When I first walked into Reza Mohammadi’s tailored clothing shop, BARG Garments on 108 N. Alfred Street, I felt like I was visiting a friend’s home. He was very polite, always smiling and brought me a cup of tea and some chocolates when we sat down to chat. He had emailed me a few weeks earlier, curious to know more about the small business community in Alexandria.

I invite you to embrace the most accessible beauty secret: dedicating time to yourself. This practice not only redefines vanity but also nurtures the soul. In our fast-paced lives, we often wear our exhaustion as a badge of honor, neglecting simple pleasures like taking a moment to breathe or appreciating our loved ones.

What I know from years and years of costume design - is that accessories and beauty hold such a magical power to transform an outfit. We don’t always need to go out and buy a new dress or outfit for every party. When you have something you already love, wear it! The easiest way to make it new? Add an accessory, then change your hair and makeup.

You could go for the usual suspects—luxury candles, cashmere scarves, maybe a bottle of vintage Champagne. Or, you could elevate your gifting game entirely with something unexpected yet undeniably luxe: a personalized makeup lesson.

Holidays can stir up a lot of feelings, and there is comfort in memories that connect us to people and places of the past. We are feeling particularly nostalgic these days and have assembled a Gift Guide to celebrate fond memories and a few things we grew up loving.

Let’s talk front doors.  As funny as it is to say, front doors are my favorite part of a home’s exterior. This season we’re rolling out a brand new collection of door wreaths that are the perfect celebration of the season, and a wonderful gifting idea.  

One key part of this annual event is making sure the men know what to get when they arrive. This is where the Stylebook readers come in. This isn’t just for Men’s Night – this is for the entire holiday shopping season. Come in and fill out a Wish List and we will do the rest.

As both an artist and the owner of a framing gallery, I’ve worked with countless clients to help them transform their living spaces into personalized Art galleries. With a few thoughtful tips, you can elevate your space and create a cohesive, inspiring environment that tells your story.

Why does he always say he doesn’t need anything, and then looks sad when all the gifts under the tree are for the kids – and you! Surprise him this year with something unique and something he needs, not socks or a sweater, because you know your mother-in-law has that covered. Here’s a guide from our local experts:

This mid-century modern masterpiece, winner of the 2024 Home and Design Grand Award for Curb Appeal, is a striking example of visionary design by celebrated architect Ben Ames. Every aspect of this extraordinary home reflects a meticulous commitment to craftsmanship, aesthetic harmony, and the seamless integration of architecture with nature.

As the festive season sparkles into view, we invite you to indulge in our special savings designed to make your holiday gift-giving truly magical. Mystique Jewelers’ exquisite collection of jewels is not just any ordinary gift; each piece is a unique treasure waiting to be discovered.

Ever wonder how some people seem to have boundless energy while you wish you could have pushed the snooze button five more times? And how does your sister eat anything and not gain a pound? This is likely due to metabolic flexibility.

Don’t forget to make sure the men know it’s at 315 Cameron Street this year. We won’t kick them outside like years past; we will instead let them stay warm inside. And one thing that hasn’t changed at all – we’ll have top-shelf bourbon and scotch to make the shopping a pleasant experience.

Melonie Johnson is sitting on a bench outside Ada’s on the River. The morning fog has begun to lift and across the river we can clearly see the towering hotel at MGM National Harbor, where Melonie oversees all day-to-day operations as President and Chief Operating Officer. 

We are incredibly grateful for the women in our lives – and appreciate every minute we get to spend with them while they are already juggling so many things! Giving them an unexpected, thoughtful present is just one way to share our love this holiday season.

Picture this: the soft glow of fairy lights, the scent of fresh pine, and a tree sparkling with ornaments that feel like they came straight out of a winter wonderland…this is how I feel when I walk into Boxwood in December. And Jim’s Marvin’s ornaments are one of the reasons why.

One of the biggest complaints an attorney hears from clients, or from clients switching firms is that their attorney didn’t get back to them often enough or fast enough. There are a variety of reasons for this, and I thought it might be helpful for a lay person to understand why.

I’m grateful for a wonderful week celebrating and reflecting on all the goodness that surrounds us…especially at Renée C. Gage Photography. There are so many women in our community that raise each other up to create, help and bring us all together! 

If you’re a regular reader, you know I have written a lot about Tibi. Last year Tibi put out a book called The Creative Pragmatist and I am happy to finally have found something that makes my life and getting dressed easier. 

Let’s face it: great hair doesn’t happen by accident. At Salon deZEN, we know that achieving that effortless, fabulous style requires a few insider tricks of the trade. Lucky for you, we’re not gatekeepers.