Street Style: Kaylie Abela
Kaylie strolled into our lives at The Hive and Shoe Hive in late 2019 when she was on her tour of the DC area, and deciding whether she would move from Boston. Old Town Alexandria was on her list of spots to check out and I would like to think that her accidental stop into The Shoe Hive sold her on relocating, but, in actuality, she was the one who left an impression on us, especially me.
I vividly remember the first time I met her; she was out brunching and shopping with her friends when they all came into The Shoe Hive. As they were walking around the shop Kaylie’s girlfriends were asking her merchandise questions and not me...I was immediately curious and had to know more. Upon inserting myself into their conversation, I found out that she had worked for years at a similar shoe store in Boston. At that moment I switched from my usual tactic of selling shoes to selling “us,” Old Town, and The Shoe Hive. Lucky for us, Kaylie took the leap, moved to Old Town, and started working for us on the weekends. Lucky for me, I ended up recruiting someone who has turned into one of my best friends. It is an understatement to say that we all struck gold!
If you have not had the absolute pleasure of meeting Kaylie at The Shoe Hive or The Hive, I am honored to be able to introduce her here.
Kaylie’s style sense is something to be admired and inspired by. She is confident in what she likes and who she is. Additionally, Kaylie is well-traveled, appreciates great food and wine, and is an amazing friend. I know it sounds like I’m blowing smoke, but when I tell you she is everything you could want in a friend and coworker, I could not be more serious.
Kaylie is also incredibly creative. When she is not rocking her career in marketing and working her side hustle at The Shoe Hive, she is creating art in many forms: painting, drawing, and making jewelry. What started as a creative outlet during COVID has now launched into a beautiful jewelry line, Kaylie Dawn Jewelry. Kaylie’s pieces are easy to wear, high quality, gorgeously made, and so accessible. Take a peek at the beautiful bracelets and necklaces in her stunning photos! I have several of her bracelets and have given them as gifts to many and they are certainly a crowd favorite.
I am genuinely thrilled for you all to get to know Kaylie in this Street Style and be sure to check out her jewelry at The Shoe Hive!
Photography by Renée C. Gage Photography.
Kaylie is styled by The Hive | The Shoe Hive
ABOUT YOU
Neighborhood: North Old Town
What is your hometown? Burlington, Connecticut
What would surprise people about you? I went to college for Fine Art. I still paint and try to be creative every day, and, most recently, am launching my jewelry line, Kaylie Dawn. I also performed onstage as an extra during a Cirque de Soleil show in Vegas. It was on my birthday, which the clowns didn’t know when they asked me up.
Favorite book or movie: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and Titanic. I guess I’m into survival stories.
Guilty Pleasure: Experimental romance shows. Love is Blind, Married at First Sight, sign me up for all of it.
Latest binge-watch: The Watcher
Bucket list travel destination: Sicily, where my dad grew up.
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Classic, feminine, unafraid
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: A black leather jacket.
Favorite trend: Oversized details like chain links, braids, etc.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Dry shampoo
Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Sandals, definitely.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: A quick 2-mile run, just enough to get the endorphins going but not so much that it’s daunting.
Most fun way to stay active: Live spin classes
Wellness goal: I’m trying to curb my sweet tooth, but it’s not going well.
Want to try: Pilates
Proudest wellness achievement: Wearing sunblock every day.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Bedroom
Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix. My mom and I love to treasure hunt at flea markets.
Last item bought for your home: Wallpaper for my new office.
Favorite way to entertain: Charcuterie, apps, and wine with friends.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter free
Next planned purchase: A set of white porcelain hands from MANSE for my jewelry studio.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Getting to know the people around me through diverse articles and features.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Canal Center
Last purchase in Alexandria: A solid seersucker top by Sea from The Hive
Best food spot: Mia’s
Favorite local organization: Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Favorite annual Alexandria event: The annual birthday festivities – they have the best fireworks I’ve ever seen (and free cupcakes).
