Not long ago Georgetown was a lot like a suburban mall–Banana Republic, the Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch. But four boutiques have brought style and individuality back to the neighborhood.
Wink (3109 M St., NW; 202-338-9465; winkdc.com) carries a colorful selection of hard-to-find-in-Washington items like Botkier bags and Miguelina dresses plus pieces by Vince and Diane vonFurstenberg. Everyone from chic high-schoolers to the owners' moms' friends stop by for "urban sophisticated" clothing and bags that work in the office or around the corner at hot spot Blue Gin.
Sugar (1633 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-333-5331) is a favorite of First Daughter Barbara Bush, Today weekend anchor Campbell Brown, and actress Gabrielle Union, who stop in for Nanette Lepore suits, Lauren Moffatt jackets, and Tibi sweaters. Sugar is also known for locally designed jewelry–top sellers include chunky necklaces from Cheray deCandia and gemstone drop earrings from Debbie Fabian.
Sassanova (1641 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-471-4400; sassanova.com) satisfies the girliest of desires–for shoes. The owners have put together a terrifically bright collection: orange Sigerson Morrison heels, lipstick-red Oscar de la Renta pumps, acid-green Anya Hindmarch kitten heels. There are bags, too, in suede from Fernanda Niven and gold metallic from Lauren Merkin.
K Baby (3112 M St., NW; 202-333-3939; kbaby.com) has the mommy set lining up for a pastel rainbow of onesies, Isabella Fiore diaper bags, and pima-cotton duvets. It's also the only local place to get celebrity-loved Bugaboo strollers.
Washingtonian staff contributing to this section were Chuck Conconi, Sherri Dalphonse, Susan Davidson, Mary Clare Fleury, Cynthia Hacinli, Thomas Head, Stephanie Jones, Ann Limpert, Drew Lindsay, Chad Lorenz, Leslie Milk, William O'Sullivan, Cindy Rich, and Jeremy Stahl. Also contributing were writers Cathy Alter, Ann Cochran, and Jenny Sullivan.
