Sarah Bagley and I met for the first time this year at St. Elmos coffee shop. A friend of mine asked me to meet with her because she was running for a seat on Alexandria's City Council. In talking to her, I not only appreciated her vision for equity and inclusion in Alexandria, but I immediately felt comfortable with her. She is an accomplished woman herself and is a cheerleader for all women. She is down to earth. Not a speck of pretense. She has a great sense of humor and brings fun with her wherever she goes. In the months that followed, every time I had an outdoor gathering with friends (on my birthday in April and on the 4th of July on my patio), she was on the list of invitees. I wanted her as a friend. I wanted to be around her good energy. Sarah shared with me that not long ago, she used to live in Washington D.C. but began spending more time in Alexandria and then moved here and decided to stay. I have to say, I am so grateful she is part of the Alexandria community and also leading the way in making Alexandria the best city it can be.   

Photography credit: Sarah Marcella Creative

Sarah is styled by Mint Condition & Mint Collective.

Desmond, the dog, is from D.C. Lucky Dog, a great rescue organization.

Hair is by @elisabarnetthair | Manicure by Nail Foxy on King Street.

ABOUT YOU

How do you spend your time?  Lately, there has been lots of campaigning and participating in great events around the City.  At home I can often be found reading, hanging out with my dog Desmond, or out riding my bike.

Neighborhood: North Old Town

How long have you lived in Alexandria:  6 years

What is your hometown? Virginia Beach, VA

What brought you to Alexandria?  The people! 

What would surprise people about you?  I have a 20 year collection of Vogue magazines.

You're a superhero: what's your superpower?  Gifting people perfect sleep upon request.

Favorite cocktail:  Currently loving a Bee's Knees but traditionally a dirty vodka martini.

Last book read or movie seen:  The Wind Up Bird Chronicle

Guilty Pleasure:  The Dodo (endless animal videos)

Phrase you overuse:  Blerg

Facebook or Instagram?  Buzzfeed App

Latest binge-watch:  Happy Endings

Bucket list travel destination:  Ghana

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee?  Coffee

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less:  Colorful, comfortable, and cool

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Tie - Green linen Vince dress from Mint Condition or Bibliotheque dot dress from Threadleaf.

Favorite trend ever:  Winona Ryder in the 90's

Favorite current trend:  Sustainable fashion

Beauty product you can't live without: Kiehl's Moisturizer with SPF

Favorite fragrance:  Old Bay ;)

Heels or flats?  Heels

HOME

Favorite room in your home:  Patio

Antiques, modern, or a mix?  Mix

Last item bought for your home: Pottery from Torpedo Factory

Next planned purchase:  Long overdue couch

Favorite way to entertain:  At home, surrounded by snacks and good music.

Clutter-free or well-lived in?  Clutter Free!

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated:  Would like but don't have.  Send tips!

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out:  Currently bike riding, formerly running or HIIT style videos.

Most fun way to exercise:  Dancing

Group exercise or solo:  Both

Fitness goal:  Ride up the King Street hill without stopping to catch my breath!

Haven't yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement:  Century bike ride

Proudest fitness achievement:  Completing the Marine Corps Marathon

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria:  Too many to count along the Mt. Vernon Trail but highlights include the waterfront at the Marina, Jones Point Park and Tide Lock Park. 

Last purchase in Alexandria: Without checking my debit card, safe guesses are St. Elmo's (North Old Town), Hank's Oyster Bar, The Italian Place and the Old Town School for Dogs. 

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot:  Coffee: Can I say St. Elmo's more than once?  Happy Hour:

Rustico/ Date night: Alexandria is great for walking dates with history and people watching.

Favorite charity:  ALIVE

Favorite annual Alexandria event:  St. Patrick's Day Parade