When Katie Brooks first reached out to Stylebook about featuring the new jerseys ASA (Alexandria Soccer Association) was going to introduce, I thought – they must be amazing! And oh, they are! If you don’t know ASA, you’ve definitely seen their crest magnet proudly displayed on the back of many an SUV or car while stopped at a traffic light. It’s a rite of passage to play on one of their teams in this community, and it has expanded into so much more since they were founded over fifty years ago.

April is hopping right along and Easter will be here before you know it. There are springtime treasures to be found at Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, and Pippin Toy Co. Have a look around the shops and find something wonderful help you celebrate the season. Whether it's a basket filled with chocolate eggs, decorative items for the home, or a heartfelt card, these gestures can brighten someone’s day.

Prepare for a vibrant showcase as Mazza returns, celebrating the captivating beauty of Brazilian gemstones, opals, and intaglios! Join us for their Trunk Show event: April 25 and 26 in Alexandria. Be captivated by Sloane Street’s elegant 18K gold collections, inspired by European sophistication at their trunk show on May 2!

“I consider Alexandria home.” When I ask why she chose it, she shares, “Two reasons. I felt like Washington, D.C., had a lot of European feel…the buildings, the architecture, and I knew I wanted to live in a bigger city. And this is going to sound silly, but I was inspired by a movie that won a Grammy (for it’s soundtrack)…it was a big 80s hit with Demi Moore and Rob Lowe.” She thinks for a minute or two. “St. Elmo’s Fire!”

It was a packed house at ACT for Alexandria’s Kick Off Party, sponsored by Passport Auto on Wednesday evening at ALX Community Waterfront. We Alexandrians love to mingle and especially when it’s for a good cause and supporting so many. This year, there are over 190 participating organizations – and there is a cause that everyone can connect with.

Pamela went viral on TikTok at the end of 2021. “I made a video of trends I had observed through the lens of an elder millennial. Overnight I gained 50,000 followers…I had celebs following me,” she shares. “This humorous approach to trends worked for an older audience,” and she kept creating “weekly Cliff notes” for two years as an organic content curator. She struck more gold with spoof reality shows on the platform. “There’s a lot more silliness and physical comedy coming back to social, people need an outlet.”

"My first cover shoot for Vogue was with Taylor Swift…she had just cut her bangs, and it was a wild experience," Lauren says with a laugh. “She was so kind and nice and made sure to make everyone feel welcome.” This was one of many unique experiences during her seven years spent at Condé Nast working with world-renowned titles: GQ, Vanity Fair, New Yorker and Bon Appétit.

Over the years, I’ve built a wardrobe of go-to essentials—straight-leg jeans, a white tee, classic flats or boots, a gray cashmere sweater, a blazer, my Prada cat eye sunnies and my slouchy black Proenza tote. My style stays rooted in this core uniform, but each year, I refresh it with easy, mood-boosting pieces that reflect how I’m feeling. I take a high-low approach.

Of Alexandria, Todd says, “I was immediately impressed. It’s 276 years old and it's not a city stuck in the past. It honors its past and knows its roots, while firmly looking forward. There’s so much flair in this historical place, and it’s been so interesting to learn and experience each of its neighborhoods. Old Town, The West End, Del Ray…and the arts and cultural district that’s growing in North Old Town. Potomac Yard and Virginia Tech’s new innovation campus…

This month we’re sharing what we’re loving in entertainment. From books to podcasts to shows we’ve binged in a single weekend and more. Our contributors highlighted some of their faves and maybe you'll add a few more to your list! Check ‘em out:

Jillian is very big on community. “I know it sounds corny, but you want to go where people know your name.” And she is true to her word, growing the community at MVMNT Society, where she and her husband took over as owners last year. “It’s our first entrepreneurial journey, and there’s so much transformation that I wanted to make happen…which stemmed from teaching at studios in Miami and seeing how good it can be.“

When Renée and I walk into Eries, Jess is glancing into a mirror and debating boots and tights vs. heels. She’s rocking a skort and it’s 20 degrees outside, but we vote for heels. Elena, her business partner and close friend agrees, and together they command a striking presence – ready for a night out, and definitely for our photo shoot.

Kait likes coffee, but she’s never been a fan of tea. The irony is that her photo shoot is at Lady Camellia, a tea house, and Kait very much looks like she belongs. Renée and I are also salivating, because Debbie, the owner, has brought out a stunning display of pastries and sandwiches – and tea for us to try – and it’s sitting in front of Kait!

“I love fashion, I love people, and connecting the two. There’s always been a stigma about there being a smell factor when you walk into a (consignment) store. I like to remove those perceptions and open people to a new avenue, especially when you bring in the savings factor. These pieces are a third of retail. Why would you buy a new dress when so many things are already here?”

There’s always that one individual that makes you sweat come holiday shopping time – because they have absolutely EVERYTHING. They’re on top of trends and have the “it” gadget before it's available to anyone else on planet Earth, they also have a vintage collection that museums would fight over and they’re non-expressive and unimpressed (though polite), whenever it’s time to open your present. But…maybe they don’t have one of these:

When I first walked into Reza Mohammadi’s tailored clothing shop, BARG Garments on 108 N. Alfred Street, I felt like I was visiting a friend’s home. He was very polite, always smiling and brought me a cup of tea and some chocolates when we sat down to chat. He had emailed me a few weeks earlier, curious to know more about the small business community in Alexandria.

Why does he always say he doesn’t need anything, and then looks sad when all the gifts under the tree are for the kids – and you! Surprise him this year with something unique and something he needs, not socks or a sweater, because you know your mother-in-law has that covered. Here’s a guide from our local experts:

Melonie Johnson is sitting on a bench outside Ada’s on the River. The morning fog has begun to lift and across the river we can clearly see the towering hotel at MGM National Harbor, where Melonie oversees all day-to-day operations as President and Chief Operating Officer. 

We are incredibly grateful for the women in our lives – and appreciate every minute we get to spend with them while they are already juggling so many things! Giving them an unexpected, thoughtful present is just one way to share our love this holiday season.

I asked her about the business she was opening in Old Town. Her confidence and calm was something that instantly put me at ease. As she shared her journey, she felt like one of my girlfriends – and we had just met. This was going to be her third location, she was already a seasoned entrepreneur. Even a slight delay here or there wasn’t going to stop her momentum.