Something New: The Lucky Knot

By Chelsea Rose Moore
Photos by Michelle Baker

Imagine Kate Spade and Lilly Pulitzer and Kiel James Patrick together in one space. Add some Jude Connally, Vineyard Vines, and Gretchen Scott. And then combine a few dozen other brands, and you’ve found a destination for preppy, nautical-inspired, and American-made clothing: The Lucky Knot.

The brand’s Leesburg location opened in late April, giving customers a chance to shop all of their favorite brands in one place.

The shop is owned by a dynamic mother and daughter team. Andrea Ploutis, mother to three daughters who are also the shop’s co-owners, ran a home décor shop when her girls were young. The daughters remember working in the shop with her on weekends. One of the girls began looking at jewelry and clothes, which led to them opening 3 Sisters, a fast-fashion retail shop with locations in Old Town Alexandria and Annapolis.

While shopping for brands to stock, the mother and daughter team were continually drawn to preppy, resort-inspired styles. Thus, The Lucky Knot was born, opening its flagship location in Old Town Alexandria seven years ago. Today, the brand has locations in Alexandria, Baltimore, Annapolis, and now Leesburg. “Everyone has been coming in and telling us how excited they are,” said Stella Koukides, one of the sisters. “Leesburg doesn’t really have retail here, besides the outlets.” Being in downtown Leesburg gives the store a great level of foot traffic.

The bright storefront carries jewelry, shoes, bags, and clothes for every occasion (with styles for both men and women). The shop’s upper level has a large selection of evening gowns and cocktail dresses, perfect for special dinners or evening galas. And they have the accessories to add that extra sparkle. Together, the family travels the country in search of the best vendors to bring to the stores. The Lucky Knot locations stock the same brands so if one doesn’t have your size, they can call another.

The owners love fashion consulting with customers who come in looking for an outfit for a special occasion or business meeting. “We love dressing up women, making them feel great, and seeing them leave the store with a beautiful outfit to wear,” said Koukides. Lucky Knot offers a one-on-one level of customer service which is apparent from the moment one steps through the door.

Running a business with family has been fantastic journey for them all. “We can fight one minute, and the next minute, we love each other,” said Koukides. “We work really good together. We take each other’s advice and comments.”

Koukides, her mom, and her sisters Athina Kohilas and Stavroulla Kokkinis rotate between all of the stores. Each play a unique role in the business from buyers to decorators to accountants, but all love assisting customers. When they are all in the store, they love working on everything together.

The Lucky Knot is open Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours are seasonal, call to confirm. The newest shop is located at 9 N. King Street, Leesburg. Learn more or shop online at www.theluckyknot.com.

This article first appeared in the May 2019 issue of Middleburg Life.