Thirty-five years ago, I opened the doors of Mystique Jewelers right here in Old Town Alexandria with a simple mission: to be part of life's most cherished moments. Since that day, I have had the incredible honor of being a part of your proposals, anniversaries, and most cherished family milestones. To celebrate, we’ve made May one of our most exciting months yet.

This is a big week at The Shoe Hive. We have two big trunk shows for Ann Mashburn and Lizzie Fortunato, as well as Made to Order shirting with Ann starting May 1. You really don’t want to miss out.

Over the past year, interest in Korean lash lifts has grown significantly, with searches across the U.S. rising sharply. But what’s more interesting than the numbers is why. Because this isn’t just about a new technique or trending service. It reflects a larger change in how people want their beauty routines to fit into their lives.

For nearly four decades, Reunions has been a light-filled gift shop tucked in the heart of Alexandria where generations of shoppers have come to get gifts for all of life’s events. For new co-owners Molly Merbeth and Blaire Bartlett, it is also where they grew up, in different ways and at different times in their lives, but where they mutually found a home.

Have you ever seen the Lizzie Fortunato Instagram posts or emails and thought, "I wish I could layer necklaces like they do"? Maybe you have hoped that one day they could actually help you with your "neckmess." Well, Friday, May 1 is your chance to do just that, with the one and only Lizzie Fortunato herself. 

Tucked away on nearly one acre of lush, mature landscaping, is a remarkable residence that offers a quiet, peaceful lifestyle that feels worlds away from the city—yet is only minutes to Old Town Alexandria and Downtown Washington, DC. The setting evokes the calm and privacy of the countryside, while daily conveniences, dining, and cultural destinations remain effortlessly close.

You might not think of wine or the wine industry when you think of Earth Day, but the wine industry is one steeped in protecting the planet and the environment. In fact, most of the wineries I represent in my shop are focused on this ethos. Choosing wines made with environmental stewardship in mind is one of the most delicious ways to celebrate Earth Day, and at Wine Gallery 108, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

It is time for our second shoe event of spring, and it is everyone's favorite shoe line: FREDA SALVADOR. The reason FREDA is the “it” shoe brand right now, in my opinion, is that the designs somehow manage to be classic but fashion forward at the same time. The other important thing is that they are so comfortable.