Over the years, I’ve built a wardrobe of go-to essentials—straight-leg jeans, a white tee, classic flats or boots, a gray cashmere sweater, a blazer, my Prada cat eye sunnies and my slouchy black Proenza tote. My style stays rooted in this core uniform, but each year, I refresh it with easy, mood-boosting pieces that reflect how I’m feeling. I take a high-low approach.

I wandered into AIP when it first reopened. Alex greeted me and sold me one of the best swimsuits I’ve ever owned. I’d never seen anything like it and I’ve  never seen anyone with it. That’s the kind of boutique American in Paris is. She finds all sorts of cool unique pieces for the store while traveling the world. This women’s boutique is more than just a shop—it’s a vibe.

After a busy kid-filled summer I made it into Era, Old Town's newest boutique nestled in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. As a wardrobe stylist, I have a different point of view when it comes to shopping because I'm not typically there browsing for myself. If you see me around town I'm typically shopping and researching for clients.

There’s no better place to share how to shop like a pro than in our beloved town of Alexandria, so I thought I’d kick off a little series in which I give you very specific ways to shop at each of our local boutiques. Let’s begin with The Hive…

Fashion isn’t about dressing in head-to-toe designer or only wearing the most luxurious things you can find—it’s about expressing who you are.