(Pictured: Green and Blue)

Dupont Circle (Washington, DC)

As the meeting point of Massachusetts and Connecticut Avenues (two of the area’s busiest thoroughfares), it is understandable that the biggest deals go down, the best restaurants are born, and the greatest fashion fizzles! The Dupont Circle neighborhood has loads of chic shops jewelry by acclaimed shop I. Gorman will stop any tourist in her tracks! Here, floating circular cases evoke the stunning, meticulously crafted rings; marble-like walls, seemingly lit from within, have the same complex textures as colorful sculpted bracelets; and plank-like tables recall modern necklaces studded with gemstones. This store is so amazing- from stunning decor to merch you have to see to believe- it should be a national landmark. If you are looking for a store that brings a little boutique chic area, stop by Green and Blue. Or take a stroll into the neighborhood’s favorite gift-y store, Propper Topper, to grab a few pick-me-ups (there are cute gifts and accessories scattered throughout) or admire a hat selection that’s both functional (a faux-fur winter trapper for winter) and fanciful (a wide-rimmed ribbon-trimmed bonnet that’s suitable for the Kentucky Derby or lunch at the White House).

View and print our Dupont Circle shopping map.

(pictured: Mainson K)

Santa Barbara, California

Most of us have come to terms with winter’s arrival. The chunky knits have replaced tank tops in our closets, and we’re bundling up in puffer jackets with a little holiday charm in our hearts. But, the novelty of the cold weather (even the wardrobe!) wears off pretty quickly. When you’re longing for sunshine, there is no place more perfect than Santa Barbara, where summer is eternal. Here, feel free to go out bikini-clad and hit the beach Baywatch style; go wine tasting at one of the area’s legendary vineyards; and of course, stroll the shop-stocked streets! In this city, there are two major shopping options. On State Street you can browse Michael Stars for the laid-back Cali look of the brand’s classic tees; check out Wendy Foster’s four locations for an international array of coveted designers; or find your inner sex pot at A Tropical Affair. Into polished resort wear more than lingerie? Across town in Montecito stop by Kate for that type of attire, or browse eclectic home decor at Maison K.

View and print our Santa Barbara Shopping map here

The original Kitson on Robertson Boulevard

There may not be a velvet rope or red carpet, but L.A.’s Robertson Boulevard attracts more celebrities than some of the area’s hottest clubs. Made famous by the celeb weeklies, TMZ and the like, which often show starlets sporting more shopping bags than most of us take home in a year, paparazzi-lined Robertson Boulevard is where celebs flock to see, be scene, and of course, to shop. Perhaps the strip’s most famous store, Kitson started nearly six years ago as a single location stocked with the latest and greatest in everything but the kitchen sink (tees, denim, footwear, jewelry, books, trinkets, candles, eyewear … you want it? They got it!) and has now turned into a Kitson kingdom with four different properties on Robertson, each with a different focus. Other Robertson classics include Lisa Kline and Madison for true California girl style clothing and accessories, and the newly opened 3.1 Phillip Lim lagship . Due to the expensive real estate, shops without true star power don’t last long here, so the list of stores changes often. Click here for a printable shopping map of Robertson Boulevard!

Boston’s trendy South End has undergone many changes in the last several years, going from gritty to urbane; rough to polished. Always notable for its charming brick row houses and scenic green parks, today the district is equally famous for fine restaurants, art galleries (and the Boston Center for the Arts) and some truly stellar shopping. This is definitely the ‘hood to visit if you’re in the market for unique home decor (furnishing and design shops, like Lekker and On the Side, are plentiful), but the South End has so much more to offer in conteporary fashion, quirky gifts and so much more. Check out the full South End Shopping Tour here!

