We met Gayle Palmer in the shop one Saturday afternoon when she was browsing with her daughter. It was love at first sight! With her infectious personality, Gayle is a professional enthusiast for life.She has worn many hats over the years – an antiques dealer, leader of a temp agency, India Hicks representative, and breast cancer survivor and advocate. So if it seems like she loves everything and everyone, it’s because she does. And you can tell by her style – classic, refined, and yet still fun.Gayle grew up in Arlington, spent a stint in St. Louis, and then returned to Northern Virginia to be closer to family. We’re so happy now have her as a part of the Boxwood family and Old Town community. 

ABOUT YOU

How do you spend your time? Family and friends’ needs, working, walking, and shopping.Neighborhood: Old Town south.How long have you lived in Alexandria: 7 months!What is your hometown? 40 years in North Arlington…11 miles from here.What brought you to Alexandria? Daughter and her new baby and we downsized.What would surprise people about you? My hair color is natural…ha ha.You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Helping other breast cancer survivors feel good about themselves.Favorite cocktail: Manhattan.Last book read or movie seen: Movie: The Irishman, Book: A Well-Behaved Woman.Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate chip cookies.Phrase you overuse: A startled ‘shut up’!Facebook or Instagram? Both.If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine.  

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Classic, edgy, and current.The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Black pants and jeans.Favorite trend ever: Shoulder pads!Favorite current trend: Short boots.Beauty product you can’t live without: Complete cover-up by ‘IT’.Favorite fragrance: Hermes 24 Faubourg.Heels or flats: Flats.  

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Living room.Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix.Last item bought for your home: Candles and more candles!Next planned purchase: Apple watch.Favorite way to entertain: Casual… everyone brings a dish.Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well-lived in.Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Yes to wallpaper.  

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Walking.Most fun way to exercise: Are you kidding?Group exercise or solo: Walking with my husband.Fitness goal: Stay a size 8 for the rest of my life.Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Yoga.Proudest fitness achievement: Climbed Piestewa Peak in Phoenix when I turned 60!