Aside from the frequent commute for school events, I try to stay in the Commonwealth—and more specifically, in Alexandria. When I find great new places, I love to share them. Everyone knows where I get my hair, nails, and facials, but this year I added a few new local favorites to the mix.

When the new year rolls around, I always like to write about a few things that have nothing to do with the store. Let’s be honest—we probably all need a little reset after holiday shopping. This time of year also brings resolutions about being healthier and happier in 2026. That’s part of this post, but only part of it.

The Hive’s winter sale is here, and the discounts are major. Shop pieces from customer favorites like Veronica Beard, Ulla Johnson, TWP, and Tibi. Whether you shop online or in-store, there’s something for everyone, including yourself, on the rack!

Finding the perfect mix of brands and pieces for the store is always a balancing act. The shoulder seasons, like resort and holiday, offer a perfect opportunity to bring in a few standout pieces. It’s a chance to reintroduce favorites while keeping our selection fresh and exciting. This season, that moment came with the return of Sea NYC.

Wolford has been at The Shoe Hive for a long time. I think we even had it on the shelf at the original tiny store at 115 Royal Street. During COVID, we stepped away from the brand a bit—there wasn’t much demand for tights and nylons when no one was leaving their homes. We have slowly brought them back, and this year they’re back in a big way.

Each time we go into the showroom filled with brands we carry, I make a beeline for the tiny Unfortunate Portrait rack. I flip through the shirts and laugh and laugh and laugh. Each shirt is funnier than the next and are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face the moment they read them.

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.

We’re nearing the end of the holiday shopping season, and it’s the perfect time to skip the shipping stress and shop local. With online deadlines closing fast and malls more chaotic than ever, shopping small is simply smarter—and more enjoyable. I’ve rounded up a few tried-and-true gifts that never miss, so you can wrap up your list with ease.

I am sure your inbox is full of emails about sales. It seems like Black Friday deals started at Halloween and now winter sales are already in full force. It is time for The Shoe Hive and The Hive to join in. We’re kicking off our fall merchandise sale this Saturday, Dec. 13, and the markdown is bigger than ever.

Tibi has a way of turning a single pair of joggers into a full-blown love affair—and our team knows it well. With our Tibi Trunk Show around the corner, Brenda and Kristen slipped into a few standout pieces arriving just for the event. Join us December 11–12 to meet the Tibi team and explore the resort collection.

We are rounding out 2025 with our biggest event of the year: the Tibi Trunk Show. Not only is it a trunk show where they send us pieces we will only have for the event, but we are lucky enough to have Keturah, the Director of Client Education, and Christine, the Director of Sales, join us for two days at The Hive.

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.

Everyone knows that if I had to pick one brand to wear for the rest of my life, it would be Tibi, so I’m so happy that our customers have embraced and love it as much as I do. Some came on board earlier than others, but once you buy your first piece, you’ll be hooked. I promise.

We’ve missed the magic of our 12 Days of Christmas tradition—and this year, it’s finally returning. Starting December 2, The Hive will share a new deal each morning to make your holiday shopping a little brighter. Check your email and socials daily so you don’t miss out!

We are all recovering from Thanksgiving, and maybe you’re reading this after a big day of hitting the mall and all the big-box stores, looking for something to do this Saturday that feels a little less intense. If that is you, I have a recommendation: stop by the stores of Old Town for Small Business Saturday.

It is hard to believe that this is the 15th year we have done Plaid Friday. I will always know exactly when we started because the year prior, 2009, Danielle of fibre space called me and asked me to participate, along with a handful of other stores. That was the last time I traveled out of town for Thanksgiving.

This holiday season, we once again asked Lauren Bishop to sponsor Plaid Friday—the small business community's answer to competing with the big-box stores on Black Friday. Check out her guide to make the most of your Plaid Friday!

It used to be that sets were reserved for more casual looks—and of course, there are still great casual sets (I live in them). But these days, there are so many great dressy options, especially skirt-and-top combinations. There really are so many great sets at all price points, and for every occasion.

This year is proving that once again the “transition” season deliveries are the best deliveries. The Ulla Johnson delivery we just unpacked is a perfect example. Every piece can be worn right now, but can also take you into spring and even summer.

Lots of things have changed about our stores since we first opened, but one thing that stands out is how much I’ve learned as a buyer. Over 22 years, I’d like to think I’ve gotten better at understanding what our customers love most.