Pictured: Hudson

Sometimes, a girl’s gotta get out of dodge. And in my case, it’s just a convenient hop, skip and jump from DC back to my parent’s house in nearby Annapolis, Maryland. In case the waterfront town, home to eighteenth century buildings, the world’s “sailing capital” and of course, the attractive men of the United States Naval Academy weren’t enough of a draw, the town has amassed quite the shopping scene since I officially moved away six years ago.

In the past two years, this sleepy waterfront town has transformed from a tourist destination to a shopping mecca rivaling the boutiques of nearby Georgetown and Bethesda.

I thought I’d give you a tour of just a few of my faves… in case you’re in the market for an escape as well. Each of the town’s three areas is completely walk-able and offers a unique flavor.

MAIN STREET — As you might expect, this is the town’s main drag, sloping gently upwards from the water. It’s where you’ll find most of the restaurants, plus lots of shopping.

Chesapeake Trading Co. CTC is a must-visit for both out-of-towners and locals alike, as this wood-floored storefront packs clothing, books, gift items and home goods into one all-around favorite storefront. Travelers will find a limited selection of Annapolis merch, mostly with a more generic “Chesapeake” theme, but will be delighted with the selection of Lacoste polos, tasteful windbreakers, or printed Wellies in the winter.

The Pink Crab If you’re looking for Lily, search no further. Annapolis’ first Lily Pulitzer signature store, the Pink Crab, provides just the right touch of preppy to a town known primarily for their polo wearing, yacht driving citizens.

Zachary’s Fine Jewelers: Anapolitans in search of beautiful baubles should make a beeline for longtime jewelry staple Zachary’s, the family owned and operated business that maintains the distinction of being the number one supplier of engagement rings to Naval Academy grads and personnel in Annapolis.

Madison: Madison owner Catharine Incaprera has been a Costume Supervisor and Star Dresser for celebs like Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, Daniel Craig, Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, and Jamie Fox. Madison was designed to fill what Incaprera saw as a missing niche in the Annapolis fashion scene - West Coast style at an affordable price.

Diva: Don’t miss this stylish shop, which stocks casual and going-out wear by names like Walter, Alice + Olivia and Bailey 44. Service is exceptional, and the well-edited selection of merch is loved by locals and celebs alike.

Paradigm: While over half of the merchandise in this self-dubbed “stylish yet smart” boutique costs less than $100, the vibe here is anything but cheap: The modern 4,000 square foot space, glittering chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows are befitting of Soho’s best, as is the service, which is never less than top-notch.

WEST STREET — This up-and-coming area is just off Church Circle and an easy walk from Main Street. You’ll find coffeehouses, art galleries, and a few trendy boutiques that are not to be missed.

Horse: The first boutique to populate the now cooler than thou West Street Corridor, Horse mixes the best of big box selection with the top-notch customer service fitting its small size. You’ll find an attractive array of casual, work-appropriate, and nighttime wear by names like T-Bags, Karta and Rebecca Taylor.

Saucy Shoes: Styles range from casual to going-out worthy, and brands are chic (Kate Spade, Tibi, Hollywould) but won’t break the bank. Oh, and don’t forget to say hello to the resident shop dog, the owner’s large but friendly pooch named Diesel.

Laura Bevilacqua: The modern vibe of the store (accented by an over-the-counter glowing sign and sleek, white interior) matches the well-edited clothing selection. Only a few of each item are present, and tailored pants by names like Paige Black Label pair equally well with statement tops by names like Valentino RED or classic totes by handbag label BUI by Barbara Bui.

MARYLAND AVENUE– Annapolis’ haven for art galleries and interior design shops, this small side street has St. John’s College on one end and the gates of the Naval Academy on the other.

Sitting Pretty: “Ladies, let’s shop!” The motto of this Maryland Avenue fave is perfectly apropos. This stylish yet sophisticated outpost for Anapolitans is full of feminine yet not frilly merchandise by names like Tibi, Kay Unger, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, White + Warren and Nannette Lepore.

