St. Charles County, MO September 2023

Three French Hens was founded by Jeanie Hood in 2003, with the help of her husband, Alan, and their family + friends, she turned the old Hill Behan Lumber Yard into a beautiful furniture store. Continuing with Jeanie’s vision, granddaughter, Rae Sutton and the rest of the Three French Hens team have adopted a business model that puts our clients first. At our showroom, you’ll find premium pieces for your home that will stand the test of time. With its third generation of ownership, the 10,000 sq ft showroom is always changing and evolving! Custom furniture, rugs, lighting, decor, fabrics, art, and more can be found at Three French Hens with our fun and experienced designers ready to pull it all together - in-store or with our in-home design services.

*Exclusions Apply

*

We are so grateful for our loyal customers & the continued opportunities to help you make your house a home for 20 years. TUESDAY

12TH

13TH Girls Day Out

15TH Food

WEDNESDAY JOIN US AT ALL OUR UPCOMING EVENTS. 636.458.8033 threefrenchhenswildwood.com 16935 Manchester Road Wildwood, Missouri 63040 V @tfhstl B Three French Hens - Wildwood

Truck Friday

Festival

MARKETING, ADVERTISING, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING VIDEOS

We offer Full Service Corporate and Commercial video solutions. Besides our world class studios located in St. Louis, we bring expert video production to you with our talented crew. We can capture everything you need in the field, in your offices, or at your retail or service location. You name it, we can do it! Plus, we offer professional lighting, sound, and editing to all of our clients.

ELEVATE YOUR MESSAGE, YOUR BRAND AND YOUR EVENT WITH

VUE 17 & OUTREACH STUDIOS

REHEARSAL

Style

I hope this letter reaches you in wonderful spirits, brimming with creative energy and your desired style.

Today, let's celebrate and delve into the captivating realm of style—a realm that extends far beyond the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves. Style weaves itself into every facet of our lives. It's evident in the way we decorate our homes, the music that resonates with us, the books we immerse ourselves in, and even how we engage in conversations. It's a pervasive thread that enriches the tapestry of our existence.

Style is an intimately personal expression that evolves as we embrace our quirks, passions, and desires. It acts as a powerful means of self-expression, communicating our true selves, our perspectives on the world, and our deeply held values. In this way, style becomes a potent instrument for connection, fostering bonds with like-minded individuals who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we possess the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them harmoniously, or forge entirely new paths, becoming the pioneers of tomorrow's trends. Let this issue inspire you to explore new horizons or rediscover familiar ones, for there is an abundance of uplifting experiences awaiting us in St.Charles, ready to invigorate our spirits, boost our productivity, and ignite our creativity.

I have come to realize that the most exceptional style is an authentic reflection of your true self, an expression so unique that it cannot be replicated by anyone else on Earth.

So, here's to embracing your individuality and celebrating the beautiful tapestry of style that makes you uniquely you!

September 2023

PUBLISHERS

Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com

Kelley Lamm kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Brown Patton, Kara Savio, Robin Seaton Jefferson, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Casey Pierce, Gordon Montgomery, Images by Sandra, Janie Jones

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 Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

28th Annual Businessmen’s Prayer Breakfast of Saint Charles County

Wednesday September 6, 2023

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Saint Charles Convention Center

1 Convention Center Plaza, Saint Charles, MO 63303

With four World Series titles, Darryl is described as a legend. Extremely successful in his career, his personal life was plagued with addictions, abuse, divorces, cancer, jail -time and other issues.

Darryl finally found true redemption and restoration in Jesus Christ.

Today, Darryl's purpose and passion is serving the Lord Jesus Christ and helping others transform their lives through the power of the gospel. Darryl travels the country speaking and bringing a message of hope and restoration in Christ.

