The Connection

For fine apparel, home accents, and gift ideas that are already pre-mixed and matched for you, look no further than Judy Ryan of Fairfax in the Twinbrooke Shopping Center off Braddock Road. Located in the same Fairfax location for 26 years, Ryan makes 10 annual trips to New York City to find the hottest runway looks but tailors them to the tastes of Fairfax County women.

"We aim to make people smile," said Ryan of Annandale, who has an RN degree. "Everybody who works here is engaged in assisting the customer to find the right thing -- whether it's something simple to accent an outfit -- all the way to the complete outfit."

Ryan updates her inventory daily -- for size 2-16 customers who range from high school age to 80-year-olds. For apparel, her shop showcases the likes of Joseph Ribkoff, Jag Jeans, Sisters, Karen Kane, Tribal and Conrad C. She's best known for her presentation of whole outfits as well as finishing touches to an outfit -- such as jewelry and scarves.

The Homestyle Collecton offers gifts for the home, the hostess, the seasons, the baby and the child. You'll find Zutano for baby and toddler, Michel Design Works for the kitchen and bath, Stonewall Kitchen for the gourmet, gifts for the wine lover and a wide variety of decorative accessories. Other home accents are by Tag, Andrea by Sadek, Sullivans, Kikkerland and Rockflowerpaper.

"She always has the most unique things," said Patricia Rollins of Alexandria. "They're always well made and timeless. I've had some of her clothes for eight years, but they never go out of style, and I always get compliments."

"Customers tell us that coming here was like having your own personal shopper," said Ryan. "For the holidays, we have a lot of seasonal items that are great for taking as a hostess gifts and for decorating your own home. We wrap them, they are ready to go."

Ryan and her team will put together gift bags of things that customers like so they don't have to think it through. For jewelry, there's: Brighton, Carissima, Zenzii, Jilzara, and Sharelli."Year round, it's our pleasure to put together ideas that make great gifts. We have a lot of fun just coordinating it."

"You'll find things here that you won't find in a department store," said Stephanie Miller of Clifton. "It's almost as if you have a personal shopper."

"I tell everybody to come here. It's my favorite store," said Pam Hirsch of Annandale. "I always find something for myself, and then some. There's always different kind of clothing -- from dressy to casual. Judy has very good taste. Her shopping sprees are wonderful."

Twice a year Ryan does in-store fashion shows with professional models, trunk shows, and a recent fundraising tea party for breast cancer research. She also reaches out to local schools by participating in their fun fairs, silent auctions and all-night grad parties. "We try to give back to the community because we wouldn't be here without them," said Ryan.

The Christmas Holiday Breakfast will kick off the holidays on the first Saturday in December starting at 8 a.m., where everything in the shop is discounted until 2 p.m. It includes a continental breakfast with champagne and mimosas where her husband serves the food in a tuxedo. "People look forward to it every year," she said.

Small Business Saturday is coming up on Saturday, Nov. 29, where American Express is involved by giving back; when customers use their credit cards, they get $10 credit back. There's also a 3/50 Project to encourage people to go to three local businesses a month and spend $50 there. When you shop locally, the sales tax goes back to Fairfax County for roads, parks and schools. For customer's birthday month, they get $25 off coupons.

Judy Ryan of Fairfax is located in the Twinbrooke Center, 9565 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032. Call 703-425-1855 for more information.