Conroe, TX September 2024

STYLE + BEAUTY

STUNNING LOCAL COUTURE

KNIT YOUR OWN STYLE

LIFE + CULTURE

MEN’S FASHIONALL IN THE FAMILY

CONROE STYLEFASHION FORWARD FUN

in Downtown Conroe

THE CORNER PUB

9/7 - Amy n Me

9/13 - Michelle Kay

9/21 - Stange Freedom (Billy Joel and Elton John Tribute Band)

TABLE AT MADLEY

9/6 - Kate Watson (Country)

9/8 - The Jazz Connection (Jazz)

9/12 - Carson Je ery (Country)

9/13 - Allie Y Grupo Roe (Tejano)

RED BRICK TAVERN

9/5 - Southern Disposition

9/14 - Average Joe Crane

9/27 - Hank Flowers

9/28 - Junior Gordon

202 MAIN

9/7 - Mary-Charlotte Young 9/13 - Scott Morrison

9/27 - Drifters & Grifters Check

Living the Conroe Lifestyle

Conroe is a unique mix of laid-back casual and approachable elegance. We love comfort, but man, when the occasion calls for it, we clean up nice! For a place that loves its boots and roots, it also embraces a chance to dress up. Think charity galas. I've never lived anywhere where people are more there for a themed party, of which there are many, to have a chance to glitter and shine. Ah, the sacrifices we make for a good cause.

This combination was at the top of my mind when deciding what to cover in this year's style issue. Let me tell you, we are featuring some locally owned gems!

When you show up at a big event, the last thing you want is to see your dress on someone else. Well, on a country road in Willis, we found a local dress shop full of couture clothing. The owner, Earlene, is so sweet and knowledgeable, and she'll dress you at a fraction of the cost of stores in Houston. The fit will be perfect and take you from business and church outfits to weddings and proms.

Then, we have an array of boutiques in downtown Conroe, where the owners work tirelessly to match their styles to how you live every day. I challenge you to visit them all and not make a purchase. Just look inside, and you'll see what I mean.

Oh, and we didn't forget you, men. Cartwright’s Western Wear has been caring for your new and old footwear for decades, but they'll also fulfill your Western wear needs. You can look like you stepped right out of a Marlboro ad. If you prefer great casual wear and gifts you'll want to check out what Branding Iron Custom Goods offers. Both of these family businesses can help you keep your looks local.

I want to shout out to all the local models who graced our pages this month. You made all our local shops look great!

Blessings to you,

ALISON KARTEVOLD, PUBLISHER @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Alison Kartevold | Alison.Kartevold@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Margie Taylor | margie.taylor@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Margie Taylor

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Melonhead Photo

Shannon Matlock - Arrowhead Photo

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

Let us help with your Flooring ∙ Cabinets ∙ Countertops Stairs Rails More

Call for an appointment (832) 250-2736 | Info@classicfloorstx.com B ClassicFloorsTX

SEPTEMBER 2024

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient Nicole Robinson Gauthie, Lone Star College Foundation, with Joan Lunden. 2: Education for Tomorrow Alliance received $4,000 at the Athena event for its Leadership fund. 3: Athena Award recipient Nicole Robinson Gauthie (center) with Angela Storseth Cooper and Courtney Budra. 4: The Athena Committee with guest speaker Joan Lunden. 5: The three finalists of the Athena Awards- Kristine Marlow, Nicole Robinson Gauthie, and Moncia Conchola. 6: Joan Lunden of Good Morning America (1980-1997) was the keynote speaker at the Athena Awards. 7: Melanie Bush, Better Bookkeepers, was the Presenting Sponsor for the Athena Awards with the Chamber.

8: Lts. Cody & Amanda Johns and their four children join The Salvation Army in Conroe. 9: Beauty and the Beast finished the 2023-2024 Season at the Crighton Theatre with Stage Right. 10: The Players Theatre Company finished their season with The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

There’s

Conroe Golf Cars Celebrates 50 Years in the Community

Celebrating 50 years in the Conroe area, located at 1409 Interstate 45 S, Conroe, they just opened a location in the Woodforest community at 810 Pine Market Ave in Montgomery. From the customization and style to help you have your best golf game to the power to get you around an industrial facility, they have a robust history of providing not only the best golf cars but also the best service department and parts-buying experience.

