Ginger, Belina Boutique, and Luna
Bethesda has no shortage of stylish boutiques. Little wonder then that there was a three-way tie for this year’s Best Boutique, with Ginger, Belina and Luna sharing top honors.
When owner Gretchen Hitchner opened Ginger in 2008, she wanted to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for women to shop for casual but elegant apparel and accessories. She has done just that, says Bethesda’s Julie Bowen, who shops there regularly. “If I go in there, I know I’m going to come out with the outfit I need,” Bowen says. “It’s definitely my go-to store.” A top at Ginger typically runs $68 to $140. In 2012, Ginger was the editors’ pick for Best Accessories.
Mother-daughter duo Betty Barati and Sherri Hatam are the team behind Belina Boutique, a business built on style and customer service. The small shop, opened in 2003, has a thoughtful selection of clothing and accessories from designers such as White + Warren and Ella Moss. There are no pushy salespeople at Belina, just friendly offers to find the right garments. “We want people to find something they’ll wear over and over again,” Hatam says. Rockville’s Beth Bobb has shopped at Belina since it opened. Not only do they have a great selection, Bobb says, but they’re honest about whether a particular item suits a client. “I appreciate that,” she says. Sweaters at Belina range from $140 to $340.
Luna, which also won Best Boutique in 2012, is one of four boutiques owned by a company headquartered in Charleston, S.C. Created as a place where stylish women of all ages can find a perfect outfit, the shop stocks everything from classic cashmere to funky jewelry. Prices at Luna range from $60 for a top to about $400 for a cocktail dress.
Ginger, 7114 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-664-9242, www.gingerstyle.com
Belina Boutique, Wildwood Shopping Center, 10215 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-897-2929, www.belinaboutique.com
Luna, 7232 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-1111, www.shopluna.com
