Our designer partner, Kristin Try, and I were in the store one day when Alison Giese walked in and we started talking about Cisco Brothers furniture and design. We were both struck with Alison’s easy manner and good taste. Soon after, I started following her on Instagram and looked forward to every Monday when she does her Monday Mood Board.Using existing and sometimes imaginary clients, Alison shows off her design chops every Monday with the most glorious mood boards. What this woman can do with neutrals is amazing. And, if you’ve ever worked with neutrals, then you’ll appreciate her talent. (Read: it ain’t easy folks). A native of Texas with world travels under her belt, Alison brings that same sense of ease to her designs. Texture, balance, natural materials, and proper scale are just some of the design tricks she has up her sleeves.Just as I did with Regan, I had to muster up the courage to reach out to Alison to see if she’d like to partner with us in our Design Collective. After all, she’s a published designer who is quickly becoming an Instagram micro-influencer in the design world. I knew she would be a good fit for us, I just hoped we would be a good fit for her. You can’t imagine my excitement when she agreed to work with us. Alison’s mix of Texas charm, global views, generosity, and head for business are a perfect complement to Red Barn’s ethos and aesthetic. We are thrilled to be partnering with such a tremendous talent. Alison and I look forward to working with you to bring her easy, sophisticated and au courant style to your home. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the woman who makes my neutral-loving heart melt, Alison Giese…

Alison is wearing the Joan dress by Ulla Johnson and Painted Disco earrings by Lizzie Fortunato, both available at The Hive,and the Nearly Nude by Stuart Weitzman, available at The Shoe Hive | 📸:: Sarah Marcella Creative

ABOUT YOU

 How do you spend your time? - I own an Interior Design business, which takes up a lot of my time. When I’m not wearing all the hats as a small business owner, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and three girls, exercising, and a good, dirty martini!What is your hometown? Victoria, Texas (small town girl!)What brought you to Alexandria? My business brings me to Alexandria. There are great resources for designers in Alexandria -- Red Barn Mercantile, Architectural Ceramics, to name two.What would surprise people about you? I have a law degree.You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? I can speak any language.Favorite cocktail: Vodka Martini, dirty!Last book read or movie seen: Crazy Rich Asians. Loved it!Guilty Pleasure: Bubble teas, almost dailyPhrase you overuse: “You want fries with that?” Just kidding…I don’t think I have one. 😉Facebook or Instagram? InstaLatest binge-watch: It’s not really a binge, but I love Outlander, and am always very bereft when the season ends.Bucket list travel destination: Mallorca, SpainIf you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffeeeee  

FASHION

 Define your style in three words or less:Relaxed, authentic, inspiredThe go-to piece in your wardrobe: JeansFavorite trend ever: Jordache jeans (I’m a child of the 80s)Favorite current trend: Cropped pants with a cool heelBeauty product you can’t live without: Burt’s Bees Classic lip balmHeels or flats? Heels  

HOME

 Favorite room in your home: KitchenAntiques, modern, or a mix? Definitely a mix!Last item bought for your home: Some candleholdersNext planned purchase: Closet organizersFavorite way to entertain: An intimate group, casual dinner -- good food, great drink, witty conversationClutter-free or well lived-in? Clutter-freeWallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: YES! 

FITNESS

 Your go-to work-out: Tracy Anderson streaming videoMost fun way to exercise: A dance class -- Zumba, Cardio BarreGroup exercise or solo: Ideally a group.Fitness goal: To stay fit and flexible.Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Dance/fitness competitionProudest fitness achievement: Waking up at 5am every day to get my workout in.  

ALEXANDRIA

 Favorite spot in Alexandria: Mount VernonLast purchase in Alexandria: A jacket and jeans from The HiveBest coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Mia’s has a great vibeFavorite charity: The National Military Family AssociationFavorite annual Alexandria event: Anything at Mount Vernon