As she walks up the stairs to the rooftop at ALX Community, Julie flashes Renée, the photographer, and I a smile, gesturing that she needs a few more minutes to wrap up a call. It’s a humid autumn day and the sun is shining bright, not letting go of its summer heat. When we step back inside from the balcony, Julie sits on a green couch by the window. The sunlight hits her face perfectly, and we know that’s it – we have the shot.

Julie’s been in the D.C. area for over 30 years and has lived in Alexandria for the vast majority. She grew up in southwestern Virginia, attended college at UVA and came up afterwards. “I always wanted to come here, I grew up in a small rural town. I wanted to be where the action was,” she says. “I chose Alexandria because of its charm, it’s a real town.”

She has found her tribe, especially within her community of female friends. “I’m so proud of Elizabeth (Todd) and what she’s done. When she opened the Shoe Hive, Alexandria was not a shopping destination. I watched her open that store and foster a community of retail. And as they say, all boats rise together…it’s been fantastic. Adrien Cotton has also done a lot for the women of Alexandria, building a community focused on wellness. It was a lifeline for me during Covid to have that, and I’ve met so many other wonderful female friends through her.”

Julie also gives back. This past summer she and her family organized a fundraiser for Shoes That Fit, raising over $9,000 and will soon be helping distribute over 250 pairs of athletic shoes to children in need at a local elementary school. 

As a communications and government relations executive for a financial services company, Julie’s daily work brings her into D.C. She supports her entrepreneurial friends, but for herself, being on a team is really important. “I’m motivated by team outcomes, seeing how to best divide the work so that everyone gets to play to their strengths. I’ve had a lot of great mentors and to pay it forward is something I especially enjoy.” 

She’s a fall person, loves the weather – and football, the Green Bay Packers and the Virginia Cavaliers. “I have teenaged sons and we try to get to one or two games a season, Charlottesville is under a two hour drive.” When it gets colder, her family enjoys skiing, and in the summer the Outer Banks is their happy place. She loves being in Old Town because, “it feels like I’m on vacation.”

ABOUT JULIE

Neighborhood: Jefferson Park

Hometown: Covington, Virginia

What would surprise people about you? People are always surprised to learn that I don’t like cheese. My friends think I’m nuts.

Favorite book or movie: Impossible to pick just one in either category, but love The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and Almost Famous.

Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate anything

Latest binge-watch: The Lincoln Lawyer

Bucket list travel destination: Greece

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Tailored, classic

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: I love a good jacket. Right now, I’d say my white Veronica Beard blazer with scrunch sleeves.

Favorite trend:  Bootcut jeans

Beauty product you can’t live without: My Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer brush. I have one for home and one for travel.

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Sandals

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: A bath and a good book

Most fun way to stay active: Strength training with my small group at Adrien Cotton 

Wellness goal: Strength and mobility for the long haul

Want to try: Pilates Reformer

Proudest wellness achievement: Deadlifting a 120 lb. kettlebell

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Hard question, but I’m going with our small dining room. It’s a cozy haven away from the hubbub of daily activity.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix

Last item bought for your home:  A custom desk chair for our home office.

Favorite way to entertain: Casual parties with help-yourself snacks and platters. I get easily caught up in talking to our fun guests and don’t want to be occupied with too many hosting duties!

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter (almost) free. 

Next planned purchase: Linens – it’s time for a refresh.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love that it highlights and supports our engaged community, small businesses, and charitable organizations. I enjoy the Street Style stories, but I also appreciate the wellness advice and promotion of community events. It brings lots of good Alexandria info together in a fun, engaging way.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Old Town. I love the historic charm, water views and great shopping and dining.

Your go-to shop: The Hive family of shops, Random Harvest, Reunions, Penny Post

Best food spot:  Again, it’s so hard to choose just one. I love Faccia Luna’s pollo pizza, and The Warehouse is a sentimental favorite for our family.

Favorite local organization:  I love what ALIVE! and Carpenter’s Shelter do for our community.  It’s a gift to have organizations like this with such active support systems. I also serve on the Advisory Board of Shoes that Fit, a national organization that provides new athletic shoes to kids in need so that they may attend school with dignity and joy, prepared to learn, play, and thrive.  

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: The Scottish Walk — what a great way to welcome the holidays!

See More: Street Style Profiles