Westport Weston & Wilton - March/April 2026

contents MAR/APR 2026 departments

GRETCHEN MOL DEBUTS HER FASHION LINE

Actor and activist Gretchen Mol introduces her mood-elevating, effortlessly dramatic dress line, designed around the idea of one perfect dress. Launching in Westport this spring. by

samantha yanks

66

LUXURY IN LONG LOTS

Simona Levin of Winding Lane Design creates a restorative retreat for a family in Westport. by jill johnson mann

72 PODCAST POWERHOUSES

Connecticut-based voices that are shaping culture and conversation. by samantha yanks 84 YARD GOALS

What’s next in outdoor design? Check out the landscape trends to note in 2026. by tom connor

Westport native Clay Singer extends his run in the groundbreaking production Masquerade, marking a major career milestone; We preview spring reads and literary moments worth noting.

A beloved community institution, The Westport Library bookshop celebrates its five year anniversary; How Fairfield County is commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

HOME

Our real estate survey goes for a deep dive into the current market; What’s new in naturethemed interior décor trends.

SHOP

Paris-based jewelry brand makes its Connecticut début; New fashion trends are defining the season; Beloved sustainable fashion brand Another Tomorrow comes to New England.

Find out about store openings, see what’s coming up in the magazine, and enjoy photos of iconic places around the area— follow us on Instagram. Together, we make living here the best!

John’s Island

editorial

editorial director

Cristin Marandino–cristin.marandino@moffly.com

editor-in-chief: westport

Samantha Yanks–samantha.yanks@moffly.com

books correspondent

Emily Liebert

culinary + cocktails contributor

Jennifer Pupa Schwartz

fitness + wellness contributor

Eric Johnson

home décor contributor

Simona Levin

style contributor

Amy Guzzi

fashion and jewelry contributor

Nancy Berger

contributing editors

Megan Gagnon–editor, athome

Elizabeth Hole–editor, custom publishing

Eileen Murphy–editor, new canaan • darien copy editors

Terry Christofferson, Lynne Piersall, David Podgurski, Scott Thomas, Isabella Critchell

contributing writers

Welcome to John’s Island. A cherished ocean-to-river haven enjoyed by generations who have discovered the undeniable allure of life by the sea in Vero Beach, Florida. A picturesque seaside landscape and near perfect climate complement the serene offerings, each of which combine luxury with traditional appeal, architectural details, spacious living areas, and lush grounds. Discover the ideal place to call home in blissful Florida...

30 Waxmyrtle Way : $6,900,000 5BR/6.5BA : Riverfront : 6,752± GSF 777 Sea Oak Drive #711 3BR/3BA : Epic Golf Vistas 1,900± SF : Chic Updates Private Pool, Tennis, & Pickleball $2,395,000 500 Beach Road #214 1,825± SF : Spacious Appeal Oceanside Location

Samantha Critchell, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Sophie Edwards, Suzanne Gannon, Elizabeth Keyser, Jill Johnson Mann, Erik Ofgang

editorial assistant Lily Caplan

editorial advisory board G. Kenneth Bernhard, Bridgett Csapo-DiBonaventura, Nancy Conroy, Nancy Gault, Caren Hart Nelson, Jennifer O’Reilly

art

senior art director

Nicole Nadboy–nicole.nadboy@moffly.com

contributing art director

Venera Alexandrova–venera.alexandrova@moffly.com

production director

Tim Carr–tim.carr@moffly.com

assistant art director

Lisa Marie Servidio–lisa.servidio@moffly.com

senior photographer Bob Capazzo

digital media audience devolpment editor Kaitlin Madden–kaitlin.madden@moffly.com

digital marketing manager

Rachel MacDonald–rachel.macdonald@moffly.com

digital assistant

Lloyd Gabi–lloyd.gabi@moffly.com, Jeffery Garay–jeffery.garay@moffly.com Calendar@Moffly.com Editor@WestportMag.com Weddings@WestportMag.com

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vol. 28 | no. 2 | march/april 2026

publisher Gabriella Mays westport, weston & wilton gabriella.mays@moffly.com

sales & marketing Gina Fusco publisher, new canaan, darien & rowayton gina.fusco@moffly.com

Jonathan Moffly publisher, stamford, athome, greenwich and ocean house. jonathan@moffly.com

Hilary Hotchkiss account executive hilary.hotchkiss@moffly.com

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Jonathan W. Moffly editorial director Cristin Marandino

business manager Elena Moffly elena@moffly.com

cofounders

John W. Moffly IV & Donna C. Moffly donna@moffly.com

PUBLISHERS OF GREENWICH

NEW CANAAN • DARIEN • ROWAYTON WESTPORT STAMFORD and athome magazines

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editor’s letter

A FRESH SEASON

As the first whispers of spring roll in, I’m reminded how this season always feels like a perfect fresh start, bursting with newness, creativity and possibility. There is no better person to embody that energy on our cover than the incomparable Gretchen Mol, who launches her new dress line, Gretchen M, right here in Connecticut. Designed to elevate your mood and inspire confident femininity, her debut collection is the essence of timeless style. It’s a joy to celebrate Gretchen’s artistry and her connection to our community, all timed to the release of her upcoming film Horsegirls.

This issue brims with stories of inspiring reinvention and creative spirit—from Broadway to backyards. Our Buzz section spotlights hometown favorite Clay Singer, whose remarkable rise continues as he extends his acclaimed run in Masquerade. His story, layered with friendship, artistry and hometown pride, captures the kind of passion that defines our local creative scene.

In Home, writer Jill Johnson Mann explores the ever-evolving world of real estate trends, while we collaboarte with our sister publication At Home magazine, who shares

a peek into two serene home trend—Ginko Leaf and Garden Party—that channel nature’s elegance.

You’ll also discover new ways to shop and style this spring: Unsaid Jewelry makes its Connecticut debut following its Paris launch; Another Tomorrow brings its thoughtful fashion north, and our  Spring Trend feature celebrates fresh pieces worth coveting. Financial expert Hillary Ambrose McGrail also shares gamechanging advice in Money Matters offering insight into knowing when it’s time to find an advisor who truly understands your goals.

We round out the issue with inspiring stories—from the entrepreneurial brilliance of our  local female podcast powerhouses creating a compelling narrative across Connecticut. Plus, a look at outdoor design trends for 2026 and an elegant residential design project showcasing timeless aesthetic principles.

As we celebrate the season of renewal, may these pages remind you that style, and life, are best when rooted in purpose, confidence, and connection.

See you at the next gathering here in Westport.

samantha.yanks@moffly.com

founder’s page

“Stand up for what you think is right—and shoot off your mouth when necessary.”

OF SECRETS OF SELF PRESERVATION

As I have now officially entered my ninth decade on earth, people have asked if I have any special secret to self-preservation. Umm. Well, here are a few suggestions, in no particular order. Keep upbeat. Nobody likes to be around a sourpuss.

Never lose your sense of humor, as my grandmother used to say. My Jack loved taking Gammy out to lunch and having a few laughs. She was a real pip!

Don’t get sunburned. Never mind if your friends are brunettes. You’re a basic redhead and married a sailor. Lather up and cover up. Who cares if you wear your socks on the beach.

Stay curious (and brave). Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if you’re not much good at it. Mahjong? An Apple watch? Netflix? A balancing class?

Get vaccinated. Stick your arm out for anything that‘s offered (an easy walk-on at ShopRite).

Take care of yourself. The guys (usually guys) who pride themselves on never going to a doctor are often the first to drop dead of a heart attack. Why do women outlive men? In olden days, women cooked and took care of babies; men pushed the plow. Today, men sit in front of their computers, and women go to the gym.

Always have something to look forward to. Every day: A good book, a needlepoint project, a Liberty jigsaw puzzle permanently

set up in the family room. (Ok, I admit it, and a crossword puzzle book in the head.) Every week: Lunch dates with friends you need to catch up with; dinner dates and a glass of prosecco with friends you can bitch to.

It’s OK to say, “No” without feeling guilty. You’re a big girl now. Yippee!

Have Gary fix your hair every month or so. And while he’s at your house, ask him to change the burnt-out lightbulbs in the kitchen ceiling.

Have Bob Capazzo fix your neck if you look like a turtle in a photograph.

Have a tech-pro on standby. Mine’s name is Joe; but At Home in Greenwich can put you on to some good ones. Who needs the stress?

If you like what you’re doing, keep doing it. That is, as long as you’ve got your marbles. You’ll know when your time is up, or somebody will be sure to tell you.

Stand up for what you think is right—and shoot off your mouth when necessary. March for women’s rights. Go to No Kings rallies, yell and stamp your feet. Keep tuned into what’s happening politically. As a member of the Horseneck DAR, I want my patriot ancestors to be proud of me. After all, they were there for our first revolution.

Avoid people who annoy you. Life’s too short.

But Treasure your friends and relations yup, even your relations. And that’s Treasure with a capital T. After all, life is all about love, what? W

Here if your child needs us. Hoping they won’t.

The new Cohen Pediatric Emergency Center at Norwalk Hospital is the only emergency department in Fairfield County with dedicated pediatric emergency specialists from Connecticut Children’s—the only health system 100% dedicated to kids. Emergencies are scary, but they don’t have to be. Here, you’ll find marine-themed, kid-friendly spaces and expert pediatric specialists to treat everything from everyday injuries to critical emergencies.

We hope your child won’t need emergency care. But if they do, the new Cohen Pediatric Emergency Center is now open, right here in Norwalk Hospital.

Learn more

Masquerade Is a Must-See

Behind the Mask with CLAY SINGER

BY JILL JOHNSON MANN

In 2013, I sat in the audience at Cynthia Gibb’s Vocal Studio recital in Westport and watched a senior named Clay Singer sing the closing song. He sang “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story with a voice that wraps around your insides and lifts your heart a couple inches in your chest. Imagine that voice, 13 years later, singing as the Phantom in the new immersive musical Masquerade in New York, directed by creative genius Diane Paulus. What I can tell you is that Clay was right: Something was coming.

Not only is Clay the youngest of the six Broadway actors playing the Phantom in this production, he is the youngest to ever play the role in the U.S. His age (30) serves him well in a show that requires sprinting up and down seven floors in eight shows a week. It also serves the chemistry of the love story. Clay layers sinister, sexy and vulnerable onto his Phantom with exquisite mastery. No doubt each Phantom, including Hugh Panaro, who performed the role 2,000+ times on Broadway, seduces the intimate audience at Masquerade “Intimate” is the operative word here. Six shows happen each night (plus six more on weekend afternoons), taking each audience of 60 on a two-hour journey through the Paris Opera House—brought to brilliant life in a huge building on 57th Street (formerly Lee’s Art Shop). Guests don cocktail attire and festive masks, check their coats, pick up a glass of champagne, and essentially become part of the show as they are ushered through a maze of spaces, with a room-size chandelier falling to the floor, a moving gondola, a scintillating bedroom scene and a fresh take on the Phantom of the Opera. An actor’s hand on your back, one spilling popcorn in your mouth while a man breathes fire a few feet away, the phantom’s face so close you can see his lip quiver—these moments are what make Masquerade so powerful. It will ruin you for a show viewed from afar on a stage.

