Street Style: Meet Rainbow Kirby, Managing Editor of Stylebook
When I first met Rainbow, it was on a grainy Zoom call that kept cutting in and out. She had logged in from a family vacation in Colorado to interview for the managing editor role. Circling back with Adrien and Rachel post-call, we had a good feeling. When Rachel and I met with her again, we almost didn’t let her leave Helen Olivia. We knew she had the experience and vision to take Stylebook to the next level. Even though she mentioned she was interviewing at an agency in D.C., we wished her luck – and kept following up. I’m in real estate, that’s what I do! We’re very happy she chose us.
Rainbow is open, nonjudgmental, easygoing and listens when you speak. She’s the one you want to have a margarita with or call when you need a solution. She’ll have one of both. Check. She’s also a really great writer, and says, “it’s my superpower,” which is definitely a quality you want from your editor. And she’ll probably edit this piece anyway…no pressure.
Rainbow Kirby (Stearns)
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Wearing: Veronica Beard jacket and pants, and earrings from The Hive
Pumps: Christian Louboutin
Hair & Makeup: Salon deZEN, styled by Maria Elizabeth, makeup by Mariah
Shoot Location: Alexandria City Hall
Yes, Rainbow is her real name, and no, her parents weren’t hippies, they just wanted something different. A transplant from New York City, she moved here for love and has made Alexandria her home with husband Andrew. Family, friends and community are very important to her. “At the end of the day, that’s the only thing that matters,” she said. She lost her father a few years ago, and said the greatest gift she received through her loss was empathy for others. “You never know what someone else is going through…we all hurt at times. Start with empathy.”
She prides herself on sharing other people’s stories, “I can talk to anyone, whether two years old or 102. I find people fascinating, everyone has a tale to tell, even a preschooler.” And she does get a daily earful from her toddler Indigo, and twin stepsons about to make the decision that will impact the rest of their lives – where to attend college.
A girly-girl at heart, who is raising a girly-girl amongst boys, check out Rainbow’s Street Style:
ABOUT RAINBOW
Neighborhood: Townes at Cameron Parke, Alexandria
Hometown: New York City
What would surprise people about you? I’m a true crime junkie (maybe because my stepdad is a retired NYPD detective)
Favorite book or movie: The Joy Luck Club, “with wit and sensitivity, Amy Tan examines the sometimes painful, often tender, and always deep connection between mothers and daughters.”
Guilty Pleasure: Krispy Kreme drive-through on Richmond Highway
Latest binge-watch: The Bear, and now I’m on to Nashville (I like the soulful ballads sung each episode)
Bucket list travel destination: Maldives
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Different. Every. Day.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: My AG Jeans
Favorite trend: Chunky combat boots
Beauty product you can’t live without: Red lipstick. Wearing Kevin Aucoin Lip Shine: Fatal now.
Boots, sneakers, or sandals? I love sneakers.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: A dirty martini…I mean, a long walk–with no phone.
Most fun way to stay active: Dancing to 80s music.
Wellness goal: To get more “uninterrupted sleep.”
Want to try: Yoga again, looking forward to the opening of YogaSix in S. Alexandria.
Proudest wellness achievement: Leaving a toxic work environment.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My daughter’s bedroom. Decorated with mermaid details and covered in her toddler artwork, it’s filled with so much love, magic and imagination.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern.
Last item bought for your home: A new sliding glass door…what a difference a door makes.
Favorite way to entertain: With spontaneity. It’s so hard to plan with friends when we all have busy jobs and kids and so many responsibilities. It’s just easier to send a text and whoever’s free to pop by, does so.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Compulsive cleaning has carried on in my family for generations, so I strive for clutter-free and donate items regularly (including those of my husband:).
Next planned purchase: Some nice chairs and an ottoman.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? All the amazing entrepreneurs and small business owners I’ve met and whose stories I get to share. I’ve never met people who work harder than they do. It doesn’t get more local than this.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: The water’s edge along the Potomac with a view of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge.
Your go-to shop: Penny Post for unique writing materials (with humor), Bellacara for skincare and makeup, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream for self-care (of a different kind).
Best food spots: Discovered a new fave – Rubia’s (those burritos, oh my!), Blackwall Hitch, Ada’s on the River and Stracci.
Favorite local organization: The Alexandria Police Foundation. I went on a ride-along last year and it further instilled my appreciation for the officers who keep our community safe. When the department’s K-9s retire, the Foundation covers their continued veterinary care.
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: When is there not an amazing event going on in Alexandria?! Recently, I really enjoyed the Del Ray Halloween Parade and am looking forward to attending the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.
