STYLE + BEAUTY

BEST IN BEAUTY
LIFE + CULTURE
LIVING THE GOOD LIFE



STYLE + BEAUTY
BEST IN BEAUTY
LIFE + CULTURE
LIVING THE GOOD LIFE
Welcome to our September issue. This month, we’re celebrating and exploring the fun and fascinating world of style. Style isn’t limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves. It permeates every facet of our existence, from the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations. Style is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.
In that spirit, we’ll introduce you to Jon Ruti and Katie Boiano, Co-Founders of menswear brand Rivay. They’re not only designing clothes, they’re also designing a culture and a lifestyle, and recently opened their first brick-and-mortar store in Bedford.
We chatted all things fashion with Lisa and Jessica, Co-Founders and curators of the wildly successful luxury resale boutique Luxe Luxury Labels in Armonk. Plus, we’re sharing their predictions for Fall trends.
We also got the latest on event invitation trends from Njomeza Rugova, Principal of MDRN Design House, and asked three natural living brands to share the inspiration behind their beginnings.
Style is deeply personal. It evolves as we do, and it serves as a form of self-expression to communicate who we are, how we perceive the world, and what we value. The best style is being true to yourself, and that’s our hope for you no matter the season.
PUBLISHER
Dana Cifone | dana.cifone@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Barbara Accetta | barbara.accetta@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Bailey Morris
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
DANA CIFONE, PUBLISHER @BEDFORD.CITYLIFESTYLECHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
As industry leaders in Restoration, Reconstruction and Cleaning– our vision is to continue providing strategic Consumer & Business Solutions while upholding our commitment to exemplary customer service and white glove workmanship. We work alongside our insurance partners as well as in the private sector to handle claims and home improvement projects. With our exclusive use of cutting-edge equipment and technology, our fully certified staff is capable of handling projects of any magnitude or complexity.
i n f o @ m d r n d e s i g n h o u s e c o m m d r n d e s i g n h o u s e c o m
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Tag your Instagram photos with @bedford.citylifestyle
This family-owned and operated business has been a premier leader in home construction serving Westchester and Fairfield Counties for more than 15 years. From minor improvements to home rehabilitation, LosMass is knowledgeable and experienced in our area’s high standards and unique needs. Let the team at LosMass turn your dream home into a reality. @losmassconstruction
embodies fine craftsmanship, premium finishes, and luxury at every turn. Gracious and refined, The Byram provides modern world luxury with amenities that cultivate community and recreation. The Byram also boasts manicured grounds that are professionally landscaped, stone walls, and private seating areas with fire pits. @byramarmonk
Scan to read more.
Steve and Nicole Viola are the husband and wife founders of Ivory & Oak, a luxury design and construction company with more than 16 years in business. They develop each project with the care and attention to detail that they would their own while keeping true to their client’s lifestyle and aesthetic. High values, strong reputation, exceptional craftsmanship. @ivoryandoak
Scan to read more.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bedford
A round-up of our favorite local beauty destinations.
