Meet Melissa Riddy: a born-and-raised Alexandrian whose deep local roots, community service, and family-first mindset keep her grounded—whether she’s advocating for healthcare access, leading a nonprofit board, or hitting the ski slopes with her daughters.

Meet Lucy von Fahnestock of Together We Bake — the powerhouse nonprofit equipping women with job training, life skills, and confidence through the power of baking and belonging. From humble beginnings to a bold 2030 vision, Lucy shares how the Alexandria-based program is helping women reclaim their futures—one chocolate chip cookie at a time.

Tibi is the brand that makes even skirt skeptics fall in love. My all-time favorite is the Trouser Skirt, especially in tropical wool. Sure, it’s too warm for right now, but come September, you won’t want to take it off. We also picked up the Slip Skirt and the Bubble Skirt—perfect for right now and easy to dress up or down.

 If there’s one thing we hear constantly from our couples and clients, it’s how hard it is to find the *perfect* event space in Old Town—something stylish and unique, in a prime location, with great food and views. Well, friends, we’re thrilled to share a new hidden gem that checks *all* the boxes: Cooper Mill.

Let’s face it, most of us put off estate planning. Then life changes. You get divorced. And in the middle of everything else—custody arrangements, moving, paperwork—your estate planning documents often fall through the cracks. But what really happens if you don’t update them?

According to Sotheby’s latest Luxury Outlook Report, we are in the midst of a Luxury Renaissance, where affluent buyers make decisions based not on external status symbols, but on personal meaning. Whether in real estate, fashion, or travel, luxury today is about lifestyle alignment—how possessions and experiences reflect who you really are.

Summer in the DMV means sunshine, sweat, and serious humidity—and while we love a good beach day or rooftop brunch, our hair doesn’t always share the vibe. Whether you’re air-drying, pool-hopping, or frizz-fighting, these five stylist-approved tips will keep your hair looking and feeling its best all summer long.

The pre-fall delivery is always a favorite from Ulla Johnson. If you asked me why, I’d say it’s because it’s the most “buy-now, wear-now” collection we get in June. The brand does a fantastic job of creating prints and fabrics that feel right for summer but easily transition into early fall.

Getting ready to move? Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or just relocating across town, here’s how to take the stress out of your move — with expert organizing tips from our team to keep things smooth on both ends.

From cross-country moves and art school rebellion to sailing adventures and soulful design—Kim of Patina shares her story of resilience, reinvention, and creating spaces filled with beauty, memory, and meaning.

Because of my journey, I now hold a space—a control room of sorts—where all are welcome. Even those with opposing views. I can hold that. I’ve made peace with that. My work, my mission, is to offer space for experience, healing, and authenticity.

As you prep for July 4th and Alexandria’s big birthday bash, meet four inspiring makers whose American-made goods bring beauty, heart, and heritage to your home.

When I saw the Janis Midi Dress in Lime and Dove by Veronica Beard, I thought this is the perfect summer dress. The silhouette is so flattering, and the fabric makes it effortlessly versatile. I also love that it isn’t white.

The real secret to successful summer learning – or any learning for that matter – is disguising education as play. When children are having fun, they absorb information naturally. Their creativity and curiosity kicks in and they ask thought provoking questions then seek out the answers on their own.

People often say to me, “My kids are too grown up. I missed my chance to do family photos.” But my friends, I promise you this: as grown up as your children seem today, you’ll look back on photos and think how little they still looked. Tomorrow, next month, next year—you’ll always wish for a glimpse of the now.

About a month ago, my father passed away. If you’re in that club, you know how quickly the ending can come. I thought I had more time—more conversations to have, more texts to send. Funny how often I still think I can text him. But time waits for no one, and peonies wait for no one. They bloom and fade on their own schedule. Maybe that’s why I love them more than other, more predictable flowers.

Imagine a place where the sun kisses the turquoise Aegean, where bougainvillea spills over whitewashed walls, and the scent of grilled octopus mingles with the salty air. Welcome to Türkbükü, a captivating coastal town in Bodrum, Turkey, that's ready to steal your heart.

If you're reading this, chances are you've shoulder discomfort or pain. I'm here to help you figure out whether it's time to see a physical therapist (not a surgeon!), how to prevent shoulder issues, and how to address them so you can stay strong and active.

This exceptional 2,100-square-foot residence offers a rare blend of privacy, elegance, and convenience. Overlooking peaceful parkland from every window, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath townhome lives with the grace and scale of a single-family home, yet offers the ease of HOA living.

There’s a quiet kind of magic that happens when your home truly reflects who you are. It’s not about chasing trends or filling every corner with something new—it’s about editing with intention and finding inspiration that speaks to your life, your style, and your story.