THE Style ISSUE M AKE A STATEM ENT
S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6
Dental Implants & Teeth-In-A-Day Cosmetic Dentistry & Smile Makeovers Cleanings, Exams & Emergency Care Advanced Digital Imaging
$99
New Patient Special Exam, X-Rays & Cleaning
Let's Get YOU Healthy! Modern dentistry designed around you comfortable, efficient, and tailored to your goals. No pressure. No judgement. Just real solutions. 1,500+ 5-Star Reviews from Patients Just Like You 20713 E Ocotillo Rd, Suite #102 www.mathesondentistry.com Queen Creek, Arizona, 85142
V Matheson_Dentistry B Matheson Dentistry
2025 WINNER EAST VALLEY FAVORITES YourValley.net
LIFESTYLE LETTER
The Style Issue
September 2026 PUBLISHER
Jackson York | jackson.york@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R
Kris Ann Valdez | krisann.valdez@citylifestyle.com
Hello, Queen Creek! September marks the start of fall, and it also brings our annual Style Issue. We're thrilled to share it with you. Our cover story celebrates bold, expressive style with Myranda of Myranda Fine Jewelry, who shares why statement jewelry is making a comeback and how the pieces we wear reflect our personalities. I also spoke with Arizona ceramicist Rika Kova about growing up in southern Siberia, Russia, immigrating to the United States and unexpectedly finding her calling as an artist. Our team sat down with Pif. Design Studio to explore how to create a home that feels authentically yours. And with soccer still on our minds after an exciting World Cup summer, we caught up with a few Phoenix Rising FC players to find out what style means to them. Finally, we explore the Y2K fashion revival with thoughtful advice from Dusk Boutique's Lauren Slama on when to embrace trends, and when to let them go. As we worked on these stories, one theme became clear: Style looks different for everyone. Whether you're an artist, athlete, designer or none of the above, it's about feeling comfortable in your own home and in your own skin, and confident enough to embrace what you love. We hope this issue inspires you as you refresh your home, wardrobe and personal style this season. Warmly,
S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R
K R I S A N N VA L D E Z , P U B L I S H E R @ Q U E E N C R E E KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E
CoS Janeane Thompson
Macie Smith | macie.smith@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Camilla Richardson C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S
Timeless Vision Media, Emily Albright Photo, Raquel King Photography, A. Marie Studio, Amy Schaumberg, Ashley Orellana
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Queen Creek City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Queen Creek area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle
Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/QUEENCREEK
4
L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
Publications’ opinions. 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 Queen Creek City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
Your Queen Creek Luxury Experts At The Figz Team, we’re more than agents—we’re your neighbors. Based in Queen Creek, AZ, we help you buy and sell with confidence, combining market expertise with a commitment to your goals. Over 35 Years of Experience in the Luxury Market. Where Precision Meets Prestige.
Call us Today for All Your Real Estate Needs thefigzrealestate.com 949.244.9317 team@thefigzrealestate.com @thefigzrealestate
inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E
16 Featured
10
16 22
10
Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.
22
WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?
Departments
One Happy Artist
4
Lifestyle Letter
A series of unexpected detours brought Rika Kova to clay, creativity and herself.
8
Business Monthly
10
Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE
16
Inspired By STYLE + BEAUTY
Jewelry Is Everything
22
Local Limelight ARTS + CULTURE
26
Must See HOME + DESIGN
30
Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY
34
Events
How statement jewelry is making a comeback to show off personal expression.
Phoenix Rising
Off the field, three players embrace fashion as another way to express identity and self-confidence
On the Cover Myranda of Myranda Fine Jewelry models statement jewelry for our 2026 Style issue. Photography: Emily Albright Photo
6
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.
LUXURY OUTDOOR LIVING STARTS HERE
480.234.8900 | arisepal.com
A better remodel begins before the first finish is selected.
Before tile, lighting, millwork, or furnishings, there must be a point of view. Architectural interiors shaped by the way you actually live.
Begin with a phone consultation. pifdesignstudio.com
Pif. Design Studio Architectural Interiors · Phoenix Metro S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
7
SEPTEMBER 2026
business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S
Primrose School of Queen Creek Primrose School of Queen Creek recently opened at 23775 S. Power Rd. The early education and care provider offers a balanced approach that combines child-initiated exploration with teacher-guided learning experiences. Serving infants through kindergarten, the school is committed to helping children build a strong academic and social foundation. For more information, visit primroseschools.com or call 602-878-4981.
Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
Earnhardt Chevrolet Receives Prestigious General Motors Award Earnhardt Chevrolet just celebrated a significant achievement after receiving General Motors' CCA Western Region Fixed Ops Dealer of the Year Award, recognizing the dealership as one of the region's top performers for its outstanding customer service, vehicle care and exceptional ownership experience. To commemorate the honor, the Queen Creek dealership welcomed customers, community members and local leaders to a special luncheon honoring the dedicated team behind the award. Photography by aMaes Photography
RIDE HARDER. HEAL FASTER. Non-invasive. No downtime. Just targeted, natural Regenerative Injection Therapy.
8
B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Common Injuries We Treat: Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Knees & Hip Joints Ankle & Wrist
Call for a FREE consultation today!
480-296-6173
www.queencreeknaturopathic.com 21820 S. Ellsworth Rd. #104 Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / Q U E E N C R E E K
East Valley Family Therapy Announces Relocation East Valley Family Therapy begins an exciting new chapter with the relocation of its Queen Creek office to a thoughtfully designed space that reflects the practice's continued growth and commitment to compassionate, personalized care. Beginning Monday, August 10, all Queen Creek client appointments will take place at the new office, located at 20173 E. Ocotillo Road, Suite 101.
Scan to read more
S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
9
ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAQUEL KING PHOTOGRAPHY
ONE HAPPY ARTIST
10
A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE
H OW A SERI E S O F U N E X PEC TED DE TOU RS— FRO M A SI B ERI A N F A R M T O A R I ZO N A — L E D C E R A M I C I S T R I K E KO V A T O C L AY, C R E AT I V I T Y A N D H E R S E L F.
Arizona-based ceramicist Rika Kova grew up in a small town in southern Siberia, Russia, where being an artist wasn’t considered a profession. It was the 1990s, shortly after the Soviet Union collapsed. Factories closed, jobs disappeared and many families survived by growing food and bartering for necessities. Kova lived on her family’s farm, where relatives gathered each season to slaughter livestock, harvest vegetables and berries, and preserve food for the winter. “Your job was planting and harvesting and cooking and cleaning,” she says. When Kova was five, she and her mother moved to a larger city in search of new opportunities. Her mother became a journalist, while Kova discovered a love of fashion. She shopped the sprawling market, darting from stall to stall, trying on outfits in cramped fitting rooms and slipping on shoes while standing on a piece of cardboard so she wouldn’t dirty her socks. Kova also pursued dance, modeling, painting and drawing. With her mother’s blessing, she covered the walls of her tiny bedroom in their rented apartment with pencil and marker. Her
mother worked multiple jobs to support them, giving Kova an early sense of independence. At 16, she graduated from secondary school and moved to another city to study economics at her mother’s suggestion. She quickly realized she was on the wrong path. “Every single day, I would go to school and feel stupid. Your self-confidence goes down when you’re not thriving. Everyone around me seemed smarter and happier because they were in the right place.” Then came a summer exchange program in Cape Cod that convinced Kova that life could offer more than what she’d known back home. When the summer ended, she settled in Chicago, where she supported herself as a waitress. The Midwest gave her something unexpected: permission to slow down, sketchbook and pencil in hand. “I would sit in coffee shops for hours and draw. It was meditative. I still have that first sketchbook,” she says. One day, Kova noticed a sign in a window advertising adult art classes. She enrolled in a drawing course with an instructor who told her that she had a rare artistic gift. CONTINUED >
S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
11
12
A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE
"WHEN YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE, I THINK THAT A LOT OF THINGS START TO HAPPEN FOR YOU VERSUS AGAINST YOU."
The words settled in her heart. Kova enrolled in an art and design program at a community college with the intention to become a fashion designer, but in an elective ceramics class, she fell in love with clay. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Kova headed west in a camper van she outfitted herself to explore. While waiting for a load of laundry in Phoenix, she wandered into Pip and Clay. It had been 10 months since she’d touched clay, and she fell in love all over again.
