1. Bold & Beautiful: John Paul Ataker in Brown

Talk about a statement piece! This stunning John Paul Ataker gown features a dramatic, flowing silhouette with an intricate, palm-inspired print in warm shades of copper, bronze, and brown. The fitted bodice and voluminous skirt bring the drama, making this an unforgettable choice for a fall gala or black-tie celebration.

2. Golden Hour Glam: Champagne by Gia Franco

A little shimmer never hurt anybody! This strapless champagne gown is all about effortless luxury, featuring a beautifully textured metallic fabric, flattering fitted silhouette, and dramatic draped detailing. It’s the perfect combination of timeless elegance and modern glamour, making it a stunning choice for a bride looking to make a statement at her rehearsal dinner or any pre-wedding celebration!

3. Romantic Drama: Cranberry by Alexander by Daymor

If you’re looking for a gown that makes an entrance, this is it! With its rich cranberry-plum hue, fitted silhouette, and gorgeous off-the-shoulder ruffles, this Alexander by Daymor design is equal parts romantic and sophisticated. The sculptural neckline adds just the right amount of drama, making it a stunning choice for a mother of the bride or mother of the groom who wants to feel elegant while making a statement!

4. Whimsical Florals: John Paul Ataker in Lilac

Florals for fall? Absolutely! This dreamy John Paul Ataker gown features a delicate watercolor-inspired floral print, structured corset-style bodice, and flowing tiered skirt. The soft lilac, blush, and muted earthy tones make it a romantic standout for a wedding or special occasion.

5. A Merlot Moment: Alexander by Daymor

We’re officially obsessed with this rich wine-inspired shade! This Alexander by Daymor gown features an elegant one-shoulder neckline with an oversized bow detail, a subtle sheen, and a flowing floor-length skirt. It’s bold, feminine, and the kind of dress that does all the talking.

6. Effortlessly Chic: Moss by Amsale

Sometimes less really is more! This sophisticated moss-green Amsale gown features beautiful asymmetrical draping, relaxed sleeves, and a sleek, elongated silhouette. The rich olive tone feels perfectly suited to fall, while the understated design makes it a timeless choice for a mother of the bride or an elegant evening affair.

The Finishing Touch? A Little MAB Magic!

The perfect dress deserves equally fabulous hair and makeup! Whether you’re envisioning soft, romantic waves, a sleek updo, or a full-glam makeup moment, our team is here to bring your entire look together.

Ready to turn heads at your next big event? Explore the gorgeous collection of evening gowns at Soirée by The Bridal Room, then leave the finishing touches to MAB with our special event hair and makeup services. From finding the dress to perfecting your glam, consider your next special occasion covered. Now, who’s ready to get dressed up?!

Thumbnail Photo: Danielle Real Photography

The post The Fall Formal Edit: MAB Artistry x Soirée appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

So before the leaves disappear and the holiday season takes over, here are five things we think deserve a spot on your 2026 fall calendar:

1. Throw a Favorite Things Party

Girls’ night, but make it fall. Invite your favorite people over, pour the fall cocktails, and have everyone bring a few of something they absolutely love to exchange.

It’s easy, so much fun, and doubles as surprisingly good research for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. If you’ve never hosted one, our Favorite Things Party blog walks you through exactly how it works — plus a few of our favorite finds under $25 to inspire you.

2. Spend a Fall Day at Cox Farms

Is it really fall in Northern Virginia until you’ve spent a day at Cox Farms?!

Grab the family or a group of friends and make a day of their fall festivities: pumpkins, farm animals, slides, apple cider and plenty of quintessential fall fun. Check out Cox Farms and grab your tickets before you go so all that’s left to decide is who you’re bringing with you.

3. Hike Riverbend Park

One of the best parts of living in the DMV is that you don’t have to go far to get completely surrounded by fall color.

Head to Riverbend Park in Great Falls for a hike along the Potomac, take in the changing leaves, and enjoy one of those perfect crisp fall mornings before it gets actually cold. Check out the park’s website before you head out to pick your trail on AllTrails and plan your visit.

