S E P TE M B E R 2 02 1
The Style Issue S T Y LE + B E AU T Y FO U R S T Y L E S TAR T- U P S FASH I O N G AF F ES TR AV E L BAC K T O N E W YO RK
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N o 9 1 7. 3 0 1 . 2 6 3 7
LIFESTYLE LETTER
SEPTEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER
Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
September Style FALL IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND ALWAYS BRINGS WITH IT NOTABLE CHANGES - IN WORK, PLAY, SCHOOL, SPORTS, WEATHER AND, OF COURSE, FASHION. Whether you are someone who embraces this or not, our community as a whole is very fashion forward.
Robin Moyer Chung | robin.chung@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER
Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sophia Andersen, Alex Franklin, Robin Moyer Chung, Michele Sinacore CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
For our annual style issue, we started off by interviewing Westport's most notable style icons. Teaser alert: Even the most style-savvy among us have made mistakes. Check out their fashion blunders on page 26.
Stefanie Cole Photography, Tomira Wilcox, Lillie Fortino, Frances Isaac, Ashley Caroline Photography, Mindy Briar, Julia Dags, Nir Arieli, Jeri Graham, John Videler, Alan Hamilton, Jennifer Schulten Photography
The past year has seriously inspired new businesses. In this issue we meet four local stylish start ups. The creations from these entrepreneurs is nothing short of amazing. And if fashion isn't your thing, perhaps a stylish home tour is! Look to page 62 for our open house feature on a beautiful antique local home. Or if you're looking to dress up your living space, check out "A Flowery Fall", on page 56 and get inspired by Michele Sinacore's floral DIY tips. This is just some of what we have in store for you this month, so get comfy in your
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
favorite stylish loungewear and read all about it!
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
Happy Fall, Westport!
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Marisa MacLean, Publisher
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
CityLifestyle.com/Westport ON THE COVER Drinking Dresses PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANCES ISAAC 8
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Proverbs 3:5-6 Westport Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Westport areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle 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 Westport Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2021
FEATURES 26 Fashion Guffaws and Woe-some Trends We All Make Mistakes
30 Back in the NY Groove A Visit to the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
40 Stylish Start-Ups Four Female Founders
50 26
50 Mr. Fun and His Secret Home Cinema Vivid-Tek Rolls Out a Really, Really Big TV
30 DEPARTMENTS
40
8
Lifestyle Letter
12
Good Times
16
Around Town
22 Local Experiences 26 Locals Only 30 Travel Destination 36 Healthy Lifestyle 56 DIY 62 Open House 68 Road Trip 72 Lifestyle Calendar 77 Realty Report 78 Local Limelight
GOOD TIMES 1.
2.
3.
Allison Daniel Designs Grand Opening Trunk Show On June 15, Westport Lifestyle celebrated the opening of Allison Daniel Designs in Sconset Square. Shoppers found jewelry for themselves and others, enjoyed some bubbly, and checked out Allison's "Charm Bar." PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN VIDELER
5.
4.
6.
7.
9.
10.
8.
1. Allison Daniel and staff. | 2. Helping a customer. | 3. Armloads of bracelets. | 4. September Sirico and Clarissa Biasuz from Blow Dry search for the perfect charm. | 5. Allison's Charm Bar. | 6. Allison Daniel Designs | 7. The AD team | 8. Mark Motyl and Robin Moyer Chung | 9. Jodi Sosman, Courtney Elgort + Marisa MacLean | 10. Christine Finch Oleynick 12
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
D R . M A S H A KO G A N & D R . V I R G I N I A R O M A N O
203.227.8700 • DENTALCENTERWESTPORT.COM • CARE@DENTALCENTERWESTPORT.COM • 175 POST RD W, WESTPORT
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GOOD TIMES
Vivid-Tek Hosts UK Games On July 7, friends and British ex-pats cheered their team to victory, watching the literally larger-than-life Danish and English players in the World Cup on Vivid-Tek screens.
1.
2.
Fairfield County Hunt Club Horse Show On Friday June 25th, over 200 EQUUS Foundation supporters gathered at the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Horse Show to watch the inaugural Charity Team Jumper Challenge presented by Corro and to enjoy Champagne & Cupcakes hosted by Cindy Raney & Co. and kisses from Daphne and Velma, two miniature horses rescued by EQUUS Foundation Guardian charity, Rising Starr Horse Rescue. (Photos: Mindy Briar)
3.
4.
5.
1. Anne Diamond, President of Bridgeport Hospital; Steve Jakob, President of Bridgeport Hospital Foundation; Cindy Raney, and Jason Mudd | 2. Winner! | 3. Ted Huber, Jason Mudd, Cindy Raney, Adam Galaburda, Leah Mink, and Will Bunn. | 4. Robin Moyer Chung and Marisa MacLean. | 5. Michele Lavelle - Board Member and Volunteer at Rising Starr Horse Rescue. 14
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
PLEASE JOIN US FOR MoCA WESTPORT’S ANNUAL BENEFIT
THE ART OF JAZZ AN EVENING OF MUSIC, ART & GIVING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | 7 PM MoCA WESTPORT | 19 NEWTOWN TURNPIKE, WESTPORT, CT Featuring Live music by Grammy Award-winning Jazz saxophonist Wayne Escoffery Live auction led by Dave Briggs Silent auction Post-auction entertainment with DJ Mo Tickets available at mocawestport.org or 203.222.7070 Thank you to our sponsors
WESTP ORT LIFESTYLE
TM
AROUND TOWN an intimate photographic journey celebrating the beloved farms and farmers associated with the Westport Farmers’ Market. (Photo: Ashley Skatoff) SAVE THE DATE: Join us for a Family Day on Saturday, September 11 from 12 - 4 p.m
KATIE SPECTOR, THE ART COLLECTOR Please join local Westport author Lisa Cloherty in celebrating the launch of her picture book, Katie Spector the Art Collector. Katie creates art everywhere she goes. Mom tells Katie to pick her favorites and get rid of the rest. Instead, Katie stashes her creations around her house. What will happen when a summer storm blows the lid off her sneaky secret? A story that celebrates community, art, and staying true to yourself.
FROG'S CUP DU WESTCHESTER Join the 2021 Edition of the Westchester Frogs Cup! Our family picnic and sailing race is a famous and fun community event open to everyone from 5
Book reading, signing, and art project at
to 77 years old. You can choose your boat - Hobie
Wakeman Town Farm, September 25, from 1p.m. -
Gateway, Wave, RS Quest. You don't need to be
3p.m. No rain date.
an expert sailor. However, basic sailing skills and knowledge of the navigation rules are required. Program: Picnic from noon to 1:45 p.m., regatta from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., awards ceremony from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 5; Longshore Sailing School, Westport EventBrite.com
FASHIONABLY WESTPORT The Westport Downtown Merchants Association presents the 2nd annual Fashionably Westport runway show, featuring the latest styles from scores of our downtown merchants, beauty salons and makeup artists. Modeled by local friends and celebrities, the event will be exciting and bolder than ever, staged in the stunningly reimagined
BETWEEN THE GROUND AND THE SKY
streaming access. To add substance to style, all net
MoCA Westport and the Westport Farmers’
proceeds from this years event will benefit Project
Market (WFM) announce a new collaboration that
Return, Westport's young women's crisis shelter.
will culminate in an exhibition entitled Between the
Enjoy a dazzling and social night of fashion and
Ground and the Sky on view through September 18,
music, plus cocktails and light bites!
