“As I get older, I want to know more and learn more,” says Katie Nguyen Wells. “I didn’t appreciate my culture as much when I was younger.” She left Vietnam as a toddler with her mother and brother, spending over a year in a refugee camp before resettling in Virginia with the help of her uncles.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the amazing women in your life than with a timeless gift that sparkles? At Mystique Jewelers, we’ve curated a stunning selection of mother of pearl jewelry that’s as elegant and unique as she is. Whether you’re shopping for mom, grandma, or a mother figure who means the world to you, we’ve got something truly special waiting.

I got a sneak peek at the refreshed Diablo’s Cantina—and let’s just say, this spot knows how to throw a fiesta! Picture this: salsa dance lessons, a live band setting the vibe, mouthwatering Mexican bites, and cocktails that looked almost too pretty to drink. The venue itself is a total vibe—spacious, beautifully designed, and with outdoor seating that makes everything better. There’s just something about sipping a cocktail in the fresh air while grooving to music that makes you feel like you’ve escaped to a tropical getaway.

Whether you're dealing with clutter creep or looking to overhaul a whole room, these pro tips are a great place to start for organizing!

Each year, Helen Olivia teams up with some of our favorite industry partners for an over-the-top celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. We’ve written about the bash—titled Erin Go Glam, a play on “Erin Go Bragh”—before, and we couldn’t resist sharing some behind-the-scenes details of how it came to life in 2025.

It’s time for our one and only weekend where we have not just one trunk show, but two! Ann Mashburn and Lizzie Fortunato really are a perfect pairing–especially when it comes to spring dressing. When it’s event season and summer travel time, these two brands can get you through either, looking stylish and comfortable.

Find your oasis and step into your waterside retreat at 2305 Creek Drive. This 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath Dutch Colonial in Alexandria's Stratford Landing is ideally sited off the Potomac’s Little Hunting Creek, offering nearly half an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds and peaceful creekside views.

Mother’s Day is sneaking up! If you’re lucky enough to have your mom around this Mother’s Day, make a plan to spoil her rotten. Give her a break, a cuddle, a good meal, and something beautiful that lets them know how grateful you are. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite mom-pleasers from Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post that the moms in your life will love.

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to sprinkle some sparkle on the serious subject of staying fabulous when surrounded by folks who are, shall we say, less than dazzling. Think of it as your personal guide to looking like a million bucks even when the shade is being thrown your way!  

When concierge members and I discuss how much protein women need, the first words that come to mind are “muscle,” “burn fat,” and “build.” To this, I respond with: “yes, yes, and yes!” Yet, there is SO MUCH MORE when it comes to proper protein intake. Most women don’t realize that protein not only helps us build and maintain muscle, but it is also vital to maintaining the integrity of your tissues and organs. Here are a few benefits to adequate protein intake that women love.

“Maycember.” You may have seen this word begin to pop up again on social channels. It describes the madness of the month of May, compared to the month of December – but without the presents, holiday lights and sparkle. May is host to Mother’s Day, end of year school events, field trips, graduations, recitals, sports tournaments, school plays, summer prep, Memorial Day. Need I go on?

I have been doing retail for 21 years now, and there is no better brand or people in the business. The way the Fortunato sisters treat me and our customers is remarkable. They are generous with their time and they stand behind their product. They have shipped us so many beautiful pieces just for our Trunk Show event. Please come by and say hello and check out their Spring 2025 collection. 

“I didn’t want to only be known as ‘the girl who had been kidnapped.’ I went back to teaching in a traditional classroom until the pandemic hit. And that’s when people started asking me to speak virtually because they needed someone to bolster their teams and employees. I thought ‘I can do this again.’”

One of the great parts of our Ann Mashburn Trunk Show event is the Made to Order shirting. Made to Order is not Made to Measure. When you do Made to Measure, which is common in the men’s clothing world, they take all your measurements to make a custom shirt. Made to Order is a little different. The Ann Mashburn team has sent samples of four different styles of shirts and two different dresses in all the sizing available. You try one of these models on and after you order, it’s made.

At Salon deZEN, we’re passionate about helping our clients feel their most confident, radiant, and true-to-themselves — and when it comes to hair extensions, not all methods are created equal. That’s why we are proud to specialize in Invisible Bead Extensions — a revolutionary technique that’s completely changed the game for those seeking fuller, longer, or more voluminous hair.

I know I always say this is the biggest event of the year, but this time it might be. I can say this with confidence because we aren’t hosting just one trunk show, we are hosting two trunk shows. We also rarely have the actual designer walk through our doors but at this event, we’ll have the fabulous designer duo: the Fortunato sisters in town, and Stephanie, our Ann Mashburn rep, too!

The only way to lure me to watch the NFL Draft is to tell me about all the fashion.  Extremely talented and fit male athletes in an array of fashion – from designer tuxes and studded crocs, to shorts and a polo shirt. It’s definitely all over the place!

This week’s new listings showcase the best of Alexandria living — from a waterfront retreat with a private dock to an updated single-level home just minutes from Old Town. Whether you're dreaming of a luxurious, resort-style escape, a private woodland haven, or a turnkey property with unbeatable convenience, these homes offer something special for every lifestyle.

At the end of a long day, parents just want time to take a deep breath. Then comes that ever so innocent, yet loaded question, “Mommy, can you play with me?” I am here to tell you that something as simple as playing catch or building a tower can help your child expand their vocabulary and develop essential social and cognitive skills.

The first Saturday in May? Pure legend in Louisville, Kentucky. With a week of events, parties, and plenty of seersucker, the Kentucky Derby draws out anyone with a flair for fascinators and a taste for mint juleps. The Kentucky Derby kicks off the three-race gauntlet of securing the elusive title – the Triple Crown. Lucky for you, there’s also a Triple Crown in investing—and this one’s actually within reach.