Treat yourself to a beauty experience at Scout, the debut beauty and wellness boutique by Jenn Streicher, a celebrity makeup artist with a roster of clients that includes Emily Blunt, Mandy Moore, Greta Gerwig, and more. You’ll love the moody and modern vibe as you explore predominantly clean beauty brands, from skincare and cosmetics to fragrance and home. Indulge in a consultation with Streicher to discover your perfect products. @scoutbyjenn
This serene space fosters personal growth through services that inspire health and well-being with offerings like functional diagnostic nutrition, chinese medicine, body work, energy work, chiropractic care, personal training, and concierge medicine. @thewellcenterny
Its namesake founder brings 25 years of experience as a Master Esthetician and Licensed Cosmetologist to every client of this premier facial therapy and day spa. Specializing in traditional and holistic treatments. @helenfamularesparejuvenate
Glow launched in 2015 with organic airbrush tanning and has become a mecca for bespoke treatments. Offerings include the Emsculpt treatment line, Emtone, Cryo T-Shock, and wood and vacuum therapies for body and facial contouring. @glowairbrushtan
The lighthearted sister of Scout, Duchess by Jenn Streicher is open, airy, and full of opportunities for product play. From beauty brands to home brands, Streicher strikes again with an intimate yet friendly beauty destination that’s stocked with female-founded brands. @shopatduchess
This if-you-know-you-know gem is tucked inside Saw Mill Club East. Founded by talented plastic surgeon Dr. Sharon DeChiara, spa offerings range from surgical and non-surgical facial and body procedures to lasers, injectables, and beyond. @spachiara
This state-of-the-art medical spa offers a long list of traditional and modern aesthetic services with monthly membership options that let you bank your funds toward discounted future treatments. From skin resurfacing to injectables and more, Grace Medical is a favorite of the modern beauty crowd. @gracemedicalaesthetics
It’s always you-time at this luxe med spa. Services include hair restoration and laser hair removal, brows and lashes, body services, infrared sauna, injectables, IV therapy, and more including its 3-in-1 DiamondGlow treatment that exfoliates, extracts, and infuses skin with medical-grade serums. Unwind in the plush lounge and you won’t want to leave. @refresh_skinject
The three little words that have women swooning are Luxe Luxury Labels, a high-end resale boutique in Armonk. Stocked with curated designer pieces, from bags and shoes to accessories and apparel, its inventory is the stuff that dream wardrobes are made of – and has often never been worn or is good as new. Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton are seemingly in regular rotation on the handbag shelves. Often available and irresistible items, such as Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, Celine sunglasses, and Prada shoes compliment rows of designer and contemporary apparel in-store. After opening in 2016 to much local acclaim and on the heels of its rapid success, Co-Founders Lisa Dorsett and Jessica Arce knew they wanted to take the boutique to the next level. “We had never done videos and then Instagram came out with Reels,” says Lisa. “I thought, let’s do something fun.” Lisa’s friend, Alicia Devincenzo, was brought in to model. “We shot a bunch of videos with Alicia wearing our products, posted them, and it quickly led to massive exposure for the store,” says Lisa.
The videos showcased beautiful pieces coupled with the relatability of Alicia, and gave customers a “real life” feel for the products. It also opened the door for wider reach, bringing Luxe Luxury Labels clients from all over the world. “It feels intimate and personal, and we showcase our products in stylish ways,” says Jessica. Online sales are currently through Instagram and move at lightning speed, with an e-commerce website launching in the Fall. The boutique has dedicated clientele, both buyers and sellers, and often either Lisa or Jessica are off on appointments for private viewings or unpacking new items sent from high-end clients. “We had a client send in 25 Chanel pieces,” says Lisa. “Every piece was modeled on Instagram within 2 days, and sold out 90% within the first week. It was hugely competitive among buyers.” Indeed, it feels as if you’ve stepped into a chic, upscale shop in Manhattan when you step into Luxe Luxury Labels, which is expanding its footprint this season with an additional 6,000 square feet at its location. “One side of the store will hold contemporary brands and the other will be our high-end designer items,” explains Jessica. The boutique also offers bespoke services that you’d expect from luxury stores: tailoring, customizing, and professionally cleaning the apparel. “We offer the best personal service in a gorgeous environment,” says Lisa, who predicts that oversized totes and top handles are the hot bag trends for fall, and stocks plenty of each from the most sought after designers. “For jewelry, chunky pieces are in and silver is back,” continues Lisa, who also sees red being the hot color of the season. “Lisa and I came together to change the face of typical consignment by offering an experience, and we stock gorgeous items at every price point,” says Jessica, who shares that many customers come in simply to browse and daydream --- and there’s never pressure to buy. “We love fashion, and we love sharing that passion with others who enjoy it, too.” @luxeluxurylabels
“Chanel is classic, it’s timeless, and we stock beautiful Chanel pieces every day.”
TRADITIONAL RULES NO LONGER APPLY WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGNING YOUR INVITES.
In the age of social sharing and pretty pictures, event invitations are as desirable to photograph as the event itself. From style to dress code, they’re a reflection of your event, and letterpress and acrylic designs are trending according to Njomeza Rugova, Founder of MDRN Design House and an expert Stationer and Calligrapher. She recently designed mirrored acrylic wedding invitations with blush pink velvet backing. “Velvet is a rich and stylish touch for Fall,” Njomeza states. “I’m infatuated with designing beautiful suites of invitations and love when there’s a bit of edginess with a color or texture.”
