Belle Meade, TN September 2023

The Style Issue

Style

We hope this letter finds you in high spirits and full of creative energy.

Today, we want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. 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 permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here locally to uplift our spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.

What we've found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on Earth can duplicate.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

PUBLISHERS @BELLEMEADE_LIFESTYLE

September 2023

PUBLISHERS

Jennifer Downs | bellemeade@citylifestyle.com

Jennifer Kaufman | jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Stephanie Krejci | Stephanie.Krejci@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Brown Patton, Josh Vaughn, Sue Baldani, Sophie Brock, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Josh Vaughn, James Williams, Rob Lindsay, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF 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 Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

JENNIFER DOWNS & JENNIFER KAUFMAN,

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Chukkers For Charity Polo Match Sept. 9 At Riverview Farm

Medical House Calls will be the presenting sponsor of the Chukkers for Charity polo match on Saturday, Sept. 9, for the 27th annual sporting event held in Franklin to benefit Rochelle Center and Saddle Up! Nina Lindley and Falon Veit Scott are co-chairs serving with community volunteers and supporters of the fundraiser. Last year's match generated more funds than ever in the 26-year history of the event, which now totals $2.6 million raised since 1996.

Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 During Sept. 8-17 At Rep

Based on the hit 1980 comedy film, 9 to 5 follows three working women who take revenge on their sexist, lying, hypocritical, egotistical, bigoted boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Doralee, Violet and Judy live out their wildest fantasy of taking control of their lives. With an energetic score by Nashville's own Dolly Parton, this high-energy musical celebrates female empowerment and equality in the workplace. It will be held at Nashville Rep's James K. Polk Theater.

Sarah Nguyen Selected As Cheekwood's 2023 Artist-in-Residence

Mixed media artist, Sarah Nguyen, was selected as Cheekwood’s 2023 Artist-inResidence. Working primarily with paper, Sarah carves both recognizable and abstract forms out of paper fiber panels to evoke memory, play and ritual. Her technique is reminiscent of Jewish paper cutting. Her designs also incorporate flora and fauna. Her residency will culminate with an exhibition space on display from Nov. 18 through Jan. 7, 2024. She's based in Columbia, Missouri, as an art instructor.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/BelleMeade

Photography Courtesy of Sarah Nguyen

Electrifying Style

Driving Experience Shared: Mercedes EQS Exudes Tech And A Smooth Ride

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH VAUGHN

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS lineup comes in two variants, the EQS450+ 4MATIC and the EQS580 4MATIC+ and the EQS AMG. I drove the 580 which comes with 518HP/631lb-ft of Torque and with a curb weight of nearly 6,000 pounds; it needs all that power. The 580 accelerates rapidly, like all electric cars but also like almost all of them.

If you’re looking for technical wizardry, industry leading comfort, and just about the most amazing interior on the market, good news is the EQS has all that and more. First off the screen, or as Mercedes call it, hyperscreen, is measured in meters. 1.4 of them. 55 inches. The “Hypersceen” is actually a marriage of three screens spanning the entire front of the cabin. It’s a beauty to behold, fairly easy to navigate and

features more tech than imaginable. Suffice to say this infotainment center is impressive in every way.

The only gripe I have with the interior is the passenger side of the “Hyperscreen” reflects as you drive along. Have you ever left a large tablet face up on the passenger seat? If you know what I’m talking about, it’s a little distracting but I’m sure after spending more time with the car it becomes less of a problem.

The 2023 Mercedes EQS580+ rides on an adaptive, self-leveling air suspension that is sublime. To mask the car's considerable length, four-wheel steering gives you the illusion that maybe, just maybe, you could do a U-turn inside of a single parking space. With an advertised range of 340 miles, rest assured that your driving experience will bathe you in comfort, luxury and style the likes of which the company founders, all the way back in 1901, could only have dreamt of.

HOW ONE COUPLE BECAME LOCAL SHOP OWNERS

A Life-Altering Opportunity

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES WILLIAMS

When Sarah and Travis Kmita were looking for a great business opportunity, they had no idea they would find themselves owning Green Hills Seamstress, an alteration/gift shop in Nashville.

“I was a partner in a practice as a psychotherapist for about 13 years, and my husband is the CFO of an autism treatment center, so we both have experience running businesses,” says Sarah. “Although we didn’t specifically set out to purchase an alteration shop, we found out about Green Hills Seamstress and couldn’t pass it up. It was a very well set-up business with talented staff in a great location.”

She and Travis have kept the same gifted employees. “They not only do all of our fittings, but they also sew and are very knowledgeable about clothing,” she says. “Several of them even have their own clothing lines.”

The shop's staff also can repair items that some would never think would be repairable. This allows customers to recycle and upcycle their clothing and other items they love. “We get so many people that come in and need a zipper replaced on an item they don't want to throw away,” says Sarah. “We add patches to jeans to get more life out of them, and we’re even able to repair some purses and backpacks.”