2021. Between the Ground and the Sky will feature the photography of Anne Burmeister and Ashley Skatoff from the Who Grows Your Food initiative, 16
Westport Library Trefz Forum and include live
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Thursday, September 29, 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. CONTINUED >
KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN STUDIO 175 Post Road W, Westport, CT 06880 | 203-454-0032 | karenberkemeyerhome.com
AROUND TOWN Grammy Award-winning Jazz tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery. Those who are not attending The Art of Jazz will be able to support the Museum through the silent auction, including curated items and experiences from Westport-based small businesses. Online bidding opens September 4. Proceeds will provide critical funding to support MoCA Westport’s mission and community programs. Visit mocawestport.org to purchase tickets.
WESTPORT WOMAN'S CLUB YANKEE DOODLE FAIR! The signature fundraiser of the Westport Woman's
Club has
become
a
“Westport
Institution,” which is attended by grandparents, parents, and children of our town and from surrounding areas. This fun event runs for four days (Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday). In addition to carnival rides and an International Food Court, the fair features a Bake Sale, raffle prizes, and carnival games. Thursday - Sunday, September 23-26 (Thurs 6-10pm, Fri 6-10pm, Sat 1-10pm, Sun 1-5pm)
NEW OFFICE FOR SUGI ACUPRESSURE Sugi Acupressure is excited to announce its
44 Imperial Avenue, Westport
recent Westport grand opening on the Saugatuck
WestportWomansClub.org
waterfront at 21 Bridge Square (Riverside Ave & Bridge St). "I look forward to offering best-in-class holistic health services at this serene, little Zen oasis," says Injae Choe PhD LMT, founder/owner of Sugi Acupressure. "I'm confident that my 25+ years of practice experience in natural healing can deliver tremendous value to the Westport health-conscious community, whether for acute aches and pains or stubborn chronic health conditions, for both the mind and the body.”
WESTPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS ARE BACK This Fall brings back your favorite events. The Chamber of Commerce, after putting its ideas and muscle behind our business community during
MOCA ANNUAL BENEFIT, THE ART OF JAZZ
back-to-back with more still to come. The Slice of Saugatuck, The Westport Dog
MoCA Westport’s 2021 Fall Benefit, The Art of
Festival, and Restaurant Week will occur within a
Jazz, will take place on Saturday, September 18,
4-week window beginning Saturday September
2021. The celebration of art and music will feature
CONTINUED >
a silent auction, live auction, and live music by 18
Covid, will be running three of its annual events
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
LANDSCAPE DESIGN MASONRY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
3369 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, Connecticut (203)923-2648
jpphilbinlandscapes@gmail.com
AROUND TOWN
YOUR DOOR TO
E S T A T E
LIVING 32 CLAPBOARD HILL
25th. Experience our town as we always have with these fun family friendly events. Supper & Soul won’t be far behind in November. So be sure to keep an eye out. Visit: WestportWestonChamber.com
!MPACT BACK TO SCHOOL GALA !mpaCT supports and raises awareness for Connecticut charities. The 2021 !mpaCT Gala on September 9 will support two incredible charities, Filling in the Blanks and Kids Helping Kids. FITB is fighting childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends. As of January, FITB is currently feeding 2,200 children
MICHELLE
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Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Impact-Connecticut.org
WHERE ART AND TECHNOLOGY CONVERGE
Providing the best of medical, cosmetic and laser services to our community.
CLOSET FACTORY OPENS DARIEN SHOWROOM Closet Factory announces the grand opening of their Darien, CT showroom, where you will find custom storage solutions for your closets, home office, garage, and every other space in your home. Local owners Nataliya & Nazar Bryksa invite you to stop in or request a
complimentary
in-home
design
consultation to explore a personalized
D R . TA N YA F U TO RYA N
Dr. Futoryan is a Board-Certified Dermatologist with 20 years of experience in minimally invasive facial aesthetic procedures. She is an expert at using a variety of injectables and technologies to make your face look younger and fresher while keeping it natural. She will provide you with the best anti-aging treatment options to suit your personal needs, designed to achieve and maintain healthy and beautiful skin for life.
design for the areas of your home that need a system. Each design is one-ofa-kind, stylish, and will keep you and your family well organized. Reach out
D R . M A LC O L M C R E I G H TO N - S M I T H
to 203-549-1287 to schedule your FREE
Dr. Creighton-Smith, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at UConn. He specializes in general as well as complex medical dermatology, and cosmetics.
consult today.
CATCH A LIFT (CAL) IS BACK! We are so excited to SEE YOU in Westport, Friday 9/10 thru Monday 9/13! With a mission of serving post 9/11 combat injured Veterans through fitness, nutrition, emotional wellness & community programs, we have many updates to share! Spotlighted events all weekend include: SATURDAY 9/11 - Community Fitness Workout led by CAL Veterans Coaches
D R . L AU R E N L E V Y
Dr. Levy, Board-Certified Dermatologist, is an expert in treating acne, rosacea, skin cancer, psoriasis, and skin manifestations of rheumatologic diseases.
SUNDAY 9/12 - Family Bike Ride MONDAY 9/13 - 9 Hole Golf & Tennis Tournament, followed by a patriotic celebration at Birchwood Country Club To learn about the 20th year 9/11 remembrance weekend, ticketed events, volunteer & sponsorship opportunities,
visit
www.catchaliftfund.org/
7thAnnualWestportWarriorWeekend.
WESTPORT DERMATOLOGY & LASER CENTER 325 RIVERSIDE AVE, WESTPORT, CT 06880 P H O N E : 203.226.3600 / T E X T: 203.666.6604 I N F O @W E S T P O RT D E R M .C O M / W W W.W E S T P O RT D E R M .C O M CityLifestyle.com/Westport
21
LOCAL EXPERIENCES
STYLE FALL IS GIVING US ALL THE FEELS FOR FASHION, FAMILY, AND A LITTLE RELAXATION. Whether you are looking to refresh your closet with some local boutique finds, gather the family for a unique photo shoot, or unplug for a pamper-friendly experience, we have you covered.
RELAX AND UNWIND
Kyle Norton
+ Treat yourself to a spa-day at Dream Spa & Salon, where you can choose from a wide variety of rejuvenating services in their blissful setting. 1220 Post Road East Westport, CT + Practice self-care with a visit to Greenwich Medical Spa for a pickme-up treatment: microblading, fillers, CoolSculpting and more. 645 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880 + 30 minute customized facials and membership packages make glowing skin a breeze at Glowbar. 33 Elm St, Westport, CT 06880 + New Beauty & Wellness offers a spectrum of treatments, ranging from massages to tanning to medical spa services like botox and laser hair removal. 1137 Post Road East Westport, CT + Experience a luxury staycation and spend the night at Inn at GrayBarns for a much-needed, serene getaway. 194 Perry Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850 22
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
scan for more photos & the full list
GREAT FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT LOCATIONS
Alexandra Blair Photography
+ Compo Beach's scenic seascape is a foolproof backdrop for your family photos, with it's pale sands, crashing waves and quaint beach houses. 60 Compo Beach Rd. Westport, CT 06880 + Bedford Square provides a more urban setting for photos with it's dramatic arch and all-brick aesthetic. The seasonal decor brings an extra little something too! 59 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880 + Embrace Connecticut's changing seasons and colorful Fall foliage with a photoshoot in the comfort of your own backyard. + Take a walk during Golden Hour in the area surrounding Compo Beach, where you can find a marina, picturesque pathways, tall grasses
scan for more photos & the full list
and hidden oases. 60 Compo Beach Rd. Westport, CT 06880 + Pose for a photo op along the Saugatuck River, which runs through Downtown Westport and is surrounded by wind-blown reeds and charming architecture.
