Destination: Located right in the hustle and bustle of Old Town Alexandria, Duchess M is a perfect new addition to one of Northern Virginia’s ultimate shopping spots.
Atmosphere: This business is a family affair. Owner Susie Pollard Freimanis and her mother Mary Pollard, for whom the shop was named, work side by side. You can even occasionally find her two daughters running around the store, which is no surprise considering the boutique’s bright and feminine aura. A customer would never know that this shopping destination used to once be a beauty salon.
Bread and Butter: For having just opened this past October, Duchess M already has a strong identity. Freimanis describes the store’s strong suit as being able to go from “daytime to evening.” From a strong designer collection of Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk and Ted Baker to 7 for All Mankind denim and a table filled with luxury fur scarves by Linda Richards, customers get the quality they pay for. Anyone can come out of this boutique with a chic look for the winter.
Sweet Surprises: Although Duchess M carries mostly name brand items, Freimanis will make “specific edited buys” of a label. Therefore while it might be a name you recognize, it won’t necessarily be an item you have seen elsewhere—for instance, a shopping mall.
Fiercest Fan: With Duchess M only being a few months old, it does not quite have one concise customer yet, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t fans. “It is a diverse mix [of customers] especially because Old Town is such a traditional environment. We wanted to make sure we had things my friends would like, but my mom would like as well,” Freimanis says.
Blows to Budget: A customer can find warm ponchos and tops for just around $45, mid-range Ella Moss sweaters and blouses in the $100 range. A designer dress might be upwards of $500.
—Cate Jensen
Destination: 805 King St., Alexandria; 571-982-3118
(January 2015)