|
Aeropostale
Check website for DC Metro locations
Young, urban and edgy. As you enter the store, you will surely be tempted to buy something for your niece. Give the store a second take. Very wallet friendly, Aeropostale has inexpensive t-shirts, cargo pants, shorts, belts and more. You will be surprised at the generous cut on their pants.
Chinese Laundry
On the web
Chinese Laundry focuses on all the latest styles without the steep designer prices. Check out the totes, accessories and shoes.
Forever 21
Check website for DC Metro locations
Yes this store is young…very young. So yes, I am recommending that you fight your way through the 16 year olds and check the accessories. Fresh, stylish and CHEAP!
H&M
Check website for DC Metro locations
Think European Old Navy. H&M has a great selection of adult and kids clothing. It was a great surprise to find a nice stash of women's jeans that didn't break the bank. Plus where else can you find a cute dress for under $30.00? The funky backdrop and clothing options make it a bit more "adult" versus Old Navy. Don't be put off by the young median age of the shoppers, there are still bargains and stylish everyday wear to be found for moms of all ages. Noteworthy, the store has a wonderful selection of infant, toddler and children's clothing. There is definitely a "posh tot" feel to the kids wear. Even the girl's overalls have an edge. I have found some of the cutest dresses for my little one. The best part, the prices are great! FYI, H&M Kids is only available at select stores.
Hysteria
125 S. Fairfax Street
Alexandria VA 22314
703-548-1615
Mommyista alert - This is a crazy cute boutique that offers jewelry, dresses and accessories oh my! Tucked away in a historic Lode Town Alexandria townhouse, this delectable store is worth the trip. Noteworthy, check out their sister shoe store Shoe Hive.
Kohl's
Check website for DC Metro locations
What a great surprise. Awesome kids clothes, Carter's gear is often marked down to outlet prices. I have found the cutest dresses for my little without the Janie & Jack prices. Search the sale racks early and often. Noteworthy, Kohl's credit card holder receive numerous coupons and sale notices throughout the year.
Macy's
Check website for DC Metro locations
And then there was Macy's. In the monopoly minded world of big retail stores, Macy's seems to be winning the battle. From the New England to Chicago and many more parts in between, Macy's is taking over for existing stores like Filene's, Hecht's and Kauffman's. Despite eating up the competition, I remain pleasantly surprised that Macy's has maintained it reputation for high-end wares at reasonable prices. I use to live in their petite department for all my business needs. I have grown to love the children's' section as well. The store always seems to be a bit low on help, but a self-help gal will walk away with a bargain in hand. Noteworthy, Macy's is ALWAYS running a sale. Sign up on line to be notified about discounts and coupons.
Marshall's
Check website for DC Metro locations
Great discount destination for family gear, home needs, shoes, knick-knacks and more. Shop early and often. The good stuff tends to go quickly. I been fortunate to find some really cute Ralph Lauren dresses for my daughter. They also have some inexpensive options for your early postpartum figure. Who wants to spend a fortune on clothes that will hopefully be packed away...soon! Noteworthy, clothing can be tricky for kids and adults. With hundreds of designer, sizing will vary. If Junior won't try on his gear in the store make sure your purchases are tested at home and keep your receipt just in case. Bonus, they have a decent menswear section filled with dress shirts and ties that won't empty your wallet.
My Sister's Closet
111 Church Street
Vienna VA 22180
703-255-4760
Darling Virginia boutique filled with cool designer duds including dresses, jeans and eye-catching jewelry. With the eclectic mix of styles, you are sure to uncover an adorable find from this sweet shop. Mommyistas take note, everyone is discovering this spot. It has gotten both local and national press. While you are in the neighborhood stop at Church on Bazins for lunch and check out the Dandelion Patch for some beautiful cards. Note, bring your credit cards...this spot is as pricey as upscale DC clothing haunts.
Noisette NYC
On the web
Cool site that promotes too hip indie French labels. While Noisette touts itself as affordable, it still in mind demands a working woman's salary. Still some sale items are definitely doable. If nothing else, you can get a feel for "What's Hot" right now.
