Well, this is a tough one to write. After nearly two years as your Alexandria Stylebook Editor, I am going to be leaving this amazing community. I am excited about what is next, but it’s always tough to leave such a fantastic group of people. I want to say thank you to our contributors, our readers, and all who have supported this publication, as this job has taught me so much about the area I now get to call home. Without you, I might still be asking people where I can find the best clothes (The Hive and Kiskadee), the best home goods (Red Barn Mercantile and Boxwood), the best biscuits (Stomping Ground, of course), and much more. This community has helped me establish my new life as a Virginian and for that (and all of the amazing times!) I will be forever grateful. I also want to give a big thank you to Elizabeth Todd and Angela Sitilides, our fearless leaders, who have so much passion for this publication and for the Alexandria community. Have no fear though; I am leaving you in good hands!

I am so excited to announce our new Alexandria Stylebook Editor, Leslie Bashuk. Leslie blew me away in her first interview with her poise, confidence, and her editorial experience, and she’s continually proved to be able to handle any situation we throw at her (including a Pilates class with Dr. Megan Brown!) The thing I admire most about Leslie is that she not only works hard, but she does it with a huge smile on her face and is always ready for the next challenge. It’s not often we pull back the curtain, but I’ll go ahead and say that being the editor of a large publication is a tough job that requires an array of skills – some of which can be taught, others which you just inherently need to have. There are deadlines, and editorial calendars, and website backends, and 20 plus people to coordinate each and every day, and it takes a unique person to fill this role. Madelyn used the word ‘unicorn’ when describing me, and I’m going to borrow that term from her to describe Leslie – she is that unicorn. Meet your new Alexandria Stylebook Editor, Leslie Bashuk. 

Leslie is wearing the Rema Dress in Malachite by Ulla Johnson, $395, and the Daniella in Praline shoes by Sam Edelman, $120, available at The Hive and The Shoe Hive. 

 Photographer: Sarah Marcella Creative

ABOUT YOU

How do you spend your time? I love to spend every second I can with my family! They make me who I am.

How long have you lived in Alexandria: Moving soon!

What is your hometown? Macon, Georgia

What brought you to Alexandria? Becoming the Editor of Alexandria Stylebook!

What would surprise people about you? I have a twin sister!

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Time travel

Favorite cocktail: Dirty martini with blue cheese olives

Last book read or movie seen: Gabrielle Bernstein Judgment Detox

Guilty Pleasure: A long afternoon nap

Phrase you overuse: “Y’all”

Facebook or Instagram? Instagram!!

Latest binge-watch: The Crown

Bucket list travel destination: Bora Bora

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine 

Leslie is wearing the Viola Mini Dress by Cleobella, $248, available at Kiskadee.

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Girly, easy, and accessories

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Golden Goose Sneakers

Favorite trend ever: Lele Sadoughi Headbands

Beauty product you can’t live without: Revision Intellishade

Heels or flats? Sneakers 

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Living room

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern

Last item bought for your home: Everything! Just moved!

Next planned purchase: Coffee table from Domicile Home Furnishings and Decor

Favorite way to entertain: Happy Hour in my new apartment with my girlfriends

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Wallpaper is the new must-have these days! 

FITNESS

Your go-to workout: Walking

Most fun way to exercise: Walks with family or friends

Group exercise or solo: Group

Fitness goal: Make it fun!

Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching/encouragement: A hot yoga class at Mind the Mat! 

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Anywhere in Old Town

Last purchase in Alexandria: Goodies from Mint Collective

Best coffee / happy hour/date night spot: Virtue Feed and Grain

Favorite annual Alexandria event: I’m excited to attend the Warehouse Sale next year!

 I am overjoyed to join this community and be surrounded by such strong, empowered women! I can't wait to share in this experience with y'all.

Leslie