Part of why I cherish working at The Shoe Hive is the community of interesting women that I am constantly getting to meet. Sometime back in September when I was nine months pregnant (I’m sure many of you remember that phase), Emily McAnelly popped into The Hive on a busy Saturday afternoon and I thought, okay, this chick is pretty cool and I girl-crushed her style. We immediately hit it off as she had a four-month-old baby girl, was from Texas, loved Veronica Beard, and was fairly new to Old Town. Later, Penelope would call and told me she set us up; she heard “Texas” and knew my ear would perk up. There’s just something about meeting people that are from your same neck of the woods, am I right?Now, Emily and I hold monthly (if we can make it weekly, we do) girls lunches with our babies, talk about motherhood, have a drink or two, sometimes even wipe a tear (we blame the hormones!). We have had double dates with our husbands, and at times forgot they were even with us -- apparently they love each other too -- held play dates with our girls, and have shopped around Old Town. Needless to say, Emily has become one of my closest girlfriends out here!Besides being an amazing friend, mother, and wife, she is the Financial Operations Manager for her family’s private law practice based out of Fort Worth, Texas, and also oversees the family's portfolio of oil and gas interests. She works out of The Wing in D.C., is on the planning committee for the Yellow Ribbon Fund’s 12th Annual Army Navy Country Club Golf Classic, is obsessed with barre3 and SoulCycle, and is married to a (very handsome) Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Did I mention that she also has two French Bulldogs and a one year old? And she makes it look easy.Emily is a joy to be around and I am happy to introduce her to all of you. I’m sure you will be seeing more of her around town!

Emily is wearing the Sandra Tank, Matteo Dickey Jacket and Freidman Pant, all by Veronica Beard, available at The Hive,Horn Pia ThreadersEarrings by Soko and Snake Embossed Leopard Print Heel by AGL, available at The Shoe Hive

 :: Sarah Marcella Creative

ABOUT YOU

 How do you spend your time? I spend my days trying to balance self-care with being a mommy, wife, and businessperson.Neighborhood: RosemontHow long have you lived in Alexandria: Since May 2018What is your hometown? Fort Worth, TexasWhat brought you to Alexandria? My husband’s position at the PentagonWhat would surprise people about you? I have a tattoo. I’m getting it removed though!!You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Time travelFavorite cocktail: Not a cocktail, but champagne. Always champers.Last book read or movie seen: We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia HunterGuilty Pleasure: Bravo television. But I don’t believe in making myself feel guilty for it!Phrase you overuse: Starting a story with an emphatic “GIRL...”Facebook or Instagram? Instagram. Facebook has bad juju now.Latest binge-watch: Killing EveBucket list travel destination: Northern Lights in IcelandIf you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine. Duh.  

FASHION

 Define your style in three words or less: Sensual, spirited, and expensiveThe go-to piece in your wardrobe: Any beautifully tailored throw-on-and-go dress.Favorite trend ever: Platform heels. Comfy but still sexy.Favorite current trend: Turban headbands!Beauty product you can’t live without: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic antioxidant treatmentFavorite fragrance: Alien by Thierry MuglerHeels or flats? Heels. I wear flats as seldom as possible.                

HOME

 Favorite room in your home: We’re redesigning our house right now, so I don’t have one yet! Working on it. I have a feeling it will be my daughter’s nursery when it’s finished.Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix.Last item bought for your home: A really fabulous art deco-inspired floor lamp from Anthropologie.Next planned purchase: We’re turning one of the bedrooms in our house into a dressing room, so once I sell a kidney we’ll begin the closet installation and purchase the wallpaper, vanity, etc.Favorite way to entertain: I get really jazzed about throwing a big party. Bust out the crystal, all that.Clutter-free or well lived-in? Well lived-in but clean.Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Obsessed with wallpaper. Especially in a powder room.  

FITNESS

 Your go-to work-out: barre3 (saving grace during my pregnancy), SoulCycle, and CorePower yogaMost fun way to exercise: SoulCycle with my husbandFitness goal: To continue to stay fit and active my entire life. I want to model body positivity and the joy of self-care for my daughter.Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Rock climbingProudest fitness achievement: Never doing it again, but I completed a marathon. I sustained a stress fracture at mile 16 but didn’t stop and walk. Ran that sucker to the finish!                

ALEXANDRIA

 Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Hive & The Shoe Hive, obvi.Last purchase in Alexandria: A.L.C. dress and GANNI shorts at The Hive!Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Coffee: Misha’s. Happy Hour: Grape + Bean in Rosemont. Date Night: Tasting at Sonoma Cellars.Favorite charity: Yellow Ribbon FundFavorite annual Alexandria event: Alexandria birthday celebration at Oronoco Bay Park