Strawberry

Tickets: $30 Each / Table of 10: $300 Purchase Tickets Online: www.ministrytomen.net OR

Mail Check Payable To: Ministry to Men P.O. Box 1041, St. Peters, MO 63376

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Tarlton, St. Louis’ largest women-owned general contracting/construction management firm, lifted the final structural steel beam into place at the site of the future SSM Outpatient

In support of the mission to build homes with families in St. Charles County, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County received a $20,000 donation from the Home Builders Charitable Foundation of the Home Builders Association, a local trade association of nearly 600 member firms. Representatives of the local nonprofit plan to build two homes in the City of St. Charles this year. Habitat for Humanity SCC has worked with families for 25-plus years

Together For 50 Years

St. Charles City-County Library 1973-2023

Supporters and staffers of the St. Charles City-County Library marked the entity's 50th anniversary. The District was formed on Aug. 1, 1973, when the St. Charles County Library Wentzville and O’Fallon branches merged with the St. Charles City’s Kathryn Linnemann Library. Limited edition 50th Anniversary Library cards, featuring the 'Together for 50 Years' logo, are available at no charge at all library locations while supplies last. There also are special 50th anniversary classes and events.

Want to be featured?

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

Our mission at The Gemini Group is to partner you with a knowledgeable and experienced team of professionals who can manage your unique investment objectives and circumstances. We understand life happens and we believe we are well able to effectively serve your financial needs. The world in which investments function doesn’t seem to be getting any simpler as time goes by. It can be a tremendous benefit if you can enlist the support of a team to help lighten that load. Just as we go through different stages of our lives, there are corresponding stages of investing: Accumulative, Preservative and Distributive. Keeping on track with your personal investment timeline can be made easier by having a well-crafted, practical plan.

The Catholic Independent school for Children of all Faiths | Grades PreK3 - 8

Be Part of our Academy Community!

It’s not too early -- Book a tour and experience the Academy difference!

Member: ISACS - Independent Schools Association of the Central States (provisional); Network of Sacred Heart Schools

ash1818.org | 636-946-6127 | admissions@ash1818.org 619 N. Second St. | St. Charles, MO 63301

NIGHT LOUNGE FROM 5 -10 PM

THURSDAY - SATURDAY

201 North Main Street Saint Charles, MO (636) 486-7022 | thenovellus.com

125 YEARS FOR THROS

Providing Quality Fashion For Men Since 1898 From Main Street St. Charles

One local clothier company staff can say its business is truly a family affair, given it's being operated by the fourth generation of the same lineage.

After being founded on Aug. 20, 1898, the Thro Clothing Co., staff became known for providing first-class customer service, quality clothing and striking fashion accessories. Today, that's still the welcomed reputation and present promise of the shop, now called Thros.

Current Thros' president, Rose Thro Wells, says they sell top-quality men's apparel for every occasion, including shoes, sportswear, golfwear, sports coats, bow ties and hats. As great-granddaughter of co-founder, John B. Thro Jr., Rose has a keen sense for matching shoppers' personal styles. She shares store ownership with Frank Netsch, great-grandson of the other co-founder John B. Thro.

"We have everything from Hart Schaffner and Marx suits, to denim and Tommy Bahama, to keep customers looking their best," Rose assures.

As fall gets underway, Rose says sweaters and vests for layering will be popular. They also offer tuxedo rentals and Boy Scout needs from their St. Charles location at 229 N. Main St.

Earlier this year, the Thros' team received a proclamation regarding the business's long-standing contributions from St. Charles Mayor Daniel Borgmeyer. The original location was 137 N. Main St.

THRO CLOTHING CO.

The store was relocated to its current location during 1979. They also were recognized by St. Charles Main Street Foundation representatives with a community development award. Another family-related enterprise, Michelle's, operates from the same location, spearheaded by Frank. Michelle's was launched in 1965 by Frank and Rose's father, J. Maurice Thro, to offer women's finest dresses, sportswear and accessories, such as jewelry, watches and purses. "Our sizes range from size 4 to 16, and our clientele enjoys free alterations on all full-price purchases, including our selection of evening wear and mother-of-the-bride dresses," Frank adds.

