Alexandria in the Bag: Fashion

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1) FashionEnvy
This new boutique specializes in cool, well-priced casual wear in sizes 2 to 22, from breezy print sundresses by Analili (shown, $177) to plus-sized jersey tees and other separates from co-owner Fresia Rodriguez's own line, Kingley&Posh.
» 1314 King St.; 703-299-0250

2) Dash's of Old Town
The original incarnation of this menswear shop dressed dapper locals from the 1960s until closing in 1989. Heir Victor Dash resurrected the store in 2005 with a snappy mix of well-crafted suits (starting at a very reasonable $550), and zippy Luigi Bianchi ties ($150 each), plucky plaid shirts from Paul & Shark and eyeglasses, cuff links and even cologne.
» 1114 King St.; 703-299-4015

3) Current Boutique
The busy Clarendon consignment shop recently opened this second spacious location, housing a mishmash of secondhand finds (Marc Jacobs and Banana Republic were recently spotted) and a sizeable selection of wallet-friendly new items, including jewelry, bags and trendy pieces such as floaty sundresses and hip rompers.
» 1009 King St.; 703-549-2272

4) Bloomers
The newer sister spot to beauty apothecary Bellacara (just across the way at 1000 King St.) bursts with comfy-chic sleepwear and playful lingerie from top labels such as Mary Green and Hanky Panky, plus an assortment of super-soft layering tees by Splendid and Left Coast.
» 924 King St.; 571-312-0852

5) Treat
The popular "sample sale" boutique — which serves up a frequently updated mix of past-season designer pieces at hefty discounts — moved to much larger digs last year, meaning there's more space for slick blazers by Sally Tseng, garden party-worthy dresses by Tibi and statement baubles by regional designers such as Ruth Barzel and Aimee Bracken.
» 103 S. St. Asaph St.; 703-535-3294

6) Stanton Gallery
The cozy second-floor spot brims with stylish fine jewelry pieces such as Alexandria native Christine Stanton. By appointment only.
» 121 S. Royal St., floor 2; 703-299-3055

7) Hysteria
Manager Alicia McCaslin (pictured) stocks a cheery rowhouse with fashions as bright as the spot's green walls: jersey maxi dresses by ecoSkin, not-your-everyday bags from Sondra Roberts and tangerine frocks from Badgley Mischka's lower-priced line, Mark & James.
» 125 S. Fairfax St.; 703-548-1615

8) The Shoe Hive
A new, larger location next to Hysteria allows this footwear favorite to carry more women's and kids shoes (including Tory Burch and Kate Spade). Sandals are a particular strength; you can also score luxe carryalls and chic jewelry such as boho bangles and sleek, stacked rings.
» 127 S. Fairfax St.; 703-548-7105

9) Vintage Mirage
Owner Elinor Coleman stuffs this slightly out-of-the-way, second-floor space with well-preserved vintage items — think '60s Dior dresses and Jackie O-ish hats. Scouring the packed racks will appeal most to retro fiends with time and patience.
» 210 N. Lee St.; 703-535-8200

» Locals rave about Sugar House Day Spa & Salon (111 N. Alfred St.; 703-549-9940) for relaxing mani-pedis ($75) in the sunny, second-floor salon. Need real sweets? The new Alexandria Cupcake (1022 King St.; 703-299-9099) bakes up decadent flavors like dark chocolate and PB&J ($3 each).

Written by Express' Jennifer Barger and Betsy Lowther
Photos by Lawrence Luk for Express