Issuu

THE style ISSUE A R T S + C U LTU R E

CA SA J EN N I NGS SERV ES SPAN GLISH ST YLE WITH LOTS O F CO RA ZÓ N. HOME + DESIGN

BE X AR ESSENTIAL S REM O DELI NG PROV ES YOU R H O M E CAN HAV E A PERSO N ALIT Y, TO O LI F E + C U LTU R E

XOXO CH EL SE A WEDDIN G PH OTO GRAPHY SAYS PL AN A WEDDING THAT FEEL S LIKE YOU

S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6

STEP INTO LUXURY Frameless Glass Shower Enclosures and Mirrors

Fa st Tu rna round Time

We help make it easy for you by giving expert advice and our

trained staff has the knowledge to help you with different options in choosing the right shower enclosure for your needs.

Expert Ins t allat ions

F ree Es t imat es

www.showerdoorstoday.com

OF SAN ANTONIO

210-467-5995 | 2537 Boardwalk St., San Antonio TX

PROT E C T. GROW. T R A N SF E R .

NOW ! OPEN

EXPERT PET GROOMING SERVICES Building & Preserving Wealth with Purpose Mission Ready Horizon helps families, veterans, & business owners create clear financial strategies designed for long-term stability and legacy. From retirement optimization to income protection and estate coordination, our approach focuses on structured growth, downside protection, and confidence in your financial future.

Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session www.mymiliaregroup.com/agent 210-722-3880

San Antonio’s Premier Grooming Salon We provide top-quality grooming services to ensure your pet is always happy, healthy, & well-groomed. Whether it’s a simple bath or a full grooming session, our team is here to provide your pet with the care they deserve in a safe & comfortable environment.

Haircuts & Styling | Bathing & Brushing | Specialty Services 210-749-8822 | www.thecanineco.net | 15124 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX

AESTHETICS. PRECISION. HEALTH. At M.I. Dental Designs, we provide a luxury dental experience where comfort, precision, and aesthetics come together. Led by Dr. Imam, our expert team delivers everything from routine checkups to fullmouth rehabilitations — always in a patient-centered, welcoming environment. We cater to those who expect the best in care and results. Our promise? The same level of care we would give our own family. Where advanced dentistry meets unmatched attention to detail for smiles that inspire confidence. COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY COSMETIC DENTISTRY DENTAL IMPLANTS SEDATION FOR A COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE INVISALIGN

Schedule your complimentary smile design consultation

www.midentaldesigns.com

210.496.9967

1130 East Sonterra Blvd. Suite 110 San Antonio, TX 78258 @midentaldesigns @mohamedimamdds

Luxury Brands don’t post. They position Strategic brand positioning for businesses ready to grow with authority, not noise. Trusted by premium brands. Proven audience growth and client acquisition.

Book a complimentary strategy session.

Scan to book your strategy call

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

LIFESTYLE LETTER

STYLE THAT FEELS LIKE YOU

September 2026 PUBLISHER

Jonathan Mottu | jonathan.mottu@citylifestyle.com CO-PUBLISHER

Sarah Mottu | sarah.mottu@citylifestyle.com

Style can be a funny thing. We are surrounded by messages telling us what is in, what is out and what we should change next. But the stories in this issue kept bringing me back to a much simpler idea: the best style is the kind that feels like you. You can see it in a home designed around the people who live there, where every choice is both beautiful and meaningful. You can wear it proudly, as Janet Jennings shows us through designs filled with culture, humor and confidence. It can be found in the colors that help us feel our best, the accessories that carry more than our belongings and the wedding details that feel right because they reflect the people at the center of the celebration. That may be my favorite thing about style: it tells a story before we ever say a word. It can honor where we come from, create a sense of home, spark confidence and preserve the moments we want to remember. As you turn these pages, I hope you feel inspired to notice what you genuinely love. Keep the colors, spaces, traditions and details that make you feel most like yourself. Let the rest go. Trends will always change. Your story is the part worth keeping. Enjoy the issue!

