Street Style: Meet Erica Gouse Bledsoe
“I’m a Northern Virginia girl,” says Erica Gouse Bledsoe, who grew up in a small section of Great Falls. “I went to St. Luke’s in McLean and studied biology at Mary Washington. I was such a science nerd—I even won the Loudoun Regional Science Fair and went to an international competition in high school. I kept pursuing science in college and loved it, but it probably wasn’t the best fit for me professionally.”
In 2012, Erica entered the mortgage industry. “Honestly, the most important thing at the time was just getting a job,” she says. “A friend needed help on her team, so I joined. There’s a misconception that you’re not helping people in this field, but you are—homeownership is a huge milestone. As a woman, I bring a different perspective. Many of my clients are single women, the fastest-growing segment of homebuyers. I’m not your parents’ advisor. I’m approachable.”
Erica tapped into her creative side when she joined the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV). “I was looking to network and grow my business contacts and ended up discovering my ‘third space.’ I got to do things I never could in my day job—fundraising, working directly with nonprofits, marketing, social media. All of those skills are transferable, especially the leadership experience. But the most rewarding part is being surrounded by like-minded women from all backgrounds who want to uplift the community by supporting other women. It became an opportunity for me to grow.”
Erica Gouse Bledsoe
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Self-styled; Dress: Tuckernuck
Hair: DryBar Reston; Makeup: Kiley Smith
Shoot location: Hummingbird, Old Town
Just six months into her membership, Erica stepped up as committee chair for donor relations. “That’s the fund development side, connecting with local organizations and chambers, and deepening relationships among other members.”
With a broad membership area that spans from Old Town to Haymarket, JLNV offers smaller, regional groups for more intimate engagement. “If you're in Tysons, McLean, or Alexandria, you’ll have your own small group. I helped build out a structure with engagement advisors to connect women across these pockets—especially during social events. We’ll send out a note like, ‘Let’s meet at the Taste of Del Ray and walk around together.’ It’s a great way for newcomers to build friendships outside their usual circles.”
At the end of May, Erica passed the president’s torch to Miranda Lewis but remains deeply involved, continuing in leadership within JLNV as the JL Teens Committee Chair (after having served on the JLNV Board of Directors for the last three years). “Junior League has opened new doors for me. I’ve built connections with other nonprofits and now have a calendar full of fundraisers and community events. I’m especially looking forward to Community Lodgings’ upcoming '80s Night at ALX Community on the waterfront.” (We love a good 80s party, too!)
Erica met her husband, Colby, in college. Back then, both were involved in politics, but today they lead more “regular” lives. When they can sneak away, they enjoy wineries, bed and breakfasts, and little weekend escapes. “My absolute favorite is The Inn at Willow Grove in Orange, Virginia—just an hour and a half away. It’s been featured in Southern Living’s best-of lists. They bring you beignets and French press coffee in the morning and take you to the vineyard in the afternoon. There’s a pool, spa, wine tastings—it’s a dream.”
Their four-year-old daughter Beatrice usually tags along. “We decided she’d fit into our lifestyle. We take her to restaurants and vineyards, and she colors while we chat. When it’s just the two of us, we visit libraries together. She also comes to many Junior League meetings and has visited several of the period product pantries we support.”
When Erica finds a “free-ish” day, she’s catching up. An avid reader, she devours more than 150 books a year, mostly literary fiction. “A perfect day? Sitting in the sun with a good book and a wine slushie. My Italian greyhound Bertie, who’s seven, loves hikes just as much as I do.”
As for the summer, they just returned from Orlando and plan to be low-key and spend time with family in Culpeper County.
She also holds a special place in her heart for London. “We lived there for about five months before we got engaged. It was our home base while we traveled through Europe. London’s so walkable, and there’s so much free stuff to do.”
Now that her daughter just graduated from Pre-K, Erica is focused on savoring their time together. “It’s my last summer with Bea as a baby, so we’re keeping it simple—no camps, just intentional time together. We’ll wing it a bit, maybe visit friends across the state. I love those little adventures, just me and Bea.”
Check out Erica’s Street Style:
ABOUT ERICA
Neighborhood: Falls Church, VA
Hometown: Great Falls, VA
What would surprise people about you? I’m a big Premier League football fan, and I passionately support Leicester City!
Favorite book: Rebecca by Daphne du Maruier
Guilty Pleasure: Sour Gummy candies
Latest binge-watch: I’m more of a book reader than a TV watcher, but I highly recommend All Creatures Great and Small on PBS. It’s charming, heartwarming, and beautifully done.
Bucket list travel destination: Vietnam
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Classic, Preppy and Colorful
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Pink Gucci loafers
Favorite trend: Platform sneakers
Beauty product you can’t live without: Trader Joe’s Watermelon Overnight Face Mask. It's only available in summer, so I always stock up!
Boots, heels or sneakers? Flat sandals
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: There’s nothing better than unwinding with a bath before bed, especially when I have a good book in hand.
Most fun way to stay active: Walks with my daughter and dog.
Wellness goal: Right now, my focus is on getting back into a routine and staying consistent.
Want to try: I’d love to try a scalp massage and treatment/analysis! If you have a favorite spot in NOVA, I’d love to hear your recommendations.
Proudest wellness achievement: I’ve taken over 800 Solidcore classes! I’ve definitely slowed down a bit, but I’m aiming to hit 1,000 soon.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: The living room – especially in the winter when the fireplace is going. It’s cozy, calm, and the perfect spot to unwind.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix for sure.
Last item bought for your home: A couple of plants (low-maintenance ones that only need watering once a month!)
Favorite way to entertain: Since we recently moved, I’m still figuring out how to host in our new space. For now, I love planning fun outings or treating friends to dinner or drinks.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free on main levels and lived in bedrooms.
Next planned purchase: Something from Eries Interiors. I walked in just browsing and immediately became obsessed!
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love getting to know the stories behind the people we see around Alexandria—whether they’re business owners, nonprofit leaders, or community members. It’s inspiring to learn about the incredible work happening locally and to feel more connected through everyone’s individual “why.”
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Grabbing Coffee at Tatte and then walking around the King Street shops.
Your go-to shops: Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop, Old Town Books, Pippin Toy Co., and Lowery’s Dial
Best food spots: The People’s Drug, Hummingbird Bar & Kitchen and Josephine’s
Favorite local organization: Junior League of Northern Virginia (of course), Community Lodgings, The Fund for Alexandria’s Child, ALIVE!, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, ACT for Alexandria – and my bookclub: The Reading Rainhoes
Alexandria event you most look forward to: I love the Alexandria Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Breakfast in March. I’ve met so many amazing people there and I’m excited for the Alexandria Pride Fair this month!
