… know how to dress.
… know how to order wine.
… know how to Facebook.
… know how to be happy.
… know how to take a good photograph.
… know how to arrange flowers.
… know how to grow a raised garden.
… know how to brand yourself.
… know how to have good manners.

Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. You know that moment when you feel like a complete fraud because you’re faking your way through? But asking for help might blow your cover! Never fear. A. Dodson’s is here to level the playing field.

We’re transforming our back room into a haven for domestic liberation. We’ll be offering Saturday morning workshops twice a month on a variety of topics to help you master what matters! The workshops are free but the information is priceless.

Saturday, March 5th at 11am

Photo Credit: Photolibrary

Are you unsure which styles flatter your figure? Are you struggling with making an outfit work? Or do you have a piece of clothing that you can’t figure out how to wear? Bring up to 5 outfits or pieces of clothing to A. Dodson’s and our style expert, Alison Anderson, will tell you whether you should:

Give It Away
Throw It Away or
Do It This Way!

Just remember, we’re all in this together and life’s too short not to know how to dress!

We love change. If you haven’t been to A. Dodson’s in the last few days, guess what? It’s changed. The inventory changes daily. The displays change weekly. A. Dodson’s is never the same store from one visit to the next. But with all of our changing, one thing stays the same – our love for the way things used to be! Confusing? We know.

It’s about paying tribute to the old while embracing the new. We call it Miss That… Love This!

Take this antique dry sink for example. In the 19th century, it was an indispensable kitchen accessory prior to the introduction of indoor plumbing.

Today, rather than disregarding the piece as a nonfunctional decoration, Alison turned her grandmother’s dry sink into a changing table for her babies. She put a changing pad inside the top and stores diapers and wipes down below. When she has company, she can simply close the top.

In many ways, that’s the philosophy that guides A. Dodson’s. The store is such a mingling of old and new, vintage and modern, past and present. It’s all about honoring what we miss and loving what we have! What’s your Miss That… Love This?

Here we are! A. Dodson’s is forging its way to the technological forefront. We dipped our toe in the water with a Facebook page and your response was so terrific we plunged right in. We’re quietly relaunching our website and we’re stocking the shelves of our online store. We’ve been chirping on Twitter and now here we are blogging about it all.

In a quaint spot in Suffolk, VA on scenic Route 17 you’ll find our quirky and inviting cottage shop. But we can’t deny how much our online presence has helped us get to know you, and the things you love, better. So it’s only fair we lift the curtain and let you in on all the fun we have while we conspire to inspire you with high fashion, home décor accessories, gifts, and vintage furnishings!

In many ways our conversation with you began on Facebook. But here, on the A. Dodson’s blog, we’re going to really dig in. Coming soon we’ll share our ideas for decorating on a budget, the story behind the A. Dodson’s name (it’s not what you think) and even give a behind the scenes peek at an upcoming move (not ours, exactly).

We always love reading your comments and we hope you’ll share your feedback and ideas with us. In exchange, you’ll be the first to know when new products hit the floor and what exciting events we have planned. Psst… we’re going to start offering classes soon on a variety of topics from gardening to hosting a party. You heard it here first!

Stay tuned!