Bike Shop
Winner: Spokes Etc.
These six shops have been locally owned and operated for 35 years, so you get the stability and selection of a chain with all the personal service you’d expect from an indie bike shop. Whether you need some one-on-one advice on your first mountain, road, or electric bike purchase, or just want to pick up a cool vintage-look bell for your existing two-wheeler, you’ve come to the right place. Multiple locations
Runner-Up: The Bike Lane
Another local operation, The Bike Lane has you covered with everything you need to hit the W&OD or your trail of choice. The Reston location serves the company’s own brewed beer and has a full coffee bar. 11150 Sunset Hills Dr., Reston; 8416 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield
Children’s Clothing
Winner: Ashby Mae Children’s Boutique
It’s hard to believe this beloved kids’ store has only been in Leesburg for five years, because it’s become such a part of the local community. Brands from Antoinette Paris to Zuccini Kids stock the shelves here; expect ruffly dresses, preppy swim trunks, and bespoke bonnets galore. 305 E. Market St., Unit N, Leesburg
Runner-Up: Pink & Brown Boutique
All of the (adorable) clothing at this Old Town shop is made of 100 percent organic cotton and the finest fabrics. If you don’t know where to begin, clerks are happy to assist with fun, age-appropriate gift ideas. 1129 King St., Alexandria
Consignment Shop (Adults)
Winner: Mint Condition
This expertly curated shop in Old Town is owned by two sisters-in-law, who fill its 2,000 square feet with the likes of Burberry, Chanel, Golden Goose, Lululemon, Veronica Beard, and more, all at a fraction of what you’d pay for them retail. Got good stuff you never wear? Consider consigning it yourself. 103 S. St. Asaph St., Alexandria
Runner-Up: Wardrobe Rescue
If you’ve stared into an uninspiring closet for too many days in a row, it may be time for a trip to this consignment spot, which peddles high-end designer labels as well as somewhat more accessible brands like Ellen Tracy, White House Black Market, and anything Anthropologie. 134 Church St. NW, Vienna
Consignment Shop (Kids)
Winner: 529 Kids Consign
Owner Megan Podolsky, who has a background in fashion and an expert eye, started this shop when she had her first son and realized how quickly he grew out of his clothes. Here, you can stock up on cool threads for little ones without breaking the bank. 122-A S. Royal St., Alexandria; 21020 Sycolin Rd., Ste. 125, Ashburn
Runner-Up: Lemon Lane
Boden, CrewCuts, Vineyard Vines … you’ll find the too-cute brands you love, and like-new pieces, at this upscale children’s consignment store. Strollers, carriers, and other accessories can also be sourced here. 246 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Furniture
Winner: Belfort Furniture
If you can’t find something you like at Belfort, it may not exist—there are five showrooms here of furnishings and accessories, most of it at a mid-range price point. Now’s the time to browse outdoor sectionals and bright patio sets. 22250 Shaw Rd., Dulles
Runner-Up: Vintage Magnolia
One-of-a-kind finds abound at both the sprawling original Vintage Magnolia in Leesburg, where you’ll find 79 vendors across 10,000 square feet, and the Purcellville offshoot. Quality antiques and upcycled home decor are plentiful, as are unique gifts, like locally crafted charcuterie boards. 19487 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg; 600 E. Main St., Purcellville
Jewelry
Winner: Quinn’s Goldsmith
Owner Terry Quinn is seriously passionate about fine jewelry—he started learning about it at the age of 9 from a goldsmith on his paper route. Today, he’s outgrown his original Occoquan store but still tends to NoVA’s needs from a 3,000-square-foot location in Woodbridge. Sculpture and engraving inspire his custom work, but whatever your taste, he and his staff can help you find something beautiful. // 14901 Potomac Town Place, Ste. 170, Woodbridge
Runner-Up: Mystique Fine Jewelry Designs
Unique custom designs—perhaps fashioned from a stone or piece of metal you already own—are a specialty at this pair of jewelry boutiques. Men will find stunning bracelets and cuff links in the Middleburg store, and women will discover little lovelies at both locations. // 123 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria; 112 W. Washington St., Middleburg
Lingerie
Winner: Trousseau
This perennial favorite run by husband-and-wife duo Michael and Sarah Wiener makes a splash with luxe lingerie in more than 160—yes, we said 160—bra sizes, with more than 4,500 brassieres in stock at any given time. And the lace-trimmed little somethings are distracting, indeed. But don’t overlook the fun stuff like Tocca lotion, cat-printed PJs, and cozy socks, and stock up on handfuls of Hanky Panky thongs while you’re there. And where else are you going to find a Dita Von Teese COVID mask? 306 Maple Ave. West, Vienna
Runner-Up: Belle Mode Intimates
From the prettiest lingerie to comfortable everyday nothings you won’t want to take off, Belle Mode also offers 160 bra sizes, and the staff specializes in fitting you with exactly the right one. There’s bridal wear, shapewear, and pretty bra-and-panty sets just for fun, so see what strikes your fancy. 11889 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax
Men’s Clothing
Winner: Nordstrom
