Street Style: Meet Alex Kilroy of The Cut Butchery
Tucked inside the historic Hollin Hall Shopping Center sits The Cut Butchery–a modern neighborhood butcher shop, built around exceptional products, personal service, and a deep sense of community. Behind its beautiful Italian-imported display cases is founder Alex Kilroy, whose path to opening this Alexandria staple began far from the butcher counter.
Discover Lizzie Fortunato at The Hive’s Trunk Show
Earlier this week, we talked about the Fine Jewelry Trunk Show from Lizzie Fortunato that is going on now. The charms drew me into the line, but once I started looking at all the beautiful pieces, I knew I couldn’t limit our buy to just that. I had to bring in some of the stunning necklaces and earrings, too.
From Summer Glow to Winter Hydration: Your Seasonal Skincare Reset
As the seasons change, I always take a closer look at my beauty routine. After months of sunshine, beach days, saltwater, and air conditioning, our skin, hair, and feet often need a little extra attention. And as temperatures drop, colder air and indoor heating can leave skin feeling tight, scalps feeling dry, and summer sandal feet looking less than their best.
A Tradition of Honor: Celebrating Veterans Day at ACCA
It was a rainy November morning in 2023, and I had been kidnapped. Not to worry. It was all part of the plan. Dressed in camouflage and face paint, our students were preparing to embark on their very first Veterans Day rescue mission. Their objective? Find and rescue their Headmaster, who was somewhere out in the woods, getting thoroughly soaked. What began as an ambitious idea from two military fathers has become one of ACCA's most beloved traditions.
Behind a Beautiful Room
At Carlough & Co., we believe a home should be a reflection of the people who live there, not simply a collection of beautiful things. It's a philosophy that shapes everything we do, from our first conversation with a client to the final installation. We intentionally take on only a handful of projects each year, allowing us to be personally involved in every detail along the way.
Same-Sex Marriage Is Now in the Virginia Constitution — Do You Still Need an Adoption?
This is not about politics; this is simply about recognizing parents. Let’s take a moment to celebrate, because this is genuinely worth celebrating. Virginia voters enshrined same-sex marriage protections directly into the state constitution — which means the legal recognition of same-sex parentage to children couples have during marriage is no longer dependent on a federal court decision that a future Supreme Court could revisit. For same-sex couples in Virginia, this is such a meaningful right as parents.
Behind the Scenes: Designer Story – Mazza at Mystique
Discover the timeless artistry of Mazza as designer Jeff Mazza brings his exquisite Italian craftsmanship, vibrant gemstones and handcrafted 18K gold to Mystique for an exclusive three-day trunk show. Plus, explore Penny Preville’s 18K gold heirlooms and learn the art of personalized layering to create a signature look that tells your story.
The Lizzie Fortunato Trunk Show at The Hive
We usually only do a Lizzie Fortunato event in the spring, but when I scrolled through their website recently and saw all the new fine jewelry, I had to ask them if we could do an event this fall. I thought, wouldn’t it be perfect to do a fine jewelry event just in time for the holidays?
Thanksgiving Flowers at Helen Olivia
There’s something especially lovely about setting the Thanksgiving table. Out comes the favorite china, the linen napkins, and the serving pieces that only make an appearance a few times a year. Flowers bring it all together, adding color and warmth to the place where everyone will gather.
ArtSpireVa's Community Nutcracker Returns for Its 18th Year!
ArtSpireVa celebrates 18 years of its beloved Community Nutcracker, bringing together more than 180 young dancers from across the region for a fresh take on the holiday classic. Beyond the magic onstage, ticket proceeds support scholarships that make the arts accessible to local youth, continuing the organization's mission of creating opportunities for every young performer to shine.
Street Style: Meet Jennifer Valentine of Encore Consignment Boutique
For nearly 30 years, Encore Consignment Boutique has been a beloved style fixture in Old Town. Today, as only its third owner, Jennifer Valentine is giving the longtime Alexandria staple a fresh, vibrant new chapter while honoring its lasting legacy.
Meet the Staff at The Hive
The dust has finally settled as we close out our fall trunk show series and finally switch over to our new point-of-sale system. There are still lots of bumps in the road to work through, but I thought this was a great time to introduce our new management team and learn a little bit more about us. They are all familiar faces, but it is always fun to get to know everyone a little bit better.
Madame Coco’s Mystery Boxes: It’s Like the Grown Up Cracker Jack
Meshelle Armstrong’s latest creation, Madame Coco’s Mystery Boxes, offers three intriguing choices: The Bewitched Box, The Witching Hour Box, and The Curious Collection Box. Every box contains chocolate, accompanied by a surprise personally curated by Madame herself. What else is inside? Well, that would spoil the fun.
Well-Connected to Old Town’s Waterfront Living
Discover three distinctive Old Town Alexandria residences offering the best of waterfront living, from sweeping Potomac River views to private outdoor retreats overlooking the Washington, DC skyline. Each property captures the charm and convenience of Old Town with a unique perspective on life along the water.
The New Definition of Luxury: Personal Meaning & Timeless Heritage
As the season of celebration approaches, a new definition of luxury is emerging, one that emphasizes longevity, heritage, craftsmanship and individuality. Ultimately, emotional connection and personal meaning are becoming just as important as materials and design. This season is all about finding pieces that resonate with your personal journey, and Mystique Jewelers has two extraordinary designer showcases coming up to help you do just that.
Things NEAT Method Recommends Letting Go of in Retirement
Retirement is an exciting and wonderful new life chapter, filled with a lot of changes and opportunities to let go of things that no longer serve you! Here are the things we recommend saying goodbye to so you can live your best life.
Good Books, Great Gifts, and a Head Start on the Holidays
I’m pleased to announce we’re launching our annual Holiday Gift Guides this month. More than 70 books on each guide, one for kids and teens, one for adults. Every book has been carefully vetted and read by a member of our team and our book buyers assemble a stellar line up of gift picks for all ages. You won’t want to miss it.
A Clutch for Every Occasion
If you read Stylebook regularly, you know I carry two kinds of purses: either a really big tote that holds everything, or a clutch. I don’t do a lot of the in-between. When I was going through the drawers the other day, I realized I really went big on clutches this year. There were just so many good options I couldn’t resist.
25 Years Behind the Lens: Full of Gratitude
Twenty-five years ago, I walked into the courthouse in Brunswick, Maine, to sign the papers that made my photography business official. When you start anything, you hope it will keep growing, and I am so grateful that it did. As I reflect on these twenty-five years, grateful is the first word that comes to mind. Not only for this beautiful adventure, but for the people who have been part of every chapter of this story.
A Love Story 20 Years in the Making: Suzanne & Stephen’s Intimate Alexandria Wedding
Suzanne and Stephen have known each other for more than 20 years. They met through the same circle of friends in middle and high school. Stephen drove Suzanne to school. Suzanne drove Stephen crazy. His best friend dated her best friend and somewhere along the way, Suzanne and Stephen became confidants.