I met Amy four years ago when she was working in digital marketing for a firm in Washington, D.C. My assistant had just left to pursue a modeling career and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Her resume didn’t have professional styling experience, but two things caught my attention. First, Amy had digital project management experience. Years ago, I  worked as a project manager, developing content for a corporate website. That work experience informed DC Style Factory’s approach to style and wardrobe. I was never interested in being like a fairy godmother, waving a wand and delivering chic style. I wanted a clear process to achieve tangible results and deliverables. I knew someone with project management experience would understand this.Second was her Instagram account @boyfriends_hate_trends with the tagline “You know you're pulling it off but your man always has something to say.” I laughed right away and laughed some more when I read the captions that were quotes of her boyfriend’s (now husband’s) comments on each of her looks (“Why are your shoes so pointy?”). Four years later and Amy is still with DC Style Factory and still wearing pointy-toe shoes! She has worked in almost every capacity with our company, starting off as a stylist assistant, helping on all appointments, writing style memos, and putting together lookbooks. She implemented our shared drive that streamlined our processes, developed content for our blog, project managed our first live online style workshops, and so much more. Last summer,  she took the leap into personal styling and started our comprehensive training to become a lead stylist on our team. She worked with her first clients this fall. In the midst of helping our company grow and flourish, Amy has also been busy with a growing family. We are so excited to welcome DCSF baby #2! One of the things that is so gratifying about owning this business is the opportunity to work with smart, talented women like Amy. We are so, so lucky to have her on our team, and I know all our clients would agree!  

Amy is wearing Shaina Dress by Ulla Johnson $675 sale: $338, available at The Hive. Shoes are Amy's own.

ABOUT YOU

How do you spend your time? When I’m not styling DC Style Factory clients, you’ll find me outside with my husband and our 2 year old little guy. Neighborhood: Arlington, VAWhat is your hometown? Raleigh, NCWhat brought you to Alexandria? Shopping for clients (and on occasion myself) brings me there regularly. What would surprise people about you? I love anything grapefruit - the scent, the food, and in all beauty products - if it has grapefruit in it, I probably own it. You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Flying sounds fun ;) Favorite cocktail: I can’t imbibe currently until my second is born but I like a dirty martini every once in a while. Last book read or movie seen: You Think It, I’ll Say it - a recommendation from the Reese Witherspoon book club.Guilty Pleasure: Anything chocolate covered from the Trader Joe’s snack section. Phrase you overuse: ‘Sounds good!’Facebook or Instagram? Instagram!Latest binge-watch: Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Bucket list travel destination: Australia and New Zealand! Maybe one day years and years from now when I have kids old enough to make that long of a flight.If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Neither - I prefer tea! Though a glass of red does sound lovely right about now.   

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Vintage inspired classicsThe go-to piece in your wardrobe: Denim jacketFavorite trend ever: Non athletic sneakers because they’re comfortable, cute, and can be styled up or down - every toddler mom’s dream.Favorite current trend: Midi skirts - again love them for their versatility because they can be worn dressed up with a blouse or with a knotted graphic tee. Beauty product you can’t live without: Tinted lip balm - love the Sugar products.Favorite fragrance: Was gifted ‘Le Jour Se Léve’ by Louis Vuitton and love it.Heels or flats? I love heels, but my regular life has me in flats or a boot more often.  

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Our family room where we watch movies and hang out.Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix!Last item bought for your home: A collection of small sunburst mirrors for the new baby’s room.Next planned purchase: a second crib ;) Favorite way to entertain: Friends cooking up a big meal together, enjoying wine, and playing games.Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-freeWallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Love the trend! I’m dying to wallpaper our half bath.   

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Barre3Most fun way to exercise: With friends in a class.Group exercise or solo: GroupFitness goal: Just being healthy and able bodied for my life and my family.Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Barry’s Bootcamp - my friends go and love it. Proudest fitness achievement: Being able to workout through both of my pregnancies and actually feel good doing it - more credit to Barre3.      

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Hive and The Shoe Hive - such happy stores to just peruse and the staff is always the sweetest. Last purchase in Alexandria: A pair of earrings from the Hive.Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: The Majestic - just such a fun atmosphere. Favorite charity: March of DimesFavorite annual Alexandria event: The Christmas market in the town square.