LOCAL FASHION FINDS
Maddy Beem
+ Browse the carefully curated jewelry selection at Middlemarch, where you will find a wide range of the chicest earrings, necklaces, bracelets, charms and more. 62 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 0688 + Roundabout provides an epic selection of luxurious, new and preowned designer pieces from Chanel to Hermes, at incredible prices. 606 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 + WEST brings West Coast style to Connecticut, with cool and playful pieces you won't find anywhere else. 117 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880 + A cafe and a boutique all in one, Fred Sip & Shop offers shoppers a well-rounded retail experience complete with coffee and ruffles. 30 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880
scan for more photos & the full list
+ Teens and adults alike can head to Winged Monkey for a stylish shopping spree, where there is truly something for everyone. 384 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880 CityLifestyle.com/Westport
23
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• Lecturer at sports teams and medical grand rounds
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Westport Location 127 Kings Hwy North Westport CT., 06880 203-936-6805 | kidsconcuss@gmail.com
THE M AG I C I S FOUND B E TWEEN BEAUTY A N D AE STHE TICS When it comes to injectables you deserve the very best, you deserve to know what you’re getting and who is injecting it. That’s why all Botox and filler injections are personally performed by Dr. O’Connell - a double-board certified plastic surgeon with 33 years experience.
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LOCALS ONLY STEPHANIE SZOSTAK
Fa s h i o n G u f faw s and Woe-Some Trends
(Photo: Jerri Graham)
“In college, I inadvertently tucked my skirt into the back of my bright red granny panties, walked through the whole student lounge and only noticed when I finally sat down on a surprisingly very cold chair. Moral
EVEN THE MOST STYLE-SAVVY AMONG US MADE MISTAKES ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG
of the story: pick your underwear wisely.” - Stephanie Szostak, Actress
“A perm @1986. I have naturally huge hair. So, why??” - Alisyn Camerota, CNN Anchor ALISYN CAMEROTA (Photo: Mike Cohen)
26
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
STEPHEN KEMPSON
(Photo: Guy J. Sherman)
SUNNY SHERMAN “When I was 17 and going to my senior prom I wanted to wear a long sleeve acid green wide leg lace jumpsuit that was totally sheer except for the body. My mom
Stephen Kempson then and now...
thought it was hideous and said if I wanted it I would have to pay for it myself. I got a job, bought it, and wore
“What a difference four decades and walking away
it… of course no one wore anything remotely like it. It
from a perm makes.” - Stephen Kempson, Owner of
WAS hideous in retrospect, but I was still voted ‘Most
Stephen Kempson London
Sophisticated’ in my Class of ‘69!” - Sunny Sherman, aka @OldFashionGuru “The top knot headband trend that is still going strong and while I don’t hate it, I definitely regret committing so hard! Looking back it’s the ‘headband era’ where normally I just sprinkle a trend in a little bit... I was wearing a different headband every day of the week!” - Zac Mathias, Founder The Classic Chic ZAC MATHIAS
KITT SHAPIRO “I have always felt that fashion should be a fun expression of oneself, but there are times I look back at photos and wonder what I was trying to convey at that time! There were many days of big hair, fishnet stockings and high heels!! I’m sticking with ‘It was the ‘80’s!’” - Kitt Shapiro, Owner of West (Photo: Julia Dags) CityLifestyle.com/Westport
27
CONNECTICUT’S LARGEST DERMATOLOGY OFFICE IS OPEN. THE 15,000 SF SPACE IS ALSO A GALLERY OF LOCAL ARTISTS, WITH WORKS FOR SALE. 761 MAIN AVE; NORWALK, CT FIRST FLOOR BUILDING A In our ongoing commitment to give our patients the best experience, our staff the best work environment and to support our local community we have invited local artists to display their works, commission-free. Follow us to find out dates we will stay open late to allow everyone to come to see the works and meet the artists. ctdermgroup.com | 203-810-4151 @ConnecticutDermatologyGroup
MONTHLY
@ctdermgroup
NAVY HALE
LIGHT GREY
DARE TO MAKE A STATEMENT D BECAUSE MORE IS MORE
Allison Daniel Designs | 26 June 2015 | Round 5
Visit the MARTI Turquoise Statement Necklace at our new showroom in Sconset Square.
Sconset Square - 15 Myrtle Ave, Westport (917) 903-7264 | shopallisondaniel.com
TRAVEL DESTINATION
BAC K I N THE NY GRO OV E
CUT by Wolfgang Puck
The Grand Staircase
A VISIT TO THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NEW YORK DOWNTOWN
30
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Downtown Views
ARTICLE ALEX FRANKLIN
Fitness Room
NEW YORK CITY. For many of us its been a long time
or hit the impressively outfitted gym and yoga studio.
since we’ve hailed a cab, felt the rumble of a subway
There’s a full-service spa with an infrared sauna,
beneath the sidewalk, or enjoyed the cozy harmony of a
steam rooms, and plenty of options for self-pampering.
popular New York restaurant. For me, absence has made
The new Self-Healing Immersions focus on skin care,
the heart grow fonder and a recent trip back has made
fitness and flexibility, heart health, or even getting a bet-
me optimistic for the city, its people and culture.
ter night’s sleep. You may select a single treatment or a
Like the city, the Four Seasons Hotel New York
multi-day experience.
Downtown (FSNYD) is back. The only hotel in lower
FSNYD has partnered with the Princeton Longevity
Manhattan with a Forbes 5-Star Rating and one of only
Center in creating a unique package for preventative
3 hotels in New York City with a 10-Star Rating across
medicine, anti-aging and heart attack prevention. It
the Hotel and Spa, reopened late last year every bit the
begins at the Next Generation Health facility at nearby
grand, luxurious refuge it has always been.
One World Trade Center for a comprehensive exam
It occupies a sweet spot in TriBeCa, close to Wall
using state-of-the-art imaging and artificial intelligence.
Street, City Hall, the West Village, and the Brooklyn
The participant stays in one of the hotel’s Oculus Suites,
Bridge. The discordant din of the city fades as you enter
enjoying daily in-room breakfast and targeted treat-
into its stately beauty. As befits a Four Seasons, the hotel
ments including massage, yoga and meditation.
is spotless, the staff outstanding, and the rooms spa-
Speaking of in-room breakfast, there are few combi-
cious and elegantly adorned. Our room had a surprising
nations in life better than hotel robes and room service.
amount of space for an NYC hotel including a view of the
Executive Chef Maria Tampakis recently took the reins
Oculus transit hub and the Freedom Tower.
in enriching the hotel’s offering through collaboration
A rarity in NYC, FSNYD has a 7 ft indoor heated pool
with other well-known NYC institutions. Throughout
with a relaxing resort feel. You can lounge by the water
her career, Tampakis has worked with globally CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Westport
31
TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)
The Pool - A Rarity in NYC
Lobby
Art is everywhere in New York whether it’s hanging on the wall in a museum or all around you in the city’s street. The FSNYD launched one of the most interesting and unique activities I’ve experienced with their “The Streets are a Gallery”
32
celebrated chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Heston
street art and photography tour. Hosted by well-
Blumenthal. Before returning to NYC, she was
known photographer Joe Thomas, the tour cov-
the Global Culinary Director for the Estiatorio
ers some of the best street art in New York City.
Milos Restaurant Group. A Brooklyn native, she’s
While strolling through some of the city’s most
thrilled to have the opportunity to make her vision
beautiful neighborhoods, Joe points out dynamic
a reality and guests are lucky to experience her
and interesting murals and street art most tour-
outstanding culinary creations.
ists never get to see.
We also visited the hotel’s restaurant CUT by
We wanted to fit a lot in to our first trip back to
Wolfgang Puck. The restaurant is an interesting
the city and New York is nothing if not exciting.
mix of classic style and modern artistic flare.
