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Style Icons of Milford

S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6

LIFE IS UNSCRIPTED. YOUR PLAN SHOULDN’T BE. At Coastal Bridge Advisors, we build custom financial strategies around what matters most to you—your values, your goals, your legacy.

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T I M E L E S S S U S TA I N A B L E A R C H I T E C T U R E

Thoughtful estate planning— the gift that never goes out of style! Style isn’t just about what you wear—it is about the life you create and the future you protect. At Inner Circle Legal Planning, we provide sophisticated estate planning tailored to your family, your goals, and your future. From wills and trusts to asset protection and business succession planning, our boutique firm delivers personalized guidance with clarity, care, and attention to detail. Start planning with confidence today by reaching out for a free consultation!

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General Manager: Omer Kizilcik

Fine Home Furnishing Crafted In Europe & Curated For Contemporary Living 203-772-9265 | Harmonifurniture.com | 1602 Boston Post Road

TAX INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS

203.876.0318

As we celebrate 25 years in Milford, we’re proud to continue serving the individuals and businesses that strengthen our community. Today’s ever-changing tax laws make even simple returns more complex, creating Milford, CT 06460 326 taxpayers. West Main St. #110 opportunities—and risks—for While software can be efficient, it can’t replace the expertise, strategy, and personalized guidance of Robert Testo III and the experienced team at RJ Testo and Associates.

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www.rjt3associates.com

203.876.0318 | rjt3associates.com | 326 W Main St, Milford, CT S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

CUSTOM FENCING SOLUTIONS Since 1967, Reliable Fence has set the standard—not chased it. We’re not the lowcost option, we’re the Gold Standard. From generation to generation, our name has stood for quality, craftsmanship, and work that speaks for itself. Today, Deven Iannone continues the legacy of his uncle, founder Joseph “Big Joe” Iannone, leading with the same grit, pride, and precision beautifying and protecting what you love most. Dog Lovers, Pooch Protectors

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Dog Fencing Solutions

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Style and Substance “Style” gets thrown around a lot, usually attached to something you can buy. But the people who define style in Milford tend to be the ones who've built a life, a business, or a block with real intention — trends aside. Take Colleen Kranz. Her new maker space, Black Rabbit, is opening downtown soon, and when she talks about it, community comes up more than aesthetics. She believes Milford is ready for more businesses that are creative, whimsical, and rooted in connection. Her cover story makes a compelling case. Then there's Chris Bjorklund, who went from professional musician to Milford builder — a career pivot that sounds dramatic until you hear him tell it, where it becomes a throughline of passion, perfection, and care. He's lived enough lives to have earned an opinion on what actually matters, and his take on styling a life for value, rather than appearance, is worth sitting with. Ximena Cardentey, owner of Inside Living Style, just purchased the storefront she has long operated out of. That's years of steady, unglamorous work paying off in the most concrete way possible. Few people have earned the right to talk about style quite like a woman who built her own foundation, literally. And for anyone in the mood to feel a little fancier just driving through town, this issue also looks at Genesis of Milford and what it means to cruise through your errands with a bit more luxury. What ties these stories together is a shared instinct: figure out what matters, then build accordingly. A maker space. A second act. A building. A really nice car. Different forms, same instinct. That's a kind of style that doesn't go out of fashion. In good taste,

September 2026 PUBLISHER

Mark Arnold | mark.arnold@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Chelsea Spata | chelsea.spata@citylifestyle.com INTERNS

Harshitha Kothapalli, Madeline Babcock CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Madeline Babcock, Harshitha Kothapalli, Sophia Scinto, Chelsea Spata C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Mark Arnold

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

MARK ARNOLD, PUBLISHER @MILFORDCITYLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Milford City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Milford area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/MILFORD

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Milford City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

WHEN THE TAN FADES

TREAT WHAT SUMMER LEFT BEHIND. Fall is IPL season. WHAT CAN IPL IMPROVE? SUN & AGE SPOTS

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MILFORD MED SPA & WELLNESS 99 CHERRY STREET, MILFORD, CT • 203-701-6161 • MILFORDMEDSPA.COM

inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E

20 Featured

28 36

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Through the Looking Glass

Colleen Kranz brings two decades of design home to Milford with Black Rabbit

Chris Builds Dreams How one Milford builder turned discipline, sobriety, and craft into a legacy

Living In Style

A Milford Business Puts Down Permanent Roots

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Trend Setter BEAUTY

Local Limelight STYLE + BEAUTY

Expert Help ENTERTAINMENT

Locals Only HOME + DESIGN

Inspired By STYLE + BEAUTY

Must See ENTERTAINMENT

Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY

Realty Report REAL ESTATE

Events

On the Cover Chapter XXIII: Unicorns of Milford Colleen Kranz in the entryway of her new downtown maker space, Black Rabbit Photography: Mark Arnold

