Cross Timbers, TX September 2023

J o i n u s f o r a m a g i c a l e v e n i n g a t . . .

C h a m p i o n s f o r C h i l d r e n

Gala Gala

CHAIRED BY CHAIRED BY

Melanie & Jamie Wilson

S C A N M E

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H e l p u s b r i n g h o p e a n d h e a l i n g t o v i c t i m s o f c h i l d a b u s e b y b i d d i n g o n o n e o f o u r t h e m e d b a r c a r t s , p u r c h a s i n g m y s t e r y b o x e s & m o r e !

September - Fashion to Serve Looks, and Serve our Community

Hello Friends,

I hope this letter finds you in high spirits and full of creative energy as we march into our September Style issue.

We hope this issue inspires you to blaze a new style trail or perhaps explore old or familiar ones. There is so much here in our delightful community to uplift our spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.

A beautiful and inspiring example of style is right on Main Street in Lewisville at the Sparrow & Co. retail store.  Sparrow & Co. offers a unique way to tell a style story through hand-made goods on a powerful mission which will transform any space with heart and purpose. You are in for a treat when you shop because you are giving back in a very meaningful way.

Speaking of telling a story, Design House has a gift for transforming spaces and helping you blend your own unique style to create a favorite and blissful place to call home. Check out the design trends they have highlighted and paired together to give you inspiration and a great jumping off point for your next room remodel!

This month, our very own, Bailee Havener has curated a generous variety of outfits styled from her own unique and creative thrifting prowess. You'll love the beautiful and gorgeous items she has re-written to inspire each of us to update our wardrobes with a nod from the past.

At the end of the day, the "best" style is an authentic expression of you, your heart and passions.  And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.  Here’s to being uniquely you!

In our August issue, the article titled, “Adventuring Through the Healing Process”, mentions “How two doctors are helping youth process trauma”. This statement was incorrect and should have read “How two clinicians are helping youth process trauma.” We retract the errors and have made these two corrections on page 6 and page 26 in our online August issue.

Blessings,

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Rachael Fenton | rachael.fenton@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Bailee Havener | bailee.havener@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Ashlynn Roberts | ashlynn.roberts@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Bailee Havener | bailee.havener@citylifestyle.com

Ashlynn Roberts | ashlynn.roberts@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashlynn Roberts, Bailee Havener

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Sherree Padilla - Fire Hound Press

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @crosstimberslifestyle

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

30 Minute Hit

Let's welcome the brand new 30 Minute Hit to Flower Mound! You can get a full body circuit done in just 30 minutes here, not to mention reduce your stress levels and find empowerment through hitting those bags. This gym is woman owned by Shobha, a mother with her own story of her experience with 30 Minute Hit and why she believes every woman NEEDS it in their life! Check her out, located next to Sprouts.

Rhythms at the Flower Mound River Walk

Cross Timbers Rotary Club is putting on their annual Rhythms at the River Walk event, where they raise funds to support over 25 charitable organizations in Denton County. These organizations serve to genuinely improve the lives of our community members. Not only is it super fun for the whole family with activities like the massive Duck Derby, but it is supporting our community in a profound way. To become a volunteer visit: rhythmsattheriverwalk.com/

Marty B's Coffee Company 1 Year in the Books

Wishing a Happy Birthday to Marty B's Coffee Company who celebrated their 1 year anniversary on July 12th! They are a Denton County obsession and they deserve it! With some of the most tasty and high quality drinks, and not to mention their gorgeous interior aesthetic. If you haven't checked them out, you are missing out. Keep it up Marty B's Coffee!

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Turn your goals into action

Price & Associates is a highly respected wealth management team, one of the largest in Texas. With an understanding of your unique priorities and financial situation, we can help you plan for the life you’ve always envisioned. Supported by the global resources of Merrill, our team comprises talented and experienced individuals committed to building strong client relationships based on trust and personalized service. From the start, we talk about your aspirations and encourage you to ask questions about issues that matter most to you. We want to be your first call for financial advice and guidance and offer you customized, proactive, professional service.

Price & Associates

286 Grand Avenue • Suite 200 • Southlake, TX 76092 • www.fa.ml.com/price

Jeffery Price, CPFA®

Managing Director • Wealth Management Advisor

817.410.4940 • Jeffery_price@ml.com

Jeffery Price has been recognized by:

Trenton Owens , CPFA®

First Vice President • Senior Financial Advisor 817.410.4934 • Trenton.owens@ml.com

Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” 2018-2022. Published annually Jan–April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” 2020-2022. Published annually Aug-Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31–June 30 of current year.

Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” 2022. Published on November 8, 2022. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.

Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” 2014-2022. Published annually in February-March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of the prior year.

Trenton Owens was recognized by:

Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors 2019. Published on Sep. 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019.

Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” 2017-2018. Published annually July-Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.

The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” list, published annually in March; rankings based on data as of Sept. 30 of prior year. Rankings considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience, who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. The Top 1,200 award included top advisors in each state, with the number of ranking spots determined by each state’s population and wealth. For both awards, other quantitative and qualitative measures include assets under management, revenues generated by advisors for their firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices, regulatory records, internal company documents, and data provided by the advisors themselves.

Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” 2022; published on Nov. 8, 2022; rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022; Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Aug–Oct.; rankings based on data as of Mar 31-June 30 of current year; the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan–April; rankings based on data as of June 30 of year; Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on Sept. 4, 2019; rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019; Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” 2017-2018, published annually July-Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year. Data provided by SHOOK™ Research, LLC. The awards are based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors with a minimum of seven years of experience and weighing factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings for all awards are based on the opinion of the publications, and these awards do not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and are not indicative of this advisor’s future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Merrill nor the advisors pay a fee to the publications in exchange for inclusion in their recognition lists. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and ad wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Investment

What is Your Risk Number?

Medical City ER in Flower Mound

Medical City ER Flower Mound, a department of Medical City Lewisville, reopened July 13th to provide full-service emergency care for all ages of our Flower Mound residents and surrounding areas.

To recognize this re-opening, Medical City Lewisville gave a charitable donation of $5,000 to the Cross Timbers Family YMCA. to help fund CPR training costs for Cross Timbers Family YMCA staff and volunteers.

Welcome Hawaii Fluid Art to Flower Mound

Let's congratulate Jodi and Shahid Mehmood on opening this beautifully unique, bold and eccentric space to create art and make memorable artistic memories! They are offering classes to expand your color palette and artsy imagination. One art medium you must go try

out is acrylic pouring to create bold, abstract and one-of-a-kind pieces for your home! We can't wait to see the colorful space and get creative at Hawaii Fluid Art.

Introducing the Dog Redwood to Children's Advocacy Center for North Texas

Redwood a 'Facility Dog' joined the Advocacy Center! Redwood has been trained to provide peace and relief to kids during trials and at other times during the investigation and healing process. Redwood trained for 18 months in a prison and also received 4 months of additional socialization and training with Canine Companions. His workload is about 8 hours a day, because Facility dogs also take on the trauma of their clients and need a healthy work/life balance!

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/CrossTimbers

Right in the heart of Flower Mound, TX, is SpaVela, a Luxurious Med and Day Spa. We offer various Wellness & Beauty Enhancing Services to help you look and feel your best from the inside out.

Trending Home Decor Styles

Taking a Look at Popular Designs and Colors with Jennifer Homeyer from The Design House

The Design House owners Ty and Jennifer Homeyer took over the formerly named Carpets Plus in 2008 and have since grown the business into one of the top home remodeling and design stores in DFW. As their local family-owned and operated business has continued to change and expand in its 15 years, so have the popular styles and trends seen in the home style industry.

To see current style trends in person, stop by The Design House at their Denton location. Their 10,000 square-foot design showroom is open while they are remodeling and giving customers an even more unique and personable shopping experience.

“We can help any homeowner,” Jennifer Homeyer said. “We can help whether you have your own labor or not, or you’re going to do it yourself. We can give you guidance.”

Eight Growing Trends The Design House is Seeing:

Some trends never go out of style. Blue and white is a classic color scheme and adding in this dark wood gives it a refined look.

HANDMADE CLAY TILE

Although it may appear to be just a very blank canvas, what catches your eye is the way the light hits the tile and reflects off of it. Put handmade clay tile in your shower for a pretty and unique look.

NATURAL/NEUTRAL PALETTES

Muted colors are desired because they create a timeless look in a kitchen or living room. They can withstand many years of style changes, as accents can be easily switched out to change with the trending color palette.