Buttermilk Cafe Opens Soon with a Mission to Serve

Opening this Fall in Willis at 302 N. Danville, the restaurant will partner with charities to support their mission in our community. Through these partnerships, they will not only feed the community with breakfast and lunch items from their menu but serve the poor, care for the orphaned, and protect the innocent with their Buttermilk Gives Foundation. ButtermilkCafe.org

Campbell Elementary School Breaks Ground in Evergreen Community

Conroe Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null, members of the Lake Conroe/Conroe Chamber of Commerce, Buck Diggers with Cooper Rose, and representatives from Evergreen were on hand June 13 for the groundbreaking of the new onsite elementary school, Cambell Elementary. The school is anticipated to open for the 2025-2026 school year. Campbell Elementary is named after Mittie J. Campbell, who was the first Black woman to serve as a principal at Conroe ISD.

LOCAL COUTURE

ARTICLE BY CCL STAFF

CUSTOM FIT FASHION IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

By definition, couture is fashionable, madeto-measure clothing ranging from formal to casual wear. In recent years, ready-towear has taken over, but for those seeking to elevate their fashion choices, CCL has found a hidden gem. Tucked outside Willis is an incredible shop, Couturier Fashions, that can make any lady feel glamorous. Our photoshoot has samples.

Image 1 ( Jovani designs, from left to right) The focal point of this black floorlength gown is its exquisite embellishments. Its flowing tulle skirt has a layered ribbon effect, creating a sense of elegance. The short black V-neck dress with gold sequin makes it fun, classic, and sophisticated. The short champagne "art deco-esque" dress is backless. Covered in tasteful embellishments with fringe hanging from the shoulders, it creates a look of chic whimsy.

The plunging neckline catches the eye, while this sleeveless beaded black floorlength gown with nude sides adds a sense of simple elegance.

Image 2:  (from left to right) A fun and glamorous jumpsuit for any occasion. This Jovani champagne/nude/teal outfit has beaded embellishments and three angular back straps. Be bold in this teal Jovani floor-length, off-the-shoulder crepe gown. With a dramatic fin down the back and ruffle trim detail on the top, the gown stuns. Perfect for any formal affair, this bedazzled Jovani floor-length ombre rose-to-silver gown creates a sense of soft elegance. JVN gives us a playful yet sassy baby blue short-tiered tulle dress with a corset, spaghetti straps, and embellished bodice.

Image 3: Featured on our cover, Jovani's purple ombre bottom ballgown with navy floral lace bodice, tulle-layered skirt, and hoop is as enchanting as it is elegant.

Image 4: This red and gold Jovani gown is suitable for any black-tie occasion. It has a train, a high split, and a fully covered rhinestone bodice.

Image 5-6: Johnathan Kayne offers a longsleeved backless dress. Its A-line multicolored and flowing skirt has pellet-like split panels that create a floral, mystical elegance. Note the open back in the close-up.

Image 7: (Left to right) Classic semi-formal looks. This mid-length front-tied Jovani in red crepe has pleated long sleeves and a back zipper. Cuff the sleeves for a more sophisticated look. Lily and  Taylor's knit dress has a bow, is accented with pearls, and can be styled up or down.  Jovani's  crepe puff-sleeve sheath dress has a pleated middle for a timeless look.

Image 8: Left: Lily and Taylor's bright orange knit dress with red embellishment offers a new twist on a classic design. Right: Add drama with Design Today's off-the-shoulder wide lapel jacket with a straight skirt.

Couturier Fashions was established in 2005 by Earlene Muse in Houston and relocated to Willis in January 2023, carrying formals for prom, homecoming, cocktail wear, bridal party, Mother of the Bride, and sophisticated suits. Accessories coordinating with the formals include hats, jewelry, and gloves. After successfully working in the beauty industry for more than 25 years, the owner had the desire to still be in the fashion industry in a different field to maintain the beauty of each lady.

Couturier Fashions prides itself on styling ladies in exquisite designer fashions and treating every person as if they are royalty. Sizes range from 0-34, and offer personal shopping appointments upon request. The store is located at 11982 FM 830 in Willis.

Basic Wardrobe ESSENTIALS

THE MCCOLLUM LADIES AT GRACE GOODS BOUTIQUE

SHARE WARDROBE TIPS

Neutral dresses and shorts are basic for any wardrobe year round.

