
Fast Friends and Fresh Faces: Speed Networking with The Chamber ALX
From caffeine-fueled intros to speed networking (yes, it’s a thing!) Our morning at Josephine with The Chamber ALX brought new faces, inspiring connections, and even a few surprise moments. See why business cards—and good coffee—still matter.
Cool, Comfy & Made for the Heat: Why We’re Living in Xirena This Summer
Xirena just screams summer—and it should. The brand was founded in Los Angeles and carries that effortlessly laid-back California vibe. When you look at this collection, you can practically feel the sunshine and imagine yourself poolside or on the beach. Come see what’s new from Xirena at The Hive.
Catching Up with Josh Baker: 10 Questions with DASH’s General Manager & CEO
The man behind Alexandria’s award-winning transit system talks local favorites, unexpected facts, and what’s ahead for DASH buses and trolleys.
No-Melt Makeup: Your Summer Beauty Survival Guide to Beat Virginia’s Heat
Every summer, I see it—women rushing in from the Virginia humidity, fanning their faces and laughing about how their makeup didn’t stand a chance. I get it. The heat and humidity here don’t play around. I’ve curated a lineup of my favorite beauty essentials that can handle it all. These are the products I recommend over and over because they truly work.
Uniting for a Cause: Alexandria Boutiques Team Up to Support the Center for Alexandria’s Children
When the Center for Alexandria’s Children reached out about a possible fundraiser, I immediately thought—this is it! I had been wanting to collaborate with some of my fellow family-focused boutiques, and this felt like the perfect opportunity. I’m deeply grateful to the teams at 529 Kids Consign, Monday’s Child, Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop, and Old Town Books for joining in. Giving back has always been central to our mission.
Virginia Summer Bucket List: 34 Ways to Make the Most of the Season
Summer in Virginia was made for adventure—bike rides along the Potomac, paddleboarding at sunset, rooftop cocktails, and weekend escapes to wine country or the coast. Whether you're spending the day in Alexandria or heading to the mountains, here’s your go-to list of 34 unforgettable ways to soak up the season.
Mystique’s Summer Edit: Effortless Elegance for Every Escape (or Polo Match)
Our summer collection is curated with pieces that stun at first glance—bold yet refined, designed to travel with you from sea to soirée. These are the jewels that become part of your story: a gleam in the golden hour, a sparkle that lingers long after sunset, and heirlooms in the making. Whatever you can imagine, we can create.
The Perfect Summer Pants (When It’s Too Hot for Jeans but Shorts Won’t Cut It)
I’ve said it before here on Stylebook: I’m a shorts person. But even I have moments—like going out to dinner or walking around town—when I don’t want to wear shorts. We found the perfect solution to this problem last year: a pant from Citizens of Humanity. It was such a hit that luckily, they brought it back this year.
Raise a Glass: June’s Spirit-Filled Celebrations at MGM National Harbor
Celebrate June’s cocktail holidays in style with inventive drinks from MGM National Harbor, where each sip tells a story. From bold bourbons to vibrant rosés and a martini with a twist, there’s a spirited toast for every taste this month.
Street Style: Meet Erica Gouse Bledsoe
“Junior League has given me a new path that I’m super passionate about—connections with other nonprofits in the area,” Erica says. “The most rewarding part is being surrounded by like-minded women, who are diverse in background and all want to help their community.” Whether she’s organizing fundraisers, exploring Virginia wineries, or reading 150+ books a year, Erica’s story is rooted in purpose, curiosity, and connection.
Summer Entertaining Starts Here: A Hostess’s Guide from My Home to Yours
We’re entering that joyful summer stretch filled with reasons to gather and gift: end-of-year teacher appreciation, graduations, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, and those last-minute "bring a bottle and come by tonight" evenings with friends. The days fly by, but it’s these little moments—the laughter on the patio, the perfect cocktail glass, the unexpected gift—that linger well into fall. Let’s make summer hosting seamless (and beautiful).
The Haircut That Changed Everything
We’ve all heard it: “When a woman changes her hair, she’s about to change her life.” But at deZEN, we’ve lived it—again and again. So, if you’re standing at the edge of a new chapter, don’t be afraid to start with your hair. Whether it’s a major chop, a shift in color, or a gentle refresh—it might be the reset your soul has been quietly asking for. Here’s to becoming.
My Top Picks From The Hive’s Sale (While They Last!)
I’m always a little hesitant to share my favorite items for Stylebook articles—by the time it runs, there’s a chance some of the pieces will be gone. And honestly? I hope they are! That said, I still wanted to share a few of my current sale favorites to highlight the range of brands and styles marked down. Come visit us this weekend. Remember: the more you buy, the more you save!
Let’s Play with Flowers This Summer!
Summer is officially here, and we’re celebrating the best way we know how—surrounded by flowers (and maybe a little rosé). If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at floral design or just need a fun excuse to get out of the house, our summer workshop series at Helen Olivia Flowers is the perfect plan. Our calendar fills up quickly, especially for private events, so don’t wait too long to book!
Father’s Day, Handled: Gifts He’ll Actually Love
Father’s Day is June 15 and we’re all scrambling to plan something sweet for the Dad who allegedly wants nothing and has everything. We’ve curated some gift ideas that will delight him to no end. We’ve pulled items from all over the shops to create a collection riddled with fun, practical, classic, and very special pop-approved gifts.
Organizing Tips for a Clutter-Free Garage, Shed, and Patio This Summer
Remember that time you spent 20 minutes hunting for a baseball glove while your kid's friends waited in the driveway? Or when you gave up finding the garden shears and just used kitchen scissors on your shrubs? We've all been there. Your outdoor spaces should work for you, not against you. We've tested dozens of organizing systems to find what actually works, even with kids and busy weekends in the mix.
From Pools to Patios: Explore Alexandria’s Must-See June Homes
Whether you're dreaming of a resort-style pool just in time for summer, a historic townhome in the heart of Old Town, or a peaceful creekside retreat, this month’s listings deliver on space, style, and setting. With updated features, unique layouts, and unbeatable locations across Alexandria, these homes are ready to impress.
Why Medical Research Is Not One-Size-Fits-All…Especially for Women!
Women have outnumbered men in the United States since 1946 yet between 2014-2020 only 6% of medical studies were conducted on women only. Our pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and the way medical schools teach were all based on the study of men…not women. Thankfully, we are now in a golden age of medical science catching up.
Summer Sale: Let the Shopping Games Begin
It’s hard to believe it’s sale time already! Even though we started a little later this year than last, we’re bringing back one of our favorite markdown formats: the more you buy, the more you save! There are so many great pieces available—tons of summer dresses, shorts, and sandals—just in time for the warm weather.
How to Choose the Perfect Date Night Spot in Alexandria
We’re lucky to have some amazing date night spots right here in Alexandria. And right now? It’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy them—the weather is brilliant, everything is green and gorgeous, and the vibe is just right. Trying to pick the perfect date night spot? My must-haves include a good bar setup!