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Shop Local: 3 Boutiques You Should Shop At

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Tess Mackey
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Sabel Harris
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at George Mason University chapter.
Shop local, shop smart. That is my motto. Like many other college girls I used to spend hours in the mall trying to find the best deals and most unique pieces. Sure I was successful fifty percent of the time, though, my purchases often resulted in the same sweater as my best friend or a pair of riding boots that half of the school already owned. I started working in a high-end boutique three years ago which ignited my passion for clothes further. Not only was I exposed to what we sold, I began to explore and shop fellow local boutiques. As I rummaged through these quaint shops, I found Tulle dresses, J Brand jeans, Tory Burch flats, and Sondra Roberts bags. Others began to notice that my style had changed and openly asked where I had found these noteworthy basics.  I credited my new wardrobe to the small stores that not only carried these labels but to the sales teams that were personable and had knowledge about the brands they sold. I gained an appreciation for these businesses and the amount of effort that went into keeping them running, especially in a bad economy.

In DC, Arlington, and Alexandria there are many independent boutiques that carry name brands as well as vintage. Finding said places is a great way to spend the day with friends or by yourself because you never know where you might stumble. Shopping boutiques can be more intimidating than shopping in a mall, because often you are going to come across
brands you may have never heard of and prices you are not used to. Go in with an open mind and possibly a list to know what you are looking for. That way, once you arrive you can take your time and soak in the experience.

Chain stores will always be around, though, if you are looking for something different shopping boutiques is your best route. Many of these places offer private shopping events, pre-sale exclusives, and promotions through their websites. There is no harm in walking into a store you would not ordinarily go into and searching the racks for statement jackets or half priced consignment jeans. Trust me, more often than not you will find something fantastic and will go back for more.

Mention this article and receive 10 percent off at Hysteria through the month of October.

Here are a few of my favorite, which are all located in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.

Treat-This sample sale boutique carries brands such as Michael Stars, L.A.M.B., and Ella Moss as well as shoes! The prices range from $35-300.  Perfect for a pick me up, a party dress, or to buy your best friend a birthday present.

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Hysteria-Known for luxe labels, this up scale boutique is your go-to for investments.  Nicole Miller dresses; cashmere sweaters, and designer jeans are on display throughout this two-story town house.  Pick up a Kenneth Jay Lane link necklace for about $150 and convert it as a belt getting twice as much use out of it.

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Pretty People– This vintage store owned by Annie Lee is a new spin on her other shop–Annie’s Creamcheese in Georgetown.  Vintage Chanel Pendants, 1940’s purses, House of Harlow jewels are just a few of the treasures you might while digging through this funky boutique.  

 

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Tess Mackey

George Mason University

Tess is a senior at George Mason University majoring in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations.  She has been addicted to fashion since she was a child frequenting the streets of New York City with her mom, and collecting copies of her favorite magazines Instyle andVanity Fair.  Along with HerCampus, she is a style guru for CollegeFashionista.com, and she is beginning an internship this summer in journalism.  When she is not writing, she spends her time working at a local high-end local boutique and consignment shopping with friends.  
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Sabel is a senior at George Mason University majoring in History and Economics. Although she'd rather stay a student forever, she is excited to see what the future brings her in the fashion industry. Besides her endeavors at HerCampus, Sabel is a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista.com writing the Style Advice of the Week column for Mason. Adding to her busy schedule are her duties in her sorority, volunteering for Operation Smile, contributing to the social media world, feeding her soda addiction, shopping at J.Crew and coloring everything around her pink. And yes, the last three are major priorities in her book.