Northwest Bergen, NJ September 2023

FITNESS

HUSTLE & HEART ARTS + CULTURE

GARDINER & CO.

Say It With Style

Whether or not you take a particular interest in fashion, style is something universal. We all communicate things about ourselves with our appearance. It’s simply human nature– we’ve been doing it for millennia.

Style is really fascinating when you think about it. It’s something everyone experiences, but in a completely unique way. It isn’t simply about clothes and how we adorn ourselves; it touches each and every part of our lives. It encompasses visual things, of course, but it’s also about who you are in ways that can’t be seen. The music you listen to, the books you read, and the way you carry yourself, speak, and act. It’s the little touches throughout your world that make you different and set you apart.

Sometimes, style is fitting in and finding common ground with other people by enjoying the same beautiful things. After all, trends happen for a reason! In this issue, we’ll take a look at some of the hottest fall trends of 2023, and highlight the common threads of this season’s fashion collections that you’ll want to try for yourself.

Other times, style is about standing out. Self-expression means boldly being who you are, no matter what everyone else is doing. For some, it's unique, alternative styles, and for others, it's a bright color and a big personality. Jenny Colangelo of the Hustle & Heart athleisure shop in Ridgewood is helping people combine comfort with fashion, encouraging them to express themselves even with busy lifestyles.

The real core of style, however, is about knowing who you are and staying true to that over time. For this issue, we have the pleasure of featuring Jane O’Grady, a woman who’s done just that. Her boutique Gardiner & Co. in Ridgewood has stood the test of time, and she knows style and the many ways that it speaks.

When you really begin to embrace your own personality and let the world see it clearly, style becomes something effortless! Whether you’re following trends or setting them, expressing your authentic self is something that everyone deserves to do. After all, only one person can have your sense of style, and that’s you!

Here’s to you and your one-of-a-kind style! May this fall be a season of celebrating who you are, inside and out.

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Meghan McGowan | meghan.mcgowan@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Sammi Tatarsky | sammi.tatarsky@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Lucy Probert | lucy.probert@citylifestyle.com

Donna Gould | donna.gould@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nancy Motto | nancy.motto@citylifestyle.com

Sarah Flannery | sarah.flannery@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Deborah Schwartz

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 Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

MEGHAN

EAT LOCAL | ENJOY LOCAL | SHOP LOCAL | SPEND LOCAL | SUPPORT LOCAL

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business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Studio Blanc Opens in Mahwah

Calling all creatives! Studio Blanc recently opened their doors in Mahwah, providing creative studio space that invites entrepreneurs, artists, brands, photographers, and creators to utilize as their own blank canvas.  Blanc is the French word for “blank,” paying homage to the fact that their “blank” studio space comes to life as a result of each renter’s creative spin. Rent it hourly, half-day, full-day, or partake in their monthly memberships. studioblancnj.com

SOMA Cafe & Creperie Opens in Waldwick

Your mornings just got tastier with the new SOMA Cafe & Creperie now open in Waldwick. Their motto stays true to their menu--"add a sweet sparkle to your day." That's exactly what you get at SOMA. Their drink menu includes an extensive array of items including various unique coffee flavors, delicious mocktails, smoothies, juices, and more. While you sip, chow down on delectable egg dishes, pancakes, french toast, and various sandwich options.

Country Cafe Moves To Wyckoff

Previously located in Franklin Lakes, Country Cafe is moving its delicious eats to Wyckoff. From savory options like breakfast burritos, omelets, and benedicts, to sweet items like pancakes, waffles, and french toast, this cafe will keep you well-fed seven days a week. Take a lunch break here and enjoy wraps, burgers, sandwiches, and more! P.S. celiacs, rejoice! Their menu includes a few gluten-free items so you don't have to miss out.

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HUSTLE & HEART

Nestled right near the train tracks, Hustle & Heart packs a mighty punch when it comes to the greatest athleisure finds on the market. Owner Jenny Colangelo has curated quite the collection of athleisure brands like Beyond Yoga, Splits59, Varley, Vuori, and many more, and as the casual-cute style becomes more popular than ever, she’s selling some of the hottest items of the season.

