The Brand That Always Makes Me Laugh: Unfortunate Portrait
Each time we go into the showroom filled with brands we carry, I make a beeline for the tiny Unfortunate Portrait rack. I flip through the shirts and laugh and laugh and laugh. Each shirt is funnier than the next and are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face the moment they read them.
Skip the Shipping, Shop Small: Last-Minute Gift Ideas from The Hive
We’re nearing the end of the holiday shopping season, and it’s the perfect time to skip the shipping stress and shop local. With online deadlines closing fast and malls more chaotic than ever, shopping small is simply smarter—and more enjoyable. I’ve rounded up a few tried-and-true gifts that never miss, so you can wrap up your list with ease.
My Top 10 Fall Finds I Can’t Live Without – Now on Sale
I am sure your inbox is full of emails about sales. It seems like Black Friday deals started at Halloween and now winter sales are already in full force. It is time for The Shoe Hive and The Hive to join in. We’re kicking off our fall merchandise sale this Saturday, Dec. 13, and the markdown is bigger than ever.
Take a Look at Tibi’s Latest & Greatest
Tibi has a way of turning a single pair of joggers into a full-blown love affair—and our team knows it well. With our Tibi Trunk Show around the corner, Brenda and Kristen slipped into a few standout pieces arriving just for the event. Join us December 11–12 to meet the Tibi team and explore the resort collection.
The Mystique Holiday Gift Guide
From the equine obsessed to the arm stacker, Mystique’s unique jewelry collections offer something for a variety of tastes and styles. Here’s our gift guide for the jewelry lover.
Get Ready for the Tibi Trunk Show at The Hive
We are rounding out 2025 with our biggest event of the year: the Tibi Trunk Show. Not only is it a trunk show where they send us pieces we will only have for the event, but we are lucky enough to have Keturah, the Director of Client Education, and Christine, the Director of Sales, join us for two days at The Hive.
Holiday Gift Guide: For Her
We’re endlessly inspired by the women in our lives. They are busy, brilliant, generous, and juggling more than most will ever know. Whether she needs rest, rejuvenation, or a little everyday luxury, these gifts deliver something she’ll truly love, and absolutely never re-gift.
Tis’ the Season for Tibi
Everyone knows that if I had to pick one brand to wear for the rest of my life, it would be Tibi, so I’m so happy that our customers have embraced and love it as much as I do. Some came on board earlier than others, but once you buy your first piece, you’ll be hooked. I promise.
The 12 Days of Christmas Are Back and Better Than Ever
We’ve missed the magic of our 12 Days of Christmas tradition—and this year, it’s finally returning. Starting December 2, The Hive will share a new deal each morning to make your holiday shopping a little brighter. Check your email and socials daily so you don’t miss out!
Shop Small Business Saturday in Old Town Alexandria
We are all recovering from Thanksgiving, and maybe you’re reading this after a big day of hitting the mall and all the big-box stores, looking for something to do this Saturday that feels a little less intense. If that is you, I have a recommendation: stop by the stores of Old Town for Small Business Saturday.
15 Years of Plaid Friday Magic, Lessons, and Lots of Coffee
It is hard to believe that this is the 15th year we have done Plaid Friday. I will always know exactly when we started because the year prior, 2009, Danielle of fibre space called me and asked me to participate, along with a handful of other stores. That was the last time I traveled out of town for Thanksgiving.
The Plaid Friday Gift Guide from Lauren Bishop
This holiday season, we once again asked Lauren Bishop to sponsor Plaid Friday—the small business community's answer to competing with the big-box stores on Black Friday. Check out her guide to make the most of your Plaid Friday!
The Holiday Gift Guide Everyone in Alexandria Is Talking About — Eliana Curated’s Most Wanted Pieces of 2025
Eliana Curated just dropped their 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, and it’s already sending local shoppers into a frenzy. From vintage designer treasures to waterproof everyday essentials and luxurious gold pieces, this guide is basically a cheat sheet for winning holiday gifting.
Why I’m Reaching for Sets Over Dresses
It used to be that sets were reserved for more casual looks—and of course, there are still great casual sets (I live in them). But these days, there are so many great dressy options, especially skirt-and-top combinations. There really are so many great sets at all price points, and for every occasion.
Transitional Ulla Johnson Pieces to Take Your Wardrobe Through Multiple Seasons
This year is proving that once again the “transition” season deliveries are the best deliveries. The Ulla Johnson delivery we just unpacked is a perfect example. Every piece can be worn right now, but can also take you into spring and even summer.
Street Style: Meet Stephanie Bibighaus
Meet Stephanie Bibighaus, the new Executive Director at The Alexandria Police Foundation — and a woman who’s turned personal loss into purpose. From her Pentagon days to championing K-9 heroes, Stephanie reminds us that style, service, and heart often go hand in hand.
Back in Stock: Customer Favorites from TWP, Frank & Eileen, and More at The Hive
Lots of things have changed about our stores since we first opened, but one thing that stands out is how much I’ve learned as a buyer. Over 22 years, I’d like to think I’ve gotten better at understanding what our customers love most.
Behind the Scenes: 12 Weeks, Two Cities, and the Heart of a Small Business Holiday Season
If you’ve ever wandered through a holiday market and felt the magic, the twinkling lights, the scent of cider, the cozy bustle, you probably weren’t thinking about what it took to build each booth. Which is exactly the point.
I Have No Idea What I’m Doing, but it Seems to Be Working: Recapping Year 1 of Building a Menswear Store
I don’t want to speak too soon, but it seems like I might break the pattern of menswear stores opening and closing within a few years in Old Town. It’s difficult to make something new and unique because no one even knows to look for it, but once people find out about it, the wheels start turning.
At Mystique, It’s Always Time To Sparkle
The holidays conjure up feelings of decadence. A festive season that commands our most dazzling ensembles, accessorized with our most radiant jewelry. And while we love to dazzle and delight (we sell diamonds, of course!)...at Mystique, we believe it’s always time to sparkle.