Aunt & Niece Love
I have joked that I would like to clone Angelica. If you have shopped with her at The Hive, you know why: she is simply wonderful. Most days, I just think it is too good to be true that she works at the stores. Angelica really loves fashion, and similar to me, she is just a retail girl; we just enjoy doing it. Besides loving clothes, she is kind, reliable, and just someone who is easy to be around.
Last spring, she mentioned her niece was looking for an internship in fashion or retail and would love to come work in Alexandria. She was finishing up her junior year at Iowa State and could stay with her for the summer. I asked what she was like, and Angelica replied, “Oh, my family calls her mini-me.” Done and done! I was like, “airlift her to the East Coast immediately.”
Alyssa joined our team this summer, and we are so sad to see her go. I have already planted the seed to try to get her back here full-time when she graduates. I was actually trying to convince her maybe she could finish up her degree here instead of in Iowa, but no such luck.
So, you heard it right; Alyssa is Angelica’s niece. Angelica is the youngest of six siblings, and Alyssa’s dad is the fourth oldest sibling. They grew up in a tight-knit family in Ames, Iowa.
Before Alyssa left to go back to school, I asked them to stye each other in their fall favorites; I am going to guess there will be a lot of TIBI. I also thought it would be fun for our readers to get to know them a little better.
Where were you all raised?
Angelica & Alyssa: Bettendorf, IA. We are right along the Mississippi River, just two and a half hours from Chicago!
What was your favorite part about coming from such a big family?
Angelica: I always loved having family around, especially during the holidays. Also, having four big brothers to look out for me was pretty special.
Alyssa: My favorite part of coming from a big family was all the support I have and still am receiving. It is like having a fan section cheering you on all the time. I always feel so loved. I am one lucky girl!
Were your mothers into fashion?
Angelica: My mom and Abuelita (Grandma) here always dressed up, even when just cleaning the house. Most of the time, they were in a simple dress and red lips...super classy!
Alyssa: My mother was always into fashion in the sense that she would read fashion magazines and know what all the trends were. Once I started getting really into fashion and my style, she started to as well. It was really interesting because she and I could not have a more opposite style!
If you could wear only one designer, what would it be?
Angelica: TIBI
Alyssa: If I could only wear one designer, I would choose Victoria Beckham. I love how she makes simple pieces a little eclectic. The lines in her designs are unique and eye-catching. I have always loved her style and really started following her after I read a couple of her books.
Who do you look to for style inspiration?
Angelica: I absolutely love Jenna Lyons style. If I could have her wardrobe, I would be in heaven.
Alyssa: This was the most difficult question for me. After thinking for a couple of days, I realized that I do not have one person who has influenced me; it is the people I am surrounded by at different times in my life. In high school, I had a completely different taste than what I do now. I enjoy switching up my style, and it is fun to look back at how much it has evolved.
What is your favorite thing about Alexandria?
Angelica: Old Town is my absolute favorite part of Alexandria. Even though we live in a large metropolitan area, stepping into beautiful Old Town makes it feel smaller and quaint... It reminds me of home.
Alyssa: My favorite thing about Alexandria is the people. Everywhere I have gone, I have been welcomed. I have met amazing people in such a short amount of time. I was nervous that I wouldn’t make many friendships when I moved down here, but you guys sure proved me wrong!
Alyssa, how do we get you to move back here? It would not take much at all. If I could find an apartment at a nice discount, you would get me back in a heartbeat!
