Shopping

Whether you go for cutting-edge looks from the latest designers or vintage Balenciaga and Dior, this jewel box of a shop encourages you to develop personal style via the new and the semi-new designer consignment stock.

Centrally located in downtown, Macy’s is a department store that offers everything from men’s and women’s clothing to cosmetics and house wares. Address: 1201 G St. NW, Downtown, Washington, DC Phone: 202/628-6661

A high end department store where you literally burn money. Located on Friendship Heights, the carefully selected merchandise includes clothes, furs, precious jewelry, crystal, and silver. Only American Express, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman credit cards are accepted.

Saks is a Washington institution with a wide selection of women's European and American couture clothes. Other attractions are the shoe, jewelry, and lingerie departments. The smaller men's store is down the road in the Mazza Gallerie shopping center.

This popular women’s boutique is a great shop with reasonable prices and designs for truly unique chic fashion.

Catering to women of all ages and sizes in search of contemporary and trendy styles, this store stocks one-of-a-kind accessories, clothes, shoes and jewelry by well-known designers A small selection of up-and-coming local designs is also available.

This California style boutique sells jeans to fit every size and shape. The store also stocks on very affordable designer baby tees and sunglasses.

If you like classic, contemporary styles, then Forecast is the place you’re looking for. You can find silk sweaters and wool blends in solid, muted tones for women seeking elegant but practical clothing from well known brands. The housewares and gifts selection on the first floor is colorful and of high quality.

A favorite with the fashion conscious, this store is famed for its gorgeous collection of women’s clothing line.

You will find the usual odds and ends here with the proceeds from sales going to children's charities. Most merchandise is left on consignment; if you know antiques, you might find bargains in jewelry, silver, china, quilts, and other items.

If you aren't from the east coast, you probably haven't had the privilege of shopping at Boston-based Filene's, a bargain-hunter's paradise devoted to men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Unlike discount stores like Ross Dress for Less and TJ Maxx, designer duds are the norm rather than the exception at Filene's. If you look hard enough you can score anything from Prada to Armani at rock-bottom prices.

Despite the huge traffic jams congesting the roads to this mall, it is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Its also one of the largest indoor outlets malls with more than 220 shops.

This shop sells women’s clothing and accessories, including designer suits, and more casual items at much reduced prices if not the cheapest. Its touted to have the densest collection of big name designers pieces with reduced price tag.

A tourist crowded food court, souvenir shops, news stands and stores is what you find here. You must check out the gorgeous central atrium and can ride elevators to the clock tower for a stunning view of the city.

Not only an architectural landmark and a train depot, Union Station boasts of more than 100 shops including souvenir shops, an impressive food court and a nine screen movie theater complex.

There are several farmers markets in the DC area with the oldest being The Alexandria Farmers market operating since 1752. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are offered here along with bakery items, cut flowers and plants. This market operates all year and Saturday mornings from 5 to 10 am, located in front of the City Hall in Alexandria.