It’s time for New York to come roaring back. The
Wood floors and an expertly stocked old world
quality, style and luxury of the FSNYD is a great
style bar blend seamlessly with red neon accents,
choice for those that want to experience every-
giving the space a warm and sensual feel. The
thing the city has to offer.
food is excellent, combining classic favorites with
For more information visit
more modern and eclectic dishes.
www.fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Empire Suite
Views
The Spa Terrace
Entrance
CityLifestyle.com/Westport
33
Innovative Renovations
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
BREAKTHROUGHS BREAKTHROUGHS OPTE PRECISION SKINCARE
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Think of this as a 3-D makeup printer for your face. This revolutionary product immediately camouflages dark spots and fades them over time. Backed by 12+ years of development and 13 patents, OPTE's Precision Skincare technology combines the best of optics, proprietary algorithms, printing technology, and skincare in one handheld device that scans, detects, and corrects hyper-pigmentation.
$12, FR AN NY ' S FARMACY, WESTP ORT
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KOVO BIO-CELLULOSE UNDEREYE PATCHES
IN IN
2-IN-1 BODY LOTION CANDLE
ANTI-AGING FULL SPECTRUM FACE CREAM
This hand-poured, scented soy candle melts to create not only a beautiful scent but also a luxurious lotion for your skin. Because it is made with all plant-based ingredients, it's suitable for all skin types. $ 32.99, SAV V Y + GR ACE, WESTP ORT
Franny’s Farmacy Anti-Aging Face Cream has 50mg of Full Spectrum CBD and is an all-natural cream featuring distillate from hemp flower grown in the North Carolina sun and soil at Franny’s Farm. $ 30, FR AN NY ' S FARMACY, WESTP ORT
SKINCARE SKINCARE 36
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
FACIAL AT GLOWBAR 30-minute premium facials by expert estheticians who get your skin. $55 PER MONTH WITH M EM B ERSH I P, $65 PER DROP - I N TRE ATM ENT GLOWBAR , WESTP ORT
RESTORE Good Skin by Tanya MD: Restore is an innovative formula with a potent combination of ingredients that keeps water in the skin, improves skin’s moisture barrier function, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Even the most sensitive skin can benefit from this incredible formula!
LUMINATE BY BIOTE MEDICAL
$189, WESTP ORT DERMATOLOGY AN D L ASER , WESTP ORT
A new favorite at All About You Medical Spa is Luminate by BioTe Medical. This luxurious product is a collagen-stimulating serum that combines three fast-acting peptides GHA-Cu, Argeline, and leuphasy to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote firmer, healthier skin that glows. This product pairs nicely with our very popular Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement program BioTe which is helping many people to look and feel their best both inside and out! For more information on Luminate or The Biote program, please visit www.drchristinegould.com ALL ABOUT YOU M EDIC AL SPA , FAI RFI ELD
CityLifestyle.com/Westport
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ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG
FOUR FEMALE FOUNDERS
MICHELE COSENTINO FOUNDER, TOP BANANA
Last year, Michele turned to her sewing machine and AAS in fashion design from Parsons to brighten up the grey days of quarantine. She designed and produced a kaleidoscope of clothing, whimsical quilts, and covetable retro tennis dresses that she’ll soon market and sell as Top Banana. HER FIRST PROJECT: “I made a Liberty of London pair of shorts and a tank with ties which I wore with a cardigan I knit. I also made a tie-dye fabric with the kids which I made into a skirt.” ABOUT HER QUILTS: “It started out as the ‘Commuter Quilt Series’ because I was making them out of Ari’s [Michele’s husband] shirts. I have a box of them I’ve been collecting since I met him - the cuffs and neckline were fraying, but the rest of were fine. “When he got Covid, I gathered all the blue and white shirts and made a quilt for him while he was in the hospital.” MORE FUN THAN A HOSPITAL QUILT: “I made a Pac Man ghost quilt and now I’m making one of Ms. Pac Man. People like the pop icons and primitive pixels, which works well with the fabric squares.” HER TENNIS DRESSES: “I collect vintage tennis patterns for inspiration. I use the essence of them for today’s use. I play a lot of tennis so I think about what I would want in an outfit. “I was wearing one of them, a yellow dress with white trim, and the captain of my tennis team asked me to make them for all the members of the Dogwood [Birchwood Country Club] team. It’s ‘The Birchy’ - white with navy trim. I call them ‘game day’ dresses, for special tennis matches.” HelloTopBanana.com
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Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Stylish Start-Ups Game day dress.
"The Birchy" custom game day tennis dress, worn by members of Michele's team.
Michele Cosentino (Photo: Nir Arieli)
Printed tennis dress. CONTINUED >
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STYLISH START-UPS (CONTINUED)
Jessica Qualls and Nicole Qualls Doyle
JESSICA QUALLS CO-FOUNDER & DESIGNER, DRINKING DRESSES, WITH HER SISTER-IN-LAW NICOLE QUALLS DOYLE Every evening at 5:00, when Grandma June of St. Croix and her mother, Kakee, threw on their comfortable dresses it was time to start shaking cocktails! Inspired by the family love of their “drinking dresses,” June’s granddaughter (Nicole) and granddaughter-in-law (Jessica) now design a line of tropical island-chic muumuus to celebrate June’s ineffable spirit and to invite women to get together, toss on a dress, and toss back a cocktail. WHY NOW: “We talked and joked about it [Drinking Dresses] for years, then around Christmas we decided to get it started.” THEIR DESIGNS: “We looked at Grandma June’s old dresses and some dress patterns from the 1960s to come up with initial silhouettes. The best moments during all of this was sitting at my in-laws kitchen table and going through boxes of photos and hearing stories about her and other relatives.” THANK GOODNESS THAT: “Everything has a pocket.” FORTUITOUS MISHAP: “I worked to get a whole team of professional models for the photoshoot but at the last second we had to re-schedule and a lot of them couldn’t make it. So we ended up having a mish-mash of family, friends, and co-workers. “They all began talking and connecting. It was a happy accident; I realized that Drinking Dresses is more than just cotton dresses. It’s about getting different groups of women to meet each other and make connections.” MOVING FORWARD: “I really want to bring women together and have cocktails with friends. Sometimes before the event is the greatest part of the night.” AFTER ALL: “There’s a million dress brands out there. We know we’re not doing anything revolutionary; it’s more about the women wearing them.” DrinkingDresses.com 42
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
(Photo: Frances Isaac)
(Photo: Frances Isaac)
(Photo: Ashley Caroline Photography)
CONTINUED >
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STYLISH START-UPS (CONTINUED)
MARJORIE LIFF FOUNDER, 5 KIDS AND DYEING
Marjorie is the mother of five kids, eight years old and under, including three year old triplets. She began tie dyeing as a creative outlet, a project to do with her children, and to shield her mind from that special insanity that lingers on the periphery of motherhood with five kids, including triplets. WHY TIE DYE: “We started tie dyeing when Ruby was 4 and Cara was 2. They’re now 8 and 6. It became a springtime tradition for us - something fun and creative we could do together. Over the years we sharpened our skills. After some encouragement from friends we decided to launch 5 Kids and Dyeing during the pandemic.” TRICKIEST REQUESTS: “It’s usually from my own kids! They’re always asking me if I can make them flowers or smiley faces. We are working on it!” ON THE BEAUTY OF HER TIMING: “Everyone’s love of leisurewear during the pandemic helped fuel our business when we first started.” HOW SHE TIE DYES WITH ALL OF THOSE OFFSPRING: “I pride myself on being a master of multi-tasking. I mostly do my dyeing during school/camp hours and after the kids go to sleep. My older girls still help with the kids stuff, when they can fit it into their busy schedules!” IF SHE COULD TIE DYE FOR ANYONE: “I think I would go back in time to the original tie dye boom… Woodstock… think Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, CCR. I would have loved to make tie dye stage costumes for any of them.” 5KidsAndDyeing.com @5kidsanddyeing
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Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Marjorie with her five kids. (Photo: Stefanie Cole Photography)
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Westport
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STYLISH START-UPS (CONTINUED)
ALIZA COHEN FOUNDER, MAD CANDY
Style isn’t just about clothes. Last Valentine’s Day, Aliza posted three snazzy candy trays to Instagram in hopes of kicking off a candy biz. The response was super sweet. Now she designs colorful boards and more for holidays, college acceptances, birthdays, fundraisers, and anything else you can image. HELPFUL QUOTIENT OF HER KIDS: “I have 3 kids: + 19 year old son… tries to eat my candy + 16 year old daughter… tries to eat my candy + 14 year old daughter… she is super helpful. Totally gets my creative vision. She helps with big orders and is my social media go-to person.” HER FAVORITE: “My fave candy is hands down sour lips. I love the sweet/sour chewy taste and love how they look on the boards. Haribo cherries are a close second.” TASTE FOR FASHION: “I worked in the fashion industry in product development for around ten years in NYC. Pantone color chips have always excited me. My favorite part of my job was working on new color schemes and trend inspiration boards. I am now using those same concepts, just swapping creating clothing for candy boards.” INSTEAD OF NETFLIX: “Literally every night I sit and stalk everyone else’s Insta accounts, candy sites, and decorating sites. I discovered some Swedish candy websites that are unique and they taste delicious. I threw a couple bags of candy out recently because I didn’t like how they tasted.” GET YOUR ORDER IN SOON: “Halloween will be a big deal and I want to launch breast cancer awareness trays and donate a percentage of sales. A stylish little pink board.” ON CREATING A BOARD FOR LEHIGH UNIVERSITY: “The white and brown was a challenge. But I love a good candy challenge.” @MadCandyCT 46
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Small tray of sweet.