E D I TO R

Chelsea Humphreys chelsea.humphreys@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R S

Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@citylifestyle.com Kristy Belley | kristy.belley@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R S

Kate Abel | kate.abel@citylifestyle.com Judie Alvarez | judie.alvares@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erin Lyons, Caroline Heiberg, Chelsea Humphreys C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Engrid Ramirez, Chelsea Humphreys

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry

CHELSEA HUMPHREYS, EDITOR @ S T O N E O A KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Zach Miller LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

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

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / S TO N E OA K

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 Stone Oak City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

M E E T H A L E Y N I C O L E I M A G E R Y

Timeless - Emotive - Real PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES – WEDDINGS – FAMILY – MATERNITY – NEWBORN – MILESTONES – HEIRLOOM PORTRAITS

UPCOMING MINI SESSIONS – APRIL 25 - GILDED GLASS HOUSE – APRIL 26 - THE BARN @ THE GLASSHOUSE

@HALEYNICOLEIMAGERY HALEYNICOLEIMAGERY.COM

210 . 595 . 1204

ventafurnishings.com

STONE OAK’S

LUXURY

HAIR, SCALP & SKIN DESTINATION Luxury Wellness Without Compromise

We are first & foremost

a family-owned business right here in San Antonio

ELEVATED S ERVICES LUXURY HAIR EX TENSIONS CUSTOM COLOR • BLOWOUTS

We carry beautiful furniture to transform your home.

HEAD SPA EXPERIENCES HAIR LOSS SOLUTIONS MICRONEEDLING • CHEMICAL PEELS HORMONE WELLNESS LUXURY WELLNESS WITHOUT COMPROMISE Intentional treatments. Organic skincare. Elevated experiences designed to help you look and feel your best.

H E A D SPA NOW OPE N

Book Your Experience Today

(210) 267-8626 18720 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste. 121 v @TrioSalonAndExtensions

From curated concierge style service to something you just want to scoop off our great showroom

We are here to make sure you feel like you are

Venta Familia. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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

12 Featured

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Bringing Your Style Home

Bexar Essentials Remodeling combines collaborative design with expert remodeling to create spaces that reflect their client’s unique style.

Wear Your Story

Lasting Wedding Style

Casa Jennings blends Spanish and English to celebrate strong women, culture and community

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Home Update HOME + DESIGN

Must See ARTS + CULTURE

Inspired By STYLE + BEAUTY

Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY

Expert Help LIFE + CULTURE

Events

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

How to Look Like Yourself on Your Wedding Day

On the Cover Janet Jennings, founder of Casa Jennings, brings bold Spanglish style to San Antonio, celebrating culture, confidence and the power of women wearing their stories proudly. Photography: Engrid Ramirez of Grate Luna Collective

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.

Sarah Ferguson Fitness FITNESS COACHING FOR WOMEN

Personalized 1:1 Coaching 100% Online Coaching Workout Programming Nutrition & Meal Planning Accountability & Mindset Coaching

sarahfergusonfit.com

Find Yourself Again & Reach Your Goals

CALL TODAY TO SEE HOW STUDENTS LEARN TO ROCK– ON STAGE AND IN LIFE! Each week students, 8 to 108, take a private lesson and rehearse with a band of their peers. This fun, performance-based approach helps students gain a unique type of confidence through practical experience learning to play guitar, bass, drums, keys or singing. All in a safe, fun, supportive community.

Call Today: 210-314-7671

SAN ANTONIO

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

SEPTEMBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

@REYFEO78

@LYS91

5 @NNAYELAH

@VELVETCREATIVECO

@MISSVERRRO

@ABB.IE24

@UTSAZTA

1: Family fun day at SeaWorld San Antonio! 2: Ronnie Suarez and his royal court begin preparations for San Antonio's 2027 Fiesta season. 3: Haley Craig enjoys an afternoon exploring the historic Hotel Emma at Pearl in style. 4: Babes Support Babes Full Life: women in business, united at Signa La Cantera. 5: Date night at the Monarch Hotel in Style. 6: Abbie serves effortless style with a playful pop of color. 7: Zeta Tau Alpha members prepare for UTSA Panhellenic recruitment with sisterhood, style, and confidence.

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

C I T Y SC E N E

Make sweet HOLIDAY memories!

Sweeten your season with a GINGERBREAD WORKSHOP!

Bring your Creativity! The rest is provided! Each workshop includes:

Professional Floor Care

San Antonio’s Eco-Friendly Floor Cleaning See the Difference in Your Floors Today! 100% Happiness Guarantee on ALL jobs Over 190 5 Star Google Reviews CA R P E T CLE ANING | TIL E & G ROUT C L E ANING G R O U T CO LO R S E AL ING | L AMINATE C L E ANING LUXURY V I N Y L PL A N K C L E ANING | HARDWOOD C L E ANING NATURAL STONE C L E ANING

Mention “Stone Oak City Lifestyle Magazine” to receive 15% OFF any service!

