Street Style: Meet Kendall Rife
A lifelong Alexandrian, Kendall’s story begins at Belle View Shopping Center, where a childhood favorite—The Virginia Florist—sparked an early love of flowers. That first job grew into a lasting skill she carried alongside a career in accounting and venture capital. Now, with an entrepreneurial spirit and deep local roots, Kendall’s path is coming full circle.
Bring on the Denim: AMO is at The Hive
I love to see what other boutiques are doing on social media and, for our events, this research—if I can call it that—is where a lot of my ideas start to take shape. I was watching a story from another independently owned boutique, and the owner was talking about her most worn items from 2025. Two of the items were from AMO, a line we carried many years ago.
Real Estate 101: Understanding the Residential Sales Contract
Did a move come up when creating your vision board for 2026? If that’s the case, let me give you a look into home sales, the most important step of the process: the sales contract! This is a legally binding agreement outlining the terms of the purchase and will detail the price, contingencies, deadlines, closing date, conveyances, and responsibilities of each party.
Your 2026 Aesthetic Journey: A Refined Approach to Regenerative Medicine, ‘Tox, and Fillers
True luxury in aesthetics is not about excess—it’s about precision, restraint, and longevity. The modern aesthetic journey is an investment in skin health, balance, and well-being. Through advanced regenerative medicine, expertly placed ‘Tox, and thoughtfully administered dermal fillers; aesthetic treatments can support graceful aging while honoring your natural features.
Back on the Racks: Closed
This month feels like the season of returning favorites. With smaller delivery windows, we love the chance to bring back lines we’ve missed—and Closed is one of them. While it may be known for denim, it was the sweaters, shirts, and everyday essentials that truly won us over this time around.
What Happened to My Bikini Body - My Periomenopause Prison
It was 2011. I was in my mid-forties. I co-owned the first women-owned strength training gym in Alexandria. I was a hard-charged business owner and seeking the title of best mom of twins. Yet inside I was dying. In retrospect, I was giving it all to my work and my kids. Nothing was left for me—and my body—which was still weary from a difficult conception and childbirth experience. And boy, did my body show for it.
The Teacher We All Remember
Almost everyone can name one teacher they remember. Not necessarily the one with the strictest rules or the most impressive résumé, but the one who made learning come alive. The one who saw something in us before we could see it ourselves.
Street Style: Meet Kari Ginsburg
Kari Ginsburg doesn’t blend in. She has no interest in doing so and doesn’t want you to either. In a world where conformity often feels like the default, her presence and style is bright, intentional, and refreshingly authentic. That same spirit defines her work at Uproar Coaching, where she helps others show up unapologetically as their truest self.
The History Behind The Alexandria Warehouse Sale
It is hard to believe that 22 years ago I was sitting in my space at 115 South Royal Street, scratching my head and trying to figure out what to do with my extra inventory. I realized there had to be a way to get more people to shop my clearance items. This is literally how the Alexandria Boutique Warehouse Sale came to life.
A Private Preview: Mystique Jewelers’ VIP Last Call Sale
Mystique Jewelers is opening the doors to something special and offering you early access to a carefully curated selection of fine, designer and high-fashion jewelry at 30% off. This limited preview gives you the first opportunity to discover rare, one-of-a-kind pieces before they reach a wider audience.
The Luxury of Boredom
Designate a nook in your home for boredom–I did. Not for productivity, not for finishing anything, but for letting your mind loosen its grip. A chair, a lamp, a stack of books—nothing fancy, just comfortable enough to linger.
A Stylish and Strategic Remodel in Reston
How do you completely transform a home while adding only 36 square feet on the first floor? In this Convene Architecture project, we did it by moving the existing garage, relocating the front door, demolishing non-functional interior walls, adding windows, and updating fixtures and finishes throughout. Let’s take a tour!
When It’s Time to Leave Your Hairstylist
When clients finally decide to move on, it’s rarely just about the haircut. They’re usually searching for better energy. A calmer space. A stylist who listens. Someone who sees them for who they are now—not who they were five or ten years ago. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The Peptides: The Wellness Trend Quietly Changing Medicine
Peptides are suddenly everywhere. Wellness conversations. Doctors’ offices. Group texts. And no, they are not new. Bodybuilders have been using peptides forever. The difference now is not who is using them. It is why they are gaining momentum. Peptides work. And recent breakthroughs have made that impossible to ignore.
Off to Market at Patina
While Christmas may be packed away at home, Patina is already dreaming of the next one. We’ve just returned from the Atlanta Market, where we began buying for Christmas 2026 and discovered wonderful new gift and décor finds and can’t wait to share them with you.
New Arrivals at The Hive: Allude
Allude is fast becoming one of our most important brands. The smaller, Germany-based company was founded in 1993 and has been perfecting its craft ever since. Known for high-quality cashmere and modern styles, Allude has become a customer favorite.
Five Exceptional Private Exclusive Properties Defining Alexandria's Luxury Real Estate Market
Come take a look at some of the best properties currently on the market in Alexandria, Virginia! From backyard oasis, to waterfront views, these five properties have something for everyone.
Winter Recipes We’re Loving: Meals that Welcome & Warm
When winter settles in, our kitchens become the coziest place to be. It’s the season for simmering pots, well-loved family recipes, and dishes that feel like a warm hug at the end of the day. From comforting classics to a few creative twists we can’t stop making, we asked our contributors to share the winter recipes they return to again and again.
Alexandria Restaurant Week Returns: January 23-February 1
Alexandria Restaurant Week is back starting January 23 through February 1, and it’s the perfect time to hit up your go-to staples, or try something new. With over 90 restaurants participating, there’s no shortage of fabulous meals to be had across Alexandria. Get ready to book those reservations!
Leather Weather at The Hive
As I was thinking about what to write for Stylebook, I realized we had been unpacking a lot of leather pieces last month. I can’t quite explain it, but I have a hard time passing up suede and leather—which is probably obvious if you shop at my store. I tend to dress pretty simply and shy away from pattern, so I’m naturally drawn to texture. That’s where my love of leather comes in.