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

Benefits of Weight Loss Injections at The Radiance MD Our weight loss injection services go beyond just shedding pounds; we focus on holistically improving your well-being. Here’s why patients across West Haven, CT; Milford, CT; and Shelton, CT trust our program:  Safe and Supervised: Every treatment is overseen by knowledgeable medical professionals to ensure safety.  Personalized Care: We understand every individual is unique. Your sessions will be customized based on your health profile to maximize results.  Comprehensive Services: Our center also offers dietary, nutritional, and what we like to call AEP (adverse effect prophylaxis) services that can help support you on your weight loss journey. Jennifer Dilungo, PA-C Sherif Saleh, MD Juliana Maria Arbelaez Linero, APRN Jessica Sarkisian, APRN

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SEPTEMBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

1: Tracy Bonosconi and Cliff Schorr, style mavens. 2: Sophia Scinto outtake from our cover shoot for the 2026 Women's edition 3: Dr. Caroline Clukey relaxing at home. 4: Street art 5: Unused shot of Jennifer Paradis from her feature last November 6: Tarah Pinsince for Milford City LIfestyle 7: Kristina Foreman and Alison Barstein at Milford Med Spa 2025

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ M I L F O R D C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

C I T Y SC E N E

THANK YOU! Our Milford Moves 5K was a day filled with community spirit, familiar faces, and support for a great cause. We’re grateful to our volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who laced up their sneakers to help support local veterans’ groups.

Member 203-783-5700 • www.milford.bank

Equal Housing Lender

SEPTEMBER 2026

business monthly Hand Crafted Custom Furniture For Your Entire Home

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Custom Designed Upholstery · Bedding · Cushions · Window Treatments

Seven Continents Celebrates Two Years Seven Continents is a small-batch candle and fragrance company founded by Lauren Cirkot in Ansonia, Connecticut. Inspired by travels across 30-plus countries and six continents, Lauren hand-pours each soy candle to capture the scent of a specific destination, from Andalusian leather to Australian mountains. Launched in 2024 from a holiday gift-making hobby, the one-woman brand emphasizes eco-friendly, lowtox ingredients meeting European standards, letting customers explore the world through scent, one handcrafted candle at a time.

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S.V. Decker Returns to Milford S.V. Decker Jewelry is a women-owned, fine jewelry brand founded by designer Steffi Decker, who has spent over a decade crafting wearable art. The brand specializes in custom designs and bespoke engagement rings, hand-selecting natural gemstones to create timeless pieces that celebrate life’s most meaningful and precious moments. Every creation is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, and is backed by a lifetime warranty, ethical sourcing practices, and a personal consultation for every custom commission.

Milford’s top restaurant offers a gracious dining experience where our Italian-inspired menu and hospitality meets the highest expectations. The Two Oh Three Celebrates Connecticut with Every Stitch The Two Oh Three is Connecticut’s homegrown lifestyle brand, founded by siblings Tory and Roscoe Brown. Born from a passion project in their parents’ basement, it now designs and prints apparel, accessories, and home goods locally, celebrating the state’s 203 area code. From East Coast hoodies to needlepoint hats and beach totes, every product nods to coastal living and hometown roots. The business is built around shopping small, eating local, and loving Connecticut.

Complement your meal with selections from our award-winning wine list. Join Us Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday for our $38 Three-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Consider our beautiful private dining room to host an event that is sure to impress your guests!

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NEXT STOP: NYFW My favorite time of year is approaching. It’s officially Virgo season, which means it’s time to dust off my platform boots and stomp the cobblestone streets of New York City for Fashion Week. My yearly ritual starts by designing my own outfit and jewelry. It’s a tradition I look forward to every season. I always challenge myself to create something that’s a conversation starter because you never know where a simple, “I love your outfit,” might lead.

Those NYFW designs often find a second life as made-to-order pieces for my brand. (Pictured: the Sahara Set.) To me, Fashion Week has never just been about the runway. It’s about the people you meet, the ideas you bring home, and the creative energy that stays with you long after. I always return home inspired, creatively recharged, and excited to start designing all over again.

From Connecticut to Fashion Week, the handmade pieces and traditions that travel with me ARTICLE BY SOPHIA SCINTO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ARNOLD

T R E N D SE T T E R | BEAUTY

CANON POWERSHOT G7X MARK II DIGITAL CAMERA: What’s a NYFW trip without pictures? My favorite compact camera for capturing behind-thescenes moments and Fashion Week outfits. $699.99

SLS THE BRAND “CHAMPAGNE PRISM” HANDMADE 18K GOLD PLATED JEWELRY SET This set is one of my favorites. Neutral yet impactful, the faceted beads create a prismatic effect as they catch the light. $45

SLS THE BRAND “ESPRESSO MARTINI” HANDMADE BEADED BRACELET: Pearlescent espresso tones for fall? Sign me up. If I’m matching my espresso martini, I’m definitely doing something right. $25