A pre-assembled gingerbread house House-made royal icing, ready to decorate A colorful assortment of candies and festive decorations Holiday drinks and snacks!

Start a sweet family tradition! Scan here for a full calendar of holiday-season workshops! Looking to host your own holiday gettogether at together at OTT? OTT? Contact Contact us us today today for for details and details and booking! booking! Looking to host your own holiday get-

1010 NW Loop 410, Ste 102, San Antonio, Texas 78213 overthetopcakesupplies.com

(210) 361-8127 | www.EcoCleanTexas.com | @coclean_pro_floorcare S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

LACE UP FOR FUN! PUBLIC SKATING NOW OPEN

Bring the whole family for a day of skating and memories that last! Hockey & Figure Skating are also available!

$12.00 - Admission $4.00 - Skate Rental PUBLIC SKATE TIME

Everyday: 12:30-3:00pm Wed-Sun: 6:30-8:30pm

SEPTEMBER 2026

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

The Salvation Army Responds to Uvalde Flooding When recent flooding struck Uvalde, The Salvation Army San Antonio Area Command mobilized two emergency response vehicles and six volunteers and staff members to support affected families. The team is prepared to serve up to 600 meals daily while working alongside first responders and relief partners. The response reflects the organization’s enduring mission to bring hope, help and healing when neighbors need it most.

Want to be featured?

northwoodsice.net | Bnorthwoodsiceandgolf 10

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ STON EOAK

Christy’s Hope Gala Shines for Survivors Christy’s Hope invites San Antonio to its annual September gala benefiting the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter. Guests will gather for an unforgettable evening of dining, entertainment and philanthropy while raising awareness of domestic violence. For 28 years, loyal volunteers, donors and sponsors have helped the organization strengthen a vital safe haven for local survivors. Learn more and explore sponsorship opportunities at ChristysHope.org.

ILEA San Antonio Announces New Chapter Leadership ILEA San Antonio has announced its 2026–2027 leadership slate, led by President Alyssa Calvillo. The team represents creative professionals committed to advancing education, connection and excellence across the region’s live-events industry. Through monthly programs at distinctive local venues, members gain fresh ideas, explore emerging trends and build valuable professional relationships. Discover upcoming programs and membership opportunities at ILEASanAntonio.com.

R ECL A I M YOUR R A DI A NCE L ad ies , it ’s t i me to pr ior it i ze YOU! FACIALS | PERMANENT MAKEUP | BODY SCULPTING | BOTOX At The Fountain of Youth Spa in San Antonio, we specialize in non-surgical treatments designed to rejuvenate and empower. From the revitalizing Hydro Facial to Body Sculpting, our services are tailored to enhance your natural beauty. Experience firmer skin, a youthful glow, and the confidence that comes with looking and feeling your best. Embrace the art of ageless beauty because you deserve it!

B o ok you r c u s tom i z e d t r e at me nt to d a y W W W. T H E F O Y S PA . C O M | ( 2 1 0 ) 2 7 3 - 5 4 2 4 1 6 6 07 B L A N C O R D # 5 0 4 S A N A N TO N I O, T X 78 2 3 2

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

BEXAR ESSENTIALS REMODELING COMBINES COLLABORATIVE DESIGN WITH EXPERT REMODELING TO CREATE SPACES THAT REFLECT THEIR CLIENT’S UNIQUE STYLE.

ARTICLE BY ERIN LYONS

BRINGING YOUR

STYLE HOME In 2020, I bought a beautiful but outdated home with the best intentions of remodeling promptly. Five years later, I hadn’t made any progress. My main reason for stalling was that I couldn’t figure out my style. Then I found Kim Trinidad with Bexar Essentials Remodeling. She told me that helping someone find their style is all about asking questions and listening. As a repeat client, I have CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

benefited from their collaborative process, discovered my own style, and remodeled three beautiful bathrooms with them in the last year. The design process at Bexar Essentials Remodeling sets them apart from other contractors. Each client completes a style quiz that helps Kim identify the home styles they’re naturally drawn to, whether contemporary, traditional, or something else. She uses this information to pull samples and pictures to show to clients during the first design meeting. Sometimes a client already has a particular style. Other times, people come into the showroom and are inspired by the materials on display. But most of the time, clients come to her as I did: unsure of what their style is or how they’d like their remodeled home to look. In those cases, Kim starts showing them pictures and asking them, “What do you like and not like in this picture? What do you want this room to feel like?” Walking into our first design meeting, all I knew was that my bathroom was very dark and outdated, and I wanted it to look brighter and