ARTICLE BY MADI AND MOLLY MCCOLLUM PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Every woman struggles to feel confident in her sense of style when it comes to clothes. At Grace Goods Boutique, our goal is for our customers to feel beautiful and comfortable every day through the clothing they wear. Foundational pieces become the basics of your style, allowing effortless mixing for a successful wardrobe worn with confidence.

Essential wardrobe pieces include a good pair of jeans, a neutral top, a simple black dress, a quality pair of shoes, and jewelry.

High-quality denim is a reliable wardrobe staple that provides the perfect balance

between style and comfort. Accessorize with an oversized or cropped jean jacket. Add a white, black, or neutral-colored tank top or T-shirt. The basic shirt is the perfect canvas for layering, with a focus on soft, comfortable material.

Dresses of assorted styles and colors will provide unlimited options for various occasions. The “Little Black Dress” can be transformed to wear anywhere. Try a mid-thigh length dress layered with a denim jacket and a kitten heel or stylish sneakers.

A reliable tennis shoe is a must-have. Our favorite is the Cynthia Richard tennis shoe, which pairs well with jeans, shorts, and athletic wear. Every lady also needs nude or black sandals with or without a heel.

Jewelry is essential to completing the look. Start with a good pair of small hoop earrings, adding silver or gold necklaces and basic bracelets to offer endless possibilities of layering. Stack accent jewelry or a layer with a large chain link with chunkier bracelets.

Ladies need two or three different handbag options and a simple clutch in a bold color to accent any outfit.

Investing in staple pieces will create a solid foundation and confidence in your wardrobe. Start with these recommendations, and you will have a timeless, effortless wardrobe.

ARTICLE BY MARGIE TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELONHEAD PHOTO

in Style Sip and Stroll

DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUES ARE READY FOR FUN FALL FASHIONS

Downtown businesses host "Sip and Stroll," a time to mingle and shop every month. Now that it's cooling off, it is time to swing by and check it out. Our fashion looks for fall are a preview of what you can find at the local boutiques year round within two blocks of each other.

The first image is inspired by the Mob Wife ready to turn heads this autumn with a trendy ensemble from Mod Boutique. Model Hannah Riley, is wearing a stunning emerald jewel-toned dress adorned with intricate details, paired with a stylish gold mesh clutch featuring a chain strap complemented with chic champagne boots.

Mod Boutique is located at 206 N. Main Street in downtown Conroe offering trending fashion for the savvy woman who wants to turn heads. Animal print in a vibrant mix of colors is set to be a major trend for next season mixed with leather inspired outfits. Accessorize with bold, chunky jewelry. And lastly the model wears barrel jeans with a cable knit sweater vest topped with multiple layers of pearls on neck and wrist.

Main Street Merchants is located next door to Mod Boutique at 208 N. Main offering Women's clothing and accessories, items for baby, gift items, and a selection of handcrafted items from local vendors. Clothing items for women are both conservative and trendy fashions serving generations of ladies.

Model Alison Krueger has a comfortable casual look of a White Twist Bamboo cotton white top layered with a denim jacket coordinating with Vervet Balsam cropped jeans. She is accessorizing with gold eye rhinestone flats in nude, a David Aubrey gold chain, David Aubrey Vintage wood earrings, and a Latico Leather Hayworth Crossbody.

Evelina Diaz, their second model, is wearing a teal Slip-Dress with a garden floral print kimono, accessorized with Rain blue and gold earrings and necklace set, and and a Latico Leather Sky Blue Wallet.

Manager, Jovana Young, adorns a blue and white floral embroidered Miss June top and Vervet Amber frayed jeans, with Rain silver hoops, black leather Lola sandals, and a Latico Leather Red Wallet.

Across the street from Mod Boutique and Main Street Merchants is the Sweet Texas Treasures Boutique. Owned by Morgan Calhoun, a collector of vintage and thrift store finds, she has been sewing her adult life, creating fashions, designing masks during the pandemic, teaching Fashion Design for high schoolers and collecting "treasures" to sell on E-Bay.  Her sewing passion led to increased wholesale accounts across the United States. In 2016 she opened her first store in Montgomery and later in Conroe.

Sweet Texas Treasures offers a unique assortment of handmade items that display the unique mix of Hispanic culture with Texas roots. The shop has women's, children's, and men's items, with home decor and gifting items. Morgan's designs can be found in over 250 shops nationwide.

Downtown boutiques match Conroe's daily style of laid-back elegance with an extra dose of independence and sass!