In early 2023, Kova opened her first studio in the Valley, where she creates ceramics and teaches classes. Today, Kova is exactly where she’s meant to be. “When you’re in the right place, I think that a lot of things start to happen for you versus ... against you.” Her artistic philosophy grew from her childhood on the family farm. “Every object in the home had multiple purposes,” she says. “So, I enjoy making things that serve other people.” Whether it’s a table, a candlestick or a stool, she believes each piece should earn its place, and that beginning with an object’s intended use often leads to the strongest work. “I rarely make sketches, but I always start with an idea of what purpose it will have,” she says. “When it comes to shape, a lot of it is just going with the flow... I start with the slab, and go with whatever shape the slab machine gives me, without trying to force the process.” Kova is currently on hiatus while completing a one-year master’s degree in London. She plans to return to Arizona afterward and reopen her ceramic studio. CONTINUED >
S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
13
ONE HAPPY ARTIST “I’m a believer that ideas and physical objects come into this world not from me but through me. As humanity, we don’t really have an agenda. We’re just here to create—whether that’s more humans or more objects, or both. We get to decide,” says Kova. Follow Kova’s creative journey at onehappyartist.com or on Instagram @OneHappyArtist.
14
A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE
Jewelry You’ll Love! CUSTOM DESIGN | APPRAISALS FINE JEWELRY | REPAIRS | BRIDAL WATCHES | ESTATE/VINTAGE
WWW.MYRANDAFINEJEWELRY.COM STORE: 480-901-9819 | DIRECT: 602-677-1132 5055 W RAY RD, STE 5, CHANDLER, AZ 85226 S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
15
JEWELRY IS EVERYTHING HOW BOLD GEMSTONES, MIXED METALS AND VINTAGE PIECES ARE MAKING STATEMENT JEWELRY PART OF EVERYDAY STYLE AND PERSONAL EXPRESSION. ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY ALBRIGHT PHOTO
16
I NSP IR E D BY | STYL E + B E AU T Y
Delicate, minimalist jewelry is stepping aside as bolder statement pieces reclaim the spotlight. “You’re starting to see sculptural pieces, almost like wearable architecture around your neck,” says Myranda of Myranda Fine Jewelry. “Bold metals are having a moment, but they aren’t meant to be perfect. One side might be slightly dented or organic, while the other is smooth, creating a balance between raw texture and refined finish.” Layering is everywhere, and mixed metals are, too. Myranda calls it the “Tritone Era.” Rose gold, yellow gold, platinum, white gold and silver are all fair game in the same look. Silver, in particular, is making a comeback as gold prices continue to climb. While jewelry was once viewed primarily as a financial investment, today’s buyers are looking for an emotional connection. Jewelry should tell their story. Heirloom pieces are enjoying renewed interest, too. Myranda says many of her clients are reimagining vintage and family jewelry, preserving the remarkable craftsmanship of earlier eras. And bold gemstones are also leaping onto center stage. “We have laboratory-grown and natural emeralds, rubies, sapphires, spinel’s, and often unusual gems...less diamonds, and more color,” says Myranda, who hand-selects gemstones from around the world for her Candy Gemstone and Jewel Pop collections. CONTINUED >
S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
17
Her collections feature royal hues like amethyst alongside earthy tiger’s-eye, inspired by colors she discovers while traveling. She believes jewelry should “dance off your skin.” Statement jewelry is no longer reserved for special occasions. Instead, Myranda says it’s meant to elevate everyday basics. This is the time to wear a white T-shirt with a tennis necklace, she says. “It’s the white tee with three different necklaces.” “I think the biggest misconception is that people worry too much about what others think,” Myranda adds. “Just own who you are and wear what you love. If that means putting on something bold and beautiful to run to Target or the grocery store, do it. It’s about embracing that cool-girl or cool-mom confidence wherever you go.” Jewelry can be the centerpiece of the outfit. The pop that pulls everything together. “I could show up to work in a $40 green dress from Amazon,” Myranda says. “My clients go absolutely crazy over it—not because of the dress, but because of the jewelry.”
18
I NSP IR E D BY | STYL E + B E AU T Y
S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
19
In-home care that helps you live life your way. Family Respite Care Rehabilitation & Post Surgery Care Personal Care Meal Planning & Preparation Fall Prevention & Safety Transportation
(480) 900-9077 queencreekhomecare.com Right at Home is a global network where most offices are independently owned and operated under a franchise agreement with Right at Home, LLC.
