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Fairfax Surf Shop
Washington may be a ways from the beach, but don’t tell the folks at Fairfax Surf Shop. In addition to surfboards, the shop sells snowboards, skateboards, and all the accessories that go along with them—gloves, hats, board bags, and more. There are also DVDs and men’s and women’s clothing.
3936 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax; 703-273-0015; fairfaxsurfshop.com.
The Nest Egg
Look for hostess or wedding gifts at this home-goods shop, which has Voluspa candles and scented oils, recipe boxes, and photo albums and frames. The furniture—which includes desks, armoires, and chests—is Old World and French-country style. You can buy what’s on the floor or order pieces in different sizes or finishes. A kids’ section in back has decorations for a nursery—painted-wood wall letters, colorful area rugs—plus a few toys and larger furniture pieces.
11940 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax; 703-988-0944; shopthenestegg.com.
Pacers
Need some new kicks? The staff at Pacers can get you fitted with running or walking shoes that provide the right stability for your feet. The store also has clothing and accessories—from sunglasses to jogging strollers—to outfit athletes at all training levels. It often hosts events and organizes fun runs and races.
10427 North St., Fairfax; 703-537-0630; runpacers.com.
Red Dog Spa & Boutique
Go by the display of collars and leashes and head to the back of this pet boutique for gourmet treats made for dogs and cats. A glass case near the register has fresh-baked cookies and biscuits, or you can buy a banana-cake mix to make at home. Many of the packaged products, such as frozen yogurt and smoothies, are organic.
12158 Fairfax Towne Center, Fairfax; 703-865-6644; reddogspa.com.
The Second Yard
Fabric isn’t the only thing you can buy at this corner store; it also has furniture and home decor. Look for lamps, mirrors, paintings, and mantle tchotchkes, plus upholstered chairs, small sofas, and breakfast tables. Can’t find something that suits your taste? Second Yard can reupholster a piece of furniture with fabric from the store.
10389 Main St., Fairfax; 703-385-7699; thesecondyard.blogspot.com.
Upscale Resale
You might need to wander a bit in this consignment furniture store to find what you need—the large space is packed with dining tables, dressers, desks, wardrobes, couches, rugs, and even pianos. Pieces run the gamut from shabby chic to French country to Asian. As for prices, take a close look at the tags: The longer an item sits, the lower the price, and tags are dated so you can wait for a better deal. The store also has blowout sales to move overstock inventory.
8100 Lee Hwy., Falls Church; 703-698-8100; upscaleresale.com.
Mall Attractions
Are you a Mac? Head to the Apple Store at Fair Oaks Mall (703-359-8300; shopfairoaksmall.com), where knowledgeable techies can help you pick out a gadget or troubleshoot one you already own. The mall also has a Coach store for leather bags and shoes, Coldwater Creek for comfortable yet stylish women’s clothes, Michael Kors for upscale everyday wear, and a Baby Gap with a maternity section for expectant moms. Department stores include JC Penney, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, and Sears.
At Fairfax Corner (703-227-2000; fairfaxcorner.com), an outdoor mall, you can get suited up for yoga or the gym at Lucy Activewear. For a night out, try a cocktail dress from White House/Black Market, then add some sparkle from Julia’s Fine Jewelry. You can spruce up your home, too—Arhaus Furniture and Country Curtains both have outposts there.
Loehmann’s, a favorite for designer labels at a discount, is at nearby Fair Lakes Center (703-227-0880; fairlakes.com). Plus-size retailer Lane Bryant has also found a home there, as has DSW Shoe Warehouse, a clearinghouse for men’s, women’s, and kids’ shoes.
