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Street Style: Alison Giese
Our designer partner, Kristin Try, and I were in the store one day when Alison Giese walked in and we started talking about Cisco Brothers furniture and design. We were both struck with Alison’s easy manner and good taste. Soon after, I started following her on Instagram and looked forward to every Monday when she does her Monday Mood Board.
Using existing and sometimes imaginary clients, Alison shows off her design chops every Monday with the most glorious mood boards. What this woman can do with neutrals is amazing. And, if you’ve ever worked with neutrals, then you’ll appreciate her talent. (Read: it ain’t easy folks). A native of Texas with world travels under her belt, Alison brings that same sense of ease to her designs. Texture, balance, natural materials, and proper scale are just some of the design tricks she has up her sleeves.
Just as I did with Regan, I had to muster up the courage to reach out to Alison to see if she’d like to partner with us in our Design Collective. After all, she’s a published designer who is quickly becoming an Instagram micro-influencer in the design world. I knew she would be a good fit for us, I just hoped we would be a good fit for her. You can’t imagine my excitement when she agreed to work with us. Alison’s mix of Texas charm, global views, generosity, and head for business are a perfect complement to Red Barn’s ethos and aesthetic. We are thrilled to be partnering with such a tremendous talent. Alison and I look forward to working with you to bring her easy, sophisticated and au courant style to your home. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the woman who makes my neutral-loving heart melt, Alison Giese…
Alison is wearing the Joan dress by Ulla Johnson and Painted Disco earrings by Lizzie Fortunato, both available at The Hive,
and the Nearly Nude by Stuart Weitzman, available at The Shoe Hive | 📸:: Sarah Marcella Creative
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? – I own an Interior Design business, which takes up a lot of my time. When I’m not wearing all the hats as a small business owner, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and three girls, exercising, and a good, dirty martini!
What is your hometown? Victoria, Texas (small town girl!)
What brought you to Alexandria? My business brings me to Alexandria. There are great resources for designers in Alexandria — Red Barn Mercantile, Architectural Ceramics, to name two.
What would surprise people about you? I have a law degree.
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? I can speak any language.
Favorite cocktail: Vodka Martini, dirty!
Last book read or movie seen: Crazy Rich Asians. Loved it!
Guilty Pleasure: Bubble teas, almost daily
Phrase you overuse: “You want fries with that?” Just kidding…I don’t think I have one. 😉
Facebook or Instagram? Insta
Latest binge-watch: It’s not really a binge, but I love Outlander, and am always very bereft when the season ends.
Bucket list travel destination: Mallorca, Spain
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffeeeee
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less:Relaxed, authentic, inspired
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Jeans
Favorite trend ever: Jordache jeans (I’m a child of the 80s)
Favorite current trend: Cropped pants with a cool heel
Beauty product you can’t live without: Burt’s Bees Classic lip balm
Heels or flats? Heels
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Kitchen
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Definitely a mix!
Last item bought for your home: Some candleholders
Next planned purchase: Closet organizers
Favorite way to entertain: An intimate group, casual dinner — good food, great drink, witty conversation
Clutter-free or well lived-in? Clutter-free
Wallpaper — yes, totally modern or no, so dated: YES!
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: Tracy Anderson streaming video
Most fun way to exercise: A dance class — Zumba, Cardio Barre
Group exercise or solo: Ideally a group.
Fitness goal: To stay fit and flexible.
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Dance/fitness competition
Proudest fitness achievement: Waking up at 5am every day to get my workout in.
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Mount Vernon
Last purchase in Alexandria: A jacket and jeans from The Hive
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Mia’s has a great vibe
Favorite charity: The National Military Family Association
Favorite annual Alexandria event: Anything at Mount Vernon
- About the boutique
Red Barn Mercantile opened its doors in September 2007 with a single vision in mind: providing old and new to offer our customers signature whole-room designs at great prices.
We’re more than a furniture boutique and provide more personalized service than a big box retailer. We work hard to bring you the highest quality furniture and gifts, the most unique conversation starters, wall hangings and accent pieces, whether they come from off-the-beaten-track flea markets, or the latest designers.
1117 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.838.0355
