The Milan of Maryland?: Shopping in Annapolis

"TRUST ME — that diva woman is out there in Annapolis."

Those are the words of "Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano. Hear that, M Street shopper with the Gucci glasses and Balenciaga bag? Strut those oversize accessories right off that Georgetown sidewalk and onto the brick roads of downtown Annapolis. (Wear flats, though — the porous old streets weren't really made for heels.) The town may have a bad rap for its resident sailor style (worn khakis, a miscellaneous light beer cap and copious amounts of zinc oxide), but "Project Dudway" it ain't. Here are the Annapolitian trendsetting shops that deserve both a Tim Gunn nod and an influx of D.C. customers. Sail into the world of fierce!

Brown Eyed Girl
There aren't too many waves in the Chesapeake Bay, but this adorable surf shop is making them just offshore. Funky jewelry, flowery summer dresses and matching flip-flops set the scene for a day on the bay (or the Potomac). Billabong and Roxy garb is abundant; it's the store's own graphic tees that deserve a Van Morrison anthem. Witty home décor includes Elvis sink strainers and wall hangings bearing inspirational quotes — though no lines from the book of Christian ... yet. One must wait to see "Oh, my God, I'm going to die of barfness" on canvas.
10 Francis St.; 410-990-4475.

DIVA
DIVA is the harbor for global garments sailing straight from high-end Euro ports. Co-owner Laura Bevilacqua — who owns several Benettons in the Washington area — regularly travels to Italy to scout for the shop's extensive, ever-changing array of club clothes, leather handbags and silk scarves. (Big names include Black Halo, J Brand, Christopher Deane and Mac & Jac.) It's the perfect place for Christian to debut his new line (hint, hint).
30 Market Space; 410-280-9195.

Artini
Artini is definitely on its third martini, in the best way possible. Zebra-print tops, pink boas and bejeweled bags round out a collection of chic chaos that begs to be explored for kitsch's sake. What is that wine bottle wearing? It's the Krazy Koozie, a leopard-spotted, pink-feathered wine carrier created by local artist "T." Its claim to be the best Annapolis spot for hostess gifts is proven by a bartender apron reading "It's 5 o'clock somewhere." It's always happy hour at Artini.
40 Randall St.; 410-267-0040.

The Pink Crab
This blindingly rose-hued boutique features classic looks that mirror a nameless collection for which "Runway" finalist Jillian Lewis once worked (it rhymes with Lalph Rauren). Everything you need to look upscale at the beach is here -- wrap and halter dresses, brightly patterned skirts, capris and an assortment of men's embroidered shorts that work on sea and dry D.C. land. Will designing for crustaceans be a challenge for the next "Project Runway" season?
16 Market Space; 410-216-9994.

Treasure Island
Christian won "best dressed" at his high school prom in his Naptown days. Chances are he got his inspiration here, where satin, sparkly and shiny reign. More traditional than trendy, the ageless gowns work for events from homecoming to more grown-up occasions; brands include Jovani, Scala and Faviana. And while Christian was manhandled by his young client during the "Runway" challenge, this top prom-gown destination is slightly more equipped to handle teen tirades.
198 Main St.; 410-267-1500.

Written by Express contributor Robyn Mincher
Photos by Chris Combs/Express