St. Charles County, MO February 2026

Love Local

As February arrives, we always feel a gentle tug-of-war in our hearts. On one hand, there’s the temptation to roll our eyes at another commercialized holiday. On the other, there’s something undeniably sweet about having a moment carved out on the calendar to pause and celebrate love in all its forms.

Is it a Valentine’s date out or a cozy night in? A handwritten note or simply showing up with presence and intention? For us, it’s often a little of everything. What matters most isn’t how we celebrate, but that we do, taking the time to remind the people, places and passions around us just how meaningful they are.

That spirit is at the heart of this February edition. This month, we’re celebrating love through the lens of craftsmanship, culture and elevated experiences right here in our community. From K. Zander opening a second location as a trusted jeweler for estate pieces, custom designs and fine jewelry backed with generations of expertise. To Western style reimagined at Unfringed Midwestern Hat Co , where heritage meets modern design, now open in St. Charles on Historical Main Street. It is Black History Month, and we share Living Memory, a powerful and necessary tribute honoring stories that shape our past, present and future.  For those women looking for an event to inspire and motivate their souls, don't miss Little Black Book's upcoming BECOME event, led by Angel Magasano.

February invites us to gather, whether that’s around a table, a fire or a shared story. Loving local isn’t just about where we shop or dine; it’s about appreciating what’s close to us in every sense: the makers, the storytellers, the experiences that enrich our daily lives.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and your hearts each month. It’s an honor to share these stories with you.

Here’s to a February filled with intention, connection and love local and beyond.

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Kelley Lamm

kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Robin Seaton Jefferson, Julie Brown Patton, Stacey Dixon, Mel Boban, Kelley Lamm

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Marie White, Sandra Ferkel, Kimberly Zander, Danijela Kandera

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Proverbs 3:5-6

FEBRUARY 2026

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Guests crafted holiday floral centerpieces during The Flower Stop’s seasonal class at Frankie Martin’s Beer-Barn. 2: St. Chux Derby Crew collected 930 items for St. Louis Area Foodbank. 3: Chris Slyman of Slyman Bros Appliances named to NKBA Thirty Under 30 Class of 2026. 4: Publisher, Gordon Montgomery introduces Rick Shuler at The Factory for the John Denver Tribute Concert. 5: Cottleville Mayor Stephen Thompson sits down with publishers Kelley and Gordon to talk about 2026. 6: Kimberly Zander, owner of K. Zander Jewelry, poses in her new Chesterfield District storefront. 7: Defiance residents attended a Christmas pop-up hosted at Sugar Creek Winery

“The staff treats my mother like their own family. We couldn’t have asked for a more caring place.”

— Hampton Manor Family Member

A Community That Cares— Like Family

At Hampton Manor of St. Peters, care is more than a service— it’s a relationship.

From the moment residents arrive, our dedicated team takes the time to know their stories, routines, and what makes them feel most at home.

Families trust us because compassion is at the heart of everything we do— from personalized assistance and memory care support to daily moments of connection that bring comfort, dignity, and joy.

WESTERN STYLE, Reimagined

Unfringed Midwestern Store Brings Hat Artistry To St. Charles

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIE WHITE

Walk into Unfringed Midwestern's St. Charles storefront, and guests immediately feel it: that perfect blend of Western heritage and modern artistry, where every hat tells a story and every guest leaves feeling a little more like themselves. Since opening during October 2025 by best friends turned business partners Sarah Dennis and Peery Spoeneman, this Main Street gem and traveling hat bar business has become more than just a shop. Unfringed is a creative sanctuary where hats transform into keepsakes, personalized down to the last detail with burning, branding, hand-dyed bands and leather layers that make each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Unfringed's traveling hat bar transforms any celebration into an unforgettable experience. "Instead of a simple favor or activity, guests get to design something personal, meaningful and completely their own," these business partners explain. "It becomes an experience that's creative, interactive and full of personality. It encourages conversation, sparks joy and gives guests a keepsake they'll wear long after the celebration ends."

Before the storefront opened, the hat bar experience was their sole endeavor, working directly at celebrations from bachelorette parties, corporate events and girls' nights to gatherings of all kinds. But at every event, the same question kept coming up: "Where's your store? How can we come back and make another hat?"