OPERATION HOURS FOR THROS AND MICHELLE'S:

• Mondays through Fridays: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Closed Sundays

636.724.0132

ThrosAndMichelles.com

FROM LADY GAGA TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY, DIANNE ISBELL TOPS THEM ALL

HATS BY DI-ANNE

Dianne Isbell’s one-of-a-kind designs have been featured in too many area fashion shows to count. The owner of HATS by DI-Anne, she has won awards too numerous to list, including the 2011 New York Fall Fashion Week Diet Coke Contest. Her designs also were selected for a year-long display in the Kentucky Derby Hat Museum at Churchill Downs, where she was selected as featured milliner in 2020-2021.

Still, she says with all of her awards and recognitions, she is “most proud of growing up on a farm, going to a one-room school for three grades and receiving my master's degree.”

About her successes, Dianne says: “I honestly never thought I couldn't accomplish what I have accomplished—I just did it.”

“I recently found a photo of me at 8 years old, and on the back, it stated: ‘Dianne made this dress all by herself from an old slip of her mother’s and a nylon stocking for a belt,’" Dianne says. “I was already into fashion then.”

It was about that time that she says her grandma taught her how to crochet and embroider. “My mom and grandma were both excellent seamstresses. They taught me how to sew with a little crank sewing machine.”

It was the knowledge gleaned from them that would prove invaluable when Dianne began designing hats. “I think this is where I learned one of the mottos I live by: ‘Anything worth doing is worth doing right,’ to which I have added, ‘Or don't do it at all.’”

Dianne taught herself how to type on a typewriter her mother had purchased and studied English, college-prep classes, shorthand and business in high school, so she could work as a secretary to put herself through college.

While working full time at Scott Air Force Base, and taking evening and weekend classes, Dianne earned her bachelor’s degree in social psychology—graduating Summa Cum Laude—and her master’s degree in business management. She worked in the Military Airlift Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, finishing as the director of Protocol for the Air Force Communications Service (AFCS), reporting to a two-star Air Force General and having a secretary and a five military member staff of her own.

After 26 years of civil service, Dianne started her first business, Etiquette Plus, teaching a six-week course to kids on the rules of etiquette. Soon she taught all types of manners and protocol to all ages in all walks of life, including CEOs and presidents of companies, from table manners and proper posture to respect and dignity. For 36 years, she’s written an etiquette column for the Belleville News Democrat CONTINUED >

“I THINK THIS IS WHERE I LEARNED ONE OF THE MOTTOS I LIVE BY: ‘ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING RIGHT,’ TO WHICH I HAVE ADDED, ‘OR DON’T DO IT AT ALL.’”

As she built her business, Dianne garnered three more promotions, for a total of 11 throughout her career at Scott, as well as being selected for a spot in the Department of Defense’s prestigious year-long Executive Leadership Development Program, which included actual military training such as parachute jumping and driving a tank at Fort Bragg.

In January 2001, Dianne, though only 55, retired. She was immediately offered a job in Washington, DC, with a high-level communications corporation.

In June, a girlfriend introduced her to a widowed, former Army officer and Green Beret. “We had our first date in August, and then 9/11 hit in September,” she says. “I realized I could have been at a meeting in the Pentagon that day, if I had already moved to DC. I decided life was too short, declined the position, and married the Green Beret the following year.”

She continued her etiquette classes and teas for little girls but added fancy dresses, purses, boas, gloves, jewelry and created special Victoriantype hats.

Her older sister saw some of the hats and asked if she would create one for her to wear at her Red Hat Society outings. Soon Dianne was creating one-of-a-kind hats for Society ladies all over; and her designs—red, purple, pink and lavender—were in boutiques from Springfield, Illinois, to Springfield, Missouri, to Denver, Colorado.

Dianne then met a lady who wanted to carry her designs in her boutique in all of the Society colors and then some. “This was a turning point in my business, because when you add a color, you must add all the trims, feathers, flowers, veiling and millinery fabrics in that color to create the designs.”

TODAY, AS ALWAYS, SHE “LIVES FOR THE LOOK ON MY CLIENTS’ FACES, WHEN THEY PUT ON ONE OF MY DESIGNS AND LOOK IN THE MIRROR. IT’S AN INSTANT: ‘I FEEL BEAUTIFUL’ LOOK!’”

