Of Alexandria, Todd says, “I was immediately impressed. It’s 276 years old and it's not a city stuck in the past. It honors its past and knows its roots, while firmly looking forward. There’s so much flair in this historical place, and it’s been so interesting to learn and experience each of its neighborhoods. Old Town, The West End, Del Ray…and the arts and cultural district that’s growing in North Old Town. Potomac Yard and Virginia Tech’s new innovation campus…

My husband Sam and I recently attended the wedding of a beautiful woman who I have been photographing since she was in her mama’s belly. To watch her grow over the years and flourish is a gift. Her mother’s words that day made me smile: ”I just love LOVE!” Enjoy your people in the here and now and – bottle those moments in time!

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I LOVE the Oscars. Every year we try to commemorate the occasion in some way. This year we are hosting our first ever Oscar’s Pool! Compete against friends, neighbors, our team, and complete strangers from around the country to win a $100 gift card to one of our three stores.

There are only about two months left until your individual taxes are due. Now is the time to go through your tax time checklist to make sure you are ready to go!

We tapped two of our local experts, Lauren O’Brien of XML Financial Group and Brittany Patterson of The Patterson Group, for their insight into the current real estate market and how it may affect your financial future. If anyone knows how to invest and make your money work for you — it’s these women. Here’s some advice to consider when making your next real estate decision.

This month we’re sharing what we’re loving in entertainment. From books to podcasts to shows we’ve binged in a single weekend and more. Our contributors highlighted some of their faves and maybe you'll add a few more to your list! Check ‘em out:

Imagine this: it’s a cozy Old town afternoon, and you’re sipping on a rich, aromatic coffee. The sun is shining, and the world feels just right. Suddenly, he walks in, a cheeky grin on his face, and guess what he’s holding? A decadent selection of Madame Coco’s exquisite chocolates! You can practically hear the angels singing as he presents you with a box filled with delightful confections, each one a little piece of bon bon heaven.

When you pass, the person you name as Guardian doesn’t automatically become your child’s guardian. So is it worth it to even name one in your documents? If you are appointed a Guardian of a Minor in court, there is a lot more financial responsibility to it than you may think.

As soon as customers step into The Cut Butchery, they will be welcomed by an enticing selection of cheeses, charcuterie meats, fresh produce, in-house stocks, soups, and broths—a testament to the shop’s zero-waste philosophy. The butchery is deeply committed to working with local docksmen and farmers, ensuring that all beef, lamb, pork, seafood, and chicken are sustainably and locally sourced.

Jillian is very big on community. “I know it sounds corny, but you want to go where people know your name.” And she is true to her word, growing the community at MVMNT Society, where she and her husband took over as owners last year. “It’s our first entrepreneurial journey, and there’s so much transformation that I wanted to make happen…which stemmed from teaching at studios in Miami and seeing how good it can be.“

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating with your significant other, your best friends, or simply treating yourself, there are plenty of amazing ways to make the day special. From romantic dinners to fun activities, here’s your ultimate guide to Valentine’s (and Galentine’s) Day in the D.C. and Northern Virginia area!

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s also one of the most meaningful with all its celebrations and holidays. The dazzling romance of Valentine’s Day; the long-weekend bliss of President’s Day; and the importance of celebrating the impact of African American history; there’s barely enough time to do it all this month. 

The little black book. That’s what we call the running list of client preferences we’ve kept over the last ten plus years of business. Within it are preferences on colors, flower varieties, vases – you name it. We thought it would be fun, in honor of Valentine’s holiday, to lay out what some of our favorite boutique and business owners would love to receive. 

Your fabric softener and dryer sheets are unnecessary, damaging your clothes and slowly destroying your dryer! Thankfully there is a safe, natural and environmentally friendly way to reduce static and soften clothing in the dryer – wool dryer balls. And the best part about them – they actually cut down drying time as well.

Drew Altizer’s journey is a refreshing reminder that passions can emerge from the most unexpected places. As the founder of Old House Provisions, a menswear store in Alexandria specializing in bespoke shoemaking, Drew's transition from data analyst to artisan craftsman is as unique as the shoes he creates.

When my sister-in-law and I decided to do a girls getaway, we had a few ground rules: 1.) Direct flights <3hr for each of us, 2) A new location to each of us with lots to explore, and 3) No looking North in a [failed] effort to limit cold weather. With our parameters set, Nashville popped up early as a contender!

When Renée and I walk into Eries, Jess is glancing into a mirror and debating boots and tights vs. heels. She’s rocking a skort and it’s 20 degrees outside, but we vote for heels. Elena, her business partner and close friend agrees, and together they command a striking presence – ready for a night out, and definitely for our photo shoot.

It doesn't surprise me that one of my most popular Stylebook articles is: "Is It Time To Separate? 5 Signs It Might Be.” Whenever its traffic spikes, phone calls seem to follow. The beginning of the year is a time when we onboard a lot of new clients who don't want to relive the same fights all over again.

Welcome to this newly constructed masterpiece, where timeless Southern charm meets modern luxury. With its signature double front porch, this home is designed to capture breathtaking views of the Potomac River, offering a serene and sophisticated retreat like no other.

Kait likes coffee, but she’s never been a fan of tea. The irony is that her photo shoot is at Lady Camellia, a tea house, and Kait very much looks like she belongs. Renée and I are also salivating, because Debbie, the owner, has brought out a stunning display of pastries and sandwiches – and tea for us to try – and it’s sitting in front of Kait!