THE MAKING OF A PHANTOM: FOLLOW THE FEAR

Clay Singer was at The MUNY performing as Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof when he heard rumors of auditions going out for this inventive show. He pushed his reps to get him in and submitted an audition tape for Raoul. “A month later, I got a callback to

do another tape for Raoul and to tape for Phantom,” says Clay. “I thought, There’s no way that will ever happen. I can’t sing this material. Maelyn [Jarmon], my partner, was like ‘No, you can do this.’ She’s an unbelievable vocalist. She won The Voice.” The cheerleading worked. “The audition process was a beast,” says Clay. “It spanned six months.”

Clay learned a valuable lesson. “My new mantra is: Fear is good. It’s a green light that you should follow fear and just jump into it,” he says. “Honestly, I could not sing the material. I was singing it at my apartment every single night and throwing anything I could at the wall. The work does pay off.”

After two exhausting weeks in this physical and vocal marathon of a show, Clay thought, “I can’t do this.” But the body and voice are muscles; they adjusted. “I’m not sure people realize: actors are athletes,” says Clay. He was also apprehensive about acting so close to the audience but now leans into it: “If I look at an audience member and they look away quickly, I can take their response and use it as the hate the Phantom has received his entire life. I use it to fuel my own self-loathing. It’s like having a whole new scene partner.”

WESTPORT’S ROLE: LOCAL TEACHERS & INSPIRATION

The foundation of Clay’s vocal technique goes back to Cynthia Gibb, famed actor herself and founder of Triple Threat Academy. “She was my voice teacher in Westport,” says Clay. “I did Rent one summer and destroyed my voice. She gave me such an incredible foundation for how to actually build on technique and get my voice back to a place where I was able to sing and sing more classical stuff that year. She really, really helped me get to the colleges I got into

“Clay was the best of the best, and I’m not only talking about his performances onstage.”

—Kerry

holding auditions for orphans.

“I showed my mom and said, ‘I don’t really want to do it,’” recalls Clay. “She said, ‘Clay, you’re going to do it.’” He was cast in the high school show and says, “I was hooked.” (Bravo, Robin Singer!)

At Bedford Middle School, Clay enjoyed directors Kevin Slater and Karen McCormick.

“Kevin was a huge part of developing my love for theater,” says Clay, “and obviously David Roth and Kerry [Long] at Staples.”

ultimately spent 10 months in the tour, but being on the road isn’t easy. “I needed to root myself,” he says. “I got an an apartment in Brooklyn. I was auditioning a lot, but I didn’t get a single job in 18 months.” He picked up work as an event planner and line cook to pay the rent.

and feel more comfortable and confident in my voice.” Clay landed at Carnegie Mellon, a tippy-top-tier musical theater program, in one of 12 spots.

Gibb recalls Clay’s Rent vocal wreckage before ninth grade. “We got it back in time for his fall musical audition two weeks later,” she says. “We worked together weekly over the next fours years. I heard his potential at 14, but it was after his voice matured and we added technique that you could hear his beautiful tone that stops people in their tracks. When he played the lead in Oklahoma at Staples, someone in the audience thought the school had hired a professional from the city!”

Going way back, Clay remembers belting “Ave Maria” at age four, mimicking his older sister Charlotte. “I started performing with Jill Jaysen,” says Clay. “She had a little theater in a church in Westport, so I got to do shows with her.” (Jaysen now teaches at Gibb’s school.)

In third grade Clay was handed a flyer for Oliver. Staples was

As a Staples Player, Clay gave up his football pastime and poured himself into lead roles. “Clay was the best of the best,” raves Long, “and I’m not only talking about his performances onstage. Off-stage, he was exactly the type of guy you wanted to work with—kind, considerate, patient, hard working and just all around loveable.” Clay says, “We got to perform on a stage bigger than most regional houses, with higher budgets than most regional houses, with full orchestras. And we were performing with our best friends. Those are some of the greatest memories I’ll ever have performing.”

The Phantom whose performance most influenced Clay happened to be Westporter Kevin Gray, the youngest to perform the role on Broadway. “I watched every single bootleg of the show,” says Clay, “and he is the person who affected me the most. He was heartbreaking.”

HIGHS, LOWS & LATE FAME

Clay has racked up wins—The Band’s Visit Broadway tour, three plays at Westport Country Playhouse (most recently, 4000 Miles), The Last Five Years (where he met his partner), Romeo and Juliet (with his idol Terrence Mann, and Paulus directing)—but his resume masks the tough times. Covid shut down The Band’s Visit after only three performances. Clay

“I was really unhappy,” Clay says. “I was drinking and smoking a lot of weed. It was a really dark time.” Something had to change. He got sober in 2023 and quit his event-planning job, “which was sucking the soul out of me,” he says. “The day I left that job, I went to an audition and booked the job in the room.”

Clay has worked steadily ever since, including in the upcoming film Late Fame with Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee. “It was low-budget so we didn’t have trailers. We would all hang out in the same room,” explains Clay. “It was a group of five guys and Willem. He would always have a Sumo orange at lunch. He would peel it and pass it around the circle, and we would talk and laugh and tell stories. He had no ego whatsoever. He’s still incredibly curious. Every night I got home from doing that job, I pinched myself.”

After his unleashing of heartrending emotion as the Phantom, Clay and I chatted at the Masquerade bar. He had the same eager, ego-less energy he had as a teen. “This industry is crazy. You’re not well in the head if you think you should do this,” he says, with a chuckle. “But it’s a beautiful thing to be able to perform and give people a catharsis that they don’t get in their day-to-day lives. I’ve had people say about Phantom, ‘This show saved my life.’”

Masquerade runs through July 5: masqueradenyc.com (Clay performs in the 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows.)

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Open Books

liebert

Emily Liebert is the USAToday bestselling author of

THE SOCIETY

BY KAREN WINN

When Vivian Lawrence’s old-money fortune diminishes, her meticulously curated life goes with it. In a moment of desperation, she seeks to join the Knox—an exclusive society she’s tied to by family legend. Unexpectedly, her entry hinges on a man named Peter, whose good looks and charisma make Vivian weak in the knees. Ultimately, Vivian lands in the ER after a suspicious fall, and Taylor Adams, a young nurse with a storied past, is immediately enamored with her glamour. Vivian then disappears without a trace, sending Taylor on a hunt for answers; one that draws her into the Knox as their new employee. The deeper Taylor ventures into the opulence and darkness surrounding the Knox, the more mysterious Vivian’s vanishing becomes.

From the intricacies of a secret society, a drama chronicling Manhattan’s elite, a tale of today’s literary landscape, to a historical novel on banning books and a story about love, friendship and survival, we’re March-ing into April with five fabulous reads.

by emily liebert

A KILLER IN THE FAMILY

BY AMIN AHMAD

What happens when you marry into a family full of secrets? Ali finds out when he marries New York real estate tycoon Abbas Khan’s daughter, Maryam, and is drawn into her privileged world of private helicopters, towering skyscrapers and glitzy houses in the Hamptons. Not long after the wedding, rumors of corruption and hidden affairs start to circulate about Abbas, and Farhan, Maryam’s sexy, rebellious divorcée sister, alludes to a violent secret underlying Abbas’ success. Ali suspects there’s something he doesn’t know, despite his wife’s denial, and he sets out to reveal the truth, through his own investigation of Abbas’ past. As Ali approaches the truth, he must decide if the wealth and power of the Khan family is worth the price of his morality.

MURDER YOUR DARLINGS

BY JENNA BLUM

Divorced novelist Simone “Sam” Vetiver is on the tail end of a tepid publicity tour while managing writer’s block for her next book, when she receives fan mail from renowned author William Corwyn. The two meet, and William’s literary compassion is as charged as their chemistry. They both believe they’ve found The One. Yet, things may not be as perfect as they seem. William, who lives on a remote Maine island, has stalkers, including a tenacious one called The Rabbit. Writers then turn up dead, including from The Darlings support group William runs. Sam wonders who these stalkers are and if William is portraying himself authentically. Narrated by Sam, William and The Rabbit, this one explores how far people will go for love.

THE SISTERS OF BOOK ROW

BY SHELLEY NOBLE

In 1915, Manhattan’s Book Row was a diverse mixture of forty bookshops down Fourth Avenue; a hub for rare book buyers and locals seeking a bargain. It was also the target of Anthony Comstock, the most venomous censor in American history.

For the Applebaum sisters—Olivia, Daphne, and Celia—Arcadia Rare Bookshop is home. Unbeknownst to her sisters, Celia joins a group of young people who secretly print and distribute articles on women’s health by hiding them within the pages of ordinary books. In the meantime, the Comstock Laws threaten anybody who owns or circulates “obscene, lewd or lascivious” publications. Celia and the other booksellers band together. Still, a mysterious stranger means the fate of the famed Book Row is anything but safe.

SHIP OF DREAMS

BY DONNA JONES ALWARD

Hannah Martin is hoping that six days on the Titanic will mend her marriage to Charles. She’s eager to repair what’s been shattered and hide a secret that could impact their future forever. In turn, feisty and obdurate Louisa Phillips is fleeing due to her family’s insistence on a passionless marriage. But this risky move could sever the most genuine bond in her life. When the “invincible” ship strikes the iceberg, amid the bedlam and freezing waters, lives are indelibly altered. In the face of looming disaster, both Hannah and Louisa must decide which dreams are worth saving and at what cost. This evocative work of historical fiction will resonate with readers for its poignant examination of love, choice, and endurance against all odds.

By Julie Foldesi & Stacie Morgain Lewis

THE WESTPORT BOOK SHOP

CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF INCLUSION, COMMUNITY AND IMPACT

BY E.J. CRAWFORD

The vision was bold but simple: Use the Westport Library’s well-established, successful used book sales as a platform to become an even greater force for good in the community.

With that, the Westport Book Shop was born. Now, five years later, it stands as a true Westport success story, a half-decade of making a difference and empowering those with disabilities.

staff, community partner and donors, that mission has grown into something remarkable.”

The genesis of the Westport Book Shop dates to 1993. That was when the Friends of The Westport Library held the Library’s first used book sale. That small event quickly grew into a can’t-miss attraction that draws thousands of avid readers each year.

