Every season we try to add a new line or two to our selection. Often, it is items we have been buying personally from other stores and we realize, why aren’t we carrying the line at The Hive? That happened with both of these lines I’m writing about today. I purchased my first Closed denim jacket a few years back. As it is with most items I track down, I saw someone wearing it at market. She owned the store Meridian in Bozeman, Montana and really I wanted her entire outfit.

I had no idea what “Strega Nona Fall” was until Julia, who is on TikTok, told me it was a thing. As soon as I heard Strega Nona, I was in. I didn’t even need to research it because it was an immediate recall to the book and all the coziness of her kitchen. In the story our heroine, an Italian Grandma Witch (as her name translates to) has a magic pasta pot.

I’ve been trying to tell people that there are more single women than ever before. Finally, this statistic is popping up all over: 45% of women 25-44 are projected to be single by 2030. Read that again. This reflects how our world has shifted socioeconomically, and legally. So what does the Sheconomy mean for us ladies legally?

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of autumnal charm to your decor or refresh your living spaces, there are a few items that can instantly bring the season indoors. Think plush throw blankets, rich-hued cushions, or a beautiful centerpiece. We’ve curated a list of our fall must-haves to help inspire your seasonal joy at home. 

We probably get a question about meal deductions every single day. In this post we cover a few of the most common, like: Can I write off my morning coffee? Do I need to keep receipts for my business meals? Wait, are meals only 50% deductible or 100% deductible? When it comes to business deductions, the FIRST question you need to ask yourself is: Is this an ordinary and necessary expense for conducting my business?

Every client comes to us with expectations. Some crave a little more space, while others want to completely transform their homes. Some have Pinterest boards and spend hours browsing Instagram, while others prepare wishlists and budgets. I’m sharing two client case studies so you can see the spark that ignites our work.

Quite often on Patina’s design visits, we encounter homes with a great amount of space, but the clients share they feel they are lacking storage. As we familiarize ourselves with the home, we notice doors and drawers full of stuff (aka junk!). Not every room in your house needs to have junk drawers or closets. We recommend organizing your home first before moving on to design support.

Sometimes you get an item that just fits everyone right. It’s the item that if it makes it into a dressing room, there’s a 99.9 percent chance it will go home with the individual trying it on. That’s the case with the Rene Pull-on pants from Apiece Apart. They are the perfect pull-on pant.

Year after year, students auditioned for the team with little to no dance experience, feeling discouraged after the first day and not returning. Those who did come back, despite their uncertainty, often grew to become some of the strongest dancers on the team. Gennifer knew that these students needed a supportive environment and access to arts education, which led her to create ArtSpireVa. 

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.