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

“THE CHOICE IS THEIRS BECAUSE IF T HE Y L O V E I T, T H AT ’S A L L T H AT M AT T ER S.”

feel more relaxing. I felt nervous, but Kim’s enthusiasm for my project made me feel completely at ease. She really listened to my answers and got to know me, my needs, and interests. I could tell she was full of inspiration and that we would find my style together. Kim feels confident she can help all her clients figure out their style. “You just have to get creative. You really have to dig deep sometimes and find out what they like.” While Kim does everything she can to give the clients exactly what they want, she also ensures they’re educated about what will work in their home. Kim told me that it’s not just about what looks nice, but what will be safe and functional. “The story of the house is important too.” Sometimes a client wants a specific style, like farmhouse, that clashes with the original home design. Kim tries to take elements of their desired style and subtly incorporate them into the design so that it works well in that space. Other times, the style is influenced by the home’s age. If their client has an older house, Kim can help them honor the original style by focusing on vintage accents and fixtures. Remodeling homes that have been in the family for generations can involve sentimental attachment to the original style elements, and Kim designs with that in mind. “Sometimes I have to think outside the box. How can I modernize that?” She tries to present people with options to see what brings an emotional reaction. “The choice is theirs because if they love it, that’s all that matters.” Once Kim helped me find my style during my first bathroom remodel, the entire team at Bexar Essentials Remodeling made it easy to hire them again. They made everything smooth and easy from demo day through the finishing touches. Their communication exceeds every expectation I’ve had as a customer. I believe a part of that is the women at Bexar Essentials Remodeling, who take the time to listen. Kim said, “I’m a female in a male-dominated industry. But I don’t see that as my weakness. I see that as my superpower.” When discussing how to ensure a good customer experience, CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

Kim said, “I keep an open mind and just listen to what they’re saying,” and I have found that to be true during all three of my remodeling projects with them. I also know they make sure the client is completely happy at the end of the project. “That’s the beauty of doing custom remodeling. Everything we do is so customized to each person.” Kim told me her work is “challenging, but always fun.” Her favorite part is when clients come to the showroom for the second design meeting to see 3D renderings of their project. She loves seeing their reaction to how their style comes together. “We try to make the design match their personality even if we’ve never done it before.” As their client, I appreciate this part of the process because of the promise attached. I know my project will look just like those renderings I made with Kim, and I don’t have to worry about how it’s going to turn out.

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

The time and attention Kim and the team at Bexar Essentials Remodeling devote to the design process help clients better understand their own personal style. Now that they have helped me find my style, I get to enjoy my beautiful bathrooms, and I’m excited to work with them on more projects in the future.

A Noticed Difference Therapeutic Massage Studio

Magazine

Therapy that fits your schedule, without sacrificing results! Scan the QR code to view our available openings today!

210-315-3684 info@anoticeddifference.com

www.anoticeddifference.com 18838 Stone Oak Parkway Suite 104

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

CASA JENNINGS BLENDS SPANISH AND ENGLISH TO CELEBRATE STRONG WOMEN, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

A NEW HOME FOR CASA JENNINGS Janet Jennings is the Latina designer and entrepreneur behind Casa Jennings, a San Antonio-based lifestyle brand known for its original Spanglish typography T-shirts. By pairing Spanish and English in designs created for strong women, Jennings celebrates cultural identity, confidence and the communities shaped by both languages. Customer favorites such as Me Vale, I’m Nice… Pero No Te Pases and Bonita y Poderosa are funny, assertive and familiar. They allow women to wear expressions they may have grown up hearing or use in their own lives. Jennings designs and hand-presses each shirt, building the brand around the belief that style can reflect who someone is and where she comes from.

ARTICLE BY CAROLINE HEIBERG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ENGRID RAMIREZ

WEAR YOUR STORY

The business started inside Jennings’ home during an especially full season of her life. A wife and mother of four boys, she was raising one-and-a-half-year-old twins while creating designs and building Rep Shop from her bedroom. “I built it from the floor up,” she says. “I had two babies on one end, trying to bottle-feed them while I was trying to build a business. I raised both a business and babies at the same time.” Because Spanish is Jennings’ native language, combining it with English felt natural. She turned familiar expressions, attitudes and cultural references into apparel that sounded like the women wearing it. As Rep Shop grew into a McAllen storefront, she expanded its selection to include boutique clothing, jewelry, accessories, gifts and home décor. Her original designs, however, remained at its center.

