Right now there’s a lot of chaos in the D.C. area, and some people are wondering if they can relocate either to be closer to family, or for a lower cost of living. If you have children in common with someone you are not living with, and want to move with your children – this is tricky.

"My first cover shoot for Vogue was with Taylor Swift…she had just cut her bangs, and it was a wild experience," Lauren says with a laugh. “She was so kind and nice and made sure to make everyone feel welcome.” This was one of many unique experiences during her seven years spent at Condé Nast working with world-renowned titles: GQ, Vanity Fair, New Yorker and Bon Appétit.

More than 100 business professionals gathered at Virginia Tech’s new Innovation Campus at Potomac Yard last week to attend Visit Alexandria’s “What’s New 2025” Meeting. Highlights included the Public Art at Waterfront Park: Break Water by Nekisha Durrett. The sculpture draws inspiration from Alexandria’s waterfront being a place where natural forces and human activity intersect, often with profound consequences.

I spent a long weekend in Palm Springs during the coldest part of this year, and it actually snowed up in the mountains! I love good design and it was so much fun to see all the colorful décor of Palm Springs. Paired with fun, funky vintage shops, it’s a great place to visit for a long weekend.

Located on one of Alexandria's most prestigious and exclusive streets, this stunning custom-built residence offers breathtaking, year-round views of the Potomac River. Designed with elegance and craftsmanship by its original owners in 2002, this home has been meticulously maintained and thoughtfully updated.

We’re sharing what we’re loving this spring — from the best patios for al fresco dining to stunning gardens to flower-filled escapes. Our contributors highlighted some of their faves in the DMV and perhaps you can add a few more to your own list!

There’s a concept that’s tricky to grasp, but once understood, it changes everything: You don’t truly know where you’re going—whether in life or art—until you start walking the path. Planning can only take you so far. The real direction reveals itself through action.

When I asked Sarah, Stylebook’s social media manager, if she wanted to check out a popup bar in Del Ray showing love for all things Taylor – she was game. I have to admit I was never a huge Taylor Swift fan until my daughter made me watch her Eras Concert Tour on Disney+ over and over. This is a place that will lift your spirits and boost your Insta cred.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the Crescent City or celebrating closer to home, Mardi Gras offers a unique blend of culture, history, and community. And “Laissez les bons temps rouler” means "let the good times roll,” a Cajun-French phrase that I’m going to be practicing…

When was the last time you edited that collection of mini toiletries? Don't overdo it, especially if you're staying in a hotel as there will be everything essential at your disposal. With Spring Break right around the corner, here are our suggestions for what NOT to bring on your next trip!

Forget four-leaf clovers, there is no better way to embrace the luckiest month of the year than to head to a casino and attempt to win big. MGM National Harbor offers the largest gaming floor in the DMV area, where colorful slot machine lights and cheers from the table games create an exciting buzz in the air.

Gala season is here! I love wearing gowns and dressing up, and spring in the D.C. area has lots of choices that raise money for good causes. There’s the “you gotta be there” gala hosted at the Hilton because they need a gigantic space for everyone that attends, and so many more events. Want a guide to Alexandria Gala Season? Here it is:

The Patterson Group is proud to present four exquisite new listings in Alexandria, VA, each offering a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and timeless elegance. Whether you're looking for a spacious colonial, a stunning custom residence, or a charming updated home, these properties showcase the finest in design and craftsmanship.

As time moves forward, so should your picture framing and art choices. Art and fashion trends shift, but the subjects remain timeless. Whether you’re updating your collection or incorporating inherited art, we’re here to help you stay on top of the latest trends while keeping your cherished pieces in style.

Years ago I took a profile test that identified our professional personality based on two quick questions. When my results came back, my profile was right at the top in bold: Controller. And you know what I bet feels really out of control right now? Being a federal worker. If you’re finding yourself at elevated stress levels due to the circumstances of the current federal workplace, here is a checklist of things you can do that are in your control.

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.