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.

Almost everyone who has tried neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau) knows someone who came out feeling “heavy.” The brows sit lower, the eyes feel tired, and the forehead seems to weigh more than before. It’s one of the most common concerns I hear, and even experienced injectors see it. What matters is understanding who’s more likely to experience it and planning around that.

There’s something about fall that makes us want to reset. We reorganize our closets, refresh our routines, and start thinking about the year ahead. But while you’re swapping iced coffees for pumpkin spice lattes, there’s one thing that deserves a seasonal refresh, too: your business finances.

The story of Carlough & Co. began long before we officially opened our doors. My sister-in-law and business partner, Deirdre, and I first met in New York City while earning our master’s degrees at the Fashion Institute of Technology and working in the beauty industry. We quickly became close friends, bonding over a shared passion for art, design, beauty, and travel.

 When I am at market, I always ask my reps, “What is on your personal order?” I figure that is the best way to figure out what will be the popular items of the season. I mean, if the people who work there want it, then it must be good. Nobody knows a collection like the people that see it day in and day out. I thought I would share what my personal order would be for Veronica Beard if money were no object.

A floor plan can tell you exactly how many feet separate one wall from another, but it can't quite tell you what it feels like to stand between them. That's where Walk Your Plans DC comes in. The company uses projection technology to turn architectural plans into a full-scale, walkable version of a future home, giving homeowners the chance to experience their space before construction begins, when changes are still relatively easy to make.

Despite the fact that we have already had two special events this fall, the Ulla Johnson trunk show really feels like the kick-off for the season. Shop this show early for the best selection, with 20 percent off all Ulla Johnson from Thursday to Sunday.

Why what you wear can change how you think, and how to harness that tool. I hear it almost daily, in one form or another, that my outfit is so cool. Whatever room I've just walked into — a courthouse hallway, a Chamber breakfast, a table at brunch, I hear it. And I love it! I grew up with a Mother that always said that dressing the part was half the battle and her sense of style, is quite amazing.

Well, it is time for our two biggest trunk shows of the fall: Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. Are you ready? Ulla Johnson kicks it off on Thursday, September 24, and lasts all weekend through Sunday, September 27. They have sent us a great trunk, with lots of items.

This fall, hair color is becoming richer, shinier, and far more personal. We are moving away from dramatic contrast and one specific shade that everyone is expected to wear. Instead, the biggest trends are about enhancing what already works for you, then making it feel more dimensional, intentional, and luxurious.

Three beautifully updated Alexandria homes offer a mix of modern comfort, character, and highly walkable locations. From Old Town convenience to Del Ray charm and sought-after neighborhood living, each property pairs thoughtful renovations with inviting outdoor spaces and easy access to shops, dining, parks, Metro, and D.C.

Few chefs ever get the chance to cook on a national stage, but Leigh Orleans has done it twice. Today, the Hell’s Kitchen alum and Chopped champion has brought her fiery culinary talent and private chef business back somewhere much more personal: right here in Alexandria, Virginia, just a few doors down from where her story first began.

Join 20 stores in Old Town from September 18 to September 20 and explore all they have to offer. Some stores have trunk shows for the weekend, gifts with purchase, or other activities in store. It is a great way to explore new stores or just spend a day strolling the historic streets of Old Town.