There's something special about being recognized by your own community. When the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce named Family First Law Group as Small Business of the Year, it wasn't just an award—it was validation from the neighbors, families, and business owners we serve every day.

As Thanksgiving nears, we’re celebrating the joy of gathering and the beauty in life’s little moments. At Patina Polished Living, discover handcrafted tableware, festive linens, and seasonal décor to create a warm, welcoming table that feels timeless and uniquely yours.

I don’t want to speak too soon, but it seems like I might break the pattern of menswear stores opening and closing within a few years in Old Town. It’s difficult to make something new and unique because no one even knows to look for it, but once people find out about it, the wheels start turning.

This year marks Jeff Erickson’s and my 32nd holiday season together as business partners. A lot has changed over the years, but one thing that never does is the last-minute framing rush. Every December, our shop hums with the energy of people trying to turn their affection into something tangible — a framed piece of love, nostalgia, or memory.

The holidays conjure up feelings of decadence. A festive season that commands our most dazzling ensembles, accessorized with our most radiant jewelry. And while we love to dazzle and delight (we sell diamonds, of course!)...at Mystique, we believe it’s always time to sparkle. 

Built in 1789 by Lawrence Hooff Sr., this distinguished brick townhouse marries historic prestige with modern comfort. Once home to Bushrod Washington, nephew of George Washington and Supreme Court Justice, the residence has welcomed presidents from George Washington to Bill Clinton, and was later owned by a former White House Social Secretary.

It might surprise you, but transition season deliveries are some of the best. The selections are tightly edited, and the pieces are often those you can wear for more than one season. Our first shipments just arrived, and they’re as good as I remember.

Between travel, jet lag, and nonstop family plans, the holidays can make it tough to stay on track with fitness. But what if you could feel strong and energized no matter where you are? I’ve discovered the key to doing just that. It all comes down to one surprising item I pack every time I travel.

 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.

At deZEN, we believe your hair is your mirror. The way you style it, the color you’re drawn to, or how often you treat yourself to a scalp spa all reflect your current energy and season of life. So, what’s your hair trying to tell you right now?

If you’ve lived in Alexandria long enough, you know that the holidays officially begin when the sound of bagpipes rolls down King Street and the tartan scarves come out in full force. The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend is one of the most beloved celebrations in town, and it all kicks off with one of the best events of the season: The Taste of Scotland, benefitting The Campagna Center.

When one of D.C.’s most iconic catering companies throws a party, you know it’s going to be spectacular. Earlier this fall, the powerhouse female CEO of Ridgewells Catering celebrated 40 years at the helm, and the evening was everything you’d imagine—and more.

Inspired by her great-grandmother, Mimi Lowery, and her father, Maggie has created a store where classic charm meets personality — a place that’s as much about creativity and connection as it is about décor, with something for everyone to discover and adore.

If you’ve shopped with us over the years, you probably already know that the one line we’ve carried since opening our doors in 2003 is Attilio Giusti Leombruni, now known simply as AGL. Not only are their shoes incredibly comfortable, but the team behind them has been a joy to work with for more than 22 years.

As the pace of life quickens and the holidays approach, many of us start to feel the pull between excitement and exhaustion. It’s that in-between space, full of celebration but short on rest, where our inner balance begins to shift. And one of the first places we feel it? In our digestion, our sleep, our mood, and even our skin.

We’re surrounded by “anti-aging” everything — creams, treatments, filters, touch-ups. It’s almost as if showing signs of growing older is something we should apologize for. But here’s the truth: every wrinkle, every silver strand, every shift in how we move or look is a story.

As a child of the ’80s, I grew up obsessing over Ralph Lauren ads and that effortlessly elegant, all-American look that felt both timeless and aspirational. Ann Mashburn captures that same spirit with a fresh, modern twist that makes every piece feel relevant today.

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.

Create your story in gold. Eliana Curated introduces Nomination, the world-famous Italian jewelry brand making its Alexandria debut. Build your own Composable® bracelet link by link—each one a memory, a milestone, a moment that matters.

When I was asked to photograph two “heart babies,” I had no idea how deeply they’d impact me. Capturing Bryce and Sophie for the US News and World Report campaign for Johns Hopkins Children’s Center reminded me what true strength looks like — and how much love can shine through even the hardest journeys.