“I didn’t want to only be known as ‘the girl who had been kidnapped.’ I went back to teaching in a traditional classroom until the pandemic hit. And that’s when people started asking me to speak virtually because they needed someone to bolster their teams and employees. I thought ‘I can do this again.’”

One of the great parts of our Ann Mashburn Trunk Show event is the Made to Order shirting. Made to Order is not Made to Measure. When you do Made to Measure, which is common in the men’s clothing world, they take all your measurements to make a custom shirt. Made to Order is a little different. The Ann Mashburn team has sent samples of four different styles of shirts and two different dresses in all the sizing available. You try one of these models on and after you order, it’s made.

At Salon deZEN, we’re passionate about helping our clients feel their most confident, radiant, and true-to-themselves — and when it comes to hair extensions, not all methods are created equal. That’s why we are proud to specialize in Invisible Bead Extensions — a revolutionary technique that’s completely changed the game for those seeking fuller, longer, or more voluminous hair.

I know I always say this is the biggest event of the year, but this time it might be. I can say this with confidence because we aren’t hosting just one trunk show, we are hosting two trunk shows. We also rarely have the actual designer walk through our doors but at this event, we’ll have the fabulous designer duo: the Fortunato sisters in town, and Stephanie, our Ann Mashburn rep, too!

The only way to lure me to watch the NFL Draft is to tell me about all the fashion.  Extremely talented and fit male athletes in an array of fashion – from designer tuxes and studded crocs, to shorts and a polo shirt. It’s definitely all over the place!

This week’s new listings showcase the best of Alexandria living — from a waterfront retreat with a private dock to an updated single-level home just minutes from Old Town. Whether you're dreaming of a luxurious, resort-style escape, a private woodland haven, or a turnkey property with unbeatable convenience, these homes offer something special for every lifestyle.

At the end of a long day, parents just want time to take a deep breath. Then comes that ever so innocent, yet loaded question, “Mommy, can you play with me?” I am here to tell you that something as simple as playing catch or building a tower can help your child expand their vocabulary and develop essential social and cognitive skills.

The first Saturday in May? Pure legend in Louisville, Kentucky. With a week of events, parties, and plenty of seersucker, the Kentucky Derby draws out anyone with a flair for fascinators and a taste for mint juleps. The Kentucky Derby kicks off the three-race gauntlet of securing the elusive title – the Triple Crown. Lucky for you, there’s also a Triple Crown in investing—and this one’s actually within reach.

It’s always such a gift to be included in an exhibit with other artists. There's a sense of community, creativity and appreciation for each other and our life’s passion. When Carrie Garland, a dear friend and owner of Nepenthe Art Gallery, approached me about being in the More Moments of Art exhibit at George Washington’s River Farm, I was beyond excited.

As a small business owner for more than 21 years there is one thing I know for sure, the only reason we’re still around is because of our amazing customers. The women who have supported us and kept our doors open for the last two decades have become our friends and we know a going-out-of-business sign would have been hung in our door many years ago if it weren’t for their loyalty. So stop by this weekend and grab some treats, special discounts, prizes and extra loyalty points to go towards your future purchases.

When Dr. Rina Bansal, President of Inova Alexandria Hospital and SVP of Inova Health Systems, joins us, she’s a vision in blue. She exudes confidence and rocks thick, high heels with ease – but I do notice the comfy pair of Rothy’s loafers nearby. “Burnout in healthcare is a huge problem,” she shares. “We want our people working in an environment focused on their wellbeing, as well as the patients.”

How much time, energy, and money are you willing or able to invest in expressing yourself through your hair—whether that’s color, cuts, or styling? For clients returning to office life or needing more streamlined appointments, we now have options like 10-minute permanent color processing to cover silver strands. You can have your hair cut and colored in about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. Did you even know that was possible?

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been on a tariff international press tour. Toys have been the biggest topic, but I get to speak about how it affects all our local businesses. I have been interviewed twice and those stories appeared on ABC World News and Good Morning America and NBC Washington and NBC Nightly News. This is clearly a complicated global issue that is getting a lot of attention. I want to bring it to the local level and give it a bit of context.

What’s that old axiom – if you want something done, do it yourself? The retailers in Old Town started Plaid Friday, The Alexandria Sidewalk Sale, The Alexandria Warehouse Sale and Alexandria Stylebook, and now we are adding a new spring event to the mix: The Old Town Spring Fling. There are 30 stores that are participating and each one has a special event or trunk show they’re hosting.

This basement renovation is part of a full-home project with a dynamic family that lives, hosts, and celebrates with intention. Their home is a revolving door of energy—kids, neighbors, colleagues, and book club friends—and this lower level was designed to keep up with it all while reflecting their fearless love of color and thoughtful design.

Situated along the most prestigious street in Old Town Alexandria—within one of the nation's most historic and desirable neighborhoods—River Row comprises six newly constructed, LEED Silver-certified residences. Each four-level home offers a rare combination of timeless architecture, innovative engineering, and a premier location—with no HOA or condominium fees.

In art, as in life, the idea of starting over often feels like failure. A false line. A bad decision. A misstep. Something to be hidden or corrected, preferably without anyone noticing. But what if we reframe erasure, not as a sign of weakness or regret, but as a deliberate, even powerful creative act? What if starting over is not the undoing of progress but an essential part of the process itself?

In the world of interior design and retail curation, finding truly one-of-a-kind pieces is like striking gold. For many designers and store owners, like Patina Polished Living, the challenge lies not in spotting what’s beautiful—but in finding what no one else has. Sourcing unique pieces isn’t as easy as it once was. Markets are saturated with reproductions and look-alikes. What our clients and customers crave are those unexpected gems.

When it comes to thriving through perimenopause and beyond, we often focus on hormones, hot flashes, and the occasional mood swing that could take down a small village. But there’s one topic that deserves more of the spotlight: strength training, especially when it comes to protecting your spine.

Getting yourself to the gym is a huge positive step toward better health and a stronger you. However, navigating the gym itself can be intimidating and deflating – especially when you get started. So I’m sharing three things that I recommend to all of my clients when they’re working on getting more comfortable at the gym.