Since Alexandria is what I consider the best collection of independent retailers around, this Small Business Saturday, a group of over a dozen stores have collaborated to do a day of gifts with purchase. Stop in, shop and get a little gift from us. Just a thank you for shopping small this holiday season and helping us keep the doors to our shops open another year!

Thanksgiving arrives next week, officially kicking off the holiday season. We all hold dear our traditions and ways of sharing our gratitude. It may be a turkey trot in the morning, Friendsgiving, dinner out at a local restaurant, hosting family from out-of-town or traveling to visit loved ones. We asked our contributors to share their Thanksgiving traditions and a few also shared their favorite dish.

When we first opened our boutique, we knew from the start that it wasn’t just about the products we were selling—it was about creating an experience. We wanted every single detail, from the lighting to the smell to the color of the walls, to reflect our personal style and make our customers feel comfortable, inspired, and, most importantly, connected.

Faux leather, vegan leather, pleather... call it what you like, but if you’ve been keeping an eye on the fashion scene, you’ve probably noticed that this alternative to leather is stealing the spotlight. Gone are the days when this eco-friendly alternative was considered just a cheap knockoff of the real thing. With fabulous brands like Generation Love, Pistola, and Lavender Brown leading the way, vegan leather is now all about luxe looks without the guilt.

The temps are cooling and those beautiful autumn days are coming. While fall is full of festivals, apple picking and harvests, we do love to squeeze in a day trip to a winery or two…or more. We asked our contributors to share their faves within driving distance of Alexandria.

If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram, you might have noticed a trend that’s tipping its hat to the American West: cowboy core. This style is all about mixing rugged Western charm with modern fashion, and it’s a fun way to add a bit of frontier flair to your everyday look. Whether you're a style enthusiast or just curious about this trend, here’s a guide to understanding cowboy core.