Why Supporting Local Is Important – Alexandria Edition

Bishop Boutique

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.

The Shoe Hive/ The Hive 

The Hive - Alexandria VA

The Hive - Alexandria VA

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. 

The Hive - Alexandria VA

Local stylist and friend of mine, Ali Hellmuth of ALH Style styled this look for me.

The Hive Outfit Details:

* T-shirt citizens of humanity
* Jeans Mother
* Jacket Emerson Fry
* Belt Lizzie Fortunato
* Headband Lele Sadoughi

Tsalt

Tsalt - Alexandria

The Chop Shop Alexandria

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

Bishop Boutique

Bishop Boutique - Alexandria

Bishop Boutique - Alexandria

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:

* White blazer, crop top and shorts by Show Me Your Mumu
* Bag by Bishop
* Earrings by Bauble Bar

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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