VINTAGE 1970’S JANDA “LINEA ITALIANA” MAGAZINE CLUTCH: A rare collectible and wearable work of art. This trompe l’oeil magazine clutch is the ultimate vintage conversation piece. $250

SKYLAR VANILLA SKY EAU DE PARFUM: A few spritzes of my signature scent are a must before heading out. Warm vanilla and cappuccino notes never disappoint. $96

SAIE DEW BLUSH IN SHADE “BABY”: I’m a stickler for a good clean beauty formula, and Saie always delivers the perfect dewy pop of color to complete my makeup look. $26

SOPHIA L. SCINTO

SLS founder and designer Sophia L. Scinto is the founder and designer behind SLS the Brand, a Connecticut-based fashion label specializing in handmade clothing and jewelry. She creates every piece with intention and believes fashion should tell a story. Whether she’s in her Connecticut studio or heading into New York City for inspiration, Sophia is always creating. Explore her latest work at SLStheBrand.com and follow along @SLStheBrand on social media.

STEVE MADDEN BERKLEIGH BOOTS: The boots that carry me through miles of New York streets without sacrificing style. Fashion Week approved. $129.95 SLS THE BRAND “WILD MUSE” HANDMADE BEADED BRACELET: A little animal print never hurt anybody. The perfect stackable neutral accessory with a wild side. $25 S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

Milford’s Orthodontist Since 1968

17,000 Brilliant Smiles And Counting Dr. Gary Opin and Dr. Perry Opin understand that changing a person’s smile can change a person’s life. Throughout your entire orthodontic experience, they will be attentive to your comfort, will listen to and respect your treatment goals and concerns, and partner with you to achieve a lifetime of smiles. At Opin Wide Orthodontics, our doctors develop lasting relationships with our patients and their families, while providing a superior level of care to create healthy, engaging smiles. For over 55 years, we have been leveraging state-of-the-art treatments to provide our patients with highly individualized, effective care. OpinOrthodontics.com | (203) 877-3231 | 266 S Broad St, Milford, Connecticut 06460

Every remodel begins with a conversation, a clear plan, and a team that guides you through each step. From layout and cabinetry to flooring, hardware, and installation, we handle the details with a design-led approach that keeps your project on track and true to your vision and needs.

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THROUGH THE

Looking Glass

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | STYLE + BE AU T Y

COLLEEN KRANZ BRINGS TWO DECADES OF DESIGN HOME TO MILFORD WITH BLACK RABBIT

ARTICLE BY HARSHITHA KOTHAPALLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ARNOLD

The difference between something nice and something unforgettable might not be easily defined, but it can usually be felt in the experience. It’s tucked into the details most people never think twice about. Colleen Kranz has built a career proving that those small details can leave the biggest impressions. For two decades, Kranz has been the creative force behind celebrations that generate lasting memories. Custom invitation design and branding for weddings, milestone birthdays, mitzvahs, and every carefully considered day-of detail in between have all passed through her hands. She has spent years helping clients tell their stories through thoughtful design, often becoming such a trusted part of their lives that one event naturally led to the next. “I’ve been working with some clients for over 15 years,” she says. “I’ve watched their kids grow up. I know their style and have earned their trust. They’ve become friends.” It’s intentional work that often operates quietly, behind the scenes. Guests admire beautifully branded welcome bags; they unfold wedding invitations, read menus, find their escort cards, and walk into spaces where every detail feels special. “I love being able to add personal touches to people’s happiest days,” she says. “Beautiful experiences bring people together.” That love of creating meaningful experiences has guided nearly every chapter of her career. Now, it has inspired the next one: Black Rabbit, a new boutique located in downtown Milford that reflects not only her years as a designer, but the creative journey that brought her back to the city where it all began.

ROOTED IN MILFORD

Kranz was born in Milford before her family moved to Orange, where she spent most of her childhood. Looking back, she can see how early influences quietly shaped the creative career she would eventually build. “As long as I can remember, I was into art – drawing, painting, crafts…,” she recalls. “My mom taught me how to sew – and was always coming up with various craft projects to try. I took my first art classes when I was in elementary school at Milford’s Gallery on The Green.”

CONTINUED >

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At home, art was balanced with technology, but Kranz notes that she “was also watching someone build a business. Creativity and entrepreneurship were always intertwined, even if I didn’t recognize it at the time.” Her father co-owned Computerease, Inc. in the 1980s, a Milford-based chain of stores that sold Apple computers and introduced educational programs built around emerging technology. Long before graphic design became the career she imagined, those two worlds were already beginning to overlap.

