Street Style: Meet Alicia Valencia Erb of Vida Style
“I love fashion, I love people, and connecting the two. There’s always been a stigma about there being a smell factor when you walk into a (consignment) store. I like to remove those perceptions and open people to a new avenue, especially when you bring in the savings factor. These pieces are a third of retail. Why would you buy a new dress when so many things are already here?”
Start the Year on the Right Frame
For many, joy is in your family, and capturing the togetherness of family is a tradition we love. As the clock resets and a new year begins, there's magic in the air. It’s a fresh start, full of hope, new goals, and exciting opportunities. Capture this moment with fresh photos and mark the turning of a new chapter in your life.
The Heavy Side of What I Do – And an Uplifting Way For Us to Help Prevent It!
With school closing for an extended break, and families all together, sometimes the ugly parts of what I do come floating to the surface, in particular child abuse. There is always a rise in abuse when children are home for prolonged periods. What can you do to help? This part is much easier – attend an uplifting party and fundraiser!
This Holiday Sale Hits the Spot: 50% Off at Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post and Pippin Toy Co.
We hope you are enjoying the holiday season! If you're still feeling festive and looking for a deal, our Holiday Sale will hit the spot! Holiday items are all 50% off right now. A few exclusions apply, but nearly everything is marked down.
Sweet Resilience: Madame Coco Chocolate Emporium and the Power of Community
The fire that engulfed Madame Coco Chocolate Emporium, along with two other beloved women-owned businesses, marked a heart-wrenching moment for all involved. What began as an ordinary evening quickly transformed into a scene of devastation that would shake the very foundation of our community. And yet, even amid the ashes and ruin, there were glimmers of hope that reminded us of the resilience within and around us.
A Christmas Getaway: Santa’s Village in Lapland, Finland
Located in the snowy landscapes of Rovaniemi, Finland, Santa’s Village brings the magic of Christmas to life every day of the year. Officially recognized as the hometown of Santa Claus, this enchanting destination in the Arctic Circle offers visitors an unforgettable experience filled with holiday cheer, adventure, and unique cultural traditions.
New Brand Alert at The Hive: ATM
I am always on the search for the perfect t-shirt. It has to be both the right thickness and the right cut. I can’t stand it when a t-shirt is too sheer or cut either too tight to the body, or way too boxy so it looks sloppy. It has to be that perfect in-between. I want to be able to layer it under a sweater or blazer but also to sometimes wear it alone.
Don’t Drop the Ball This NYE: Let’s Make This Celebration Sparkle!
This holiday season feels extra special for me – it’s our very first holiday season in business at ERA, and I’m absolutely buzzing with gratitude and excitement! As we count down the days to New Year’s Eve, it’s time to focus on you. This is the time to pick out an outfit that not only shows off your style, but also radiates all the excitement, confidence, and fresh energy you’re bringing into the new year.
A Holiday Getaway Just Across the Bridge at MGM National Harbor
With a larger-than-life holiday display, a weekly fireworks show, and festive spa specials, MGM National Harbor is the ultimate holiday staycation destination. The property has transformed into a winter wonderland with activities for the whole family to enjoy and celebrate the yuletide season.
Stocking Stuffers You Can Grab In Old Town, Alexandria
My favorite part of opening presents is opening my stocking. I take a lot of time to find fun and interesting things for the stocking and luckily for me, you don’t have to go much further than Old Town. There are so many unique gifting options in Old Town, so skip Target and Amazon this year and SHOP LOCAL!
Outdoorsy Gifting for The Explorers in Your Life
If you’re holiday shopping for someone who enjoys the outdoors – a camper, a hiker, a wanderer, a stargazer, or an explorer of any sort, read on. I hope the guide will simplify shopping for the adventurers in your life and perhaps inspires you to do some exploring of your own!
How to Combat Winter Hair Woes: Your Ultimate Guide to Hydration and Shine
Winter in Alexandria can be beautiful, but it’s no friend to our hair. The good news? With the right care, your hair can stay hydrated, healthy, and full of shine all season long. Here’s a step-by-step guide to winter-proofing your hair, featuring must-have products we love at Salon deZEN.
Elizabeth’s Shop Local Gift Guide: Old Town, Alexandria
As you are reading this you might be trying to figure out how to get your last-minute Christmas shopping done. Well, look no further than Old Town Alexandria. If you are still trying to cross people off your list this late in the game, then you really have to buy for them in a brick-and-mortar store. I thought I would share how I checked a long list of people of all ages off my list—all in Old Town.
Discovering Design Inspiration and Unique Finds in Alexandria: Crème de la Crème’s Newest Location
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful design-focused event at Alexandria’s Crème de la Crème store. At the event, I picked up the perfect holiday gift for any design enthusiast: The Living Room, the latest title published by Assouline. For those unfamiliar, Crème de la Crème is a haven for unique home and entertaining finds.
Midnight Merriment at Pippin Toy Co.
We love a good tradition. One that makes sense and everyone can enjoy. Now that Old Town has a toy store again, we thought it would be fun to continue Why Not's time-tested tradition of staying open until Midnight the Saturday before Christmas. We’re calling it Midnight Merriment!
Breathtaking Capitol and River Views in Renovated Elevator Townhome in Alexandria
Discover a new level of luxury living in this newly renovated elevator townhome, ideally located just steps from Founders Park and the scenic Potomac River. This meticulously crafted residence offers unparalleled comfort and style, blending modern design with elegant finishes throughout.
Stylebook’s Holiday Gift Guide: For The Person Who Has Everything
There’s always that one individual that makes you sweat come holiday shopping time – because they have absolutely EVERYTHING. They’re on top of trends and have the “it” gadget before it's available to anyone else on planet Earth, they also have a vintage collection that museums would fight over and they’re non-expressive and unimpressed (though polite), whenever it’s time to open your present. But…maybe they don’t have one of these:
What’s Actually on My Christmas List — Plus Book Recommendations for Yours
Season’s greetings from your neighborhood bookseller, a 40-year-old woman who has, according to her Christmas list, leaned in to becoming a caricature of an eccentric bookshop owner. In addition to the following gift ideas on my list this year (only some of which are truly strange), I have also included book recommendations to help steer your gifting this year.
Remember, Jewelry is Always the Right Size
If you are looking for a last minute gift, look no further than The Hive’s new arrivals from Lizzie Fortunato. Do you need something for that hard-to-shop-for friend or mother-in-law? You can’t go wrong with the organic hoop, which now comes in a mini size. We just received a new shipment of all different colors of both sizes.
Street Style: Meet Reza Mohammadi of Barg Garments
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.