From April Fool’s Day pranks to planning Reptile Day at Pippin Toy Co., Leann brings joy and spark to Old Town’s favorite toy store. This week, she shares how life led her to Alexandria, her top Disney tips, her daughter Lily’s toy evolution—and why she’ll never move farther south (unless it’s to Key West!).

You never think about divorce when you’re looking into those cute little wet noses, do you? Of course not! So many of us have pets that are not just animals but cherished members of the family. In Virginia, courts are required to treat pets like any other form of tangible property. That’s why it’s important to think ahead about what might happen.

Looking for family-friendly summer fun — and a chance to tour your future dream home? Join The Patterson Group and Wakefield Homes for a one-of-a-kind Carnival Open House at 8628 Plymouth Road, Alexandria, VA on Sunday, July 13 from 3–6pm.

Headed to the beach (or mountains, or city) this summer? We’ve rounded up our favorite easy, thoughtful host gifts—from candle sets and cocktail kits to notepads, games, and cozy kitchen bundles—that are sure to impress and easy to pack.

Several months ago, my husband and I made the decision to move back to our home state of Pennsylvania to be closer to family. It felt very far off at the time, but now—with boxes nearly all unpacked in Philadelphia—I find myself in my last two weeks at The Hive. Shops and businesses are the heartbeat of places like Old Town. And my biggest takeaway about Alexandria is that it shows up.

There’s a new beauty buzzword making its way into everyday conversations and no, it’s not another TikTok trend. It’s recession hair, and while the name might sound like something pulled from the pages of an economics textbook, the deeper story is one of empowerment, sustainability, and smart beauty choices.

My husband has always wanted to show me where he spent seven years of his life growing up. It just happens to be Switzerland, specifically Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva. So here I am, sitting on our hotel balcony. But since Patina isn’t a travel blog or restaurant review site, let’s move on to something a little closer to home—our gorgeous rechargeable lamps

Some of you already know, but we wanted to make sure everyone heard the news: Annette is moving back to Pennsylvania. She tried to do this once before, a few years ago, but I managed to trick her into staying. This time, no amount of begging could change her mind. This is the hardest part of the job. We really are like a family, and when someone leaves, it hurts.

Hooray for summer! The season of carefree sunlit evenings with lightning bugs, dinner on the grill, and sand between your toes. And like most things in my life, I welcome it with a plan in place and a goals list to check-off. So, join me in celebrating summer with my season’s bucket list with something old, something new, something relaxing, and two things red, white and blue!

Get ahead of your finances this season with a smart summer checklist tailored for self-employed individuals and small business owners. From estimated tax deadlines to mid-year planning and cash flow checks, now’s the time to tidy up your books and prep for a strong finish to 2025.

Summer is calling and so are the open roads, coastal breezes, and mountain air. This month, our contributors are sharing the destinations that have captured their hearts and itineraries.  Consider this your invitation to dream, plan, and maybe add a few new spots to your own wanderlist. Check them out!

From caffeine-fueled intros to speed networking (yes, it’s a thing!) Our morning at Josephine with The Chamber ALX brought new faces, inspiring connections, and even a few surprise moments. See why business cards—and good coffee—still matter.

Xirena just screams summer—and it should. The brand was founded in Los Angeles and carries that effortlessly laid-back California vibe. When you look at this collection, you can practically feel the sunshine and imagine yourself poolside or on the beach. Come see what’s new from Xirena at The Hive.

The man behind Alexandria’s award-winning transit system talks local favorites, unexpected facts, and what’s ahead for DASH buses and trolleys.

Every summer, I see it—women rushing in from the Virginia humidity, fanning their faces and laughing about how their makeup didn’t stand a chance. I get it. The heat and humidity here don’t play around. I’ve curated a lineup of my favorite beauty essentials that can handle it all. These are the products I recommend over and over because they truly work.

When the Center for Alexandria’s Children reached out about a possible fundraiser, I immediately thought—this is it! I had been wanting to collaborate with some of my fellow family-focused boutiques, and this felt like the perfect opportunity. I’m deeply grateful to the teams at 529 Kids Consign, Monday’s Child, Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop, and Old Town Books for joining in. Giving back has always been central to our mission.

Summer in Virginia was made for adventure—bike rides along the Potomac, paddleboarding at sunset, rooftop cocktails, and weekend escapes to wine country or the coast. Whether you're spending the day in Alexandria or heading to the mountains, here’s your go-to list of 34 unforgettable ways to soak up the season.

Our summer collection is curated with pieces that stun at first glance—bold yet refined, designed to travel with you from sea to soirée. These are the jewels that become part of your story: a gleam in the golden hour, a sparkle that lingers long after sunset, and heirlooms in the making. Whatever you can imagine, we can create.

I’ve said it before here on Stylebook: I’m a shorts person. But even I have moments—like going out to dinner or walking around town—when I don’t want to wear shorts. We found the perfect solution to this problem last year: a pant from Citizens of Humanity. It was such a hit that luckily, they brought it back this year.

Celebrate June’s cocktail holidays in style with inventive drinks from MGM National Harbor, where each sip tells a story. From bold bourbons to vibrant rosés and a martini with a twist, there’s a spirited toast for every taste this month.