THE RABBIT HOLE

After earning her degree in graphic design from James Madison University, she entered the industry through promotional marketing, evolving into package design. Every position added another layer to the way Kranz approached her art. Knowing her talent for design, friends began asking her to create invitations for their weddings and celebrations. What started as side work quickly became something she could not stop thinking about. “I loved it,” she says. “I thought to myself, there must be a job for this.” With a binder full of invitation designs and no clear roadmap, she decided to see what was out there. She made a list of local stationery stores, got in her car, and planned to work her way back from Greenwich to Milford, introducing herself along the way. The first stop changed everything. “I ended up walking into the first shop and meeting my future business partner.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Together, they spent seven years running their own successful retail stationery shop, J.Papers in Greenwich, creating luxury invitations and paper goods for clients throughout the region. During that time, she had the joy of designing invitations for her own wedding on Block Island. Life, however, has a way of reshaping even the best plans. Just after her first wedding anniversary, Kranz was diagnosed with breast cancer. She continued working during rigorous chemo treatments, and recovered, but the daily commute from Milford to Greenwich became too much. Eventually, she and her business partner chose to take the business in different directions. Her partner assumed ownership of the retail shop, while Kranz continued the custom design side of the business, returning to Milford to work from her home studio and serve the clients she had cultivated over the years. It was then that Social Alchemy was born. Over the last decade, that business has evolved far beyond invitation design: she and her project manager, Lauren Barone (also of Milford) now create wedding websites, electronic invitations, elaborate installations for escort displays, corporate gifting, and event swag – including a fun collaboration for custom-designed wedding beer can labels they did with Tribus Beer Co. Although her work often stretches across the country, Milford has always remained home. You may even own some of her work if you’ve bought any of the Milford Porchfest tees or posters.

CONTINUED >

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | STYLE + BE AU T Y

FOLLOW THE CURIOUS PATH

After college, Kranz returned to our city, renting a house for many years in Laurel Beach with a best friend. Years later, a casual stop for breakfast at Little Lasse’s unexpectedly reunited her with someone she’d known in high school — a reunion she actually tried to avoid (“I had not had my coffee yet!” she laughs). It didn’t work, and the chance encounter eventually led to marriage. She and her husband, John, a carpenter, went on to buy and renovate a historic home just behind Milford City Hall, once the parsonage for the nearby church, blending her eye for design with his craftsmanship. Living downtown was a lifestyle change that made Kranz feel more deeply connected to the heart of the city. “I always loved that little cottage,” she says of the space that is Black Rabbit. “Walking by with friends would always spark dreams of fun things we could turn it into.” When the building finally became available, Kranz saw possibility. But the inspiration is not a traditional boutique. “I think the overall vibe is a little Alice in Wonderland, a little speakeasy,” she says. “I’ve always connected with Alice, because she follows curiosity wherever it leads – but also with the White Rabbit, mostly because he’s late,” she laughs. She painted the rabbit black instead, though: a color she loves for its ability to feel mysterious, moody, refined, or elegant, depending on who’s looking.

“It would be great to create...a place that encourages people to wander a little longer, discover other downtown businesses, and experience Milford.” Kranz imagines collaborations with local makers, creative partnerships throughout downtown, and unexpected experiences that extend beyond the walls of the tiny cottage. A nostalgic penny candy counter, inspired by memories of a Milford favorite Wanda’s Sugar Shack, is one of many small details intended to create moments of delight long before anyone reaches the register. “It would be great to create something that feels like it’s got its own evolving energy, becoming a place that encourages people to wander a little longer, discover other downtown businesses, and experience Milford in a new way.” Black Rabbit isn’t meant to be discovered all at once. It’s meant to reveal itself a little differently every time you visit. In her love letter to Milford, the designer who spent decades creating meaningful experiences for other people is finally creating one of her own.

BLACK RABBIT With Black Rabbit, Colleen Kranz envisions a curated space built around experience. Handcrafted gifts, stationery, candles, jewelry, chocolates, and plants from local artisans will come together under one roof, giving makers without a downtown storefront “a showroom of sorts.” Design details throughout will nod to nostalgic Milford businesses, keeping their memory alive. For her, it’s a rare chance to design something her own. “Black Rabbit feels like a big art project,” she says.

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THE LATEST INNOVATIONS, TOP TRENDS AND HOTTEST STYLES IN FLOORING The Prete Family has been flooring New Haven county since 1959. As the second generation owner of Ultimate Interiors, Buddy carries on the tradition of hands-on, high-quality workmanship that will last a lifetime.

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Christina Prete and Buddy also took a lifelong passion for charitable work and created an app that helps nonprofits accomplish their mission. To honor the Rackiewicz and Prete family’s commitment to giving, the Shopping Away mobile application provides a convenient way to connect those who ask, “How can I help?” with those who say, “Here’s what we need.”