Is Your Current Home Still the Right Fit? THINKING ABOUT: • Moving up or downsizing • Refinancing • Buying a vacation or second home
TRUSTED IN EVERY HOME WE ENTER
As your local mortgage advisor, I’ll help you understand your options and create a financing strategy that’s built around your goals, not just today’s rates.
In just 15 minutes, You’ll Get: ✓ A personalized Mortgage Game Plan ✓ Answers to your financing questions ✓ Clear next steps - no pressure, no obligation
FREE. Tailored to your goals.
Stacey Siewert
desertdrain.com
20
480-930-1048
Call or scan the QR code to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Mortgage Game Plan
AZ Mortgage Banker License #BK-1037959, Licensed by the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. Not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval. Terms and programs are subject to change. Equal Housing Lender
santanmortgageaz.com 480.277.9723 NMLS #685084
GRAND OPENING EVENT OCTOBER 1-4 10AM to 6 PM
Se c
Z
location in A ond
Come celebrate with us!
East Mesa Ellsworth & Elliot
October 1- 4 FIRST 20 GUESTS
Receive a curated Nest Home & Co. Gift Bag
SHOP & EARN NEST CASH
Spend $250 Get $25 NEST Cash (limit 5)
COME TO ENTER TO WIN
A powered leather recliner retail at $2,199 AND MUCH MORE! Furniture • Home Decor • Art • Lighting • Interior Design 3515 S Ellsworth Rd, Ste. 103, Mesa AZ 85212 www.nesthomeco.com | info@nesthomeco.com
Electrical Work That Works Wired for Excellence. Driven by Service.
Led by license holder and qualifying party David Brandhorst, who brings over 37 years of electrical experience, Brandhorst Electric, LLC has proudly provided exceptional service throughout the Valley for the past 17 years. Our reputation is built on integrity, reliability, and an uncompromising commitment to the highest level of craftsmanship. 480.432.9660 | brandhorstelectric.com brandhorstelectric.david@gmail.com ROC 344287
S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
21
Phoenix Rising Stars Talk Personal Style PLAYER 1: IHSAN “NINO” SACKO POSITION: STRIKER/WINGER
What does personal style mean to you? To be honest, since I was young, I didn’t like to wear the same clothes as the people around me. And I want to put the light on my sister, because she helped me to choose a lot of my clothes in the past. Fashion is my identity.
Can you describe your style in three words? I mean, when I wear my clothes, I love me. I will use these three words: I love myself.
You grew up in Paris. How did your upbringing shape your personal style? My style is a mix of Paris and the U.S. Allen Iverson inspired me when I was younger. I watched the movie about his life, and I just liked the style of the U.S. because of him. He used to wear jewelry with oversized streetwear and made it fit his personality, too.
You shared with me that you stopped wearing luxury brands. Why? I love to wear small, independent fashion labels. If someone creates a brand, I want to put the light on that brand.
What’s one piece of clothing or accessory that instantly reminds you of home? Oh, my bracelet. It’s from my mom.
Away from the field, three players embrace fashion as another way to express identity, heritage and personal confidence daily. ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY ORELLANA
22
LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | ARTS + CU LT U RE
What’s something about your style that might surprise people? I love when I come into the locker room wearing my clothes and they say, “Oh, this is unique. I didn’t see this anywhere.”
PLAYER 2: ADRIAN PELAYO POSITION: CENTER BACK
Can you describe your style in three words? Calm. Smooth. Streetwear.
You’re originally from Oregon. Has living in Arizona changed the way you dress? Yeah, for sure. People in Oregon tend to wear baggier clothes because it’s colder, obviously, so you’ve got to stay warm. In Arizona, I still like the baggier stuff, just with shorts, T-shirts and cut-off shirts.
“
“I love to wear small, independent fashion labels. If someone creates a brand, I want to put the light on that brand.”
– Ihsan “Nino” Sacko
Can you describe your signature look? Streetwear with some accessories, like a hat and chains. I feel like a lot of my outfits, I’m wearing hats because I love hats and have a large collection.
What’s one fashion rule you might ignore? Trends. I try to be original... to be my own person with my own style.
What does being well-dressed mean to you? I think it allows me to be creative, in a way.
