Asbury Park, NJ September 2024

September in Style

Is it me, or did this summer fly by? Thank goodness it’s not quite over yet, but it’s exciting that local summer is almost here. September is an exciting month, both for the magazine and for the city! Sea.Hear.Now’s line-up is arguably the best it’s ever been. Our music and events reporter Ed Condran jumped on the phone with Steven VanZandt of the E Street Band to discuss the possible set list, and the Fab Four!  Special thanks to Shore Fire Media for the photos provided for this story, including the cover art by Danny Clinch. This piece of art, and many others of Bruce and the whole band throughout the years, is available for purchase at The Transparent Clinch Gallery, in the heart of Asbury Park. I am personally sad to miss the festival this year, it lands on the same weekend as City Lifestyle’s annual company conference. Stay tuned, I’ve heard that the conference will bring a lot of exciting new marketing tools for our partners, adding even more value to our current offerings.

In the magazine world September will always belong to Style, and this month we are highlighting some of the best designers and boutiques in our area. Asbury Park, NJ, is not just a cultural and artistic haven but also a burgeoning hotspot for local fashion designers. From vintage to this season’s trends, we have it all.

Finally, keep in touch! We love hearing feedback from the community. Thanks for the positive emails and DMs. We’ll happily take pitches for our Business Monthly, highlight Events, take pictures for our City Scene, and of course, welcome new partners who want to support this publication while delivering a strong, consistent marketing campaign to 60,000 readers a month!

Best,

CHRISTINE MCKENNA-TIRELLA, PUBLISHER @ASBURYPARKCITYLIFESTYLE

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Christine McKenna-Tirella christine.tirella@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Svetlana Blasucci | svetlana.blasucci@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ed Condran, Svetlana Blasucci

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Svetlana Blasucci, Ciara Perrone , Joe Bonin, Luis Morales

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

This month is a special City Scene highlighting The Mix-Off, that was held at The St. Laurent in July. 1: Connor pouring one of the special cocktails 2: Guests tasting some of the special creations for the evening 3: Our round 1 bartender getting ready to shake things up 4: You spin the wheel and the bartenders discover their cocktail challenge 5: Round 1 had the bartenders making drinks with one hand each 6: Our judges tasting the bartenders cocktails 7: Round 2 team explaining their creation

business monthly

Urban Enterprise Zone

Is your business located in the Urban Enterprise Zone? You could qualify for lower tax rates, reimbursements for facade and walkway improvements, possible savings on your lease payments, and internship employment support. For more information visit https://www.cityofasburypark.com/475/Urban-Enterprise-Zone-UEZ

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Boho Yoga Celebrates First Anniversary

The Boho Yoga community is celebrating its first anniversary at their Shops at Sunset Point. Boho is a boutique yoga, barre, and fitness studio in Asbury Park, offering everything from beginner classes to Vinyasa, Yin, power, sculpt, Barre, and HIIT. Join them on the mat both physically and mentally through the healing power of movement. Firsttime clients can try 2 classes for $20. https://www.bohoyogaap.com/home

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Habitat for Humanity Merger

Coastal Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County have officially merged to form Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity. This strategic collaboration brings together staff, volunteers, programs, and resources to serve all 53 municipalities of Monmouth County more effectively and efficiently. The newly formed entity harnesses the strengths and best practices of both affiliates to expand its impact on affordable housing and enhance its service to residents and communities county-wide.

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The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and it’s never too early to start planning.

1110 New Jersey 35 Ocean Township, NJ 07712

732-660-9000 falcoscatering.com

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a festive bash for your family or an entire company, make this holiday season unforgettable with Falco’s Catering!

Contact us now to start planning ensure your holiday party is filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories!

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Vintage & Consignment

Rebel Supply https://rebelsupplyap.com/

Nostalgia Factory https://nostalgia-factory-ap.myshopify.com/ Setbreak https://setbreakvintage.com/

Back on the Racks https://backontheracksnj.com/ Severed Wing https://severedwing.com/

Boutiques

Boho House https://bohohouseco.com/ Endless Waves http://www.endlesswavesnj.com/ Interwoven Boutique Asbury Park www.interwovenap.com

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Destination Asbury Boutique https://www.instagram.com/shop__destinationasbury/ Kased Clothing www.kasedclothing.com

CRAFTING COASTAL COUTURE

Spotlight on Asbury Park’s Local Designers

ARTICLE BY SVETLANA BLASUCCI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRINN STUDIOS & JOE BONIN

Asbury Park, NJ, is not just a cultural and artistic haven but also a burgeoning hotspot for local fashion designers. These designers infuse their creations with a unique blend of urban edge and coastal charm, producing distinctive pieces that capture the essence of Asbury Park. From sustainable fashion pioneers to avant-garde artisans, the local design scene is a testament to the city’s dynamic spirit and commitment to creativity. Asbury Park’s designers are redefining style, one meticulously crafted garment at a time, enhancing its fashion-forward reputation. Here are three of our favorites.