Celebrating college acceptance.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
CityLifestyle.com/Westport
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(Photo by Heidi Curran)
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New Location: Sugi Acupressure, 21 Bridge Square, Westport, CT 06880
Celebrating 25 Years Est. April 1, 1996
SGBBW Attorneys from left to Right: Jake DelGreco, Natassia M. Fodor, Aidan R. Welsh, Jill H. Blomberg, Cynthia C. George, Peter M. Bryniczka, and Molly C. Sanford
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Proudly introducing our new Westport office: 180 Post Rd. E., Westport, CT 06880 48
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
WE MAKE GETTING DRESSED
fun...
117 Post Road East Westport (203) 557-4157
west2westport.com
ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG | PHOTOGRAPHY MINDY BRIAR
. Fun an r M d His H t o e me r c a e C m e S in
First it's a bench...
VIVID-TEK ROLLS OUT A REALLY, REALLY BIG TV TO THE NAKED EYE IT APPEARS AS A TASTEFUL INDOOR BENCH*. You know, something onto which you place decorative cushions and pillows and then sit. But when you set the soft stuff neatly aside, flip open a panel, and press a button on the remote - Voila! Out rolls an ambient light-rejecting screen (100”, 110”, or the big 120”), an ultra-short throw projector and a sound bar which you can take apart and scatter around the room for surround sound. The simple yet stylish seat transforms into a movie screen suitable for watching absolutely anything! 50
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
The whole thing “plugs in like a hairdryer,” explains Mark Motyl, founder of Vivid-Tek, “It’s controlled by an Apple streaming device so you can get everything you want.” Plus it’s so high def you may find yourself studying Will Smith’s cuticles while watching Gemini Man. It’s easy, impressive, and most of all: fun. Because Mark is fun. His family is After: Then it's a home cinema!
fun. His family’s friends are fun. And, I CONTINUED >
Founder and Owner, Mark Motyl.
Sound bar with detachable speakers.
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MR. FUN AND HIS SECRET HOME CINEMA (CONTINUED) Then it's a home cinema!
Extra storage.
Before: It's a simple credenza...
Then it's a home cinema!
First you flip open the panel.
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Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
realized as I sat in his showroom watching England trounce Denmark on a 120” Vivid-Tek screen surrounded by more of his friends and munching Pringles and sipping rosé, even his work is fun. One day last year his daughter “insisted” he watch Game of Thrones with her. Ironically, Mark isn’t much of a TV watcher. But hell hath no fury like a teenage girl whose request is not promptly fulfilled. Mark acquiesced and resolved to make the GoT-watching as fun as possible. He bought a cheap projector, a cheap screen, re-arranged the basement furniture, and muscled through every episode of every season. Turns out, his impromptu home theatre experience was - you guessed it - fun! But not attractive. Now, Mark has built some notable homes in Westport with an eye for maximum entertainment potential: he knows what homeowners enjoy. This unsightly projection set-up inspired a new idea. There must be a way, he mused, to create a high-quality movie theatre experience that doesn’t involve dedicated rooms or large, cumbersome TVs that ruin walls. From his homebuilding days he knew, “$200,000 basement movie theaters are on their way out. Their traditional seating in rows is anti-social. Plus, why would you watch a sitcom in
GET READY FOR WESTPORT SUNDAYS & MONDAYS
a movie theater?” He spent the next ten to twelve months “wasting” expensive materials, customizing furniture with carpenters, and messing around with high-end electronics and a bunch of invention-y things until he had created that which may revolutionize the home cinema experience. Of course, Mark has many ideas on how to increase the theatre’s fun potential. Movie nights, yes. But also - click onto the Google Arts and Culture site to scroll through the halls of life-size museums, log onto an exercise class and feel as though you’re sharing sweat with impeccably toned real people, or go to Google Earth and closely inspect homes without creeping out their inhabitants. (Note: the last idea wasn’t his.) The whole point is to enjoy an enormous screen experience in a beautiful room that isn’t a slave to the enormous screen, just for… *Vivid-Tek also makes secret home cinemas in credenzas.
blowdrysouthport.com @blowdry_sw
Vivid-Tek.com CityLifestyle.com/Westport
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Architectural Design Interior Design Custom Homes Remodeling 203.227.1055 www.westportbuilder.com 8 Wright Street, Suite 107, Westport, CT
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Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Thank you for supporting our locally owned and operated studios. We are so thankful for the clients and community that has supported our fitness studios this year. We look forward to continuing to do all we can surrounding the ever-evolving COVID restrictions to support people to reach their fitness goals!” - Laura Sabia
OF WE S T P OR T, C T
DANCING IS BACK! REGISTR ATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR OUR CHILDREN’S FALL DANCE PROGR AM. DANCE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITH THE BEST DANCE TEACHERS.
Open to Adults, Kids and Tots in Group Classes, Private Lessons, Livestream Classes Available Director Enrique Alarcon | (203) 341-8900 | 222 Post Rd. West TheDanceCollective | thedancecollectivect.com
CityLifestyle.com/Westport
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DIY
Michele Sinacore, Owner of Blossom + Stem. (Photo: Tomira Wilcox)
DRESS UP YOUR HOME (AND STATE OF MIND)
+ Give each stem a fresh “angled” cut to allow the stem
FOR FALL WITH FLOWERS!
to “drink.” + Add in flower food to remove bacteria and feed florals.
CONDITION THE STEMS: Flowers in florists are healthier than in markets because florists condition the stems. Like a baby, each
+ Change water every few days, give them a fresh cut, and remove anything wilted. + Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
stem takes a bath, gets food, and drinks for at least six hours before selling or designing. + Prune stems by removing any foliage that will fall below the vase waterline. 56
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
CHOOSE A VASE AND ANCHOR AWAY!: There are many fun vase options. Our fall favorite is a compote. Stems can be “anchored” by creating a
ARTICLE MICHELE SINACORE, FOUNDER OF BLOSSOM + STEM FLORAL DESIGN STUDIO
A tape "lattice" to anchor the flowers.
PRO STYLE TIPS AUTUMN BLOSSOMS
FALL
A FLOWERY
“lattice” on the vase rim with floral tape. It’s very easy and
whites are a big fall WOW. Or select all burnt orange blooms for a
helps your stems stay in place.
punch of color in a neutral room.