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Meet The Coach Soul Fit 360 Hi, I’m Jeannie! I’m a Women’s Holistic Wellness Coach specializing in gut and hormone health, a Certified NASM Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and hands-on stretch specialist. My mission is to help busy women and moms in their 30s and 40s reconnect with themselves and embody their best, most aligned selves, whether that’s in the gym or from the comfort of home.

www.soulfit360.com 203-993-5482 S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

EXP E RT H E LP | ENTERTAIN ME N T

FROM THE STAGE TO THE JOB SITE, HOW ONE MILFORD BUILDER TURNED DISCIPLINE, SOBRIETY, AND CRAFT INTO A LEGACY

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA SPATA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ARNOLD AND PROVIDED

CHRIS BUILDS

DREAMS Chris Bjorklund describes himself as a husband, a father, an entrepreneur, and an artist. For over a decade, he chased his dreams as a studio and touring musician. Twenty years later, he’s building some of Milford’s most distinctive homes. CONTINUED >

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Born of humble beginnings in Bridgeport in the 70s, Chris’s childhood came with challenges that would indelibly shape his outlook. Money was tight, stability was scarce, and the notion of a successful future was fleeting. “I’m as grateful for all the things I didn’t have as for the things I did,” he says, “but for all the things my mom got wrong she got one thing right. She loved me.” At age eight, Bjorklund gained his father, Ed, who adopted him and eventually moved the family from Bridgeport to Monroe, then Newtown, then to Milford. Ed was a successful business owner, builder, and developer, and although Chris didn’t realize it at the time, he was quietly absorbing lessons that would later define his career. But music found him first. At ten years old, he found a guitar teacher in the phone book and arranged lessons before his parents had agreed. As a teenager he played in clubs he was too young to enter, and by his twenties he was touring nationally, performing original music, working with respected producers, and pursuing what seemed destined to become a full-time career. For years, it was. But life on the road demanded more than talent. “You cross a line,” Bjorklund says,

EXP E RT H E LP | ENTERTAIN ME N T

"I’M STILL AN A R T I S T...I C R E AT E HOMES THAT PEOPLE GET TO LIVE IN E V E R Y D AY.”

“where the passion that got you there gets replaced by the lifestyle.” After a decade of touring, he stepped away, and began rebuilding his life as a sober man and a passionate custom home builder. That decision came twenty years ago, and Chris has never looked back. When he reflects on his music career, his unbroken commitment to sobriety, and his flourishing business, he sees the same determination in every chapter of his life. “The same way I went after music,” he says, “I went after building.” In this latter chapter, Bjorklund immersed himself in every aspect of construction – from development to project management and custom craftsmanship. The creativity that once fueled songwriting found a new outlet in designing and building homes. “I’m still an artist,” he says assuredly. “Instead of writing songs, I create homes that people get to live in every day.” Today, Bjorklund builds on his own terms: he works for himself and for homeowners who hold the highest standards. Bjorklund renovates three to four properties a year, with his own vision, transforming them through extensive renovation or new construction before bringing them back to market. They’re not cosmetic flips, he emphasizes, but carefully engineered homes designed for longevity, quality, and timeless design. His philosophy is simple: find the least desirable house and make it the one everyone notices. “The neighbors usually aren’t thrilled when we start,” he says with a smile. “By the time we’re finished, they’re elated we were there.” Ask Bjorklund to describe his design style and he answers without hesitation: relaxed, coastal, and timeless. Think Nantucket and the Hamptons, interpreted through the character of Milford. His homes blend clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtful details while respecting the architecture and history of the neighborhoods around them. “Milford has a unique style,” he explains. “There’s a coastal element, classic New England colonials and beach cottages. The goal is to marry those ideas together in a way that is as beautiful as it is functional.” CONTINUED >

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That ability to balance seemingly opposite ideas is a useful metaphor for Bjorklund’s life: he grew up in a difficult environment, toured the country as a musician, and ultimately found his calling in construction. A cursory glance at Bjorklund’s path reveals it to be rare, unpredictable, wild, nonlinear. But his throughline – of creativity, of discipline, of passion – maps a clearer narrative. Today, he uses these qualities and skills to advance each of his projects, believing exceptional homes require equal parts vision, organization, and execution. His personal life reflects that same intentional approach. Years after their first meeting, he reconnected with his now-wife, Felisha, in the crowd of a live concert with his late brother, Richard, shortly before Richard lost his battle with a brain tumor. They married later in life, something Bjorklund says allowed him to build a strong foundation before starting a family. Today they are raising two young children, Joey and Olivia, in Milford – the community they proudly call home. Bjorklund asserts that his family has reshaped his perspective as much as any career

EXP E RT H E LP | ENTERTAIN ME N T

milestone. The instability he experienced growing up, the lessons learned through music, and the discipline required to rebuild his life all influence the way he approaches not just his work, but his role as a parent and partner. “I get to be there for things,” he says. “I get to be there for breakfast with my daughter in the morning – I’m grateful for that.” When asked about his unique approach to home building, Bjorklund’s musical past creeps back in as he muses that a construction project is much like leading

