Best of NoVA 2018
Shopping
Looking to do some retail therapy? From boutiques for women and clothing stores for men to accessories and antiques, here are your fellow Northern Virginians’ favorites.
Women’s Boutique
South Moon Under
When looking for the latest trends in casual wear with a boho focus, South Moon Under is where Northern Virginians flock. The store has been around for a while and its popularity is due to the on-trend brands it carries: Free People, Elizabeth and James, Splendid and more. Plus, accessories are constantly changing and come in a range of price points allowing anyone to up their seasonal wardrobe game. –LN // Multiple locations; southmoonunder.com
Skin and Beauty Boutique
Arielle Shoshana
There are many big chain options when it comes to skin and beauty care shopping, but at Arielle Shoshana you browse curated products in a minimalist setting. Not only does the shop in Mosaic carry body products from on-trend brands like Kai, Elizabeth W and Atelier Cologne—you can also get fragrances displayed by scent notes, not brand—it also offers scent sessions where you work with the staff to find the perfect fit for you. –LN // 2920 District Ave., Fairfax; arielleshoshana.com
Men’s Clothing
Nordstrom
One-stop shopping is what area men tend to like about Nordstrom. The big chain has it all, from casual day wear and athletic pieces to business attire and loungewear, and tailoring services allow for the perfect fit with anything you buy. Plus, if putting together a wardrobe, or buying that one perfect shirt for a meeting is more than they want to deal with, personal shopping services are available. –LN // Multiple locations; shop.nordstrom.com
Vintage Clothing
Chic Envy
A vintage and consignment store is only as good as the eye of the owner. And Christina Crawford, owner of Chic Envy along with her daughters, makes sure that everything that comes into her store is a quality piece that she knows her customers will appreciate. Shoppers at Chic Envy can find sought-after brands like Kate Spade, Tory Burch and high-end pieces from Hermes, David Yurman and more. Just remember, with vintage and consignment, it’s all about the hunt. If you see something you love, don’t wait. –LN // 11893 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax; chicenvy.com
Affordable Accessories
Lou Lou Boutiques
Updating your wardrobe is easy with swapping out your accessories, and Lou Lou, a boutique store that started in Middleburg and now has expanded to more than 25 locations, makes this easy with the range of color palettes, variety of looks and unbelievably attractive prices. Lou Lou boutiques carry everything from earrings, necklaces and rings to handbags, wallets, scarves, sunglasses and more. The pieces are always on-trend and are displayed by color to make shopping easier as these stores are stocked to the fullest. Take your time perusing and you’re sure to find multiple items to up your wardrobe game. –LN // Multiple locations; loulouboutiques.com
Fine Jewelry
Princess Jewelers
For more than a quarter of a century, Princess Jewelers has been outfitting residents with fine jewelry for every occasion. A family-owned business, the staff at Princess Jewelers prides itself on its dedicated customer service and its quality offerings, from engagement rings and bridal jewelry to exquisite necklaces, earrings and bracelets. And for those looking for a truly unique piece, on-site master goldsmiths will work with you to create customized pieces. –LN // 529 Maple Ave. W, Vienna; princessjeweler.com
Lingerie
Trousseau
We’ve all heard that the majority of women are wearing the wrong bra. Trousseau is there for you to fix this problem. With lingerie in more than 160 sizes from quality vendors, their expert bra fitters can help you put together a wardrobe of undergarments to get you through any situation: everyday bras, sports bras, nursing bras, special occasion bras and more. They also offer complimentary alterations. Trousseau also carries a wide variety of sleepwear and bridal accessories. –LN // 306 Maple Ave. W, Vienna; trousseaultd.com
Fitness Clothing
Lululemon
Running gear, yoga gear, swimwear and I’m-wearing-it-everywhere gear is what Lululemon is known for, and it is one of the major players in what brought athleisure wear to the masses. But the company is more than just the clothes you put on, they want to be part of your healthy lifestyle, which is why you can find health festivals and retreat information on their website. Local stores host running clubs and other activities. –LN // Multiple locations; shop.lululemon.com
Vintage Home Finds
Acme Mid-Century + Modern
There is a lot of research and dedication to curating authentic, vintage, midcentury modern furniture that had its second coming after Mad Men. And since 2013, proprietor S. Pierre Paret has given his customers this focus by housing a broad range of vintage home goods, from furniture to decor, at his shop in Alexandria. Though the space is smaller than your typical furniture store, here everything you see has gone through vetting and is a quality piece. If you are seeking something specific, Paret will go on the hunt for you if he doesn’t have it on hand. His goal: make sure his customers have a home designed just as they like it. –LN // 1218 King St., Alexandria; acmemidcentury.com
Bikes
Green Lizard Cycling Company
The philosophy behind this local family business is as simple as riding a bike: Treat everyone how you would like to be treated. Through this mission they have grown their business and become part of the Herndon community where their business is located. And they not only sell, fix, service and give tips to cyclists, they also host them, and everyone in the community, through the adjoining coffee shop and beer shop. –LN // 718 Lynn St., Herndon; greenlizardcycling.com
Furniture
Belfort Furniture
Since 1982, Belfort Furniture has been outfitting area homes in all design aesthetics. Shoppers can find big name brands like Broyhill and Bernhardt and try out the popular lines like Tempur-Pedic and Serta mattresses. The focus of the store has always been affordable prices with a variety to fit every customer’s wants. They also house a clearance center for those looking for great deals and for customers who know exactly what they want, there are custom-order options too. –LN // 22250 Shaw Road, Sterling; belfortfurniture.com
Antiques
Evolution Home
Don’t let the at-first-glance small lime green brick building sitting next to a mobile park just off Route 1 in Alexandria fool you. There is a bounty of treasure inside. Evolution Home carries vintage and consignment home decor that includes all aesthetics, from colonial and traditional to midcentury modern and contemporary. Take the time to slowly walk through the mini stores that make up this space as there is a lot to look at. But look closely, there is always a great score available. –LN // 6239 Shields Ave., Alexandria; evolution-home.com
Comic Shop
Victory Comics
Victory Comics is more than just a place to go to pick up the latest comic; it is a community hub. Here you can peruse the aisles of comics (new and trade paperbacks), games (board and card) and collectibles (sports cards, action figures, statues and busts), but you can also sell the treasures you have on hand and take part in monthly events the store holds. Maybe you’re not feeling into the paper stories? Head into the in-store game room and pick up a controller. Check out their website for a full gaming schedule. –LN // 586 S. Washington St., Falls Church; victorycomics.com
Hobby Shop
Michaels
Everyone knows Michaels as the place to go for holiday decor, craft items for projects and for any painting or framing project. And while you can stock up for all of your DIY projects, you can also take advantage of workshops they hold. Classes vary at each location but you can find sessions that focus on cake decorating, jewelry making, knitting and crocheting, painting and drawing, paper crafting and children-specific programs. –LN // Multiple locations; michaels.com
Mall
Tysons Corner Center
Tysons Corner Center is not the mall it used to be. Yes, it still houses the most sought-after stores and restaurants, more than 300; they have also expanded with the opening of the Silver Line. The renovation added an open courtyard area with direct access to the Metro, which holds an outdoor play area for children, an ice rink in the winter, fire pits and lounging for shoppers, plus it is the spot for numerous events, including summer concerts, holiday and cultural events and ongoing children activities. –LN // 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner; tysonscornercenter.com
