Street Style: Amy Bertles
When I sat down to write about why I want the world of Stylebook readers to learn about my friend Amy Bertles, I was struck by the myriad of reasons! I simply cannot narrow them down.
Maybe it is because Amy, too, is a small business owner and works every day to refine her craft (floral design). Maybe it is because Amy values our friendship so much. Maybe it is because Amy is patient with my (lack of) availability. Maybe it’s because Amy is a huge cheerleader for my passion. Maybe it is because Amy is also a cat lover. Maybe it is because she too is married to a “Bill,” and they are two of our closest friends? Maybe it is because Amy makes me laugh more than almost anyone. Or maybe it is because I trust Amy with my life?
It is all of them!
Amy and I have been friends for over a decade. Like many, we became friends through mutual interests: our “Bills” love to play golf and our children were all on the same swim team – way back then.
Today, Amy and I have grown to love our walks, our “indirect” flights to Florida to visit our mutual friend, Heather, laughing about the Royals, and of course live music!
Now, you get to meet beautiful Amy Bertles! Chalk this up as a lucky day for you.
Photography by Renée C. Gage Photography.
Amy is styled by The Shoe Hive and photographed at Mae’s Market and Cafe.
ABOUT YOU
Neighborhood: Seminary Hill
What is your hometown? Glen Rock, NJ
What would surprise people about you? Before I was a mom and florist, I worked as legislative aid on Capitol Hill and was a vice president at an international PR firm. Becoming a mom made me re-evaluate my priorities and career goals.
Favorite book or movie: That’s impossible to say! I’m an avid reader and could give you a top 20 list of favorite books but definitely can’t just pick one. Same with movies.
Guilty Pleasure: Anything on Bravo - Vanderpump Rules, Real Housewives, Below Deck, Summer House, Southern Charm - I’ll watch it all!
Latest binge-watch: Daisy Jones and the Six! I watched it twice (great book too).
Bucket list travel destination: The South Pacific. I would love to take a month and travel through Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Casual yet classic.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Mother Jeans, I have them in 3 colors.
Favorite trend: Cute sneakers with everything from dresses to joggers.
Beauty product you can’t live without: I have 2 – Supergoop! Superscreen daily moisturizer and Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum body cream.
Boots, sneakers, or sandals? All of them. I love shoes. My husband would say it’s a problem.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: A good book and a glass of Sancerre.
Most fun way to stay active: Orange Theory, long walks with my dog, and hiking.
Wellness goal: To accept that my body is changing as I age and to do what I can to be as healthy as I can be.
Want to try: Rock Box Fitness in Alexandria Commons. It looks fun yet challenging.
Proudest wellness achievement: Learning to let go of the things I cannot change.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: The kitchen and great room - It was our COVID project and I love how it turned out.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix for sure.
Last item bought for your home: Outdoor dining chairs, pillows, and a rug.
Favorite way to entertain: We have an amazing backyard and love to entertain out there. Cocktails, dinner parties and late-night hangouts.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Mostly clutter-free but definitely lived-in.
Next planned purchase: A new master bathroom.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? It’s a great resource for all that’s happening in Alexandria.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Kayaking in Dyke Marsh.
Your go-to shop: Patina and Red Barn Mercantile are my go-to shops for gifts.
Best food spot: Oooh, that’s tough. I feel so lucky to live in a city that has so many tried and true restaurants like Landini Brothers and Majestic but also great new places like Thompson Italian and Virginia’s Darling.
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: I have two local causes that are near and dear to my heart, the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria and Together We Bake.