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.

I noticed while watching the Olympics this summer that many of the TV personalities wore Veronica Beard. It’s preppy with a twist, classic without being boring, and tailored without being stuffy. It just makes getting dressed easier — especially if you have to wear a suit or go into an office occasionally, which many of our clients still do. Here are my top five VB picks for fall.

Janel is one of those women who just has a presence. Yes, she’s naturally beautiful, and I’ve seen her with hair up in a bun, clad in sweats and she still looks flawless (she’s my neighbor). It’s the energy she gives off, her openness; her eyes carry no judgment. She’s seen a lot, she’s experienced a lot, and it has given her tremendous empathy.

I’m about to say something radical and even those who know me best will be surprised: I need to throw out most of my wardrobe. I can’t tell you how many times I have bought beautiful things and they just sit in my closet. Tibi has really helped me conquer this problem and minimize my mistakes.

On Sept. 7, Mystique Jewelers will host our inaugural designer jewelry show featuring the exquisite creations of Gumuchian, a trailblazing women-owned business. With the empowering motto of "Jewelry made by women for women," this event promises to celebrate the artistry and passion behind each piece.

Annette and I couldn’t resist the fall collection for Odeeh. I think there was clapping and jumping as we looked at it! Odeeh is a German line created by Jorg Ehrlich and Otto Drogsler. Their attention to detail and unique designs are deliberate and sophisticated. The designs are what first drew us in, but when you start looking closer it’s the fabrics that really made us fall in love.

I must share that I've never seen Hattie – without Tiffani. They seem somewhat attached at the hip, not like Siamese twins, but in an endearing, “I got your back and if anyone messes with you, they’re messing with me” kind of way. They met at the University of Georgia in 2008, and became best friends and roommates. “And we’ve been roommates ever since,” says Hattie. 

Ulla Johnson is known for: feminine dresses topped with the perfect amount of puff, ruffle and details that make them feminine but not overly fussy. As the brand has grown she has evolved into other offerings and pieces that might not be what you typically think of when someone says “Ulla.” These changes of pace are the pieces that most excite me about this fall.

Boots in summer? Why not? White after labor day? Yes - all year round!  I’ve never been one to play by fashion rules. Why should seasons be any different?  Instead of storing away your favorite items, consider extending their wearability. 

To me when you think of the brand you think of beautiful dresses that are feminine but not too frilly. They have ruffles and puff sleeves but don’t seem too precious or bohemian. Oftentimes dresses can seem too young. I am not trying to say I am not fun, but I do need some tailoring and thick fabric. I think this is why Ulla works well for me and so many other people.

We usually don’t do events in August since most folks are out of town, but we decided to give it a try with Ulla Johnson. Starting Thursday, August 22 we are kicking off the Ulla Johnson event with some summertime cocktails from 4pm to 7pm. We are going to be serving everyone’s favorite summertime cocktail, an Aperol Spritz. It seemed like a fitting drink for the end of summer and for Ulla.

This year we have more graduating seniors than ever before. We also have a group that has worked with us longer than any prior cohort. Sydney, Megan, Tess, Avery and Phoebe all started with us back when they were sophomores. This group really is the dream team.

Holly steps out of Maria’s car and is rocking a kick-ass ensemble. Minutes later, she is literally stopping traffic. Renée has posed her across the double yellow lines on Royal Street, a few hundred feet from King Street. None of the cars I’m halting seem to mind; they’re taking in the scene of four women scrambling around the pavement in 90 degree heat.

Since this is the last weekend on South Fairfax, and it’s the big summer sale in Alexandria, you can imagine that we have some major markdowns at both stores. We are also starting the markdowns before the actual sidewalk sale – starting Thursday, August 8, both stores will be marked at their lowest prices of the season.

It’s hard to believe it has been 15 years since I started the Sidewalk Sale. Like most things, it started very, very small. I can remember calling Angela, who owned Bellacara at the time, and telling her about the idea. She was like, “All my makeup will melt outside – you are crazy!” I convinced her to do it anyway. We got our usual collaborators to take part and it grew, becoming bigger and bigger every year. Now Visit Alexandria has taken over the sale so we can include all of Alexandria!

Emily always circles back to wanting to make people feel safe. Safe talking about taboo topics, safe finding products they need, and safe in sharing uncomfortable symptoms they may be too embarrassed to share with their partner or friends. That’s what’s so amazing about her – a woman passionate about making taboo topics not taboo. 

August is always a time of such transition when it comes to summer and style. Don’t get us wrong, we love fall, but can we slow it down a bit? We still have one more month left—of beaches, pools, and travel. Of light layers, breezy fabrics, swimsuits and cover ups and, if you’re like us, an assortment of sunglasses to choose from.

Let’s face it: nobody likes paying taxes. When I was growing up people would head to the beach in Delaware in the summer and hit up the outlets for back-to-school shopping. There were great deals and they didn’t have to pay sales tax. Well, I feel Alexandria is the Delaware shore this weekend.

The first two weekends in August are a great time to shop in Alexandria. They are two of my favorite events of the year! We kick off August with Tax Free Weekend, then the following weekend the entire city is basically on sale for Sidewalk Sale weekend.

“We’re surrounded by history, American history – not political history. In England, the local pub is part of your community, you walk in and you know people. I want that here. I love the walkability of Old Town, the character in the architecture. Sometimes I close my eyes and can almost hear the hooves clanking from horse-drawn carriages.”