MONOCHROMATIC PALETTES WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR

This trend in particular has grown in popularity simply due to its convenience and easy maintenance to stay in style. Customers can achieve this look by using colorful accents such as pillows and throw blankets, or even painting an accent wall in a pop of color.

NATURAL GREENERY AND PLANTS

Natural greenery and plants are also making a comeback as seen on Instagram. These can be nicely paired with the neutral and calming color schemes because they create a simple look that goes with practically any color.

SOFT MAUVES

Relaxing, simple colors are coming back into style as they create an effortless and peaceful look to any space. Think of adding these colors into your home in the form of a backsplash, paint color, or even throw pillow.

JEWEL TONES

Statement pieces in the form of jewel tones have quickly risen in demand. Customers are adding bold furniture and paintings in deep greens and purples to stand out in their mostly neutral rooms.

TEXTURE

Perhaps the most interesting trend that is on the rise is texture. It’s not about the color of the marble or unique pattern the tiles create, but rather the texture and feel of the product.

EARTHY TONES

Earthy tones use tranquil colors to provide a calming look. They can easily be styled to appear everyday casual or more classy.

ICONIC AND SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Make those desires your reality through non-traditional fashion

BY

I remember being in elementary school and though I loved Summer, I also loved what came at its end. Every year before the new school year my mom would take my sisters and me back to school shopping and let us pick out new clothes. That first week back was always exhilarating getting to wear all my new outfits. I remember feeling empowered like I was getting to

express myself. I loved to play outside in the mud with the bugs, but I also really loved playing dress up. Now I am 23, still young and ever evolving as is my style. Over the years I have fallen in love with second-hand shopping, specifically at thrift shops. I am an avid ‘thrifter’ and though I will always be changing, that truth will always remain the same. I know a common perspective is that to thrift you have to compromise on quality and class, but that couldn’t be further from true! In today's society what we are all conditioned to go after is trending fashion. Popularity determines trend, so it is styles that we are all loving and then wanting for our own wardrobe. A downside to this can be rotating higher amounts of new clothing through our closets at an expedited rate. What you find in thrift stores is often older styles that are actually coming back around, especially the vintage, which is monetarily cheaper than fast fashion but much higher quality. Thrifting allows you to save tons of money. Just a few days ago I stopped by one of my favorite thrift shops to see their weekly sale, which was all regular clothing for one dollar! I spent $13 and got thirteen new pieces of clothing to add to my wardrobe. The average basic t-shirt costs $24.99. What more can I say? Thrifting allows you to score high quality pieces for very low prices. A few weeks ago I got a vintage Vera Wang dress for one dollar! I got a genuine leather button

up for one dollar! When you thrift you can curate a one-of-a-kind wardrobe. You get to stand out with your fashion and express your personality. The more I trade my closet for thrifted pieces, the more confident I feel in my fashion because I am wearing what I like, not what’s trending. I have never loved my clothes more, much more than anything I have bought new. I also feel great knowing my fashion styles are sustainable. I am giving donated clothes another chance to be loved and diversifying my wardrobe in an environmentally friendly way. You are recycling, eliminating your waste, and then you can always re-donate what you purchased, making room for something new and allowing those special pieces to serve someone else!

I feel classier than ever because a lot of older styles are fancier and more sophisticated than what’s popular today. I never owned pants suits and beautiful gold jewelry before I really got into thrifting. One of my favorite aspects of thrifting is that the best spots I have found are also non-profits, or give much of their proceeds to non-profits. Some of my favorites you should check out are: North Texas Charities Resale & Boutique, Stepping Stones Foundation, and Christ’s Haven for Children. This is your sign to go into that shop you pass on your way home from work, find your styles, upgrade your wardrobe, save tons of money, and feel great knowing the impact you are making.

“The more I trade my closet for thrifted pieces, the more confident I feel in my fashion because I am wearing what I like, not what’s trending.”

Shopping With a PURPOSE AT Sparrow & Co.

Impact your home, empower communities.

This is the mission of Sparrow & Co., a local home goods shop and online retailer that supports women through the unique handmade items they make and sell. The shop seeks to impact communities both locally and globally through the power of social enterprise and by providing customers an opportunity to shop with purpose. At Sparrow & Co., consumers can find a curated collection of home decor products such as pillows, throws, rugs, and pottery, as well as gifts such as jewelry, bags, and clutches. This home goods shop is helping its customers uniquely style their own space with purpose and meaning.