PICK A FEW “STATEMENT BLOOMS”:
ELEGANCE OF “FILLER FLOWERS” AND FORAGED BRANCHES:
We love showcasing larger blooms. Look for fluffy fall blooms like dahlias, late season sunflowers, antiqued
We adore seasonal florals and greens. Light and feathery or dark and dreamy, foliages and smaller florals provide so much texture.
hydrangea, roses, oversized spider mums, and ranunculus. MIX DRIED FLOWERS WITH FRESH: COLOR CONTRAST: Fall is a time to combine colors. Contrast deep burgundy with blush and perhaps some jewel tones. Wheats and
For weddings and homes, mix dried lavender with fresh purples and wheat color grass for a gorgeous fall mix! Wheats, greens, and purples are always stylish for fall.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Westport
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DIY (CONTINUED)
(Photo: Lillie Fortino)
ABOVE ALL, FLOWERS ARE FUN: Flowers are beautiful gems of nature and should make you feel good. Sometimes the best arrangements come from playing! BLOSSOM + STEM’S FALL FAVORITE COMPOTE + 1 Compote-style vase, any color or style + Floral tape + 2-3 Types of foliages, foraged or bought + 3-5 Larger focal flowers – we recommend dahlias, late summer sunflowers 58
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
+ 8-10 Contrasting florals + 2-3 Types of smaller florals and/ or dried bunches + Additional branches, berries, or foraged greens 1. Using your vase and floral tape, create tape lattice grid to keep stems in place. Add some water and flower food about halfway full. 2. Create a framework with foliage by positioning longer pieces on either side of vase and a few shorter pieces front and back. Fill in with a bit more foliage, rotating your vase to create a small nest with your foliages to support your flowers. 3. Position a focal flower in the front, perhaps low in the greenery resting on the rim. Place a few more embedded in the greenery, perhaps a bit asymmetrical. You can hold your stems prior to placement to see if you like it. 4. Place contrasting flowers and rotate your vase to get a full 360 degree look. Some of these can be longer and some can be shorter. Fill in the top of your arrangement. 5. Create movement to your arrangement with filler flowers by filling in spaces but keeping things loose. Consider extending a few pieces out. The shape of the stems if often quite beautiful. 6. Place additional branches and/or stems wherever you would like a focal point. 7. Add in additional foliages or flowers at the end
87 Maple Avenue South | Westport The Franklin Whitehead Queen Anne Estate, circa 1870, in desirable Greens Farms.
$4,500,000 5 bedrooms | 5.5 baths | 6,341 sq. ft. | 2.37 acres
8. Step back and admire your arrangement. 9. And if it needs fixing, pull out stems and start over!
Contact me today for a private consultation
BlossomStem.com
203.216.1287 mindy.wolkstein@raveis.com mindywolkstein.raveis.com
47 Riverside Avenue | Westport, CT 06880 CityLifestyle.com/Westport
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CONVENIENT, COMFORTABLE, and CUSTOMIZED AT-HOME VETERINARY CARE in Fairfield County, CT Dr. Jessica Melman jess@bespokevetservice.com (203) 360-2371 Dr. Rebecca Shumaker rebecca@bespokevetservice.com (203) 258-9194 Fax (203) 643-2022| BespokeVetService.com
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Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
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Back To School Sale Now In Progress CityLifestyle.com/Westport
61
OPEN HOUSE
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Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Y O U
H A D
A SPECTACULAR UPDATED ANTIQUE HOME
M E
A T
ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG PHOTOGRAPHY ALAN HAMILTON
“ C L O S E T ” I’M LISTENING TO REALTOR MINDY WOLKSTEIN DESCRIBE 87 MAPLE AVENUE SOUTH, WESTPORT. “The primary bedroom has this fantastic closet,” she says, “where you can showcase all of your fabulous bags and shoes.” My heart skips. Ohhhh… this closet. It could make any bag look beautiful. It could make a used Ziploc look beautiful. This antique home - built in 1870 - is stunning. The kitchen walls are lacquered, the windows in the solarium and sun room are uniquely beautiful, and someone left a what I hope is an expensive bottle of wine in the wine cellar. The architectural details are treasures. It’s the kind of home one remembers visiting and a rare antidote to younger McMansions. Every appliance in the chef’s kitchen is top-of-the-line and bedrooms and baths abound. Oh - and a barre studio, a separate parcel of land, a tennis court, and an enviable kitchen pantry.
CONTINUED >
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OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)
One can imagine rocking chairs on the wrap-around porch and drinking lemonade with mint. Or sitting in a chair by a large window, reading “Songs in Ordinary Times” and sipping a lovely glass of chardonnay from the cellar as the sun wanes and the children pepper you with their opinions about your choice for dinner.
Mindy Wolkstein (Photo: Jennifer Schulten Photography)
Chef's kitchen.
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Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
Sunny solarium.
Wine Room.
Beautiful architectural detail.
DETAILS: + 6,341 square feet + Five bedrooms + Seven bathrooms (five full, two half) + Franklin Whitehead Queen Anne Estate, c. 1870 + Greens Farms area + Gourmet kitchen + Great Room + Solarium + Flexible floor plan + Grotto with wine cellar + Recent price drop to $4.5M MindyWolkstein.Raveis.com
This is the amazing closet. CityLifestyle.com/Westport
65
53
VALLEY FORGE ROAD
WESTON
CLOSED ON JUNE 15, 2021
LIST PRICE $1,199,000 SALE PRICE $1,525,000
Charming Contemporary Saltbox with vaulted ceilings and open floor plan is nestled on 2 private acres with lush gardens, expansive lawn and heated gunite pool. Three bedrooms plus spacious office/studio. This ideal private retreat received multiple offers and sold for 27% over list price after 27 days on market.
203.984.1068 Luxury Properties Specialist Westport Lifestyle Magazine Fairfield County’s Best Realtor
marilyn.heffers@raveis.com | marilynheffers.raveis.com 47 Riverside Avenue | Westport, CT 06880
We all know family caregivers who are burned out. Caregiving is hard work! In fact, 84% of caregivers describe it as difficult. The average caregiver provides 20 hours of care each week to their loved one. It’s no wonder, they can find themselves neglecting their own needs.
Family Caregivers Need a Break!
Signs of Caregiver Burnout: → Stress → Poor Health → Sleep Problems → Weight Change → Emotional Outbursts → Social Isolation
Therapeutic non-medical home care www.sheraton.care | 203-221-0221 66
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®
CityLifestyle.com/Westport
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ROAD TRIP
Stylish Hotels to Experience Across the Country
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS FOR A GOOD TRIP IS WHERE YOU’RE GOING TO STAY. Sure, you can always go with a highly rated corporate hotel, and it would be fine. But do you just want it to be fine? Or do you, dear stylish traveler, want more from your hotel? Our contributors from across the country have rounded up the insider knowledge you need to ensure the next time you travel you can rest easy at some of the most stylish boutique hotels there are.
1. The Graduate Nashville L o c at i o n : N a s h v i l l e , T n S u b m i t t e d B y M a r i a D i n o i a , Fran kli n Li festyle The millennial pink interior design at The Graduate Nashville is screaming for you to come take a picture with your friends. There is so much of Nashville’s history to take in and so many amenities to enjoy. This hotel is definitely a tourist attraction, not just a place to stay.