THE DESIGNS

Jennings also knows what it means to start over. After losing the social media presence and customer history she had spent years building, she rebranded the business and moved its primary operations from McAllen to San Antonio. The experience strengthened her commitment to helping other women through her products, business partnerships and personal story.

The Spanglish shirts continue to distinguish Casa Jennings from a conventional clothing boutique. Jennings develops each phrase, creates the typography and hand-presses every shirt after it is ordered. The designs reflect the way Spanish and English come together in everyday conversations, particularly within Latino families and communities. During her years in the storefront, Jennings especially enjoyed helping customers who did not feel confident selecting or styling clothing. She noticed that those insecurities affected women across sizes, including some who appeared confident when they entered the store. “It could be a really skinny girl or a thicker girl,” Jennings says. “You’d be surprised. Both alike may not have the confidence that women sometimes portray.” Whether she was helping a customer assemble an outfit or select a shirt that captured her personality, Jennings wanted women to leave feeling confident enough to be unapologetically themselves. Her number-one seller, Me Vale, roughly translates to “I don’t care” and offers one example of that attitude. Jennings CONTINUED >

THE BEGINNINGS OF CASA JENNINGS

Casa Jennings began in McAllen in 2018 under its original name, Rep Shop. Its mission was to help women feel confident, beautiful and unapologetically themselves. The small boutique eventually developed into a lifestyle brand rooted in faith, family, culture and community. The name Rep Shop reflected Jennings’ idea that customers should be able to shop for what they wanted to represent. One person might identify with a design about coffee or slow mornings. Another might choose a phrase connected to her faith, humor, personality or background. “I could come up with 100 designs, but you have the opportunity to shop for the designs that you loved and felt as though you could identify with,” Jennings says.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

says its meaning depends on the woman wearing it. It might express a decision to stop worrying about other people’s opinions, or it might simply describe someone easygoing enough not to dwell on minor problems. “It’s really perspective,” Jennings says. “Someone may say, ‘I don’t care’ is pretty irresponsible.’ But someone else can say, ‘No, I’m just very nonchalant. I’m an easygoing girl.’” Jennings also creates custom shirts for businesses and staff teams, another significant part of Casa Jennings’ sales. Seasonal collections allow her to experiment with familiar language and imagery. A committed Halloween fan, Jennings’ favorite fall designs are inspired by monsters, jack-o’-lanterns and Mom-ster, a fun and festive take on protective mothers. The designs gave women a way to represent themselves through what they wore. When Rep Shop developed into a physical boutique, Jennings carried that same idea beyond her own collection by giving other women a place to represent their work.

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN

Jennings wanted the storefront to do more than sell clothing and gifts. She also wanted to offer a retail presence to women-owned businesses that could not yet afford storefronts of their own. At one point, the boutique carried products from as many as 11 local women-owned businesses, many operated by single mothers. Each vendor gained a place to showcase her work, introduce her brand to new customers and experience selling within a physical store. “That was the framework behind the boutique vision that I had,” Jennings says. Jennings had briefly been a single mother herself, which she describes as one of the most testing periods of her life. The experience gave her a particular concern for women trying to support their families while building something of their own. Her assistance extended beyond displaying their products. Through her involvement with women’s organizations, boards

and community panels, Jennings had developed relationships with local professionals and entrepreneurs. She introduced vendors to people in her network and helped them form connections that could move their businesses forward. Some eventually required more room than Casa Jennings could provide. Jennings viewed their growth as the purpose of the arrangement. The boutique could be a starting point where women tested ideas, developed customer bases and prepared for what came next. “When one woman succeeds, we all succeed,” she says. Jennings applied that same principle to customers. Supporting women did not always involve shelf space or a professional introduction. Sometimes, it meant noticing what one customer needed and finding a way to include her.

COMMUNITY

Jennings remembers introducing a charm bar where customers could select a chain, have it cut to size and add charms to create a bracelet, necklace or anklet. Soon afterward, a woman contacted her and explained that she had never owned an anklet. She asked whether Casa Jennings could make one to fit her. CONTINUED >

“WHEN ONE WOMAN SUCCEEDS, WE ALL SUCCEED.” S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

When the woman arrived, Jennings learned that a medical condition had caused significant swelling and changes to her legs and ankles. A conventional eight- or nine-inch anklet would not fit. The piece she needed had to be approximately 21 inches long. The customer offered to pay double for the additional material. Jennings measured her and created the anklet but charged the regular price. “You deserve to feel beautiful just like anybody else,” she told her. The customer became emotional when she received her first anklet and told Jennings that she did not understand what she had done for her that day. For Jennings, the encounter represented what made the uncertainty of running a boutique worthwhile. Independent retailers must persuade customers to choose their products while competing against large companies, fast-fashion prices and rapid shipping. Jennings works to keep Casa Jennings’

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

prices accessible and typically prepares handmade shirt orders within approximately three business days. The anklet, however, carried a value unrelated to the amount of chain used. “What I wanted was for her to feel loved, confident and cute,” Jennings says. “I want to build relationships with my customers, not just sell them something.” Those relationships became especially important when Jennings lost the digital history of Rep Shop and faced the possibility of walking away.