Any advice for others looking to improve their style? Just be yourself and express how you feel by wearing your own outfits. CONTINUED >
S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
23
PLAYER 3: CHITURU ODUNZE POSITION: GOALKEEPER
What does personal style mean to you? It means quite a lot to me. My personal style is the way that I express myself. Without words, the way someone looks and carries themselves—their clothing and their demeanor—says a good bit about them. It’s a good way to make a first impression when they walk into a room. So it’s something I definitely think about when I’m putting things together.
Can you describe your personal style in three words? Comfortable. Original. Classic.
You were born in North Carolina, grew up in London and Canada, and are of Nigerian descent. How has this background influenced your style? I would say it’s definitely influenced me in a lot of ways. I also like to travel a lot. When I travel, I look and see what people wear, and I might buy something while I’m there and introduce it into my wardrobe with a different style. Or when I’m living in a certain country, I slowly start wearing clothes that other people wear, but then I try to add my own little twist to them. I feel like I’ve done that throughout my career and throughout my life.
You have your own clothing label influenced by all of your years of seeing the world. Can you tell me more about it and where we can find it? I started my own clothing brand a few years ago to create pieces that reflect the journey I’ve had through clothing. Whenever I’m wearing something, it’s normally a piece that I either had a hand in creating or bought because it merges two different cultures together— whether it’s an accessory from one continent or another. I often edit it a little bit to fit a different type of vibe. You can find my label online at lona-clo.com and on Instagram @lona.clo. I also like to wear thrifted pieces as well because I’m a big believer in recycling clothes.
Is there a piece of clothing or accessory that reminds you of home? I’m Igbo Nigerian, so we use a lot of beads made of wood, tiger’s eye and pearls in necklaces and bracelets. It’s a big part of my heritage.
What is your signature look? Definitely baggy and loose. I would say that’s almost a “C staple.” Maybe loafers or another comfortable pair of shoes, an open shirt.
24
LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | ARTS + CU LT U RE
National Preparedness Month Be ready. Stay safe. A well-maintained vehicle is your first line of defense.
Expert Service
Quality work you can count on.
Reliable Performance Keep your vehicle road-ready.
Peace of Mind We’re here when you need us.
Free Custom Exhaust!
mufflersandmore.com
Custom Exhaust Systems
7256 S 89th Pl STE 109 Mesa, AZ 85212
Performance Upgrades
WE STRIKE THEM, BEFORE THEY STRIKE YOU.
Get A Free Initial Service When
No purchase necessary. See website for details.
Visit us
Zero Guesswork. We’re a family-owned and operated pest control company built on trust, consistency, and doing the job right the first time. Consistently five stars. Consistently pest-free.
Scan to win a
Visit us online
Year-Round Protection.
Call us
You Sign Up (Normally $249 Value)
480-798-5773
Repairs & More
prostrikepest.com | 480.466.0266
S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
25
BENEATH THE FINISHES
Alex Pevtsova designs homes around the daily rhythms of the people who live in them. ARTICLE BY CAMILLA RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY A. MARIE STUDIO, AMY SCHAUMBERG
26
M UST SE E | HO M E + DESIGN
Interior designer Alex Pevtsova of Pif. Design Studio doesn’t create luxury for the sake of luxury — she believes a home must reflect the daily rhythms of those who live in it. “Everything we do starts from function,” Pevtsova says. “Beauty is really just the byproduct.”
“Everything we do starts from function,” Pevtsova says. “Beauty is really just the byproduct.” A first-generation American, Pevtsova arrived at preschool without speaking English. She remembers not even knowing how to ask where to find a restroom. The experience made her an observer, watching how her classmates behaved and responded to their surroundings. Years later, she’s still observing people. As an interior designer, she watches how families move through their spaces, such as kitchens and hallways, to understand where their homes are helping them and where they’re not serving their lives. But observation isn’t her only skill set. Once a competitive pole vaulter, Pevtsova says she used to train six to eight hours a day. Now she brings this same discipline to how she plans a project, including communication with contractors and tradespeople, and determining if a design aligns with how clients actually move throughout their day.