4. Refresh Your Makeup Routine for Fall

Your wardrobe gets a fall refresh, why shouldn’t your makeup routine?

This is the perfect time to swap out your summer look, learn a few new techniques, and finally figure out what to do with the products sitting untouched in your makeup drawer. Book a one-on-one makeup lesson with MAB Artistry and we’ll help you create a look that works for you — and, most importantly, teach you how to recreate it yourself at home.

5. Start a Fall Book Club

Consider this your excuse to finally start the book club everyone keeps talking about.

Pick a few friends, choose a night, add wine and snacks, and suddenly you’ve got a standing girls’ night for the coziest months of the year. And you don’t even have to figure out what to read first — we put together a fall reading list to help you pick your first book (or five).

Make the Most of Fall 🍂

You don’t need to pack every weekend with plans to have a memorable season. Pick a few things that get you outside, give you an excuse to spend time with your people, or let you do something just for yourself.

Five ideas, one very good fall. Now get them on the calendar before holiday season takes over!

The post The MAB Fall Five: 5 Things to Do in the DMV This Fall appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Get The Books:
one | two | three | four | five
six | seven | eight | nine | ten

1.It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard is giving me exactly the cozy fall romance energy I want this time of year. Second-chance romance + New York in the fall? Say less.
2.The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is for those days when you want something a little slower and more heartfelt. Told through letters, it’s a beautiful story about relationships, regrets, connection, and looking back at the life we create along the way.
4.You With the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate was an immediate add to my list. I love a memoir that feels honest and unfiltered, and Christina shares her story with the humor, vulnerability, and realness you’d expect from her.
6.In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m also including In the Country We Love by Diane Guerrero. Her deeply personal story about her family, immigration, and being left behind after her parents were deported is incredibly moving and continues to feel especially relevant today.
10.The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides keeps making my list for a reason! If you still haven’t read this twisty psychological thriller, this is me once again telling you to add it to your TBR – you’ll understand why!

Now all that’s left is to pick your favorite, grab a cozy blanket, a cup of tea (or maybe a glass of wine 😉), and start reading! Comment below if you’ve read any of these or have a book I need to add to my next list. I’m always looking for my next great read!

xo, Ana B.

The post Ana B’s Cozy Reads appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

It’s also perfectly timed before the holidays. You’ll get tried-and-true ideas for Christmas gifts, Secret Santa exchanges, and stocking stuffers straight from the people who already love them.

How a Favorite Things Party Works

Ask each guest to choose one item they genuinely love that costs $25 or less, then bring three of that exact item to the party.

When everyone arrives, put each person’s name into a bowl three times. One at a time, guests share the favorite thing they brought (bonus points for giving the group the full sales pitch on why they love it) and draw three names.

Those three people each go home with one!

By the end of the night, everyone leaves with three new goodies to try, plus a running list of things they suddenly “need” and probably a few ideas for people still sitting on their Christmas shopping list.

What Should You Bring?

This is where the party gets fun because there are basically no rules beyond the price limit.

Your favorite thing could be:

Something practical: The viral makeup bag that somehow holds your entire life, your favorite travel organizer, the portable charger that lives in your purse, or the water bottle you bring everywhere.

Something for beauty: A TikTok-famous lip product, your holy-grail mascara, the hair product you recommend to everyone, a mini perfume, or the skincare find you’ve already repurchased three times.

Something cozy: A candle, fuzzy socks, a cute mug, your favorite tea or coffee, or the hand cream permanently sitting on your nightstand.

Something delicious: Your favorite fancy chocolate, seasoning blend, hot sauce, coffee syrup, snack, or another little treat people might not normally buy for themselves.

Something funny…but genuinely useful: Gas-X because sometimes the best gift is being able to debloat after a flight. 😂 Electrolyte packets, stain-remover pens, wrinkle-release spray, emergency fashion tape. All those random things that aren’t glamorous until you desperately need them.

