Online shopping, we all do it because it’s convenient, takes a click of a mouse and your shiny new treasures are on the way. I’m as guilty as anyone, because I do my fair share of point and click shopping but what if that was our only option? What if you could no longer stroll the charming streets of your town on a Saturday or pop into your favorite local boutique for a dress for an event you have that night? What if your home town was filled with nothing big box stores and Amazon pick up locations? That could soon be our reality if we don’t make a change.
In the last year, we made a few big changes of our own. We moved from Arlington to Alexandria, Virginia and I bought a new business, The Alexandria Scout Guide. While the move was only 15 miles away, it feels like an entirely different world. We loved the close proximity to dc, the airport and our friends’ houses but the temptation of more land and a peaceful retreat to call our own was much more enticing to us at this point in our lives. Little did we know we would not only be gaining a happier lifestyle but a strong community to go along with it.
Casey and I are both from small towns, so a sense of community is something that we both grew up with and were looking for in our next move. Alexandria had just that. Community and small-town charm.
Taking on The Scout Guide Alexandria, really opened my eyes to the importance of local support. It’s what the scout guide was built upon, supporting local businesses and the owners behind them. I’ve met so many amazing people in the last year who are doing such great things to make Alexandria a better place to live because of the scout guide. So you better believe that I support and collaborate with these people in any way that I possibly can.
It’s made me realize more than ever that we all have to do our part to help our small towns stay unique and charming. And it’s pretty simple actually! Instead of buying those earrings on Amazon, pop into your local boutique and buy them, get coffee at the mom and pop coffee shop down the street instead of Starbucks and eat dinner at a local restaurant instead of a chain. Every dollar you spend in your community will make a huge impact! You moved there for a reason, so why not support the people who are investing in making your town a better place to live?
Many people have no idea that the shopping in Alexandria is actually exceptionally amazing. I prefer it over going to Georgetown or DC, honestly. So I wanted to share a few of my favorite Alexandria shops with you, so if you’re local, live close by, or are in town visiting, put your computers away and head down to Alexandria to check out these local gems in person.
If you love designer clothing/shoes, then you have to check out The Shoe Hive and The Hive. They have everything from Anine Bing, Mother Denim, Veronica Beard, Ulla Johnson, Isabel Marant, Golden Goose, Clare V and much much more.
Local stylist and friend of mine, Ali Hellmuth of ALH Style styled this look for me.
The Hive Outfit Details:
Another hidden gem that I’m obsessed with! They have the best designer denim, always have gorgeous dresses for events and many more unique finds! You can find designers such as Frame Denim, A Piece Apart, Good American, Smythe (blazers are amaze!), Paige, and more!
Ali styled me in an all back look with a pop of neon. I’m obsessed with these jeans!!
Tsalt Outfit Details:
*Top by Enza Costa
*Jeans by Paige
*Bag by B. Mae
I love this store!! They have all of my favorite accessories and clothing including the Pink Reef, Bauble Bar, Quay, Loeffler Randall, Show Me Your Mumu, Amanda Uprichard and more!
Ali styled me in an all-white linen suit by Show Me Your Mumu. I can’t get enough of this suit!
Bishop Outfit Details:
Photos by Sarah Marcella Photography
Why Supporting Local Is Important – Alexandria Edition
More Local Favorite Shopping
Mint Condition – Designer Consignment
Donna Lewis – Upscale Lounge and Activewear
529 Kids Consign – New and used kiddo clothing
Monday’s Child – Classic Children’s Clothing and Monograms
ALX & Co jewelry – Unique kind jewelry and engagement rings
Mystique Jewelers – A local gem, quite literally!
Patina Polished Living – Home decor
Hour Shop – Vintage and one of a kind bar wear
Goldfinch – New home decor store – so cute!!!
Boxwood Home – New home and gift shop
She’s Unique – Dainty modern jewelry
Penny Post – Unique gifts and cards
Bella Cara – Makeup and skincare
Favorite Local Restaurants
Cedar Knoll – A fave date night spot!
Urbano 116 – Chic Mexican with the best fire roasted salsa!
Chop Shop Taco – Cutest new taco joint. Casual and amazing margs!
Grateful Kitchen – Great for a healthy snack or lunch!
Landini Brothers – Old town staple for Italian
Stomping Ground – Great for breakfast, lunch or brunch!
Front Porch – Fave summer spot (outdoors) for rosé and light bites!
Mia’s Italian Kitchen: New Italian – Cool Vibes
Momo’s Sushi: Best sushi in Old Town
Favorite Local Coffee & Smoothies
Mishas – Old Town Staple, just moved to king st!
Killer ESP – Killer lattes and pies!
South Block – Smoothies galore!
Grateful Kitchen – Great coffee, juices, and smoothies!
Swings – Delicious drip coffee
Stomping Ground – Best brunch and iced coffee in town
Local Favorite Wellness Spots
Sarah Akram – Best facial on the east coast! She books out months in advance, so get on it and tell her 52 Thursdays sent you!
Wellness Cooperative – great massages and facials
Back To Health – Dr. Shara Posner is the best Chiropractor in the area. She works with new moms, prenatal and athletes!
Dental Bar – My favorite dentist in town! I worked in dental before blogging full time, so I know my stuff. Plus they serve mimosas, have massage chairs and you can watch tv when you get your cleaning!
Local Favorite Boutique Fitness
Mind The Mat – Yoga and Pilates – Try Hawt Pilates with Megan Brown
Ascend Cycle and Underground – Burns so good! Try to get into a class with Kat!
Xtend Barre Old Town – My friend and fellow blogger Natalie Strahorn owns this studio, it’s so cute, her classes are HARD and the merch is on point!
Barre 3 Old Town – Meredith Patel is the best!
Orange Theory Old Town – Fave coach, Kerry Delaney
Zweet Sport – Drop in for a smoothie at Grateful Kitchen after!
Local Favorite Bars
People’s Drug – The cocktails and ambiance are on point!
PX – Best kept secret in Old Town – You have to check out this speak easy!
Light Horse – Go for the Pixi Rainbow Fancy Bubbles cocktail and stay for a good time!
Chadwick’s – An old town staple!
Bayou Room – For those late nights
O’connells – For an Irish good time
Do you support your local businesses? We’re challenging you to show us how you support local (wherever you are) with hashtag #local52 on IG Stories! We’ll be sending a box of goodies from our local faves to the winner with the most posts!
xo
Sarah
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