Nordstrom is a no-brainer for guys—the customer service is legendary, so there will always be someone to help you find the right date-night outfit, comfy loungewear, or tux, and take care of you even after the purchase is made if anything isn’t quite right for whatever reason. Styles are on point to begin with, but a little extra help doesn’t hurt. Multiple locations
Runner-Up: Men’s Wearhouse
The name says it all: This shop stocks everything from Saturday-morning joggers to sport coats to suits to tuxes, so men are guaranteed to find something to, well, wear. The delight is in the details: At any of the 600-some stores across the country, staffers hem slacks while you wait, offer 24-hour tailoring availability, and iron most of your dressier purchases for you—for the rest of your life. Multiple locations
Shoe Repair
Winner: Guarantee Shoe Repair
You know those boots or heels you just can’t bear to get rid of because they fit just right and there’s nothing out there that’s quite the same? But the sole is pulling away and the heel looks like you’ve marched through battle in them? Leave it to these cobblers to bring old favorites back to new life—they’ve been doing it for years from this Vienna shop. Next time you splurge on nice shoes, strike preemptively and have the folks at Guarantee reinforce the heels and bottoms—they’ll last longer and look better. 131 Church St. NW, Vienna, 703-938-8881
Runner-Up: Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair
Brighten up that beloved old weekender bag or put a new shine on those shoes—or rather, let the experts here do that work for you while you pet one of the store cats. Ratty pump tips, stuck zippers, and torn seams all get magically smoothed over here. 824 King St., Alexandria, 703-299-0655
Tailor
Winner: The Tailor Shop
Baggy trousers and ill-fitting bridesmaid dresses get saved at this Vienna business. Whether you need a simple hem, a nipped-in waist, or a careful dry-cleaning job, trust either owner to take care of you—they each have decades of experience. 425 Maple Ave. East, Vienna, 703-281-5556
Runner-Up: Techy’s Tailoring
As of press time, Techy’s was operating by appointment only and booked out two months in advance, to boot. Clearly, there are loyal fans of their hemming, bridal-alteration, zipper-repair, and other skills who won’t go anywhere else. 3301 Mount Vernon Ave., Ste. 202, Alexandria
Vintage Clothing Boutique
Winner: Nostalgia Boutique
Swingy vintage frocks, classic suits, and, of course, lots and lots of hats abound in this shop that’s a labor of love for owner Silas Redd, who has studied and worked in fashion but is at heart a lover of all things vintage. From seersucker shirtdresses to baby-dolls that wouldn’t look out of place at “modern” stores, there’s lots of well-loved clothing for you to peruse. 142 E. Main St., Purcellville
Runner-Up: Amalgamated Costume and Design Studio
If you’ve ever imagined yourself in Gatsby-era fringe or a rockabilly skirt that swirls all the way up, get ready for your dreams to come true. Vintage-lovers will drool at this shop, which doubles as a resource for fashion designers, stage acts, and costume professionals to find exactly what they need. Guys aren’t forgotten amid all the glamour—the place is a treasure trove of men’s suiting, Hawaiian shirts, ties, pocket watches, and other accoutrements. 5179-B Lee Hwy., Arlington
Vintage Home Finds/Antiques
Winner: The Back Dorr
If you like that spruced-up ancient chair in the corner of The Back Dorr, snag it, because it probably won’t be there tomorrow. Inventory changes daily at this furniture-transformation studio, where you can buy pieces already fixed up or bring in your own old ones to be remade exactly to your specifications—new paint, new fabric, new knobs, new everything. It moves this month from Dorr Avenue to a new nearby address—stop in June 16-19 for grand-opening festivities. 3158 Spring St., Fairfax
Runner-Up: Nostalgia Boutique
Primitive and early-American furniture, well-cared-for antiques, crystal stemware, and lamps your stylish grandmother might have owned all find a place in this Purcellville gem. 142 E. Main St., Purcellville
Women’s Boutique
Winner: Undeniable Boutique
This Mosaic District boutique picks up a win almost every year in this category because they get what women want. For instance, they don’t just have a “Work from Home” section on their website—they break it down to “Tops for Videoconferencing” and “Presentable Loungewear.” Styles are on-trend, prices are reasonable, and personal-styling sessions are always on offer. 2920 District Ave., Ste. 140, Fairfax
Runner-Up: Gossip on 23rd
Psst: Rumor has it, everything at Gossip is under $100. So you can put together a smocked top, artfully destroyed mom jeans, and a pair of retro shades, all without breaking your new belted wallet. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 2250, Arlington
Women’s Shoes
Winner: The Shoe Hive
Rag & Bone, Golden Goose, Sam Edelman, and Vince are among the trendy footwear labels you’ll find in this luxe Alexandria boutique. Designer clothing has taken over more room here (that’s “The Hive” part of the shop), but shoes still get plenty of love. For this season, we’re into super-puffy slides from Roam in a rainbow of hues, most pairs under $135. 127 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria
Runner-Up: Nordstrom
Everyone knows this department store is famous for its shoe section, and it never disappoints. An extended range of sizes and a wide array of price points make it a perennial favorite. Multiple locations
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