And pay attention to what gets the biggest reaction: you might just discover the perfect stocking stuffer for your sister, gift for your best friend, or little add-on for someone who’s impossible to shop for.

The best Favorite Things aren’t necessarily the prettiest ones. They’re the things that make everyone at the party immediately say, “WAIT… I need that!”

Give It a Fall Girls’ Night Feel

You don’t need elaborate decor to make this one feel special. Lean into cozy fall hosting with candles, a seasonal cocktail or mocktail, a grazing board, easy appetizers, and a playlist everyone knows.

Set up one designated spot for everyone’s Favorite Things so guests can see what people brought without immediately knowing who brought what.

For drinks, think apple cider spritzes, espresso martinis, cranberry cocktails, or a simple wine-and-bubbles setup. Add a few fall florals, warm candlelight, and cute cocktail napkins and you’re done.

Make the Reveal Part of the Entertainment

Half the fun is hearing why someone chose their item.

Have each person reveal their Favorite Thing and give everyone a quick pitch. How did they discover it? Why do they love it? Why does everyone else need it?

This is especially entertaining when someone passionately explains a $12 household item like they’re presenting on Shark Tank.

Then draw the three names and hand out the goods!

A Few Of Our Favorite Things Under $25

Need a little inspiration? Here are a few things we actually love! From beauty finds to random products you never knew you needed.

Topicals Slather Exfoliating & Smoothing Bar
An everything-shower upgrade that exfoliates and smooths rough, bumpy skin.

ARCH&M Japanese Exfoliating Washcloths
Extra-long, super exfoliating, and SO satisfying. One of those random Amazon finds you’ll wonder how you lived without.

Araza Mango Cream Color Pot
An easy, blendable pop of color for both cheeks and lips. Pretty, practical, and perfect for everyday makeup.

Mocado LED Travel Makeup Mirror
Compact, rechargeable, and has built-in lighting with 1X and 10X magnification. Hotel bathroom lighting could never.

Zeelooroo Travel Jewelry Organizer
Keeps your necklaces and jewelry separated while traveling, because no one wants to spend vacation untangling necklaces.

Josie Maran Hydrating + Cleansing Body Wash
A little everyday luxury that smells amazing and leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Viral LV-Inspired Makeup Bag
The TikTok-famous makeup bag that gives major designer vibes without the designer price tag. Cute, practical, and holds way more than you’d expect.

Extra-Large Long-Handle Lint Roller
A giant lint roller for floors, rugs and furniture. Is it glamorous? No. Will you become obsessed with it? Probably!

Everyone Leaves With Something

A Favorite Things Party gives you everything you want from a fall girls’ night: good food, drinks, laughs, recommendations from people you actually trust, and a few new goodies to bring home.

Plus, you’ll head into holiday shopping season armed with a whole list of friend-approved gifts and stocking stuffers, which might be the real win here.

So text the group chat, set the $25 limit, tell everyone to bring three of their Favorite Things, and prepare to leave with a much longer shopping list than you arrived with!

The post Host the Fall Party Everyone Will Love appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

1. DO: Pack Light

Those charming cobblestone streets are beautiful…until you’re dragging a 50-pound suitcase over them. Stick to a carry-on if you can, or at least pack lighter than you think you’ll need.

2. DON’T: Assume Your Airbnb Is Accessible by Car

This was probably the biggest surprise of our trip. Many accommodations in Hvar’s Old Town can’t be reached by taxi because the streets are pedestrian-only. Before you arrive, ask your host where the nearest drop-off point is and how far you’ll be walking with luggage.

Pro Tip: Many hosts can arrange luggage transport from the ferry to your Airbnb. It’s worth every euro.

3. DO: Carry Euros

While many restaurants and shops accept credit cards, plenty of smaller businesses, beach bars, bakeries, taxis, and family-owned restaurants still prefer cash. Some even offer a discount for paying in euros instead of using a card!

