I am always on the search for the perfect t-shirt. It has to be both the right thickness and the right cut. I can’t stand it when a t-shirt is too sheer or cut either too tight to the body, or way too boxy so it looks sloppy. It has to be that perfect in-between. I want to be able to layer it under a sweater or blazer but also to sometimes wear it alone.

This holiday season feels extra special for me – it’s our very first holiday season in business at ERA, and I’m absolutely buzzing with gratitude and excitement! As we count down the days to New Year’s Eve, it’s time to focus on you. This is the time to pick out an outfit that not only shows off your style, but also radiates all the excitement, confidence, and fresh energy you’re bringing into the new year.

My favorite part of opening presents is opening my stocking. I take a lot of time to find fun and interesting things for the stocking and luckily for me, you don’t have to go much further than Old Town. There are so many unique gifting options in Old Town, so skip Target and Amazon this year and SHOP LOCAL!

As you are reading this you might be trying to figure out how to get your last-minute Christmas shopping done. Well, look no further than Old Town Alexandria. If you are still trying to cross people off your list this late in the game, then you really have to buy for them in a brick-and-mortar store. I thought I would share how I checked a long list of people of all ages off my list—all in Old Town.

If you are looking for a last minute gift, look no further than The Hive’s new arrivals from Lizzie Fortunato. Do you need something for that hard-to-shop-for friend or mother-in-law? You can’t go wrong with the organic hoop, which now comes in a mini size. We just received a new shipment of all different colors of both sizes.

When I first walked into Reza Mohammadi’s tailored clothing shop, BARG Garments on 108 N. Alfred Street, I felt like I was visiting a friend’s home. He was very polite, always smiling and brought me a cup of tea and some chocolates when we sat down to chat. He had emailed me a few weeks earlier, curious to know more about the small business community in Alexandria.

What I know from years and years of costume design - is that accessories and beauty hold such a magical power to transform an outfit. We don’t always need to go out and buy a new dress or outfit for every party. When you have something you already love, wear it! The easiest way to make it new? Add an accessory, then change your hair and makeup.

One key part of this annual event is making sure the men know what to get when they arrive. This is where the Stylebook readers come in. This isn’t just for Men’s Night – this is for the entire holiday shopping season. Come in and fill out a Wish List and we will do the rest.

As the festive season sparkles into view, we invite you to indulge in our special savings designed to make your holiday gift-giving truly magical. Mystique Jewelers’ exquisite collection of jewels is not just any ordinary gift; each piece is a unique treasure waiting to be discovered.

Don’t forget to make sure the men know it’s at 315 Cameron Street this year. We won’t kick them outside like years past; we will instead let them stay warm inside. And one thing that hasn’t changed at all – we’ll have top-shelf bourbon and scotch to make the shopping a pleasant experience.

Melonie Johnson is sitting on a bench outside Ada’s on the River. The morning fog has begun to lift and across the river we can clearly see the towering hotel at MGM National Harbor, where Melonie oversees all day-to-day operations as President and Chief Operating Officer. 

We are incredibly grateful for the women in our lives – and appreciate every minute we get to spend with them while they are already juggling so many things! Giving them an unexpected, thoughtful present is just one way to share our love this holiday season.

If you’re a regular reader, you know I have written a lot about Tibi. Last year Tibi put out a book called The Creative Pragmatist and I am happy to finally have found something that makes my life and getting dressed easier. 

Never has there been a Tibi delivery I have loved more than this one. I started to count how many personals I ordered and well, I didn’t have enough fingers. It was an obnoxious amount and I could have ordered more. Despite the long ticket, I actually showed self control. Join us for the trunk show this Friday, Dec. 6.

There is one particular group in our city who I can always count on to support our events: the real estate community. They devote a massive portion of their marketing dollars to things that help other people and make Alexandria livable. We’re grateful Lauren Bishop is sponsoring Plaid Friday and thought it would be fun for her to share some of her top holiday shopping picks.

I asked her about the business she was opening in Old Town. Her confidence and calm was something that instantly put me at ease. As she shared her journey, she felt like one of my girlfriends – and we had just met. This was going to be her third location, she was already a seasoned entrepreneur. Even a slight delay here or there wasn’t going to stop her momentum.

Since merging stores it seems like we have a ton of bags in stock. We kept all the purse lines from The Shoe Hive and moved them into 315 Cameron. As a result, it’s hard to miss our bag selection when you walk in the door. Since we’re hosting our Think Rolyn Trunk Show this week, I thought it might be nice to share all the great bags we carry.

I wandered into AIP when it first reopened. Alex greeted me and sold me one of the best swimsuits I’ve ever owned. I’d never seen anything like it and I’ve  never seen anyone with it. That’s the kind of boutique American in Paris is. She finds all sorts of cool unique pieces for the store while traveling the world. This women’s boutique is more than just a shop—it’s a vibe.

Think Rolyn’s crossbody bags and sling bags are a favorite – especially for travel. They are the perfect size, they are weather resistant and the zippers and pockets are in all the right places. I use the wingman all the time when I go to NYC for work or away for a weekend. You can throw so much stuff in it and after owning it for five years, it looks like new!

My Libby’s List this past week featured the Ann Mashburn Funnel Neck sweater. It’s a favorite of mine and my top pick for the trunk show. If I had to suggest a second item that is a must-buy buy, it would be a pull on pant. Pull-on pants are definitely having a moment right now, and Ann was in early on the trend. I asked Madeline to style each version to show their versatility.