Despite the specificity of the athleisure subset of fashion, Hustle & Heart sells an astonishing array of items. You can find just about everything here– classic sweatshirts, trendy hats, quirky skorts, stylish jumpsuits, and even jewelry to add a touch of sophistication to a daily wear outfit. With departments for both men and women so that everyone can get in on the action, when there’s an activewear piece you have your eye on, Hustle &

Heart has open doors and an inventory where you’re sure to find something special. Whether you really did just come from the gym or you reached for leggings mostly for comfort and style, the athleisure trend is far too appealing to be going out of fashion anytime soon. The sporty look is truly here to stay, and it seems that Jenny Colangelo has found her niche providing Northwest Bergen shoppers with exquisite pieces of workout-wear. Since nothing says cozy fall vibes like the combination of a soft, buttery legging and an oversized sweater, we sat down with Jenny to gain some insight on the latest trends in athleisure that she is seeing in the fashion world right now. Her thoughts on the best casual and chic looks for the upcoming cool weather are sure to fit right into your own wardrobe.

CONTINUED >

Q: ATHLEISURE HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE POPULAR OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. ONCE, YOU’D NEVER THINK OF LEAVING THE HOUSE IN GYM CLOTHES, BUT NOW, NO ONE BATS AN EYE, AND COMFORTABLE SPORTY LOOKS ARE ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS PEOPLE REACH FOR WHEN THEY HAVE SOMEWHERE TO BE. HOW DO YOU THINK ATHLEISURE BRANDS HAVE RESPONDED TO THIS INCREASE IN DEMAND?

A: Athleisure brands have started making a wider array of options. It’s not just leggings and a t-shirt anymore—brands design with lifestyle in mind. We see a lot of matching sets you can feel good in beyond the gym doors. Beyond Yoga does a great job of offering a large selection of colors, designs, and fits for all body types. Plus, they are the softest material on the market. I’m talking buttery smooth. The high-waisted spacedye leggings are tried-and-true.

Q: THESE DAYS, TRENDS AND MICROTRENDS ARE CONSTANTLY EVOLVING AND CHANGING. THERE’S ALWAYS A HOT NEW MUST-HAVE ITEM THAT EVERYONE HAS THEIR EYE ON, BE IT A VIRAL PAIR OF SNEAKERS OR A COLORFUL WORKOUT DRESS.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST TREND IN ATHLEISURE AND WORKOUT-WEAR RIGHT NOW?

A: I am constantly re-ordering the Splits59 stripe leggings— they come in various color options, but the classic black legging with a white stripe is definitely a fan favorite. There’s just something so fun about a stripe! Also, matching sets are super trendy right now. Women can play with fun colors or go for the neutrals—either way, I think they lend to a well-put-together look.

Q: TELL US WHAT THE FALL MUST-HAVES ARE THIS SEASON! WHICH ITEMS STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD AS SOMETHING REALLY FUN, COMFORTABLE, OR UNIQUE THAT SHOULDN’T BE PASSED UP?

A: Without a doubt, everything Varley. They just do sweaters and sweatshirts so well. Specifically, their Vine pullovers or anything that comes in their DoubleSoft fabric. It’s so yummy. The softest sweatshirt you’ll ever own—trust me when I say it has a loyal following. The Vine pullovers offer a tailored oversize fit for a more elegant athleisure look. The oversized collar drapes over your shoulders, which gives it a nice contemporary vibe.

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Tops

Q: THE FASHION LANDSCAPE SUGGESTS THAT WITH BUSY SCHEDULES AND ON-THE-GO LIFESTYLES, SO MANY OF US HAVE STARTED TO PRIORITIZE COMFORT OVER EVERYTHING ELSE. BUT WHEN WE STILL WANT TO ADD SOME CHIC ACCESSORIES, WHAT ARE SHOPPERS GRAVITATING TOWARDS? WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO SPICE UP AN OUTFIT THAT’S PRIMARILY PRACTICAL?

