It's finally here! The season when Alexandria comes alive. And while this change in weather is a natural motivator to get us moving, I want to talk about something most people completely overlook in their wellness routine. It’s something that costs nothing, requires no equipment, and delivers benefits that some might find surprising. Morning sunlight.

When our Krewe rep, Katie, was in a few weeks ago for us to look at their spring collection, she had the cutest little case for her sunglasses. When we all asked her about it, we found out she actually owns the brand, Glass House. They are the cutest leather holders for your sunglasses that you can clip on your bag or toss in your bag.

Buying a home early in life is often framed as a lifestyle milestone, but new data suggests it may be one of the most powerful financial decisions a person can make, and reinforces a key principle in real estate: time in the market matters more than timing the market. The earlier buyers begin building equity, the longer they benefit from appreciation, loan amortization, and overall market growth.

I have carried designer sunglass brands and owned designer sunglasses my entire adult life, and Krewe is by far better in quality and style than any of them. Stop by and shop our Krewe Trunk Show Friday, May 15th through 17th and receive 20 percent off all Krewe sunglasses, including special orders. If you stop by Friday, you can shop with our wonderful rep Katie all day!

Seyyah is more than a jewelry shop, it is a love letter—to craft, to community, and to the women who make beautiful things. For founder Ezgi Kaya, opening Seyyah is the realization of a dream that began nearly a decade ago in her mother’s home in Turkey, with a single beaded necklace and a sense that something special was taking shape.

From the moment of arrival, this extraordinary Belle Haven residence makes an unforgettable impression, embodying timeless sophistication, impeccable craftsmanship, and the effortless allure of country club living.

Once again, we have another new Tibi delivery arriving in-store. This time it’s the summer delivery, and it is always a favorite of mine. They do a great short every summer, too, and this year is no exception.

When I was asked to design an intimate tablescape for a “friendor’s” 45th birthday, I was so honored. She shared a lookbook to get things started, and from there we ran with a vision that blended natural elements with a slightly exotic edge.

It's hard to believe we're celebrating 35 years of Mystique Jewelers, but I am still just as excited as I was on day one. From trunk shows and buying events to little ways of saying thank you to the customers who have made all of this possible, May at Mystique is shaping up to be something truly special, and I'd love for you to be a part of it.

Every spring, I pick up my camera and head to a place that has shaped my family in more ways than I can count: Aldersgate Day School nestled in Fort Hunt, where my boys spent some of their earliest, happiest years. This year marks our Sixth Annual Aldersgate Portrait Project and years of capturing genuine, full-hearted smiles from the kids in our community, and giving back to the school that gave so much to mine.

We think a great new bag is the perfect gift—it always fits. So, we decided to help with Mother’s Day shopping by having a little bag sale. Starting Thursday, May 7, through Sunday, May 10, we are marking all bags down 30 percent. We have all shapes and sizes, so there is something for everyone.

The espresso martini is everywhere right now. At The Parlour, we have our own version that I’d put up against anyone’s: shaken hard, served in a little English teacup, crowned with a dusting of gold flake. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’re the main character. Because, darling, you are.

Now that spring is here to stay, it's the perfect time to reset your mudroom.  This will help routines run more smoothly and help get your family out the door quickly and easily every morning!

Mother’s Day shopping can feel surprisingly hard: what do you give the woman who has given you everything—and insists she “doesn’t need a thing”? The answer this year is simple: jewelry she’ll fall in love with the moment she opens it.

Big news, friends! Starting May 16, Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, and Pippin Toy Co. will be home to an Inciardi mini print vending machine. If you haven’t heard of Ana Inciardi yet, you’re in for a treat. Her bright red machines work just like a classic vending machine. Instead of snacks, you get a beautiful, handmade mini linocut print for just one dollar.

One thing I can tell you after many trips around Asia is how to Asian Spa. I just got back from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and oh my gosh the spas! Now, there are some nuanced differences from an onsen in Japan, a spa in Thailand and those here in Northern Virginia, but here is a ritual guide of steps you can use for your visits at home or abroad that has you covered!

For years, adding a guest house, garage apartment, or in-law suite meant navigating zoning hurdles, public hearings, and strict local rules. In many cases, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) were allowed in theory but difficult to actually build. That’s about to change.

Walk into any gym or scroll through five minutes of fitness content online and you're instantly confronted with choices. Dumbbells here, kettlebells there, a barbell rack in the corner, and someone in the back swinging what looks like a bag of sand….? I’m here to provide some clarity and encouragement.

If you haven’t heard, we are hosting a Lizzie Fortunato and Ann Mashburn trunk show starting Thursday, April 30, through Sunday, May 3. On May 1, the Fortunato sisters will be in the store from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Lizzie and Kathryn will be here to answer all your questions about how to build a “neckmess” and what the inspiration was for their Spring 2026 collection.

Thirty-five years ago, I opened the doors of Mystique Jewelers right here in Old Town Alexandria with a simple mission: to be part of life's most cherished moments. Since that day, I have had the incredible honor of being a part of your proposals, anniversaries, and most cherished family milestones. To celebrate, we’ve made May one of our most exciting months yet.