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.

People are often surprised and curious about the span of our five boys and the adventures we have. The simultaneous life events that traditionally don't coincide and all the little moments in between remind us—this is what matters most.

One intention of the standardized testing program is to track a student’s progress against a baseline. What about adults? You’re doing all your homework—automated savings, maxing out retirement investments, regularly reviewing your insurance coverages – but what does it all add up to? And, at the end of the day…are you on track?

JLo and Ben Affleck. We all know those on-again, off-again couples. You might be surprised to hear that I have divorced people who have married their spouse, gotten divorced, married them again…and divorced again. All these headlines had me thinking about the process of getting a divorce in Virginia. Here’s what you need to know.

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.

Whether you're ready to make a bold change or simply add a subtle touch of warmth for the season, let your choice reflect your inner vibe. Fall is all about transformation—not just in nature but within ourselves too—so why not let your hair be a part of that journey.

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.

Indulge your soul in high-quality finishes and a rare detached garage with an in-law suite above (ADU!) The trim, millwork, casings, and craftsmanship is unlike anything you've seen in Alexandria.

“There just aren’t enough options,” said Katherine. “Christian schools and nondenominational schools are having a hard time. We are a classical program, low tech and we spend a lot of time outdoors. We have a gorgeous outdoor space to use…and we’re often outside building forts."

This week we're looking at kitchens and bedrooms. A good night’s rest and a great morning breakfast are essential for the school year. Here are some small and large changes to keep your student (and yourself!) on track.

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.

For many women, this sense of mental overstimulation is particularly pronounced, affecting their daily lives, mental health, and overall well-being. It’s like trying to juggle flaming torches while walking on a tightrope—except the torches are actually emails, chores, and endless “what’s for dinner?” queries.

Recently, my family took a trip to the Pacific Northwest. Our first stay was in a funny little house tucked away in a corner of a tidy community with homemade signs that asked us to watch out for the family of roughly eight deer who made their home there. Surrounded by evergreens, the house was on the edge of a bluff high above the Straight of Juan de Fuca.

As summer winds down, the season of transitions is in full swing for our family! This week marked some big milestones as we sent our oldest off to Virginia Tech for her first year, while our middle started high school, and our youngest began middle school. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster as we navigate this new chapter, but we’re grateful everyone had a smooth start!

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.

Patina is busily preparing for our designer tag sale which will take place on Saturday, September 28. We will feature vintage pieces — mainly French, along with art, lamps, tables, upholstery, garden items and lots of accessories.

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.