Best Shopping in DC: Allison’s Top 25

Looking for the best shopping in DC? Look no further. The DC area is shopaholic’s dream! Whether you’re looking for the latest fashions, some fun new shoes, clothes for your baby, or a gift for that special someone, there is unique DC area shop worth visiting. Allison has rounded up her 25 favorite shops in the area for the best shopping in DC.

CLOTHES

1) Duchess M

805 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Find classic and iconic looks for both day and night at Duchess M. This Old Town boutique carries designers including Milly, Nanette Lepore, Kate Spade, Diane Von Furstenburg, Trina Turk, and more. Duchess M also offers swimwear, maternity wear, lingerie, jackets and great gift items.

2) Intermix

300 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit the DC outpost of this NYC-based chain for designer clothes, shoes and apparel. Intermix carries designer brands including Gucci, Alexander Wang, Dolce & Gabbana. You can book a complimentary session with one of the Intermix personal stylists, who will help you create your perfect look.

3) Carine’s Bridal Atelier

1623 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington D.C. 20007

If you have a wedding or black tie event in your future, be sure to check out this Georgetown shop. Carine’s features designers such as Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Romona Keveza, Monique Lhiullier as well as emerging designers. Carine’s is well known for its excellent in-house alterations services. I got my wedding dress here and couldn’t have been happier!

4) Alton Lane

506 19th Street, NW 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20036

For a true experience in shopping for menswear, visit Alton Lane for premium custom apparel. This shop uses state-of-the-art 3D body scanners to ensure their garments’ fit. Sit at the custom-built design bar (the big game will be on TV!) and the Alton Lane style experts will help you select fabrics and design options — all while enjoying the beverage of your choice. Alton Lane prides itself on quality, fit, and customer satisfaction. Speaking of weddings, my husband got his tuxedo made here.

5) Summit to Soul

727 8th Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

Summit to Soul offers a “curated collection of responsibly sourced sportswear” for the DC Fitness fanatic. Popular and emerging brands like S’well, Manduka, Sweatt Bands, and Rabbit are sold here. Shop for your workout tops and bottoms, plus outerwear and lots of fun accessories and gifts. The Capitol Hill shop also sponsors lots of fun activities and events such as “Hoppy Pace Beer Run” and self defense workshops.

6) Lucky Knot

101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

The Lucky Knot, is owned by Stavroulla, Athina and Stella Kokkinis and their mother, Andrea. It offers reasonably priced, “preppy casual” clothing and accessories from well known lines like Kate Spade, Scout Bags, Lilly Pulitzer, and many more. The Kokkinises search all over the US for their items, aiming to sell only “Made in the USA” products.

7) Cusp

3030 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Cusp, an offshoot of Neiman Marcus, offers on-trend women’s apparel, accessories and shoes in a hip industrial space in the Georgetown Mall.

BABY / KIDS

8) Monday’s Child

218 N. Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Monday’s Child in the Northeast Quadrant offers classic clothing and unique gifts for babies and children. It’s the perfect place to shop for christenings, baby’s first day home, first communion, and ring bearer/flower girl attire. Monday’s Child also offers christening gown restoration services.

9) Dawn Price Baby

Four area locations (Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Reston and the Mosaic District).

Dawn Price Baby offers just about every item imaginable for babies and new moms – apparel, toys, books, feeding and bathing supplies, pillows and blankets and much, much more. It is a great place to pick up a new baby or shower/christening gift like a piggy bank, growth chart, or personalized item. Dawn Price also has a wonderful selection of politically-themed items for baby – perfect for the DC power parents and babies!

10) 116 King

116 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

116 King is a new pop-up shop bringing new and emerging designers from all over the country right to Old Town. It sells clothes, hats, bags, shoes and more. While not a baby or child store specifically, we love it’s cute options for kiddos! Since this is a pop up, it isn’t always open, so be sure to check the website for hours.

FURNITURE / DESIGN

11) Random Harvest

810 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (and other locations throughout the DMV)

Random Harvest carries an exceptional line of furniture and accessories including one of a kind and limited edition pieces. It also sells its own line of handmade, upholstered items and pillows and offers interior design services. Ask for Ashley!

12) Patina Polished Living

605 Franklin Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Patina Polished Living in the Southeast Quadrant is your one stop for unique furniture, home accessories, and Wesley Hall upholstered furniture. Patina carries it all — new, vintage, traditional, and contemporary home goods for the “discerning” client. Its unique pieces collected from all over the East Coast and Europe. Patina sells fresh flowers every Friday and also offers design services.

13) Coco Blanca

210 S. Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Coco Blanca sells clothing, jewelry, furniture and home accessories including rugs, candles, and table settings — all in the soothing natural coastal colors. It also carries Bernhardt upholstered furniture at a generous 40% discount. It’s the perfect place to pop in for a housewarming or birthday gift.

