Though Washington has a reputation for having little style, neighborhood centers – especially Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle and Georgetown – are home to some charming boutiques and bookshops. Washington’s most beloved and eclectic shopping is still found at the venerable Eastern Market (225 Seventh Street SE, DC 20003, +12025462698), where weekends crackle with the activity of artisans, craftsmen, food vendors and great bargains. Nearby, the new women’s clothing boutique Plaid (715 Eighth Street SE, DC 20003, +12026756900) has made a splash. In Adams Morgan, don’t miss Miss Pixie’s Furnishings and Whatnot (1810 Adams Mill Road NW, +12022328171), a fabulously fun furniture shop, the ‘unique girlie boutique’ Daisy (1814 Adams Mill Road NW, DC 20009-1902, +12027971117) and the whimsical All About Jane (2438 18th Street NW, DC 20009-2004, +12027979710).

Georgetown antique staples include Carling Nichols (1675 Wisconsin Avenue NW, DC 20007-2721, +12023385600) and Gore Dean (1525 Wisconsin Avenue NW, DC 20007-2739, +12026251776); nearby are DC funky fashion institution Commander Salamander (1420 Wisconsin Avenue NW, DC 20007-2827, +12023372265) and hot secondhand jean shop Deja Blue (3005 M Street NW, DC 20007-3702, +12023377100). Bookworms may find all they need to know at Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Avenue NW, DC 20008-2024, +12023641919) and one of the east coast’s most respected gay and lesbian bookshops, Lambda Rising (1625 Connecticut Avenue NW, DC 20009-1013, +12024626969).

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