“We ask them to walk us through a typical morning,” she says. That question reveals more than a list of preferences ever could. A spouse will point out where someone is always in the way, while children chime in about what they dislike. Pevtsova learns whether the family eats breakfast together, who drinks coffee, where routines break down, and which parts of the home add tension. “That one conversation tells us so much,” she said. “We learn the dynamics of how they actually live, and that’s really the starting point for everything.” Sometimes the solution is wonderfully custom. In one recent primary bathroom, a husband admitted he hated seeing the many care products his wife kept in the shower. Pevtsova designed custom angled shelves that, from the outside, concealed the products entirely. But inside? Every bottle remained easy to reach.
CONTINUED >
S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
27
Pevtsova defines luxury as anticipation, comparing it to an upscale hotel where a valet is ready before you ask, and someone appears with a luggage cart because they already know where you’ll be moving next. “We try to anticipate what it is that you’re going to need,” she said. “What is it that might cause you an issue that we can design out of the house entirely?” That includes circadian lighting to mimic the sun’s changing color temperature throughout the day. In rooms that don’t have enough natural light, LED strips or specialized bulbs can create the effect, providing brighter light during the day and warmer light later to help the body wind down. Some of her favorite recommendations are ones easily overlooked. Pevtsova finds that solid brass light switches make a huge difference in a home without breaking the bank. They feel substantial and click well, and people touch them dozens of times a day. “It doesn’t scream, ‘Hey, we spent a lot of money here,’” she says. “But it gives that body… this is permanent. This is real.” Dimmers and solid door hardware do the same. In one project, every door had a weighty brass or bronze handle except the primary bedroom, where the owners kept an inexpensive knob. Pevtsova suspected they would notice the difference. Her anticipation was, true to form, spot on. Within weeks, they ordered a replacement. “When everything else feels great to hold and turn, and then you come to your primary bedroom handle, and it feels like a paperclip, you notice,” she says. For Pevtsova, a successful home is one that supports the person living there so naturally that the design almost disappears, just as she says good lighting should. “I want it to feel like an exhale,” she says. “Nothing pushing against you. Nothing in your way.” Website: pifdesignstudio.com
28
M UST SE E | HO M E + DESIGN
Your Trees Deserve The Best Service
Our Sundance Maintenance Tree Division Team is well-versed in the essential role that proper maintenance plays in ensuring the long-term health of your trees. Contact Us For a Bid | 480-610-5309 azsundance.com | trees@azsundance.com
Your bucket list called... will you answer? Daily hot air balloon rides with post-flight bubbly + bites in Phoenix + Tucson, AZ.
480.502.6999 | HotAirExpeditions.com Women + Family Owned for 35 Years
S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
29
W H AT ’ S Old I S BAG AG A I N
ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIMELESS VISION MEDIA
Nostalgia has a tight grip on fashion these days as social media thrusts “old-school” trends back into the public eye. Nowhere is that more evident than in handbags, where the coveted “it bags” of the early 2000s have officially earned the label of vintage, a mere two decades later. Whether young people are rummaging through their mothers’ closets or hunting for purses in thrift shops, it’s clear that the cultural phenomenon is catching the attention of the fashion labels. Luxury fashion brands such as Coach, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and others have revived shoulder bags with studs, tassels and Y2Kinspired embellishments, even enlisting the millennial era’s own style icons, including Paris Hilton and Alexa Chung, to model them. Talk about a throwback. Just because Gen Z has rediscovered the trend doesn’t mean everyone has to embrace it, reassures Lauren Slama of Dusk Boutique in Queen Creek.
CONTINUED >
Y2K HANDBAGS ARE BACK, BUT Q U E E N C R E E K ' S D U S K B O U T I Q U E S AY S PERSONAL STYLE WINS OVER TRENDS.
30
FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y
Bridget Bag
Audrey Acrylic Clutch
Vera Shoulder Bag
“THE YOUTH ARE rummaging THROUGH THEIR MOTHERS’ CLOSETS AND THRIFTING early 2000s “IT BAGS,” WHICH HAVE OFFICIALLY EARNED vintage status, A MERE TWO DECADES LATER.” S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
31
The Audrey Acrylic Clutch on display.