Today, as always, she “lives for the look on my clients' faces, when they put on one of my designs and look in the mirror. It’s an instant: ‘I feel beautiful’ look!'”

Dianne created three designs for Lady Gaga’s "Fame" perfume rollout and several designs for William H.T. “Bucky” Bush’s wife, Patty Bush. She also designed or gifted hats and fascinators for and to Karlie Kloss of "Project Runway;" Belgian designer, Diane von Furstenberg; and NBC co-anchors, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush.

Dianne meets with clients in her home studio or in clients' homes by appointment. She also conducts many trunk shows and pop-ups every year at various boutiques in cities across the United States.

She says she is thrilled to see a resurgence of hats, old and new, such as the women’s fedora and the cloche. Besides staying very busy creating designs for the Kentucky Derby and the Ascot Races, where fascinators, perchers and hatinators are now becoming more popular than hats, “there are many vintage car clubs where women wear hats designed to match the era of the cars.”

It’s also becoming more fashionable for men to wear a hat, bow tie or pocket square to match or complement the color of their lady’s hat or fascinator.

hatsbydianne@gmail.com

618.978.2150

Facebook/Instagram: Dianne Isbell or HATS by DI-Anne

Porch Living

NEW TOWN RESIDENT BELIEVES LIFE NEEDS MORE FRIENDS AND FRONT PORCHES

"Life is better on the porch," is the proven mantra of Janet Cash Koenig, a creative resident of New Town at St. Charles who lives for redecorating her personal porch. Truth be told, she also lovingly decorates her backyard and She Shed as well.

Upon moving to New Town six years ago, Janet says she felt it was mandatory to change her front porch decorations for all four seasons and nearly every celebrated American holiday. "It's just who I am. It's an interest within me that keeps growing, and my mind thinks far in advance, mulling over ideas about how to execute certain themes," she admits. "For example, I'm already envisioning my new spring porch theme and decorations for next year. I'm thinking shades of purple."

She says she loves the holidays, and that affection transferred to her home porches.

"We live on a busy street, and people tell us they love walking by our ever-changing porch, and that they appreciate what we bring to the neighborhood," Janet states.

Her decorating talent and attention to details has been noticed on official levels as well. Her home was included in the New Town Resident Christmas House Tour last year, and her yard was designated as the May 2023 Garden of the Month.

Based on accumulating decorations for the past 15 years, sometimes Janet's decorations stretch to the sidewalk near the street through planters or Halloween decorations. She also rotates the furniture and color schemes she applies to her front porch. She even repaints a frame that adorns their front glass door to a hue that matches the color of flowers planted about.

While some homeowners fix their porches for yearlong use, Janet reveals she actually changed the color scheme of the entire house exterior to help accentuate her porch and has placed at least three different swings there. "When we moved here, the house was yellow. I needed a black and white house to work with. So, we converted it all, including a new black roof. And our front door probably has 10 coats of paint."

She also has a back covered porch that she decorates.

Janet says she draws inspiration from magazines, home shows, Pinterest pieces that she tweaks, and house renovation or competition shows, such as Battle On The Beach , which is about redoing beachfront properties.

Family and friends do ask Janet for decorating advice, and some people hire her to work her magic on their own porches. So, what started as a personal hobby for Janet became a business about four years ago. She had just started her Porch Pizzazz & More business before COVID-19 struck. "I was helping people spruce up their front porch spaces by adding pops of color and other accessories. I love using multiple layers of rugs outside. For one customer, I installed his swing, and painted the arms of his Adirondack chairs with a fun accent color. Then I did matching pillows, planters and wall hangings. He invited me back to produce a living wall of succulents on his garage," she says.

Although she paused Porch Pizzazz services during the pandemic, she reveals she's thinking about relaunching the initiative.