“Five years ago, the Westport Book Shop opened our doors with a simple but powerful objective: to create a place where inclusion, purpose and community could thrive,” said Jocelyn Barandiaran, president of Westport Book Sale Ventures, the official name of the organization that runs the Book Shop and the Library book sales. “Thanks to our patrons, volunteers,

A transformative change occurred in 2019, with the creation of Westport Book Sale Ventures. Westport Book Sale Ventures was constructed as a separate nonprofit organization dedicated to utilizing the Library’s used book sale operation not only to raise funds for the Westport Library, but also to provide competitive employment and workplace skills training for adults and young adults with disabilities, including diverse learning abilities. This expansion led to a new venture, the Westport Book Shop, which opened its doors on January 28, 2021, and currently resides at 23 Jesup Road, across Jesup Green from the Library.

Today, the Westport Book Shop boasts more than 50 individual volunteers, working under the guidance of the Book Shop comanagers Katherine Caro and Ashley Wilson. Best of all, to date the shop has provided more than 12,500 hours of meaningful,

competitive employment for 15 adults with disabilities.

“The growth of the Book Shop has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Bill Harmer, executive director of the Westport Library. “We are of course forever grateful for the work of the Westport Book Sale Ventures team in helping to grow the biannual book sale, but beyond that, we’re thrilled to see the difference they’ve made in the community and how they’ve given back to so many in a tangible, meaningful way.”

That work is at the very core of the Book Shop’s mission.

“We are, of course, a bookstore, with an amazing collection of gently used books that reflect the wide variety of interests of our community of generous book donors,” said Sharuna Mahesh, vice president and secretary of Westport Book Sale Ventures. “And like any business, we strive to be successful and profitable. But our work is also focused on people — providing meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community space for readers, artists, and volunteers.”

The numbers bear that out. Through September 2025, the Book Shop registered more than 34,000 customer transactions, sold more than 115,000 items, and, together with the continuing traditional Big Book Sale Events, contributed more than $325,000 to The Westport Library.

The Book Shop has also become a beacon for writers and artists. More than 25 local authors in all have been showcased there, with events ranging from appearances to talks to readings, and more than 60 local artists and photographers have exhibited their work in the space.

The community has noticed. More than 15 local nonprofits have teamed up with the Book Shop, including the Library, Wakeman Town Farm, Garden Club, Read to Grow, United Nations Association of Southwest Connecticut, Earthplace, Tree Board, the Westport Department of Human Services, Club 203, Sweet P Bakery, Remarkable Theater, St. Thomas Aquinas and more.

True to its mission, the Book Shop has provided an outlet for growth and learning as well. It serves as a vocational training site for the Staples High School Connections transition program, which helps provide life skills and vocational training for young adults in the high school special education program, and the shop also hosts area high school students for senior spring internships.

In fact, there are more than a dozen high school students among the 50 Book Shop volunteers. Many more teens from Westport and area high school transition programs— including Fairfield and Norwalk—are counted among the 100 community members who regularly volunteer at the biannual book sale events.

Add it all up, and the result is a place that is as remarkable as it is admired. With five years down and countless more extraordinary years to come.

“It’s been so rewarding and absolutely inspirational to see what the Book Shop has become,” said Barandiaran. “The five years have flown by, and we’ve been so fortunate. The community has really rallied around us, to help us build something meaningful. And we have an amazing team of dedicated volunteers who care about our

mission, the people we serve — and of course, about books!

“Every book purchased, every hour volunteered, every conversation shared in the Shop contributes to a world where everyone belongs.”

For more on the Westport Book Shop’s fifth anniversary, visit its fifth anniversary webpage at westportbooksaleventures.org/ wbsturns5. And donate today (westportbooksaleventures. org/donate) to help the Book Shop achieve its goal of raising

$50,000 for its fifth anniversary to support its mission.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Westport Book Sale Ventures, please email volunteers@ westportbooksales.org.

And if you have gently used books for donation, please drop them off at the donation center located in the upper parking lot between the Library and the Levitt Pavilion, close to the Library’s café entrance.

AMERICA 250 WAYS TO CELEBRATE: FROM ARTSY TO ACTIVE

BY JILL JOHNSON MANN

Those of us of a certain age may recall decorating our bikes for a Bicentennial bike parade in 1976 (not naming any names here). This year, on July 4, 2026, our country celebrates its Semiquincentennial (a mouthful for young bike paraders out there!). Commemorations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence kicked off last July. Here are some America 250-themed events to explore in our towns in the coming months, before festivities wrap up with a breathtaking bang on Compo Beach at our annual fourth of July fireworks.

FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

America250: The Promise and Paradox is underway at Fairfield University. This series of arts and cultural programs celebrates and examines the rich history of the United States. With the university’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts celebrating its 35th anniversary and Fairfield University Art Museum its 10th, there are multiple reasons to put a visit on your calendar.

For Which It Stands is an exhibition of over 70 works by diverse artists, focusing on depictions of the American flag and how it

ONE - MAN SHOW

WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY

Experience an evening filled with laughter, tears, and reflections on the journey to becoming America's top lifestyle expert.

Friday, May 22, 2026

Showtime: 7-8:30 p.m. | VIP After-Party: 8:30-10 p.m.

Tickets available at shuct.org or by calling the theatre box office at (203) 371-7817

Scan QR Code to Purchase Tickets

Ticket Prices: $50 General Admission | $150 with VIP After-Party

has symbolized both patriotism and protest. The free exhibition is open now and will run through July 25. A free lecture on March 19, “The Soiling of Old Glory: The Story of a Photograph That Shocked America” will examine Stanley Forman’s iconic 1976 photo, which reveals the racial tensions of 1970s America.

“Through these artworks, we invite visitors to engage deeply with the pressing issues of justice, representation and unity—issues that are as relevant today as they were when our nation was founded,” says Carey Mack Weber, executive director of the Fairfield University Art Museum and exhibition curator. Learn more: fairfield.edu/museum/ for-which-it-stands/

Events at the Quick Center include “Great American Crooners” (March 19), “A Seat at the Table: Celebrating the Feast of Italian American Culture” with author and educator Gina Barreca, PhD (March 24), and Westport photographer Stephen Wilkes “America the Beautiful: Time, Memory, and History” (March 31).

See all events: quickcenter.fairfield.edu/ upcoming-events/

WESTPORT HISTORY MUSEUM

Looking for something active to get your rambunctious kids in the spirit of our country’s birthday—or to celebrate theirs?

The Real Revolution Escape Room at the Westport History Museum is open for local spies eager to help General George Washington by providing him with key intelligence about British movements. Your mission will last 60 minutes and is suitable for spies over age eight, in groups of two to ten. (Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.)

Open Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., not including July 4 (George is probably tied up that day). Tickets are $25. Reserve ahead: westporthistory.org/ event/real-revolution-escape-room/

To stay abreast of upcoming America 250 events and learn about Westport’s history over the last 250 years, visit: westport250.com W

122 Beachside Avenue—this Compass listing, with epic Gold Coast views, was part of a record-breaking $54 million sale last year.

THE STATE OF REAL ESTATE

WESTPORT , WESTON AND WILTON

CONTINUE TO DRAW A CROWD (INCLUDING SOME WITH SUITCASES OF CASH)

BY JILL JOHNSON MANN

The real estate roller coaster analogy has come up before, but the ride the Westport/Weston/Wilton market offers is not really that. Roller coasters go up and down. This ride mainly goes up. The line to jump on is still snaking from here to New York City and beyond. Riders are likely to experience the usual hefty price ascents with a shortage of places to jump off, but these riders have iron stomachs; they’re hanging on and playing hard. There may be a few unexpected twists and turns but, by and large, it’s a ride sellers and buyers have come to know well since the flood of Covid transactions drained the market of inventory.

However, Meredith Kamo at Compass is noticing some interesting shifts lately. “The market is so unpredictable at the moment. Seasonality is no longer a factor. One week open houses are packed: the next, they are empty,” she says. “I think a lot has to do with how buyers are feeling about the state of the world on any given week. When they are scared for the future, they want to hunker down, by either moving to the suburbs from the city or moving within town to something that offers them a different opportunity.”

THE NUMBERS

“Last year felt like the same market as 2024 with sharper edges,” says John Raus at Berkshire Hathaway. “Inventory remained tight and demand stayed strong, but buyers became more selective. The best homes still sold quickly, and everything else had to work a little harder.”

WESTPORT

• Median Single-Family Sale Price (YTD): $2,300,000 (+6.4% YoY)

• Average Sale Price (YTD): $2,746,382 (+10.6% YoY)

• Closed Sales (YTD): 299 (-2.9% YoY)

• Months of Inventory: ~1.6 months

• Percent of List Price Received: 102.2%

WESTON

• Median Single-Family Sale Price (YTD): $1,399,000 (+3.6% YoY)

• Average Sale Price (YTD): $1,531,804 (+4.3% YoY)

• Closed Sales (YTD): 145 (+7.4% YoY)

• Months of Inventory: ~1.7 months

• Percent of List Price Received: 102.7%

WILTON

• Median Single-Family Sale Price (YTD): $1,350,000 (+11.6% YoY)

• Average Sale Price (YTD): $1,452,260 (+8.6% YoY)

• Closed Sales (YTD): 205 (-12.8% YoY)

• Months of Inventory: ~1.1 months

• Percent of List Price Received: 106.5% (Statistics courtesy of the Riverside Realty Group)

home

“Westport really didn’t cool off; it just normalized at a very high level,” says Raus. All stats reflected an ever-stronger market in Weston. While transactions declined slightly in Wilton, median single-family-home price jumped 11.6 percent and homes flew off the market with an average of 1.1 months of inventory. Meredith Kamo comments, “Homes under $2 million are selling fast with multiple offers because, at this point, they are so few and far between. But over-$20 million homes are also selling (albeit slower) in Westport, which is historically unprecedented.”

In November, a record breaking $54 million landed a new family in town a stretch of the Gold Coast that encompasses five adjacent waterfront properties on Beachside Avenue (including a home once owned by Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas and lots where Harvey Weinstein’s mansion was razed). The listings were with Compass and the buyer was represented by Raus, who has a 6,950-square-foot home at 69 Beachside Avenue hitting the market now. The four-acre property, with pool, tennis court and gym, used to be part of the JC Penney estate.

THE LIFESTYLE

A buzzword now is lifestyle. Sellers are not just presenting a home layout; they are laying out a lifestyle. If what they are hawking conveys easy, breezy, comfortable and luxurious, then house hunters are buying.