Sparrow & Co. currently has artisan partners in over 22 countries and 15 states. “We wanted to create a space that gave a voice to and showcased the work of local and global makers, while also empowering these communities. We reinvest 100% of our net proceeds back into our nonprofit, Sparrow Collective, to impact and empower the community,” Sparrow Collective Founder and CEO Rachel Joy said when asked about their origins.

How One Lewisville Business is Changing Lives Around the World through Ethically-Sourced Products

Weavers across Ghana and Kenya are economically empowered through the purchase of these hand-woven sisal baskets.

Each candle is hand poured and individually finished in New York State. Made from 100% pure North American beeswax.

Photo Credits: Sarah Linden Photography

Layering textiles creates warmth and interest. S&CO quilted throws from India make any space feel special.

Photo Credits: Sarah Linden Photography

These beautiful, one-of-a-kind belly baskets are handmade in Ghana.

Photo Credits: Sarah Linden Photography

These aprons were handwoven in Lithuania and are just one of the many curated goods found at Sparrow & Co.

Photo Credits: Sarah Linden Photography

Vintage pots, seasonal stems and unique finds elevate any space.

Photo Credits: Sarah Linden Photography

The S&CO Signature Candle Collection is hand poured locally with pure coconut wax and premium infused essential oils. Photo Credits: Cody Kurtz Photograph

All of Sparrow & Co products are ethically sourced and many are handmade.  “We have thoughtfully selected our artisan partners and curated our product selections,” Executive Director of Global Initiatives, Jessica Purvis, shared. In addition, Sparrow & Co. has launched their own branded collection of pillows and candles and plans to continue to expand into other product lines. “We are particularly excited about our in-house production because it allows us to invest in the women of our local community through job training and economic empowerment,” Purvis said.

Sparrow & Co. emphasizes ”Your Home Can Tell a Greater Story.” “We want to tell our makers’ stories, whether it's a maker from down the street or across the globe, and we want to invite our customers into the narrative,” Purvis said. “We know if we invest in women by supplying meaningful, consistent work through the purchase of their goods, they, as well as their families and communities, will thrive. Our customers are a vital part of the story.”

“We love time around the table here at Sparrow. Through our design services, we use the beautiful pieces from our makers to create warm and inviting spaces where you can gather with your family and friends,” Joy said. “Through Sparrow & Co., we work to educate and create awareness around the idea that what you purchase matters. I’m super, super proud of this space, the team, and what we’re creating in homes because we’re impacting lives and creating spaces of community.”

While Joy and Purvis are building relationships globally, they also want to connect with people in the Lewisville area and provide a space for them to make an impact. “We believe in the power of community and in creating meaningful impact, and it is our joy to get to do these things with both our global makers and our local community,” Purvis said. “We want our building to be a source of light to the community.”

Sparrow & Co. storefront is located on Main Street in Lewisville and is open ThursdaySaturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. To learn more about Sparrow & Co. and to shop online, visit their website at sparrowandco.com . Sparrow & Co is a ministry initiative of Sparrow Collective, a 501c-3 NPO.

Invaluable Service

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR LOCAL NON-PROFITS WOULD LOVE TO GET YOU INVOLVED

Are you interested in an all around positive experience? Volunteering in your local community is a great way to build relationships, give back in your community and share fulfilling activities! Volunteers are needed for Champions for Children Gala. Shifts are available for September 22nd and 23rd. All shifts will be at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. For more information, please contact Holly Norris at hnorris@cacnorthtexas.org.

Cross Timbers Rotary - Volunteers are needed at this year’s Duck Derby. Visit rhythmsattheriverwalk.com to sign up.

Humane Tomorrow - Love and support our animals in desperate need.

Christian Community Action - Join Education & Empowerment to serve in areas like teaching ESL, finances, resume-writing and more.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SUNDAYS

Flower Mound Farmers Market

PARKER SQUARE | 10:00 AM

Take a stroll any Sunday morning through Flower Mound's Farmers Market at Parker Square where you can experience local artisans meats, honeys, jams, breads, pastries, candies and more!

