Washington, D.C.

At this boutique/gallery, cartoony prints from beloved D.C. artist Dave Peterson line the walls, the Crayola-hued jersey dresses and military-inspired coats hail from eco-friendly lines, and owner Sarah Watkins hosts regular fundraisers for local nonprofits.

1603 U St. NW, 202-265-1930, caramelfashion.com

Our favorite D.C. denim outpost stocks Kasil and J Brand jeans and the Eryn Brinié tops and Sol Angeles blazers we like to wear with them. Faded American flags and antique sewing machines enhance the laid-back Americana-ness of it all.

1803 14th St. NW, 202-462-6200, rue14.com

Hip non-profiteers and budget-minded GW students stock up on printed Primrose dresses, Karisma toggle cardigans and 49 Square Miles leather satchels at this cozy shop, where owner Theresa Watts provides both thoughtful fashion counsel and cookies.

1517 U St. NW, 202-332-4242, lettiegooch.com

It's only open on weekends, so plan accordingly; this vintage jewelry trove is worth it. What looks like chaos—jumbles of necklaces, piles of rings—is actually an amazing gallery carefully organized by style and era. Find everything from '20s emerald earrings to ornate Renaissance-revival cuffs to '70s disco bling.

1520 U St. NW, 202-797-1234, legendarybeast.com

A weird hybrid that's worked for years, this showroom-esque space offers both sleek South Asian furniture and high-end contemporary wear from 3.1 Phillip Lim and Vivienne Westwood.

1831 
14th St. NW, 202-667-3440, muleh.com

Yes, it's a hotel gift shop (owned by the neighboring Four Seasons), but M29 offers way more than postcards: ethnic-print duffels, colorful wrap bracelets and punchy coffee-table books.

2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-295-2829

Georgetown’s latest jewelry destination has a really well-balanced mix of black-tie and everyday pieces—and the twinkling array of colorful crystal statement earrings and delicate stone pendants include many under-$100 options.

2910 M St. NW, 202-298-0420, charmgeorgetown.com

At this new addition to the vintage promenade that is U Street, Yvette Freeman sells lovingly refurbished, reasonably priced 20th-century estate-sale furniture and industrial signage. Recently spotted: a pair of cowhide-covered director’s chairs for $525.

1522 U St. NW, 571-277-5245, foundrybyfreeman.com

Recycling-minded seamstresses Kristen Swensen and Erin Derge transform secondhand ties and fabrics into profoundly cute ascot-esque accents and bloomer shorts. They'll also redesign your most unflattering garments (yes, heinous bridesmaid dresses, this means you).

1530 U St. NW, basement, 202-567-7668, gingerrootdesign.com

Marlene Hu Aldaba, who also owns designer footwear spot Hu's Shoes across the street, has created here a gorgeously spare spot filled with the designer pieces to match: Proenza Schouler striped peplum jackets, hot pink Alexander McQueen minis—it's the perfect mix of youthful and classic.

2906 M St. NW, 202-
342-2020, husonline.com