“People want to feel comfortable and enjoy their homes to the fullest,” says Kamo. “They want amenities like golf simulators, cold plunges, saunas, gyms, pools and paddle courts—all the bells and whistles that make it so they don’t have to leave their houses. I think a lot of that is also due to the ‘hunker down’ mentality being fueled by uncertainty in the world.”

Michelle Genovese, of Michelle & Team at William Raveis, says, “Buyers today, especially from the city, want homes that feel light, updated and effortless. Open layouts, great kitchens, home offices and indoor/outdoor living are still important, along with pools, generators, EV chargers and modern primary suites.” City slickers also love walkability. If the town, beach, schools or Longshore are down the street, the homes are in demand. “Buyers continue to gravitate toward modern farm houses and transitional styles,” says Genovese. They want “wellness living,” with the saunas and gyms Kamo mentioned, and “abundant natural light and calm, thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces,” adds Genovese. Genovese continues, “What’s notable: it’s not always about size; it’s how a home lives. We recently sold a home close to town that was less then 5,000 square feet, but it lived beautifully. It attracted multiple offers from both New York City and local buyers, which seems to show what matters now is how a home feels, not how it measures.”

Raus adds, “In Westport, location plus lifestyle trumps pure square footage: that is walkability to town, beaches, Longshore,

schools or an easy commute setup.” Move-in ready is also a top priority. “In 2025, if a home needed updates but priced like turn-key, buyers moved on instead of making it work,” says Raus. “There was also increased awareness around future costs of insurance, utilities and maintenance. Buyers didn’t just shop price, they shopped future hassle.”

Hedyeh Renstrup at William Pitt Sotheby’s noticed a new “must-have”: the double suite. “Buyers are now explicitly asking for two primary suites—one for the owners and a second, equally luxurious, first-floor suite for aging parents,” she says. “We’ve seen a shift toward properties that can accommodate Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Whether it’s a sophisticated cottage for a returning adult child or a private wing for a live-in care provider, flexibility is the new ultimate luxury.”

above: 69 Beachside Avenue—this 7,000-squarefoot home with 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms is about to hit the market through John Raus at Berkshire Hathaway.

THE DEAL

Sellers are looking for certainty, so removing any guesswork is the name of game in closing a deal. Cash is king—and there seems to be plenty to go around. “A striking trend in 2025 was the rise of the all-cash luxury buyer, often Millennials or Gen-Xers,” says Renstrup. “This was largely fueled by an estimated $6 trillion in wealth changing hands globally in 2025 alone. To win in a low-inventory market,

many families are using ‘family-funded bids.’ They use generational wealth to make an all-cash offer to win the bidding war, then refinance into a traditional mortgage later.” She says about a third of young buyers used a gift or loan from family to secure their dream home here. Estate tax exemptions dropping by half at the start of 2026 fueled an unprecedented “flurry of high-end activity in December,” noted Renstrup.

For those who can’t dig enough coins from the family coffers or couch cushions, all is not lost. “Working with a lender who can fully underwrite a buyer in advance removes a major contingency and allows the offer to compete more like cash,” explains Raus. “Winning offers consistently show strong pre-approval or proof of funds, clean timelines, minimal ambiguity, and flexibility around closing when possible. Shortening inspection windows, rather than waiving it, and completing pre-offer walk throughs on competitive homes can help make your offer stronger.”

Raus sees deals fall through when surprises come up in inspections and contract terms are murky: “For sellers, I often recommend completing an inspection upfront, which builds trust with buyers and supports the home’s pricing by showing everything was considered from the start. The homes that sell almost immediately are priced correctly, present well and are matched with buyers ready to move decisively from day one.”

For families in flux and those looking to have their kids settled into a new school district by fall, figuring out where to live while awaiting their dream-home deal is tough. The rental inventory is tight but pandemic rental prices that drove people from here to the Hamptons to find more affordable options (!) seem to have settled down a bit. “Renters are active, but just like buyers, they’re selective,” says Raus. “Pricing and condition matter more than ever with the average monthly rental price falling between $6 and $7,000.” Of course a summer rental on the Sound may nab quadruple that.

2026 AND BEYOND

Raus expects the real estate market in our area to continue to be strong, with properly priced homes moving fast. “Heading into 2026, I don’t see there being any shortage of buyer competition as inventory comes to market this spring. Buyers will continue to pay up for turn-key and negotiate for what’s not, so getting pricing right from the start is critical,” he says. “If mortgage rates ease further, you may see more sellers leave their historic low rates, but any economic uncertainty could easily create a two-speed market where the best homes sell fast and everything else needs to be priced more thoughtfully.”

In her crystal ball, Renstrup sees a “great unlocking” in our future. “We expect 2026 to see an 8.9 percent increase in existing home inventory as more Boomers finally decide to ‘gift’ their larger estates to the market, while moving into more manageable, high-amenity local condos,” she explains. “We aren’t seeing a crash; the influx of generational wealth will keep Westport’s price floor high, ensuring the town remains one of the most resilient real estate markets in the Northeast.” W

“the

GARDEN VARIETY

2 3 4 5 9 10 7 1 8

“while we don’t have access to our favorite scandinavian twinflowers—a tender pale pink bloom—we do have moss, sweet woodruff, wild ferns, violets and sweet pea. adding these to your table can add a delicate and unexpected touch of spring.”

—rhonda eleish and edie van breems, eleish van breems home

1 WILLIAMS SONOMA Scalloped glass charger; $19.95. Westport; williams-sonoma.com

2 ICHENDORF

Milano Botanica wine glass; $48 each. Bloomingdale’s, Norwalk; bloomingdales.com

3 PETER DUNHAM x HUDSON GRACE

Pink Shani floral napkin; $32. Greenwich; hudsongracesf.com

4 DIOR

Lily of the Valley carafe; $550. dior.com

5 AUGARTEN WIEN

Melon coffee cup & saucer; $850. Eleish Van Breems Home, Westport; evbantiques.com

6 BORDALLO PINHEIRO Maria Flor cake stand; $120. Sur La Table, Darien; surlatable.com

7 BITOSSI HOME Dinner plate; $69. bitossihome.it

8 &KLEVERING Flora spoons; $30 for set of two. smallable.com

9 ARTEL

Double Old Fashioned, glass; $190. abc carpet & home, Greenwich; abchome.com

10 TERRAIN

Lily of the Valley taper holder; starting at $68. Westport; shopterrain.com

A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON ARTISTIC MASTERPIECES

PARISIAN-BASED UNSAID LAUNCHES STATESIDE

BY SAMANTHA YANKS

In an era when true luxury is increasingly defined by intention rather than excess, Unsaid emerges as a quietly radical force, reimagining fine jewelry not as ornament, but as art infused with meaning, memory and responsibility.

Founded in Paris and guided by a vision of conscious creation, Unsaid is a New Age luxury house pioneering the future of high jewelry. Each piece is sustainably crafted using lab-grown diamonds, recycled 18K gold, recycled water, renewable energy and natural gases, proving that environmental responsibility and exceptional beauty are not mutually exclusive but intrinsically connected.

At the heart of Unsaid lies a philosophy rooted in human emotion and lived experience. Rather than following traditional design conventions, the brand draws inspiration from life’s defining moments— love, transformation, resilience, passion— translating them into sculptural forms through innovative, proprietary diamond cuts. The result is jewelry that feels deeply personal: a modern memento meant to mark one’s past, present and future.

With retail touchpoints in Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Tokyo, Unsaid’s global presence continues to grow, finally landing here in Connecticut. In 2024, the maison unveiled its first flagship boutique in Paris’s historic Place Vendôme district. Designed as a carbon-neutral, technologydriven space, the flagship promises an immersive retail experience that challenges the conventions of luxury while honoring its heritage.

JEWELRY AS NARRATIVE: THE COLLECTIONS

Each Unsaid collection tells a distinct story one rooted in mythology, emotion and transformation.

ARMOR — TO LOVE AND PROTECT

The Armor Collection draws inspiration from medieval armor and ancient warriors, reinterpreted as a modern symbol of love and protection. Featuring Unsaid’s signature Armor-cut flat, portrait-style diamonds inspired by a warrior’s shield—the pieces radiate strength and balance, holding light in harmonious form.

FLAME — BURNING PASSION

The Flame Collection captures the force that lives within us all that inner fire that unsettles, excites, and ultimately propels us forward. Its asymmetrical, patented Flame cut is unlike any other, designed to manipulate light through an off-center focal point, creating movement and intensity that mirror passion itself.

META — CHANGE IS HERE

Sculptural and geometric, Meta reflects life’s constant evolution. Classic diamond cuts round, radiant, pear, and trillion are reimagined with modern asymmetry, symbolizing transformation and growth. Each piece marks a moment of becoming.

left: Flame Royale Lariat

Necklace; middle top: Phoenix Feather Pavé Ring; middle: Tear Diamond Halo Pavé Drop Ring; middle bottom: Whirlwind Twist Pavé Ring; bottom left: Armor Eternity Diamond Band; this photo: Meta Diamond Eternity Necklace Statement

PHOENIX — THE FIRE WITHIN

Inspired by the mythological phoenix, this collection embodies rebirth, resilience and renewal. Elongated diamonds form a powerful silhouette of rising wings through Unsaid’s signature Phoenix cut four distinct lines converging in strength and ascent.

TEAR — BEYOND WORDS

The Tear Collection captures life’s most delicate and inexpressible emotions. Redefining the traditional pear cut, Tear diamonds soften the hardest known material into translucent forms that reflect vulnerability, purity and emotional truth.

WHIRLWIND — IT’S IN THE AIR

Dynamic and unpredictable, Whirlwind reflects the twists and turns that bring life into motion. Featuring over 650 hand-set stones on a curved, micro-pavé silhouette, each piece is a feat of technical mastery graduated diamonds creating a mesmerizing play of light and movement.

NAGI Jewelers, Connecticut 828 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT.

Bold, basic and impossible to ignore

STAUD

Patent Ollie Bag, $250, Darien; dariensportshop.com

ASHA BY ASHLEY MCCORMICK 14k Gold Dipped Wrapped Lapis Stone, $195, Greenwich; ashabyadm.com

RAY-BAN

Wayfarer Puffer, $202, Greenwich; sunglasshut.com

STAUD

Sail Color Blocked Polo Shirt, $295, Norwalk; bloomingdales.com

LA LIGNE Cropped Flare Trouser, $295, Greenwich; lalignenyc.com

LARROUDE

KERRI ROSENTHAL Cotton Frankie Beau-Lero Sweater, $368, Westport; kerrirosenthal.com

Leather Macrame Ballet Flats, $375; larroude.com

Rory Maxi Shirt Dress, $398,

dariensportshop.com

ALICE + OLIVIA

Cotton Twill Ellie Coat, $1,195, Greenwich; aliceandolivia.

