Street Style: Chris Kidd
We have always had a few men at The Shoe Hive and The Hive working behind the scenes. My dad and business partner, for one, makes sure all the bills are paid, along with a myriad of other things. He was a CEO and corporate executive and public accountant, so he’s easily the most overqualified employee we have. Our windows and sales floor also always look amazing because of a guy. It just always happens behind the scenes so nobody really knows who he is. They are both kind of the men behind curtain in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Well, we are happy to introduce to you to our newest addition to the team and our first male Sales Associate – and I note this is a very late introduction many of you who have met him already – Chris Kidd.
Chris actually started more than a year ago helping behind the scenes with merchandising and events.
One day he was in the store doing something and he started helping a customer. As I watched it across the room, I kind of scratched my head and said to myself, “why in the world don’t I have him working the floor? He is amazing with customers.”
There are a few things you need to know about Chris. First, he has the most positive attitude of anyone who has ever worked at the stores. He is so happy to be here and truly loves retail and fashion. I can say with confidence he knows more about fashion than anyone, myself included, who has ever worked at the stores. You could ask him who won the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Accessory Designer of The Year and he would know it, and not just for the current year. I mean, most of us at the store don’t even know what the CFDA is, though for the record, I do.
So if there is anyone in the store who should be giving out fashion advice, it is probably Chris. He also spends more time on his hair than anyone else at the store. It is always perfect. The rest of us rely a little too much on the messy bun trend, me included.
Besides his love for fashion, the other thing that I think defines Chris is his relationship with his family. They are a very close knit and just flat out fun group of people. When you meet them all, and there are a lot of them, you understand why Chris is such a wonderful person.
I actually met Chris because his mom, Kim, shopped at my store back when it was on Royal Street. That means Chris was about 8 years old. I must tell you, that makes me feel old. Kim has always been a loyal customer and one of those people who when she walks in, I am just happy I get to talk to her. His sisters both shop at the store, one willingly and one reluctantly. His older brother is also in retail and shares his love of clothing.
One day the two brothers will open up their own men’s store and up the men’s fashion game in Alexandria and I can’t wait to see it happen.
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? Talking to people about clothes
Neighborhood: Newport Village
How long have you lived in Alexandria: My whole life!
What is your hometown? Technically Seoul, South Korea, but came here at six months, so Alexandria is my home
What brought you to Alexandria? My parents
What would surprise people about you? I’m adopted
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Mind control
Favorite cocktail: Old Fashioned
Last book read or movie seen: Just finished reading Men and Style by David Coggins
Guilty Pleasure: Junk food
Phrase you overuse: Absolutely
Facebook or Instagram? Facebook
Latest binge-watch: “The Blacklist”
Bucket list travel destination: Paris
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Classic, simple, timeless
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Denim Jacket
Favorite trend ever: Black and navy
Favorite current trend: Tailored sweatpants
Beauty product you can’t live without: Tom Ford Skin Revitalizing Concentrate
Favorite fragrance: Noir Extreme by Tom Ford
Heels or flats? Boots
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My bedroom
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Love a mix of the two
Last item bought for your home: Wine glasses
Next planned purchase: A piece of art by Julie Kraulis
Favorite way to entertain: Hosting parties
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter free
Wallpaper — yes, totally modern or no, so dated: So dated
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: A good hard run and some lifting
Most fun way to exercise: When you’re in the mood
Group exercise or solo: Either one
Fitness goal: To still be able to fit into my pants a year from now
Proudest fitness achievement: Running a sub 5:30 mile like six years ago
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: A somewhat hidden area by the water
Last purchase in Alexandria: Some Native Union stuff from the Shoe Hive
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Killer ESP is my go-to coffee place, Chadwicks is my go-to spot for nights out
Favorite charity: Children’s Hospital Foundation
Favorite annual Alexandria event: The wine festival
Photo Credit: Sarah Marcella Photography
- About the boutiques
Heard the buzz? The Shoe Hive & The Hive are a pair of luxury boutiques in Old Town Alexandria. Featuring both big name designers like Rag & Bone and Stuart Weitzman and smaller brands like AGL and L'Agence, our unique selection and impeccable service are what set us apart.
The Shoe Hive The Hive
127 S. Fairfax Street 301 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314 Alexandria, VA 22314
703.548.7105 703.548.7110
2 Comments
Nice to read about a guy into fashion! Most 20 something guys care about fashion!! I love Chris boots and pants he is wearing in these pictures. Could you tell me what the brands are? I would like to purchase for my son for xmas! Thank you!
Hello Cameron
The pants are from Todd Snyder and the Boots are from J.Crew!