Next Thursday is Nationals’ Opening Day and Alexandria Little League opens the season that Saturday. To celebrate, on March 29, Red Barn Mercantile will be handing out peanuts and our much better version of Cracker Jacks, streaming games all day, wearing our favorite team’s colors, and hosting Port City Brewing Co. for a tasting of their seasonal sensation ALX IPA.

More than 100 business professionals gathered at Virginia Tech’s new Innovation Campus at Potomac Yard last week to attend Visit Alexandria’s “What’s New 2025” Meeting. Highlights included the Public Art at Waterfront Park: Break Water by Nekisha Durrett. The sculpture draws inspiration from Alexandria’s waterfront being a place where natural forces and human activity intersect, often with profound consequences.

We’re sharing what we’re loving this spring — from the best patios for al fresco dining to stunning gardens to flower-filled escapes. Our contributors highlighted some of their faves in the DMV and perhaps you can add a few more to your own list!

I wanted to feature how versatile Veronica Beard can be. Yes, they have great jackets and suits, but it isn’t just work wear. The “work wear” they produce isn’t just for work. I think the three suiting looks show this perfectly. Ali’s suit is appropriate for work, but with some strappy heels and a clutch, I would wear it to a wedding or cocktail party. Tayo’s look is also office-appropriate and you can even layer a white button down shirt under it.

When I asked Sarah, Stylebook’s social media manager, if she wanted to check out a popup bar in Del Ray showing love for all things Taylor – she was game. I have to admit I was never a huge Taylor Swift fan until my daughter made me watch her Eras Concert Tour on Disney+ over and over. This is a place that will lift your spirits and boost your Insta cred.

Gala season is here! I love wearing gowns and dressing up, and spring in the D.C. area has lots of choices that raise money for good causes. There’s the “you gotta be there” gala hosted at the Hilton because they need a gigantic space for everyone that attends, and so many more events. Want a guide to Alexandria Gala Season? Here it is:

Over the past 21 years AGL has built a very loyal following. They are made in Italy which means they are quality and comfortable. There are few shoes I can stand in all day, but AGL is one of them. The Italians are known for shoes for a reason; they know how to make them. They are female-owned and a third generation family-owned business. They know what women want when it comes to shoes. This weekend we will kick off our Spring Trunk Show Series with AGL — stop in and see us!

When our young associate at the store Emily Montgomery texted me about a fundraising effort for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation that she was helping orchestrate, I knew The Shoe Hive and The Hive had to get involved. We are hosting a fundraiser at The Hive on Thursday, February 27 from 4pm to 7pm.

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s also one of the most meaningful with all its celebrations and holidays. The dazzling romance of Valentine’s Day; the long-weekend bliss of President’s Day; and the importance of celebrating the impact of African American history; there’s barely enough time to do it all this month. 

Last year we hosted an event where our customers were able to grab a scratch-off sticker and win a prize. It was pretty popular, so we’re doing it again! It’s just a small thank you to show our customers how much we appreciate you. It could be a prize like a candle or pair of socks, or a discount off your entire purchase or a single item.

Here’s the great thing about a Hart necklace, they have so many special charms that help create a personalized piece that really tells a story and represents you and the things you love. It’s a great gift for anyone in your life and something they can keep adding on to as well.

The 21st Annual Alexandria Boutique Warehouse Sale returns in a walkable format once again this year! This popular longest-running winter affair will take place over two days the weekend of February 1 and 2, 2025 throughout Old Town.

If you missed our big announcement earlier this week, this year’s clearance is a tiered sale. If you buy one item you get 40% off, 2 items you get 50% off, and 3 items is 60% off. This year it’s even easier to shop since we have both stores under one roof now. Happy shopping and don’t forget to check out our new arrivals as well.

It’s that time of year when all the stores are going on sale. It used to be the day after Christmas was the big day for sales, but now it seems like they start earlier and earlier. And since the holiday season has now passed, it’s time for some more markdowns. The more you shop the more you save starting Friday, January 3rd through Sunday, January 12th.

With school closing for an extended break, and families all together, sometimes the ugly parts of what I do come floating to the surface, in particular child abuse. There is always a rise in abuse when children are home for prolonged periods. What can you do to help? This part is much easier – attend an uplifting party and fundraiser!

We love a good tradition. One that makes sense and everyone can enjoy. Now that Old Town has a toy store again, we thought it would be fun to continue Why Not's time-tested tradition of staying open until Midnight the Saturday before Christmas. We’re calling it Midnight Merriment!

What I know from years and years of costume design - is that accessories and beauty hold such a magical power to transform an outfit. We don’t always need to go out and buy a new dress or outfit for every party. When you have something you already love, wear it! The easiest way to make it new? Add an accessory, then change your hair and makeup.

Don’t forget to make sure the men know it’s at 315 Cameron Street this year. We won’t kick them outside like years past; we will instead let them stay warm inside. And one thing that hasn’t changed at all – we’ll have top-shelf bourbon and scotch to make the shopping a pleasant experience.

Alexandria has great architecture and history. It always had the “good bones” to be a destination. But what makes it great are the people. After owning retail shops here for 21 years, I know there’s not a more loyal clientele or a more collaborative community of small business owners. And bonus, there’s a core group of phenomenal female entrepreneurs who make big things happen.

Since Alexandria is what I consider the best collection of independent retailers around, this Small Business Saturday, a group of over a dozen stores have collaborated to do a day of gifts with purchase. Stop in, shop and get a little gift from us. Just a thank you for shopping small this holiday season and helping us keep the doors to our shops open another year!