VERONICA BEARD

Cropped Heathcliff Lambskin Trench, $2,248.00, Greenwich; veronicabeard.com

Wkdbiglia Double Breasted Trench Coat, $775, Norwalk; bloomingdales.com

Suede Trench, $2,598, Greenwich; frame-store.com com

LOTAN Tanner Trench Coat, $1,100, Greenwich; nililotan.com

SPOTS

SEAMAN SCHEPPS

PETER SUCHY JEWELERS

Opal and Diamond Marquise Halo TwoTone Gold Cocktail Ring, $2,850, Stamford;

petersuchyjewelers.com

Lily of The Valley Pearl and 18K Yellow-Gold Earrings, $6,250, Greenwich; famillegreenwich.com

SHREVE, CRUMP & LOW

LEO PIZZO

Open-Circle Bezel Diaond Dangle Necklace, $2,795, Fairfield; hcreidjewelers.com

14K Yellow-Gold and Diamond Large Starfish Necklace, $6,600, Greenwich; shrevecrumpandlow .com

BULGARI VINTAGE

18K Gold Beaded Drop Earrings, $17,500, Greenwich; Steven Fox Jewelry, 203-302-9439

SHINY

L’ATELIER NAWBAR

NEW SEASON

Cobalt Atom Bangle, $5,5100, Westport; lbgreen.com

Yellow Gold with Prasiolite by David Yurman, $2,950, Stamford; nagijewelers.com

Turning every day into a spotligt moment

RUSS HOLLANDER

MASTER GOLDSMITH

18K Green Gold Old European Cushion Cut and Round Diamond Ring, $12,400,Stamford; 203-363-2200

JL ROCKS

14K Yellow-Gold With Lab Diamond Ring, $1,650, Westport and Greenwich; jlrocks.com

MANFREDI JEWELS

14K Yellow-Gold Flexible Ring with Diamond and Clover Turquoise, $3,050, Greenwich and New Canaan; manfredijewels.com

VHERNIER

18K Rose-Gold Doppio Senso Link Bracelet, $11,900, Greenwich; betteridge.com

PRINTS

Because subtlety is overrated

TORY BURCH

Printed Silk ButtonDown Top, $695; Printed Silk Pant, $595, Greenwich; toryburch.com

TANYA TAYLOR

Crochet Tank, $345; Wide-Leg Pant, $395, Greenwich; tanyataylor.com

DOLCE & GABBANA

Silk Button-Up Shirt, $2,245, Cotton Poplin Short, $1,145; Westport; shop.mitchellstores.com

LA DOUBLE J

Silk Twill Boy Shirt, $845; Pencil Skirt, $690; ladoublej.com

ROAD G

FREE PEOPLE

Devella Cotton Linen Blend Set, $168, Westport; freepeople.com

Oversized ButtonFront Shirt and Boxer-Style Shorts, $198, Greenwich; oliveandbettes.com

FARM RIO

Sand Wonder Rio Crochet Shirt, $160; Crochet Short, $148; farmrio.com

TIMELESS STYLE, THOUGHTFULLY MADE

ROOTED IN CRAFTSMANSHIP, CONSCIENCE, AND ENDURING STYLE, ANOTHER TOMORROW

FINDS A NATURAL HOME IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BY SAMANTHA YANKS

New England has always understood the quiet power of things made well.

From stone walls softened by time to wardrobes built on pieces that endure season after season, our region’s aesthetic is rooted in restraint, discernment, and integrity. As showcased in a recent Connecticut trunk show, it’s precisely this sensibility that makes New England’s growing love affair with Another Tomorrow feel less like a discovery and more like a reunion.

Founded in 2020, Another Tomorrow is a B-Corp–certified luxury fashion brand built at the intersection of craft, conscience and innovation. With a vision to redefine what responsibility means in modern luxury, the brand proves that elegance and ethics are not opposing forces but inseparable partners. Every collection reflects a belief that true luxury must honor people, animals, and the planet, without compromising on beauty or design excellence.

For the women of Fairfield County and beyond, this philosophy resonates deeply.

“Another Tomorrow is extremely well-suited for the Fairfield County woman who is looking for effortless sophistication. New Canaan marks the third visit by the brand, notes Eleanor Banco, Growth and Brand Strategist, who has introduced everything from fine jewelry brands like Orly Marcel to global luxury houses such as Fendi to Connecticut through a curated series of trunk shows and elevated retail experiences. “The pieces easily fit into a suburban and rural lifestyle, for the woman who is dashing around and wants to look polished and feel

comfortable. Or she needs pieces to fit into a workplace or cosmopolitan lifestyle. It’s such a versatile range for savvy women who have choices regarding how to spend their money and who care about the messaging and quality of the fabrication. Bringing the brand to our neck of the woods is really such a natural fit, it’s always a pleasure.”

That versatility is central to Another Tomorrow’s appeal. Each piece is designed with architectural precision and effortless ease, conceived to stand the test of time rather than chase trends. Scarcity is organic, not manufactured. Design is intelligent, not excessive. Integrity becomes the ultimate expression of style.

Transparency anchors every decision. From fabric development to production, each garment is shaped by a rigorous value system and verified through a unique Digital ID, allowing clients full visibility into its provenance journey. It’s luxury for women who want to know not just what they’re wearing, but why it matters.

Worn by women such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Margot Robbie, Julianne Moore, Ava DuVernay, Jessica Chastain, and Laura Dern, Another Tomorrow reflects a shared belief in elegance with purpose.

In New England, where discernment is a way of life and quality is never loud, Another Tomorrow feels right at home. It’s fashion that moves seamlessly from rural roads to cosmopolitan rooms, from busy mornings to thoughtful evenings designed for women who understand that the future of luxury is not about having more, but choosing better. anothertomorrow.co

money matters

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

SPOTTING THE RED FLAGS

March heralds spring cleaning: time to assess, organize, clean and purge areas you might have overlooked during the year.

P.S. Remember to include your financial adviser in that assessment.

As the seasons change and the years pass, your financial needs and goals change, too. Your financial gameplan should be adjusting as well, with investments and strategies tailored by a person who understands your unique

situation, says Hillary McGrail, senior relationship manager at King Financial Network in New Canaan.

“There can be 100 people in a room, and each person has had their own individual experience with finances, money and financial matters. It’s very personal,” McGrail says. The adviser’s job, she notes, is “making sure we understand everything that’s important to you in your financial life.”

When that’s not happening, it could be time to cut the cord.

How can you tell if your adviser is lacking? Look for the red flags, she says. McGrail spent the early part of her career guiding institutional investments and advisers nationwide before migrating to the client side. The switch proved eye-opening.

Prior to moving to King, she witnessed so-called advisers talking down to their customers or ignoring one partner over the other, only to backpedal when an unexpected money event, such as a big tax bill, arose.

BEFORE THE BREAKUP

“Red Flag No. 1: lack of communication and attention,” says McGrail. Good advisers reach out at least quarterly, even if that’s just with an email or a phone call to touch base. During meetings, your adviser should be “doing a lot less talking than you. You should be conveying what’s important to you, what’s new with you.” If your expert is doing more talking than listening, McGrail says, maybe it’s time to move on.

Red Flag No. 2: leading with a product instead of a query. When you buy something from your advisor and they make money, that’s transactional, not personal, and “it’s still the way many advisers are trained,” McGrail laments.

That leads her to Red Flag No. 3: lack of transparency and clarity on what you own and what your fees pay for. If you don’t know, it’s time to ask. Be upfront with your questions, McGrail recommends. Say “I don’t know what I’m paying for. What is the cost to me? How are you compensated? How does

your fee structure work? Where are my assets held?”

Your adviser should be forthcoming with these answers and have a team of experts— CPAs, estate attorneys and more—at the ready to help provide a holistic approach. At the end of the day, you—and they—should understand your risks and market exposure, your cash flow needs and upcoming goals and your plan for reaching those goals.

Breakups don’t happen fast. Steps leading to a split might include high fees, bad customer service, lagging portfolio performance or simply your money manager’s complacency, especially when the market performs well and gains seem to come on autopilot.

The average age of a financial adviser is 51, according to Integrated Financial Group. If your adviser is on the golf course instead of talking you through the financial challenges keeping you up at night, McGrail says, wave your own flag goodbye. W

Before you cut the cord with your current adviser, consider your next move: will you do it yourself or go with a robo plan? Or enlist the services of a money manager who actually serves you? Ask people you know and trust for recommendations. Do your homework and arrange some interviews. In your meetings, is the potential adviser really listening to you and asking about your fears, hopes and dreams? If not, keep moving.

Once you find someone new, that person can transfer your investments and take care of the paperwork, without you ever having to say goodbye to adviser No. 1. “If it’s someone close in your network or community, you can be gracious and say, ‘Thank you. You’ve helped us so much,’” McGrail says.’” But you don’t have to.

Velvety melodies, smoky rhythms, and the incomparable songs of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Bobby Darin. Join us as a new generation of remarkable young crooners – Benny Benack III, Robbie Lee, and Shenel Johns - take on the lyrical likes of “Moon River,” “Misty,” and “I Only Have Eyes for You.”

March 19 • 8 p.m.

people&PLACES

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE / ANDREA CARSON

Century of Excellence

M1

ore than 400 guests celebrated the 100th anniversary of Greens Farms Academy. The evening featured short films, dinner, dancing and a sing-along. A successful paddle raise generated $2.165 million in support of the Centennial Fund for Faculty Excellence. gfacademy.org »

1 Dee Rivera 2 Ginger Wilk, Heather Noriega, Diane Brackett 3 Tim Howe, Karen Howe, Holly Fitting

4 Everett Schenk, Stacey Tie, Starkie Schenk, Sally, Aadam and Melissa Schenk

5 Fred Hodges 6 Catherine Santarsiero, Deb O’Brien, Bernadette DiRe, Sandra Best Bailly, Brian Corr

7 Susan Ness, Sally Schenk, Judy Evnin 8 Emcee Bill

Brennan 9 The runway

models 10 Allison and Leslie

Knowles 11 James Ghant, Tim Cabot

A Fresh Start

Family Reentry recently held its second annual RISE & Bloom Fashion Show at The FTC Warehouse in Fairfield. Family Reentry/ Community Resources for Justice is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of incarceration, violence and trauma through compassionate, client-centered support. The organization works with individuals impacted by incarceration, mental health challenges, domestic violence and reentry—restoring lives, families and communities in the process. familyreentrycrj.org W

DESIGNING THE NEXT CHAPTER

SPANNING

DECADES OF UNFORGETTABLE SCREEN PERFORMANCES AND A NEW FASHION LINE, GRETCHEN MOL OPENS UP ABOUT AMBITION, MOTHERHOOD, TAKING CREATIVE RISKS, AND WHY THE MOST MEANINGFUL WORK COMES FROM LIVING FULLY — ON AND OFF THE SCREEN.

by Samantha Yanks

Samantha Yanks: Your early breakout roles introduced you as a very specific screen presence: luminous, restrained and quietly powerful. When you look back at that period, what were you still discovering about yourself as an actress?