"IF YOU'RE NOT THE BEST PLAYER, AND YOU'RE NOT THE MOST ORGANIZED, AND YOU DON'T DO THE BEST PROJECTS, [CUSTOMERS] DON'T COME B ACK." a band: every trade has a specialized role, but success depends on communication, preparation, and everyone working toward the same goal. “If you’re not organized, if you’re not committed to quality, and if you don’t consistently deliver,” he says, “people don’t come back.” The finished project itself, too, is much like a timeless tune that brings everyone to the dance floor: Bjorklund strives to create homes that become part of a neighborhood and stand the test of time. Whether he’s restoring an older property or building from the ground up, he approaches each project with the same philosophy

that guided his years as a musician: great work comes from discipline, creativity, and an uncompromising attention to detail. Today, Milford is where those experiences come together. It’s where he has chosen to raise his family, invest in his community, and build homes that reflect both the character of the town and the people who live there. “I’ve put my roots down here,” he says. “Everything we’ve built has been one project, one relationship, and one reputation at a time.” For more information about Chris’s work, visit bjorklundbuilthomes.com. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

The salon that offers organic hair care...

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L I V ING

IN S T Y L E A MILFORD BUSINESS PUTS DOWN PERMANENT ROOTS

ARTICLE BY MADELINE BABCOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ARNOLD

LOCA LS ON LY | HO M E + D E SIGN

In 1993, Ximena Cardentey arrived in Connecticut from Ecuador with little more than her talent and the courage to start over. She began sewing custom window treatments from the basement of her home. Her reputation grew, leading her to open a small workroom in Trumbull. It was there that a local designer presented her with a new opportunity: a custom banquette for a restaurant. Although she had never made furniture, Ximena embraced the challenge with the same fearless spirit that had brought her to this country.

"Purchasing this building is our way of showing that we’re just as committed to Milford as Milford has always been to us."

CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

“All her hard work has been for us. This is a huge accomplishment for her life, her career, her legacy.”

LOCA LS ON LY | HO M E + D E SIGN

Inside Living Style’s Milford story began more than two decades ago with a focus on custom upholstery and a dedication to preserving the beauty and character of well-loved furniture. The business built its reputation by restoring heirloom pieces, creating custom designs, and bringing new life to furniture through skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. As the business grew, so did its vision. What started as an upholstery-focused shop evolved into a full lifestyle destination, offering thoughtfully selected furniture, home décor, gifts, seasonal collections and interior design inspiration. While the offerings expanded, Inside Living Style remained committed to the same values that shaped its beginnings: quality workmanship, personal service, and helping customers create spaces that feel like home. This spring, Inside Living Style reached a milestone: Ximena and her daughters, Denisse and Gabriela, purchased the storefront the business has long called home. For a woman who built her business from nothing while raising three children, it’s a deeply personal achievement. Now, by purchasing the building, the business is investing not only in its own

future but also in the continued vitality of Milford’s downtown. Denisse reflects on what the building purchase signifies for the family. “All her hard work has been for us,” she says of her mother. “This is a huge accomplishment for her life, her career, her legacy.” The milestone comes after years of thoughtful growth and a continued focus on serving the community. “Milford has truly embraced us from the very beginning,” Denisse shares. “The support we’ve received from this community has meant everything to our family and our business. Purchasing this building is our way of showing that we’re just as committed to Milford as Milford has always been to us.” As Milford continues to see investment in its downtown, Inside Living Style’s newest chapter stands as another example of a locally owned business choosing to invest in the community that helped it grow. For the owners, purchasing the building is both a celebration of more than two decades of hard work and a promise that Inside Living Style will remain a part of Milford’s downtown for years to come.

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PR ECISION, R EDEFINED The 2026 Genesis G70 blends everyday comfort with race-bred reflexes.

There's a version of luxury that whispers, and a version that accelerates. The 2026 Genesis G70 does both, sliding into corners with the poise of a rear-drive sedan built for backroads, then settling into hushed comfort once traffic returns. Under the hood of our Sport Prestige tester, a twin-turbo V6 sends 365 horsepower through a limited-slip differential, sharpened by variable-ratio steering and Brembo brakes that shrug off repeated hard stops.

Inside, quilted leather and a wide sunroof soften the mood, while a head-up display and Lexicon surround sound make the cabin feel more flagship than compact contender. The G70 has always argued that Genesis could build genuine sporting intent, not just badge-engineered comfort. This year's update sharpens that case, wrapping serious hardware in details you'd expect from cars costing twice as much.

