Born in Southern West Africa in Portuguese-speaking Angola, AJ Barros moved here when he was five. “My stepfather was a diplomat and we moved to the DMV, and I’ve been here ever since,” he shares. As Renee begins snapping away, it’s clear that AJ is a natural. He removes his glasses and steps in and out of the Yellow Jacket storefront like there’s paparazzi staked out, and he wants to make sure they capture a great shot. 

As a style expert and store manager at Yellow Jacket, AJ shares how he joined the team. “Miss Elizabeth (Todd) would see me everywhere she would go in Old Town…a different store or a restaurant and she would ask, “You work here? I may have a job for you.” He’s always been a fan of the city and stuck around after college. “I love keeping busy and being productive.” He joined Yellow Jacket in May of 2022.

“Being well-dressed is a very big thing in my family, image was important because we were meeting a lot of ambassadors and prime ministers.” AJ’s early style icon was his older brother Emerson. “I used to wake up early just to watch him get dressed, he would change his shoe laces to match his look. He won best dressed in high school – all four years!” 

He shares, “First impressions go a very long way, and if I can be truthful, being a young black man, you don’t have too many chances at a first impression. My appearance is one of the things I can control. I fell into the preppy look as I got older, because I saw how timeless it was.” And AJ won best-dressed his last two years of high school; his love for style continued in college because “it was a big thing.” 

People-watching is one of the bonuses he says of working in Old Town. “I see a lot of different walks of life, the store has a great view of tourists and just everyday people going about their business.” Whenever he has down time, he likes to ride the metro and pick up different style ideas. “You become part of the city…the hustle and bustle.”

AJ loves to go running and play basketball. “I grew up skateboarding, I’m very active.” He’s also a songwriter, and writes lyrics for the reggae, hip-hop and R&B genres. And – he curates events and parties, enjoying the nightlife in D.C. “What can I say? I’m a social butterfly.”

He shares that Madalena, his mom, is a very positive influence in his life. “She’s extremely resilient and adaptable. Because of my mom, no matter where I'm placed on earth, I would thrive. She’s very open-minded and innovative…she’s also a God-fearing woman. We talk about morals and people’s character a whole lot. She shares things she wishes she had done differently, and has taught me to try and improve as a person each day.” 

Currently in Mozambique with his stepfather, his mother joins him on Facetime or by phone every day. “I’m a walking sponge, and soak up all the knowledge she has to share.” He always makes the time, because as he says, “you never know about tomorrow.” 

And I bet she can’t wait to see AJ’s Street Style, check it out: 

ABOUT AJ

Neighborhood: Duke Street in Alexandria

Hometown: Born in Luanda, Angola, but raised all over Northern Virginia since I was almost six-years-old.

What would surprise people about you?: I’m an amazing chef! (if I do say so myself)

Favorite book or movie: Movies: The Pursuit of Happiness, The Graduate, and Scarface. Books: Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday and The Third Door by Alex Banayan.

Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate!

Latest binge-watch: Narcos and Cocaine Cowboys on Netflix.

Bucket list travel destination: Monaco or Buenos Aires

STYLE

Style: I'd say timeless. So, it’s a mix of preppy & 80s hip-hop streetwear.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Either any vintage Ralph Lauren or my dark blue denim jacket.

Favorite trend: Not sure. I’m focused on setting them to be honest.

Beauty products you can’t live without: Ponds Face Moisture and Allure Chanel Cologne.

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Sneakers for sure, but I love Chelsea boots.

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Host friends or company over with food and drinks.

Most fun way to stay active: Jogging, playing basketball, riding my skateboard.

Wellness goal: To still be very mobile and full of life at 70 years old.

Want to try: A week of yoga…yoga has humbled me time and time again.

Proudest wellness achievement: Cutting off Oreos (I was hooked on them since I was a child!)

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Bathroom & my balcony. Both are places where I escape to and lose track of time.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? I'd say a mix. I love minimal and new, but I also love select timeless pieces.

Last item bought for your home: A Furbo doggy cam for my new dog.

Favorite way to entertain: Dinner, drinks, and playing Domino. 

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free!

Next planned purchase: A new laptop/work bag.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? This profile is definitely going to top the list, and I like seeing Yellow Jacket featured regularly. 

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Cameron Station Park (Ben Brenman)

Your go-to shop: Yellow Jacket, of course!

Best food spot: Fish Market & Landini Brothers

Favorite local organization: Hmm…this might be a sign for me to get involved a bit more with what's around me!

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Any parades that come by are always a good time.

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