A NEW CHAPTER IN SAN ANTONIO

In 2024, unwarranted repeated reports against Rep Shop resulted in its social media accounts being shut down. Jennings lost years of followers, reviews, photographs, videos and customer conversations. The loss was professional and personal. Social media had become an informal record of the years when Jennings

SAY IT IN SPANGLISH

was raising her twins and building Rep Shop from her bedroom. The missing photographs and videos included memories of her babies beside her while she worked. The accounts had also become a primary way to promote products and communicate with customers. Reestablishing the brand meant beginning again in a retail environment heavily influenced by social media advertising, online engagement and existing audiences. For a time, Jennings wondered whether the loss was a sign that she should close the business. “But a part of me felt like I didn’t want to let go,” she says. “I wanted to be resilient.” Jennings chose to rebuild under a new name: Casa Jennings. “Casa” connected the brand to its beginnings inside her home and described the space it had provided for other entrepreneurs. “Jennings” incorporated the family name that had accompanied the business through every stage. “More than a boutique, it’s a house,” she says. “It’s a home for so many other brands. I didn’t want that to be lost.” The new name marked a change without discarding the work that came before it. Jennings retained the original designs, women-owned partnerships and approach to customer service that had defined Rep Shop. Her family later received an opportunity to relocate to San Antonio, bringing Casa Jennings into another period of transition. Jennings moved the brand’s primary operations with her and now runs it mostly online from a home studio. Approximately 90 percent of the collection is available through its website, and local customers can arrange San Antonio pickup. The online store includes Jennings’ original typography shirts alongside boutique clothing, jewelry, accessories, gifts, home décor and personalized items. Jennings is now introducing Casa Jennings locally, rebuilding its customer base and considering what a future physical presence in San Antonio might look like. Jennings wants her experience to encourage women facing setbacks of their own. “You can choose to rebuild, and that’s okay,” she says. “We have setbacks, but you just have to remain resilient.” San Antonio gives Casa Jennings a new home and an opportunity to reach another community. Jennings intends to use that opportunity to continue what she began in McAllen: designing clothing that ties together language and culture, helping women bring their businesses before customers and showing that starting over does not have to mean giving up what came before.

Casa Jennings' bestselling shirts turn familiar expressions into designs women can wear according to their own personalities. Me Vale, the brand's number-one seller, roughly translates to "I don't care." Janet Jennings says it can signal confidence, freedom from other people's opinions or simply an easygoing attitude. I'm Nice... Pero No Te Pases pairs friendliness with a firm boundary: "I'm nice, but don't cross the line." The message is approachable, but also makes clear that kindness should not be mistaken for weakness. Alérgica a Amargadas playfully declares an allergy to those who carry bitter or negative energy. Another customer favorite, Bonita y Ponderosa, celebrates being both beautiful and powerful. Jennings creates the wording and typography herself, then hand-presses each shirt after it is ordered. By moving naturally between Spanish and English, the designs capture humor, confidence and cultural references that many customers recognize from their own families, friendships and everyday conversations.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

ARTICLE BY STACY LEACH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Wear Colors That Truly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 / STO N E OA K

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMALEE RATHSAM

MORE THAN

a Bag

A BLEND OF FASHION AND FUNCTION 26

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

A purse does more than hold your phone, keys, and wallet. It quietly pulls an outfit together while also handling the practical side of everyday life. That balance between fashion and function is what makes a great purse feel less like an accessory and more like part of a personal style. Some bags are designed to stand out. A bold color, metallic detail, or structured shape can instantly become the statement piece of an outfit. Even with simple jeans and a white T-shirt, the right purse adds personality and intention. Other times, a purse works best when it blends in. Neutral tones, soft leather, or minimalist designs create a polished look without stealing attention from the rest of the outfit. These subtle bags are often the ones people reach for every day because they work with almost everything.

FASHION TRENDS MAY CHANGE EVERY SEASON, BUT THE ROLE OF A PURSE STAYS THE SAME.

