This fall has been all about change at the stores. You have seen a lot of new faces on the floor and we have some new faces behind the scenes; well not totally behind the scenes. You may recognize a familiar visage in our fall campaign. My good friend and the former owner of She’s Unique, Katya has been spending a little more time with us lately.

As a jewelry store owner, I may be biased, but I think that fine jewelry should be worn daily—not just for special occasions. Life is a series of celebrations, and our jewelry speaks to them! Remember that pearl necklace gifted to you on your 16^th birthday, or the diamond studs you received when you graduated from college? These are now staples in your collection that cement memories and help express yourself.

This fall, I really focused on changing our shoe selection, but we always like to add some newness to our ready-to-wear offerings as well. One of the lines I am most excited about is Arlo Mott. This is only the second season for the line overall, and we are thrilled to be one of the new stores carrying it this fall.

For Helen Clemens, a good book has always been about more than the story on the page. As a child, she constantly immersed herself in books, reading any chance she could. Today, that lifelong love of reading has found a new home in Alexandria through Literary Libations, the monthly book club she created at Morrison House, where thoughtful books and conversations meet equally thoughtful cocktails.

One of the most difficult categories to buy is denim. There are so many options it can be a bit overwhelming. It used to be that one denim trend monopolized a season, but now, anything goes—which is a really good thing.

AMO started as just denim and is known for combining a vintage feel with that great broken-in comfort. It is female-owned by two industry veterans who focus on pocket placement (which really matters when it comes to denim), comfortable waistbands, and silhouettes from the ’60s and ’70s. Stop in and see our selection of AMO and the styles they sent us just for the weekend. The best part: all AMO is 20 percent off October 8th through October 11th.

Moving to a new city often comes with an unspoken challenge: knowing you want community, but not knowing where to begin looking for it. For two years, Old Town Girlies has been answering that silent call for women across Alexandria. What began as a modest Monday night wine gathering hosted by co-founders Hannah Beth Sprouse and Meaghan Pawelczyk has grown into a vibrant, city-wide movement — connecting thousands of women, sparking genuine friendships, and transforming a transient town into a home.

The Veronica Beard trunk show is always our biggest event of the year, and I have a feeling this year’s affair will be no different. They really have gone back to their roots with great suits and separates. I asked our resident model, Jen, to help out and called in another familiar face—and another Courtney—to help us out.

 When I am at market, I always ask my reps, “What is on your personal order?” I figure that is the best way to figure out what will be the popular items of the season. I mean, if the people who work there want it, then it must be good. Nobody knows a collection like the people that see it day in and day out. I thought I would share what my personal order would be for Veronica Beard if money were no object.

Despite the fact that we have already had two special events this fall, the Ulla Johnson trunk show really feels like the kick-off for the season. Shop this show early for the best selection, with 20 percent off all Ulla Johnson from Thursday to Sunday.

Well, it is time for our two biggest trunk shows of the fall: Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. Are you ready? Ulla Johnson kicks it off on Thursday, September 24, and lasts all weekend through Sunday, September 27. They have sent us a great trunk, with lots of items.

Few chefs ever get the chance to cook on a national stage, but Leigh Orleans has done it twice. Today, the Hell’s Kitchen alum and Chopped champion has brought her fiery culinary talent and private chef business back somewhere much more personal: right here in Alexandria, Virginia, just a few doors down from where her story first began.

Join 20 stores in Old Town from September 18 to September 20 and explore all they have to offer. Some stores have trunk shows for the weekend, gifts with purchase, or other activities in store. It is a great way to explore new stores or just spend a day strolling the historic streets of Old Town.

This weekend, the Old Town Boutique District is hosting Alexandria Days. I asked my good friend Sarah Akram to pick out her favorite fall looks from my store and model some of them, and all weekend you'll receive a gift with purchase of my favorite items from Sarah Akram Skincare and be entered for a chance to win a $250 gift card to The Hive and a $250 gift card for Sarah Akram Skincare.

There's something about sapphire that just works this time of year. As September settles in and wardrobes start shifting toward fall, the deep, saturated blue of sapphire feels like the perfect complement to the season — rich enough to hold its own against sweaters and layers, yet versatile enough to wear every day.

I first noticed Marfa Stance on social media. These cool jackets that were like nothing else I had seen on the market kept popping up in my feed. Then, when I looked further, I noticed you could change the collars out and make different looks out of one jacket. I was hooked. They had me when I saw a pink fur collar. I mean, does it get any better than that?

Our first shoot was for Tanya Taylor, queuing up a trunk show that kicks off this Thursday, September 10. The photos are just amazing, and all the fall colors make me so excited for cooler temperatures. All the plums, dark reds, and greens just make me happy. It is the perfect event to kick off fall.

We just received our first delivery of Dear Frances, and they are, as I like to say, life-changing. Founded in London in 2014 by Jane Frances and Scott O’Connor, the brand is celebrated for its minimalist and sculptural designs. Made in Italy, they have a commitment to slow fashion and quality materials.

This week temperatures are in the 90s, so maybe it isn’t the best time to send out our Fall Look Book. Even looking at sweaters and wool blazers makes me hot! But if I can ignore the heat and just flip through the pages, I get so excited for our new arrivals. I love fall and the great clothes that come with it. It is my season. I love blazers and layers and all things cozy.

Lauren shares a simple September reset to help you clear out worn summer essentials, check expiration dates and refresh your closets. Tackle these easy tasks now to make the transition into fall feel a little more organized.