@mdrndesignhouse
So often the idea of natural living, or living sustainably, can feel overwhelming as you weigh the numerous changes you might need to make to achieve sustainable status. Yet one small change at a time is better that no change, and that’s all it takes to put yourself on the path toward a lifestyle that’s better for the environmentand for you. Natural living simply means making conscious choices to use products that are from the earth, or that leave zero or little negative impact on the earth. The reciprocal benefit is that natural living can improve your health, make your home a safer and more efficient place, and improve the world for our future generations. To inspire your natural living journey, we’ve rounded up three locals who support natural living by creating products that benefit people and the planet.
“Between us both, we’d been concocting natural cleaning solutions and researching refillable bottling for years. When we discovered our shared mindset, Distil was born. Our products are counter-worthy, toxic-free, and effective. After about 2 years, each Distil customer will have eliminated 40 plastic bottles - that’s huge for our oceans and landfills! Less waste, more re-use, and safe products are steps to take toward a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle and planet.” @shopdistil
“I grew up as a contractor’s daughter, which nurtured my love for real estate and design, then learned the importance of sustainability and became LEED AP credentialed. Through our own family’s home search, my passion for real estate turned toward becoming an agent that specializes in green living. Even simple changes like blackout shades or switching to LED bulbs are small actions that make a big difference.”
@jesswatts.realestate
“I’ve enjoyed CBD (and honey) for a long time and wanted to combine both. I launched Hudson Valley Hemp Honey using organic CBD coupled with honey from the Hudson Valley. After hearing from customers how much they loved it, I took things next level with Hive & Hemp. It’s CBD and honey-infused products, including Honey Gummies and an upcoming honey-based CBD beverage, using honey’s from around the country.”
@hudsonvalleyhemphoney
@hiveandhemp ANTHONY COLASACCO | HUDSON VALLEY HEMP HONEY, HIVE & HEMPThere’s an immediate sense of ease when you meet Jon Ruti, the 45-year-old Founder of Rivay, a luxury menswear collection of everyday classics. We’re at G.E. Brown, across the street from Rivay’s first brickand-mortar store, and he’s wondering if we should walk to the park for our interview. “Why not, right?” he says nonchalantly, less of a question and more of a statement. And therein lies the mindset that’s driven Rivay from the beginning.
“I was a prosecutor at the Bronx DA’s office and then the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP),” Jon shares. He shakes his head slightly, as if he himself almost can’t believe it. “I liked it but always had the itch to create.” Jon, who’s also the artist behind Rivay’s line drawings and serves as the brand’s photographer, tells me that his mom encouraged him to attend fine arts college instead of law school, but “there was a big push for finance, law, or healthcare when I
ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RIVAYRIVAY IS POWERED BY VINTAGE CARS, FINE ESPRESSO, AND THE LOVE OF LUXURY MEN’S CASUALWEAR.
was growing up.” Two years into his SNP role, Jon quit to launch Rivay and never looked back.
Around that time, Jon met his now wife, Katie, “on Tinder back when it was new and classy,” he laughs. Katie, who’s been sitting beside me this entire time, tells me about their first date. “He said he was launching a menswear line and I sort of rolled my eyes,” she admits. “It was pretty bad,” jokes Jon. Katie’s long brown hair is in a low, loose ponytail tucked under a navy Rivay Airways twill cap. “I’d been working in fashion as a menswear designer for well over a decade at that point,” she says, and humbly recaps her experience working for Jenna Lyons, Mickey Drexler, Todd Snyder, and Andy Dunn, to name a few. Jon notes, “It was very serendipitous that we met.”
Months later, the two moved in together. Jon focused on Rivay while Katie dominated her career as Vice President of Design for Bonobos. They kept their work and relationship separate, with Katie stepping in when Jon would struggle. “There’s only so much one person can do in a certain amount of time,” explains Katie. Jon was the creative force behind Rivay but needed someone to design, source, and help propel the brand forward, faster. The duo questioned what Rivay’s future could look like - the answer was, “pretty great.” Katie joined Rivay as Co-Founder and Head Designer, and they moved to a home outside of the city with a basement that was perfect for a design studio. “I spend more time in the basement than anywhere in the house,” quips Jon. “Honestly, I feel like we’re living the dream. It’s awesome.”