A: Sling and belt bags are taking over right now. Nobody does it better than MZ Wallace. They’re made with super premium nylon and natural Italian leather lining, so you know the quality is there. The range of styles is endless—most of my customers will throw on a sling over their athleisure look because it totally just encapsulates the vibe. It’s not stealing from anything you’re wearing, it’s sporty, chic, and big enough to fit your keys, phone, wallet, and snacks. And if you’re a mom with little ones, it can absolutely fit an extra diaper and a mini pack of wipes too. In addition to the Crosby Crossbody Sling, the Metro Sling is another favorite. Finally, if you’re looking for a sporty bag that fits on your wrist, you can’t go wrong with the small Sutton. It’s versatile too—throw on the strap and make it a cross-body. Alright, one last accessory we can’t forget about is the midi sock. Everyone loves a good sock moment! We’re bringing the 80’s back with this one. It adds the perfect finishing touch to any look!

shophustleheart.com/

“Athleisure brands have started making a wider array of options. It’s not just leggings and a t-shirt anymore—brands design with lifestyle in mind.”

COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY

Ethan and the Bean works to increase the employment rate for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey. Visions shares their commitment to provide an empowering environment that supports individuals in the workplace that’s part of community growth. Visions supports hundreds of causes like Ethan and the Bean with donations to fund good works, employee volunteers who pay it forward, and sponsorships that support community events. Because Visions Cares, where you bank can help you and your community. cares

Gardiner & Co.

Fashion Over Time with Jane

Fashion is an industry where things change at a breakneck pace, so when something stands the test of time, you know it’s special. This definitely applies to Gardiner & Co., an accessory boutique in Ridgewood, NJ that’s been run by Jane O’Grady for over 30 years. We got the chance to talk to her about what it’s been like to be in the business for these past few decades, and how staying true to her principles and to timeless style has helped her to be successful!

Q: GARDINER AND CO. HAS BEEN A STAPLE OF RIDGEWOOD SHOPPING FOR A WHILE NOW. WHEN DID YOU FIRST

OPEN THE STORE? WAS THIS YOUR FIRST LOCATION, AND WHAT WAS IT LIKE RUNNING THE BUSINESS IN THE EARLY DAYS OF YOUR BOUTIQUE?

A: I opened the store on August 4th, 1989, so I’ve been here 34 years. It’s amazing! This was my first location, first and only. It was so different back then. There was no social media, so I would come to work, open the door, customers would walk around outside, come in, buy something. It was different! No cell phones, nothing like that. I didn’t have to worry about anything else but selling. Now you have to post, get out emails, there’s a lot of other things that the job requires.

CONTINUED >

Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN YOUR STORE? HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD A LOVE FOR FASHION, AND FOR ACCESSORIES IN PARTICULAR?

A: That’s such a great question! My first job was when I was 16. I was in a department store that really taught me about selling and the importance of customers. I was selling shoes, and from that moment on I wanted my own store. I’ve always wanted to do this, I’ve always loved fashion and it was something I just kept pursuing!

Q: RIDGEWOOD HAS BEEN THE HOME OF GARDINER AND CO FOR MANY YEARS. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT THE AREA AND YOUR CUSTOMER BASE HAVE CHANGED OVER TIME? WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REMAIN THE SAME? IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU LOVE ABOUT HAVING YOUR BUSINESS HERE?

A: Ridgewood, and any town really, has changed so much. We originally had a ton of Mom and Pop stores here, and that’s kind of gone by the wayside. Then we had a lot of name stores like The Gap that went by the wayside, and we’re slowly but surely having more independent stores coming in again, so it’s been a bit of a roller coaster. But I’ve stayed here!

It’s very interesting how I’ve built my business over the years. Customers buy something in my store, they go out, someone makes a comment on it, and then they come in as well. It’s all about word of mouth and having the right product. Women today won’t sacrifice comfort like they did in the old days, but they still love style and fashion, and that will never change.

I just love my store, it’s my third child! I’m very protective of it, and I work hard to make it successful. Ridgewood has a great downtown shopping area. Every day I get a new customer. Someone will see something in the window or see someone wearing something and come in. Being here is great, it’s always evolving.

Q: WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE ESPECIALLY PROUD OF IN REGARD  TO GARDINER AND CO.?

