New shops and restaurants have been sprouting up throughout Chevy Chase, with the latest being the nation's first Anthropologie accessory boutique. Set to open this Friday, Oct. 29, the store will house all types of accessories — from shoes to one-of-a-kind vintage jewelry.

"We have such fabulous customers in the D.C. area and we have much more to offer her — a more diverse and special assortment, as well as a unique experience," said Wendy Wurtzburger, Anthropologie co-president and chief merchandising officer.

The store will include hand-picked and rare shoes, bags, jewelry, scarves, belts and other accessories. It will also carry estate and antique jewelry — including engagement and wedding rings.

"[Anthropologie's] such a fun store, and while I love their clothes, it's usually the accessories that I end up buying because they are always unique, creative and colorful," said Chevy Chase resident Rachael Schacherer.

Steps away from the Anthropologie store in Friendship Heights, the 1400-square-foot accessory store, also called Anthropologie, has a custom concrete tile floor, and a collage of reclaimed doors covering the left wall.

"We're thrilled they chose The Shops at Wisconsin Place to open their first-ever accessory shop," said Amanda Orr, communications consultant for The Shops at Wisconsin Place. "Anthropologie has been a big hit here, and they thought this would be a good test market to open their first accessory and shoe store."

Owned by Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie got its start in 1992, and now has more than 135 stores in the U.S. In January, Anthropologie opened in Chevy Chase at The Shops at Wisconsin Place. The new stand-alone accessory store will also be located at Wisconsin Place, next to BCBG Max Azria.

"To be honest, I would have picked someplace like Georgetown or L.A. [to build the first accessory shop]," said Schacherer. "But I think it's great, and it makes sense because the Wisconsin Place area has a lot of stores that sell fashion … Plus, I hope it brings more young people to the area since they will probably be interested in checking it out."

According to the Wisconsin Place website, in 2008 the estimated population within five miles of the shop was 535,254, with the average household income at $134,052.

"I think they picked Chevy Chase and Wisconsin Place in particular because it is becoming the one of the main shopping points for D.M.V. [the District, Maryland and Virginia]," said Chevy Chase resident Nicki Allen. "It's a growing area with a lot of other great stores, and the customer in this area tend[s] to have a somewhat large disposable income and is not afraid to use it."

The store hours will be Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 12-7 p.m. Beginning this winter, the accessory shop will hold special events — including, personal styling sessions, gift wrap parties, and new collection previews with designers. 

"I don't shop at Anthropologie that often," said Allen. "I think my excitement comes from the type of product that the new store will offer since you can't find unique pieces just anywhere in Chevy Chase, and especially not in the current selection in Friendship Heights."