During that pandemic time, Janet instead turned her ideas and energy toward creating a She Shed, with her husband, Ed. She planted a full flower garden alongside it. Janet even got creative when a neighbor wanted to replace a side yard wooden fence between their properties by using some of the wooden fence boards to make the ceiling in the She Shed. "I also made that wood into several trays with handles to give as gifts."

For decorating inquiries, call/text Janet at 314.616.6516

Advice From A Porch: Enjoy every season. Hear the birds sing. Take in the view. Listen to the rainy days. Feel the breeze. See every sunrise. Smile at sunset. Watch the stars dance. Decorate, decorate, decorate. Cherish the memories. Enjoy.

“It brings me pleasure to see neighbors enjoying the yard decorations, and a thousand trick-ortreaters sure like it all.”

Envision Exceptional Patient Care, Innovative Eyeglasses

Overland Optical: Eyewear That Favors Personal Style, Sophistication And Comfort

Savvy team members at Overland Optical Family Eye Care in St. Charles have an eye for style, literally. As a privately owned optometric practice, they pride themselves on providing outstanding eye care, fine quality eyewear and superior customer service, assures co-owners Russ and Terri Dentsbier.

After buying the practice in 1984, Russ started the St. Charles office from scratch in 2000.

Terri says their custom crafted eyewear is second to none. "We love eyeglasses and want clients to feel completely confident in their new eyewear. Selecting new frames with our patients is exciting and individual, whatever their sense of style, budget, lifestyle or occupation, we help clients find a frame that not just flatters, but helps them be who they want to project," she adds.

Current eyewear brands that are popular among Overland Optical clients include kate spade, Cinzia, Longchamp, Kenneth Cole Reaction, INVU, Coach, Nine West, Ted Baker, and Guess. Sunwear brands that are particularly popular are INVU, Vera Wang, Lily Pulitzer, bebe and Nine West. "Kids’ eyewear is especially important. Kids need to look and feel good in their glasses, too!" Terri adds. "Girls just love the Lulu by Lulu Guiness, and popular styles for both girls and boys include RayBan and Nike."

Terri confirms they do carry "eyewear products with plenty of personality," such as bebe, which is a dynamic, luxury brand that intentionally caters to women who are keen to emphasize their individual personalities.

However, Terri says people's tastes, style and personality may evolve, so they enjoy helping others choose eyewear that evolves with them, from explorative to traditional vibes. She says finding a signature eyeglass style may take a little time, but the journey is half the fun.

The Overland Optical practice also carries products created by Carolina Herrera, a Venezuelan-born American fashion designer, who is known for her elegance and class. Before becoming a designer, she was acknowledged as one of the best dressed women in the world, sometimes called “the Madonna of the white blouse." Her designs are considered sophisticated, chic and classic.

With two full-time optometrists Molly Lamprecht, O.D., (St. Charles) and Sara Schmitz, O.D., (Overland) and a dedicated team, including its flagship location in Overland, the staff provides state-ofthe-art diagnoses and treatment of eye diseases, too.

Russ says their on-site custom laboratory and experienced, certified technicians allows for excellent quality control. "We use the latest eye health technology to detect signs of ocular disease and to treat eye allergies or complex vision problems."

Working with clients of all ages, these friendly, experienced opticians assist with selecting the most appropriate frames, contact lenses, sunglasses or kids eyewear.

The team's St. Charles' staff serves the immediate area, plus St. Peters, Bridgeton, Lake St. Louis, New Town, O’Fallon and Wentzville. As the only independent office in the area with a full-service surface and finish lab on-site, Russ says they excel at creating custom quality eyewear, in many cases, providing same-day service.

"We strive to always exceed expectations; as per our motto, our practice has been built on service and is focused on quality," states Terri and Russ.

636.949.2900

636.255.8421

OverlandOptical.com

“We strive to always exceed expectations; as per our motto, our practice has been built on service and is focused on quality,” states Terri and Russ.

INhance IT Home Staging Works Movie Magic

WHAT STYLE AND DÉCOR GOES INTO CELEBRITY CABINS FOR NEW FILM PRODUCTIONS?