“TRENDS MAY COME AND GO, BUT CHOOSING A BAG THAT speaks TO YOUR personal style MEANS YOU'RE MORE LIKELY TO CARRY IT FOR longer.” “I don’t personally follow bag trends. I just like what I like,” she says. Slama believes the right handbag can completely transform an outfit. A bright pop of color or an oversized slouchy bag can upgrade a simple, casual look. “I’m definitely not a matchy-matchy bag girl, but I love a big statement,” she adds. Alongside vintage-inspired designer bags, she’s seeing customers gravitate toward bold shades, especially green, as well as structured hard-shell bags, wristlets and clutches with shorter straps.
32
FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y
For shoppers considering a designer investment, she believes that many luxury handbags tend to hold their value over time. Trends may come and go, but choosing a bag that speaks to your personal style means you’re more likely to carry it for longer. If you’re looking for a designer-inspired purse at a more affordable price, Dusk Boutique recently added several fun options to refresh your wardrobe: the Bridget Bag, Audrey Acrylic Clutch and Vera Shoulder Bag. As for the Y2K purse revival? Slama just laughs. “Obviously, we wore it first.”
Your business deserves to be seen Helping Queen Creek customers find you. More visibility. More leads. More customers. Let’s grow your business.
Let’s Build your OUTDOOR PARADISE
14+ years of experience and 500+ transformations across the East Valley! We design stunning outdoor spaces that reflect YOU! SCHEDULE CONSULTATION
TheYardStylist.com • 480.526.9968 (CALL/TEXT) FINANCING AVAILABLE | Licensed, Bonded, Insured ROC#311775 S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K
33
SEPTEMBER 2026
events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S SEPTEMBER 1ST
Pecan Lake Farmers’ Market Pecan Lake | 8:00 AM Surrounded by Arizona’s natural beauty, the Pecan Lake Farmers’ Market is a oneof-a-kind shopping experience. Browse fresh produce, handmade goods, artisan products and locally crafted treasures while overlooking Pecan Lake and the nation’s first all-edible botanical garden. The pet-friendly market provides free admission and free parking, making it an easy outing for the whole family. Come support local growers and makers while enjoying spectacular views of the San Tan Mountains. qcgardens.org SEPTEMBER 19 TH
13th Annual Garlic Festival 25062 S. Meridian Road Queen Creek, AZ 85212 | 8:00 AM
San Tan Valley's Trusted Local Jeweler In a world full of big-box stores and online shopping, there’s something truly special about finding a jeweler who knows your name, your style, and your story. At your local San Tan Valley jeweler, we believe in bringing back the personal touch — offering expert craftsmanship, honest service, and timeless beauty right here in our community. GOLD BUYING | LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS | CUSTOM DESIGN ON-SITE REPAIRS | GOLD & SILVER
Your Hometown Jeweler. Where Quality Meets Care. 35979 N Gary Rd #105 | www.thelocaljewelerstv.com Bthe local jeweler V@the_local_jeweler
34
EVE N TS
Garlic lovers will be happy to know that the Annual Garlic Festival returns this year with more than 11,000 heads of organic garlic, Piero Kitchen’s garlic-inspired menu and the gourmet vendor alley, as well as live music, raffles and wine and beer tasting. Queen Creek Olive Mill’s owner Perry Rea will offer live cooking demos, Olive Oil 101 classes and garlic-themed farm tours. Runs the third and fourth weekend of September. queencreekolivemill.com SEPTEMBER 19 TH
Founder’s Day 20039 S. 220th St. | 5:00 PM The community is invited to celebrate Queen Creek’s Founder Day at Frontier Family Park. Come prepared to participate in or watch the fun activities lined up, including an FFA Zone and the Battle of the Badge relay style competitions. q u e e n c r e e k a z . g o v /c o m m u n i t y / parks-recreation/special-events/ founders-day
Building Smiles Queen Creek’s Kids Will Love
Over 50 years of creating beautiful smiles Macdonald Orthodontics provides superior orthodontic care for children, teens and adults. $1,000 Off Full Treatment!
New Patients Only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Good thru October 31st. 2026.
macdonaldortho.com Family Owned and Operated since 1970
Queen Creek Location:
Gilbert Location:
Mesa Location:
(480) 912-2500
(480) 568-1052
(480) 470-7795
22363 E. Domingo Rd, Queen Creek, AZ
2550 E Guadalupe Rd #103 Gilbert, AZ
5753 E Brown Rd #101 Mesa, AZ