Mary and Blanche: At this tiny gift boutique, you’ll find a selection of totchkes sure to tickle your fancy. It’s the perfect spot to find that out-of-the-ordinary hostess gift (beer bottle bands) or hilarious birthday card.

Bailey’s Maryland Avenue: In a town world famous for its sailing street cred, it’s a wonder that prepster apparel haven Bailey’s didn’t emerge until nearly three years ago. Owner Pamela Brown’s shop isn’t a stuffy shop where only the likes of Bitsy and Muffy would be caught shopping, but a classic yet stylish boutique with a preppy twist.

Across the Potomac but atmospherically miles away from bustling D.C. proper, quaint and charming Old Town Alexandria is full of interesting places to explore. Every cobble-stoned corner is packed with history — from the old fire house to the church that George Washington attended, a stroll through Old Town is like a journey back in time. At the same time, edgy cafes, nightspots and trendy boutiques put the neighborhood on the cusp of modern style. Get the full Old Town Alexandria shopping tour here!

Pictured: La Cuisine

Quirky boutiques, hard to-find-indie designers and haute fashion are all at home in Brooklyn’s Park Slope. (Our favorites include Bird, Otto and Oak, but there are so many to choose from!) The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and gracious old brownstones make it worth the train trip; the prime shopping is just icing on the cake! Get the full Park Slope shopping tour here!

Above: Flirt , Park Slope

We girls and you geighs all know the reason Gossip Girl is so amazing (and not in an ironic way) is — next to Blair’s bitchface — Chuck’s wardrobe. Crafting getups ever more outlandish with each juicy episode, the costume department of GG has figured out that Ed Westwick is a searing, pouting clotheshanger for everything piped, striped and tied in a bow. It takes a certain dude to pull that off (read, a dude with disposable money and a massively overblown ego), but the Basstard’s wardrobe does elicit certain whimpers of envy among guys I know. In particular, my bestgeigh Jared, who whined to me on Tuesday morning that we at Store Adore haven’t told our men where to go get purty. In an effort to include the rougher sex, here is my short list for Basstastic shopping, downtown style, on NYC’s Lower East Side. (Photo courtesy of Gossip Girl News.)

BBlessing

This honey-toned boutique on Orchard Street was the first of its kind in the newly gentrified LES, founded in 2006 by art-dude and creative titan Daniel Jackson, who places even emphasis on the razorsedge fashion and gallery-style installations always rotating in the huge (for NYC) space. Aside from the draw of the hosted installations, BBlessing’s cult following is ravenous for the duds, which comprise a collection a bit Tokyo-indie, part street art, and largely high-end neo-Gothic (think velvet blazers and patent shoes). Look to these guys for Rag & Bone, Preen, Surface to Air and BBlessing’s own label. (Photo courtesy of BBlessing.)

181 Orchard Street, NYC 10002

20 Peacocks

For officewear bespoke style, the groomed look to 20 Peacocks, Clinton Street’s Oxford-vibe shop for custom button-downs and gorgeous ties. This is a European shirt-and-tie shop, installed in NYC’s edgiest area — for downtown dudes so over Brooks Brothers. The ready made and the custom shirts (which take about 6 weeks to complete) come in a variety of whimsical patterns and shades, though they still fit in with corporate environs (no shimmery mulberry hues, just some beautiful pastels and paisleys). The shop prides itself on unexpected shirt/tie pairings, too, so let them serve your man coffee and tell him how to do it up. (Photo courtesy of 20 Peacocks.)

20 Clinton Street, NYC, 10002

Gargyle

Befitting Chuck on his preppiest days (though, without that godawful red scarf), brand spanking new shop Gargyle offers a collection of neuvo-country club duds for guys (and gals). Urging New Yorkers to eschew black and embrace badminton, Gargyle goes the way of cotton motorcycle pants as an alternative to jeans; red lambswool cardigans; short guy shorts; and gingham biker jackets. (Photo courtesy of Gargyle.)

