Bringing high-end “Parisian chic” – and NYC edge – to Rockville’s style scene are Christina and Natalie Albina, two native Bethesdans and Walter Johnson High School grads who recently opened Style étoile, a new boutique located next to Tennis Topia at Congressional Village Shopping Center in Rockville. It’s definitely worth a stop—especially if you’re in search of a fresh, new look.
The shop, which opened in December, offers a mix of clothing and accessories I haven’t seen anyplace else. You’ll find a well-edited selection of dresses hanging amid vintage Chanel bags, Missoni socks, sparkly Converse-style sneakers and furry pieces by Glamourpuss. Other designers include Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Generation Love, Jonathon Simkhai, Camilla & Mark, Alice by Temperley and Anna Sui.
The shop is set up like a well-organized closet. Jackets and coordinating dresses hang together with shelves of jewelry and accessories nearby.
The two women use their eye and New York experience to help local women create or transform a look. “The key to our business is styling,” Christina says. “We’re trying to educate people.”
Christina, who worked in New York for Miu Miu and Scoop NYC, says she’s the edgy one; sister Natalie is the more “conservative Bethesda girl.” They can help with a single outfit or a total wardrobe transformation, helping women go through their entire closets and taking them shopping wherever their budget allows—from their store to the outlets to Forever 21 to J. Crew.
Style étoile is definitely worth a stop on your way to or from Congressional—and more good news, there’s plenty of parking.
Congressional Village Shopping Center (behind REI), 1701-B9 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 800-910-8705, www.styleetoile.com
