When I think of Jessica "Jess" Allen, I think three things: "adventurous," "strong," and "loads-of-positive-energy." Jess is worldly, courageous, and loves and adventure. The more exciting the adventure, the better for this super-stylish, fit, and simply lovely friend of mine. I mean, check out her list of places she wants to visit below and you'll see what I mean!Jess has this way of making those of us lucky to be in her presence smile. She always has fun stories (normally about Harvey, her sweet pooch), talks about her next adventure(s), and lives her life like every new day is going to be better than the last one. She has lived in several different parts of the country and has hilarious stories about them all.About a year ago, Ryan, one of our awesome trainers, mentioned that Jess had just returned from Iceland and credits her training at FOR for her confidence to travel alone and hike a glacier in Iceland alone. Interestingly, he was the one who thought she'd be a great candidate for Alexandria Stylebook's Street Style! I was totally game.Since then, all of us at FOR have had the pleasure of getting to know Jess. She takes her training at FOR very seriously yet doesn't let it mask her lighthearted wit. In fact, wit is a huge part of her sessions!Remi, our Head Trainer, uses the words persistent and willing to describe Jessica's sessions at FOR with him. He says, "She's always working out and even if she hates what I'm asking her to do, she does it with a smile (sometimes a smirk...lol)."Heather, another awesome FOR trainer, and with whom Jess has trained the longest says, "Jessica shows up to her early morning sessions with a smile and ready to work! She always comes with a sense of humor and her sessions usually involve some good laughs!"So, as you can see, Jess doggedly pursues strength of mind and body, which, as you know, makes me teary, as does her love of anything with St-Germain Elderflower since it's also one of my guilty pleasures!

Jess is wearing an outfit and shoes from The Hive and The Shoe Hive | Photography by Sarah Marcella Creative

ABOUT YOU

 How do you spend your time? I work for a biotech company in national accounts. When I’m not traveling for work, I love spending time with my two dogs, friends, and family!Neighborhood: Old TownHow long have you lived in Alexandria: Five yearsWhat is your hometown? Binghamton, New York, but I’ve lived in several places I also consider home. Newport, Rhode Island, Fairway, Kansas, Syracuse, New YorkWhat brought you to Alexandria? Fantastic job offer and the opportunity to live on the East Coast to be closer to my familyWhat would surprise people about you? I’m an adventure seeker! I’m always looking to get out of my comfort zone and try new things!You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Teleportation! I love to travel and explore new cultures however I do not love the logistics of travel.Favorite cocktail: Anything with St-Germain Elderflower!Last book read or movie seen: Last book: Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick made me laugh out loud. Last movie was Miss Sloane. Jessica Chastain is always amazing!Guilty Pleasure: Can these be people?! My hair colorist Flor at Claude Marcel and my dermatologist, Dr. SherberPhrase you overuse: “Look it”Facebook or Instagram? Instagram, although I’m still figuring it out!Latest binge-watch: Stranger Things. My niece recommended it to me. Loved all the 80s references!Bucket list travel destination: Bhutan, India, Mongolia, Japan, Peru, Galapagos Islands… I could go on! Every country I haven’t visited yet is on my list!If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine! This is a choice?!  

FASHION

 Define your style in three words or less: Modern, classic, with an edge.The go-to piece in your wardrobe: For casual: Mother denim. For Work: Roland Mouret dressesFavorite trend ever: Leather!!!Favorite current trend: Tassel earrings! The Hive has the best selection!Beauty product you can’t live without: Oh, tough choice! Mineral sunscreen and Christophe Robin Cleansing Paste from Bellacara. It’s a game-changer for fine hair!Favorite fragrance: Tom Ford Tobacco VanilleHeels or flats? Always, always heels!!       

HOME

 Favorite room in your home: My dining room. It has my favorite piece of art, a pink neon sign with a phrase from Le Petit Prince.Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mixed! Anything that makes it feel like home to you and will make others feel welcome in your space.Last item bought for your home: An adorable desk calendar for my home office from Penny PostNext planned purchase: New rug for my bedroomFavorite way to entertain: Cocktails and appetizers with good music and great friends!Clutter-free or well-lived in?  Clutter-free!!Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Totally modern! I the Beverly Hills Hotel palm leaf wallpaper in my dining room!  

FITNESS

 Your go-to work-out: Anything at Fitness on the Run!!Most fun way to exercise: Anything that makes me forget it’s exercise. ;-) The trainers at Fitness on the Run always make my workout fun!Group exercise or solo: Both!!!Fitness goal: To be able to do 5-10 pull-ups unassisted by year endHaven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: A 5K but it’d take a LOT of encouragement. The only unencouraged running I do to towards a sale.Proudest fitness achievement: I hiked a glacier in Iceland. It was my first solo international trip and my first solo adventure (with a guide of course). I wouldn’t have been confident to make the trip solo and complete the hike without the inspiration and confidence I get from the FOR family!  

ALEXANDRIA

 Favorite spot in Alexandria: Windmill Hill Park or Mount Vernon trail with my dogs!Last purchase in Alexandria: An amazing Veronica Beard coat from The Hive!Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Taqueria el Poblano for margaritas and tacos and anywhere with live music for date night!Favorite charity: Animal Welfare League of AlexandriaFavorite annual Alexandria event: Alexandria Boat Parade!! So unique and fun!