The Best Shopping

By Natalie Kaar

WOMEN’S
Consignment Shop
Chic Envy
The downfall of working at Fairfax’s Chic Envy consignment store? According to Ashley Allen, employee there for nearly two years: major temptation. Actually, on the day we spoke she confessed she had just bought something. Describing the store’s various lures, she explains, “We have a wide selection of fabulous merchandise … over 1,100 consigners.” But that’s not all. With a “boutique feel” and “great prices,” Allen declares, “It’s the ultimate shopping experience.”/ 1895 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax; 703-268-5228; www.chicenvy.com

Local Boutique
Misguided Angels
Carol White and Kim Hutchings met working at Victoria’s Secret in the ‘90s. Fast forward to November 2010 when they opened a boutique in Ashburn for proof that their fashion sense is certainly not an unmentionable. Misguided Angels is the talk of Brambleton and beyond for its wide variety of wallet-friendly weekend wear, which White says includes “items you can’t find elsewhere,” must-haves like Miss Me jeans and “lots of cute shoes” from Sam Edelman. / 22855 Brambleton Plaza, #105, Ashburn; 703-957-4601; www.shopmisguidedangels.com

Beauty Products
Sephora
Since 1993 when Sephora—named after Moses’ beautiful wife, Zipporah, and sephos, ancient Greek for “pretty”—was founded in France, the store has become a beauty powerhouse the world over. In the U.S., alone, there are now over 250 Sephora stores (NoVA: six) and over 200 Sephora counters in JCPenney. But how could Sephora not be popular with its dreamy boatload of top beauty brands and ace associates who know their Lorac from their Laura Mercier?/ Multiple NoVA locations; www.sephora.com

Bathing Suits
South Moon Under
What began as a small Ocean City surf shack is now an upscale clothing retailer with 14 regional locations. While the stores’ merchandise is ultra-cool in general, if there’s one must-buy, it’s their swimsuits. Gage Lester, marketing director, says, “Swimwear is one of the foundations of our brand … we’re always getting in new merchandise … have a ton of diversity … our associates are very knowledgeable … and we have a selection year-round.” New ladies lines this season: R, Insight, Letarte. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.southmoonunder.com

Lingerie
Trousseau
As Sarah Weiner, co-owner of Vienna’s Trousseau, says, “If it’s a bad underwear day, it’s going to be a bad day.” That’s where the lingerie institution swoops in to help. While Weiner says stellar service plays a huge part in keeping repeat customers from pre-teens to seniors happy—“We really try to make women feel comfortable, more confident”— its inventory is nothing to shake a stick at either, including bras in sizes 30AA-56N. / 306 Maple Ave. W, Vienna; 703-255-3300; www.trousseaultd.com

Accessories
Charming Charlie
Believe accessories make the outfit? You’ll have it made at any of NoVA’s three Charming Charlie stores. As for what makes them so charming, Erika Amoni, manager in Fredericksburg, says, “I think it’s the sheer volume of accessories on the floor … over 7,000 units”—from jewelry to handbags, scarves, tights, even gifts like Lolita wine glasses. As she points out, “If you can’t find something … you may just be too picky.”/ Multiple NoVA locations; www.charmingcharlie.com

MEN’S
Business
Jos. A. Bank
A wide array of beautifully made, classically tailored and casual clothing at prices 20 to 30 percent below competitors’ has been attracting customers to Jos. A. Bank stores for over a century according to the company, which now has 500 U.S. stores, five in NoVA. But Ernesto Gordon, manager in Sterling, thinks Jos. A. Bank’s popularity also comes from “excellent customer service” and “emphasizing every detail.” In a nutshell, he says, “We exceed all expectations.” / Multiple NoVA locations; www.josabank.com

Casual Attire
Nordstrom
As Ellen Asaka of the Tysons Nordstrom—for 17 years and counting—will tell you of men and shopping, “Most want to get in and out as soon as possible.” That’s where Nordstrom’s exceptional customer service and inventory come in ultra-handy. Asaka stresses one-on-one time, which eliminates aimless wandering; and regarding the casual inventory, she says, “Men [from Hugo Boss lovers to Tommy Bahama devotees] are able to get dressed from head to toe.” / Multiple NoVA locations; www.nordstrom.com

Athletic Attire
Dick’s Sporting Goods
From just a $300 investment to over 300 stores … the story of Dick’s Sporting Goods. Founder Dick Stack was given $300 from his grandmother’s cookie jar back in 1948 so that he could follow his dreams of owning a bait and tackle shop. Fast forward to today when his stores offer just about everything for practically every sport, including a noteworthy men’s fitness apparel array from popular brands Adidas, Marmot and oodles more. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.dickssportinggoods.com

Best Tween/Toddler, Baby and Toys Store
Doodlehopper 4 Kids
Like something out of a fairytale, Falls Church and Springfield’s Doodlehopper 4 Kids is a store that brings joy not only to its shoppers, seeking rare and unique toys as well as big-name standbys for children of all ages, but also its employees. Falls Church manager Sunni Car-Ver shares, “Customers often say, ‘When I come in here, it makes me feel happy.’” Likewise, she says, “Our staff is very excited to work here. Multiple NoVA locations; www.doodlehopper.com

Local Home Goods Store
HomeGoods
Owned by TJX Companies Inc., parent of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls among others, HomeGoods is as the company describes it, “an off-price home fashions store, providing a tremendous selection of high-quality, unique home fashions, including brand and designer name merchandise.” Why NoVA loves HomeGoods: As Lori, who recently saved hundreds when redecorating her Fairfax Station home, declares on the store’s website, ‘A little paint and HomeGoods is all you need.’ Multiple NoVA locations; www.homegoods.com

Pet Shop
DogGone Natural
As DogGone Natural owner C.J. Gray illustrates, NoVA knows pets have unique nutritional needs and don’t want the same menu every day. “You want to eat a hot dog throughout your life? No!” This explains his store’s popularity. It offers a huge variety of hand-selected natural, high-quality pet food—with a second store “in the works”—and, as Gray says, “Kim [store nutritionist] really has a knack for what she does.” 44031 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Ashburn; 703-858-1112; www.doggonenatural.com

Novelty Shop
Ashburn Wine Shop
Northern Virginians who love a big selection when searching for vino, but don’t want to be left alone to sip through the array, book it to Ashburn Wine Shop. As manager Chuck Hess says, “Customer service and education are huge. We really walk through things with the customer … pair exact taste with exact preferences.” This includes regular tastings: Beer Thursdays, Blind Wine Taste Test Fridays and Saturday Wine & Cheeses. 44050 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Ashburn; 703-723-7575; www.ashburnwineshop.com

Antique Shop
Old Lucketts Store
Old Lucketts Store is a three-floor shop chock-full of antiques and new items from 30 different dealers. Items range from stained glass to large furniture and architectural pieces, vintage clothing, garden accessories, etc. The store’s biggest draw: its Design House weekends, held monthly, when everything is on sale. As Diana Wells describes, it is “like jumping into a design magazine.” 42350 Lucketts Road, Leesburg; 703-779-0268; www.luckettstore.com

(June 2011)