I first met Meredith Patel a few years ago when I tried out her new barre studio here in Old Town. I attended a few classes and mainly kept to myself; I'm not a very extroverted person and honestly don't tend to make friends in gyms (too busy sweating). But, at some point I started chatting with Meredith because that's just what happens when you're in her presence: her infectious personality makes it so that you can't help but connect and engage with her.Years later, Meredith and I have come to collaborate on many projects between our businesses. She was kind enough to host me for a little pop-up I did before the holidays last year and now, we're happy to host Meredith at our new studio, The Seedling Collective, for a pop-up of her own. This weekend, you'll be able to visit Meredith and Lindsey McConnell (another of my favorite instructors) at The Seedling Collective to shop their amazing collection of barre3 athletic attire, water bottles, clean beauty products from Beautycounter and Brush on the Block, and so much more. You can read more about Meredith's pop up on our blog at theseedlingcollective.com.In the meantime, I'm so happy to share my friend Meredith's style here. She's a classic beauty with a ton of charisma -- a perfect candidate for a Street Style post if there ever was one. She's also a savvy business owner, a generous friend, and an all-around great person. Plus, considering that I usually see Meredith in B3 branded workout gear, it's so fun to see another side of her on these pages. If you love barre3 already or aren't sure what all the fuss is about, visit the pop-up and say hi to Meredith and her team!

ABOUT YOU

How do you spend your time? I love my morning walks in Founders Park with my hubby and pup, and then heading to barre3!

Neighborhood: Old Town

How long have you lived in Alexandria: 4 years

What is your hometown? Winchester, Kentucky

What brought you to Alexandria? We've always loved the charm of Old Town and we moved to open our barre3 studio!

What would surprise people about you? That I didn't enjoy working out until I found barre3 in 2011!

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? I love to encourage and push people past their comfort zone into the best versions of themselves.

Favorite cocktail: Dirty martini

Last book read or movie seen: I just started reading Big Little Lies in anticipation of the series return.

Guilty Pleasure: Bravo's RHOBH

Phrase you overuse: You got this.

Facebook or Instagram? Instagram

Latest binge-watch: The Americans

Bucket list travel destination: South Africa

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee?  I love a great cup of coffee each morning. That'd be hard to give up! 

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Simple, classic, polished

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Currently my DYI marble leggings

Favorite trend ever: Athleisure

Favorite current trend: Birkenstocks

Beauty product you can’t live without: Dry shampoo

Heels or flats? Date Night/Girls Night, heels. Otherwise, always flats. 

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Living room

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern

Last item bought for your home: Fresh flowers

Next planned purchase: A new dryer for our studio. Small Biz Life!

Favorite way to entertain: Friends and music in our backyard!

Clutter-free or well lived-in? Clutter-free

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: YES - LOVE! 

Meredith's gold bar necklace, created in collaboration with Alx&Co., is engraved with b3, andand given to members who have completed 500 classes at barre3.

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: barre3!

Most fun way to exercise: With friends at barre3!

Group exercise or solo: Group. Love working out with a group. For me, this is fitness at its core. So encouraging and inspiring!

Fitness goal: My goal is to make myself and others feel balanced in body and empowered from within.

Proudest fitness achievement: Opening my own barre3 studio 2.5 years ago! 

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Founders Park

Last purchase in Alexandria: A Xirena Dress from The Hive

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Love Mishas. Can't wait for them to open down by the Water! Peoples Drug for drinks. Landini Brothers for date night.

Favorite charity: Alexandria Seaport Foundation

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Wine on the Water -- coming up on June 1st!