It’s time for our one and only weekend where we have not just one trunk show, but two! Ann Mashburn and Lizzie Fortunato really are a perfect pairing–especially when it comes to spring dressing. When it’s event season and summer travel time, these two brands can get you through either, looking stylish and comfortable.

I have been doing retail for 21 years now, and there is no better brand or people in the business. The way the Fortunato sisters treat me and our customers is remarkable. They are generous with their time and they stand behind their product. They have shipped us so many beautiful pieces just for our Trunk Show event. Please come by and say hello and check out their Spring 2025 collection. 

“I didn’t want to only be known as ‘the girl who had been kidnapped.’ I went back to teaching in a traditional classroom until the pandemic hit. And that’s when people started asking me to speak virtually because they needed someone to bolster their teams and employees. I thought ‘I can do this again.’”

One of the great parts of our Ann Mashburn Trunk Show event is the Made to Order shirting. Made to Order is not Made to Measure. When you do Made to Measure, which is common in the men’s clothing world, they take all your measurements to make a custom shirt. Made to Order is a little different. The Ann Mashburn team has sent samples of four different styles of shirts and two different dresses in all the sizing available. You try one of these models on and after you order, it’s made.

I know I always say this is the biggest event of the year, but this time it might be. I can say this with confidence because we aren’t hosting just one trunk show, we are hosting two trunk shows. We also rarely have the actual designer walk through our doors but at this event, we’ll have the fabulous designer duo: the Fortunato sisters in town, and Stephanie, our Ann Mashburn rep, too!

As a small business owner for more than 21 years there is one thing I know for sure, the only reason we’re still around is because of our amazing customers. The women who have supported us and kept our doors open for the last two decades have become our friends and we know a going-out-of-business sign would have been hung in our door many years ago if it weren’t for their loyalty. So stop by this weekend and grab some treats, special discounts, prizes and extra loyalty points to go towards your future purchases.

When Dr. Rina Bansal, President of Inova Alexandria Hospital and SVP of Inova Health Systems, joins us, she’s a vision in blue. She exudes confidence and rocks thick, high heels with ease – but I do notice the comfy pair of Rothy’s loafers nearby. “Burnout in healthcare is a huge problem,” she shares. “We want our people working in an environment focused on their wellbeing, as well as the patients.”

When it comes to what brands we carry at The Hive, the decisions aren’t always easy. It’s a bit of a puzzle that we put together in advance of each season. The brand Closed sent so many great styles, both denim and great pants, along with some cute shirting and sweaters. It’s a great brand and we’re hoping we can get enough support for it to keep it on our shelves long-term. Come check it out!

When I catch up with Drew, he’s walking Honey, his one-year-old Goldendoodle. I can hear the wind whipping as he shares, “I don’t get a lot of free moments…dog walks are how I destress. Otherwise, I distract myself with work and that’s like kicking the can down the road.” So he walks and talks to get out and grab some air. Understood, because he is head-down, working, working, as an entrepreneur and new business owner of Old House Provisions in Old Town. 

We all remember the sarcastic line from Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada: “Florals?... for spring? Groundbreaking.” Spring is all about floral dresses, regardless of year. We realized we were missing them because we were missing a customer-favorite line: Banjanan. It has been a few years since we had the line and we’re excited to bring it back. It’s a female-owned brand, which we love to support.

There’s something so special about Easter—it’s a holiday that calls for pastels, florals, and a little extra fabulousness! Whether you're dressing the whole family in coordinated outfits, planning a stunning solo look, or hosting with a tablescape that feels like something straight out of a dream, this Easter is the time to bring back the joy of getting dressed up.

Sometimes I wonder why of all the cool clothes to wear, I prefer a t-shirt, everyday. While I could go on about all of the t-shirts I love and how I think it’s important to have a large variety of shapes, weights and colors – you need to go on your own t-shirt journey. It’s a very specific and personal thing. What I will share is how to style a t-shirt in ways that maybe you hadn’t considered. 

Spring has sprung! Except as I write this it’s raining and 35 degrees outside, but inside the store – it has sprung for sure. The racks are filled with spring colors, lightweight fabrics and so many cute sandals. I decided to ask everyone to tell me what's on their spring shopping list from each category we have at The Hive. We all tend to have an ongoing wish list and so I thought you’d like a peek!

When Katie Brooks first reached out to Stylebook about featuring the new jerseys ASA (Alexandria Soccer Association) was going to introduce, I thought – they must be amazing! And oh, they are! If you don’t know ASA, you’ve definitely seen their crest magnet proudly displayed on the back of many an SUV or car while stopped at a traffic light. It’s a rite of passage to play on one of their teams in this community, and it has expanded into so much more since they were founded over fifty years ago.

It’s time to switch out your closet! The main section that switches for me is taking out heavy wool pants and adding in white bottoms. I have options in all styles including skirts, jeans and pants. In order to beat the heat but still look put together when the temperature rises, spring whites make getting dressed easy!

Prepare for a vibrant showcase as Mazza returns, celebrating the captivating beauty of Brazilian gemstones, opals, and intaglios! Join us for their Trunk Show event: April 25 and 26 in Alexandria. Be captivated by Sloane Street’s elegant 18K gold collections, inspired by European sophistication at their trunk show on May 2!

We just unpacked our first delivery of Odissi along with items for the event and it just confirmed that this is going to be a great line for The Shoe Hive. It’s hard to pick a favorite but I love all the braided detail and mesh, both are big for spring. The Olivia slide is that perfect summer shoe and we have it in a variety of colors.

“I consider Alexandria home.” When I ask why she chose it, she shares, “Two reasons. I felt like Washington, D.C., had a lot of European feel…the buildings, the architecture, and I knew I wanted to live in a bigger city. And this is going to sound silly, but I was inspired by a movie that won a Grammy (for it’s soundtrack)…it was a big 80s hit with Demi Moore and Rob Lowe.” She thinks for a minute or two. “St. Elmo’s Fire!”

Spring shoe season is here and it’s time to pack up the boots and bring out the sandals and lighter shoes. To prove we still have a great shoe selection I created a shoe capsule. This is what I think someone needs to make it through summer if they had no shoes at all in their closet.

When it comes to Hunter Bell, she really gets how to make a dress for warmer weather. Maybe it’s her Texas roots, but over and over, I find that nobody does it better. I’m not typically a color or pattern person, but I’m always drawn to her dresses.