There's something about sapphire that just works this time of year. As September settles in and wardrobes start shifting toward fall, the deep, saturated blue of sapphire feels like the perfect complement to the season — rich enough to hold its own against sweaters and layers, yet versatile enough to wear every day.

Across Alexandria, families have been finding their way back into the rhythms of another school year. Some students returned in August. At Alexandria Classical Christian Academy, we began September 1. Others headed back after Labor Day. But regardless of when that first day happened, most families are now settling into that familiar transition from the openness of summer to the fullness of fall.

I first noticed Marfa Stance on social media. These cool jackets that were like nothing else I had seen on the market kept popping up in my feed. Then, when I looked further, I noticed you could change the collars out and make different looks out of one jacket. I was hooked. They had me when I saw a pink fur collar. I mean, does it get any better than that?

Our first shoot was for Tanya Taylor, queuing up a trunk show that kicks off this Thursday, September 10. The photos are just amazing, and all the fall colors make me so excited for cooler temperatures. All the plums, dark reds, and greens just make me happy. It is the perfect event to kick off fall.

I am wrapping up a one-month sabbatical from my business and life in Alexandria as I write this article. Taking a sabbatical is something I could never have imagined for myself, especially as a small business owner. When I worked full-time for other companies and organizations, I barely took a two-week vacation, so a month-long break seemed completely unattainable.

Pets are more than companions; they are part of the family, and today’s luxury homes are increasingly designed with their comfort, convenience, and well-being in mind. From beautifully integrated feeding stations to dedicated pet suites, these thoughtful details prove that pet-friendly design can be both functional and sophisticated.

We just received our first delivery of Dear Frances, and they are, as I like to say, life-changing. Founded in London in 2014 by Jane Frances and Scott O’Connor, the brand is celebrated for its minimalist and sculptural designs. Made in Italy, they have a commitment to slow fashion and quality materials.

Somewhere in Alexandria this week, a well-meaning spouse is going to walk into a title company, sign a one-page document, and hand over a piece of their premarital life without realizing it. The document is called a deed of gift. It sounds sentimental and it is. That's exactly the problem.