When I first met Hattie Dove I was already running 20 mins late, and then couldn’t find her among the tables at Tatte. It was packed and we had never met in person before. It felt like a blind date. I had a moment of worry…did she leave? Darn traffic lights! But when I finally found her, she was seated beside her best friend, Tiffani, and was super friendly and relaxed. She’s been like that every other time we’ve met since, except for the Grand Opening party at ERA, her new boutique. I could tell she was feeling: anxious, excited, relieved, happy, stressed. When I told her, “You did it, you made it to tonight, it’s here, it’s open,” she took a breath and smiled.  

Britt Patterson had shared Hattie’s email and Maura Burchette nominated her for Street Style. That’s how our circle of collaboration works – we introduce each other to amazing local entrepreneurs. And we share. She tells me the mannequins in her windows are from Elizabeth Todd at The Hive. 

Hattie attended the University of Georgia where she had considered interior design, but began taking really extensive art classes. “The art side wasn’t my strong suit. I shifted my focus to fashion merchandising with classes in accounting, marketing, public relations and advertising…the buying side of the business.”

Hattie Dove

Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography

Self-Styled

Shoot location: ERA, 109 N Fairfax Street, Old Town, Alexandria

After graduation she headed to New York where she interned at Elizabeth McKay for a few months. “I thought New York was going to be my end all, be all. But it wasn’t me and I didn’t want to go back to Georgia. Several of my college friends were living in the DC/Arlington area and I came and visited for a week…and then I did some soul searching. I had a couple of interviews in New York lined up, but I also interviewed here in Alexandria. One of those places was Bishop (Boutique) and I got the job. It was 2014 and I loved it here, loved Old Town, being close to my girlfriends from college. I loved working there.”

This was in 2014 and Hattie says, “Pretty quickly, I started doing shoe buying with Kelly (at Bishop) and that evolved into clothes buying and going to markets. We’d be sitting down, having those long pow-wows. Who of our customers did we see buying this? Who had the best of this? Can we name at least one person who would buy that item? Is it something you can’t get at big stores?” As a consumer, I find this fascinating, the matching of individual customers with ensembles they’re buying, i.e., “Sarah would love this dress,” while I imagine big retailers saying, “35-45 year old soccer mom demo would love these pants.” Boutiques deliver a personal touch and eye because they know your name – and your style.

She says she started thinking seriously about opening a boutique of her own in 2016. “I  began drafting a business plan and on my days off I would go to the library and do some research and write. I really felt at home at Bishop, and took on more responsibility, becoming manager, and set the plan aside…knowing I could always explore it in the future.”

After ten years at Bishop, she was ready to set out on her own. “I pulled out my business plan – from 2016 – and so many of the things I had written were so funny…so outdated…Tiffani was laughing reading it.” 

I must share that I've never seen Hattie – without Tiffani. They seem somewhat attached at the hip, not like Siamese twins, but in an endearing, “I got your back and if anyone messes with you, they’re messing with me” kind of way. They met at the University of Georgia in 2008, and became best friends and roommates. “And we’ve been roommates ever since,” says Hattie. 

Tiffani is from Georgia, too, and both of their immediate families still reside there. “I don’t think I would ever move back, but we go home pretty often…all the holidays. Our families also like coming up here.” And their families are extremely proud and supportive of the boutique and all the mental and physical labor that has gone into it. 

I ask them what are some of the things they’ve learned in ERA’s short life? “Ecommerce…the Southern people really find us…we just got another order. And we love Instagram, but it’s work and it’s really hard to keep up.” When I ask what’s really surprised them, they share, “How disappointed people are that Twist (the former tenant, a consignment shop) isn’t here anymore. People walk in, shake their heads, and say, ‘What a shame!’” says Tiffani. “And then I draw them a map to other consignment shops, it happens more often than you would think.” 

Hattie shares that for fall, “Cowboy core is everywhere…and BOHO is back. What stands out are the textures…sherpa, knits, fringe, embroidery. We have some really, incredible faux fur pieces, too. Generation Love is one of the brands we’re so excited about—vegan leathers and faux furs. We have a vegan leather jacket and every person who walks in…reaches to touch it.” 

Adds Tiffani laughing, “We nailed fall – good job us!” 

Like many new entrepreneurs they’ve been working six days a week, open to close. “To unwind, we do love good wine and a fire pit…we also love to play yahtzee and board games.” Hattie speaks warmly of her husband Bay, “he has been a huge part of our opening, and the renovation certainly couldn’t have happened without him. He wears ALL the hats and always manages to be exactly what I need when I need it. We’ve been together 16 years, so it’s safe to say he knows me better than I know myself.”

Hattie is looking forward to a really busy fall full of shopping and events. Her birthday is also in the fall, so bring on more spectacular days – she’s ready for it!

Check out Hattie (and Tiffani’s) Street Style:

ABOUT HATTIE

Neighborhood: Belle Haven

Hometown: My family moved a lot growing up! I was born in Alabama and then lived In Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi and South Carolina before my family settled in Greensboro, GA. GO DAWGS!!!

What would surprise people about you? Era is my middle name.

Favorite book: Anything murder mystery.

Guilty Pleasure: Gummy snacks.

Latest binge-watch: Forensic Files.

Bucket list travel destination: Lavender fields in Provence.

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Mood dependent.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Denim – shorts, jeans, tops, jackets… all of it!

Favorite trend: Really leaning into ‘Cowboy Core’ this fall.

Beauty product you can’t live without: Tatcha – The Dewy Skin Cream.

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Boots & heels.

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: A good nap with my dogs.

Most fun way to stay active: An overly ambitious hike.

Wellness goal: To actually use my treadmill.

Want to try: Stretch Lab.

Proudest wellness achievement: Completing a Studio Barre workout (@studiobarrealexandria) after several jello shots – LOVE those girls!

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Living room.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix, but antiques bring me the most joy.

Last item bought for your home: Flowers – I love having fresh flowers in the house and shop – it’s a must!

Favorite way to entertain: Backyard with great friends, cocktails and lawn games.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? 100% clutter-free.

Next planned purchase: New patio furniture.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Women supporting women. Opening a new shop has been stressful in all the ways but I’ve never felt more supported.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Pier Bar – the most incredible view and fantastic cocktails.

Your Go-to Shop: Monday’s Child – love spoiling my niece Everly!

Best food spot: Bastille – LOVE the steak frites and truffle fries with the house-made aioli

Favorite local organization: Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Doggie Trick-or-Treat (love seeing all the pups!)

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