Holiday Gift Guide: For the Person Who Has Everything
Shopping for the person who already has it all calls for a different kind of gift—the kind that feels thoughtful, unexpected, and a little unforgettable. This guide is all about experiences, heirloom-worthy pieces, and meaningful luxuries.
Holiday Gift Guide: For Him
Shopping for the men in your life can feel impossible, so we pulled together a guide that actually makes it easy. Whether he’s into style, gadgets, travel or the little luxuries he’d never buy for himself, this list has something that’ll make him light up. From practical upgrades to splurge-worthy treats, consider this your go-to cheat sheet for gifts he’ll actually use, appreciate and maybe even brag about later.
Holiday Gift Guide: For Her
We’re endlessly inspired by the women in our lives. They are busy, brilliant, generous, and juggling more than most will ever know. Whether she needs rest, rejuvenation, or a little everyday luxury, these gifts deliver something she’ll truly love, and absolutely never re-gift.
She Said / She Said: Wellness Edition
We tapped two of our local wellness experts, Sara Acheson of Athena Wellness and Jennifer Szymanski of Vitality-Led Health, to share their perspectives on proactive, whole-body care — from supporting patients through cancer treatment to healing chronic skin conditions from within.
Street Style: Meet Stephanie Bibighaus
Meet Stephanie Bibighaus, the new Executive Director at The Alexandria Police Foundation — and a woman who’s turned personal loss into purpose. From her Pentagon days to championing K-9 heroes, Stephanie reminds us that style, service, and heart often go hand in hand.
Street Style: Meet Brittany Mazique
Local author Brittany Mazique turned grief into creativity, transforming her love of storytelling into a thriving career writing children’s books for Disney and beyond. Read how this Alexandria mom balances family life, creative work, and the joy of helping all girls feel seen and celebrated.
Street Style: Meet Jane Collins
Meet Jane Collins—a woman who’s redefining what it means to start over. Once an Air Force Colonel, now a model and makeup artist, she’s channeling her passion into helping women regain their confidence and embrace their next chapter with style and purpose.
What We’re Loving: Our Favorite Halloween Traditions
In Alexandria, Halloween isn’t just a holiday—it’s an art form. Streets glow with purple lights and iridescent spiders, 12-foot skeletons guard front yards and doorways, and friendly rivalries over “most creative” and “most extra” displays are in full swing. Before the candy rush begins, our contributors share how they celebrate spooky season in style.
Street Style: Meet Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins
Mayor Alyia Gaskins made history as the first African American woman to serve as Alexandria’s mayor — and she’s just getting started. From public health and urban planning to City Hall, she’s reimagining what it means to lead with heart, faith, and community.
Street Style: Meet Paige Bradford
Creativity is blooming in Hollin Hills! Meet Paige Bradford, the visionary behind Hooray Art!, an Alexandria studio where kids (and adults) can unleash their imagination, make mistakes, and discover their inner artist.
Street Style: Meet Kara Tomaiolo
From corporate life to curating dream trips, Alexandria’s own Kara Tomaiolo traded in her big corporate job for her true passion—helping people travel well. With a mix of honesty, humor, and impeccable taste, she’s the travel advisor you’ll want on speed dial. Meet Kara, discover her story, and find out why she’s the perfect person to plan your next adventure.
What We’re Loving: How We Welcome Fall in Alexandria
September in Alexandria has its own magic—cooler mornings on King Street, Art on the Avenue around the corner, pumpkin lattes popping up everywhere, and those first cozy evenings along the waterfront. Our contributors shared how they welcome fall in Alexandria.
Street Style: Meet Kelly Jeffers
Meet Kelly Jeffers, an Alexandria native with deep community roots and a love of gathering people together. From pontoon rides on the Potomac to her family’s legendary “Day of Meat Party,” Kelly shows us how to blend career, family, and fun.
Street Style: Meet Sarah Shaw
Meet Sarah, Stylebook’s social media manager and Alexandria native whose work helped grow our TikTok following by thousands (yes, she’s behind that viral Spite House reel). From high school fundraisers that built water wells in Haiti to her current role at Active Minds, Sarah’s journey blends creativity, community, and purpose.
Street Style: Meet Alexander, Angelica and Kelly of ACCA
Alexander, Angelica, and Kelly aren’t just helping grow Alexandria Classical Christian Academy—they’re raising daughters in the same 4th grade class and making their mark in Old Town with style to spare. See our latest feature where these three share their story and show off their fall looks.
Run! Geek! Run! Returns to Alexandria For Its 18th Year
Run Geek Run is back for its 18th year! Lace up on Sunday, Sept. 28 for a race that brings community, fun, and purpose together, raising funds this year for Senior Services of Alexandria. As Race Director, Rita Foss says, “Being connected to your community by foot—that’s what matters.”
Street Style: Meet Danielle Farrah
When her first lease deal fell through, Danielle Farrah thought her dream of opening a wellness studio was slipping away. Instead, it was the push that led her to create The Lalita Method in North Old Town—a boutique Pilates experience rooted in balance, design, and community.
Best Things to Do in Alexandria: Local Favorites for Visitors and Staycations
Alexandria is packed with charm, history, and must-try experiences, so it’s no wonder friends and family are always dropping in. We asked our contributors to share their can’t-miss recommendations for visitors (and locals looking for a little staycation fun). See which ones made the list and add a few to your own itinerary.
Street Style: Meet Dan Simons of Founding Farmers
How a restaurateur with heart is redefining what leadership looks like. Dan Simons shares why mental health, sustainability, and honesty belong at the center of the table—and how doing the right thing can still make good business sense.
Street Style: Meet Angelika O’Reilly of Eliana Curated
After building a career in tech, Angelika turned a creative family idea into one of Old Town’s most inspiring boutiques. Meet the woman behind Eliana Curated and discover how this local gem came to life—right on the corner of King and Patrick.