You’re Invited: The First-Ever Old Town Beauty Crawl
Old Town Alexandria is about to host a D.C.-area first: the Old Town Beauty Crawl, a weekend-long celebration of the neighborhood's beauty scene, complete with exclusive promotions, stamp cards, and prizes! Organized by Old Town's own beauty destinations, the Beauty Crawl invites beauty lovers to explore more than a dozen participating shops and salons across the neighborhood, spanning everything from cosmetics and fragrance to skincare, haircare, permanent makeup, and beauty treatments.
Sarah Akram Days: When Fall Fashion Meets Fall Skincare
This weekend, the Old Town Boutique District is hosting Alexandria Days. I asked my good friend Sarah Akram to pick out her favorite fall looks from my store and model some of them, and all weekend you'll receive a gift with purchase of my favorite items from Sarah Akram Skincare and be entered for a chance to win a $250 gift card to The Hive and a $250 gift card for Sarah Akram Skincare.
Ouch! I Hurt My Back! What to Do Immediately… and What to Do Next
A sudden back twinge can trigger instant panic, but your initial reaction may have more impact on recovery than you realize. After more than two decades in the field, Adrien shares how to respond in the moment, what to do in the days that follow, and how your nervous system can influence the healing process.
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Unveils an Antique Diamond Collection at Sotheby’s
After creating Taylor Swift’s distinctive Old Mine-cut engagement ring, New York jeweler Kindred Lubeck is bringing her signature craftsmanship and passion for antique diamonds to Sotheby’s. When Taylor Swift revealed her engagement to Travis Kelce on August 26, 2025, her vintage-inspired ring immediately captured attention.
Why We’re Falling for Sapphires Right Now & Mystique Jewelers’ Newest Designer Trunk Show
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.
Finding Your Rhythm for the New School Year
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.
Make it Modular with Marfa Stance at The Hive
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?
Tanya Taylor: Styled Looks at The Hive
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.
The Sabbatical I Never Thought I Could Take
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.
12 Luxury Pet Amenities to Consider Adding to Your Home
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.
Dear Frances: Fall Shoes We’re Falling For
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.
Can a Deed of Gift Turn Separate Property to Marital in Virginia?
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.
Fall Trends to Look For This Season at The Hive
This week temperatures are in the 90s, so maybe it isn’t the best time to send out our Fall Look Book. Even looking at sweaters and wool blazers makes me hot! But if I can ignore the heat and just flip through the pages, I get so excited for our new arrivals. I love fall and the great clothes that come with it. It is my season. I love blazers and layers and all things cozy.
End Your Summer With a Re-Set
Lauren shares a simple September reset to help you clear out worn summer essentials, check expiration dates and refresh your closets. Tackle these easy tasks now to make the transition into fall feel a little more organized.
Consider This Your Sign to Book Family Photos Early
Usually, I am scrambling to schedule family photos while the very last leaves are falling from the trees, followed by a mad dash to choose a photo, order holiday cards, address them, and get them into the mail sometime before the new year. But this year, I planned ahead—and I feel like a new woman.
The Tanya Taylor Trunk Show & Lookbook at The Hive
Labor Day is usually the kickoff to the fall fashion season, but its late date on the 2026 calendar is getting everyone back here to the DMV earlier than normal, and we are ready for more fun fall events. We kick off our first official fall event with Tanya Taylor. Still a newer brand to The Hive, Tanya Taylor's following grows each season. Known for her flattering fits and custom prints, it is no surprise our clients are loving it.
Introducing Belle Haven's Newest Luxury Residence — Join Us for Bubbles & Blooms
The Patterson Group and Character Companies invite you to celebrate the unveiling of 6123 Woodmont Road, a stunning new construction residence perched atop the hill in sought-after Belle Haven. Neighbors and friends are welcome from 4:00–6:30 pm for an afternoon of champagne, catering by Little Birdie, and a build-your-own floral bouquet bar by Helen & Olivia
A Space Only A Dog Could Fill: Remembering Oscar
Our furry friends fill a space in our hearts that no one else can. They are always there for us… constant, loving, always present. They know just when to nudge up against you, just how to tilt their head, and just how to look at you with those adoring eyes. When you have a friend like this, it makes you smile bigger. It makes your days more playful. And it becomes a connector — to your community, your neighborhood, your life.
My Newest Obsession: CALL IT BY YOUR NAME
When I left Simon Showroom last spring, I couldn't stop thinking about CALL IT BY YOUR NAME, a line from France that they were showing. It had appeared on Emily in Paris, and I think some other famous people had been carrying the bags as well. There was just something about the line that made me smile.
Inside One of Manhattan's Finest Restored Gilded Age Mansions
Few residences embody New York City's Gilded Age quite like 4 East 79th Street. Located just steps from Central Park and Fifth Avenue's renowned Museum Mile, this extraordinary limestone mansion is more than a luxury home. It is a remarkable piece of Manhattan history, meticulously restored to meet the expectations of modern living while honoring the craftsmanship of a bygone era.