"That's when we realized Unfringed needed a permanent home," the bestie duo shares. "Our storefront lets guests slow down, get creative and feel the full heart of our brand: authentic, warm,

Western-inspired and a touch rebellious. Now anyone can walk in, design something that feels like them, and leave with a piece of the Unfringed story."

"People want hats that feel like keepsakes, that are pieces carrying meaning, memory and craftsmanship," the two explain. "That's exactly what we create."

NEW TO WEARING HATS? UNFRINGED HAS CLIENTS COVERED WITH EXPERT STYLING ADVICE:

• Start with a neutral base like bone, chocolate or black, which slips seamlessly into any wardrobe.

• Coordinate with overall tone rather than matching exact colors; a hat should elevate one's look, not compete with it.

• Think of hats like jewelry. They complement outfits the same way favorite accessories do.

• Begin with a medium brim for the most comfortable, wearable silhouette.

• And most importantly? Once you put it on, own it. Confidence is the real accessory.

NOT A "HAT PERSON"? THINK AGAIN.

"We truly believe there's no such thing as 'not a hat person.' You just haven't met the right hat yet." In the studio, Sarah and Peery help you discover what works with your face shape, personal style, height and even your energy. From crown height to brim width, every detail matters. Once customized with burning, branding or bands that reflect your personality, something magical happens, you see yourself in a whole new way. "We've made hat believers out of hundreds of hesitant guests. Trust us, your hat is waiting for you!"

CARING FOR YOUR INVESTMENT

A custom hat deserves proper care. When traveling, wear it when possible or pack it carefully, filling the crown with soft clothing and surround the brim with rolled garments. Store it crown-up or on a proper hat hook in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. A light brush occasionally keeps it looking gorgeous for years.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark calendars for Unfringed's collaboration with Christina White Salon on Feb. 12-13, featuring hair styling and hats from 12-6 p.m. at the Unfringed studio. A portion of proceeds benefits Women's Safe House in St. Louis.

Planning a romantic Valentine's Day? Unfringed will be open Feb. 14 from 12-6 p.m., making it the perfect opportunity to create something special together or surprise someone with a truly personal gift.

2026 Hat Trend Report

The Western world is evolving, and Unfringed has been championing this shift toward personality and artistry from day one. Looking ahead to 2026, Sarah and Peery say the trends lean toward:

• Bold silhouettes: Structured crowns and confident shapes that feel modern while honoring classic Western roots.

• Heavy personalization: Burning, branding, hand-dyed bands, charms and layered leather details.

• Texture mixing: Stacked bands, velvet paired with leather, charms with patina.

• Refined western: Classic rancher shapes elevated with minimal, intentional design.

• Colors: Earth-rooted tones and soft, dusty pastels with Western flair. Deep chocolate and midnight black remain timeless favorites.

• Style: wide brim ranchers, teardrop crowns and transitional felt.

ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

LITTLE Black BOOK:

Angel Magasano Connects, Educates, Supports Women In Business And Leadership

Professional women in the St. Louis region likely have heard of Angel Magasano, the founder and CEO of Little Black Book (LBB): Women in Business. The corporate professional, turned stay-athome mom, turned cake boss entrepreneur, community cheerleader and powerhouse promoter of women has dedicated her career to empowering women in a myriad of ways.

A professional women’s organization dedicated to connecting, educating and supporting women in business and leadership, LBB also gained notoriety since its inception in 2012 by making a huge local impact through service and philanthropy. Most notably, LBB has for more than a decade led the charge in St. Charles County for the Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots, collecting and giving hundreds of thousands of toys to kids in need. Even as Angel stepped back from the effort during 2025 for the first time in years, the organization still gave some 20,000 toys to the St. Louis distribution center of Toys for Tots.

Angel instigates. She motivates. She facilitates. And few do it all with the energy and pleasant confidence that she does. For the fifth year running, she and LBB will host BECOME 2026: Bold & Creative, as a two-day women’s inspirational summit where participants connect with successful female professionals, gain insight and inspiration from their journeys and witness the transformative power of women supporting women.

Dubbed the “Women’s Day of Inspiration,” the conference will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in St. Louis, March 12-13, 2026. It will assemble visionary women, dynamic speakers and immersive

workshops designed to help women grow personally and professionally. Attendees will enjoy inspiring keynote speakers, interactive brand labs, curated networking and special events, including the BECOME Boutique and Book Fair.