The models-Madi and Brittany Pratt, are a mother/daughter team. Madi is wearing a Cielo Serape Flag V-neck tee with red Judy Blue flare jeans, and a felt hat with a wide custom hat band. Brittany is wearing a Cactus Horizon applique crop top with Judy Blue striped flare jeans, a One of A Kind Darlin' layered patch trucker hat, and seed bead dangle earrings. In another look Brittany wears a Boho Gypsy dress with a mustard paisley silk scarf. Customize your trucker hat with a patch of theirs and they will iron it on for you!

Small Town Famous, located at 312 Metcalf, carries a mix of Western and Vintage fashions with so many combinations to put together. Model Stella Withrow chose a Vintage Mini-Dress with Western boots and a Vintage Vest over a dress with spunky long leather boots. Brooke Ulmer is modeling a Vintage Slip-Dress with leather Cowboy boots. Ladies only- men you are welcome to shop for the ladies!

Every First Friday the merchants stay open late for the monthly Sip N Shop in downtown Conroe starting at 5:00pm. There is live music inside the venues and outside on the street joined by a Vendor Market.

Whether you are looking for a special night out or daily casual wear, our local boutiques have you covered.

“Making people happy makes me happy. We do what we love and people love what we do,”  said Nick Fisher.

About the Photographer

Melonhead Photo

Located in downtown Conroe, Melonhead Photo is a renowned full-service photography studio owned by Melanie Hall-Fisher, M. Photog. Cr., CPP, and Nick Fisher. With 20 years of experience, the husband-and-wife team specialize in a diverse range of photography, including weddings, events, senior portraits, children's portraits, family portraits, headshots, commercial marketing images, and architectural images.

What sets Melonhead Photo apart is their commitment to quality and artistry. As formally trained and internationally award-winning photographers, Melanie and Nick utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, such as off-camera lighting, to craft images that tell a story. Their studio offers a complete experience.

Typically, they start with a consultation to plan the session. Then after the session, they sit down with clients to order anything from digital images to albums, wall art, and custom prints and products. Unique to their service is software that helps clients visualize how their photographs will look on their walls, ensuring the perfect fit.

Melonhead Photo caters to clients who value a luxury experience and cherish memorable photography. Melanie's impressive accolades, include formerly the youngest Master Photographer in Texas, as well as a Photographic Craftsman and Certified Professional Photographer degree from Professional Photographers of America.

This level of knowledge reflects the studio's high standards and dedication to excellence. For clients seeking more than just snapshots, Melonhead Photo provides an experience that creates cherished wall art and heirloom albums, capturing life's precious moments with unmatched skill and passion. Call for an appointment (713) 446-4991.

Spinning Fashion

ARTICLE BY SHARON GRAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON MATLOCK, ARROWHEAD PHOTO

KNITTING AND CROCHETING

YARN INTO TRENDY STYLES

““Knitting and crocheting are no longer skills of the past. People of all ages and genders are interested in learning how to knit.”

Knitting, crocheting, and the fiber arts are no longer a craft of the past. People of all ages, genders, and backgrounds are interested in learning how to knit.

My dream of owning a yarn shop came true in July 2017 when I opened an online store, The Modern Skein Online Shop. On March 8, 2018, we opened the doors on McCown Street in downtown Montgomery. Fast-forward to February 2020, when we expanded the shop and doubled its size, allowing for a sitting room to knit and an enlarged room of yarn.

The Modern Skein offers curated yarns, knitting and crocheting accessories, totes, and other fiber-related items to continue to be the modern source for all Artisan craft needs.

Wool, Cotton, Linen, Alpaca, Yak, and various breeds of sheep- Masham, Merino, Targee, Polwarth, and Rambouillet for their softness, comfort, and breathability.

The employees are always available to help you find the perfect yarn for your patterns and to keep you informed about the latest trends, colors, and designers. They can also search Ravelry, an online database of over 750,000 patterns- from vintage patterns to modern crop tops, quirky stuffed animals, and stunning shawls—to help you find the perfect project aligned with your skill level.

Many brands we have are from Independent Hand Dyers, with each skein skillfully colored by hand by local dyers and from around the world.

Everyone can learn to knit or crochet as patterns are well written, easy YouTube tutorials are available, and our experienced staff is available, so customers are empowered to try new skills or stitches without frustration.