16A Orchard Street, NYC, 10002

Shopping is an experience that involves all of your (very refined) senses. It’s not just about the goods; it’s the whole package, baby. (And sometimes, if the packaging itself is superb, it doesn’t even matter what’s inside.) Boston has a handful of boutiques that not only have amazing merchandise, but also amazing merchandising—the kind of spots you hit just so you can luxuriate in the atmosphere. Here are some of my faves:

1. Twilight

Designed by owner Alison Barnard, Twilight’s boudoir-like setting features dark wood floors, plum rugs, ruched taffetta curtains around the fitting areas, fun black and white print wallpaper and upholstery,jet black glass chandeliers and fun shooting star imagery painted high up on the walls (the design echoes the store’s logo, also seen on its cute shopping bags). The festive setting is perfect for the party dress-focused inventory.

2. First Date

Owned by two super-cute sisters who grew up in town, First Date embodies the spirit of the pulled together PYT with a preppy sensibility, but a trend-conscious attitude. The clear blue walls provide the perfect backdrop for all the fun outfits, which hang on racks and shelving that might resemble your very own closet (or the ones you’ve drooled over in Hold Everything catalogs). The sofa, with its trellis-print cushion and hot pink pillows, makes the perfect place to lounge while watching the date movies playing on the flat panel TV. Who says the ‘burbs are boring?

3. Lazuli Jewelry

If you’re looking for a solid selection of modern jewelry, but don’t feel like pawing through the afterthought pieces so often placed at the register, hit Lana Barakat’s Lazuli Jewelry showroom. Housed in an office building on Copley Square, you can stop in sans appointment for a pretty view of the city and a pop of color. The bold colors are enough to perk anyone out of a midday slump. Plus, we guarantee you can get your holiday shopping done early, both for your BFFs and your guy friends that can pull off a piece of silver.

4. French Lessons

Gilda Tunney stocks her heavenly mini-chain, French Lessons (in chi-chi suburbs like Wellesley and Hamilton) with delectable fashions from the likes of DVF, Milly, and Nanette Lepore. But in addition to these fashionista staples, what we love about the boutiques is the decor: baby pink shelves set against romantic black and white wallpaper, curlicue chandeliers, mirrored vanities, stretched canvases with prints of Audrey Hepburn, oversize and ornate mirrors and even a leopard-print chaise. It’s as though we’ve died and gone to Tiffany’s.

5. Plum Produce

I may not eat my vegetables, but I sure like to look at them at Plum Produce. Barbara Lynch’s tiny shop is the kind of spot that might just turn a meat-eater into a dedicated organic vegetarian. The offerings are the art of the earth. I find myself imagining that if I purchased these edible treasures, I could undoubtedly create a masterpiece in the kitchen. And, if I’m not in the cooking sort of mood, I go in to gather inspiration for my dream kitchen. Someday, sigh.

When you think about shopping in midtown Manhattan, the Big B’s may come to mind (Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf’s and Barney’s, of course), but this bustling neighborhood has a lot more than overstuffed department stores to offer the adventurous shopper. Whether you work in the area and are sneaking out on your lunch hour, of you’ve come to visit and need a post-MoMa shop-op (that is, aside from the Moma Design store itself, which is one of our faves for sleek smartly curated gifts), there are plenty of worthwhile boutiques amongst these skyscrapers. We recommend a stroll down swanky Madison Avenue, where aside from the couture staples (hey, window shopping is free!) we love Searle for that fearlessly glamorous night-on-the-town dress, Eres for a flattering bikini that’s worth the splurge and Molton Brown. (We like the latter’s “take 5″ bar, where customers can select certain products for one set price. Talk about a quick and simple way to class up a restroom!) If you find yourself in historic Grand Central Station, snack on some cheese form world-famous Murray’s and check out The Pink Slip, a sliver of a shop selling the sexiest lingerie in town. Check out the full New York Midtown East Shopping TourMidtown West Shopping Tour here and here.