When I ask Tristan what he’s really enjoyed learning about the jewelry business he says it's the mystery of estate jewelry. He says it’s one of the most popular and browsed upon cases – because everything inside is so unique. He also loves the possibilities that come with redesigning pieces and family heirlooms, so that future generations can wear a piece of their family history.

I own a lot of shoes. It might be reaching the 200 number. Despite my very large collection, there are always a few shoes each season that I wear over and over again. Last year when I walked into Franklin Showroom, which represents Freda, I almost started to tear up when I saw what I knew would be my replacement for these overly loved Tibi shoes. The style is called the Marie Slingback.

My friend Michele of Meant To Be Calligraphy and I have been sitting on a big secret for over a year.  Last year about this time – actually, it was the day of Doggie Trick or Treat! – we closed Penny Post for the day and Michele taught a private brush lettering class for Love Is Blind’s (now favorite) couple, Taylor and Garrett. You can see it all unfold in Episode 10 (around the 21 min. mark) of this season!

Plaid Friday is Alexandria’s alternative to Black Friday. Avoid the frenzy of the big box stores and shop amazing discounts and beautifully curated shops in the DMV’s best destination for shopping local — Alexandria, Virginia! The name Plaid Friday comes from the idea of weaving the individual threads of small businesses together to create a unique fabric that highlights the diversity and creativity of independent shops.

I know folks have come in and said it doesn’t seem that we have as many shoes as before. Since I’m the buyer for the store, I promise you, we have as many shoes as we did before. We’re always working on making sure we have what everyone needs. We really want to make sure that when you find that perfect outfit, we can help you find that perfect shoe to match. Most recently, we have been unpacking loads and loads of everyone’s current favorite new shoe brand, Freda Salvador.

From spooky bike rides to vibrant fall festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate fal. Whether you’re looking to support a good cause, snag some great deals, or simply spend a fun day with family and friends, these upcoming events have something for everyone.

Normally, I use this space to talk about Art, but today I’m excited to introduce you to our framing studios and my business partner, fellow rock band member, and talented artist, Jeff Erickson. Together, we own Erickson & Ripper Framing and Del Ray Picture Framing. We also have some exciting news to share!

There are lots of great reasons to cut off all your hair. Going through a personal style crisis after having a baby is one of them. In the years since, I’ve had two more daughters and experienced similar moments of reinvention and rediscovery. It feels like each new baby challenges me to get back in touch with myself, my image, with what makes me feel seen and understood.

The work of play (if it’s good play) builds strong people. In his book The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt describes the best kind of play as spending time outdoors wherein children decide what to do for themselves – they make up the games, competitions, crafts, and there is some risk of getting hurt. This helps build resilience while nurturing and strengthening all the things so inherent to children. 

Tricycles and bicycles are a staple on most holiday wish lists, so we wanted to make sure you got yours well in advance. This weekend, we are having a Banwood trunk show. We will have examples of everything they have and all the colors they offer so you can see them in person. They will be here well in advance of the holidays so you can delight your little people this season!

For many of us, autumn is a time of transition, and that shift can bring even the most composed home into a time of chaos! Here are some tips to help you ease into the transition.

Faux leather, vegan leather, pleather... call it what you like, but if you’ve been keeping an eye on the fashion scene, you’ve probably noticed that this alternative to leather is stealing the spotlight. Gone are the days when this eco-friendly alternative was considered just a cheap knockoff of the real thing. With fabulous brands like Generation Love, Pistola, and Lavender Brown leading the way, vegan leather is now all about luxe looks without the guilt.

When Emerson Fry introduced their denim line, Twin Doves, we knew we had to give it a try. The same foundations are true of their denim as their ready to wear line. They use quality fabrics and cuts that are wardrobe staples. They are also the softest jeans ever. Sometimes it takes time to “break-in” our jeans, but these already have that feel that you get after you have had a pair of jeans for a few years.

With chlorine, sun and salt water no longer wreaking havoc on our manicures, we’re all in for rocking some new nail looks this fall. Our hands are an extension of our daily look/vibe/mood and keep us feeling polished (pun intended) during the fall madness. While we’ve been out and about in Old Town, we couldn’t help but notice the vast range of shades and styles displayed on our friends’ hands. So we asked our contributors to share the fall hues they’re loving:

Your haircut is more than just a style—it’s a reflection of your personality, lifestyle, and most importantly, the unique features of your face. While many people think certain cuts are only for specific face shapes, the truth is, most haircuts can work for most people, as long as they are adjusted and tailored to the person wearing them.

I know that in Northern Virginia I’m preaching to the choir about voting. The majority of people who can vote in this area are already registered. Hell, registering to vote is the first thing some kids do when they turn 18. I know mine did. While those who can vote are likely registered, I still feel like it’s our responsibility to encourage voting every election cycle. The first thing to do is make a voting plan.

If you enjoy watching someone yell at the television, watch Love is Blind with a divorce attorney. I generally hide under a rock from reality TV, but it was interesting to watch. One of the biggest takeaways though is just how fast this show pushes people to get engaged. And while some people had the kids/no kids discussion, not everyone did. How can you not discuss whether or not you want children?

I am late in writing about our outlet, P.S. The Hive. I would love to say it's a new idea, but many of you might remember Treat, a store that was in Old Town I guess about a decade ago. The concept was basically to make a local outlet store for independent boutiques. Think Nordstrom Rack, but for all the little guys out there. That is basically what we are doing at P.S. The Hive.

The beautiful finishes set with brilliant gemstones and diamonds by designer Mazza are rich in Italian heritage of Torro del Greco, reflect a legacy that spans four generations and is enriched by his travels across Italy. Marvel at the meticulous craftsmanship evident in the bezel-set jewelry, burnished style settings, and distinctive Florentine finishes that effortlessly complement the carefully selected, one-of-a-kind gemstones in his collection.

Welcome to this rare, semi-detached townhome that defines luxury and convenience in historic Alexandria. Spanning four sun-filled levels, this spacious property is among the largest townhomes in the area, featuring the ultimate in modern living with elevator access to every floor.