ARTICLE BY STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I NSP IR E D BY | STYL E + B E AU T Y

TH E FE ATURE S:

2026 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Prestige

Genesis’s twin-turbo flagship trim pairs V6 muscle with driver-focused hardware, an adaptive suspension tune, limited-slip differential, and variable exhaust, wrapped in leather, aluminum, and suede that feel far pricier than the sticker suggests. VEHICLE TYPE: Front-engine, rear/all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan ENGINE: Twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V6, aluminum block and head, direct injection POWER: 365 hp @ 6000 rpm TORQUE: 376 lb-ft @ 13004500 rpm SUSPENSION: MacPherson strut/ multi-link BRAKES: Brembo vented disc/ vented disc WHEELBASE: 111.6 in LENGTH: 184.4 in WIDTH: 72.8 in HEIGHT: 55.1 in CURB WEIGHT: 3871-4063 lb EPA FUEL ECONOMY: Combined/ City/Highway: 20/17/25 mpg

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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SCAN TO CONNECT

MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL

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ARTICLE BY CHELSEA SPATA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The Sound of Downtown Jazz'n Downtown Reveals Its Full Lineup for October 3 The full lineup for Jazz’n Downtown: The Ultimate Jazz & Arts Experience is out, ahead of the festival’s debut on Saturday, October 3, 2026 in downtown Milford, Connecticut. By day, two outdoor main stages at Lisman Landing and Parsons Plaza carry a lineup built to swing in every direction. Grammy winner Zaccai Curtis brings his Cubop Lives! project, trombonist and composer Wycliffe Gordon leads his own set, and Broadway-and-jazz vocalist Tina Fabrique headlines alongside him. MAC awardee and emerging artist Anton Kot shares the bill with vocalist Alicia Olatuja, 1920s specialists the Hot Club of Black Rock, smooth jazz pianist Jay Rowe, big band leader Benny Benack III, the all-female NOLA-style Brass Queens, gypsy swing outfit the Kruno Spisic Trio, Connecticut institution the Galvanized Jazz Band (a fixture of the state’s jazz scene since 1971), Brazilian jazz trio Boukas/Fuller, and a run of additional performers including Chino Pons, Etienne Charles, and Jimmy Greene. It’s a full day

M UST SE E | ENTERTAI NME N T

of overlapping sets across genres — hot jazz, smooth jazz, big band, gypsy swing, Brazilian and Cuban jazz — with something starting more or less continuously from stage to stage. The night belongs to one ticketed event: the Jazz Icons Tribute, a concert at Parsons’ Veterans Memorial Hall honoring the music of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, featuring Wycliffe Gordon and opened by Tina Fabrique. Tickets to that concert alone run $75 to $125 per person, and it’s the only piece of the day that requires a purchase on its own. Everything else starts from a strong baseline: general festival admission — the art stroll, the outdoor stages, the Market, and the day’s activities — is free, though the Milford Arts Council is asking people to register in advance through Eventbrite so organizers can track attendance and keep registrants updated. For an extra $30 per class, festivalgoers can also book into beginner-friendly dance lessons throughout the day: Nia at 10:30, swing and foxtrot at 11:30, salsa at 12:45, and Argentine tango at 1:45.

“ The night belongs to one ticketed event : the Jazz Icons Tribute... honoring the music of Ella Fit zgerald and Louis Arms trong.”

For anyone who wants the day handled end to end, two VIP tiers are available, and both are explicitly capped. The AllInclusive VIP Pass is $500 per person, limited to 200 passes, and includes VIP zone access at both stages with premier front-of-stage and waterfront café seating, guaranteed brunch or lunch and dinner reservations, reserved parking, an orchestra-level seat at the evening Jazz Icons Tribute Concert, and a

commemorative festival poster. The VIP Jazz’n Day Pass covers all of that except the evening concert seat, at $400 per person, limited to just 100 passes. Whichever way you’d like to experience it, from a free afternoon wandering the art stroll and outdoor stages to a full VIP day capped off with the Fitzgerald and Armstrong tribute, details and registration are up now at jazzndowntown.org/tickets. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

ARTICLE BY STACY LEACH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Wear Colors That Truly

LOVE YOU A quick guide to finding flattering shades for life.

KNOW YOUR UNDERTONE Your undertone doesn’t change with the seasons. Check your wrist veins: blue means cool, green means warm, and unclear may be neutral. Cool tones love jewel colors; warm tones glow in earthy, rich shades.

CONSIDER CONTRAST Do you have high contrast between your hair, skin, and eyes (like dark hair and light skin)? High contrast looks great in bold, clear colors. Low contrast (like blonde hair and fair skin)? Softer, blended tones often suit you best.

THE WHITE VS. CREAM TEST Hold a white and ivory shirt near your face. If white flatters, you're likely cooltoned. If ivory glows against your skin, you're likely warm-toned. This quick test reveals your undertone with ease.

BUILD AROUND YOUR “WOW” COLORS Once you identify a few colors that make you look and feel amazing, use those as the base of your palette. These are your power colors—build your wardrobe and makeup around them!

