DUPONT CIRCLE
Proper Topper
At this whimsical shop, you’ll find men’s and women’s hats, dresses, kids’ clothing, gifts, and accessories. Also excellent: the jewelry selection, the coffee-table books, and the colorful collection of Tracy Reese frocks—one of the largest in town.
1350 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-842-3055; propertopper.com. Metro Station: Dupont Circle.
FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS / CHEVY CHASE
(See One-stop Shopping)
GEORGETOWN
Charm Georgetown
What Charm Georgetown lacks in space it more than makes up for in jewelry options. Owner Jaclyn Mason’s tastes are eclectic—she keeps her shop stocked with everything from tribal bib necklaces to glitzy rhinestone bangles. Alexis Bittar and Kendra Scott are just a few of the standout brands.
2910 M St., NW; 202-298-0420; charmgeorgetown.com. Metro Station: Foggy Bottom.
Dalton Pratt
This stylish gift store opened late last year, bringing elegant, understated home goods and accessories to Georgetown. The stock is eclectic, from pavé-diamond-studded astrological sign bracelets by Stacey Singer to stylish candles, lamps, and knickknacks.
1742 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-333-3256; daltonprattdc.com. Not Metro accessible.
M29 Lifestyle
There’s something for every member of the ultra-fashionable family at M29 Lifestyle. At this modern showroom, Mom can pick up Antik Batik caftans and Calypso tunics, Dad can shop for Beryll leather jackets, and the kids will look styled beyond their years in pretty ballerina dresses and tiny slip-on shoes.
2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-295-2829. Metro Station: Foggy Bottom.
Sassanova
Thanks to plush couches and tons of fashion magazines, Sassanova feels like the living room of a stylish Georgetown doyenne. The upscale-preppy selection is a good complement to the finds at nearby Urban Chic and includes sturdy Tory Burch pumps, ruffly Loeffler Randall sandals, and vegan Olsen Haus shoes.
1641 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-471-4400; sassanovashoes.blogspot.com. Metro Station: Foggy Bottom.
PENN QUARTER
Mia Gemma
This downtown gem (pun intended) of a store features designers you’ll rarely see in other Washington stores, with an emphasis on original and unusual pieces. Think hammered-gold bangles by Ayesha Mayadas, twisty silver earrings by Randi Chervitz, and dangly semiprecious earrings by Judy Bliss.
933 F St., NW; 202-393-4367; miagemma.com. Metro Station: Metro Center.
U STREET / LOGAN CIRCLE
Muléh
At Muléh, furniture fuses with fashion in one of the most creatively sophisticated retail experiences in Washington. Up front you’ll find statement sofas and chairs that blend interesting lines with livable fabrics, but the real treat for out-of-towners is the clothing and accessory racks in back. Edgy Vivienne Westwood dresses and 3.1 Phillip Lim separates mix with Lizzie Fortunato Jewels statement necklaces and Mulberry bags.
1831 14th St., nw; 202-667-3440; muleh.com. Metro Station: U Street.
ARLINGTON
Covet
“Etsy in the flesh” is how owner Autumn Clayton describes her playful shop. Handmade is the focus: Every nook and cranny is filled with beaded cocktail rings, screen-printed tumblers, and brightly patterned pillows. White walls are covered with whimsical prints from artists such as Clare Elsaesser and Elizabeth Graeber, making it one of the most current—and affordable—places to buy art in Arlington.
5140 Wilson Blvd. (upstairs); 703-247-9797; covetarlington.com. Metro Station: Ballston.
Facets Fine Jewelry
Blue topaz, black pearls, pink tourmaline, and other colorful gemstones in delicate settings fill the displays at this jewelry design studio. Blackened-silver pieces from Ila & I have an exotic flair, while Kelim’s sculptural designs suit more artistic tastes. Owner Tom Arnold, a third-generation jeweler, works with couples on custom wedding rings.
4530 Lee Hwy.; 703-527-4247. Not Metro accessible.
