Street Style: Meet Stephanie Bibighaus
When I first meet Stephanie Bibighaus, she's friendly and energetic, and I detect an accent — of course I do, because what does a native Northern Virginia accent even sound like? So many of us are transplants who’ve made Alexandria our home. Originally from Mississippi, Stephanie was born in Jackson and lived in Tupelo after spending part of her childhood in Germany, where her father served in the Air Force.
She moved to Alexandria in 2002 from New York City, where she had worked at a law firm, for a new position as a federal criminal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia in the Carlyle area. “The job was here and I wanted to be near my work. I liked the size of Alexandria — it’s very livable and always ranked as one of the best places to visit,” she says.
That’s how she met Elizabeth Todd, who nominated her for Street Style. “I met Elizabeth over 20 years ago. I worked weekends at Hysteria, which was right next to The Shoe Hive. Courtney Cox owned Hysteria at the time, and Alicia McCaslin (of Tullebox) worked there and later became the manager. We had so much fun together styling both Alexandria residents and visitors collaboratively with shoes and clothes that were fashion forward – almost magical!”
In 2010, Stephanie began working at the Pentagon, serving on a special task force for the Secretary of Defense. She participated in the “Efficiency Initiative,” evaluating controls and recommending strategic, budgetary, and programmatic changes. “As you can imagine, it took a tremendous amount of time — about 18 months — but it was extremely rewarding,” she says. “I earned the Secretary’s Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service, which remains a career highlight.”
Stephanie Bibighaus
Self-styled
Hair and makeup: Michele C Beauty
Shoot location: Alexandria Police Department, 3600 Wheeler Avenue
She later moved to an attorney position at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, responding to the national mortgage crisis.
Last December, Stephanie lost her beloved border collie rescue, QuickTime March (“Quickie”). “It was very sudden. He was my world and went everywhere with me,” she shares. “When I heard about an opportunity to help ensure retired K-9s received the care and equipment they needed, my interest piqued. Supporting K-9s was a way to turn that pain into something good — and to give back to the community that welcomed me when I first moved here, and over the last 20 plus years.”
Stephanie was brought on by the nonprofit board led by Alexandria’s own Charlotte Hall, where she now serves as Executive Director of the Alexandria Police Foundation (APF). Since the end of July, she’s been focused on raising awareness for the organization’s mission and strengthening its fundraising efforts.
“Their core values align strongly with my own,” she says. The APF supports the men, women, and four-legged officers of the Alexandria Police Department — enhancing officer performance, morale, and effectiveness while ensuring the care and well-being of both active and retired police dogs. Founded in 2002 by Chief Charles Samarra and community members, the Foundation focuses on COPS (Community-Oriented Police Section), Kids, and Canines through initiatives like medical insurance for retired K-9s, youth scholarships, the Alexandria Police Youth Camp, and programs like Common Goals and the Community Police Academy.
Stephanie keeps her balance by weight training three times a week and intense cardio once a week. “I try to start each day asking myself, ‘What’s my why?’” she says. “Strength training helps me stay focused on long-term health and consistency — it’s about creating sustainable habits that support an active life.”
In her spare time, she makes the most of Alexandria life. “I take advantage of everything going on here — I rarely go into D.C. We have more than enough! I love walking through Old Town, spending time by the waterfront, and going to festivals and parades like the Scottish Walk and the ALX Dog Walk. Octoberfest at John Carlyle was so much fun with great food,” she adds. Day trips to Middleburg and Annapolis are also favorites.
This year, she’s looking forward to Thanksgiving in Middleburg with friends and Christmas in Florida with her six-and-a-half-year-old nephew. He will be receiving an Alexandria Police stuffed dog as a present!
As for her style? “I love bright colors and classic looks — less trendy, more refined, but still a little eclectic,” she says with a smile. “I wear Pawsome Couture jewelry because it reminds me of my dogs and why I give back. It’s very on-brand,” she laughs.
On the day of her shoot, we were lucky to have a special guest — Spectre, of the Alexandria Police Department’s K-9 Unit, alongside his handler, Officer Roland.
To learn more about the Alexandria Police Foundation and support their K-9s, visit here.
Check out Stephanie (and Spectre’s) Street Style:
ABOUT STEPHANIE
Neighborhood: Cameron Station
What is your hometown? Tupelo, Mississippi
What would surprise people about you? I can sing all 50 states in alphabetical order in under 2 minutes from a song I learned in second grade.
Favorite book or movie: Act of Valor
Guilty Pleasure: Facials at Sarah Akram Skincare
Latest binge-watch: Task on HBO Max
Bucket list travel destination: Machu Picchu
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Vibrant, eclectic, refined
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Pawsome Couture tiny paw necklace and ring.
Favorite trend: Prefer classic
Beauty product you can’t live without: Lotion P50W by Biologique Recherche and other products from Sarah Akram Skincare.
Boots, dress shoes or sneakers? Boots
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Exercise
Most fun way to stay active: Hiking
Wellness goal: Sustainable health
Want to try: Pilates
Proudest wellness achievement: Completing a half marathon.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Bedroom
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern
Last item bought for your home: Winter bedding
Favorite way to entertain: Game night at home.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free
Next planned purchase: Rescue dog
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Connects to Alexandria’s heartbeat – learn from entrepreneurs in fashion, beauty, home, design, wellness, food and more.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Waterfront in Old Town.
Your go-to shop: The Hive
Best food spot: Landini Brothers
Favorite local organization: The Alexandria Police Foundation
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: The ALX Dog Walk