PRO TIP You don’t have to follow rules perfectly. Your color palette is a guide, not a limit. Mix, match, and most importantly—wear what makes you feel beautiful.

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

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realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N M I L F O R D . ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

B AT H S

Orange

NEIGHBORHOOD

$2,600,000

100%

7/0

Millwood

$2,500,000

$2,325,000

93%

5/1

Fifth

$2,150,000

$2,008,000

93%

3/1

Milford

$1,590,000

$1,500,000

94%

3/1

Howe

$1,250,000

$1,360,000

109%

4/0

Melba

$1,099,999

$1,170,000

106%

1/1

Platt

$1,090,000

$1,150,000

106%

2/1

Blair

$993,300

$951,000

96%

2/1

Platt

$899,900

$910,000

101%

1/1

Zurko Farm

$799,000

$830,000

104%

2/1

Warren

$750,000

$815,000

109%

3/1

Acorn

$725,000

$773,000

107%

3/1

Orange

$799,900

$741,000

93%

2/1

Twin Oaks

$724,999

$725,000

100%

3/0 2/0

Hillside

$725,000

100%

Elgid

$725,000

100%

2/1

Point Beach

$749,000

$715,000

95%

1/0

Linden

$649,700

$705000

109%

2/1

Acorn

$620,000

$700,000

112%

1/1

Covington

$624,000

$700,000

112%

2/1

Merwin

$649,900

$685,000

105%

2/1

Indian River

$685,000

100%

3/0

Blair

$680,000

100%

2/0

Rivercliff

$699,900

$655,000

94%

2/1

Buckingham

$699,000

$650,000

93%

2/1

Top residential transactions through 7/23/2026

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | REAL ESTAT E

My Experience is the to Selling Your Home!

Photo Credit: Phil Kohan photosbyphillip.com

Barbara Zink

Milford’s Real Estate Expert barbara.zink@cbmoves.com

203.464.2598 Certified Global Luxury Agent Connecticut Magazine Consistent 5-Star Award Winner Real Trend’s Real Estate Award Top 1% of Realtors in Connecticut Coldwell Banker Top 1% in Connecticut

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SEPTEMBER 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

SAT U RDAYS IN S E P T EM B E R

Downtown Milford Farmers Market Wasson Field | 8:30 AM Milford's Saturday morning market returns to Wasson Field throughout September as part of its June-to-October season. Local farmers sell fresh produce, meats, dairy, and gluten-free baked goods alongside food trucks and community vendors. Live music and hands-on children's activities make it a weekly family draw, with a Children's Market Edition featured on select dates. SE PT E M BE R 6T H

Rockin' the Beach Concert Series — featuring RumRunners Rotary Pavilion, Walnut Beach | 4:00 PM The Walnut Beach Association and Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce close out their free summer concert series with a finale under the Rotary Pavilion. Local favorites RumRunners take the stage for three hours of classic rock and party covers. Bring a chair, a blanket, and a cooler, and settle in beachside for one of Milford's most beloved free summer traditions. SE PT E M BE R 1 3T H

9th Annual Walk Milford Challenge Fowler Field | 9:00 AM Walks With Buddy, Inc. hosts this community-wide fundraiser supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Participants walk one of 163 mapped routes covering all of Milford, then gather at Fowler Field for meditation, sound baths, yoga, and fitness classes. Registration proceeds benefit a choice of 14 local nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Club and Rape Crisis Center of Milford. SE PT E M BE R 1 8T H - 1 9 TH

Milford Irish Festival 2026 Fowler Field | 5:00 PM The Irish Heritage Society of Milford celebrates Irish culture with two days of live music and dance at Fowler Field. Headliners include Shilelagh Law, The Prodigals, and The Canny Brothers Band, plus step-dance troupes, a pipe band performance, food trucks, and a wine and beer tent. Marketplace vendors sell Irish gifts and crafts; children under 12 get free admission. SE PT E M BE R 2 0 T H

2nd Annual Lobster Roll and Music Festival Walnut Beach | 11:00 AM The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce returns to Walnut Beach to celebrate the city's claim as birthplace of the warm buttered lobster roll. Local restaurants including Stonebridge, Moby Dick's, and The Breakwall serve their versions of the dish while live bands play beachside all day. Last year's inaugural festival drew thousands and sold out of lobster rolls by day's end. SE PT E M BE R 2 6T H

Chrome & Couture Fashion Show Genesis of Milford | 6:00 PM As New York Fashion Week lights up the runways, Milford gets its own moment in the spotlight. Genesis of Milford hosts a fashion show pairing runway style with showroom style — models in the season’s latest looks, parked beside Genesis’s sleekest fashion-forward vehicles. Two runways, one night: fashion you wear, and fashion you drive.

EVE N TS

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