2. The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano L o c at i o n : S a n J u a n C a p i s t r a n o , C A S u b m i t t e d b y M i c h a e l G e r a r d , Lag u na N i g u el Li festyle “High
ceilings,
mission-style
grand
armoires,
chandeliers
The Graduate Nashville
4. No Vacancy L o c at i o n : K a n s a s C i t y, M O S u b m i t t e d b y A n g e l a B r o o c k e r d , J o h ns o n Co u nty & Leawo o d Li festyle
and thick corbel ceiling beams add a timeless authenticity
Another fantastic wedding venue, No Vacancy has a uniquely mod-
to our hacienda-style guest rooms, suites and luxury villas.”
ern and cozy atmosphere that will enchant guests. It is also a great
—The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano
space to host a retreat or just take a trip on your own.
3. The Arrabelle at Vail Square
5. Amangani
L o c at i o n : Va i l , C O S u b m i t t e d b y J a h n a E i c h e l , Fo rt Co lli ns Li festyle
L o c at i o n : J a c k s o n H o l e , W Y S u b m i t t e d b y K i m b e r Pat t e r s o n , B o is e & M er i d ian Li festyle
You can never go wrong with a romantic ski resort. Your beautiful
“Evoking the pioneering spirit of the Old West in its redwood and sand-
lodging awaits you with in-room iPads, canopy beds, and ice skating
stone architecture, the all-season retreat invites guests to discover
at the square.
outdoor adventure and extraordinary natural beauty.” —Amangani
Head over to CityLifestyle.com to see the rest and start planning your next stylish vacation! ARTICLE CITY LIFESTYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 68
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
507 Westport Ave Norwalk
Buy tickets: WestportDowntown.com ApadanaFineRugs.com
Saturday, October 16 Beer Fest: 2:00pm - 5:00pm Family Activities start at 1:00pm
TICKETS Advanced: $40 Unlimited $75 Couples $350 Party Pack of 10 Day of Singles: $50 Day of pints: $10
MICROBREWS
From the New England region
LOCAL FOOD
Freshly made by local restaurants
FALL KIDS FUN
Activities for all are adjacent
Sigrid Shultz Lot - Elm St. Downtown Westport CityLifestyle.com/Westport
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The things you love, LOCAL. Shop SAVVYANDGRACEWESTPORT.COM THE BEST place for gift BASKETS. Made to ORDER! | CORPORATE • BIRTHDAY • BABY • HIS & HERS
DOWNTOWN, MAIN STREET «
B@savvyandgrace V@savvyandgracewestport
GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle 70
YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
|
WE SHI P !
Celebrations | Interiors | Tablescapes | Bouquets
Visit our New Flower Shop! 24 Railroad place • Saugatuck
BLOSSOM + STEM FLORAL DESIGN blossomstem.com Follow the flowers on instagram @blossomstem
Masks required
@childsposewestport CityLifestyle.com/Westport
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1
SEPTEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
STORYWALKS® AND INTERACTIVE FUN TRAIL Westport Library and All Over Town!
StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightBARBARA BROSS
ALEXANDER CHINGAS & DOUG BROSS
Now more than ever, a house becomes a home.
ful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading outdoors. Pages from a book are installed along a trail so that, as
you stroll along, you are led to the next page in the story.
StoryWalks®, a Family Fun Trail, and a Library Rock Garden provide families with loads of outdoor interactive fun
all over town. Enjoy any day through October. WestportLibrary.org
9 FASHIONABLY WESTPORT
FEATURED HOME
167 Bayberry Lane, Westport, Connecticut
Westport Library
$2,299,000
The
much
anticipated
Fashionably
...
Westport fashion show benefiting Project
BROSS CHINGAS BROSS
Fashionably Westport proudly show-
R E A L
E S T A T E
Return will be held on Thursday Sept. 9th 2021 at the Westport Library. cases downtown’s fashion and beauty merchants. Our first show was such a great success making this years bigger
EXPERIENCE IS PRICELESS...
The Bross Chingas Bross Team’s unmatched track record, and #1 leadership position in the sale of Westport & Weston homes for the past eight consecutive years, means that we are best equipped to help you navigate the market. Our commitment is to provide you with the information you need in order to make the right decisions. We are skillfully leveraging technology and global marketing, with a special focus on the New York market, to facilitate the sale and purchase of properties for our clientele.
Contact us for a confidential consultation to learn how our track record can help you achieve your goals.
Barbara Bross ∙ Alexander Chingas ∙ Doug Bross Jenny Walsh ∙ Jessica Brookbanks ∙ Tom Kelley ∙ Mike Gefen ∙ Elise Larrabure Girasole
and better! We can’t wait to see you back again for an exciting night of fun, friends & fashion. Tickets include drinks, light bites, DJ and gifts. Fundraising and net proceeds go to Project Return. For more information and ticket purchases please visit www.westportdowntown.com
10 ESCHER STRING QUARTET MOCA Westport
The Escher String Quartet has received 203.454.8000 | Info@BrossChingas.com 355 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 BrossChingas BrossChingasBross
acclaim for its expressive, nuanced performances that combine unusual textural clarity with a rich, blended
WWW.BROSSCHINGAS.COM
72
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
sound. MoCAWestport.org
SEPTEMBER
11 CATCH A LIFT (CAL)
Catch A Lift Fundraiser, 9/11 20th Year Remembrance Weekend
Catch A Lift (CAL) is BACK! With a mission of serving post 9/11 combat injured veterans through fitness, nutrition, emotional wellness, and community programs, we have many updates to share! Events include: Saturday, 9/11 - Community Fitness Workout led by CAL Veteran and Civilian Coaches Sunday, 9/12 - Family Bike Ride Monday, 9/13 - Nine Hole Golf & Tennis Tournament followed by a patriotic celebration at Birchwood Country Club VisitCatchALiftFund.org/ 7thAnnualWestportWarriorWeekend.
12 WILDFLOWER ID
Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane, Westport
Join naturalist Veronica Swain and identify local wildflowers on a stroll through the
live simply
gardens and meadow. All ages. Register at Earthplace.org
12 LEONID AND FRIENDS, CHICAGO TRIBUTE BAND
Wall Street Theater, 71 Wall Street, Norwalk
Seed to Shelf, Hemp and Health
With multiple sold-out U.S. tours under its belt and hundreds of thousands of fans around the world, Leonid & Friends continues to astound its global audience with its unique ability to capture the spirit, musicality, and fire of American supergroup Chicago. EventBrite.com
14
203.557.4397 frannysfarmacy.com 31 Church Lane, Westport, CT 06880 at Bedford Square
THIS WAS TOSCANINI Westport Library
Did you know September is Classical Music Month? Explore the life of Arturo Toscanini, CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Westport
73
Meet the artists… Greg Alexandra Mallory Nick
SEPTEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR once considered the most famous man in the world, through the eyes of his first
violinist, Samuel Antek. His daughter, Lucy Antek Johnson, will speak with
Mary-Lou Weisman about these two
men and the powerful impact they made on her life and the world.
18 SAMMY RAE & THE FRIENDS Lachat Town Farm,
106 Godfrey Road West, Weston
Sammy Rae & The Friends have delivered their high-energy, spirited, and
unrestrained
shows
to
sold-
out audiences in the Northeast and beyond. Their sound is a mélange of
Sammy’s (born and raised in Derby, CT) influences, rooted in classic rock,
folk, and funk, and sprinkled with soul and jazz. Complete with a rhythm sec-
tion, horn section, keyboards, and two backup singers. EventBrite.com
18 GROUP CANOE PADDLE
Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane, Westport
Our canoe paddles are a great way to spend an afternoon on the water with family or friends! Bring the whole family or come on your own and make some new friends. We will travel along the Saugatuck River in search of egrets, osprey, ducks, shorebirds and much more!
18 THE ART OF JAZZ, MOCA WESTPORT’S BENEFIT
It’s not a salon.....it’s a movement.
