sandpiper

This local institution is beloved for its warm, relaxed atmosphere and diverse array of clothes and accessories. "I think fashion can sometimes be intimidating," says owner Melissa Murdock, who began her career at Sandpiper right out of college and bought the business in 1989. So she has created shops that are physically welcoming: The Vinings flagship (pictured above) features walls painted aqua and tangerine and an incredibly cozy couch right in the middle of the store. The racks contain a clever mix of stunning high-end splurges, on-trend seasonal styles, and brilliant, wear-them-forever essentials from favorite lines like Rebecca Taylor, Rory Beca, Ella Moss, and Splendid. 4300 Paces Ferry Rd., 770-433-2989, shopsandpiper.com