My Day In Alexandria
On an Instagram poll last week, we asked, and you answered! Our Stylebook Readers voted to see a full day through Alexandria. I was so excited this option won – what better way to spend a summer Saturday than hitting the town. If you want to look back on the day on Instagram, check out our new highlight to see.
I started the day off in Del Ray at Mind the Mat. One of my goals since moving here is to find a workout class I enjoy and meet others through that connection. This was my second class, and I am already signed up for another one this week! I choose the HAWT Pilates Express, which was a quick 45 minute but challenging, class taught by Megan Mitchell. Megan was very attentive and helpful in correcting my form and encouraging me to keep pushing through each movement. Afterward, I was warmed up for my full day ahead!
My next stop was to fuel up! You can’t come to Del Ray without grabbing a bite to eat at Stomping Ground. This has become one of my favorite afternoon spots in The Alley to sip a tea and indulge with one of Chef Nicole’s incredible blueberry scones. This time was no different, but I also got the Summer Time Salad, complete with hand-tied burrata, peaches, tomato, biscuit croutons, and sherry vinaigrette. Delish!
Before bopping into Old Town, I stopped into Kiskadee to see what’s new for summer. I love all the colors when you first walk in. I was immediately drawn to their new dresses from Bell. Each dress has so many wonderful details. The dress pictured here has beading on the drawstring tassels around the waist and fun gold embellishment on the shoulder strings. Allison and Lindsey suggested to pair with a hat, and I was sold! This outfit can be taken day to night; just change shoes and the hat for a headband.
The first stops in Old Town were to The Hive and The Shoe Hive. I was eager to get my hands on the new Ulla Johnson that just arrived. I’m a sucker for Ulla because of the easy silhouettes and fun prints. When I’m not opting for a dress, I tend to pull on my sweats at home. The fit and color of this set is perfect for an elevated look, far from my college sweatshirts and leggings. Then, I had to see some of the new arrivals at The Shoe Hive. Of course, I went straight for the Golden Goose wall. These are my favorite brand of sneakers – you can complete any outfit with the simple white leather or go wild with the sequins! I have an upcoming beach trip, so I had to check out the colorful Lilley Line bags everyone has been excited about.
A beach bag is not complete without a book! I stopped into Old Town Books to pick up two books, which I’ll hopefully be able to finish while on my trip. They have all the new and must-haves reads right now. The colorful books really boost your mood!
Next was a trip into Boxwood. Ask Joanna – I come in and stay for a while every time I go! Since moving to Alexandria in May, I am still in the process of filling my place to feel like home. Boxwood has an amazing selection of items perfect for gifts as well. I know my first purchase had to be the Poldina PRO Tall Lamp. I saw this in action at my cousin Katie’s house and knew I needed it. It is a rechargeable LED light that can be used indoor and outdoor. It’s great to add light when hosting on my patio. If you watched our Stories on Saturday, you know that I wanted to reveal what I got next here! I went in, knowing I needed some kind of tray to elevate my kitchen corner. This beautiful blue and pearl one did the trick! It brings a light hue and statement to my dark counters.
You can usually find me hanging out in Mint Collective with my cousins, Megan Podolsky and Katie Coslov, trying on new items weekly. On Saturday, I had to get my hands on the new Pistola dresses and bags. I am also constantly stocking up on the locally-made candles – they are sure to get your guests talking! You’ll see me wearing my new favorite linen set and headbands all throughout my trip.
At this point, I needed an afternoon pick me up! I stopped into the Misha’s on King and grabbed a coffee to recharge for the rest of my stops. Whether you get your coffee hot or iced, Misha’s is where it’s at!
Next, I popped into Penny Post. I have been really thankful for Penny Post since I moved because I grabbed adorable paper products to help organize my day. I start and end my day, crossing off items on my Daily Overview Notepad by Ramona & Ruth. Plus, who doesn’t love a pen in every color of the rainbow? I also had to stop at Red Barn Mercantile to see about adding another flavor of the yummy spreads to my kitchen.
The last stop was Bellacara. As you can probably guess from my day, I was looking a little tired. Celthia came to my resuce. She helped me pick out some new products and refreshed my face for my night out for dinner. I love coming into Bellacara and getting the expert’s advice. I stocked up on new skincare products and sunscreen for my trip. Anyone that knows me knows I am strict about my sunscreen! I wear it every day, everywhere.
And that’s a wrap! Thanks to our Stylebook Readers for voting for a full day in Alexandria. This was seriously so much fun, and I can’t wait to take y’all on another tour soon! Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter to get lifestyle that is locally sourced daily.