A: The thing I’m most proud of, besides the business I’ve built, is the relationships I’ve built. I’ve met the most incredible women over the years through my store and they’ve become my good friends! Even if they have no plans of purchasing anything, they’ll stop in the store and say hi and have coffee with me. I’m so lucky to have so many amazing women in my life, I’m so proud.  I’m especially proud of the longevity of these relationships. They trust me, and I’m honest. I’ll sacrifice a sale to be honest, and I say to my salesgirls all the time, it’s better to let a person leave the store without making a purchase but have them leave happy. If you just make the sale for the sake of the sale, they won’t come back. I really believe that. People come in all the time just asking for fashion advice without buying anything, so it keeps coming back to my relationships and being honest with my customers.

Q: FASHION THESE DAYS IS CHANGING MORE RAPIDLY THAN EVER, BUT SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE STAPLE ACCESSORIES THAT YOU ALWAYS HAVE IN THE STORE?

A: I always have the perfect black boot, the perfect nude sandal, the perfect classic

shoulder handbag, but they always have a twist. Fashion is changing like crazy, but for instance, for the fall I have a beautiful classic boot in black and in cognac coming in that has a platform, which is very big right now. I’m keeping up with fashion and I’m always looking for the next best thing, but I stay timeless. You aren’t going to come in here and find something that’ll be out of style next year. I focus on things that will last.

Q: WHAT ARE YOU THE MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR STORE? DO YOU HAVE ANY BIG PLANS IN THE WORKS, OR ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO AN EXCITING FASHION SEASON THAT’S COMING UP?

A: Fall fashion is always my favorite, always! It brings me back to being a little girl with back-to-school shopping, I just love it. I’m always looking for new designers that will fit within my style, and I want to keep doing what’s been working for me and never sacrifice style and comfort.

I think all the time about what I’m going to do in the future, if I’m going to keep doing this, and yes, I am! I love it. I’m so proud of what I’ve done and I absolutely love it! If I didn’t love it I don’t think Gardiner & Co. would be as successful as it is, and I think that shows my enthusiasm.

“I’m so proud of what I’ve done and I absolutely love it! If I didn’t love it I don’t think Gardiner & Co. would be as successful as it is.”

Fall Fashion Trends for 2023

Fashion collections are featuring bold shades and distinctive silhouettes this fall and winter. Here are the trends to look for!

Get your Red Hots!

Baseball season may be ending in a month or so, but the fall’s red hot fashion is just heating up. Practically every major designer featured the bold shade in their fall-winter 2023 collection in some form, from orangey reds to maroon to true fire-engine red. You won’t want to miss having this hot shade in your wardrobe for 2023.

For daytime, red sweaters pair well with neutral bottoms, like jeans, trousers, or skirts. On special occasions, you can really go all out with a red cocktail dress or gown. If head-to-toe red is a bit much for you, look for red accessories like a bold handbag or stunning red boots or pumps.

Looking Under the Hood

A good hoodie will always have a place in a well-rounded wardrobe. After all, it’s got everything you need: comfort, coziness, added warmth, and stunning visual appeal. Fall Fashion Week highlighted pieces from modern parkas to dramatic faux-fur outerwear, and even basic hoodies. From the simple to the elaborate, these hoods add practicality as well as looks.

You can look for hoods on outwear and daywear this fall! From furry to sleek, it’ll add a unique touch to your wardrobe. You can even find hoods on evening wear! A long-sleeved cocktail dress with a matching hood attached or a chic special occasion coat might be your new best friend.

How Shawl We Dress?

Shawls have been adding coziness and texture to our wardrobes for years, and they continue to be a strong accessory this fall. Designers from all around the industry are leveling up their shawl game, using them as outerwear and wrapping buttery shawls over cozy sweaters for an extra layer of warmth and interest.

You can find shawls this fall in traditional wools, cashmere, and blends. Muted, neutral colors that compliment your wardrobe make them versatile and keep you on-trend! Wear them over your arms to keep the chill off, tossed around your neck for an oversized scarf vibe, or even over your head to disguise a bad hair day and add drama.

It seems that practicality is on trend for fall/winter 2023. Wearability is the buzzword for the season, and everyone wants options in their wardrobe that will let them look nice and stay mobile and comfortable at the same time.

