ACCUMULATE
Shopping isn’t just a pastime; it’s a state of mind. From New York fashion to the strip mall sprawl, our region offers countless opportunities to achieve enlightenment.
By Vanessa LaFaso Stolarski

Zazu (Photography by Hana Jung)

Unique Gifts
ZAZU
20070 Ashbrook Commons Place, #183, Ashburn; 703-858-9298; www.shopzazu.com

Besides being the nickname of owner Caroline Haddad’s son, “Zs are really funny,” Haddad says about naming the store. Custom-designed stationary, “it” bags of the season and “fun” jewelry are just a few of the items that make Zazu stand out. Not to mention a staff that is just as original as the items in the store. “We have an infectious personality,” Haddad beams.

Sporting Goods
GOLFDOM
8203 Watson St., McLean; 703-790-8844; www.golfdomgolf.com

Why pantomime a test swing when you can take a whack with them right in the store? At Golfdom customers can test-run irons in the various in-store bays to ensure they are a good “fit.” Combined with a knowledgeable staff who, according to manager Buddy Christenson, “live and love the game,” Golfdom’s prices are competitive with “big-box stores” while providing small-store attention.

Indie Bookstore
BUSBOYS & POETS
4251 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington; 703-379-9757; www.busboysandpoets.com

Founded by Iraqi-American artist Anas “Andy” Shallal, Busboys & Poets was named for Langston Hughes’ pre-poet career when he worked as a busboy. As a certified B Corporation, the neighborhood gathering place holds socio-political consciousness and activism in high regard.

Brian and Robin Devaux (Photography by Hana Jung)

Roadside Convenience Store Owner
BRIAN AND ROBIN DEVAUX
Paeonian Gourmet; 40602 Charles Town Pike, Paeonian Springs; 540-882-3700

Brian Devaux remembers sipping Coke out of a glass bottle in the country store his great-grandfather used to own. So when he and his wife Robin acquired Paeonian Gourmet in January with the help of Donny Walker from Walker & Clark Builders, he aimed to emulate that same quaint charm. A step inside reveals old-fashioned candy, organic snack foods, homemade sandwiches and, yes, glass-bottled sodas. But walk further to the back of the store and visitors will delight at Paeonian’s enormous selection of wines, as well as a collection of over 190 different beers. “There’s nothing I love more than to hear the ‘Wow! I had no idea this was here’ when someone rounds that corner,” Devaux beams.

Shop to Find Stuff Nobody Else Has
TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES
915 King St., Alexandria; 703-684-1435; 1937 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg; 540-785-9967; www.tenthousandvillages.com

Celebrating their 15th anniversary this year, Ten Thousand Villages is a store with a conscience. As a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association, “the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries.” So what will a shopper find that is nonpareil to other boutiques? For starters, says manager Kate McMahon,“a series of pottery items from Bangladesh, with Bengali inscriptions that tell the tale of the potter … recycled soda cans from South Africa made into a guitar-playing gecko … wall hangings made by a Haitian group from recycled oil can drums,” to name a few.

Bath and Body
ROUGE SPA
Calgon, shmalgon. 17 S. King St., Leesburg; 703-779-3700; www.rougespa.com

Femininity rules at Rouge, which is known more as a beauty apothecary. Edwardian cursive splays the labels of ornate bath sets that share counter space with oversized puff applicators and scented candles.

Strip Mall

VIRGINIA GATEWAY

Linton Hall Road, Gainesville; www.vagateway.com

Cosmetics
BELLACARA

1000 King St., Alexandria; 703-299-9652; www.bellacara.com

Jewelry
ASPEN JEWELRY DESIGNS

2451 Centreville Road, #I-7, Herndon; 703-713-6882; www.aspendesigns.net