Gone are the days of dramatic makeovers—today, it’s all about subtle enhancements that leave people wondering, ‘Did they do something… or are they just well-rested?’” I often joke with my clients if you want your friends to know you're in my chair, great! But if not then my goal is to give you that “eight hours of sleep, hydrated, doing yoga glow.”

Who doesn't love a good crêpe? Delicate, thin pancakes, nestled with sweet or savory fillings, have a story as rich and delightful as their taste. Crepes still hold significant cultural importance in France, and have become a symbol of French culture and cuisine. So, next time you're in Old Town, walk down the cobblestones to a taste of history and flavor at Fontaine and definitely pop into The Parlour for that ideal aperitif or digestif.

So, you've taken the plunge and bought your first fountain pen – congratulations! Maybe it's a cartridge-based pen like the Lamy Safari, or perhaps you went bold with a TWSBI Eco and bottled ink. Either way, you're probably wondering about the dreaded "M" word: maintenance. But here's the thing – cleaning your fountain pen is actually easier than getting ragu out of a white shirt. I promise.

From the waterfront charm of Old Town to the quiet elegance of Mount Vernon, these Alexandria residences offer distinct lifestyles defined by luxury, comfort, and location. Whether you’re drawn to Harborside’s riverfront sophistication at 54 Wolfe Street, the expansive upgrades and serene setting of 9103 Chickawane Court, or modern updates of 330 N Patrick Street, each home delivers a unique opportunity to live beautifully in one of the region’s most sought-after communities.

I pretty much live in sneakers—and I’m always on the hunt for new brands to carry at The Shoe Hive. I’m excited to announce our newest brand: Back 70. I first spotted them at Scarpa in Charlottesville, and then started seeing them pop up in a few more places. Come check out the newest arrivals from Back 70 and Paul Green, along with tons of other great summer shoes!

When we had moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, we didn’t know a soul. I wanted to contribute, to meet people, to find a way to give back to a school where my boys would attend and pave the way for other children and especially military families who would someday make their home on the island too. That first year, we created what would become The Seashore Project.

I have a friend who jokingly asks if she’s in my “top five” list of friends. I, of course, always change the subject—I love too many people to rank (though I can rank-order my dogs). But as I sat down to write about Elizabeth Fitzsimmons, the “top five” thing popped into my head. If I had to pick five of my favorite people who have ever walked through the doors of The Shoe Hive, she would be on that list.

I grew up in the South, where life basically happens under the sun. And to this day, I live for anything beachy: ocean breeze, salty air, coconut-scented everything, and a margarita in hand makes for a very happy Hattie. I love summer — give me a wide-brim hat, big sunnies, and a breezy dress, and I’m set. But over time, I’ve learned that looking good in the sun means protecting yourself in it, too.

We’ve put together a Grad Gift Guide in collaboration with our upstairs neighbor, Old House Provisions. As the parent of a grad myself, I know how exciting it is to imagine the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead for high school graduates. That’s why this felt like the perfect time to show how easy it is to do all your grad gift shopping right here in Old Town.

I had goals. I had vision. But turning that dream into what Kristin Try Interiors is today took time. It took consistency, courage, and years of hard work—alongside the unshakable support of my loving husband, who encouraged me at every step. There were seasons where time was scarce, and energy was stretched thin between motherhood and entrepreneurship. But I kept saying yes.

Designed to highlight the brand’s unmatched global network and commitment to exceptional service, the Global Open House celebrated the art of real estate and the lifestyles it represents. The Patterson Group was proud to take part in this global event, opening three of our signature listings to the public.

Mark your calendar for an unforgettable night under the stars. On Thursday, May 29 from 6-8pm, the high-energy band Soulfire will take the stage at River Farm, the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society (AHS). It’s the perfect evening to enjoy great music, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed, community vibe.

I can’t believe it’s not even officially summer yet and we’re already posting this—but with so many new arrivals over the past few weeks, it felt like the right time to share our pre-fall Lookbook. Maybe we should call it the “Summer Lookbook,” since many of the pieces we’ve selected are perfect for wearing now and later.

I remember being as excited as my kids for school to let out for the summer. It was always nice to have a change of pace, to enjoy beach trips, eat lots of watermelon, and simply be. Summer is a time to pause, breathe, and reconnect—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. Let’s prepare ourselves for summer with fun critters, beautiful birdbaths, and colorful containers.

You’re likely aware that many authorities in the medical and science fields are finding that women need much more protein than we previously thought. This is particularly the case for women in perimenopause and menopause. If you are busy, active, caring for others, etc. — it is important to understand how the new protein research applies to you.

From going to market and working as a buyer, I’ve learned that certain styles or colors tend to appear in every line. This spring, there was definitely a fishermen trend. We picked up on it when we saw so many fisherman-style sandals—they were everywhere, along with boat shoes. You could call it the Maine vibe. And as someone who aspires to “summer” in Maine, I’m here for it.

When temps rise, so do the questions: Should I go short? What’s the deal with beach waves? Is dry shampoo really a summer savior or just wishful thinking? We called in backup from two of our favorite local pros—Maria Elizabeth of Salon deZEN and Luis Bujia of Stylists at North—to break down all things summer hair as we gear up for Memorial Day Weekend.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – an important reminder to take care of yourself. Your mental health is critical to your overall health. One of our favorite ways to improve our mental condition is through journaling. Whether you’re new to the habit or looking to make your journaling practice more effective, we have five tips that can help you get started and stay consistent.

Ever wondered what it’s like to work with a wardrobe stylist? From first call to closet overhaul, here's a behind-the-scenes look at my personal styling process—and how I help clients find their fashion rhythm.

In framing, what matters most isn’t just the image, it’s the feeling behind it. The texture, the memory, the moment. One of our favorite recent projects brought that idea to life in a truly meaningful way.