The little black book. That’s what we call the running list of client preferences we’ve kept over the last ten plus years of business. Within it are preferences on colors, flower varieties, vases – you name it. We thought it would be fun, in honor of Valentine’s holiday, to lay out what some of our favorite boutique and business owners would love to receive. 

Your fabric softener and dryer sheets are unnecessary, damaging your clothes and slowly destroying your dryer! Thankfully there is a safe, natural and environmentally friendly way to reduce static and soften clothing in the dryer – wool dryer balls. And the best part about them – they actually cut down drying time as well.

Drew Altizer’s journey is a refreshing reminder that passions can emerge from the most unexpected places. As the founder of Old House Provisions, a menswear store in Alexandria specializing in bespoke shoemaking, Drew's transition from data analyst to artisan craftsman is as unique as the shoes he creates.

When my sister-in-law and I decided to do a girls getaway, we had a few ground rules: 1.) Direct flights <3hr for each of us, 2) A new location to each of us with lots to explore, and 3) No looking North in a [failed] effort to limit cold weather. With our parameters set, Nashville popped up early as a contender!

When Renée and I walk into Eries, Jess is glancing into a mirror and debating boots and tights vs. heels. She’s rocking a skort and it’s 20 degrees outside, but we vote for heels. Elena, her business partner and close friend agrees, and together they command a striking presence – ready for a night out, and definitely for our photo shoot.

It doesn't surprise me that one of my most popular Stylebook articles is: "Is It Time To Separate? 5 Signs It Might Be.” Whenever its traffic spikes, phone calls seem to follow. The beginning of the year is a time when we onboard a lot of new clients who don't want to relive the same fights all over again.

Welcome to this newly constructed masterpiece, where timeless Southern charm meets modern luxury. With its signature double front porch, this home is designed to capture breathtaking views of the Potomac River, offering a serene and sophisticated retreat like no other.

Kait likes coffee, but she’s never been a fan of tea. The irony is that her photo shoot is at Lady Camellia, a tea house, and Kait very much looks like she belongs. Renée and I are also salivating, because Debbie, the owner, has brought out a stunning display of pastries and sandwiches – and tea for us to try – and it’s sitting in front of Kait!

2025 is off and running which means Lunar New Year, one of the world’s most important cultural holidays, is right around the corner. It’s a time for family gatherings, feasting, and celebrating the new year according to the lunisolar calendar and 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

I so vividly remember meeting each of my boys. My eyes tear up a little every time…they are these little miracles that will grow into themselves and they are given to us to simply love. It’s not always complicated, it’s quite simple actually: share love and it will bring light to your life.

Artists need rest and time to recharge like anyone else. But I always get asked if I’ve been productive, as though that’s the measure of a good trip. I lounged, I read, I people-watched, I drank tequila, and I chatted with my love. And yes, I kept my art supplies close… just in case.

Get a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle, and write “More” in one column and “Less” in the other one. Then visualize the last year, or the last many years, and ask yourself what do you want more of in 2025. Is it more time with family, more time for yourself, more long walks, more curiosity, or maybe more connection?

Happy New Year! For those traveling, keep it fun and exciting — and being organized is a crucial part of having a stress-free trip. Here are my travel tips:

Looking back at last year, it was one of my toughest years, and also one of my best. At the start of this past year I could not have even dared to imagine the end would be as good as it’s been. I was in a part of my life that still felt very marred by life changes.

Every time I pick up a brush, I step into a world of quiet reflection. My studio transforms into a sanctuary where light reacts with form on the canvas. For me, painting isn’t about capturing every detail—it’s about evoking a feeling, a mood, something just out of reach. That’s why I’ve embraced Tonalism as both a method and a philosophy. 

As we step into 2025, home design is embracing a bold blend of personality, warmth and practicality. The era of sterile, overly minimalist interiors is fading, giving way to lived-in, welcoming spaces that prioritize texture, comfort, and individuality. Say goodbye to all-white everything and dark floors — 2025 is all about mixing modern sophistication with heirloom charm for spaces that feel both stylish and uniquely personal.

A handful of years ago, my wise and brilliant friend told me about her New Year’s Retreat. She took herself away for two days to focus on and prioritize developing her goals for the year, her family’s calendar, and her own wellness. It was one of those moments where you realize you’ve been doing life wrong. This. whole. time. 

“I love fashion, I love people, and connecting the two. There’s always been a stigma about there being a smell factor when you walk into a (consignment) store. I like to remove those perceptions and open people to a new avenue, especially when you bring in the savings factor. These pieces are a third of retail. Why would you buy a new dress when so many things are already here?”

For many, joy is in your family, and capturing the togetherness of family is a tradition we love. As the clock resets and a new year begins, there's magic in the air. It’s a fresh start, full of hope, new goals, and exciting opportunities. Capture this moment with fresh photos and mark the turning of a new chapter in your life.

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!