Nordstrom
Check website for DC Metro locations
Nordstrom is simply the best! Oh how I long for the day when Nordstrom was a mandatory stop for many of my wardrobe needs. With the absence of my former salary, my shopping excursions have dropped off considerably. Still, this is one of the best destinations for clothing and shoes that I found in the area. Their shoe selection is amazing. Surprisingly, prices are moderate for some clothing and women’s shoes. Kid's shoes to be a bit pricey. I love their MAC and Kiehl's make-up counters! The staff is typically very nice. If up-scale chic is what you are after, There is no shortage of high-end wares. They have a great selection of Spanx under garments. For those who had a baby, you are undoubtedly familiar with the uber cool Spanx under garments. Last note, check out the two spectacular sales annually.
|
Old Navy
Check website for DC Metro locations
Ahh...remember when you thought you had graduated from Old Navy to the Gap and then onto Banana Republic. Well guess what, if you have given up your job for your bundle(s) of joy, something tells me that you are returning to the scene of the crime. I rediscovered Old Navy while I was pregnant. I continue to shop the inexpensive Gap spin-off for everything including my baby clothes, workout gear, maternity wear and everything summer. It won't disappoint! Noteworthy, you can shop online for a better selection of maternity wear. As an FYI, you can return online purchases to any Old Navy store.
Rampage
On the web
Attention frugal Mommyistas, this is a site that you MUST check out. I discovered Rampage at, of all things, a children's birthday party. A friend was wearing an adorable dress from the trendy, yet affordable fashion house. I immediately went home and found the site and the dress online. I fell for the endless selection of reasonably priced dresss, tops, pants and accessories. I ordered the printed empire halter the same day. The dress arrived and even fit my less than statuesque 5'4" frame. The best part, my $52.00 dress was reduced to $39.00 in the coming days. I called Rampage and was pleasantely surprised to find an accomating customer service staffer that refunded me the sale credit. Noteworthy, Rampage can be found online and in local stores.
Shoebuy.com
On the web
I love this site. I stumbled onto this site after discovering the HIGH cost of children's shoes. My little one got blisters from a pair of Target Mary Janes. That was enough to guilt me into a more expensive shoe. Stride Rite shoes have been the best that I have found; however, I am not a fan of their prices! While surfing the web, I discovered ShoeBuy.com. They have a full offering of shoes and accessories for adults and children. They have great prices on Stride Rites, Kid's Keds, Bandolino sandals, tons of running shoes and much more! I was drawn to their frequent 20% off sales and their standard FREE SHIPPING, NO TAX and FREE RETURN / EXCHANGES. I am addicted!
South Moon Under
Check website for DC Metro locations
This is a fun store that I normally seek out close to my birthday. It always offers a hip alternative to the mommy-gear that I typically wear. When bikinis were still a standard part of my closet, this was my favorite shop. Noteworthy, while fun, the prices are high. Check out the sale racks!
T.J. Maxx
Check website for DC Metro locations
This discount den had such success with their house wares section that they started HomeGoods. Both stores offer brand names for far less than retail counterparts. Great selection of children's clothing, toys, etc. They also stock plenty of wares for mommy, kitchen, and special holiday accessories.
Unsung Emerging Designers
On the web
Top NYC designer boutique finds are just a click away at Unsung Emerging Designers. Mommyistas this an amazing virtual closet that you can surf 24/7. Some of the prices are on the higher end, but if you look you can still seek out a good price for a great dress. Noteworthy, check out their too cute faux IPod for easy listening while you shop, not to mention cool ITune recommendations.
Urban Outfitter
Check website for DC Metro locations
Great store that offers a hip vibe and awesome sale racks. While some of the gear is a little too young, many of the dresses, tees and sweaters can be worn by folks of all ages. The funky music and colorful surroundings make it a cool backdrop for stroller bound toddlers. As always, if you are bringing Junior shop fast!
Vera Bradley
Check website for DC Metro locations
For those that haven't heard, Vera Bradley is an awesome maker of creative diaper bags, stationery, everyday purses and accessories for all ages. They have the most user friendly collection of "Mommy" bags that I have ever seen. It is also refreshing to know that the same purse that I fell for was similar to a style that my 20 something sitter tots arounds. It is great to be fashionably young at heart! Noteworthy, the bags are resilent and wash well.
Zappos
Oh my...you have to check out Zappos. If you are looking for the most fabulous assortment of women’s, men’s and kids' clothes, shoes and accessories you have found a home. Zappos has an insane assortment of everything including: Ugg boots, Kate Spade glasses, infant wear, Crocs and loads more. They have diverse wears that range from running shoes to couture. High end finds include Stuart Weitzman shoes, Lucky Brand jeans, Carolina Herrera eyewear as well as Dolce & Gabbana products. Whether you are working with a big or small budget, Zappos has something for you. They marry an incredible assortment of products with world class customer service, free shipping, 24/7 customer service line and free returns.
|
categories 
