I am sure you can imagine that your local wool shop gets a bit giddy when sweater weather finally arrives. This season, we love seeing “high pile” textures in knits at our local boutiques and on runways – lots of fuzz, floof, fringe and fur! Oversized fuzzy and furry garments were all over runways for fall and winter, and Mohair in particular is having its moment again.

It used to be that sets were reserved for more casual looks—and of course, there are still great casual sets (I live in them). But these days, there are so many great dressy options, especially skirt-and-top combinations. There really are so many great sets at all price points, and for every occasion.

The holidays are fast approaching, and a little planning now can make all the difference later. Here are the tried-and-true tips we swear by to make your season a breeze!

Who else can’t believe we’re almost at the end of 2025?! November is the unofficial kickoff for year-end prep here at Moneta Accounting Solutions, and one of the things we’re turning our focus to is 1099s!

At deZEN, we believe hair tells a story long before we say a word. For many, thinning hair is one of the most tender chapters. It can surface quietly, shift slowly, and feel deeply personal. But it is also something that can be understood, supported, and softened with the right care.

There’s something magical about seeing a vision come to life and capturing it in a way that tells the full story. Last week, we had the joy of photographing our Woodland Terrace project, and it was a day that reminded us why we love what we do.

Every parent wants their child to succeed. But as the pressure mounts—for full schedules, packed curricula, polished transcripts, and strong test scores—many families are beginning to pause and ask a quieter, more important question this admissions season: What makes a school truly good?

This year is proving that once again the “transition” season deliveries are the best deliveries. The Ulla Johnson delivery we just unpacked is a perfect example. Every piece can be worn right now, but can also take you into spring and even summer.

As Margaret O’Meara Douglas transitions into full-time sales, she’s opening up her playbook. Today’s Real Estate Terms 101 dives into the Home Sale Contingency—a powerful tool she’s recently used to guide buyers through selling and purchasing with confidence.

 Meet Stephanie Bibighaus, the new Executive Director at The Alexandria Police Foundation — and a woman who’s turned personal loss into purpose. From her Pentagon days to championing K-9 heroes, Stephanie reminds us that style, service, and heart often go hand in hand. 

Lots of things have changed about our stores since we first opened, but one thing that stands out is how much I’ve learned as a buyer. Over 22 years, I’d like to think I’ve gotten better at understanding what our customers love most.

Poker is a game that’s been around for centuries and continues to be one of the world’s most popular pastimes. It has become a passion for millions as it is a game that requires skill, strategy and a little luck. However, if players want to take their skills to the next level, nothing compares to the environment of a live poker room.

If you’ve ever wandered through a holiday market and felt the magic, the twinkling lights, the scent of cider, the cozy bustle, you probably weren’t thinking about what it took to build each booth. Which is exactly the point.

There's something special about being recognized by your own community. When the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce named Family First Law Group as Small Business of the Year, it wasn't just an award—it was validation from the neighbors, families, and business owners we serve every day.

As Thanksgiving nears, we’re celebrating the joy of gathering and the beauty in life’s little moments. At Patina Polished Living, discover handcrafted tableware, festive linens, and seasonal décor to create a warm, welcoming table that feels timeless and uniquely yours.

I don’t want to speak too soon, but it seems like I might break the pattern of menswear stores opening and closing within a few years in Old Town. It’s difficult to make something new and unique because no one even knows to look for it, but once people find out about it, the wheels start turning.

This year marks Jeff Erickson’s and my 32nd holiday season together as business partners. A lot has changed over the years, but one thing that never does is the last-minute framing rush. Every December, our shop hums with the energy of people trying to turn their affection into something tangible — a framed piece of love, nostalgia, or memory.

The holidays conjure up feelings of decadence. A festive season that commands our most dazzling ensembles, accessorized with our most radiant jewelry. And while we love to dazzle and delight (we sell diamonds, of course!)...at Mystique, we believe it’s always time to sparkle. 

Built in 1789 by Lawrence Hooff Sr., this distinguished brick townhouse marries historic prestige with modern comfort. Once home to Bushrod Washington, nephew of George Washington and Supreme Court Justice, the residence has welcomed presidents from George Washington to Bill Clinton, and was later owned by a former White House Social Secretary.

It might surprise you, but transition season deliveries are some of the best. The selections are tightly edited, and the pieces are often those you can wear for more than one season. Our first shipments just arrived, and they’re as good as I remember.