Street Style: Ayana Close
Local yarn shops are community gathering spaces, so when I was thinking about who our first Street Style nominee would be, there were a lot of customers who came to mind since we have so many amazing personalities hanging around the shop every day. Ayana was at the top of the list because she is a true Alexandrian in my mind. On a given weekday, I might see her at Misha's grabbing a coffee in the morning, mid-day at the shop picking up the latest hot arrival, and then later at happy hour at the Majestic or late night at Chadwicks. It is not unusual at all to see Ayana multiple times a week, and I cherish those unplanned, random moments that we can catch up over a coffee or drink. If I really want to know what changes I need to make at the shop or how that new yarn really is, I can rely on Ayana for total honesty.
Ayana also has an amazing style. If you spend your time between the waterfront and the 1200 block of King Street, you have probably noticed her. Her style is understated but stunning. She has a sophisticated look and a real eye for putting a complete outfit together in a way that I truly envy. I hope to one day look as put together as Ayana does in yoga pants while grabbing coffee. And if you do catch her for a cocktail, she is pretty likely to have yarn and needles in her hands!
Ayana is styled by The Hive and The Shoe Hive.
:Sarah Marcella Creative
ABOUT YOU
Neighborhood: Old Town
How long have you lived in Alexandria: June 2020
What brought you to Alexandria? My husband and I lived outside of National Harbor for almost 13 years, but all of our social activities were in Alexandria, so it just made sense for us to move here. When the opportunity came up to purchase a house in the heart of Old Town, we jumped on the opportunity. Though I wouldn’t recommend completing a major renovation during a pandemic…due to construction and appliance delays, we ended up living at the Hotel Lorien for six months while the renovation was being completed.
What would surprise people about you? I’m a huge Dr. Who fan
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Time travel
Favorite cocktail: My go-to drink is Champagne, but I won’t turn down a vodka tonic or a spicy Bloody Mary (the more garnishes, the better)
Last book read or movie seen: Fugitive Telemetry (Murderbot Diaries #6) by Martha Wells
Guilty Pleasure: Seafood Towers, the bigger, the better. If there is one on the menu, I’m going to order it.
Phrase you overuse: it’s a tie between “cool, cool, cool” and “no worries.”
Facebook or Instagram? Instagram
Latest binge-watch: Schitt’s Creek on Netflix
Bucket list travel destination: SO MANY PLACES…Safari in Africa. Japan. Tour of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The list goes on
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Monochromatic and casual
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Doc Martens. I wear them with everything
Favorite trend ever: Dresses with pockets and Larger than life sunglasses.
Favorite current trend: Athleisure
Beauty product you can’t live without: Biologique Recherche skincare
Favorite fragrance: I mix Le Labo Thé Noir 13 and Fleur D’Oranger 27
Heels or flats? Heels
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Kitchen. I don’t cook, but I love that it’s the general gathering space in our house.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern
Last item bought for your home: Le Creuset Cast Iron cookware set
Next planned purchase: Lemon and Lime trees for the patio. Though my husband wants a Green Egg grill thing.
Favorite way to entertain: I love a casual get-together around the kitchen island or fire pit. A few bottles of wine, charcuterie boards, and good conversation with family and friends.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free…I don’t even like to bring extra mail in the house
Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Totally Modern
FITNESS
Your go-to workout: Classes at Row House
Most fun way to exercise: Loud playlist and bright workout clothes
Group exercise or solo: Group exercise. I’m pretty competitive, so I tend to push myself harder in a group setting
Fitness goal: Just to workout everyday
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Weightlifting
Proudest fitness achievement: Ran the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in D.C.
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Walking along the Waterfront
Last purchase in Alexandria: Bookclub selections from Old Town Books
Favorite spots for...
Best Coffee: Misha’s
Happy Hour: Oysters and cocktails at Hi-Tide Lounge. Grab a table by the window- it’s perfect for people watching!
Date Night: La Fromagerie
Favorite annual Alexandria event: Scottish Parade