The husband and wife team describe Rivay as an elevated take on classic military and workwear styles. The apparel is manufactured in Portugal, which is “just as good as Italy and we’re using some of the best fabric mills around the world,” says Katie. Their shared passion for craftsmanship brings the quality and refinement of tailored clothing to casualwear, focusing on fit, fabric, and construction. “Rivay guys want to look a bit rugged
in a clean, put together, cool way,” says Jon. “We want casual to be about freedom, comfort, and practicality but still maintain a level of poshness.” Katie nods in agreement. “We want our customer to look natural and classic but like Jon said, still cool. It took a while to create that vibe but we finally landed on it because it's a true representation of who we are.”
Jon and Katie are a breeze to chat with. We’re having so much fun talking that we get off track a few times and have to remind ourselves that we’re working. The pair is instantly likable, laid back with an air of elegance and sophistication, which is precisely the vibe of their apparel. “I love cars,” mentions Jon, whose army green 1990 Mercedes G-Wagen, affectionately known as GG, is his daily driver and also trusty sidekick that sits as a massive prop at Rivay pop-up shops. It’s a genius marketing tactic (one of many up Jon’s chambray sleeves) to align the apparel brand with a lifestyle and subtly define the Rivay man.
“A lot of my own interests are reflected in the collections,” Jon states. “It gives authenticity to the brand, which is important to us.”
Rivay’s shop is a mere 200 square feet, a purposeful move to offer an intimate brand experience and the delightful opportunity to get to know its Founders. “The town is having a renaissance and we want to be part of it,” says Jon, who grew up in Bedford. “We’re planning cool events and are excited to be a destination for men.” The interior, awash in a moody navy, is thoughtfully-designed and uniquely outfitted with conversation pieces. “The first thing I bought for the store was a vintage chair on ebay that we reupholstered ourselves,” says Jon. He lights up when he talks about it, which tells me that finding this statement piece holds meaning. “We have a really strong sense of what the store should look like, and we know what the Rivay guy is going to connect with.” The shop’s custom built wood shelves are lined with collectibles, as is the Rivay website. “When we find vintage collectives that our
“Rivay is built on discovery and we know that big things will come from this small space.”
customers would be interested in, we add them to our inspiration boards and design around them,” explains Katie. “Then we offer the items as a complement to the Rivay lifestyle.” From unique ashtrays to collector pins to vintage books and beyond, it’s the effortless and timeless quality that gets their creative engines revved up. “We have a deep appreciation for the stories behind
people, places, and things, and an insatiable curiosity about the world around us,” muses Jon. “We try to champion that spirit in all of our designs.”
Rivay’s enthusiasm for adventure and camaraderie has made its way into the brand organically, by way of the personal “go-with-the-flow” ethos of Jon and Katie. They’re unapologetic about following their instincts,
“The shop offers complimentary drinks, unique events, and excellent tunes courtesy of a vintage 1960’s McIntosh.”
bucking the rule books and instead, doing what they know works for them. Case in point: Rivay’s male models are real guys that share similar interests with the brand. “I met Alex, one of our models, at the Pound Ridge gas station,” Jon shares. Alex had seen Katie and Jon around town, driving her 1970 Mercedes 280SL, and this was their first run-in. “He said that I had to come by his car barn right that second to see his collection, so I did.” The two became fast friends and Alex shot a campaign for Rivay shortly after, followed by a lighthearted and compelling interview for Rivay’s blog, The Rivay Dispatch. “We love the natural customer,” says Katie.
The name Rivay comes from the French pronunciation of the word rivet, specifically those displayed prominently on the bodywork of old cars and airplanes, which Jon has always had a
penchant for. The ah-ha moment happened over drinks with a friend, as most do, specifically one who’d just returned from managing the Double Ralph Lauren store in Paris. And so, Rivay was born, and just as rivets symbolize one of manufacturing’s oldest, strongest, and most beautiful construction methods, Rivay is a celebration of that same philosophy and dedication to quality.
