nationally known brands like St. Tropez and Kiehl’s, are specially curated and tested by the boutique’s owner, Angela Sitilides, to guarantee the best in quality care for all shoppers. // 1000 King St., Alexandria
Winner: Bluemercury
While local founder Marla Beck is no longer at the helm of this 20-year-old beauty company that has garnered a global reputation since its early days in Georgetown, the brand continues to supply beauty mavens with powerful skin care products and all-natural makeup that’s worth the price point. // Multiple locations
Tailor
Winner: The Tailor Shop
This Vienna-based business specializes in custom tailor alterations, tuxedo rentals, hemming, leather repairs and dry cleaning, all at a reasonable price. Both owners offer decades of experience, and are dedicated to serving the Northern Virginia community. // 425 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
Winner: Techy’s Tailoring
Owned and operated by a tailor with nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Techy’s Tailoring provides quality tailoring work at a reasonable price. Whether you’re looking for hemming, draperies, bridal alterations, measurements or leather and zipper repairs, the dedicated staff at Techy’s has you covered, ensuring a perfect fit. // 3301 Mount Vernon Ave., Suite 202, Alexandria
Vintage Home Finds / Antiques
Winner: Acme Mid-Century + Modern
For those looking to add a little flare to their home, this premier purveyor of vintage and modern furnishings is the place for you. All items—think out-of-the-box decor, furniture of Scandinavian style and stand-out sculptures—are hand chosen by dedicated proprietor S. Pierre Paret. Plus, if you’re looking to trade in an old piece of furniture for a new one, Paret can make that happen too, all from his charming Old Town location. // 1218 King St., Alexandria
Editor’s Pick: The Old Lucketts Store
This old-school haven for antique and vintage furnishings is well-known in the Northern Virginia region and beyond, gaining a national reputation from its two annual events—the holiday Shop in Peace event and its Spring Market—that bring thousands to one place for never-before-seen, handmade items for the home. // 42350 Lucketts Road, Leesburg
Women’s Boutique
Winner: Monkee’s of Fredericksburg
For over a decade, Monkee’s has been bringing designer apparel paired with loyal customer service to historic Fredericksburg, garnering the attention of local shoppers. Former sales associate and now-owner Catherine Sullivan has revamped the brand over the past seven years, stocking the boutique and online store with on-trend seasonal looks from preppy dresses to show-stopping accessories that NoVA women will be donning with pride for years to come. // 827 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
Winner: Undeniable Boutique
The region’s most fashion-savvy shoppers have been relying on Undeniable Boutique for timeless, comfortable and fashion-forward clothing and accessories since 2011. The Mosaic District boutique even offers closet makeovers and personal styling services courtesy of its experienced stylists, making it easy for you to feel comfortable and beautiful in your individualized look. // 2920 District Ave., Suite 140, Fairfax
Women’s Shoes
Winner: DSW
While it may be a chain, this Ohio-born footwear retailer offers designer and name-brand shoes at a price point that’s hard to find in Northern Virginia. Whether you’re searching for a pair of heels for an upcoming party or are in need of new running sneakers, every in-person store is equipped with a selection of at least 500 shoes, making it easy to find what you need. // Multiple locations
Winner: The Shoe Hive
This luxury boutique in the heart of Alexandria offers must-shop footwear brands like Vince, Sam Edelman, French Sole and more, wearable by NoVA ladies of all ages. Within the quaint shop you’ll also find some apparel and accessories too—all curated seasonally by owner Elizabeth Todd—that are sure to have you turning heads while walking down the streets of Old Town. // 127 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria
This post originally appeared in our September 2020 Best of NoVA print issue. For more shopping news like this, subscribe to our Shopping newsletter.
