Meeting inside Old Town North’s new hotel AKA Alexandria, a location Lauren had suggested, Renee and I are mesmerized by the modern decor and stunning white paper light sculpture suspended above the bar. Every turn of our heads, provides another stunning backdrop, not that Lauren needs it. She arrived ready to shine, and once she puts on her pink heels, she’s beaming energy.

When I ask how she developed her personal style, she says, “I think I came out of the womb that way…a fashionista. My mom will tell you I used to go to the hair salon and nail salon with her every week. I would spread out magazines at like 3 or 4-years-old, and my family would ask, ‘what is she doing?’ I was creating scenarios of what I would dress like, high shoulders, bold earrings.” This continued into her adolescence and she would tear through catalogs from Henri Bendel’s, Macy’s, Newport News, and read fashion editorials in Essence and see features on HBCU fashion, thinking “this is how I would dress on campus.”

In her Spanish class, the teacher asked them to pick a Latinx role model. “While many chose Selena, I picked Carolina Herrera…my mother's favorite perfume. Fashion made an early impression on me as a woman and as a Black woman.”

Although she contemplated a career in fashion design, her road led to politics. “I love doing political correspondence– publications, Op-eds, appearing on TV (she was a guest on CNBC last year), and I’m grateful for all these experiences I’ve had. Educating the public about political policy can be very difficult to do. And if you’re in an elected capacity, it’s even harder, because you have to adhere to your district and your caucus’s priorities…and that can stifle your own opinions for many different reasons.” 

Originally from Michigan and the metro Detroit area, Lauren always knew she would wind up in the DMV. She had worked for a national organization that was based in D.C., and traveled back and forth frequently. Following the 2020 election, she was very intentional, and made her move here, in the midst of the pandemic.

Naturally extroverted and charismatic, she said it wasn’t hard to make friends. Her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, also helped make the transition easier. And the fact that the hotel for the shoot shares the AKA initials seems meant to be.

In Michigan, she had served three terms as City Commissioner on the City of Southfield Total Living Commission, and here, she recently completed a term on the City of Alexandria Sister Cities Commission. She was the bridge between Alexandria and Dundee, Scotland.

“I believe service is the rent we pay for our time on earth,” she says, as she shares she is also affiliated with the Junior League of Washington and Women in Housing and Finance. She is a board member of the Williams Franklin Foundation and is on the Board of Directors for the National Women's Political Caucus VA, serving as the Northern regional representative. She’s also a member of the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association. This is all while having a full-time role as Associate Director of State and Local policy at Prosperity Now, an organization that focuses on racial economic equity. This woman has boundless energy and passion –  and gives back!

Lauren says she was the youngest on Alexandria’s commission. “I always push for there to be diverse representation to include not only different ethnic backgrounds, but different generations. It’s important to have representatives that are actively involved and engaged in their communities…zoning commissions impact all residents.”

For 2024, Lauren is very focused on investing her time wisely and being more selective about who and what gets her time. She also wants to continue to explore the DMV more and serve on more advisory councils. “It’s not about where you start, but about what you’re willing to bring to the table, we all want to feel heard. My voice has a place at every table.” 

Check out Lauren’s Street Style:

ABOUT LAUREN

Neighborhood: I fell in love with the DMV when I first came to visit at 10-years-old and knew that I would one day come to call it home. My favorite neighborhoods in the DMV come down to a top three: Mosaic, Old Town, and Georgetown.

What is your hometown? My hometown is the Mighty Mitten State of Michigan (Go Lions!). I grew up in the Metro Detroit area (Southfield, MI).

What would surprise people about you? One is that I studied German in high school as well as college and was a member of the German National Honor Society. When I visited Heidelberg in 2014 I was able to finally use those skills in real time and ordered my mother a surprise birthday cake in German to be brought to our table to celebrate. 

The other is that I am an avid sports fan. I grew up around sports through my Dad and used to sit next to the former Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson during the 2002-2006 era of the Detroit Pistons franchise. I also have watched every ESPN 30 for 30 because I find sports documentaries to be so inspiring, with my favorites being Benji and Broke.

Favorite movie: My favorite book is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Guilty Pleasure: ​​Watching 90s cartoons. That era of my childhood is so nostalgic that I use it as a form of self-care to decompress some days from adulting.. 

Latest binge-watch: I watch a lot of documentaries or mini docuseries. My most recent binge-watches were Painkiller starring Matthew Broderick and Uzo Aduba (Netflix) and LuLa Rich (Amazon Prime).

Bucket list travel destination: My top 3 are Lake Como, Cannes, and Iceland

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Chic, luxe, timeless.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: I would have to say my Bvlgari silver and onyx necklace and ring set. It’s definitely an everyday piece that I wear often (including in this photoshoot!)

Favorite trend: I tend to lead with defining my own trends; however, I can appreciate that high glamour has returned to the fashion world and Schiaparelli’s recent show highlighted how this trend can take over the fashion industry. I also really loved the Valentino Pink Collection by Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli introduced during the F/W 2022-2023 season. I love color and it is so expressive when executed correctly.

Beauty products you can’t live without: My HERMÈS satin lipstick in Beige.

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? My errand running sneakers, the Adidas Originals NMD R1 in Olive and my Louis Vuitton Sunbath Flat Mule sandals. Both are so comfy!

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: The spa. I do quarterly visits as I believe we can’t give others our best if we do not make sure we are at our best.

Most fun way to stay active: Pilates has become my new fave! I was never enthusiastic before about fitness; however, I think it's a matter of finding the best form of fitness for you.

Wellness goal: Definitely always toning for me as it relates to fitness but with wellness, continuing to prioritize the use of my wellness shots, juicing and vitamins. I have found that since starting my wellness shots journey I have not fallen ill as often (if at all). 

Want to try: I definitely want to try a stretch lab and drip hydration (IV therapy). I have Stretch Lab in Georgetown on my list as well as @driphydration.

Proudest wellness achievement: Incorporating vitamins back into my life in adulthood. I use a liquid multi-vitamin (we’ve come a long way from Flintstone vitamins!)

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My living room (it’s the lighting for me).

Antiques, modern, or a mix?  I’m a modern aesthetic gal all day.

Last item bought for your home: I bought some marble trays that I use as remote control holders.

Favorite way to entertain: I’m a theme type of hostess but since my home is my sanctuary these days, I do prefer hosting at outside venues with a home vibe.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? A mix of both. Organized but at times it shows that someone is present (not always simply showroom vibes).

Next planned purchase: Closet organizers.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love that Alexandria Stylebook created a platform to highlight not only the individual style of Alexandria residents but also the businesses that keep the city thriving. I also appreciate the willingness to partner with businesses and elevate individuals to create connectivity among those that either live, work, or play in the city.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Robeks

Your go-to shop: The Spice & Tea Exchange

Best food spot: Tie between BARCA Pier & Wine Bar and Blackwall Hitch

Favorite local organization: Act for Alexandria

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to:  The Chamber ALX Women’s Leadership Forum

View More Street Style Profiles