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.

Melonie Johnson is sitting on a bench outside Ada’s on the River. The morning fog has begun to lift and across the river we can clearly see the towering hotel at MGM National Harbor, where Melonie oversees all day-to-day operations as President and Chief Operating Officer. 

We are incredibly grateful for the women in our lives – and appreciate every minute we get to spend with them while they are already juggling so many things! Giving them an unexpected, thoughtful present is just one way to share our love this holiday season.

If you’re a regular reader, you know I have written a lot about Tibi. Last year Tibi put out a book called The Creative Pragmatist and I am happy to finally have found something that makes my life and getting dressed easier. 

Never has there been a Tibi delivery I have loved more than this one. I started to count how many personals I ordered and well, I didn’t have enough fingers. It was an obnoxious amount and I could have ordered more. Despite the long ticket, I actually showed self control. Join us for the trunk show this Friday, Dec. 6.

There is one particular group in our city who I can always count on to support our events: the real estate community. They devote a massive portion of their marketing dollars to things that help other people and make Alexandria livable. We’re grateful Lauren Bishop is sponsoring Plaid Friday and thought it would be fun for her to share some of her top holiday shopping picks.

I asked her about the business she was opening in Old Town. Her confidence and calm was something that instantly put me at ease. As she shared her journey, she felt like one of my girlfriends – and we had just met. This was going to be her third location, she was already a seasoned entrepreneur. Even a slight delay here or there wasn’t going to stop her momentum.

Since merging stores it seems like we have a ton of bags in stock. We kept all the purse lines from The Shoe Hive and moved them into 315 Cameron. As a result, it’s hard to miss our bag selection when you walk in the door. Since we’re hosting our Think Rolyn Trunk Show this week, I thought it might be nice to share all the great bags we carry.

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.

Think Rolyn’s crossbody bags and sling bags are a favorite – especially for travel. They are the perfect size, they are weather resistant and the zippers and pockets are in all the right places. I use the wingman all the time when I go to NYC for work or away for a weekend. You can throw so much stuff in it and after owning it for five years, it looks like new!

My Libby’s List this past week featured the Ann Mashburn Funnel Neck sweater. It’s a favorite of mine and my top pick for the trunk show. If I had to suggest a second item that is a must-buy buy, it would be a pull on pant. Pull-on pants are definitely having a moment right now, and Ann was in early on the trend. I asked Madeline to style each version to show their versatility.

When we first opened our boutique, we knew from the start that it wasn’t just about the products we were selling—it was about creating an experience. We wanted every single detail, from the lighting to the smell to the color of the walls, to reflect our personal style and make our customers feel comfortable, inspired, and, most importantly, connected.

Reflect on your jewelry collection and consider the pieces that have quietly remained unworn, gathering dust in your jewelry box. At Mystique Jewelers, we understand that every piece tells a story, and we are committed to providing you with personalized service and thoughtful solutions. We invite you to take advantage of our enticing offer: receive immediate cash on the spot for your unworn treasures or enjoy a generous 20% bonus when you choose to trade them in for store credit.

I know when you think of Ann Mashburn, most people think of clothing. And they should! They make the best sweaters and shirting around. In my opinion, they also make some of the best shoes around. If you haven’t tried them, you should. First, they are made in Italy and the Italians simply know how to make shoes. Second, they are comfortable. I can wear her shoes all day, especially the loafers.

“I’m not an extrovert, I had to develop it, I was the bookworm, the youngest in a big, boisterous family,” says Stephanie Woodland Kelly. “I have five brothers and a sister. When I got to college I had to learn how to develop those skills. I’m glad there were no mobile phones back then. The mistakes I made…it wasn’t a big deal.” 

On November 14, we will host our holiday trunk show for Ann Mashburn. They sent us so much good stuff! The Addie Sweater Dress, Superfine Funnel Neck and Joy Mule are just a few of the pieces I wanted to get for the store and they were nice enough to send for the event. I think the thing they do best is sweaters.

When we go to New York and place deliveries we try to be mindful about what the weather is going to be like when the items we’re looking at actually arrive. So when we pick pieces from the resort season delivery, we want to make sure you don’t have to wait until spring to wear it!

Hard to believe we’re writing about the last events of 2024! This year has been a busy one and we’re a bit sad to see it come to an end. We know that November and December tend to be everyone’s craziest months so we wanted to make sure we let folks know sooner rather than later about our upcoming events. The Hive kicks off November with two great trunk shows: Ann Mashburn and Think Rolyn.

I’ve been gushing over wool and knits from Argentinian makers since last fall when we brought hand-knit wool sweaters to American In Paris. We couldn’t help but notice that lately, this voluminous, textural style seems to be popping up even more. The Fall 24 runways boasted texture, fringe, and volume.

I know people love the ease of a dress. I get it: the throw and go option of a dress simplifies your morning. I just don’t wear many. Maybe it’s my body type, maybe it’s just what makes me feel comfortable, but I tend to gravitate towards sets. Yes, I have written about my love of a track suit. It runs deep in me. But my affection really lies with anything that coordinates.