The Modern Skein

The Modern Skein is different from your typical yarn shop, focusing on all-natural fibers. We focus on wool, cotton, linen, alpaca, and yak, as well as various breeds of sheep—Masham, Merino, Targee, Polwarth, Rambouillet, and others. Natural wools are incredibly soft and breathable, unlike synthetic fibers, which retain heat and moisture. Many brands that we carry are also GOTS Certified or Organic.

SEPTEMBER

2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 5TH

Thursday

Free Concert

Heritage Place Park500 Metcalf Street | 7:00 PM

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a free tribute to 80s - 90s Country music with Shotgun Road, hosted by the City of Conroe. Food and beverages may be brought in (no glass containers). Food trucks will be onsite for your convenience.

SEPTEMBER 7TH - 8TH

Montgomery County Fall Home and Outdoor Living Show

Lone Star Convention Center9055 Airport Road

The 6th annual Montgomery County Fall Home and Outdoor Living Show is Sept 7-8 at the Lone Star Convention Center. Bring your antiques to have them appraised for FREE by Dr. Lori Verderame, a Ph.D. antiques appraiser and award-winning TV personality of Discovery Channel’s Auction Kings and The History Channel’s The Curse of Oak Island. Admission is FREE! TexwoodShows.com

SEPTEMBER 14TH

Kid Fishing Derby

Carl Barton Jr. Park, 2500 S. Loop 336 E. | 9:00 AM

Free kids fishing at Carl Barton Jr. Park in Conroe. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. for children and youth ages 4-16. Bait is provided. Bring your own fishing pole. Trophies are awarded at 12:15 p.m. Hosted by the City of Conroe.

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Montgomery County

Funky Junque

Gypsy Market

Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe | 9:00 AM

Shop holiday items, decor, handcrafted items, and more. Over 125 vendors offer everything from Women’s and Children’s Clothing to home, Holiday, and Garden Decor, Gourmet Food Items, handmade and Fashion Jewelry, Fashion Trucks, and so much more! Entry is $5 cash. Teachers, Military personnel, and First Responders with ID and Chil dren under 15 have Free Entry.

OCTOBER 3RD

Lobsterfest 2024

Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe | 6:00 PM

Join the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce for the annual Lobster fest fundraiser, with more than 1,000 community leaders, business owners, elected officials, residents, and guests attending the two-day festivities, in cluding a steak and lobster dinner, live and silent auction, and lots of fun fol lowed by a golf tournament on Friday, October 4. Conroe.org

Family Run Men’s Shops

Styles for Men from Branding Iron and Cartwright’s Western Wear

These family-owned businesses strive to keep the men in our community looking their best.

Cartwright's Western Wear & Conroe Shoe Shop has a rich history dating back to 1955 when the family bought a shoe repair shop in downtown Conroe. Rex Cartwright, who has been involved in the business since he was 12, is the current proud owner. It's a family affair spanning three generations, with Rex's daughter Ashton running the clothing portion of the business. "My dad has been repairing shoes and boots for the Conroe community my entire life. He is the go-to for any boot repair and seems to know everyone", said Ashton Cartwright.

Cartwright's carries western wear, belts, jackets, boutique clothing, jewelry, and accessories under the known brand names and its own branded Cartwright caps. The store is at 1111 League Line Road at the Conroe Outlet Mall.

Branding Iron Custom Goods opened a wholesale business of screen printing, embroidery, and promotional products in 2004 with Debbie Krueger and her son, Keath Krueger. The shop moved to downtown Conroe in 2016 when Keath Krueger saw a need for a store catering to men. The Branding Iron is one of the only boutiques to offer custom embroidery for businesses or individuals.

During its 20 years, the selection has expanded to include custom-made tee shirts and hats, including Lake Conroe Shirts, Cut and Shoot tanks, and Conroe men's shirts. The Branding Iron also proudly carries men's accessories, leather goods, cologne, wallets, knives, sunglasses, and products made by local vendors, including cutting boards and men's grooming products. It is located at 210 N. Main Street downtown.

Men, you have a place for you at both Cartwight's Western Wear and Branding Iron Custom Goods.

Tater and Logan are both wearing Cinch jeans and shirts. Tater has on teal boots from Tyler Lyles and Logan is wearing a hat handmade from Catalina Hat Company

“

“My dad has repaired boots and shoes for Conroe my entire life”, said Ashton Cartwright.

hacks HAIR

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!

fishtail braids reverse

ARTICLE BY ABBI SULASKI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

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.

simpleupdo

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.