As I walk up to Goodies Frozen Custard on Commerce Street, a woman walking in front of me in heels runs to our photographer, Renée and hugs her. Renée knows everyone in Old Town, so I just assume it’s an acquaintance. But when she turns, I realize it's Ashley. She’s friendly and warm, and glowing in her fitted pink blazer and dress. She’s a little nervous for the photo shoot, but when her good friend Ali (who nominated her for Street Style) shows up to assist – the real fun begins. We’re like a bunch of school girls giggling and running around the beautiful display of tulips. And it’s only 10am. 

“Ali can laugh, we’re cut from the same cloth, we don’t take ourselves too seriously,” says Ashley. “We’re just happy to enjoy life and be the best people we can be. Ali is such a confident and comfortable person she makes it easy to be her friend.” 

Born in New York, Ashley moved to Alexandria with her family when she was a toddler. She grew up in Old Town, and returned after college. “I still have friends from preschool…I went to St. Mary’s with Cam (Ali’s husband), we’re St. Mary’s buddies. It’s a blessing that Ali is as cool as she is…we just folded her right into the mix,” she adds laughing.

When I ask her how Old Town has changed, she references Halloween on Lee Street. “There used to be a few kids on every block, now it’s a major attraction. People come from all over Northern Virginia and Maryland. The secret is out that this is a charming spot! There has been so much growth and development…but a lot of parts of Old Town have stayed true to themselves.”

She keeps reminiscing, “Trains would cut across what’s Buzz Bakery now going towards Robinson Terminal. Why Not? was the go-to toy shop…and they sold clothes, too. My mom can remember when Banana Republic came to King Street and locals were furious, because everything had been ‘mom and pop.’ That was such a soap opera. There’s the pluses of development, and some wish time would stand still. We’re still striking a good balance…you always want to have some familiarity.”

Ashley and her family live in North Old Town. “We can get into D.C. within 10 minutes. We go to the farmer’s market and the park, and see our friends. We have that small town feel by day, and in the evening we can enjoy the big city feel and visit the Kennedy Center. We get the best of both worlds, and no matter how much change comes about, Old Town will always be Old Town.”

She attended college in Newport, Rhode Island, “a beautiful coastal town.” It’s where she met her husband and together they returned to Alexandria where she grew up. This summer, they’ll visit family in the Boston area and “go up to the Cape for a week or so.” 

Ashley tells me about her daughters. “I have a five-year-old going on fifteen, and my younger daughter is almost three going on thirteen. They are hysterical. They have great taste and they know a good thing when they see it. We live in the same neighborhood I grew up in, same preschool, same elementary school, we even eat at the same restaurants I ate at when I was a kid. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. My parents got it right the first time, and it has saved us so much time researching where and what. I’m in part two of my life. Time flies…here I am dropping my daughter off at my old elementary school when I feel like I should be the one being dropped off! It’s all come full circle.”

She shares that her girls have caught the travel bug. “We’ve brought them to Europe a few times…Spain, Ireland. Rome is great for kids, too. They have gelato, pizza, we ran around the Spanish Steps…and the Coliseum.” 

Her travel secret: “Fly direct if you can. Catching flights and sprinting with kids is not fun! Wherever we go, we try to be in and out in one flight. You have to fold them into the mix with respect to the fact they are children. No bar-hopping, but if you like to travel, go out to eat, integrating the kids into that lifestyle is so important. They develop their social skills, they have appreciation for other environments and culture. Take them out of their comfort zone. My girls now ask, ‘Where are we going next?’” 

They also like to walk the path along the GW Parkway. “We can exit out our door and be there in minutes, walking to the Marina shortly after. We also love walking to King Street, grabbing a coffee and doing some window shopping. On the waterfront, Barca is a favorite. The girls play down there while we meet up with other families and friends and enjoy sangria and tapas with a beautiful backdrop.”

Ashley’s warmth and humor makes her one of those people that you instantly feel like you’ve known for years. Check out her Street Style and see why:

ABOUT ASHLEY

Neighborhood: North Old Town, Alexandria

What is your hometown? Alexandria; still going strong.

What would surprise people about you?  I love a good laugh.  

Favorite book: I enjoy any Agatha Christie book; nothing helps you fall asleep faster than reading a murder mystery before bed.  

Guilty Pleasure: Chai lattes. I could single-handedly keep St. Elmo’s in business.    

Latest binge-watch: My husband and I enjoyed binge-watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Now, we binge-watch Bluey.   

Bucket list travel destination: Since my main food groups are pasta and gelato, Italy is on rinse and repeat. I keep petitioning United for a direct flight from DCA to Rome, but they have stopped returning my calls and emails. Stay tuned!

STYLE

Define your style: Classic, comfortable (and fingers crossed) clean.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: LBD all the way!

Favorite trend: Since my Juicy Couture sweatsuit days circa 2005, I have waited my whole life for upscale loungewear to make its comeback.      

Beauty product you can’t live without: I don’t know anyone who can live without retinol, but Suzanne from Fountains Day Spa has me hooked on Guinot skincare products.

Boots, sandals or sneakers? I have a really strong sandal game this year. 

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: As long as everyone is happy and healthy, I don’t stress. (Backup plan = gelato.)

Most fun way to stay active: My recently potty-trained toddler and I LOVE looking for bathrooms where one does not exist. Nothing like a wild goose chase to keep you active.

Wellness goal: Scaling back on the gelato.

Want to try: Something I have not done in years: Sleeping in. 

Proudest wellness achievement: Turning off my phone while on vacation.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: We enjoy our living room’s view of the fireworks in D.C., the Washington Monument and planes flying in and out of Reagan airport.

Antiques, modern, or a mix?  Thanks to my parents’ good taste, I am Team Antiques (but I draw the line with 17th century body armor and decor). 

Last item bought for your home: Does wine, Tums and toilet paper count? 😉

Favorite way to entertain: My mother is the queen of entertaining; Everything I know I learned from her. Dinner parties, pool parties, birthday parties - we never shy away from entertaining.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? We start off clutter-free, but by the end of the day, our place looks like we’re running a clearance section at a Black Friday sale.

Next planned purchase: Tickets to Italy. Next question.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook?  I love that Alexandria Stylebook keeps it light, local, fun and fresh. (Plus, keeping up with the trends is made easier by reading the latest from my dear friend, Ali Hellmuth!

Favorite spot in Alexandria: My husband and I enjoy strolling King Street with our daughters. And just when we’re ready to quit strolling, cue the trolley. 

Your go-to shop: Alexandria has so many awesome shops, it’s hard to pick just one. Katie and Megan always have a great selection of designer clothes at Mint Condition. Carla at Today’s Cargo has an awesome collection of estate jewelry if you are looking for something unique, and you can’t go wrong with The Shoe Hive and their wide assortment of both classic and groovy shoes!

Best food spots: Since I was a little girl, Southside 815 has been my go-to for buffalo wings and a delicious family meal. If you are kid-free and want to kick it up a notch, then Landini Brothers is the way to go. And if you want to mentally transport yourself to Majorca, sangria and tapas at BARCA’s Pier will do the trick!

Favorite local organization: There are so many wonderful organizations that help the ALX community, but one place that stands out is Carpenter’s Shelter.  For over 30 years, Carpenter’s Shelter has been assisting those in need. If you are looking to give back to the community, they are a great organization to get involved with.

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Hands down the St. Patrick’s Day parade, followed by drinks and more merriment at O’Connell’s. No one parties quite like the Irish…  

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