Street Style: Annette Ayrapetian

Angelica is the reason for this week's Street Style feature, Annette Ayrapetian. And for that, I owe her a great many thanks.

About a year ago, Angelica passed along Annette's contact info to me, and the rest, as they say, is history. She has been such a wonderful addition to our stores, and there are so many reasons why. Yes, she has great style and is so easy to work with, but it goes far beyond that. One important fact you must know about Annette is that she was raised on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania. There are no harder workers in the world than dairy farmers. I mean, you can't take a day off, ever, because the cows do not take a day off. This strong work ethic shines through, and it isn't just staying until the work is done. It is her ability to figure out anything, literally anything. Annette is a true Renaissance woman.

When we were moving The Hive to 315 Cameron Street, there was - of course - a bunch of things that needed to be hung on walls and so on. As we pondered the to-do list, Annette calmly said, "Oh, I can bring my tools tomorrow and do all that." The next day she arrived in heels, carrying a power drill. So besides being our "handyman," she is also head of merchandising for all three stores and is the reason everything looks so great all the time.

You might have also noticed that Annette is always dressed perfectly. The only problem is when people inquire if we have the shirt, dress, or skirt that she is wearing in stock, the answer frequently is "no," because she made it. That is right, she can sew anything.

Despite her long list of talents, this is not the main reason we get along. I have come to realize that the reason we connect is that we are part of the same club. We have never even spoken about the common membership. It is kind of a Mork & Mindy "Nanoo Nanoo" sort of thing. Annette loves clothing as much as I do - and for its own sake.

I can't wait for you to learn more about Annette. I know how lucky I am to have her on our team, and you will love shopping with her at the stores.

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography

Annette is styled by The Hive and The Shoe Hive.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Parkfairfax

How long have you lived in Alexandria: I’ve lived here since April 2019.

What is your hometown? I hail from Chambersburg, Pennsylania. It’s a tiny little town a few miles off the Appalachian Trail.

What brought you to Alexandria? My then-boyfriend, now-husband, had accepted a job here. After our wedding and the sale of my hair salon, I followed.

Favorite cocktail: Elderflower Gin & Tonic

Last book read or movie seen: The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball. 10/10 would recommend. This is probably the best book I have read in three years.

Guilty Pleasure: Probably chili dogs.

Phrase you overuse: I don’t know that I can write that here or that it should be in print...

Facebook or Instagram? Neither. I wish I were better at social media, but I simply am not. I’m 100 years old, but honestly, most 100-year-olds are probably more internet savvy than myself.

Latest binge-watch: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. My aunt said that show reminded her of me, and it may have been the greatest compliment I’ve received. I hold both the writing and costuming in high regard.

Bucket list travel destination: Traveling around Europe on a luxury train would be a dream come true.

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: Fun. Unconventional.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Olive green pants. I should never be allowed to buy another pair. I own so many different varieties, but I do truly wear all of them...  said every shopaholic ever.

Favorite trend ever: I love a mini skirt with a matching coat. Very ‘60s, very chic.

Favorite current trend: Strappy sandals

Beauty product you can’t live without: Gucci lipstick. The formulation is excellent, and the packaging looks vintage. My grandmother is a lipstick lady, which has made me think of it as the classiest type of makeup. A red lip can pull any look together.

Favorite fragrance: Rock ’n’ Rome by Bvlgari

Heels or flats? Specifically, a kitten heel.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Dining room. I love hosting people for dinner. The best conversations happen over great food. Exciting place settings don’t hurt either.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Definitely a mix. Most of the things I gravitate towards are vintage but a modern design for the time. I love designers like Philippe Starck and Karl Springer, but I also love black and white photos from the ‘30s.

Last item bought for your home: A friend found an old Brother Domino II record console for me in a little vintage store. I bought it on the spot, and my husband was able to restore it to working condition. It’s very space age.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Definitely well-lived in. I think that knowing things are cared for but also used and loved well is what makes them charming and interesting.

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Even after removing countless layers of it from very old walls, I still love wallpaper. It’s so versatile! Need an entire mural? Wallpaper. Need to turn a weirdly situated wall into an interesting focal point? Wallpaper.

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: The waterfront. My favorite date is a picnic on a blanket by the river.

Last purchase in Alexandria: Stationery from Penny Post.

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: The Majestic Cafe.