street style: danielle romanetti
Photography Credit: Sarah Marcella Photography
Alexandria Stylebook has become a great way for our stores to connect with the community and tell everyone what is going on in our shops and our city. But an even better part of this project has been letting everyone know about all these amazing women who live or work in our town.
One of these women is my close friend Danielle Romanetti, the owner of fibre space.
Do you remember when you were a little kid and there were always people who were picked first on the playground for the kickball team? Or whatever game was up that day? I am confident that growing up in Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, Danielle was always picked first. She is the exact person you always want on your team, at all times.
I have mentioned her before, especially when it comes to Black Friday. I didn’t know her at all when she suggested doing a local version of Black Friday. I thought she was nuts. I, of course, was totally wrong. She’s not nuts and Black Friday in Old Town rocks.
Ever since then, she has been an active member in the Old Town Boutique District along with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and other local business groups. She is passionate about small business and making sure Alexandria remains the best place to operate one.
A lifelong knitter, she started teaching classes while working in international development. She soon launched Knit-a-Gogo where she hosted knitting events and classes across the D.C. area. In 2009, she decided it was time for a permanent location and fibre space was opened. It quickly became one of the top knitting stores in the nation and a fixture of the Old Town retail scene.
Danielle and her husband live in Rosemont with their two-year-old daughter, Madeline. I have to say Madeline is just about the best dressed child I have ever seen and I am confident she will be a future Shoe Hive shopper. She already boasts a wide selection of Mini Melissa shoes and Supergas.
The only questionable trait I can find about Danielle (and I am saying this as a lifelong Bengals fan) is that she persists in her adoration of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I guess nobody’s perfect, but Danielle is close.
Danielle knitted her own sweater; her necklaces, shoes, and pants can be found at The Shoe Hive.
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? I can usually be found at my shop, either behind the counter or at my desk. In my spare time, I am at Misha’s knitting or roaming Old Town with my toddler, Madeline.
Neighborhood: I live in Rosemont.
How long have you lived in Alexandria: 12 years
What is your hometown? I claim Pittsburgh…more on that later.
What brought you to Alexandria? I moved to the D.C. area for my first job out of graduate school. I worked in the non-profit sector as a professional fundraiser. My now husband and I moved to Alexandria after a brief stint of living on the Hill. Alexandria was more his vibe, and I had frequently visited and shopped here while living in D.C. I thought it was a good fit for both of us. I wanted to be able to walk to shops and coffee, and he wanted something a bit quieter than the Hill.
What would surprise people about you? Probably my upbringing. I actually grew up on a horse farm in central PA. My family moved around a bit after elementary school, but most of my childhood was spent on a farm bailing hay and cleaning stalls!
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Speed. I can get lots of things done in very little time!
Favorite cocktail: Anything containing gin.
Last book read or movie seen: Probably something involving Tinkerbell. My kid is obsessed.
Guilty Pleasure: Hoarders. I love an episode of Hoarders. It makes me clean.
Phrase you overuse: I just asked my staff and they said: “GAH!”
Facebook or Instagram? I prefer instagram: @fibrespace
Latest binge-watch: Making a Murderer!!
Bucket list travel destination: Every Caribbean Island. We have hit only four so far. I have many more to explore.
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffee. I drink only decaf, but the process of ordering a decaf iced mocha from Misha’s in the morning is what wakes me up. Forced interaction with the world is good for me in the morning!
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Edgy bohemian
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Paige boyfriend style jeans
Favorite trend ever: Chunky knit cowls / infinity scarves because I have knit so many of them!
Favorite current trend: The oxford style or menswear-inspired flat shoe.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Lipstick Queen lip gloss
Heels or flats? Flats!
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My living room. It’s where I relax and knit.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix of Mid-Century Modern and vintage industrial.
Last item bought for your home: A mailbox. We recently replaced our front door, which had a mail slot. The new door is almost all glass. I really wanted more light in our living room. This meant that we needed a proper mailbox – which I much prefer over a mail slot. There is nothing less relaxing than arriving home, unlocking your door, and being greeted by a pile of junk mail that has been tossed through your mail slot.
Next planned purchase: Curtains for our dining room. I finally convinced my husband to let me remove the plantation shutters. Yuck!
Favorite way to entertain: Bottle of cider, comfy chairs, and my knitter friends around the living room watching episodes of Lip Synch Battle.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter free. I like clean and clear surfaces.
Wallpaper: yes, totally modern or no, so dated. Depends on the wallpaper but since I am a committed DIYer and installing wallpaper scares me, I will probably never use it in my home.
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: LOL. That’s funny.
Most fun way to exercise: I enjoy Pilates and yoga but rarely do it.
Group exercise or solo: I like to run solo. It’s a great way to sort out my thoughts and plot yarn world domination.
Fitness goal: no idea
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Nope
Proudest fitness achievement: The marathon in San Francisco was a big accomplishment. Those hills are killer.
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Misha’s Coffeehouse, in case you haven’t noticed that from my answers 😉
Last purchase in Alexandria: Sunblock from Bellacara for my trip to PR last week.
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Mishas / Vermillion / Stomping Ground
Favorite charity: Oxfam International – I worked many years in International Development and human rights. This organization is hands down my favorite for this work.
Favorite annual Alexandria event: Black Friday!!