4. DON’T: Wait Until You Need Cash

Avoid scrambling to find an ATM right before dinner. Withdraw euros from a bank ATM early in your trip, and choose to be charged in euros, not your home currency, to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.

5. DO: Leave Room to Wander

Some of our favorite restaurants, boutiques, and hidden alleyways weren’t on any itinerary. Split and Hvar are made for wandering, so don’t schedule every minute of your day.

6. DON’T: Rush Through Both Cities

It can be tempting to cram everything into one trip, but Croatia is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Long dinners, waterfront walks, afternoon swims, and sunset cocktails ended up being some of my favorite memories.

7. DO: Wear Comfortable Shoes

You’ll be walking far more than you expect. Between the stone streets, stairs, and hills in Hvar, comfortable sandals or sneakers will quickly become your best friend.

8. DON’T: Forget Water Shoes

Most beaches around Split and Hvar are rocky instead of sandy. Water shoes make getting in and out of the Adriatic much easier and much more comfortable.

9. DO: Plan at Least One Boat Day

If you’re visiting Hvar, don’t skip getting out on the water. Whether you charter a private boat or join a group excursion, seeing the Pakleni Islands and hidden swimming coves from the sea was one of the absolute highlights of our trip.

10. DON’T: Overlook the Local Food

Croatia has some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever had. Order the grilled fish. Try the octopus salad. Split a bottle of Croatian wine. Slow down and enjoy dinner – it isn’t just a meal here, it’s part of the experience.

If I could leave you with one piece of advice, it’s this: don’t try to see everything! Croatia isn’t a destination meant to be rushed. The best moments often happen between the plans: wandering down a quiet alley, finding a hidden café, watching the sunset over the Adriatic, or lingering over dinner long after the plates have been cleared.

I hope my itinerary helps you make the most of your trip…and fall in love with Croatia the way I did!

Xo,
Ana B

Print out my Itinerary here!

The post Ana B’s Croatia Guide: 10 Do’s & Don’ts for Split & Hvar appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the Books:
one | two | three | four | five
six | seven | eight | nine | ten

2.Strangers by Belle Burden is such a powerful, can’t-put-it-down read, especially for women. It’s emotional, thought-provoking, and one of those books that stays with you long after you finish.

4.If you’ve seen the show, trust me – the book, The Deal by Elle Kennedy is even better! You get so much more depth with Garrett and Hannah, and their story just hits differently on the page.

5. Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings is extra special because it’s something you can read with your kids (maybe 5th grade and up), but it also opens the door to deeper conversations. It touches on themes of friendship, peer pressure, and doing the right thing (even when it’s hard), making it both engaging and meaningful to experience together.

7.No one does summer quite like Elin Hilderbrand, especially in Five Star Weekend. Between the Nantucket setting, unforgettable friendships, and plenty of drama along the way, this is the perfect book to toss in your beach bag and get lost in for an afternoon.

10.A huge favorite with my book club, Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Meyers had us laughing, reflecting, and talking long after we turned the last page! Heartfelt and full of unexpected twists, it’s the perfect summer read about second chances, friendship, and finding the confidence to step into your own story.

Let me know what you’re reading this summer! I’m always looking for my next read 🤍
xo, Ana B.

The post Ana B’s Summer Beach Reads appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

1. Host a Fall Soirée

Bring the season to life right at home with a fall-inspired gathering. Think warm candlelight, cozy textures, and a charcuterie board that feels almost too pretty to touch. We shared a little inspiration on our recent Instagram Reel and blog post— proving that hosting doesn’t have to be complicated or over the top. With seasonal cocktails, rich fall colors, and good company, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable evening.

2. Go See a Show at The Kennedy Center

A night at The Kennedy Center is the perfect way to dress up, unwind, and soak in a bit of culture. From Broadway favorites to symphonic performances, the venue always delivers an unforgettable experience. Ana recently saw The Sound of Music and couldn’t stop raving about how magical it was. Add it to your list for a romantic date night or a girls’ evening out — it’s a quintessential fall outing that feels just the right amount of fancy.

