Street Style: Meet Lauren Sanchez
"My first cover shoot for Vogue was with Taylor Swift…she had just cut her bangs, and it was a wild experience," Lauren says with a laugh. “She was so kind and nice and made sure to make everyone feel welcome.” This was at the Bowery Hotel in Soho in 2012, one of many unique experiences during her seven years spent at Condé Nast working with world-renowned titles: GQ, Vanity Fair, New Yorker and Bon Appétit. (See the clip to see the bangs!)
Originally from the suburbs of San Antonio, Lauren always wanted to work in fashion and knew she had to move to a city. She attended Parsons School of Design in New York, and towards the end of college sent a cold email to the fashion news director for Vogue. “It was the longest email ever, but he invited me in for an interview, and I began as an intern. I started in the fashion closet as a runner for showrooms, picking up items and bringing them to sets.”
She had always been a writer and transitioned into a full time role with the fashion news team. “The first interview I did was with Mean Girls’ Lacey Chabert (Gretchen Weiners) and the article discussed how the fashion in the movie inspired runway looks.” During those years, Lauren worked in various roles from project coordinator to contributing editor to strategic business manager. Looking to switch things up, she began exploring international opportunities and found a role in Dubai as social media and content editor for Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia. Lauren’s bags were packed and her lease was signed when the pandemic hit. Although she never made it to Dubai, she kept the role working remotely with an eight-hour time difference. It enabled her to explore freelance assignments while living with family in Northern Neck, Virginia.
Lauren moved back to New York in 2022 to help launch a startup grocery delivery app. “It was something I had never done before, and it sounded exciting. It was a surreal moment when I saw my copy displayed on New York subway ads.” When the company made a big shift, as startups often do, Lauren hit pause. “I asked myself ‘What do I love doing? What am I passionate about?’”
Lauren Sanchez
Wearing: Dress by Donna Karen, shoes by Manolo Blahnik and vintage silk scarf
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Shoot location: Francis Hall and KILN at Hotel Heron
Storytelling and working closely with the community were the answers for her. I saw the posting for AEDP (Alexandria Economic Development Partnership), and I went for it. They responded, and I’ve been here for a year and a half, and have loved being part of a team that helps our community grow and thrive.”
With family in Northern Neck and Bristow, she moved to Old Town a year ago. Her first impression? “It felt like a piece of New York…very walkable, with so many restaurants, and I instantly gravitated towards it. I just love putting a playlist on and walking around everywhere. There’s so many amazing shops on King Street, and the Farmer’s Market…and I balance it out with all the other work events I attend.”
Of her role at AEDP as Communications Manager and Content Creator, she shares, “I experience something new every day. I’ve never worked at a place before where everyone is so passionate about what they do. Day in and day out, we get to celebrate the community and city as a whole through our content. My job is to tell stories about Alexandria’s economy, and most recently, it’s been shining a light on the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, the city as a whole, and the businesses that are part of it. It’s so interesting to see how businesses shape the neighborhoods of Alexandria and learning about the intentions behind each one that is brought in. We also work with great partners that include the City of Alexandria, Visit Alexandria and business associations like The Chamber ALX and WEBA.”
Right now in Old Town North there is a “call to art” for creators to come to the area and utilize below-market rent to build a cultural district. “We’re also in the midst of planning the Alexandria Economic Summit on May 8. It’s free, open to the public, and a chance for the community to come together for an important conversation about Alexandria’s economic health, challenges and opportunities as we all plan for the future.”
As for Lauren’s local style impact, she’s got quite the fashion palette, and admits she’s known around the office for flowing dresses. “I do love to dress up and go out. When you put something on that you love, you feel good. It’s confidence you can wear.”
With ribbon-cuttings, meetings, interviews and writing sessions, she reserves her weekends for unwinding. “I’m a homebody and just walk around town in leggings, and go to Orange Theory. I’m training for the ALX Half…but doing the 5K. I recently cut down my mile time by a minute – which is a big deal for me! And I love running in the cold, and seeing other people running along the Mount Vernon trail, too. I do venture up to New York when I can, just hop on Amtrak, it’s so easy.”
Maybe you’ll spot her on the train, at the Farmer’s Market in Old Town or running along the trail. Until then, check out Lauren’s Street Style:
ABOUT LAUREN
Neighborhood: Old Town
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas (Home of the Alamo, San Antonio Spurs, and breakfast tacos!)
What would surprise people about you? By day, I support local economic development, shining a light on the people and places that make Alexandria so unique. By night, I’m a writer for publications like Vogue & Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia. Fun fact: I’ve been to the Met Ball five times! Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do.