While staging houses for sale is the typical daily mission of a local business operated by Mandy and Rick Shields, they and their team recently got to work on-site for an official film set via designing the cabins used in the upcoming comedy movie Summer Camp.

"We absolutely loved every second of it (the movie project)," Mandy exclaims.

As a certified, luxury home staging company, INhance IT Home Staging's team stages housing interiors in all price ranges, with the objective of delivering a luxury look to every home they handle. They've been voted to be among top 10 US stagers through the Real Estate Staging Association for the past five years. "We're so proud of the awards we've received for doing what we love so much," Mandy adds.

She says their staging creates settings that allow visitors to truly visualize residing in homes. "Staging is an integral step in effectively packaging and marketing a property."

Mandy says of the movie-related opportunity: "This was by far the coolest thing we have ever done, from creating design plans for celebrities like icon Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, Eugene Levy, Alfre Woodard, Beverly D’Angelo, Josh Peck, Nicole Richie, Dennis Haysbert, Victoria Rowells, Betsy Sodaro and Maria Howell, to hanging out on the set and not only watching the movie be filmed but watching our kids be a part of it and filmed as extras in scenes with these amazing actors."

The Summer Camp  film, as produced in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, tells the story of Nora, Ginny and Mary, who have been best friends since childhood, spending their summers together inseparably at sleepaway camp. As the years have passed, they’ve seen each other less and less, so when the chance to reunite for a summer camp reunion arises, they all take it, some begrudgingly and others, excitedly. Each of their lives might not be where they’d imagined, but one thing is for sure—Nora, Ginny and Mary need each other, and summer camp reminds them why.

"We knew the stars of the film would be spending a lot of time in their cabins when they're not in front of the camera, so we made it our mission to give them the INhance IT luxury look, cabin style," recalls Mandy.

In preparation, the staging team secured and marked a variety of decoration items before they were loaded into a 26-foot moving truck and driven to the movie set. Mandy says she and her daughter, Ava, flew to the movie set to catch up to the truckload of items. "Our team is amazing. We had just ended our busiest month ever but still managed to shop, CONTINUED >

design plan, pack, pull, load and color coordinate every single thing on the truck for 11 different spaces for 11 different celebrities!"

"So much shopping, planning, pulling, packing, organizing, labeling, color coding, assembling, double checking and loading went into this project. Our team worked so hard and every single thing we needed was on the truck," Mandy says, admitting it was widely fun and exciting to see a real movie set.

To move the staging items back, the INhance team joined them in North Carolina, packed and drove the truck back.

Mandy says hanging out on the set for one last day was "the best" experience, along with getting to see her and Rick's children included as extras in the movie. "And now we have all of this movie set furniture that we added to our staging inventory. Kind of cool to think that a house staged by us could have furniture that was in Eugene Levy or Diane Keaton’s cabin," she quips.

Mandy's cousin, Castille Landon, wrote and directed this independent movie. Her cousin, Dori Rath, is one of the producers for it.

Castille is best known for directing  After We Fell and  After Ever Happy, two installments in the hugely popular After series of romantic dramas, based on the novels by Anna Todd, which star Josephine

Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Her next film was Perfect Addiction, based on the bestselling Claudia Tan novel.

Dori is an entertainment executive who is president of Sweet Tomato Films, The Business Group, Inc., and The NELCO Companies. She is a Missouri native.

In normal day-to-day business services, the team INhance IT Home Staging handles vacant staging projects, occupied staging and builder displays. They are members of the Real Estate Staging Association, the Board of Realtors, and the International Association of Home Staging Professionals.

Mandy says the process of staging the celebrity movie cabins could be celebrated by starting with icon Diane Keaton. "The whole process was so much fun! The planning, shopping, staging, destaging and most of all, meeting her! Putting together a design plan for Diane Keaton was surreal and the best part is we were told that she loved it! Watching the filming of the movie was unreal and such a cool experience."

