This fall has been all about change at the stores. You have seen a lot of new faces on the floor and we have some new faces behind the scenes; well not totally behind the scenes. You may recognize a familiar visage in our fall campaign. My good friend and the former owner of She’s Unique, Katya has been spending a little more time with us lately.

I am a family lawyer and I have been a Guardian ad Litem, which means courts appointed me to speak for children in custody cases. Virginia judges decide custody on the child’s best interests, and the child development research on what that means is remarkably consistent. Here is what not to do during a custody case, and what to do instead.

October in Old Town has arrived! The humidity is lower and we are enjoying crisp, cooler days and blue skies. Pumpkins are popping up on doorsteps throughout town, and Halloween decorations are taking center stage. Before we know it, we will be eating turkey, decorating for Christmas, and ringing in the New Year. Now is the time to start thinking about all the little touches that make entertaining and celebrating easier.

As a jewelry store owner, I may be biased, but I think that fine jewelry should be worn daily—not just for special occasions. Life is a series of celebrations, and our jewelry speaks to them! Remember that pearl necklace gifted to you on your 16^th birthday, or the diamond studs you received when you graduated from college? These are now staples in your collection that cement memories and help express yourself.

This fall, I really focused on changing our shoe selection, but we always like to add some newness to our ready-to-wear offerings as well. One of the lines I am most excited about is Arlo Mott. This is only the second season for the line overall, and we are thrilled to be one of the new stores carrying it this fall.

The Patterson Group introduces five exceptional new listings, from a resort-inspired Wellington retreat with a spectacular pool to beautifully reimagined Old Town residences and a spacious Del Ray home. Discover distinctive architecture, thoughtfully updated interiors and inviting indoor-outdoor living, all in sought-after Alexandria neighborhoods.

For Helen Clemens, a good book has always been about more than the story on the page. As a child, she constantly immersed herself in books, reading any chance she could. Today, that lifelong love of reading has found a new home in Alexandria through Literary Libations, the monthly book club she created at Morrison House, where thoughtful books and conversations meet equally thoughtful cocktails.

One of the most difficult categories to buy is denim. There are so many options it can be a bit overwhelming. It used to be that one denim trend monopolized a season, but now, anything goes—which is a really good thing.