Tysons Corner Center in Northern VA has a dedicated Banana Republic store for just petites separate from the regular Banana Republic. No need to go to the real thing and drool over items that won't fit! Same thing for Ann Taylor, a store for just petites (downstairs within the store from the regular Ann Taylor, so regular size items often make their way to this one). This mall is GIGANTIC, so they have all of the usual suspects for petite clothes.

City Girls World reports about a store called Gossip on 23rd in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington that supposedly has lots of petite/small sizes. I've never made it to the store (it's never open when I'm in that neighborhood), but it's worth a shot.

Adding to Petite Shopping Guide: Washington, DC

I buy many, if not most, of my clothes online and return them to the store. But I really enjoy shopping in person. Here's my top picks for extra petite shopping in the city.
*Unfortunately, nothing too unique, and without a car, options are limited to where I can travel by Metro or Bus. On special occasions, I'll reserve a Zipcar for grocery shopping and will try to go to clothes shopping at some of stores not accessible by Metro. Don't know what Zipcar is? It's an awesome car-sharing membership program with cars all over the city (happens to be a couple right in front of my building) for you to drive when you need them. Affordable, and helping to green the earth one car at a time.

1. H&M, 11th and F Streets NW
I try to buy my basics here. Season after season, the style of their basics really don't change much. As a result, I have 3 similar tanks, 2 similar pencil skirts (high waisted, wide band), 2 sheaths (one scoop neck, one boat neck). The size 2s often fit. What other store can I go to the dressing room with 5 items of clothing and have 4/5 not be too big (wary on the word 'fit', as they often don't) Unfortunately, many girls here several sizes bigger than me love to squeeze into my size 2's (can't get over vanity sizing), and I often find size 2s with deodorant and make up marks, as well as busted zippers.

2. Urban Outfitters, H and 7th Streets NW

I've found very little I can wear to work here. But I'm in love with the dresses. Pins and Needles, BDG, and Kimchee Blue in size XS tend to fit quite nicely. Reviews are always complaining that their dresses are too short. I, however, find the lengths quite appropriate. No hem job necessary!

3. Tyson's Corner Mall: McLean, Virginia
It's not metro accessible so this is a day trip requiring a Zipcar for me.

1. In addition to the BR, I love Bloomingdales
   Picked up my favorite Little Black Dress here from the tiny junior's brand, Aqua. The kids selection is good too with kids clothes that look like adult ones, but smaller. I don't think Aqua kids even change it to children's proportions. I own a blazer and dress pants from Aqua kids that has room for small curves.

4. Filene's Basement, 14th and F Streets NW

I'm hesitant in recommending this store because I hate its layout. It's big, and organized by brand, so I have to go sort through every brand only to find that none of them carry my size. Not to mention is is also messy. On the occasions that I have decided to rummage that place, I have found a casual Theory skirt in size 00. I have also found jeans in small size 23 and 24s from AN's favorite, Paige, and Blank (which fit quite nicely in the butt and thigh, but the excessive 8 inches of fabric flopping by my feet would definitely require tailoring) The Connecticut Avenue store is much more organized so it's great for accessory shopping, but I've never seen small sizes there.

5. Potomac Mills Outlet, Woodbridge, Virginia
It's far, and requires a Zipcar but I always make a run to this mall whenever I take IKEA trips in the same area.

1. Urban Behavior
   It's basically a Wet Seal but runs much smaller. I own about 3 cardigans from this store and some Ts. I'm not too big of a fan of their other teenaged clothing though.
2. H&M
   Bigger selection than the one downtown. More likely to find size 2s that aren't damaged.

Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets in Leesburg, VA is also far, but well worth the trip when they have a sale (which they have on a regular basis). The Banana Republic Factory Store has a tiny, cramped corner for the petite apparel, but I have found plenty of nice items (in OOP/XXSP) after digging through the piles. There's also an Ann Taylor Factory Store (which usually doesn't have as good of discounts) which has a larger petite section that is much better organized (don't forget to check the clearance rack by the dressing room), and plenty of other stores in general.

5'0 - 97lbs - 30-26-34

The Full Cup in Alexandria is a "Bra fitting salon" that offers band sizes from 28-48 and cup sizes from A-K. So lots of options for ladies with little chests! They recommend making appointments.

There's also a Theory Outlet at Leesburg Premium Outlets that I've been meaning to try. It's a little bit of a schlep to get out there though...