The serene and enchanting hues of aquamarine transport you to a tranquil oasis, evoking a sense of warmth and joy. In honor of March, Mystique Jewelers is thrilled to showcase an exquisite collection of these stunning blue gems, each piece meticulously crafted to fulfill your sweetest dreams.

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.

After what has been one of the worst winters I can remember, I know we’re all ready for spring. Nothing lets me know spring is around the corner more than the start of our annual trunk show series – especially the arrival of our Veronica Beard Trunk Show. In keeping with tradition, I am sharing my top five choices which was tough, but made me realize how much Veronica can work for everyone.

I must admit that having friends that look like models is pretty helpful when you own a store. And it’s extraordinarily helpful when they don’t mind taking time out of their busy schedules to help out. If you are in need of a spring dress for an event, Ulla Johnson is the trunk show to shop. There are sets and dresses for black tie events, weddings, graduations or just running around town.

Being a guest or having a significant role at a wedding, gala, or any prestigious event is always an exciting opportunity to dress up, but it can also be a bit overwhelming when it comes to choosing the perfect outfit. With Mac Duggal’s collection at ERA, and our ability to special order your size, you can rest assured that you'll find a show-stopping gown that not only fits the occasion but also makes you feel confident and beautiful.

It’s hard to choose what pieces I love the most this season. But I must say: the winner of the season is the Rhodes Skirt and the Twyla vest. These were both on most of our personal orders. Needless to say, between our spring selection and what Ulla Johnson sent us for the event, there is something for everyone. See a preview with the Lookbook:

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!

Of Alexandria, Todd says, “I was immediately impressed. It’s 276 years old and it's not a city stuck in the past. It honors its past and knows its roots, while firmly looking forward. There’s so much flair in this historical place, and it’s been so interesting to learn and experience each of its neighborhoods. Old Town, The West End, Del Ray…and the arts and cultural district that’s growing in North Old Town. Potomac Yard and Virginia Tech’s new innovation campus…

We still have March to get through, but I wanted to get an early start on the Spring Trunk Show series at The Hive and The Shoe Hive – especially since it’s our first spring all under one roof. We’re starting big. AGL, then Ulla Johnson and squeezing in Veronica Beard before people start heading off on spring break.

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.

Despite how stressed we get when ordering, wondering if we’ve picked the right items, it’s what makes Allude so wonderful. The brand is one that you can’t find everywhere. And even if it were in big box stores, rarely is the same item carried. The sweaters are custom-made for us; we get an edited selection exclusively for The Hive and our customers.

Tibi just dropped their spring fundamentals and the main spring delivery should arrive by the end of next week. I ordered way too many personals and could somehow get more. The fundamentals are just like they sound: the pieces in your wardrobe you instantly grab because you know they work. The fit and style are proven and that is why they introduce them in different fabrics and colorways.

Jillian is very big on community. “I know it sounds corny, but you want to go where people know your name.” And she is true to her word, growing the community at MVMNT Society, where she and her husband took over as owners last year. “It’s our first entrepreneurial journey, and there’s so much transformation that I wanted to make happen…which stemmed from teaching at studios in Miami and seeing how good it can be.“

After almost 30 years, it’s time to shut the doors at 1225 King Street. Our property is on the market, and after much deliberation, we felt we had outgrown our space. Our last day in the store will be February 17. After that we’ll be hosting a series of popup events in Old Town and beyond, while we work on the vision for AIP 2.0 and keep our eyes open for a new space to call home. 

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.

Get inspired with our Valentine’s Day Gift ideas. Send a hint or gift yourself, special friend or loved one. Lab Diamond Stud earrings, 1-6 carats start at $975. Share your love story with our engravable Poesy bracelet, a 7 inch, 18K yellow gold link ID bracelet by Monica Rich Kosann.

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.

Not only does Kristen support events, she supports the local business community by keeping her personal shopping dollars local. She gets that it’s our local business community that makes Alexandria a great place to live; it creates jobs and strengthens our local economy. I asked Kristen to share a few of her favorite picks for this weekend’s Warehouse Sale.

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.

I know it can be frustrating sometimes to shop sale merchandise. Sizes can be picked over and often, shoppers are ready to move on to the next season. But when the prices are as low as they are at the Alexandria Walkable Warehouse Sale, it’s worth it!