Gretchen Mol: Honestly, everything. It was such a time of discovery. It’s one thing to study and do what feels like amazing breakthrough work in a classroom, but taking it out to the workplace was another ball of wax.  Most of the time that meant getting out of my own way.  All of the elements that the job would bring, the nerves, the excitement, the stakes, the pressure that I put on myself … it was often hard to hold on to the fundamentals for me. I can remember one of my first film roles on an Abel Ferrara set, and I had to walk down the hall, hit the mark and speak to a piece of tape. Chris Penn was sitting in the room feeding me his lines, but I couldn’t see him, and I remember feeling my head shaking and my eyes crossing because I was speaking to the piece of tape on the camera, and I could also see myself in the lens. It was totally disconcerting, and I didn’t want anyone to know how green I was … I didn’t want them to think they made a mistake! It was so frightening. But I guess it was thrilling too, because I kept going back for more. No acting class could’ve prepared me for it. You learned by doing. Just keep showing up, getting experience. It was the only way. It’s time under tension.

SY: As your career evolved, you often gravitated toward complex women who revealed more in silence than in dialogue. Was that an instinct you consciously followed, or something that revealed itself over time?

GM: I grew up in a household where the ethos was very rooted in Less is More. Across the board. Maybe because we didn’t have more, it was a way of making it dignified. In any case, we were abundant with love. But I have always loved this Emily Dickinson poem about being hungry, and then once inside, drawing the table near, having a taste, she realized she didn’t want the meal after all. It was the wanting that held so much power. I always related to that. Understood the difference between need and want, as it were. I think the power of many of the films I loved and appreciated didn’t lie in the words, but the imagery, the music. One of my favorite films was The Black Stallion growing up. The entire sequence on the beach with the horse, no dialogue. As a child that really resonated. It was so striking when he finally did come back to civilization. An actor has many tools to express themselves, including their clothing, their movements, and how and when they speak.

SY: There were moments in the middle of your career that felt more intimate, more internal. How did those roles reshape your relationship to ambition and success?

GM: I think you may be asking about family, children and balancing it with the desire to work. It’s a rare and funny job where I taste both lives. There have been large chunks of time when I stayed at home as a parent. In fact, it was the best thing about not being employed! And then there have been intense

“An actor has many tools to express themselves, including their clothing, their movements, and how and when they speak.”

times of work which took me away from my family. There have been moments when I couldn’t wait for the job to end, it wasn’t rewarding, but the money was good and necessary. It’s all case by case. I love being with my family; I love the intimacy. I have tried to strike a balance that works for us all. I have an amazing partner in Kip, my husband. He is the best father and husband I could have dreamed of, and we work it all out together.

SY: When Boardwalk Empire came along, it marked a shift into a woman who commanded space in a new way. What did that role unlock for you creatively?

GM: That was one of the lovely times when there was balance. My kids were young, we lived in New York City, the job was in Brooklyn, and it was probably one of the best roles of my career. The writing was so strong it was like having the wind beneath my wings. It was a wonderful foundation to be able to explore and go deeper creatively because I felt very supported by the environment, and I was grounded in my family life. Prior to playing Gillian Darmody, I had never played someone as morally questionable and complex. She was a tough one. She was a survivor. I decided that about her early on, because I personally wanted to survive on the show. I wanted as many seasons as I could get! So every opportunity I had to instill that part of her character, I doubled down on it. I felt they began writing to that idea. It was very good for me at that time in my life to express anger. It was not something I had been asked to do in my career. Women often default to pain and tears before

they can reach that deeper well. It was scary for me to go there. But ultimately an opportunity to grow as an actor and grow in my understanding of myself.

SY: Looking back now, how do you see Boardwalk Empire as a defining chapter of your career and the kind of stories you want to tell moving forward?

GM: My time on that show shaped many things for me. It set the bar high….and honestly, it’s a difficult truth that they won’t all be as glorious as that one. As an actor, you want these moments when you feel the thing you put your blood, sweat and tears into reaches an audience, and they connect with it. That’s the point. And in that case, I liked it too. I believed in it. And I really have always tried to find those projects to believe in. They don’t always work out. The beauty of the collaborative nature of this business is that sometimes it surprises and surpasses your expectations. Then there are the times it doesn’t. But I do know that I am not interested in doing work that is not going to expand and challenge me in some way.

SY: Fashion has always been distinct in your story. You’ve worn so many unforgettable looks on-screen, and now you’ve launched your own clothing line.

GM: I did a movie many moons ago directed by Jason Alexander, and I remember him saying that as an actor, you absolutely must have other things that you are thinking about and pursuing. It is simply too maddening and dissatisfying to wait to be called on for work. The older I got, the more I felt the urge to discover what other creative endeavors might challenge me and keep

“The dresses are derived from the silhouette of a classic 1940s housedress, but, each detail and fabric choice changes them wildly.”

my creative juices flowing in between jobs. Some actors long to write or direct, but I knew that I wanted something away from the business. I had had the idea for a kind of housedress for women, an item of clothing that was easy to throw on and had glamour but also felt a bit practical. I wanted it to have a vintage feel, because I love for clothes to transport. I love clothes as a means of expression. I also know that I want to be able to function and go about my day as if I am in sweats, but I don’t want to feel like I haven’t gotten dressed. That was the problem I gave myself. To make a garment for that.

SY: Looking back, can you trace an arc in your relationship with fashion through your work?

GM: Absolutely.  It all goes back to childhood. Playing pretend and playing dress-up. I got lost for hours doing that. I even played store as a kid, beyond what I would have wanted anyone to know!! I had a girlfriend, and we would hang clothes from our closet around the room and stack little neat piles and put price tags, etc. And we would name the store, and that was how we had fun!   But as I began to work as an actress, I was very fascinated with the costume fitting process. The transformation. Why one item worked and another wasn’t right. How much the clothing informs the character.

SY: That idea of intention feels very present. How did your acting background shape the design process?

GM: The best designers I have had the honor of working with, understood the details of a

garment and its place in history. They took such care over those details being correct. And you could see and feel the difference. I have played characters from many different eras, and I always loved the detailing in clothing from another time. Specifically the ’30s and ’40s. They had a femininity and also a quiet power. I think of Katharine Hepburn. Effortless elegance. I was aiming for that.

SY: How would you describe the woman you designed this line for?

GM: She has a full life and doesn’t want it to be interrupted by her appearance, but enhanced. She is drawn to bringing romance into her everyday life. Taking daily tasks out of the mundane. I think of her as being sensual, assured, self-possessed.

SY: Tell us a bit about a few of your favorite pieces.

GM: The dresses are derived from the silhouette of a classic 1940s housedress, but each detail and fabric choice changes them wildly. Our silk collection, which we just released, has the coolest almost-camouflage pattern, which is such a wonderful juxtaposition with the soft silhouette of the design. I love it for its sexiness, as it is actually quite a lot of coverage with its midi length and long sleeves, but the weightlessness of the material and the easy wrap style make it a dress by women for women.   I’m also a huge fan of the Terry cloth version. Perfect for vacation, poolside, the beach, etc. but I have worn it in the summer on the subway and there’s something a little subversive about it.

SY: As the line expands, what do you see as it evolves?

GM: I am really enjoying this time in the process. It is truly slow fashion, everything manufactured in New York City. Just as it evolved very organically from an idea I had over 10 years ago, I hope to keep growing it, bringing it to the awareness of more women. It is so exciting for me to see women try it on and feel good in it and be delighted by it!

SY: You’re also returning to the screen with Horsegirls, which explores interior worlds in such a haunting way. Did working on that project influence your creative mindset?

GM: Any time you are tasked with a role that asks you to go into your own personal repertoire of experience, which I did for Sandy, it connects you to this deeper part of self, if only for that time you have on the project. But something stays beyond it. You carry it with you. I was able to call up my mother, who passed in 2021, on a daily basis while working on this film. I so appreciated that.

SY: Sandy, a mother facing an uncertain health diagnosis while watching her daughter, Margarita, step into adulthood. How did you approach portraying that tension between letting go and holding on?

GM: I think that is the challenge of parenting, or one of the many, but maybe the ultimate one.  And in the case of this particular relationship, there is, for the mother, I great deal of fear around letting go and trusting that her daughter will be OK with out her, because in many ways it has

been a co-dependent relationship. But I think that parents with children with disabilities know, and frankly parents in general know, that balancing the vise grip with the benign neglect is one of the things we will likely never do perfectly. In my portrayal of Sandy, I didn’t want to shy away from the truth: that as much as we love, we still make mistakes.

SY: The film explores independence, family and finding identity through the unexpected world of competitive hobby-horse dance. What drew you to this story?

GM: Horsegirls is primarily from the perspective of young woman who has autism. I play her mother. The film captures her inner world with such wonderful nuance. I have yet to see another film that manages this.

SY: Finally, when you look ahead, what excites you most?

GM: Truly, the journey of all of it. The unknown. There can be no plan. Of course, I have learned the art of agency…if you have something you want to do, do it! Start! Let life come along and slow you down and interrupt you. I try not to worry too much about the results. They will be what they will be. Put in the effort, try and enjoy it along the way. Surround yourself with people you love. It really is the journey.

The Gretchen M. fashion line is available online at GretchenM. com. On Instagram visit, @gretchenmnewyork to explore the brand further. Join us on Instagram @westportmagazine for Gretchen Mol’s Spring debut of Gretchen M.

Earth tones are Levin’s favorite palette. A curved niche finished in plaster compliments the curves of a Verellen sofa. Vintage pieces in a mixture of bronze and clay line oak shelves.

SIMONA LEVIN WINDING LANE DESIGN SHOWCASES

LIVED-IN LUXURY IN LONG LOTS

by Jill Johnson Mann

Photography: Rikki Snyder Interior Design: Winding Lane Design: Simona Levin Floral: B Lady Florals Builder: Able Construction

In 2013, Simona Levin moved with her family of five from Tribeca to Westport. The New York native was attracted to the beautiful beach, charming downtown and Connecticut’s Colonial stone walls—scenery a tad different from the Upper West Side, where she grew up. Levin poured herself into designing her dream home, built from the ground up. “I really leaned into that,” she says.

