I met Amy through a mutual friend who thought I'd like to check out Amy's custom fabrics for masks, tea towels, etc. Amy is a truly amazing human and has done so much in her life, but right before the pandemic hit, she was a florist. When all of her events and floral account got canceled, she quickly pivoted to making cute masks with her custom-designed Del Ray themed fabrics. She also made some Del Ray themed tea towels during the holidays that I couldn't keep in stock. Over the last few months, we've become fast friends. She is the brains behind some of Del Ray's newest fun events like the Vintage Flea Market and Caftan Night. She also joined the DRBA board as the retail liaison and came up with and executed the I Love Del Ray campaign this past winter. She's back to making floral arrangements too! She's definitely one of my new favorite people!  

Photography credit: Sarah Marcella Creative

Amy is styled by Kiskadee.

ABOUT YOU

How do you spend your time? With family, friends, and neighbors but I’m also a complete work-a-holic

Neighborhood: Del Ray

How long have you lived in Alexandria: Off and on all my life but this past stint, 6 years - apparently the universe wants me to be in Alexandria!

What is your hometown? Alexandria and Clifton, VA

What brought you to Alexandria? I’m a fourth-generation Alexandrian

What would surprise people about you? I’m the co-founder and COO of the monthly Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market which is now all year long! I’m also humbled to be on the managing committee for Art on the Avenue.

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Mind-Reading and Telekinesis 

Favorite cocktail: Too many to name but I do love a good French 75

Last book read or movie seen: “Bob Fosse: It’s Showtime” documentary … or maybe Grey Gardens for the 85th time … 

Guilty Pleasure: Binging Fantasy Island episodes from the late 70s/early 80s with Ricardo Montalbon

Phrase you overuse: Hehe … I’d rather not say, let’s just go with “NSFW” 

Facebook or Instagram? Both!

Latest binge-watch: Halston on Netflix

Bucket list travel destination: The Maldives

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffee

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Individualistic, Irreverent, Conspicuous   

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Anything leopard print -- it can be vintage chic, rock-n-roll glam, or just tacky ol’ kitsch

Favorite trend ever: Honestly anything from the 60s but mostly, caftans! This was a huge influence in my starting the “Caftan Night” events in Alexandria so everyone could feel glamorous and show their own creations and styles off

Favorite current trend: Oversized straw totes with personalized lettering, pom poms, tassels - I love mixing and layering materials and textures

Beauty product you can’t live without: Mac lipstick in “Ruby Woo” red

Favorite fragrance: Anything Jo Malone but specifically French Lime Blossom

Heels or flats? Both! I’m only 5’ tall, so heels have always been in my repertoire but 2020 definitely gave me permission to wear more flats - I also do a lot of work on my feet with design and installations so that requires a whole new level of comfort.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Our basement TV room which houses a mix of our vintage collections and art, our son’s Lego area, and my sewing table.   

Antiques, modern, or a mix? A Maximalist Mix!

Last item bought for your home: A faux wall-hanging deer stag covered in fabric swatches from India

Next planned purchase: A beaded chandelier or some of my custom-designed Del Ray wallpaper

Favorite way to entertain: Hosting a party or event! I always say, the party is only as good as the people who attend and I have an amazing mix of eclectic friends in Alexandria.   

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well-Lived In with your own stamp.

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: YES 1000% Some of my textile designs have actually been used as wallpaper here in Alexandria!

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Yikes! I don’t have any and need one … any suggestions? I’ve struggled with my weight all my life and now in my late 40s, it’s a totally different game.

Most fun way to exercise: Weight Training

Group exercise or solo: Solo

Fitness goal: Get back to a regular fitness regime! 2020 and virtual schooling for my 8yr old really threw my focus for a loop, and as a result, I lost track of my personal fitness goals.  

Proudest fitness achievement: Finally realizing that I had to improve my fitness for health and longevity, not just vanity or fitting into certain clothing sizes.

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, it really is where “Main Street Still Exists”

Last purchase in Alexandria: A jute tote bag with wooden handles and black-dyed half moon straw clutch from Kiskadee

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot:  I love the coffee at Junction Bakery & Bistro and for Happy Hour there’s a new and wonderfully innovative mixologist at Kaizen Tavern -- both in Del Ray; For date nights, my husband and I still love Captain Gregory’s plus Oak Steakhouse and Sisters Thai in Old Town North.

Favorite charity: The Carpenter’s Shelter and ALIVE! Hunger is absolutely inexcusable in today’s society, regardless of circumstances, and especially so for children.

Favorite annual Alexandria event: So many! Art on the Avenue, the Del Ray Halloween Parade, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Scottish Walk …