I love to see what other boutiques are doing on social media and, for our events, this research—if I can call it that—is where a lot of my ideas start to take shape. I was watching a story from another independently owned boutique, and the owner was talking about her most worn items from 2025. Two of the items were from AMO, a line we carried many years ago.

This month feels like the season of returning favorites. With smaller delivery windows, we love the chance to bring back lines we’ve missed—and Closed is one of them. While it may be known for denim, it was the sweaters, shirts, and everyday essentials that truly won us over this time around.

It is hard to believe that 22 years ago I was sitting in my space at 115 South Royal Street, scratching my head and trying to figure out what to do with my extra inventory. I realized there had to be a way to get more people to shop my clearance items. This is literally how the Alexandria Boutique Warehouse Sale came to life.

Allude is fast becoming one of our most important brands. The smaller, Germany-based company was founded in 1993 and has been perfecting its craft ever since. Known for high-quality cashmere and modern styles, Allude has become a customer favorite.

As I was thinking about what to write for Stylebook, I realized we had been unpacking a lot of leather pieces last month. I can’t quite explain it, but I have a hard time passing up suede and leather—which is probably obvious if you shop at my store. I tend to dress pretty simply and shy away from pattern, so I’m naturally drawn to texture. That’s where my love of leather comes in.

It seems like 2026 is shaping up to be the year of bringing back brands we’ve missed over the past year or two. Last week, we talked about the return of Sea NYC, and now we’re excited to welcome back one of my favorite jewelry lines: Completed Works.

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!