Levin, who studied American history at Bucknell and fine arts at LaGuardia High School, had hit pause on her beauty/fashion PR career to raise her three kids. But then an acquaintance noticed her impeccable taste and asked for help with a design project … and by 2014, the new suburbanite had her own business: Winding Lane Design. Apparently you can lead a Manhattanite to Long Island Sound, but you can’t make her slow down.

Instead, Levin, who now lives in Weston, devotes her time to conjuring up dream houses for clients, while also raising three teens. Her latest is this beautiful home in the Long Lots area in Westport, a new construction that Levin describes as “a newly imagined Connecticut classic with a nod to California ease.”

Winding Lane Design was brought in after initial floor plans to fine tune the overall tone of the home including softening the silhouettes, selecting all the material and adding impactful architectural details.

Levin describes her aesthetic as: “Collected and soulful, with a touch toward earthy, natural elements. It’s lived-in luxury. I’m more of a monochromatic designer; color usually comes by way of art or accessories, not in one big, bold moment. I try not to do anything overly precious. Every project has its statement pieces, special pieces that are intended to be held onto, but I try not to make anything too fussy.”

At the same time, Levin prides herself on attention to detail. “I try to put a special flourish in everything I make to separate it from something you would see somewhere else, whether it’s a gouged wood furniture leg, braided leather hardware or hand sketched rug designs. It’s always about those discerning details.”

For this home, she added elements like oak door casings, a ribbed-glass threshold, beautiful door hardware and European fixtures. “I elevated the design to a point where the client could feel like they weren’t going to find this in another home,” says Levin. “That’s always my objective: to design a space that holds

this page: Varying wood tones were incorporated throughout to ground the space and create warmth. Iconic Wishbone kitchen chairs and a set of counter stools from Four Hands lend comfort and style. Bronze Italian island pendants add the perfect touch to the serene kitchen. “We walked into an existing architectural plan,” explains Levin, “but we took each area and enhanced it. It was a gorgeous house by an amazing builder so all the components were there. I love the way we did the kitchen—the way it flows from the eating area to the kitchen, and you can see this beautiful limestone fireplace and a vista out the back that feels like it goes on for days. A curved bookshelf that we lime washed and plastered inside is really special and unexpected.”

oppposite page: A circular marble orb pendant with leather straps hangs in the foyer and strikes a balance with the linear staircase design. Levin says, “I always tell my clients: it’s like when you get dressed, as long as you have one thing on that you love, the room will always feel good to you. You just need one or two unique things in each room that you feel were really painstakingly hunted for and selected. Then I think everything else comes into play around that.”

A custom Portuguese light fixture is a nod to the outdoor landscape, blending bronze with linen-lined flower bulbs. “This house has a gorgeous, amazing view,” says Levin. “We really wanted to make sure that there was no break between the feeling inside and the feeling outside.”

something unique. There are so many beautiful homes in this area. The best part is finding new ways to infuse something fresh into each project while ensuring it remains timeless for years to come. For me, the home is a sum of its parts—and the selection of these parts makes all the differences.”

The main floor of the house is all about openness. “There are almost no doors on the first level, with the exception of the powder rooms and closets,” explains Levin. “I wanted to make it so that whatever room you were standing in, if you kept turning 360 degrees, that nothing ever felt like it was a departure. Each room is like a tangent off the main space.”

Builder Peter Greenberg, owner of Able Construction, comments: “Simona has a very fresh outlook. She added touches of whimsy. The main room, with windows all the way around, is so bright and feels very fresh. She is also very easy to deal with and respectful of the budget. Every job meeting was more laughter than anything else, and that came out in the work.”

This client’s objective was a home that felt personal, intimate, warm and peaceful. Levin says, “When I return to the home, I am always struck by how serene it feels.” For more, follow @windinglanedesign on Instagram.

POWER PODCASTS

FROM BOARDROOMS TO PLAYROOMS, AND STUDIOS TO NEWSROOMS, THESE FEMALE-LED PODS ARE PROVING THAT CONNECTICUT IS RICH WITH VOICES WORTH

HEARING AND CONVERSATIONS WORTH CONTINUING.

by Samantha Yanks

CONNECTICUT HAS QUIETLY BEEN HOME TO A powerful wave of women using their voices to spark connection, change and inspiration. It’s time for us to make some noise. From career reinvention and entrepreneurship to motherhood, wellness and community storytelling, these podcasters are shaping conversations that reach far beyond the state line. Meet the women behind some of Connecticut’s most compelling podcasts, each with something meaningful to say, and the audience to prove it.

NATHALIE CARPENTER

Podcast: All Over Again

What she covers: Reinvention, growth and starting fresh

Brand strategist and storyteller

Nathalie Carpenter brings her deep experience from luxury brands and global partnerships into intimate, insightful conversations with public figures. Recorded between Greenwich and New York City, All Over Again asks guests, from CEOs to creatives, what they would do again if given the chance, and what moments sparked their biggest transformations. The result is a podcast rooted in curiosity growth, and the belief that it’s never too late to begin again.

NINA BRADLEY CLARKE

Podcast: Nina’s Got Good News

What she covers: Positive stories that help us get better together

After a 15-year career in television news, Emmy-award winning journalist Nina Bradley Clarke decided to flip the script, sharing only the good stuff. Based in Norwalk, Nina’s Got Good News highlights uplifting stories and interviews with people making a positive impact, from Bobbi Brown and Elin Hilderbrand to menopause specialist Dr. Mary Claire Haver. Launched in 2018, the podcast’s mission is simple but powerful: to build community through optimism, storytelling and shared growth.

Nina covers positive stories and interviews people who are making an impact.

KRISTINA BONTEMPO & CHRISTINA TARABISHY

Podcast: Pretty In Pink Again

What the duo covers: Motherhood, identity and rediscovering yourself

Hosted by longtime friends and millennial moms, Pretty In Pink Again is where motherhood meets reinvention. With warmth, vulnerability, and honesty, Kristina and Christina, based in Avon, explore identity shifts after becoming mothers—covering mental health, marriage, wellness, career pivots, and hormone health. Featuring expert guests and a signature “Pink Spotlight” segment, the podcast has surpassed 15,000 downloads and built a deeply engaged community of women who tune in weekly to feel seen, supported, and less alone.

SHARON MACEY

Podcast: Mom to MORE®

What she covers: Midlife reinvention and what comes next

Award-winning podcast Mom to MORE® reframes motherhood as a powerful launchpad—not a pause. Based in Weston and Wilton, Sharon Macey explores reinvention beyond the hands-on parenting years, amplifying stories of women who’ve built meaningful next chapters over time. Ranking in the top 2% of podcasts globally, Mom to MORE® resonates across generations and borders, proving it’s never too late to start again—and never too early to imagine more.

ERIKA NARDINI

Podcast: WORK

What she covers: Unfiltered conversations about careers, culture and the future of work

What began during COVID as a short internal update while Erika Nardini was CEO of Barstool Sports evolved into a bold, boundary-pushing podcast about work at every stage. Formerly Token CEO, now rebranded as WORK, the Substack-based podcast delivers micro episodes packed with career advice, cultural commentary, and candid conversations. Based in New Canaan, Nardini blends humor, hard truths and real-world insight—meeting listeners where they are as the definition of work continues to change.

Wallo, one of the hosts of Million Dollarz Worth of Games with Erika.

NANCY SHEED

Podcast: The HAYVN Hubcast

What she covers: Where Leadership, entrepreneurship and community connect

Nancy Sheed never planned to start a podcast, but The HAYVN Hubcast in Geeenwich became a natural extension of her role as a connector within the HAYVN Coworking community. Based in Darien and now more than 130 episodes strong, the podcast features thoughtful, approachable conversations with founders, leaders and changemakers. From Annie Lamont and Heather K. Terry to Congressman Jim Himes, Sheed creates space for honest dialogue about growth, leadership, and staying grounded—spotlighting stories that inspire listeners to imagine what’s possible, right in their own backyard.

Nancy Sheed and Felicia Rubinstein, Founder of HAYVN.

MARIA ROWBOTHAM

Podcast: She’s Smart

What she covers: Thoughtful conversations with women who inspire

She’s Smart feels like sitting down with a friend you admire, curious, cozy and refreshingly real. Hosted by Westonbased creative entrepreneur Maria Rowbotham, the podcast features unscripted conversations with women across media, finance, art, wellness and public service. With guests ranging from CIA intelligence officers to museum directors, the show centers on lived experience, resilience and the wisdom that emerges when we slow down and truly listen.

Many of Maria’s guests are based in or connected to Connecticut.

LAUREN STEPHENS & KAKI McGRATH

Podcast: Two Sisters in Business

What the duo covers: Building a brand, a business and a life—together

Sisters, best friends and co-founders of Greenwich-based Dudley Stephens, Lauren Stephens and Kaki McGrath created Two Sisters in Business as a candid extension of their real-life conversations. The weekly podcast explores entrepreneurship, leadership, motherhood and building a business with family. Featuring practical insights and guest founders who are redefining success on their own terms, the show makes entrepreneurship feel accessible, relatable and refreshingly human.

Two Sisters in Business is about building something meaningful while maintaining a focus on what matters most.

DOROTHY CASCERCERI SIMONE

Podcast: That Greenwich Life

What she covers: Healing, honesty and reinvention beyond the gloss

A former red-carpet reporter turned purposeful storyteller, Dorothy Cascerceri Simone uses That Greenwich Life to explore the messy, meaningful middle of modern womanhood. Based in Greenwich and now in its second season filming in Stamford, the podcast tackles grief, fertility, hustle culture, women’s health and boundaries with leading experts and media voices. Named one of MSN’s “8 Podcasts to Listen to in 2025,” the show blends raw honesty with hope, and proves there’s real power in telling the truth.

That Greenwich Life is currently in its second season with more than 50 episodes.

ABBEY CARNIVALE

Podcast: Say More with CT Live Title & Topic: Community stories, told the Connecticut way

“Meeting people where they’re at” is more than a phrase at NBC Connecticut—it’s how we connect, from social media to storytelling. That mindset inspired Say More with CT Live, a community-driven podcast built on real conversations. In a crowded podcast space, the focus was simple: Connecticut. For eight years, Say More with CT Live has built meaningful relationships across the state, and Say More expands those stories through deeper conversations and fresh perspectives. Featuring voices like lifestyle expert Samantha Yanks, American Ninja Warrior James Atheneos, marathoner Lisa Bienia, and our own Gabrielle Lucivero ahead of the Milan Olympics, the podcast highlights the people who shape Connecticut’s community. At its core, Say More with CT Live is about listening, connecting and giving stories room to be heard. As we continue exploring new digital projects, our mission remains the same: to be a true community hub for Connecticut.