Of course, style only goes so far if a purse is impractical. The best bags are the ones that fit real life. A roomy tote helps someone move from work meetings to errands without missing a beat. Even a small clutch has a purpose for evenings out when only the essentials matter. Fashion trends may change every season, but the role of a purse stays the same. It adapts while still serving a purpose. That’s why people often invest in bags they truly love. A good purse is dependable, but it also can make a fashion statement. In many ways, a purse is one of the few accessories that people use every single day. It carries necessities, reflects personal style, and can completely change the tone of an outfit. Whether bold and eye-catching or simple and understated, a purse proves that fashion and function can exist beautifully together. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

LASTING ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA HUMPHREYS

Wedding

STYLE

How to Look Like Yourself on Your Wedding Day Wedding photography is a newer chapter in my career, but photography itself has shaped the way I see the world for more than twenty years. I have photographed people through celebrations, transitions, milestones, and all those ordinary little moments that do not seem important until later. That has taught me something I bring into every wedding day: the photos people love most are not always the ones that were perfectly planned. They are the ones that feel like them. The laugh you did not expect. Your mom seeing you in your dress. Your friends losing their minds on the dance floor. The way your person looks at you when they think no one is watching. That is the good stuff! Of course, I love beautiful wedding details. Give me incredible flowers, a dress with movement, a great table setting, and light that makes everyone look like they are glowing. But wedding style is at its best when it is telling your story, not trying to impress the internet. If you are planning a wedding right now, here are a few things I want you to remember.

friends, and laugh without wondering if something is slipping, pulling, or poking you. I promise, you do not want to spend your whole wedding day adjusting your dress or worrying about whether you are standing the right way. When you feel comfortable, it shows. Your shoulders come down. Your smile is real. You are actually present. Confidence photographs better than perfection every single time.

CHOOSE THE DRESS THAT LETS YOU BE YOURSELF.

TRENDS ARE FUN. MAKE THEM YOURS.

The right dress is not always the most expensive, the most dramatic, or the one everyone in the bridal boutique tells you to try. It is the one that makes you feel beautiful and like yourself at the same time. You should be able to breathe. You should be able to hug people. You should be able to sit down for dinner, dance with your

EXP E RT H E LP | L I FE + C ULT U RE

LET TEXTURE DO THE HEAVY LIFTING.

If you want a wedding to feel layered and beautiful, texture is your best friend. Silk, lace, linen, ribbon, velvet, fresh flowers, interesting paper, and even a little bit of candlelight can make a space feel thoughtful without making it feel fussy. This is especially true for a softer or more neutral palette. You do not need more color to make a day feel special. Texture does that beautifully. The quiet details can be the prettiest: a veil catching the light, ribbon on a bouquet, linen on the table, or an old photo tucked into the getting-ready space.

I love a good wedding trend! Bows, bold color, statement veils, patterned linens, vintage details, gloves, unexpected florals, all of it can be so fun. The question is not whether something is trendy. The question is whether you actually love it. You do not need a champagne tower or a certain color just because Pinterest told you so.

“If you feel like yourself, you are going to look like yourself, and that is always the most beautiful version.”

CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

“The goal is not to look perfect. The goal is to If it feels like you, do it. If it does not, skip it. A wedding does not need to look like every other beautiful wedding to be beautiful. It just needs to feel like the two people getting married.

SPEND WHERE THE MEMORIES LIVE.

There is so much pressure to make every single detail perfect. But when you think back on the best weddings you have attended, do you remember the exact napkin fold? Probably not. You remember the food. The music. The speeches. The hugs. The people who stayed until the last song. You remember how the room felt. Spend thoughtfully on the things you will actually experience and the people you trust to take care of you. That includes your photographer. A professional photographer is not just there to take pretty pictures. They are the person who has your back, is in your corner, and knows how to turn a wild, fast, emotional day into photographs that feel like you. Long after the cake is eaten, including that one-year anniversary cake, your photos are what you will have left. Invest wisely. Choose someone you trust implicitly, someone who knows what matters to you, and someone with the skill to make every photograph a memory you can hold onto forever. A great meal, a packed dance floor, meaningful music, and a team that lets you relax will always matter more than a detail that only looks good from one angle. Style matters. Connection is what makes it meaningful.

LEAVE ROOM FOR REAL LIFE.

Your wedding does not need to feel like a performance. Some of the sweetest moments happen outside the plan. A friend fixing the back of your dress. A flower girl taking her job extremely seriously. Your dad getting emotional before you are both ready. The two of you laughing during portraits because something went a little sideways.

