Best of: Shopping

Jeans Shop
WINNER
Denim Bar
Mary Alexandre, of Alexandria, opened Denim Bar in April of 2005. Carrying the hottest name-brand jeans for both men and women, the shop quickly became the area’s go-to jean spot. An attentive staff makes sure everyone finds pants with the perfect fit, and the shop offers popular private shopping parties. “We’re stepping into the fashion side of it with more accessories, tops and dresses; but we will continue to be the Denim Bar,” says Alexandre. 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington; 703-414-8202; www.denimbaronline.com—NL

RUNNER-UP
Lucky Brand Jeans
Multiple NoVA locations; www.luckybrand.com

HONORABLE MENTION
Nordstrom
Multiple NoVA locations; www.nordstrom.com

Vintage Boutique
WINNER
Eclectic Threads
The vintage clothing at Eclectic Threads never goes out of style. Tara Selario, 39, of Arlington, opened this trendy consignment shop back in 2001; and everyday she sees new clients coming in for hats from the ‘30s, furs from the ‘40s or prom dresses from the ‘50s. “It’s amazing what people here have to consign,” says Selario. While she mostly looks to buy funky and original pieces with at least 20 years of wear, Selario also proudly carries newer “retro” garb. 2647 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington; 703-276-0051; eclecticthreadsva.com—NL

Trendy Boutique
WINNER
South Moon Under
Multiple NoVA locations; www.southmoonunder.com

RUNNER-UP
Lou Lou
Multiple NoVA locations; 540-687-4202 for Middleburg / 703-668-0511 for Reston

HONORABLE MENTION
MadisonBelle
5 Loudoun St. S.E., Leesburg; 703-443-1790

Shoe Store
WINNER
DSW
Multiple NoVA locations; www.dsw.com

RUNNER-UP
Nordstrom

Accessories
WINNER
Lou Lou
Following the 2003 opening of the flagship Lou Lou boutique in Middleburg, owners Tara and Ben Wegdam met rising demand for their trendy wares by opening four locations that would exclusively carry their sought-after accessories. The Wegdams handpick the store’s merchandise—which includes signature Lou Lou pieces, Ray-Ban sunglasses and Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry—and restock nearly every day to keep the selection fresh and appealing for all ages. “That is the beauty of the store,” says Tara Wegdam. “It appeals to a 9-year-old, and adults. It appeals to everybody.” Multiple NoVA locations; 540-687-4202 for Middleburg; 703-668-0511 for Reston—NL

RUNNER-UP
Nordstrom

HONORABLE MENTION
Target
Multiple NoVA locations; www.target.com

Menswear
WINNER
Nordstrom

RUNNER-UP
Jos. A. Banks
Multiple NoVA locations; www.josbank.com

HONORABLE MENTION
Men’s Wearhouse
Multiple NoVA locations; www.menswearhouse.com

Evening/Formal Boutique
WINNER
Nordstrom

CO-RUNNER-UP
Sister’s Boutique & Gifts
20691 Ashburn Road, Ashburn; 571-223-1735; www.shopsistersboutique.com

CO-RUNNER-UP
Annalee’s
42395 Ryan Road, Ashburn; 703-722-2588; www.annaleesformals.com