14) Miss Pixie’s

1626 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009

Miss Pixie’s is DC’s “go-to” shop for vintage home furnishings. Here you will find tables, chairs, dressers, desks, lighting, art, and fun home accessories. All of Miss Pixie’s offerings are purchased from auctions, with new truckloads arriving every Wednesday.

15) Goodwood

1428 U Street, NW Washington, DC 20009

Goodwood will take you back to the department stores of the midcentury. Enjoy its old school perfume counter, ladies apparel, and selection of handmade shoes. Goodwood also sells 19th century and mid-century modern decor, as well as other vintage furniture and home furnishings.

16) Jonathan Adler

1267 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007

Jonathan Adler’s mission is to bring “Modern American Glamour” to your life. This Northwest shop offers colorful, contemporary furniture, lamps, pottery, pillows, tableware and more. Jonathan Adler designs can be found in top restaurants, hotels, and homes around the world.

SHOES

17) Bishop Boutique

815-B King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Whether you need shoes for work, an evening on the town, or strolling around Old Town, Bishop Boutique’s shoe selection is unrivaled. From sandals to stilettos, from ballet flats to boots, you will find it here. This shop also carries seasonal, fashion-forward women’s clothing, handbags, and jewelry.

18) Shoe Hive

127 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Shoe lovers will rejoice at the Shoe Hive, where they will find a fabulous selection of every kind of footwear from designers including Rag & Bone, Stuart Weitzman, Hunter, and Tory Burch. This trendy retailer also carries a large selection of jewelry and other accessories for women.

PETS

19) Old Town School for Dogs

529 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Priding itself as a “full service shop for pets and their owners,” The Old Town School for Dogs (OTSFD) is far more than its name implies. In addition to its comprehensive dog training programs, OTSFD also offers grooming services for your dog, complete with personal blow drying! Its 7,000 square feet retail section offers just about any dog product you can imagine, from orthopedic dog beds to food for your dog’s special dietary needs. OTSFD does carry some products for your feline friends as well.

FOOD/WINE

20) Grape + Bean

118 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 and 2 E. Walnut Street, Alexandria, VA 22301

Need a last minute bottle of wine on your way to a dinner? Then pop into this adorable neighborhood shop for a great selection of wines and professional advice on making your choice. You can stay at the bar for a glass of wine and too! Grape + Bean also has coffee and cheese products for sale and offers tasting events and classes. Their gift certificates make the perfect gift. Don’t tell anyone about Grape + Bean – it’s a locals secret!

21) Unwined

3690-J King Street Alexandria, VA 22302 and 1600-A Belle View Blvd. Alexandria, VA 22307

Unwined is a another great local wine shop, with two Alexandria locations (Bradlee and Belle Haven shopping centers). Unwined also sells beer, cigars, gourmet foods, and gifts that are all high-quality, well-priced, and quite often, local. Unwined’s knowledgeable and pleasant staff make every trip a pleasure.

22) Pleasant Pops

1781 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

If you need a cool treat as a break from all your shopping, pop into one of two Pleasant Pops’ DC locations. Pleasant Pops uses all original recipes and fresh ingredients for their homemade popsicles. Seasonal flavors include Hibiscus Pomegranate, New Orleans Iced Coffee and Strawberry Ginger Lemonade. Coffee, tea, and on trend “bowls” are also available.

23) Glen’s Garden Market

 

2001 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 and 1924 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

Owned by one of our clients, Glen’s Garden Market is a must visit shop. All of the items sold at Glen’s are grown or created in Chesapeake Bay Watershed by “partners who treat their land, their animals and their ingredients with respect.” In addition to its products, Glen’s also offers lunch and dinner, with menu options including sandwiches, pizzas, salads and soups. Be sure to check out Glen’s calendar of fun events such as its “Growler Club” microbrew tastings.

GIFTS

24) Salt & Sundry

1625 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009 and 1309 Fifth Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002

Salt & Sundry’s ever-changing collection of “goods for good living” features handcrafted furniture, dinnerware, linens, and unique vintage finds. It also features a pantry stocked with small-batch foods and craft cocktail ingredients. Salt & Sundry prides itself on selling American-made products.

25) Red Barn Mercantile

1117 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

This family-run boutique offers furniture and home decor in both vintage and modern styles. Red Barn also sells fun and fabulous gifts like soaps, candles, children’s toys, and paper products. Red Barn also offers interior design services and special discounts on the furniture and home décor accessories bought from the store.

Clearly, the Washington, DC area is a fabulous place to shop! Did we miss your favorite store? Please let us know so we can check it out.

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