314.486.5354

InhanceITStaging.com

“HAVING A TEAM THAT FEELS LIKE FAMILY HERE AT INHANCE IT! MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE ON OUR PACKED STAGING DAYS. WITH SO MANY MOVE OUTS AND INSTALLS TO TACKLE, WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR A TEAM THAT SHOWS UP EXCITED AND READY TO BRING THE MAGIC TO LIFE!”

Stacee Fernandez Founder/Owner

THE little BLACK DRESS

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

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

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

THE POPULARITY OF THE BLACK DRESS SKYROCKETED and IT BECAME ONE

OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.

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

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

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

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

ALTHOUGH BLACK IS A timeless, classic LOOK, THAT DOESN’T MEAN IT GOES WITHOUT personality . YOU CAN MAKE IT YOUR OWN STYLE BY accessorizing TO INFUSE NEW LIFE INTO A DRESS THAT YOU ALREADY OWN.

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

HOURGLASS FIGURE:

• V-necklines

• Cinched-in waistlines

• Tailored/fitted dresses

PEAR OR TRIANGLE FIGURE:

• Tailored dresses

• Off the shoulder

ATHLETIC FIGURE:

• Embellished

• Ruffles

• Empire waist

• Volume is your friend

APPLE FIGURE:

• Drop waist

• A-line

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

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in St. Charles County.

events

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

SEPTEMBER 10TH

St. Charles County Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert

FOUNDRY ART CENTRE | 2:00 PM

Founded in 1997, the St. Charles County Symphony Society is a multi-faceted ensemble that performs classical and modern repertoire, chamber concerts and a summer "POPS" series. Consisting of professional musicians, teachers, talented adults, and serious students from the community, the symphony brings a rich combination of musical talents to St. Charles County. This 3-hour concert is free.

SEPTEMBER

15TH-17TH

Mosaics Fine Art Festival

HISTORIC ST. CHARLES | 10:00 AM

This 28th annual three-day event is a free family-friendly festival that features quality artwork for sale by nearly 100 juried artists. Highlights include live music, hands-on art experiences for children plus a kids-only gallery where ages 14 and younger can buy professional artwork. Visit  StCharlesMosaics.org for details. Parking is on Riverside Drive or City Hall garage off of 2nd Street.

SEPTEMBER

16TH-17TH

St. Louis Renaissance Festival

ROTARY PARK, WENTZVILLE | 10:00 AM

Enjoy entertainment from pirates, mermaids and jousting to turkey legs, juggling and belly dancing. There will be lots of live music acts and assorted vendors, including food and drinks. Produced by Mid-America Festivals, this festival began in 1998 and formerly was called the Renaissance Faire. This event is open, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit STLRenFest.com .

SEPTEMBER 20TH

Music On Main

100 AND 200 BLOCK OF NORTH MAIN STREET, ST. CHARLES | 5:00 PM

Join in on the fun for food, drink and live music in historic, downtown St. Charles. The band scheduled to perform is Vynal Tap. They play classic rock, including songs by the Allman Brothers, Kansas, Lynyrd Skynard and Steely Dan. This event concludes at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 800.366.2427.

SEPTEMBER

22ND-24TH

Saint Charles Oktoberfest

FRONTIER PARK | 7:00 PM

Partake of the Hofbrau Bier Garten, wiener dog race, brat eating contest, and Samuel Adams Raise the Stein preliminary rounds on Sept. 23 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. and Championship at 5 p.m. Saint Charles Oktoberfest

5K/10K Race Sept. 24 at 7-UP Stage (Jaycee Stage). The Antique Car Show also on Sept. 24 from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Main Street.

SEPTEMBER 30TH

Freedom Jam USA 2023

DIAMOND MUSIC HALL, ST. PETERS | 2:00 PM

Join the 4th annual Freedom Jam USA St. Louis, which brings Nashville to the Lou. Country music headliner is Nashville star Jesse Keith Whitley, along with Dan Wallace, John Eason, Sheyna Gee, Molly Lovette, Mark Perkins and Audra McLaughlin. Special guests: Jesse Vaughn, Cole Blue Steel and Raelynn Alyse. Event proceeds go to Veterans Community Project and Forgotten Coast K9.

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