Acme Mid-Century & Modern
Acme’s the place for classic Nelson bubble lamps and Eames chairs, but owner Pierre Paret also sells lesser-known names, such as ’70s-era suspension chairs by Odd Knutsen and sculptor Mark Leary’s Calder-like mobiles. Our favorite: custom portraits of your dog alongside a classic midcentury chair of your choosing, by Belgian artist David Cumps. 128 S. Royal St.; 703-836-0333.
Bellacara
This chic little emporium is a destination for beauty brands that are otherwise hard to find. Manager Elizabeth Whitcomb’s current obsessions include Maya Chia face oils, the Alchimie Forever skin-care line, and makeup by Rouge Bunny Rouge. Mothers of young beauty mavens will appreciate the shelf of birthday-party supplies. 1000 King St.; 703-299-9652.
Curated
Owner Page Castrodale just celebrated the first anniversary of her second-floor shop across from Market Square. Locals and tourists alike climb the stairs for jewelry, gifts, and kitchen and home accessories by independent designers. Need a hostess gift? Consider some DC-map coasters. Brides will love Hannah Lois’s beaded jewelry. 107 N. Fairfax St.; 703-566-0177.
The Dog Park
A popular spot for canine-crazed Old Town, this dog (and cat) shop hosts three monthly adoption events with rescue groups. For those who can get their pet past the treats inside the front door, the shop’s more popular items include whimsical Up Country collars, hardy Fluff & Tuff toys, and beds covered in Pendleton blankets that will actually look good in your living room. 705 King St.; 703-888-2818.
Donna Lewis
Donna and Chris Lewis scour Italy, France, and other parts of Europe for brands their customers are unlikely to come across elsewhere in Washington. You’ll find Belvest blazers, handmade near Venice (customers can choose their own fabric); butter-soft deerskin Lattanzi loafers; and crisp Kiton trousers and trench coats. 309-B Cameron St.; 703-548-2452.
529 Kids Consign
Young children grow out of their nice clothes before they’ve worn them out, which is why the smocked dresses, seersucker rompers, and infant layettes look like new at this upscale consignment shop. Strollers and a wall of shoes are also on offer, plus pregnant moms can find great deals on maternity wear upstairs. 122 S. Royal St.; 703-567-4518.
She’s Unique
The minimalist interiors of this King Street shop make the perfect backdrop for pinning and Instagramming its stacked ring sets and dainty, layered necklaces—and that’s by design, says owner Katya Ananieva. The trendy pieces are all the work of independent designers. 205 King St.; 703-836-8863.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Three levels of galleries on the Old Town waterfront house works in a dozen artistic genres by at least 275 artists. A stroll can take you from the earthy ceramic tableware of the Hollin Hills Potters collective on the ground level to Eric Margry’s engraved jewelry on the second floor to Liang Wei’s ethereal watercolors up top. 105 N. Union St.; 703-838-4565.
Verdigris Antiques & Interiors
New York native Ursula Baukol scours auctions and estate sales for the vintage furnishings, accessories, and art she stocks, including delicate French vases and midcentury furniture. Also popular: her vintage-clothing salon, where customers are currently gravitating toward high-waisted pants and flowing caftans. An expanded inventory is available at Baukol’s Springfield warehouse every other weekend. 1215 King St.; 703-518-5301.
This article appears in our June 2016 issue of Washingtonian.