“At Little Black Book, we're more than a network,” says Angel. “We're a sisterhood of like-minded women dedicated to personal and professional development and community service. Our mission is to foster connections, provide self-development opportunities and create a meaningful impact within our communities.”

The LBB’s membership spans both Missouri and Illinois residents, and provides a platform for meaningful engagement and support among professional women. Its members have contributed over $1 million to local nonprofit organizations since 2012.

After leaving her job in the corporate world to stay home with her children, she says she was inspired by a cake decorating class she took, as well as "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro and renowned pastry chef, Duff Goldman of Food Network's Ace of Cakes. “I remembered how fun that class was, and I thought I was just going to build a big celebration for my kids.”

But by the end of the year, Angel had built 400-plus multitiered cakes and a small business to boot.

Originally spurred on by a call from a friend asking her to build a cake for her child, Angel was off and running. “But I didn’t know how to get it out of my kitchen,” she says. “I didn’t know anything about running the business. That propelled me forward to start building a business, to be taken seriously at that venture.”

Angel Magasano says “making a difference” made Little Black Book a “leadership group in the community.”

Before long, Angel says she found herself “communing and networking with others in my space, stay-at-home moms who wanted the same thing.” And Little Black Book: Women in Business was born along with its members’ willingness to do something for others.

“That’s when we really picked up steam, when we started making a difference in the community. That made us a leadership group in the community,” Angel says. With that steam came the confidence she needed to get out of her comfort zone and walk into, among other things, the mayor’s office door and local schools to ask for their support. Angel says StreetScape Magazine publisher, the late Thomas Hannegan, was the first to see hers and LBB’s potential. “Tom Hannegan was my first real, bonafide, community partner who valued what I was doing. He was very instrumental.”

In 2023, Angel partnered with novelist, Shelly Snow-Pordea, to create Little Black Book Publishing, a creative outlet for amplifying women’s voices and turning their ideas into published works. Whether it be through high-content, including publishing autobiographies, biographies, novels, self-development, cookbooks, travel guides and professional development, or medium-content publishing, such as journals, coloring books, activity workbooks and puzzle books, Little Black Book Publishing assists writers in every facet of idea generation, writing and publishing. It provides author support through author coaching, ghostwriting, proofreading and content editing; marketing and launch and promotional strategies to help a book reach its audience. Guided publishing allows clients to get support for their brand while keeping full ownership and royalties for their work.

Angel says, “every woman’s story deserves to be heard. Whether it’s a novel that captivates, a memoir that moves or a guide that empowers, we provide the platform and support to bring their words to life.” And LBB Publishing just signed its first national client.

“We’re more than a network,” says Angel Magasano, founder and CEO of Little Black Book.

“We’re a sisterhood of likeminded women dedicated to personal and professional development and community service.”

Little Black Book empowers women to lead LBB chapters in their local municipalities, and collaborates with local businesses and service organizations. Each chapter offers monthly programming open to the public, designed to connect, educate, inspire and empower.

The LBB organization also launched Onyx Network in 2025, a private application-based group that Angel says is a “mastermind network” whose purpose is to help a network of women who run businesses that generate $250,000 to $5 million in revenue. “People need someone to help them troubleshoot challenges and listen to their aspirations,” she says.

Still, cheerleading is what Angel does best. “Watching someone realize their dream is joyful for me,” Angel says. “That’s my purpose, my strength and gift to cheer others on in an authentic and meaningful way, recognizing what their strengths are and helping them pull it out of themselves, to be inspired toward their next thing. I feel accomplished if I'm successful when I have watched or helped out. That’s where my joy lives.”

Black St. Louis: Living Memory

In Honor Of Black History Month, Explore The History, Resilience And Cultural Legacy Through The People And Places That Shape St. Louis

ARTICLE BY STACEY DIXSON, ED.D

St. Louis occupies a singular position in the historical landscape of Black America. Situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, the city has long functioned as both a literal and symbolic borderland between North and South, promise and exclusion. The history of Black St. Louis is not peripheral to the city’s story; it is foundational, shaping its legal, cultural and civic identity from the 18th century to the present.

