Street Style: Meet Lauren O’Brien
I first met Lauren at Stylebook’s anniversary party, and a few weeks later Katelin and I joined her for coffee at Mae’s Market. We discussed all the things – relationships, spring events, retirement planning, the wealth transfer and the language of money. Yes, we talked about money, something a lot of women shy away from. That’s what I love about smart, confident women—the conversation goes much deeper.
Lauren is a senior wealth advisor at XML Financial Group, with an office at ALX Community on S. Washington Street. She is a Virginia native, raised in Vienna, and even after having spent time in Indiana (The Fighting Irish), Chicago and London, she found her home here in Alexandria.
“It was around ten years ago and I was looking for a place to live while having lunch with a friend in Old Town. I was only looking in D.C. for a rental because I’m a city girl, and thought, ‘that’s what I do’. During that lunch her friend asked, ‘Why don’t you stop looking in D.C. and live here?’ It literally hadn’t occurred to me.” She’s been in Alexandria ever since.
“I have a garden, but I don’t plant anything,” she says laughing. “I just try and keep it alive…the previous owner was the planter. Every year, I cross my fingers that in March it will bloom.”
She shares that when she moved back to Virginia, she didn’t know anyone. “I chose to get really involved in the community, and this included various roles with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. I was on the Board, I was chair of the Professional Women’s Network, I was a Junior Friend at The Campagna Center…and that’s how I met Katelin.” When I ask more about Junior Friends, she shares, “it was a fundraising arm of the Campagna Center, which provides educational support for children from cradle to college. Planning those events was a fun way to get to know other people in the community.”
One of her proudest achievements was bringing TEDx to Alexandria. They titled the event “TEDxOronocoBayPark, because TEDxAlexandria was already taken (by that little city in Egypt). “We brought in people from all over while also featuring local speakers. The first one was held at United Way in 2019 and the second at Building Momentum in 2021. It took meticulous planning – with an underline.”
Lauren attended business school at Notre Dame, her dad is an alumnus, and she says from a very young age she had her sights set on it. “There was no dissuading me. It’s a much smaller school than people think…a walkable campus.” And yes, she attended the football games and traveled to the away games, too.
At Notre Dame, she chose a major that felt natural to her – accounting. “That led me into becoming a CPA and into wealth management. I love being able to translate something that people don’t have a language for...doing smart things with their savings, putting the pieces together. Helping them put together a plan for the life and lifestyle they want to live…and for their retirement.” She says the average age she sees people get really serious about their fiances is in their 50s. “Many are becoming empty nesters and looking at the next phase of their lives.”
Something Renée and I can’t ignore about this phase of Lauren’s life – her toned stems. “What do you do – run, pilates, burpees?” I ask. “Solidcore in North Old Town…strength training at the gym, bike riding…and paddle boarding.” It’s working. Add her frequent travel, “at least once a month,” and this is a woman on the move. “I count states, but I haven’t started counting countries yet.” She’s headed to Montana soon and has always wanted to visit Finland.
For a quick drive, she loves Middleburg. “There’s shopping, wineries and good food…and the fire pits at the Salamander are amazing.” As for Old Town, “I love every season, although spring was light this year. I will not travel in December because I love being here, especially for Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.”
Check out Lauren’s Street Style:
ABOUT LAUREN
Neighborhood: Old Town
What is your hometown? I grew up in Vienna, VA.
What would surprise people about you? I don’t eat fruit.
Favorite book: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Guilty Pleasure: Cheese. Alllll the cheese.
Latest binge-watch: Transatlantic – I’m a sucker for anything based on a true story!
Bucket list travel destination: Lake Como, Italy
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Classic, polished, feminine.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: I love throwing on a set of colorful earrings.
Favorite trend: Not sure anybody has ever called me trendy…but I am loving the tea-length maxi dress right now – is that still trending??
Beauty product you can’t live without: Eyelash curler – mine are stick straight otherwise!
Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Sandals
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Movement – the gym, a walk, a bike ride, paddleboard… anything that gets me moving
Most fun way to stay active: Pickleball!
Wellness goal: To align my habits with Adrien Cotton’s wellness wheel.
Want to try: Cryotherapy
Proudest wellness achievement: Drinking more water
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My living room – it’s so soothing and calm.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern… I love the historic bones of my home, but all the furnishings are modern/current.
Last item bought for your home: A natural fiber table runner that I love!
Favorite way to entertain: In the Oasis (aka, my garden patio).
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Ha, anyone that knows me knows this answer…100% clutter-free.
Next planned purchase: A bathroom refresh.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? The content is incredible and inspiring – I love hearing from the women in this community on all ranges of life.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: La Fromagerie
Your go-to shop: Boxwood and Red Barn for home, JMcLaughlin and Lilly Pulitzer for my closet, but you’ll find me most often at Le Vintage for wine. :)
Best food spot: Kismet – I dream of their pindi chickpeas
Favorite local organization: I love being a member of ALX Community – they’re constantly finding new ways to support our Alexandria community from the ALX Pink Gala, a benefit for Ukraine, monthly Community Cares sandwich-making for food-impoverished teens…the list goes on!
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Taste of Scotland is always on my calendar.