NEW HOUR CLOTHING

Ciara, of Brinn Studios, began with a focus on photography backpacks. As a professional photographer, Ciara couldn’t find a stylish, functional backpack, so she designed her own. After launching the backpacks, she studied sustainable design at FIT and expanded to everyday accessories. The Asbury Park community, where Ciara has lived and worked for nearly a decade, has been crucial to Brinn’s success. Her brand is carried at local Retailer Interwoven, and keep an eye out for popups in Asbury. https://brinnstudios.com/

For mens fashion, check out New Hour Clothing owned by Connor Clos. Growing up as a skateboarder Connor loved hanging out at skate shops and supporting small local businesses. This, coupled with his expertise in high-volume retail and merchandising, inspired him to pursue his dream to design his own clothing line. The “New Hour” name represents a new beginning. Now, at New Hour, he curates both his own brand and existing contemporary brands to make customers feel confident. https://newhourclothing.com/

CMD DESIGNS

Colleen Mauer Designs (CMD) is proud to be female-owned and operated. All of the jewelry is designed in Asbury Park and handcrafted in-house at her upstate New York production studio.

Her square rings, in particular, are edgy and empowering, offering a versatile style that resonates with both feminine and masculine sensibilities. Her brand is renowned for its stacking rings, allowing customers to mix and match to create their own timeless, unique styles. https:// www.colleenmauerdesigns.com/

Fall Into Style

The Latest Trends from Our best local Boutiques

As Autumn arrives on the shore, the fashion scene buzzes with fall trends. Local boutiques and designers are embracing rich earth tones, cozy layers, and vintage-inspired pieces. Sets, floral dresses, and sustainable fabrics reflect comfort and sophistication, while leather goods and artisanal jewelry add personal flair. Asbury Park’s fall fashion blends classic elements with contemporary twists, showcasing the city’s creative spirit and eclectic charm. We went ahead and picked the shops to hit up this Fall and got their thoughts on potential Fall trend forecasts.

DARCY PARK BOUTIQUE

Brenda Darcy opened her first store in 2018 in Manasquan, leveraging her background in business operations and consulting. After living in the city, she and her husband moved to West Belmar to slow down. Brenda realized there were no local shopping options

for women in their 40s and personally struggled to find age-appropriate and stylish clothes. Recognizing an open market,  Darcy Park caters to busy working moms seeking investment pieces that last for years, not Target specials. Recently, Darcy Park Boutique moved to Sea Girt and expanded her portfolio of brands, including Kut from the Kloth, Michael Stars, Gentle Fawn, Liverpool, Lucy Paris, Splendid, and Veronica M.

Beyond running the store, Brenda hosts private parties, giveaways, and partners with other women-owned businesses.

For fall, she predicts that elevated jogger sets, reds and rust colors, printed flowery dresses, deep rich blues, and beautiful autumn tones will be trending. Brenda is passionate about helping women feel confident in their skin and what they purchase. She encourages them to try different styles and brands, emphasizing that size is just a number. @darcyparkb

ENDLESS WAVES

Sloane Ginsberg and Luis Morales, the husband-and-wife duo behind the lifestyle boutique “Endless Waves,” bring a unique blend of personalities to their store. Luis, the quintessential beach guy, and Sloane, who is deeply knowledgeable about the brands in the store, created a boutique for elevated all-occasion wear. The store’s name was inspired by Luis’s love for Hamboards, which replicate surfing on land. After buying their own Hamboard, they were offered a distributorship, which led to the opening of their store.

Endless Waves opened on April 1, 2023, in Asbury Park, drawn by Luis’s love for surfing and Sloane’s appreciation for being near the ocean. Their boutique focuses on advanced contemporary designer brands, offering a range of stylish, high-quality, sustainable clothing.

