I met Elizabeth Mason around a year and a half ago right after an Old Town Boutique District party, and we bonded instantly over our love for golden retrievers (she has 3!) I had not ventured into her store before, but based on her bubbly, colorful persona (inside and out) I knew I had to check it out.

On South Columbus street in Old Town, off of King, Periwinkle is an adorable womens’ boutique in a gorgeous old rowhome full of Old Town charm. The clothing and accessories match Elizabeth: bright, sophisticated, and fun.

The boutique carries womens clothing, shoes and accessories meant for the modern woman, ranging from casual to formal. The price points are nice, too; you can find accessories and basics at very affordable prices and then high quality dresses and formal wear in the upper price range. Of course, I tend to gravitate towards those stunning Tanya Taylor dresses, but can often find them at great prices on sale. The brands they carry are unique and on trend, and I wouldn’t have discovered some of my new favorite brands if it weren’t for Periwinkle.

Top: Tanya Taylor, Headband, both from Periwinkle

The employees are so helpful, too; one woman, Janet, who was simultaneously zippering up all my dresses for me, told me she started working there because she was shopping there all the time and couldn’t keep away! When customers become employees, I feel like that is a huge statement to the boutique.

Top: Stine Goya, Jeans: Just Black, both from Periwinkle

Instead of spilling all of the details, I interviewed Elizabeth to learn more about her and her beautiful boutique:

1. How long has Periwinkle been open?

Elizabeth: 14 years.

2. What was your inspiration for the store?

Elizabeth: My inspiration for the Store Design was Ralph Lauren. Their stores are classic and chic. I loved their wood cabinetry and tables and I modeled all my store locations with that in mind. The clothing inspiration comes from the classic as well, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and modern classic like Taylor Swift and Cate Blanchet. I wanted a store where women come to be styled and wardobed. Most boutiques carry fabulous pieces, I wanted to carry the entire fabulous outfit, from head to toe. You can walk into Periwinkle and walk out with the entire look, from shoes, to jewelry to bags to amazing clothes.

3. Have you always been in fashion?

Elizabeth: I have always loved fashion, and even when I had full time jobs outside of fashion, I had a part time job in retail. It was always such a different part of my day to be able to dress people!

Periwinkle carries a variety of jewelry and accessories, including Julie Vos.

4. What are some of the main brands you carry?

Elizabeth: I tell people that Nanette Lepore is the reason I started a boutique, I wokred in the political world and had to dress conservative and when I had an event, I would wear a fabulous Nanette Lepore Suit and I would get compliments all the time.

I still carry her line and love it. Over the years many new designers have come into my world and it is the most fun part of being a boutique owne, finding new and emergign designers!

I carry amazing designers like Poupette St Barth, MDS Stripe, Tanya Taylor, great priced lines like Endless Rose, Just Black Jeans, and Matisse Shoes.

5. What is your favorite line and why?

Elizabeth: My favorite line changes all the time! It depends what is on the floor! But I would say that Tanya Taylor is a major favorite right now.

6. What trends are you expecting for fall?

Elizabeth: Fall has a lot of color which I love! I saw and ordered a lot of red and pink! I cant wait for that!

7. Have you always lived in Alexandria? Where do you like to go?

I have lived all over the place. I moved every year growing up- it was not easy, and now I love to travel everywhere. I have lived here in the Northern VA area for 20 years! St Barths is my favorite place in the world, and second would be Park City (or Telluride )

8. You're always traveling! Have your travels inspired any aspect of your store?

Elizabeth: I love to shop when I travel! I am first and foremost a Shopper! My favorite thing to do when I travel is shop local boutiques and I find lines I love and want to carry all the time!! And I love to see how they merchandise items, I get inspiration all the time when I travel!

9. You're on the board of the Old Town Boutique District, tell us what that is?

Elizabeth: The Old Town Boutique District is collective of small businesses in Old Town, we coordinate marketing efforts together to showcase Old TownS Unique and amazing shops!

10. What makes Periwinkle unique?

All boutiques are unique, they carry the vision and the style of the Owner. I think Periwinkle is unique in our desire to wardrobe out clients, to act as their personal shoppers and put the whole look together for them, we have looks for everday of the week, and we have an amazing lounge in the back where clients can find refreshments when they are out shopping!