Meet Melissa Riddy: a born-and-raised Alexandrian whose deep local roots, community service, and family-first mindset keep her grounded—whether she’s advocating for healthcare access, leading a nonprofit board, or hitting the ski slopes with her daughters.

Tibi is the brand that makes even skirt skeptics fall in love. My all-time favorite is the Trouser Skirt, especially in tropical wool. Sure, it’s too warm for right now, but come September, you won’t want to take it off. We also picked up the Slip Skirt and the Bubble Skirt—perfect for right now and easy to dress up or down.

The pre-fall delivery is always a favorite from Ulla Johnson. If you asked me why, I’d say it’s because it’s the most “buy-now, wear-now” collection we get in June. The brand does a fantastic job of creating prints and fabrics that feel right for summer but easily transition into early fall.

From cross-country moves and art school rebellion to sailing adventures and soulful design—Kim of Patina shares her story of resilience, reinvention, and creating spaces filled with beauty, memory, and meaning.

When I saw the Janis Midi Dress in Lime and Dove by Veronica Beard, I thought this is the perfect summer dress. The silhouette is so flattering, and the fabric makes it effortlessly versatile. I also love that it isn’t white.

Pre-fall items can be tough. No one wants to try on a heavy sweater when it’s one hundred degrees outside. So we do our best to focus on transitional styles that can be worn right now, but also hold their place in your closet come fall. That’s exactly what I love about Apiece Apart.

From April Fool’s Day pranks to planning Reptile Day at Pippin Toy Co., Leann brings joy and spark to Old Town’s favorite toy store. This week, she shares how life led her to Alexandria, her top Disney tips, her daughter Lily’s toy evolution—and why she’ll never move farther south (unless it’s to Key West!).

Several months ago, my husband and I made the decision to move back to our home state of Pennsylvania to be closer to family. It felt very far off at the time, but now—with boxes nearly all unpacked in Philadelphia—I find myself in my last two weeks at The Hive. Shops and businesses are the heartbeat of places like Old Town. And my biggest takeaway about Alexandria is that it shows up.

Some of you already know, but we wanted to make sure everyone heard the news: Annette is moving back to Pennsylvania. She tried to do this once before, a few years ago, but I managed to trick her into staying. This time, no amount of begging could change her mind. This is the hardest part of the job. We really are like a family, and when someone leaves, it hurts.

Xirena just screams summer—and it should. The brand was founded in Los Angeles and carries that effortlessly laid-back California vibe. When you look at this collection, you can practically feel the sunshine and imagine yourself poolside or on the beach. Come see what’s new from Xirena at The Hive.

Our summer collection is curated with pieces that stun at first glance—bold yet refined, designed to travel with you from sea to soirée. These are the jewels that become part of your story: a gleam in the golden hour, a sparkle that lingers long after sunset, and heirlooms in the making. Whatever you can imagine, we can create.

I’ve said it before here on Stylebook: I’m a shorts person. But even I have moments—like going out to dinner or walking around town—when I don’t want to wear shorts. We found the perfect solution to this problem last year: a pant from Citizens of Humanity. It was such a hit that luckily, they brought it back this year.

“Junior League has given me a new path that I’m super passionate about—connections with other nonprofits in the area,” Erica says. “The most rewarding part is being surrounded by like-minded women, who are diverse in background and all want to help their community.” Whether she’s organizing fundraisers, exploring Virginia wineries, or reading 150+ books a year, Erica’s story is rooted in purpose, curiosity, and connection.

I’m always a little hesitant to share my favorite items for Stylebook articles—by the time it runs, there’s a chance some of the pieces will be gone. And honestly? I hope they are! That said, I still wanted to share a few of my current sale favorites to highlight the range of brands and styles marked down.  Come visit us this weekend. Remember: the more you buy, the more you save!

It’s hard to believe it’s sale time already! Even though we started a little later this year than last, we’re bringing back one of our favorite markdown formats: the more you buy, the more you save! There are so many great pieces available—tons of summer dresses, shorts, and sandals—just in time for the warm weather.

I was just chatting with Madeline and Shannon about how some of the most-worn items in my closet are my Anine Bing graphic tees. What sets them apart? They’re thick, the prints are effortlessly cool, and even though I am technically wearing a label, it doesn’t feel that way—unlike with some other brands.

I pretty much live in sneakers—and I’m always on the hunt for new brands to carry at The Shoe Hive. I’m excited to announce our newest brand: Back 70. I first spotted them at Scarpa in Charlottesville, and then started seeing them pop up in a few more places. Come check out the newest arrivals from Back 70 and Paul Green, along with tons of other great summer shoes!

I have a friend who jokingly asks if she’s in my “top five” list of friends. I, of course, always change the subject—I love too many people to rank (though I can rank-order my dogs). But as I sat down to write about Elizabeth Fitzsimmons, the “top five” thing popped into my head. If I had to pick five of my favorite people who have ever walked through the doors of The Shoe Hive, she would be on that list.

I grew up in the South, where life basically happens under the sun. And to this day, I live for anything beachy: ocean breeze, salty air, coconut-scented everything, and a margarita in hand makes for a very happy Hattie. I love summer — give me a wide-brim hat, big sunnies, and a breezy dress, and I’m set. But over time, I’ve learned that looking good in the sun means protecting yourself in it, too.

We’ve put together a Grad Gift Guide in collaboration with our upstairs neighbor, Old House Provisions. As the parent of a grad myself, I know how exciting it is to imagine the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead for high school graduates. That’s why this felt like the perfect time to show how easy it is to do all your grad gift shopping right here in Old Town.