MoCA
Westport
has
announced
that its 2021 Fall Benefit, The Art of Jazz, will take place on Saturday,
(203) 557-9100 | 833 POST ROAD EAST WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT 06880
September 18, 2021. The celebration of art and music will feature a silent auction, live auction, and live music by Grammy Award-winning Jazz tenor
74
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
SEPTEMBER
saxophonist Wayne Escoffery. Stay after the auction for music by local favorite DJ Mo. 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
23 LECTURE: CONSERVING THE ARTIFACTS AT 9/11 MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL
Quick Center for the Arts, Kelley Theatre, 1073 N Benson Road, Fairfield
9/11
Museum
and
Memorial
Chief
Conservator Lisa Conte explores the history of collecting at the Museum (beginning with how the collection was formed via rapid-response collecting in 2001), how lived experience can shape how preservation decisions are made, and offers some perspective on navigating hazards as a part of preserving traumatic heritage.
25 EAGLEMANIA
Wall Street Theater, 71 Wall Street, Norwalk
FAMILY & MATRIMONIAL LAW Exceptional Representation Customized to Fulfill the Unique Needs of Your Family
Since their inception, EagleMania has
We work closely with our clients through
been thrilling audiences all over the coun-
Litigation, Arbitration, Mediation and Collaborative Divorce.
try with their stunning five-part harmony and their uncanny ability to emulate the unmistakable sound of The Eagles. You’ll hear The Eagles’ greatest hits as well as some of the solo work of Don Henley,
Experience
Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh. If you like The
guiding people
Eagles you will love EagleMania.
25
through complex family matters.
SLICE OF SAUGATUCK Saugatuck Center
The Slice returns for the ninth year with over four dozen of Saugatuck's finest restaurants, shops, and galleries opening their doors and inviting the community to visit and sample their offerings. Walk the streets of Saugatuck Center and taste your way from restaurant to restaurant, to liquor store, to retail merchant, and back.
(203) 222-8686 | conlonmcglynn.com 222 Riverside Avenue Westport, Connecticut 06880 CityLifestyle.com/Westport
75
C I N DY R A N E Y AT H E R L I S T I N G , 1 6 5 H U B B E L L L A N E , FA I R F I E L D , C T
AT C I N DY R A N E Y & C O . , I T ’ S B E E N A J OY TO S E E T H E R E N E W E D R E S U R G E N C E I N FA I R F I E L D C O U N T Y H O M E VA L U E S . I’m fortunate to have been a top 1% producing agent over the past 17 years in both good and bad markets. Nothing gives my team and I more pleasure than seeing our clients enjoy the benefits of a strong market. They deserve it!
Now that the market has turned favorably for sellers, I’m often asked by sellers AND buyers what this market means if you’re on both sides of the fence.
If you’re thinking of selling. Our first piece of advice is to hire a great realtor. One with a successful track record of exposing properties to the maximum number of potential buyers. Secondly, your home must be staged for sale. That doesn’t mean spending a crazy amount of money. It simply means your home must look like move in condition. When potential buyers first see your house online, they must say, “YES! I love the look and feel of this property!” Finally, it’s imperative to price the home to sell. Overpricing in today’s market will cost you. We are seeing overpriced homes sitting on the market and you will not enjoy the benefits of multiple bids on your home. Our last 5 sales were staged, priced properly and have sold at an average of 11% over asking price - all within the first week. We’re proud that our clients have taken our advice when it comes to preparing a house for sale.
If you’re thinking of buying. We think it’s a great time to jump in. Here’s why. Interest rates are still incredibly low. Historically low. Also, it’s hard to believe but Connecticut and Fairfield County lead the country in home price depreciation since 2008. So you’re not buying into a bubble. You’re simply buying into a market that is finally getting the growth it deserves. Because we don’t believe the market is slowing down immediately, it’s still an advantageous time to buy.
Are things slowing down in the real estate market? Given the limited inventory we’re seeing in the marketplace, when homes are priced and staged properly, you can expect them to sell in a heartbeat. We have found that COVID-19 has taken the seasonality out of the market for the time being. This fall is as good a time as we’ve ever seen to buy or sell a home.
T H E C I N DY R A N E Y & C O . T E A M
P OW E R E D BY
Please contact us to start prioritizing your home needs.
2 0 3 - 2 5 7- 8 3 2 0 C I N DY R A N E Y.CO M
REALTY REPORT
REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD
WESTPORT
ORIGINAL PRICE
SOLD PRICE
%SOLD/ORIG
DOM
BDRMS
BATHS
123 Cross Hwy
$2,495,000
$2,600,000
4.20%
69
5
5.5
129 Long Lots Rd
$2,800,000
$2,650,000
-5.40%
29
6
7
33 Mayflower Pkwy
$3,100,000
$2,950,000
-4.80%
21
4
4
37 Burnham Hill
$2,975,000
$2,900,000
-2.50%
51
5
4.5
11 Brookside Dr
$3,500,000
$3,600,000
2.90%
62
5
7
12 Woody Lane
$3,895,000
$3,740,000
-4.00%
46
6
6.5
26 Sturges Cmns
$3,675,000
$3,818,000
3.90%
32
6
7
2 Hidden Hill Rd
$4,800,000
$4,275,000
-10.90%
165
7
8.5
277 North Ave
$4,925,000
$4,828,000
-2.00%
330
6
5.5
86 Coleytown Rd
$6,000,000
$6,000,000
0.00%
4
5
8.5
Source: MLS Top 10 Listings by Sold Price in Westport (6/1/2021 - 6/21/2021)
F E AT U R E D P R O P E R T Y 1121 Sasco Hill Road Fairfield, Connecticut $5,250,00 6 Bed 5 Full Bath 2 Half Bath 8,815 Sq Ft 2.32 Acres 1 1 2 1 SA S CO H I L L R OA D.COM CityLifestyle.com/Westport
77
LOCAL LIMELIGHT
STYLIST AMY GUZZI
Jul ia D
ho to : (P
A N D ST Y L E 78
ag s)
ON LIFE
PEOPLE ARE SHOPPING AGAIN AND STYLIST AMY GUZZI (“I’M SURE IT’S GUCCI IN ITALIAN”) IS THRILLED! She never bought into the sweatpants thing and, sorry Kardashians, same for bike shorts with t-shirts. Instead, she opts for items feminine and bohemian: dresses with pretty cuts, soft colors, and romantic blouses at all price points. She also offers a dose of reality with her lovely selections. In defending Meghan Markle, Amy insists, “True nobility is showing your faults and vulnerabilities, not your perfectionism.” Of herself, she pens, “I’m also so over being nice to people and trying so hard to please people who aren’t nice to me… All that matters to me in the end is this beautiful little family I’ve created and the rest of it is just static.” There’s as much beauty in strength as there is in style. TheStylistEffect.com @Amy_Guzzi_
ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG PHOTOGRAPHY JULIA DAGS
Westport Lifestyle | September 2021
LAND ROVER FAIRFIELD
THIS TIME, IT’S PERSONAL.
LAND ROVER FAIRFIELD CT'S EXLUSIVE SV SPECIALIST CENTRE Expert product knowledge, highly trained specialists and tailor-made care for Land Rover SV luxury and Classic vehicles. It’s why, here at LAND ROVER FAIRFIELD, we’ve been awarded enhanced status as Connecticut's Exclusive SV Specialist Centre. This means, when it comes to you and your Land Rover, it’s personal. So why not come by and let us introduce ourselves, and the Land Rover SV family? Enjoy the opportunity to get up close to these specialist vehicles or even experience one by taking a test drive. Whether you want in-depth product advice or have questions about Land Rover SV servicing, you’ll receive our undivided attention. After all, we want your visit to be as special as owning and driving one of our incredible vehicles. Please call David or Tyler, our SV Specialists, on 203.874.8500 for more details. LAND ROVER FAIRFIELD One Commerce Drive, Fairfield, CT 06825 203.874.8500 landroverfairfield.com