Tucked away between a psychic and a massage parlor in upper Georgetown, Pretty Chic occupies a tiny row house in the neighborhood locals call Book Hill. The name is taken from the adjacent Book Hill Park, a stretch of green leading to the Georgetown Public Library. Once private homes, these compact dwellings now house art galleries, coffee shops, and purveyors of health and fashion. Pretty Chic falls into the last category, although I’d argue it’s also mentally and fiscally healthy (not to mention environmentally) to shop at vintage stores such as this.

With the well-heeled of Georgetown as its clients, you never know what’s in store. One day, a Prada dress, the next a barely worn pair of Ferragamo pumps. (Or Manolo sandals? Yves St. Lauren slingbacks?). I’ll always check here for theme parties and one-offs, as prices are far below new retail. Aside from consignment and vintage, the owner stocks some new jewelry pieces as well as knick-knacks.

Don’t be fooled by the small front shop, for the space more than doubles down a narrow hall in the back. And don’t hesitate to ask the proprietor her opinion if you’re on the fence about a garment — she’s honest even when it doesn’t help her cause, which makes this little gem of a shop even a more refreshing stop amid the big-box chains that dominate lower Georgetown.