The Veronica Beard trunk show is always our biggest event of the year, and I have a feeling this year’s affair will be no different. They really have gone back to their roots with great suits and separates. I asked our resident model, Jen, to help out and called in another familiar face—and another Courtney—to help us out.

 When I am at market, I always ask my reps, “What is on your personal order?” I figure that is the best way to figure out what will be the popular items of the season. I mean, if the people who work there want it, then it must be good. Nobody knows a collection like the people that see it day in and day out. I thought I would share what my personal order would be for Veronica Beard if money were no object.

Despite the fact that we have already had two special events this fall, the Ulla Johnson trunk show really feels like the kick-off for the season. Shop this show early for the best selection, with 20 percent off all Ulla Johnson from Thursday to Sunday.

Well, it is time for our two biggest trunk shows of the fall: Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. Are you ready? Ulla Johnson kicks it off on Thursday, September 24, and lasts all weekend through Sunday, September 27. They have sent us a great trunk, with lots of items.

Join 20 stores in Old Town from September 18 to September 20 and explore all they have to offer. Some stores have trunk shows for the weekend, gifts with purchase, or other activities in store. It is a great way to explore new stores or just spend a day strolling the historic streets of Old Town.

This weekend, the Old Town Boutique District is hosting Alexandria Days. I asked my good friend Sarah Akram to pick out her favorite fall looks from my store and model some of them, and all weekend you'll receive a gift with purchase of my favorite items from Sarah Akram Skincare and be entered for a chance to win a $250 gift card to The Hive and a $250 gift card for Sarah Akram Skincare.

I first noticed Marfa Stance on social media. These cool jackets that were like nothing else I had seen on the market kept popping up in my feed. Then, when I looked further, I noticed you could change the collars out and make different looks out of one jacket. I was hooked. They had me when I saw a pink fur collar. I mean, does it get any better than that?

Our first shoot was for Tanya Taylor, queuing up a trunk show that kicks off this Thursday, September 10. The photos are just amazing, and all the fall colors make me so excited for cooler temperatures. All the plums, dark reds, and greens just make me happy. It is the perfect event to kick off fall.

We just received our first delivery of Dear Frances, and they are, as I like to say, life-changing. Founded in London in 2014 by Jane Frances and Scott O’Connor, the brand is celebrated for its minimalist and sculptural designs. Made in Italy, they have a commitment to slow fashion and quality materials.

This week temperatures are in the 90s, so maybe it isn’t the best time to send out our Fall Look Book. Even looking at sweaters and wool blazers makes me hot! But if I can ignore the heat and just flip through the pages, I get so excited for our new arrivals. I love fall and the great clothes that come with it. It is my season. I love blazers and layers and all things cozy.

Labor Day is usually the kickoff to the fall fashion season, but its late date on the 2026 calendar is getting everyone back here to the DMV earlier than normal, and we are ready for more fun fall events. We kick off our first official fall event with Tanya Taylor. Still a newer brand to The Hive, Tanya Taylor's following grows each season. Known for her flattering fits and custom prints, it is no surprise our clients are loving it.

When I left Simon Showroom last spring, I couldn't stop thinking about CALL IT BY YOUR NAME, a line from France that they were showing. It had appeared on Emily in Paris, and I think some other famous people had been carrying the bags as well. There was just something about the line that made me smile.

This fall, we decided to load up on events. We have our usual trunk shows with Ulla Johnson, Veronica Beard, Citizens of Humanity, and Freda Salvador. Last year, we introduced Tanya Taylor to the mix, and Marfa Stance popped up in our store. They’re both coming back this season. To make the fall even more exciting, we’ve added two more to the lineup: Arlo Mott and AMO. We’re really excited about both of these brands.

I often hear clients say things like, “I’m just not cool enough for Tibi.” Or another one: “I just don’t like oversized clothes—they make me look big.” Another favorite is, “I just don’t get it.” I’m here to tell you that you are cool enough, Tibi has plenty of fitted pieces, and oversized doesn’t make you look big. Sometimes you need an oversized piece to balance an outfit or create a sense of ease. I promise that if you try some of the pieces, you’ll get it.

Last week we announced that Amy Smilovic, the Founder and Creative Director of Tibi, will be coming to our store for not just one event, but two. On Wednesday evening, we'll host a Book Club discussion of Almost Reckless with Amy from 6:00–8:00 p.m.

I have been in retail for 24 years. As I typed that sentence, I kind of had to take a deep breath, as that is a really long time. I can say with confidence that I have worked with hundreds of brands. I can also say with confidence that the brand that has been the best to work with has been Tibi. This is not to say that there are not a lot of other great brands to work with; I am not saying that. I could give a long list of wonderful brands and sales representatives.

Last year my husband had his 5-year scan after a bout with an exceptionally rare sinus cancer in 2020. As most people know, especially those who have had cancer, this scan is a big marker. You are supposed to breathe a sigh of relief once it is done, and we did, but we found out last week that my husband's cancer has returned, almost exactly 6 years later - outside the realm of what is likely, but cancer does not keep calendars.

It’s finally here! The Alexandria Sidewalk Sale starts this weekend, and at The Shoe Hive, we’re kicking it off a little early. The sale officially starts citywide on Friday, but we got our red pens out and marked everything down early. Start shopping online or in-store on Thursday, August 13, and get in early for the best selection.

We also kick off August with two great citywide events in Old Town. The first is Virginia’s Tax-Free Weekend. It always starts on the first Friday in August, which this year is August 9, and runs all weekend. During this weekend, stores do not have to charge sales tax on clothing, shoes, and school supplies priced under $100.

As a shopkeeper, I can say with confidence that store owners are ready for these two weekends in August: Virginia Tax-Free Weekend, August 7–9, followed by the Alexandria Sidewalk Sale the next weekend, August 14–16. These two citywide events are a sign that summer is winding down and fall is just around the corner.