3. Start a Book Club

Cooler weather calls for cozy rituals, and there’s nothing better than gathering your friends for a good book and a glass of wine. Choose something from our Sweater Weather Reading List to kick things off, then rotate hosts and genres each month. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, connect, and carve out time for something that’s just for you.

4. Visit Cox Farms Fall Festival

If you’re in the mood for nostalgia, nothing beats a day at Cox Farms. It’s a Northern Virginia fall staple for a reason — think hayrides, pumpkin picking, giant slides, and all the apple cider and kettle corn your heart desires. Whether you bring your kids or go with friends for a carefree day, it’s an instant mood booster that captures everything we love about autumn.

5. Hike at Great Falls

Few things compare to the beauty of Great Falls in the fall. The golden leaves, crisp air, and sound of rushing water make it one of the DMV’s most scenic escapes. It’s the ideal weekend reset — take a slow morning, grab a latte, and enjoy one of the many trails that offer stunning overlooks. Pro tip: go early to catch the soft morning light (and avoid the crowds).

6. Go to Night of the Living Zoo

Halloween season gets a sophisticated twist at the Smithsonian’s Night of the Living Zoo. It’s an adults-only evening with live music, themed cocktails, and costumes that go way beyond your typical spooky party. With the zoo as your backdrop, it’s a night that’s equal parts festive and unique — a must for anyone who loves a reason to dress up and celebrate.

The season is fleeting, but its magic lingers — in the laughter, the golden light, and the little memories made along the way. What is your favorite thing to do in the fall in the DMV?

xo, The MAB Team

The post 6 Local To Do’s This Fall! appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Whether you’re planning a friends’ night in or a backyard gathering, here’s a peek at how we created our chic, autumn-inspired evening — and how you can recreate it, too.

1. Setting the Mood & The Décor

When it comes to fall entertaining, atmosphere is everything. We wanted our soirée to feel warm, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant — a space where guests could laugh over wine, graze on beautiful boards, and wrap up in cozy throws as the sun set.

We layered in all the textures that make fall feel so good: soft plaids, neutral pumpkins, dried leaves, and gentle candlelight. Tables were lined with mini pumpkins, flickering flameless candles in votive holders, and touches of orange and cream plaid in a cute table cloth – the perfect balance of rustic and refined.

A curated playlist of acoustic favorites and soft indie songs (you can find plenty of “Autumn Chill” playlists on Spotify!) played in the background, setting a relaxed yet upbeat mood.

2. The Food Spread: Yummy Eats Made Easy

We kept the menu simple but stunning with help from Wegmans catering. Their options made it effortless to serve crowd-pleasing favorites that looked as good as they tasted.

Here’s what we served:

-Sushi platters for something fresh and unexpected – a MAB fave every get-together!

-Mini sandwiches filled with turkey & brie, roast beef & horseradish, and pesto veggie.

-A charcuterie board overflowing with cheeses, meats, nuts, and fruits.

-Seasonal salads with roasted vegetables and cranberries for color and flavor.

The food table doubled as part of our décor — we used wooden boards and textured linens to give everything that elevated “effortless hostess” look.

The Sweet Touch: Our S’mores Board

No MAB soirée would be complete without a signature dessert moment — and our s’mores board stole the show. Guests roasted marshmallows over the firepit and got creative with their combinations.

Our favorite board additions:

-Graham crackers (classic and chocolate)

-Assorted cookies (fudge stripes or oreos)

-Milk, dark, and white chocolate bars

-Marshmallow fluff spread for a decadent topper

-Reeses Chocolate for an elevated chocolate center

We displayed everything on a large wooden tray, creating a look that was both beautiful and inviting. It was the perfect way to wrap up the night — a little nostalgic, a little gourmet, and a whole lot of fun.

3. Our Signature Drink: Fall Sangria 🍎

We wanted a drink that felt festive but easy to batch — something that guests could sip all evening long. Enter our Fall Sangria: a mix of crisp apple cider, Sauvignon Blanc, a touch of bourbon, and slices of fresh fruit.