From its early years, St. Louis has thrived due to the contributions of Black residents, whose labor and community leadership helped build the city’s economy and its cultural institutions. These contributions continue to be vital to the city’s character and success today.

Few episodes better illustrate St. Louis’ national significance than Dred Scott v. Sanford, a historic court case culminating in one of the most consequential Supreme Court rulings in American jurisprudence. Today, the Old Courthouse stands as a site of reflection, inviting visitors to honor those who challenged the injustices of the legal system.

Resistance and resilience always have been central to Black history in St. Louis. One example is the story of Mary Meachum, a free Black woman who organized an attempt to ferry people across the Mississippi River to freedom in 1855. The Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing commemorates the work of Black leaders whose actions continue to inspire the city’s moral and political landscape.

The preservation of Black memory continues through historic sites and cultural institutions across the region. Greenwood Cemetery, established in the 19th century as a burial ground for African Americans, bears witness to generations of Black educators, activists, veterans and artists. Museums such as the Griot Museum of Black History and Culture and the George B. Vashon Museum provide essential education about Black History in St. Louis.

Cultural expression has been a defining force in Black St. Louis. The city’s contributions to American music, from ragtime innovator Scott Joplin to the lasting influence of the blues, highlight the centrality of Black artistry to national culture. Institutions such as the National Blues Museum and the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site preserve these legacies, while contemporary

public art and the work of The Black Rep continue to explore identity, memory and justice through creative expression.

To engage with Black history in St. Louis is to interact with American democracy itself. These places and stories do not offer a simple narrative of progress, but instead invite sustained reflection on resilience, responsibility and community. In honoring Black history, St. Louis acknowledges not only its past but its ongoing obligation to preserve truth, amplify voices and reckon honestly with the forces that continue to shape the city’s collective life.

Black civic leadership has played a critical role in shaping St. Louis’ institutional and intellectual life. From education and entrepreneurship to journalism, law and faith-based organizing, Black residents have established enduring networks that foster opportunity and collective advancement. Historically, Black churches, schools and mutual aid organizations function as centers of learning, cultural production and civic engagement, laying the groundwork for advancements in public policy, business development and the arts. These institutions not only support individual achievement but also articulate broader visions of equity, self-determination and community responsibility that continue to influence the city’s social fabric.

Love Stories

Deserve Perfect Gems

Jewelry selections rooted in rarity, longevity and authenticity are the cornerstones of K. Zander Jewelry | The Studio. Facilitating timeless jewelry legacies is the daily mission of this family-owned business now headed by third-generation owner Kimberly Zander, whose grandfather was a watchmaker and jeweler. Given the store was founded in 1935, she assures its full-service team embodies nearly a century of expertise with a passion for excellence. In fact, she's a GIA graduate gemologist, which is a prestigious certification from the global leader Gemological Institute of America.

"Adding a sparkle of magic and luxury to our clients' lives is our pleasure. We understand not only the financial value of pieces, but also their age and emotional significance," she says.

"Every piece I create begins with a conversation. I personally guide each design from concept to completion, sourcing conflict-free gemstones through long-standing global relationships and overseeing every step of the process. Whether reimagining an heirloom, designing an engagement ring or creating a one-of-akind piece, my goal's always the same: to create jewelry that holds both beauty and meaning."

Store services include jewelry custom design, GIA-accredited appraisals (by appointment) and cleaning, as well as watch and jewelry repairs. Jewelry options span necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, bridal rings, anniversary bands and special occasion pieces.

Kimberly has 30-plus years of experience in buying and selling both new and estate jewelry. With this expertise and from being an estate planning authority, she says she provides personalized consultations and detailed appraisals tailored to each client's needs. "Our commitment to sustainability goes hand-in-hand with our

dedication to quality. We specialize in creating stunning jewelry by transforming reclaimed gold and platinum mountings in good condition, alongside rare, ethically sourced and traceable sapphires and gemstones," she explains. "We blend beauty with responsibility, ensuring each piece not only captivates the eye but also respects the environment and ethical sourcing practices."