“Giving people an emotional connection to our brand is the most important thing because they’ll take that with them. It takes patience and a bit more time, but we value creating moments for our customers that align with who we are,” says Jon. “The result is more satisfying and longer lasting. We want people to feel our clothes, from the fabric and fit to the inspiration and lifestyle that surrounds Rivay.”
@rivaynyc | rivaynyc.com | 633 Old Post Road, Bedford
Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?
Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straightlined silhouettes. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.
We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.
OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.
“We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”
Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.
“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.
If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”
ALTHOUGH BLACK IS A timeless, classic LOOK, THAT DOESN’T MEAN IT GOES WITHOUT personality . YOU CAN MAKE IT YOUR OWN STYLE BY accessorizing TO INFUSE NEW LIFE INTO A DRESS THAT YOU ALREADY OWN.
Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:
HOURGLASS FIGURE:
• V-necklines
• Cinched-in waistlines
• Tailored/fitted dresses
PEAR OR TRIANGLE FIGURE:
• Tailored dresses
• Off the shoulder
ATHLETIC FIGURE:
• Embellished
• Ruffles
• Empire waist
• Volume is your friend
APPLE FIGURE:
• Drop waist
• A-line
The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.
Thoug mes
IVORY & OAK is a luxury design-build firm who believes in functional Interiors, timeless finishes, exceptional quality and superior client services. WWW.IVORYANDOAK.COM
This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)
• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
DIRECTIONS:
Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin. To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.
DOWNTOWN MOUNT KISCO | 5:00 PM
The Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Village of Mount Kisco, presents SeptemberFest, a super-sized 3-day festival featuring a full-sized carnival, food & beer court, live music, a vendor street fair, action-packed activities, plus a few new surprises! September 8-10. Times vary. FREE. Visit mtkiscochamber.com for details. @mtkiscochamberofcommerce
Cider & Donut Festival
WAMPUS BROOK PARK, ARMONK | 9:00 AM
Featuring Jamie's 5K Run for Love (9am) and a carnival that begins at 10:30am, this family favorite is back with cider and donuts for all. Held in conjunction with the Byram Hills Preschool Association. FREE. @armonkchamberofcommerce
A Vintage & Upcycled Fashion Affair
HISTORICAL HALL, BEDFORD | 6:00 PM
Join @ThisAndThatVintageFrills and @GatherAndGoodsMarket for a days-long shopping event including 20+ vendors, live music, gourmet food, flowers, and mini photo sessions by Gil Vaknin. Fri. 6pm-9pm (VIP Event); Sat. 10am-4pm; Sun. 10am-3pm. Visit gatherandgoods.com for details. VIP Opening Night $50; tickets are limited. General admission $20.
Turtle Invitational
TURTLE GARAGE, BEDFORD | 10:00 AM
Held every two years, the Turtle Invitational is the ultimate for camaraderie and classic cars. Kicks-off September 23rd with a rally at 3 pm at Turtle Garage and ending with dinner at Pray Achievement Center. Sunday’s car show begins at 10:00am. The honoree is Skip Barber, a legend in American motorsports. Spectator tickets $35 turtleinvitational.com. Kids 12 and Under FREE.
Hoppfest XL
THE VILLAGE GREEN, BEDFORD | 6:30 PM
Enjoy all types of beer at Bedford Historical Society’s biggest event of the year supporting its preservation efforts. Food and dessert trucks on-site. 6:30pm-10pm. Don’t forget your Hoppfest merch for the event! Merch and tickets available at bedfordhistoricalsociety.org @bedfordhistorical
Armonk Outdoor Art Show
BUSINESS PARK DRIVE, ARMONK | 10:00 AM
Spend the weekend enjoying the work of exceptional artists. Enjoy a variety of food vendors, including beer and wine, and free children’s activities including art lessons and projects throughout both show days. Net proceeds benefit the Friends of the North Castle Public Library, Inc. and help support educational and entertainment programs, The Armonk Players theater group, and more. $15 adults; $13 seniors; FREE for 18 and under. @armonkoutdoorartshow
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bedford
Viking appliances, security system, central vacuum, private patios or balconies and much more. The Byram also offers beautiful common areas such as a Meeting Room, a Fitness Center, a Grand Lobby, and inviting outdoor spaces with fire pits and relaxed seating areas.