What we mixed:

-4 cups apple cider

-1 bottle Sauvignon Blanc

-1 cup bourbon (we used Four Roses for a sweeter addition -adjust to taste)

-1 apple and 1 orange, thinly sliced

-3–4 cinnamon sticks

We combined everything in a large pumpkin pitcher, let it chill for a few hours, and served it over ice. The result? Cozy, spiced perfection.

Non-alcoholic twist: Use sparkling apple cider instead of wine and skip the bourbon for a family-friendly version that’s just as delicious.

4. Hosting Tips from Our Team

A few takeaways we’ll be using again (and again!):

-Prep everything early so you can enjoy the night — assemble boards and chill sangria before guests arrive.

-Layer your lighting — mix candles, string lights, and lanterns for a soft, flattering glow.

-Keep bugs away with citronella torches and bug spray to keep away any lingering mosquitoes .

-Keep the playlist going — music is key to keeping the energy warm and inviting.
 

Our fall soirée reminded us that you don’t need a special occasion to celebrate — just good friends, good food, and a little creativity.

Here’s to savoring the season, one cozy gathering at a time.

xo, The MAB Team

Fall soirées aren’t the only thing on our list this season! Ready to explore all the cozy, colorful fun the DMV has to offer? Head over to our blog to see 6 Local To Do’s This Fall — the perfect companion to your next pumpkin spice moment.

The post Host Your Own Fall Soiree appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the Shoes:
one | two | three | four
five | six | seven

1.Marc Fisher Ander Western Boot in Tan
Western-inspired boots are everywhere this season, and the Ander is a polished, versatile pick you’ll style year after year. Want the look for less? Target has a fabulous Western boot that delivers the same trend at a fraction of the price—perfect for testing the style without the splurge.

2.Women’s Annette Satin Slingback Heels in Animal Print
For the nights when your outfit needs a statement, these slingbacks deliver just the right mix of playful and sophisticated.

3.DREAM PAIRS Ballet Slingback Flats
Comfort meets femininity in this affordable dupe—an effortless way to bring balletcore into your fall wardrobe.

4.Evonna Maryjane Flats
Classic with a modern twist, these Maryjanes add polish to any outfit—perfect for dressing up denim or pairing with cozy fall skirts.

5.Birkenstock Dupes Women’s Suede Clogs
The cozy “it” shoe of the season, these clogs bring effortless comfort and style—wear them with socks for a laid-back fall vibe.

6.Marc Fisher Gentle Dress Boot in Black
A sleek, versatile boot you’ll wear on repeat—perfect for pairing with dresses, trousers, or your favorite denim this fall.

7.Veja V-12 Sneakers
Sleek and sustainable, the V-12s are your everyday sneaker with a side of cool-girl energy—ideal for casual Fridays or weekend errands.

Fall is the season for chic shoes, cozy layers, and a little extra fun—so consider this your lineup for stepping into the season in the perfect shoes. And if you’re really in the fall mood, curl up in your new kicks with our Sweater Weather Reads—because shoes + books = the ultimate autumn vibe.

The post Fall Shoe Edit appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the Reads:
one | two | three | four | five
six | seven | eight | nine | ten

1.The Many Lives of Mama Love is raw, emotional, and powerful—perfect if you’re into memoirs about reinvention, resilience, and real-life redemption arcs.

2.If you’re in the mood for sweet sisterhood stories and a behind-the-scenes look at growing up in a famous family, Sisters First is a warm and nostalgic pick.

7.The Glass Castle is one of those wild, real-life stories that’ll have you saying “wait… what?!” every other chapter—and still leave you inspired in the end.

10.Obsessed with a twisty thriller? The Silent Patient will have you turning pages all night trying to figure out why she stopped speaking—and what really happened.

Add even more books to your TBR list with Ana B’s Cozy Season Reading List!

The post Sweater Weather Reads appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.