EMILY ROBERTS

Podcast: The Big Move Podcast

What she covers: Confidence, identity, transformations, and career moves for, and by, women

The Big Move Podcast, hosted by Westport-based creator Emily Roberts, explores identity, confidence and career pivots through the lens of modern womanhood and motherhood. The show centers on redefining purpose, navigating work transitions and finding motivation in new seasons of life. A standout focus is bringing the podcast community offline, with live recordings across Connecticut, including events at Tanya Taylor in Greenwich and Dancebody Westport — blending meaningful conversation with style, movement and connection. Upcoming guests include beauty, wellness, and business leaders, making The Big Move a smart, community-driven listen for women embracing change.

Local landscape pros reveal the TRENDS INSPIRING HOMEOWNERS to rethink what’s possible just beyond the back door by tom connor

Backyards across Stamford and Fairfield County are being reimagined—not as leftover green space, but as an essential living space. “Yards matter,” says Heather O’Neill, owner of Second Nature Landscape Design in Norwalk. “People want their property to look beautiful and their houses to be the place to hang out.” As homeowners spend more time outdoors entertaining, relaxing, exercising and even growing their own food, local landscape designers are responding with ideas that blend beauty, function and a sense of escape. We spoke with area professionals who are shaping these outdoor spaces to see what’s defining yard design right now—and what homeowners are asking for this season.

THE RESORT STYLE POOL

One backyard element that continues to grow in popularity is the in-ground swimming pool.

“During and right after COVID, a lot of real estate agents were asking if there was a pool on the property and, if not, could one be installed,” says Mariana Demoura, co-owner of Oceanview Pool and Patio in Southport. “That feature was particularly important to home buyers moving from the city. If it’s hot out, people want to be in the water at home rather than go to a country club or the beach.”

Local landscape architects agree that a well-designed, resort-style swimming pool elevates a yard’s appeal and perceived value. And certain features are always attractive to owners. They include built-in seating, sunning edges and shelves, shallow ends for children, fountains, hot tubs, vanishing edges that connect water and sky and, for homes with a view of Long Island Sound, outer-edge glass walls.

near the pool include fountains and waterfalls, as the sound of moving water can often calm the senses while simultaneously masking invasive noise from the street.

“It’s not just the sound of splashing in the pool, but something that has a little rhythm. Just as we find peace in music, we find peace in the rhythm of water.”

Nick Ackerman, Glengate

These structural features are in demand today, but the water in the pool is also a powerful design element, with visual and audible virtues. The color in the pool, for instance, immediately draws the eye and soothes the soul. Other popular features

“When remote work became popular, people saw their houses not just as a place to sleep but truly as a place to live,” says Nick Ackerman, a designer at Glengate, the landscape, pool and lifestyle company in Wilton. “Amenities people found while travelling or on vacation started to be created on their own property.”

At the same time, says Ackerman, the company noted “a strong shift away from overly formal, high-maintenance landscapes. More people wanted environments that felt natural and livable.” Today, that’s translated to preferences for organic shapes over linear forms, and natural colors and native plantings around pool areas. These elements can do more than just create an aesthetically pleasing environment.

For a one-acre property close to a busy road and traffic in Ridgefield, Glengate introduced several water features to help drown out some of the distracting sound and create a more calming environment. In addition, a stand-alone spa close to

the house spills into a new swimming pool with a vanishing edge that, in turn, spills into a lower basin. A valving system with multiple levels controls the flow—and sound—of water emptying from the central pool to the basin below the vanishing edge, helping drown out the noise from the street.

“That’s where you’re getting the consistent calming sound of water flowing,” says Ackerman. “It’s not just the sound of splashing in the pool but something that has a little rhythm. Just as we find peace in music, we find peace in the rhythm of water.”

Meanwhile, the stonework that surrounds the pool—and other outdoor areas such as the dining space and firepit—continues to evolve. Plain slabs of rock are giving way to stone masonry threaded with ornamental grasses and gravel. There’s also a wider range of materials in use, from limestone, bluestone and granite to classic coverings like brick pavers, porcelain tiles, stamped concrete and recycled rubber pavers. As a result, today’s patio is more than an extension of a house’s indoor flooring. It’s a singular design element.

GARDENS BIG AND SMALL

One of the most colorful trends in landscaping challenges the notion that you need serious acreage to create eye-catching design. You don’t. What you do need are pots, containers and a talent for packing them to overflowing with as many plants and as much color and contrast as possible.

“A container with flowers and herbs and some kind of shrub softens the whole patio,” says O’Neill. “To have all that texture and color is like a garden within itself, and if you have multiple pots, you get multiple landscapes. And if you don't like what you’ve done? Rip it out and start over.”

O’Neill uses stone or composite containers to hold mixtures of practically anything that grows. She selects plantings that complement the style of the house and the size of the property. It’s also important to scale containers to a space. Small pots, for instance, should not be placed at the entrance to the house, around large dining and seating areas, or against the backdrop of ample acreage, because they are likely to get swallowed up.

Micro-gardens in containers can flourish all season, although some designers will change them out. Regular watering is critical for maintaining them. Most of O’Neill’s clients have sprinkler systems that drip water directly into the pots, so they don’t have to water by hand. One of the benefits of gardening on this miniature scale, says O’Neill, is that it allows for experimentation without a big investment in time and money. And the results can be amazing.

Last December, Sandy Lindh received what she calls an unusual request. “It was for plantings in pots, of vegetables mixed with edible flowers,” says the owner of English Gardens & Design in Greenwich. Soon after, other requests for the same type of containers came in. Some people wanted specific vegetables; mini-tomatoes, eggplants, snow peas and sweet peas were popular requests.

So, Lindh set off on a hunt for large, handsome pots and planters. She found some in a shop outside of Paris and others closer to home, at Pennoyer Newman, an online supplier of high-end garden containers made in Santa Monica, California. The containers are stone resin replicas cast from original planters from

the gardens of great estates here and abroad.

Now, Lindh and other designers are mixing flowering plants, shrubs, herbs and edibles all together in a single container. They position them around outdoor dining and seating areas. In addition, they plant grape vines and runner beans to hang over pergolas, and they grow espalier apples and other fruit vertically up outer walls. “People are asking for this sort of ornamental but veggie all-purpose look,” Lindh says. “We like to feel we're in this beautiful, allencompassing, edible garden room.”

Meanwhile, Homefront Farmers in Redding continues to see demand for the full-size vegetable gardens it designs and installs in raised beds protected by fencing. The company

says clients like the idea of practicing yoga and meditation, or simply enjoying morning coffee, near the flutter of winged things pollinating and gathering nectar in the gardens. But the real appeal is the opportunity to walk out the back door and gather greens for dinner and fresh-cut flowers for the table.

“Instead of having to run to the grocery store, burn gas and waste time sitting in traffic, you can pop out to your garden and pick a delicious, fresh salad for yourself and your family,” says Miranda Gould, director of operations. Customers’ most common requests for this season, says Gould, are heirloom tomatoes, lettuces, cucumbers and peppers, plus dahlias and muted zinnias for the flower beds.

PUTT FROM HOME

One of the fallouts from the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in parts of Fairfield County, was the temporary closure of public and private country clubs and golf courses. That was a tough time for some residents, as they had to work through the mood swings associated with putting-green withdrawal. But as a result, the demand for at-home artificial putting greens increased. And it continues to do so.

“Along with the pool guys, we were busy during COVID,” says Neil Robertson, founder of Prolinks Putting Greens in Wilton. The company has been designing and installing custom home putting greens since the early 1990s. “Recently, there’s been an uptick in business, and our projects have gotten more elaborate, with more bells and whistles and multiple traps. We’re also getting requests to use the same sand as clients have at their clubs.”

Prolinks uses artificial nylon grass on its greens and synthetic fringe collars around the edges. For the traps or bunkers, it relies on a third-generation company that supplies a custom mix of natural sand to all the golf courses in Fairfield and Westchester counties. The main benefits of artificial turf on a putting green include year-round consistency of a smooth, predictable surface and low maintenance. You don’t have to water, fertilize or mow it. “All putting, no cutting,” says Robertson.

For Robertson, the process of building the green starts with walking the property with a client. He’ll take note of preferences, the lay of the land (including elevations), green size relative to the size of the house and ideal positions for the traps. Robertson then paints an outline of the green on the location. After removing all the organic material from the

footprint, he installs a compacted aggregate base of reclaimed material—crushed rocks, asphalt and brick—until reaching the desired contours.

“The quality of artificial turf mimics a real putting green as far as the roll and speed of the ball,” he says. “So it's comparable to a good country club.”

Taken together, these trends point to a simple idea: Today’s landscapes are designed to be lived in. Whether it’s a pool that turns a backyard into a summer destination, a container garden that brings color and fresh food within arm’s reach, or a putting green that keeps a favorite pastime close to home, residents are investing in outdoor spaces that reflect how they spend their time. It’s proof that some of the most meaningful improvements to a home don’t always happen indoors.

MEET THE FOUNDER

FROM COZY HOBBY TO COASTAL BRAND

THE STORY BEHIND COASTAL COMFORTS BLANKETS

BY SAMANTHA YANKS

There’s something unmistakably comforting about a hand-knit blanket — the weight, the texture, the feeling that someone took the time to make it just for you. For Fairfield-based founder Maia Kloepfer, that feeling supplied the inspiration for Coastal Comforts Blankets, a locally made brand that has quickly become a favorite for design lovers craving warmth with intention.

Founded in 2023, Coastal Comforts has always been a creative outlet. Drawn to the look and feel of chunky, hand-knit blankets, Kloepfer decided to teach herself the craft rather than purchase one. This personal project soon turned into something bigger: a brand rooted in craftsmanship, calm and coastal living.

The name reflects both place and purpose. Inspired by her love of the shoreline and the grounding comfort her blankets bring, each piece is designed to feel soothing, soft, and effortlessly lived-in. Whether draped over a sofa, folded at the end of a bed, styled on an accent chair or tucked into a basket by the fire, the blankets add instant texture and warmth to any space.

Beyond their visual appeal, Coastal Comforts Blankets are thoughtfully made for real life. They’re hypoallergenic, wool-free, breathable, durable and machine washable, a rare combination for something that looks so luxe. Each blanket is made to order, fully customizable and offered in a versatile palette designed to complement any home aesthetic. At a time when meaningful, locally made gifts matter more than ever, Coastal Comforts Blankets strike the perfect balance between beauty and function. Made locally in Fairfield and designed to bring a sense of ease and warmth, they’re as special to give as they are to receive, the kind of piece that turns everyday comfort into an enduring. W

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