For fall fashion, customers can expect to see women’s wear featuring drop-waist dresses, coffee colors, bedazzlement, and sets from top brands like Love Shack Fancy. Faux leather pieces will also be prominent. For men, the store will offer flannel and fleece, along with new lines from brands like Scotch and Soda, Taylor Stitch, and Marine Layer. They’re especially proud to carry Jetty, a local favorite from LBI that adds a touch of Jersey Shore flair. Concrete Surf has cultivated a loyal customer base, creating a sense of community akin to a camper reunion, where people return season after season to find their favorite pieces and discover new trends. @endlesswaves

PATRIAE STUDIO

Barbara Pisch, known as Babs, was born in Slovakia and grew up in West Belmar from age eight. After working in Manhattan for 20 years she returned to the Jersey shore to open “Patriae”, which translates to ‘homelands’ in Latin. Recognizing the opportunity to work for herself and be close to family and the beach, Babs evolved her already-existing antique-textile business into a retail space, which has now been a staple in the community for almost eight years.

Patriae initially began as a small showroom with an attached sewing studio and eventually grew into the boutique and gallery it is today. In her store, Babs focuses on skilled craft and features a curated selection of items from mostly-local craftspeople.

Patriae offers unique items, including works from local artisans like potters Christina Carlson and Jon-Erik Hem, Christin Ripley, known for her marbled paper and textile goods, her own father, Vlad Pisch, who contributes small leather goods under the brand VLAD, and the exceptional painter and gilder Jill London. Babs is committed to featuring highly-skilled craftspeople, artists, and small companies whose products and ethos she admires, ensuring her store remains a unique and cherished part of Asbury Park’s vibrant community.

Just like our other featured boutiques, Babs focuses on classic timeless pieces above fast fashion, crafted from natural materials, emphasizing ethical production and fair wages. One of her favorite brands featured in her store is 11.11. Babs’ trend forecasts: crochet and hand-executed variants are existing trends that will continue to be popular this fall.

@patriaestudio

ARTICLE BY ED CONDRAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY CLINCH AND BOB DEMARTIN

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND RETURN IN STYLE TO ASBURY PARK

SEA.HEAR.NOW IS BACK

It was Hamburg for the Beatles when it came to paying dues. “When they were in Hamburg, they played 12 hours a day, 7 nights a week,” E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt said while calling from New York. “By the time we learned about the Beatles, they

“BRUCE

day.” What separates Springsteen and the E Street Band from other acts is that the group put in its 10,000 hours early on. The Boss and his band didn’t have a hit until they were in their mid20s. “When you become a star early, I don’t see how that doesn’t mess you

AND I, THE WHOLE BAND, WE’RE A FAMILY” - STEVEN VANZANDT

were halfway through their career. They were polished.” Van Zandt, who dubbed the Beatles appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” “The Big Bang of Rock n’ Roll,” was inspired to pick up a guitar thanks to the Fab Four’s historic performance. “My whole life changed after seeing that,” Van Zandt said. “You have to understand that before that period, we didn’t have bands in American music. It was solo artists or groups, but when the bands arrived from England, that appealed to me and so many people. A band is a gang, a posse, a family.”

It was Asbury Park for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band where the group honed their skills at the dawn of their career. “The E Street Band would play five sets a night from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. at the Stone Pony,” Van Zandt recalled. “On top of that, we would rehearse during the

up,” Van Zandt said. “I think it’s a good thing to pay your dues so you get better and you appreciate success. You don’t take it for granted when you have success later on in life.”      Springsteen and the E Street Band, which will headline September 15 at the Sea.Hear.Now Festival certainly did make it. The former and the latter have been inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame after enjoying unimaginable success. Springsteen and his band have sold more than 140 million albums during an unparalleled career. For much of Springsteen’s run, Van Zandt has been his righthand man. Springsteen, who lovingly dubs Van Zandt his consigliere, has a connection with his lifelong pal. “We have a great relationship,” Van Zandt said. “I’m not just referring to Bruce and I but also with the rest of the group. We’re a family.”

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The E Street Band, which also includes bassist Garry Tallent, pianist Roy Bittan, drummer Max Weinberg, guitarist Nils Lofgren, and vocalist-guitarist Patti Scialfa, mixes up its set every night. Springsteen loves to surprise his bandmates. After delivering arguably the greatest keynote speech in the long history of South By Southwest in Austin a dozen years ago, Springsteen called an audible while performing at Austin City Limits. Prior to delivering a version of the Animals “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” the Boss announced to the capacity crowd that Animals vocalist Eric Burdon was going to belt out the song with him. “I had no idea Eric Burdon was going to perform with us,” Lofgren said. “I was so busy learning Jimmy Cliff (who performed in Austin with Springsteen and the E Street Band) songs. I saw (“We Gotta Get Out of This Place”) on the setlist. I just thought we would do the song, but I had no idea what was ultimately happening.”

