Susanne Seidman
Style Editor

Boutiques Alexandria Virginia

From Bellacara to Mystique, OldTown buzzed this weekend with excited shoppers and stampers eager to earn a chance at $1100 and $1900 in gift certificates for the best Alexandria has to offer.

Starting with an evening of “Shopping Under the Stars” with 11 of the participating 19 retailers, shoppers hit local boutiques with birthday party style scavenger hunt enthusiasm to earn fantastic goody bags well worth the hunt. I hoofed it along with my flyer in hand to experience the thrill of the hunt.

These goody bags made successful shoppers giddy! From Matchsticks double sided fashion tape contributed by Treat to pearl earrings from Lawrence Miller & Co., the loot was varied and worth working up a glow, if not a sweat. My jewels will be clean and shiny from Hagerty jewel cleaner in a handy atomizer contributed by Mystique jewelers, and the piled up laundry a little chicer a chore with Signature Detergent from The Laundress courtesy of Hysteria. Bellacara spoiled shoppers with Tweezerman Tweezers or Lippmann Nail Polish and Molton Brown travel size body wash or Bliss face wash.

The Shoe Hive included Foot Petals shoe pads to guarantee a perfect fit for that not quite right pair lurking in a closet.  Red Barn Mercantile’s compact tape measure will come in handy tucked into my car or purse for on the spot measuring while shopping OldTown.  Bella discounted a purchase $100 purchase by $25. The Christmas Attic will sparkle up trees all over OldTown this holiday season with sparkling star ornaments. Expectant mothers worry no more. With Preggie Pop Drops from Apple Seed, I stand ready to ease your on the spot mourning sickness in a flash.

Retailers dished up lite bites and cocktails in addition to stylish wares for eager shoppers.  The “teeny apples” or shot size “Appletinis” at Hysteria hit the signature green spot. Bite size cupcakes at Bella were delectable.

Savvy shoppers double dipped between the two promotions taking their experience Wednesday night and making the rounds again over the weekend, this time with all 19 participating retailers in play.

From apparel and shoes to jewelry to beauty and home décor, Old Town Boutique District has it all. Shop local and support independently owned businesses in Alexandria. You won’t be disappointed.

For a complete listing of stores and a map check out www.OldTownBoutiqueDistrict.com