Tailored trousers and cozy knits in muted colors are both comfortable and stylish, and blush satin tanks with pencil skirts are endlessly wearable, especially for those who are returning to the office. Cozy cashmere or wool sweaters can pair well with straight-legged jeans, leather pants or short skirts for comfortable, casual looks that transition seamlessly from a day at work or running errands to a night out with friends.

Neutral trench coats can be worn with anything–jeans, pants, skirts, and more. Even better, they can carry you into the spring as well, staying in your collection and being restyled season after season.

Wearability Sock It To Me

Covering your legs is always pragmatic in the fall, but this year, it’s fashionable too! After many seasons of bare legs, hosiery is making a big comeback. Tights, socks, and stockings are all returning in different ways, like chunky ribbed socks with high-tops or ugly sneakers (think Reebok Freestyle aerobic sneakers circa 1985). Tights in various colors can pair with dresses and skirts to keep you warm and spice up an outfit, as can sheer hosiery in patterns and textures. Since it’s practical as well as beautiful, it’ll be great to see the impact that hosiery makes this fall!

I N T E R I O R S

events

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

SEPTEMBER 9TH

Midland Park Public Education Foundation 5K Run

250 PROSPECT STREET, MIDLAND PARK | 9:00 AM

In the spirit of back-to-school, help support the Midland Park Public Education Foundation at their 5K Run. The MPPEF is an all-volunteer organization that supports classroom-based and district-wide curriculum initiatives and enrichment opportunities in the Midland Park public school system. Proceeds from the run will go towards grants that aim to enhance the academic experience in the classrooms. runsignup.com/Race/NJ/MidlandPark/MidlandPark5K

SEPTEMBER 9TH

Bluey’s Big Play

NJPAC PRUDENTIAL HALL | 11:00 AM

Turn the television off and see Bluey in person at the NJPAC.  Bluey’s Big Play is the brand-new theatrical adaptation of the popular children’s show. Bluey comes to life with brilliantly created puppets and new songs. Have a child who is ecstatic to meet their favorite television character? The VIP Package includes a meet & greet and photo session. njpac.org/event/blueys-big-play

SEPTEMBER 12TH

Mary Beth Keane Book Signing

RIDGEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY | 7:00 PM

Best-selling author, Mary Beth Keane, is visiting the Ridgewood Public Library for a book signing of her newest book—The Half Moon. If you loved her 2019 fan-favorite novel,  Ask Again, Yes, then you'll be eager to dive into this one. Bonus points: bring your book club to the signing for an interactive experience! ridgewoodlibrary.org

SEPTEMBER 13TH

The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts

MAHWAH PUBLIC LIBRARY | 7:00 PM

Kick off the start of the school year with an explorative event at the Mahwah Library, focusing on early 19th-century schooling and the major education changes that took place during this era. Take a step into a time machine as you handle reproduced historical materials to help tell the story of schooling 200 years ago. mahwah.librarycalendar.com

SEPTEMBER 16TH

Ho-Ho-Kus Food Truck Festival

335 FRANKLIN TPKE, HO-HO-KUS | 11:00 AM

Bring your family and your appetite to the Ho-Ho-Kus Food Truck Festival. We can’t think of a better way to spend your Saturday than indulging in delicious eats and supporting a local establishment. The festival will take place on the grounds of the Hermitage Museum–an early 20th-century historic house museum with a worldwide art collection. thehermitagemuseum.org/events

SEPTEMBER 27TH

Table to Table’s Chefs Gala

EDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB - 449 RIVERVALE ROAD, RIVER VALE | 6:00 PM

Table to Table ’s Annual Chefs Gala will take place Wednesday, September 27th at the Edgewood Country Club and highlight celebrated chefs who meticulously prepare their delicious selections, expertly paired with the finest wines. Every dollar raised helps deliver enough food for 10 meals to hungry neighbors. For more information or tickets please visit tabletotable.org

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

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Fostering Healing and Wellness in Your Community

Since 1911, it has been our mission to offer a listening ear, a helpful hand, and steady, supportive guidance throughout your wellness journey. Through our comprehensive continuum of mental health services, communities for older adults, and rehabilitation, we work diligently to foster physical health and also nourish the spirit.

For more information on how we can help you, please call (201) 848-5200 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.org.