EXP E RT H E LP | L I FE + C ULT U RE

look at your photos years from now and think, yep, that was so us.”

Those moments are not mistakes. They are the story. Build in a little breathing room if you can. Give yourself time to get ready without rushing. Take a few quiet minutes together after the ceremony. Let yourself step away from the party for one song and look around at all the people who showed up to love you. Those are the moments you will feel forever.

THE BEST WEDDING STYLE FEELS LIKE HOME.

The weddings that stay with me are not all the same. Some are colorful and loud. Some are refined and classic. Some are playful, minimal, glamorous, traditional, or completely unexpected. What they all have in common is that they feel personal. Fashion changes. Trends change. Your photos become part of your family history. They end up in albums, on walls, and in the hands of people who were not even there that day. So choose what feels true. Choose what makes you feel good. Choose the details that make you say, “Yep. That is us.” That is the kind of wedding style that lasts! See more at xoxochelsea.com.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

SEPTEMBER 2026

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

SE PT E M BE R 5T H

Strength & Mobility Fitness Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza | 10:00 AM Build strength, mobility and confidence during this free 60-minute community workout featuring kettlebells, resistance bands, bodyweight exercises and cardio. All fitness levels are welcome. SE PT E M BE R 1 0 T H

Comedy Bang! Bang! Aztec Theatre | 8:00 PM Expect rapid-fire improv, offbeat characters and the signature anything-can-happen energy of Comedy Bang! Bang! during a lively night at the historic Aztec Theatre. SE PT E M BE R 1 1 T H

Margaritaville Dance Party Japanese Tea Garden | 7:00 PM Slip into island time with tropical tunes, dancing and relaxed summer vibes under the stars. Bring a blanket or chair; food and drinks will be available. SE PT E M BE R 1 2 T H

Tour de las Misiones Mission County Park | 7:00 AM Pedal, run or walk along the Mission Reach while celebrating the history and heritage of the San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Creating the Road Map you Need

Fostering long term relationships, providing personalized solutions, and helping ensure our clients achieve peace of mind through sound strategies. With an unwavering commitment to guiding clients through every stage of life, we understand that the journey to financial security begins with a well-crafted strategy. www.atlas-plans.com | 210-281-4400 | 21720 Hardy Oak Blvd. Ste 85, San Antonio, TX David M. Webb is a Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Licensed Insurance Agency. Atlas Retirement Strategies, LLC is independently owned and operated from NYLIFE Securities LLC and it’s affiliates. Read more about the Forbes SHOOK Professionals List and the ranking methodology here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rjshook/2024/07/10/methodology-americas-top-financial-security-professionals-2024/

EVE N TS

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 / S T O N E O A K

S E P T E M BE R 1 2 T H

MASS: A Mother's Love Chris Park at Ruby City | 7:00 PM Experience an immersive evening of music, dance, spoken word and multimedia centered on care, remembrance and connection. Bring a blanket or chair; admission is free. S E P T E M BE R 2 0 T H

The Red Clay Strays Frost Bank Center | 6:30 PM The Red Clay Strays bring their Grateful Tour to San Antonio with special guests Muscadine Bloodline and Sweet Talk. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 OU T OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH STonE oAk CITy LIfESTyLE™ CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/STOnEOak

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

ARTICLE BY ALLISON BANKSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • •

1 bottle, standard size, of pinot grigio 2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider 1 cup club soda 1/2 cup ginger brandy 3 honey crisp apples, chopped 3 pears, chopped

DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients together and stir. Refrigerate for an hour or so (or longer) before serving. The drink can be enjoyed immediately, if desired, but the longer you let the ingredients sit and mix, the deeper the flavors will be. Giving it time to develop will make the drink more captivating and interesting.

NOTE: Regular brandy can be used, but ginger brandy gives it an extra kick of flavor.

APPLE CIDER

sangria A LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL TREAT

As the season transitions into fall, it still features the warm, sunny days of summer but nights start to drop into the crisp temperatures. That leaves us in the limbo of wanting cool, refreshing drinks part of the time but also craving the deeper, spice-infused flavors of autumn. This recipe for apple cider sangria is the perfect blending of the seasons, leaving you feeling both refreshed and warmed through the deep flavors and interesting hints of spice. It’s a great drink to add to any dinner party, cocktail gathering, back deck after-hours get-together, or birthday bash. Here’s what you need to make the perfect mid-season cocktail to enhance whatever event you have planned.

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE