Street Style: Meet Sarah Shaw
When Sarah’s first email landed in my inbox, I was immediately impressed. She introduced herself as an Alexandria native who wanted to connect more deeply with the community and asked if Stylebook needed any additional help. I saved her note, and a few months later, I reached back out. Almost a year later, Sarah has become Stylebook’s social media manager, and her work has been nothing short of transformative.
Among her early wins: revamping our dormant TikTok account and recording a reel of the Spite House that went viral. Despite dozens of existing reels of the iconic landmark, Sarah’s voiceover-driven video stood out. It now has more than 3.6 million views and helped grow our followers from just a few hundred to over 5,000 in a matter of days. I tease her often that her calm, soothing voice is hypnotic—and clearly, it’s a secret ingredient to engagement.
Born and raised in Alexandria, Sarah attended St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes from kindergarten through twelfth grade. “What we call a lifer,” she explained. “I graduated in 2014 and still serve as the class correspondent. I loved my school and remain close with so many people.” Her family background is steeped in D.C. politics—both parents served as chiefs of staff on the Hill, and her grandfather was a congressman—but she was always encouraged to follow her own path.
Sarah Shaw
Dress: Tuckernuck; Heels: Marc Fisher
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Shoot location: The Morrison House
That path took some turns. After a torn ACL changed her lacrosse recruiting prospects, Sarah pivoted to the University of Georgia, where she studied public relations and music business.
She interned relentlessly, from agencies representing top-shelf spirits to powerhouse firms like Weber Shandwick and Sunshine Sachs, landing full time roles at both. Along the way, she gained experience with luxury brands, defense contracts, and A-list talent while developing a personal philosophy: follow what makes you happy—until it doesn’t. Then find what does.
Her passion for social impact work, however, traces back to high school. After watching a documentary about a Haitian village without clean water, Sarah launched “The Wishing Well Project.” Through bracelets, concerts, and community fundraisers, she raised $15,000 to build two wells. “That’s where I learned what social impact work was,” she said.
Today, Sarah brings that same drive to her role at Active Minds, the nation’s largest mental health nonprofit for youth and young adults. “Mental health has deeply touched my life and family. It’s meaningful to work every day to create resources and spaces I wish I had when I was younger.”
Beyond her career, Sarah is planning her wedding to her fiancé, Bennett, next May in Charlottesville. The two met in kindergarten (yes, there are photos of them hanging from the jungle gym) and reconnected 20 years later at the H Street Festival in Washington, D.C. “Out of thousands of people, I spotted him across the crowd and called out his name! It felt like no time had passed.”
Sarah’s outlook is one of optimism and gratitude. “I live by seeing the brighter side and leaning into it. Alexandria is a town of dreamers and hard workers, and I’ve had incredible role models here. Alexandria isn’t a Hallmark movie, it’s better, because it’s real.”
Check out Sarah’s Street Style:
ABOUT SARAH
Neighborhood: Alexandria
What is your hometown? Alexandria!
What would surprise people about you? I can play “Piano Man” on piano and harmonica…at the same time.
Favorite book or movie: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Guilty Pleasure: 90 Day Fiancé (to my fiancé’s dismay)
Latest binge-watch: The Gilded Age
Bucket list travel destination: Thailand
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Colorful. Classic. Comfortable.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Midi dresses are a staple in my closet — effortless, versatile, and the perfect transition piece to take you from work to nighttime.
Favorite trend: Statement necklaces! I love seeing them make a comeback, and I may have already stocked up enough to ride this trend for a while…
Beauty product you can’t live without: Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Haus Labs Foundation are my go-tos for flawless skin.
Boots, dress shoes or sneakers? All three.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Listening to music or playing my guitar (if you ask my fiancé, he’ll say it’s going to HomeGoods or TJ Maxx for a little retail therapy).
Most fun way to stay active: Long walks along the GW Parkway, tennis, or Zumba classes.
Wellness goal: To take a digital detox every once in a while. It’s so hard with my job, but I know it would be great for my soul!
Want to try: StretchLab
Proudest wellness achievement: Completing a half marathon.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: The living room is the heart of our home, and the space I’ve had the most fun curating. It’s serene, inviting, and full of my signature pops of color.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? I started out modern, but lately I’ve fallen in love with antiques. There’s something so special about the history and character they bring to a space. I think my future style will be a true mix of both.
Last item bought for your home: A beautiful antique plate from Amherst, Massachusetts. I hope it’s the first of many collected on trips to eventually create the stunning plate wall of my dreams!
Favorite way to entertain: I love a dinner party. Experimenting with place settings and creating a gorgeous table has become one of my favorite creative outlets. Now, I just need to level up my floral arranging skills to match!
Clutter-free or well-lived in? I wish I were naturally clutter-free, but that’s just not me at my core. That being said, if I’m hosting, you’d never know it!
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love that it celebrates everything that makes this town so special — the people, the businesses, and the community. It feels like a love letter to Alexandria and the people who make it shine.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Lower King Street on a weekend night is always the best. It’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie!
Your go-to shop: Because I’m in my hosting era, Boxwood, J. Brown Co., Eries, Patina, and Lowery’s Dial are my go-tos. For clothes and jewelry, you can never go wrong with The Hive!
Best food spot: It’s a classic for a reason —Landini’s.
Favorite local organization (and if you have a contact or IG handle, would love to share with them): Carpenter’s Shelter, Animal Welfare League, and Visit Alexandria are a few of my favorites!
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Holiday Boat Light Parade are iconic.
