Street Style: Meet Meredith Patel
I first met Meredith Patel a few years ago when I tried out her new barre studio here in Old Town. I attended a few classes and mainly kept to myself; I'm not a very extroverted person and honestly don't tend to make friends in gyms (too busy sweating). But, at some point I started chatting with Meredith because that's just what happens when you're in her presence: her infectious personality makes it so that you can't help but connect and engage with her.Years later, Meredith and I have come to collaborate on many projects between our businesses. She was kind enough to host me for a little pop-up I did before the holidays last year and now, we're happy to host Meredith at our new studio, The Seedling Collective, for a pop-up of her own. This weekend, you'll be able to visit Meredith and Lindsey McConnell (another of my favorite instructors) at The Seedling Collective to shop their amazing collection of barre3 athletic attire, water bottles, clean beauty products from Beautycounter and Brush on the Block, and so much more. You can read more about Meredith's pop up on our blog at theseedlingcollective.com.In the meantime, I'm so happy to share my friend Meredith's style here. She's a classic beauty with a ton of charisma -- a perfect candidate for a Street Style post if there ever was one. She's also a savvy business owner, a generous friend, and an all-around great person. Plus, considering that I usually see Meredith in B3 branded workout gear, it's so fun to see another side of her on these pages. If you love barre3 already or aren't sure what all the fuss is about, visit the pop-up and say hi to Meredith and her team!
Photography: Sarah Marcella Creative
Wearing: the Lena Dress by Xirena, available at The Hive, Elli Earrings by Mignonne Gavigan,and shoes by Stuart Weitzman, available at The Shoe Hive
Shoot location: Old Town waterfront
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? I love my morning walks in Founders Park with my hubby and pup, and then heading to barre3!
Neighborhood: Old Town
How long have you lived in Alexandria: 4 years
What is your hometown? Winchester, Kentucky
What brought you to Alexandria? We've always loved the charm of Old Town and we moved to open our barre3 studio!
What would surprise people about you? That I didn't enjoy working out until I found barre3 in 2011!
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? I love to encourage and push people past their comfort zone into the best versions of themselves.
Favorite cocktail: Dirty martini
Last book read or movie seen: I just started reading Big Little Lies in anticipation of the series return.
Guilty Pleasure: Bravo's RHOBH
Phrase you overuse: You got this.
Facebook or Instagram? Instagram
Latest binge-watch: The Americans
Bucket list travel destination: South Africa
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? I love a great cup of coffee each morning. That'd be hard to give up!
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Simple, classic, polished
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Currently my DYI marble leggings
Favorite trend ever: Athleisure
Favorite current trend: Birkenstocks
Beauty product you can’t live without: Dry shampoo
Heels or flats? Date Night/Girls Night, heels. Otherwise, always flats.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Living room
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern
Last item bought for your home: Fresh flowers
Next planned purchase: A new dryer for our studio. Small Biz Life!
Favorite way to entertain: Friends and music in our backyard!
Clutter-free or well lived-in? Clutter-free
Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: YES - LOVE!
Meredith's gold bar necklace, created in collaboration with Alx&Co., is engraved with b3, andand given to members who have completed 500 classes at barre3.
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: barre3!
Most fun way to exercise: With friends at barre3!
Group exercise or solo: Group. Love working out with a group. For me, this is fitness at its core. So encouraging and inspiring!
Fitness goal: My goal is to make myself and others feel balanced in body and empowered from within.
Proudest fitness achievement: Opening my own barre3 studio 2.5 years ago!
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Founders Park
Last purchase in Alexandria: A Xirena Dress from The Hive
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Love Mishas. Can't wait for them to open down by the Water! Peoples Drug for drinks. Landini Brothers for date night.
Favorite charity: Alexandria Seaport Foundation
Favorite annual Alexandria event: Wine on the Water -- coming up on June 1st!
