As the weather gets colder and evenings move indoors, it’s officially dinner party season. There’s something especially lovely about gathering around a friend’s table this time of year—and a thoughtful hostess gift is a small way to acknowledge everything that goes into welcoming you.

A clutter-free home starts from the ground up—literally. Discover the five things organized people never store on the floor and the simple habits that keep everyday mess from piling up. From shoes and packages to laundry and those “maybe” items, these easy tips can make your home feel more orderly every day.

AMO started as just denim and is known for combining a vintage feel with that great broken-in comfort. It is female-owned by two industry veterans who focus on pocket placement (which really matters when it comes to denim), comfortable waistbands, and silhouettes from the ’60s and ’70s. Stop in and see our selection of AMO and the styles they sent us just for the weekend. The best part: all AMO is 20 percent off October 8th through October 11th.

Steeped in history yet thoughtfully reimagined for modern living, this exceptional detached residence, originally built in the 1880s, seamlessly blends timeless architecture with sophisticated luxury. Following an extensive renovation and expansion completed between 2022 and 2025, every detail has been meticulously curated to honor the home's historic character while introducing today's finest finishes and amenities.

Moving to a new city often comes with an unspoken challenge: knowing you want community, but not knowing where to begin looking for it. For two years, Old Town Girlies has been answering that silent call for women across Alexandria. What began as a modest Monday night wine gathering hosted by co-founders Hannah Beth Sprouse and Meaghan Pawelczyk has grown into a vibrant, city-wide movement — connecting thousands of women, sparking genuine friendships, and transforming a transient town into a home.

There is a moment in every session when a child stops noticing everything else around them and looks right into my lens. Their sweet face softens, they open up, and suddenly it is as if I can see the whole world through their eyes. Capturing that moment always brings me so much joy, and takes on a whole new meaning when it is the beginning of an oil portrait project.

I love seeing Boxwood after hours. The shop takes on a completely different feeling when the doors are closed, the glasses are poured, and everyone is gathered around the table creating something. This October we have three very different creative evenings planned. Jewelry, flowers, and needlepoint are all on the calendar, taught by three incredibly talented local women we are so excited to welcome to the shop.

The Veronica Beard trunk show is always our biggest event of the year, and I have a feeling this year’s affair will be no different. They really have gone back to their roots with great suits and separates. I asked our resident model, Jen, to help out and called in another familiar face—and another Courtney—to help us out.