SEPTEMBER 4TH

Splashtacular at Flower Mound Children's Advocacy Center

FLOWER MOUND COMMUNITY ACTIVITY CENTER | 1:00 PM

Join Parks and Recreation staff at the Children's Advocacy Center to celebrate Labor Day at the Center outdoor water park. The day will be filled with games and activities to encourage participation from patrons of all ages and abilities. Free w/membership or Paid Admission ($4-8)

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Turkish Textiles & Rugs Shopping Event

105 E. MAIN STREET, LEWISVILLE, TX 75057 | 6:00 PM

Sparrow and Co invite us to join them to view their entire collection of rugs, learn about their makers in Turkey, and enjoy an evening of light hors d'oeuvres and drinks! This event is free and open to the public.

SEPTEMBER 16TH

Rhythms at the River Walk

FLOWER MOUND RIVER WALK | 10:00 AM

Enjoy a day full of events with live music, savory food trucks, fascinating, vendor booths, and overflow of fun activities for the kids and family. You can get a front row seat at the days highlight, the Duck Drop. 30,000 rubber ducks are poured into the river where they race for the finish line! Adopt your own for $5.

SEPTEMBER 16TH

Parents Night Out

WIN KIDS SPORTS AND LEARNING CENTER | 6:30 PM

Let your kids experience all the fun there is at Win Kids from games to trampolines and foam pits, crafts, other activities, and a pretzel and lemonade snack. Treat yourself to a night and know that your kids are having a fun and safe time at Win Kids. Ages 3-6, lasts until 10pm, $25 per child / $20 for siblings

SEPTEMBER 16TH

10 Mile Paddle to Old Alton Bridge

BLUET SUP - PADDLEBOARD AND KAYAK EXPERIENCES | 6:30 AM

One of the most magical times of day is sunrise, which makes the 10 Mile Tour by Bluet SUP exceptional. As the sun rises on the horizon, you are surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature. The adventure begins on Lake Lewisville, adventures to Hickory Creek, arriving at the infamous Old Alton Bridge, AKA Goatman Bridge. allevents.com to register

SEPTEMBER 16TH

PBR - Professional Bull Riding

BILL WEAVER ARENA | 6:00 PM

The City of Lewisville and Cox Event Productions are proud to bring the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) back to Lewisville on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Bill Weaver Arena. There will be a special cattle drive parade down Main Street to usher in the event.

SEPTEMBER 22ND & 23RD

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/CrossTimbers

Champions for Children Gala

OMNI PGA FRISCO RESORT | 9:00 AM

Join the Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas largest fundraiser of the year. This year’s event will welcome over 600 of our community’s leaders, and features a seated dinner, live and silent auction, paddle raise, Mystery Boxes, raffle, and more!

SEPTEMBER 23RD

Fall Craft Fair

DOUBLETREE RANCH PARK | 9:00 AM

Salsa, jam, art, handmade goods, housewares, crafts, and the best local vendors are ready for a fun day with you at this years Fall Craft Fair. It is only for one day 9am-12:30pm so don't miss it!

SEPTEMBER 26TH

Bigshots Golf Tournament

BIGSHOTS GOLF | 12:00 PM

The Neuro Assistance Foundation is putting on an exciting event, a golf tournament at big shots. haven't met one person that doesn't love to go there! Come socialize, enjoy a catered lunch, and bid on some raffles.

SEPTEMBER 29TH

2023 Western Days Festival

WESTERN DAYS | 5:00 PM

Lewisville Western Days 2023 offers two days of great family fun, including FIVE stages of live entertainment, Western Village featuring the Indigenous A.C.E. Dancers and Singers, the Kid Kountry Playground, the Padrino Foods World Tamale Eating Championship Presented by Market Street on Saturday, and many more exciting, family-friendly activities.

SEPTEMBER 30TH

Music Miles 5k

SHADOW RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL | 12:00 AM

A fun musical morning featuring music by the Shadow Ridge MS Bands. Come out and enjoy the festivities! The run benefits the SRMS Band.

THE little BLACK DRESS

Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?

Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straightlined silhouettes. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.

THE POPULARITY OF THE BLACK DRESS SKYROCKETED and IT BECAME ONE

OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.

“We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”

Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.

“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.

If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”

Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:

HOURGLASS FIGURE:

• V-necklines

• Cinched-in waistlines

• Tailored/fitted dresses

PEAR OR TRIANGLE

FIGURE:

• Tailored dresses

• Off the shoulder

ATHLETIC FIGURE:

• Embellished

• Ruffles

• Empire waist

• Volume is your friend

APPLE FIGURE:

• Drop waist

• A-line

The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.

Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional, or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality. 4101