Who knows what Springsteen will deliver when he plays a hometown show on the beach at Asbury Park? The only given is that the show is likely to be flawless. “We don’t make mistakes,” Van Zandt said. “The rare times we do make mistakes we celebrate them since they don’t happen often.”

“SPRINGSTEEN LOVES TO SURPRISE HIS BANDMATES”

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will take the stage on September 15 as the headliners for the Sea.Hear. Now, Festival, 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park. The two-day festival includes over 25 artists such as Noah Kahan, The Black Crowes, Norah Jones, Grace Potter, Peaches, The Gaslight Anthem, Kool & the Gang, and more. The two days of music are held on three stages, two on the beach and one in the park, all on the iconic Waterfront of Asbury Park.

The event is sold out, but if you are still hoping to get tickets to this iconic event, check out the verified re-sale link on the Sea.Hear.Now festival website.

Special thanks to Shore Fire Media, Bob DeMartin and Danny Clinch for photography. Check out The Transparent Clinch Gallery located at 210 5th Ave, Asbury Park for more of Danny Clinch’s premier photography of the world’s best musicians.

hacks HAIR

Braids to Keep You Chic All Year Long

Braids are a great way to add style and uniqueness to your hair style rotation and have been a staple in hair styles dating back to the 3500 B.C. This historical hairstyle is here to stay, so we wanted to share some go-to impressive looks.

ARTICLE

BY

ABBI SULASKI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

reverse fishtail braids

Part the top half of the hair in two sections. Create fishtail braids (or braids of choice) and tie them together in the back of the hair. Add a fashion accessory around a ponytail for a little extra fun!

CONTINUED >

simple

updo

Part the hair down the center or side part, if preferred. Create braid(s) on the side of the head and secure with elastic. Twist the hair with braids into a simple bun, securing it with hair pins. Add an accessory for a classy touch.

simple bandana braid in a braids pony-tail

Place a bandana on the forehead and tie it in the back. Create as many braids as desired in the back of the head, teasing the ends to avoid using elastics.

CONTINUED >

Part a mohawk section of hair down the center of the head. Create a French braid down the middle. For a thicker-looking braid, gently pull on the strands working your way up and down the braid. Pull it back into a ponytail for a simple and trendy look.

pull through braid with space buns

Part hair down the center. Create pullthrough braids on each side of the head. Tie elastic at the end of the braids to create a ponytail at the nape of the neck. For extra volume in the buns, tease the hair in the ponytail before twisting it into a bun. Secure with hair pins and... Voilà!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

AUGUST 31ST – SEPTEMBER 1ST

Clearwater Festival

Sunset Park, Asbury Park

The two-day, bring-your-own-chair event in Sunset Park features eclectic music -rock, pop, gospel, jazz, and more, by local and national performers. In its 49th year, the festival brings together community, music, and education about the environment. For more information go to:    https://NJClearwater.org

SEPTEMBER 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH

Asbury Fresh and Makers Market

Press Plaza (Emory St. between Cookman and Lake)

Asbury’s beloved makers market continues into Sundays 9am - 1pm in September! With up to 60 vendors, there is a variety of local art, purveyors, vintage, farmers stalls, and food. More details:  https:// www.asburyfresh.com/markets/148

SEPTEMBER 14TH

Sea.Hear.Now Festival

Various, Asbury Park | 7:00 PM Day one Line-up

Sea.Hear.Now with Noah Kahan, The Black Crowes, 311, The Revivalists, The Hives, Grace Potter, Sierra Ferrell, Peaches, Guster, Ziggy Alberts, Robert Randolph Band, Joe P, Passafire, Sonic Blume on the beach

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SEPTEMBER 15TH

Sea.Hear.Now Festival

Various, Asbury Park

Day two Line-up

Sea.Hear.Now with Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, The Gaslight Anthem, Trey Anastasio Band, Norah Jones, Kool & the Gang, Action Bronson, Gogol Bordello, Larkin Poe, Joy Oladokun, The Aces, Eggy, Illiterate Light, Bertha, Sunshine Spazz, Rachel Ana Dobken on the beach

SEPTEMBER 28TH – 29TH

Asbury Park Fall Bazaar

Various, See Below

Asbury Park Bazaar returns to two fabulous locations in Asbury Park: the Grand Arcade at the historic Convention Hall on Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29 and The Asbury Hotel, Sunday, September 29, from noon to 5 pm. Featuring local vendors and artists, Asbury Park Fall Bazaar is indoors, free for all ages, and pet friendly.

Designing thoughtful, purpose-driven, ecologically-appropriate landscapes.