Favorite movie: Lady Eve (Barbara Stanwyck is my style muse).
Guilty Pleasure: Epsom salt baths.
Latest binge-watch: Gilmore Girls – I’m a serial re-watcher when it comes to anything remotely nostalgic.
Bucket list travel destinations: I have yet to turn down a spontaneous trip. Last summer, I flew to London on a whim for the Eras Tour, sailed through Corsica and Sardinia, and ate my way through Italy. This July, I’ll be sipping wine in France’s Loire Valley and Sancerre. Up next? Bodrum, Turkey, and a return to Istanbul. But Puerto Rico has my heart—I wrote a Vogue piece about my favorite hidden gems, which I still reference.
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Edgy coastal grandma.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: A pair of emerald earrings from my mom, given to me while she was deployed in Afghanistan. Every time I wear them, I feel like I carry a piece of her strength.
Favorite trend: Confidence is a look that never goes out of style. I’ve found that the best trend is whatever makes you feel like YOU!
Beauty product you can’t live without: Sunscreen daily, a red lip when I feel bold.
Boots, heels or sneakers? Boots, definitely.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Running. The Mount Vernon Trail is my happy place.
Most fun way to stay active: I’m a city girl at heart—I walk everywhere. Around town, I love throwing on a playlist while making my rounds at local antique shops like Magpie Reclamations and book haunts like Old Town Books and Friends to Lovers.
Wellness goal: Beat my mile time.
Want to try: I started golfing with my dad last year when he retired. We’re taking our game to France this summer—fingers crossed my swing travels well.
Proudest wellness achievement: Finishing the Army Ten-Miler and Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run last year. I have the PNC Alexandria Half coming up!
HOME
Favorite room in your home: The kitchen. I love cooking. It’s my love language. I like keeping it local—picking up ingredients from the Old Town Farmers' Market or Let’s Meat on the Avenue. I share my favorite party recipes on Instagram and make cooking videos with local ingredients on my TikTok @SanchDressing—in case you ever need inspo.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Antiques all the way—an anachronistic mix of early 20th-century and mid-century.
Last item bought for your home: An espresso machine. I’m looking to perfect my espresso martinis.
Favorite way to entertain: Hosting dinner or cocktail parties is my jam—especially when there’s a niche theme. I love the little details—watercolor menus, calligraphy place cards, and setting the perfect ambiance. I got the best advice from Studio 54’s Ian Schrager when I interviewed him for a story: “You want to throw a party that elevates everybody’s spirit... blow everybody away because it facilitates having fun, which leads to creating a special, magical space.”
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well-lived in. My aesthetic is curated coziness—think books, candles, fresh flowers, and art collected from travels or work— all framed by white crown molding.
Next planned purchase: I’m hunting for a Rolling Stones record to play on my 1964 Zenith I recently brought back to life. Crooked Beat Records is high on my list of spots to check out.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Alexandria is straight out of a storybook—brick-lined sidewalks, year-round festivals, and neighbors who genuinely care about the City. Basically, the makings of a Hallmark movie! I love how ALX Stylebook spotlights the local characters who bring it all to life. (Plus, I’m a sucker for anything fashion-related.)
Favorite spot in Alexandria: St. Elmos Coffee Pub in Old Town North. The matcha lattes ward off writer’s block.
Your go-to shops: I’m a big believer in always showing up with a hostess gift. Old Town Shop is my spot for fun souvenirs, Eries Interiors has the best barware, Penny Post feeds my calligraphy obsession, and Made in ALX is perfect for picking up local treasures to bring to friends and family when I travel. The list goes on.
Best food spots: The Royal Restaurant for extra dirty martinis and sliders—ultimate combo. Josephine’s when I want to feel like I’ve slipped away to Paris. Jula’s on the Potomac for the sunsets, Kiln for a dessert fix and Landini Brothers for the espresso martinis.
Favorite local organization: Alexandria Economic Development Partnership. It’s inspiring to be part of a team passionate about supporting the local community and making Alexandria an even better place to live, work, and play. Favorite perk? Meeting local legends like Rubie Williams of Believe and Roberto Gomez, who just cut the ribbon on his new spot, Cornerstone Craftsman. Moments like these reflect how AEDP’s work fosters growth and community–showcasing the people and stories that give Alexandria its signature charm
Alexandria event you most look forward to: As a foodie, the Around The World Cultural Food Festival at Oronoco Bay Park is a fave of mine. Eating foods from nearly 50 countries—Ethiopian injera, Thai street noodles, and French pastries…zero regrets.
