Written by Kirstin Hawthorne (March 2024)

As spring breathes new life into the world around us, our team eagerly anticipates the chance for a seasonal refresh. One of our favorite ways to embrace this change is by exploring the diverse offerings of our local boutiques. These shops not only provide a curated selection of goods but also play a vital role in supporting the communities we call home. By choosing to shop locally, we actively contribute to the success of small businesses and artisans, enriching the fabric of our neighborhoods (and ourselves, so it’s a win win). Here are a few of our top picks for local shops, because what better way to celebrate the season than with a little local retail therapy?

• A New View (Ashburn) is Doreen’s go-to for home decor items and one-of-a-kind furniture. As a former military spouse, she has been all over the world, and thinks this hidden gem is the perfect place to spend an afternoon off. The owner ‘reimagines’ old furniture and turns it into unique treasures for home and office.
• Ballard Designs (McLean – Tyson’s Corner Mall) is where you will often see Ingrid, our staging expert who has seen trends come and go, with a dog-eared catalog going to look and feel all the beautiful home furnishings. She once took over two years to find the perfect coffee table, but she found it here and it is to die for!
• Lou Lou Boutique (Alexandria, Fairfax) is where you can find our fashion diva, Latoria, gushing over the cutest accessories and handbags to make all her outfits pop! From simple to bedazzled, you can find the perfect item to make your whole wardrobe feel new.
• Mara Mode Boutique (Fairfax) has a great range of brands, prices and has a unique yet trendy flare when it comes to aesthetic. You can find Lynn, our trendsetter, there searching for the perfect everyday piece or for something fun and new when she is traveling to a new spot.
• Nest Egg (Fairfax) is great for “just because” shopping because do you really need a reason to get something that brings you joy? Sharon thinks this store is the bee’s knees with all the wax candles, homemade gifts, and (having two grandbabies) the best place for gifts for the little ones.
• Pickett Fence (Burke) is Maura’s favorite place to “wrap” up all her gift giving needs. As a Massachusetts transplant, she appreciates the mix of local gifts and home accessories that can be found here.  She also loves the mix of vintage and modern décor that they offer.
• Scout & Molly (Ashburn, Fairfax, Reston) is one of Tracey’s new obsessions for a personal style refresh. As a busy team lead, mom and professional on the go, she swears by the fantastic clothes, jewelry and accessories. You can never have enough earrings and they never shrink in the dryer!
• Urban Posh Boutique (Occoquan) is where you can find Kirstin, our Marketing guru, and her paycheck swooning over the amazing home goods, the trendy earrings (she is all about them), and the on-point fashion. She loves treating herself and others with fun treats from this great spot.

Other team favorites, we just couldn’t help but include:

• Atelier (Middleburg) has a stunning showroom featuring art, décor, and fine furnishings.
• Evolutions Home (Alexandria) is a great source for unique furniture finds.
• Goldfinch (Alexandria) has great pieces for entertaining.
• Manse (Alexandria) has unbeatable hostess gifts.
• Monkees (Fairfax) has fantastic of-the-moment pieces that will become wardrobe favorites.
• Patina Polished (Alexandria) can be a dangerous visit as it often makes you wish you could completely redo your home with its beautiful items.
• She’s Unique (Alexandria) is a great stop for delicate jewelry suitable for every style, price range, and occasion.
• VanEch Studio (Occoquan) has tons of eclectic pieces and décor items.