The store in St. Charles is located at 1015 S. 5th St., and the new Chesterfield location is at 17089 N. Outer 40 Road, Ste. 132. Accompanying Kimberly in the studio is metalsmith Lindsay Utt, who supports client experiences that are personal and seamless. Lindsay's been designing handmade jewelry since 2004 using silver, copper and gold.

Given responsive communication and collaboration, Kimberly says she can have nearly any piece of jewelry made, from concept creation using a photo or an AI rendering created with clients, to CAD, to finished piece, all in about two weeks, including sourcing the stones or using stones selected in the store.

All diamonds and manufacturing are done in the United States, so Kimberly says there are no tariff charges on gemstones.

Kimberly's focus often is naturally colored gemstones that she handpicks, particularly sapphires, due to their durability, spectrum of color and individuality. "They offer meaningful alternatives for clients seeking truly personal and enduring pieces."

"I personally source all gemstones from my contacts who live in Thailand, Sweden, India and Australia. That way, I know the origin of the gems and that they're ethically mined. I offer manufactured lines of jewelry and build wedding sets to choose from in my stores," she says.

From developing relations across the worldwide jewelry industry with other leaders, Kimberly says she's in touch with them, often during wee hours with their daytime as America's nighttime, because they're also her friends now. "It's amazing to be in such a wonderful position that I'm in. It's truly a dream come true."

She says she also recovers ring mountings from a gold dealer who travels the Midwest to buy scrap gold from local jewelers and pawn shops. "That dealer recovers mountings in excellent condition and I buy them from her to save them from being melted and wasting the craftsmanship and history. Then I set the sapphires and other gemstones I find that are of exceptional quality and breathe life back into each piece for someone else to have the opportunity to cherish and covet the beauty again."

At its heart, Kimberly states jewelry is about connection: between people, moments and generations. "Every design we create carries a story, and we're honored to help bring those stories to life," she assures.

Chesterfield Store Hours:

January-March: Wednesdays through Sundays 12-6 p.m.  April-December: Tuesdays through Sundays 12-8 p.m.

St. Charles: 636.946.6618

Chesterfield: 636.778.0352

KZanderJewelry.com

ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM

SELF-CARE IS LOVE

ADVICE EDITORIAL: RED LIGHT SAUNA IS A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO SELF-CARE

When we recently welcomed a red light therapy sauna into our home, it wasn’t about adding another wellness trend, it was about creating a moment of pause. In the midst of busy schedules, deadlines and caring for everyone else, we wanted a space that invited us to slow down and invest in ourselves.

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support the body’s natural healing processes. Unlike harsh treatments or invasive procedures, this therapy works gently, encouraging restoration from the inside out.

I learned inside our cells live mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses responsible for producing energy. I knew we needed some serious energy in this fast-paced world. So I researched more and found when exposed to red and near-infrared light, these mitochondria can increase energy production, improve circulation and support tissue repair. The result? Reduced inflammation, healthier skin, eased muscle tension and a body that feels more supported overall.

While “red light therapy” is the common phrase, the real magic happens within a precise range of wavelengths. Red light typically targets surface-level benefits like skin health and collagen support, while near-infrared light penetrates deeper, reaching muscles and joints. Together, they form the foundation of wholebody wellness.

Having a unit at home has transformed consistency into possibility. It has become a grounding habit, a warm glow at the start or end of the day that signals rest, recovery and intention.

That said, wellness is never one-size-fits-all. We always encourage readers to check with their health care provider to determine whether red light therapy is right for them. And for those who prefer to indulge outside the home, many local wellness studios and spas offer professional red light therapy experiences worth exploring.

In a season centered on love, consider this a reminder: self-care is not indulgent, it’s essential. Whether at home or locally, red light therapy offers a beautiful way to nurture yourself from the inside out.

IN ST. LOUIS DESSERT FIRST

Join us for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Dessert First, an unforgettable celebration featuring gourmet desserts inspired by Girl Scout Cookies, exceptional food, live auction experiences, music, and dancing. We’ll also honor three remarkable Legacy Builders whose leadership is shaping our community.

Whether you attend, sponsor, or support the event, your participation strengthens programs that build courage, confidence, and character in thousands of girls across eastern Missouri.

Reserve your tickets, elevate your brand, and celebrate the next generation of leaders. Please visit:

girlscoutsem.org/dessertfirst EXPERIENCE THE SWEETEST NIGHT