The experienced staff can alter everything from casual to formal wear, such as bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos and suits. Bridal grown alterations are referred to Delia Weber, a former employee who now owns her own bridal alteration shop.

The shop works with a lot of stylists and many local clothing stores as well. “We do all of the alterations for Gucci and Athleta. Those brands provide complimentary alterations for their clothing.”

In addition to clothing, if someone moves to another home and needs drapes

resized for new windows, or wants curtains customized, that can be easily done, too. In addition, the Green Hills Seamstress team offers beautiful custom pillows and drapes.

When Sarah was a therapist, she says she really enjoyed helping others, and being the co-owner of this type of business still allows her to do that, just in a different way. “There's nothing I love more than hearing ‘It fits perfectly,’ because that’s the result we're looking for. Sometimes people are not able to wear an article of clothing straight off the rack, and I think it's really empowering to know you don't have to settle for something that just fits OK.”

Although services are usually by appointment only, the shop does welcome walk-ins from time to time. “We like to provide our customers with undivided attention, and we find it runs a lot more smoothly and it's a better experience for everybody to have a dedicated appointment time with a dedicated person that's going to do their fitting.”

A unique part of the business is its boutique gift shop. “Our store is very different from many other alteration shops,” says Sarah. “It’s so beautiful and cozy in here.

We have wonderful home goods and gifts, so a lot of our customers who need an outfit altered for a party or a shower can also pick up a gift for the occasion. Others just come in to shop.”

The couple, who grew up in Thompson’s Station and now live in Nashville, were high school sweethearts, are thrilled to be local shop owners. They also have two sons that keep them busy. “Graham is our 4-year-old and Quinn is 2, and we also have a 15-year-old cat named Rory,” she says. “We're always on the go. It’s rare for our social calendars to be empty!”

GreenHillsSeamstress.com

Services and Products Offered by Green Hills Seamstress:

• Alterations of casual and formal wear as well as some purses and backpacks

• Resizing and revamping of drapes and curtains

• Custom made high-quality drapes and luxurious pillows

• Gifts for the home

• Unique merchandise for women and men

• Seasonal and festive holiday items

Tailored For Shopping

FIND UNIQUE, HIGH-QUALITY MERCHANDISE FOR WOMEN, MEN AND HOME

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

When customers walk into Green Hills Seamstress at 3706 Hillsboro Pike, they’re not always there to get something altered or repaired. They also come in just to shop.

Custom Made Pillows and Drapes

Lovely additions to every home.

You’ll wonder how you had ever gone this long without one.

Candles

They smell amazing and fly off the shelves.

Cheese Graters

Really cool and unique. They always sell out.

Bar Cart Items

Olive jars, shakers, openers and more.

Seasonal Goods

Fun finds for Christmas, Easter, Halloween and other holidays.

Brie Bakers

For the almost 10,000 kids in Middle Tennessee who experience homelessness, life is full of challenges.

Soles4Souls works with our school and community partners to deliver new shoes to kids who need them most.

For a donation of just $20, you can provide a new pair of athletic shoes to a child in need.

to help you

approach

Heart in wreath diamond pendant: center 0.9ct E/SI1 diamond with GIA cert, rest of diamond weight 1.53. 18K white gold (available on request with ruby heart center in place of diamond)

The Clothes Tree has been offering ready-to-wear formal between sizes triple zero to 30, as well as kids' formal wear. Customers of the boutique indicate they leave the store dressed to impress.

“I absolutely love what I get to do every day,” says Clothes Tree owner Deborah Wiggins.

After spending 58 years at the original Clothes Tree location in Birmingham, Alabama, Deborah decided to open up a second location in Nashville earlier this year. “I’m excited to see The Clothes Tree grow, and I look forward to making connections in this community and with its people.”

"From pageant dresses to evening formalwear, The Clothes Tree has an outfit for everyone to feel and look good in," Deborah assures.

ELEGANT FALL FASHION

Dress To Impress This Season

With The Clothes Tree And Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB LINDSAY ON LOCATION AT PULLMAN STANDARD

Another example of elegant, stylish options from The Clothes Tree.

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

LOCAL EXPERTS HELP WITH FACIAL PAIN, ORAL SURGERIES, WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL, DENTAL IMPLANTS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES WILLIAMS

SECURE PAINFREE SMILES

Surgery and Implant Dentistry knows firsthand, based on all the patients they assist.

In addition to wisdom teeth removal, the two oral and maxillofacial surgeons practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial procedures, including dental implants, bone grafting and corrective jaw surgeries. They specifically diagnose and treat dental pain, facial injuries and a multitude of other dental restorative options.

Dr. Haley says they often treat out-of-state college students who suddenly have teeth-related issues. "And with so many newcomers to Nashville, we're seeing a significant number of people who've relocated and haven't had time to identify a dentist. Yet, they find themselves in unexpected oral pain, and we can help."

Teeth have an abundance of neural connections to pain centers in the brain, which seems to amplify all those aching “distress signals.” One team of Belle Meade-based dental specialists at 4322 Harding Pike, Suite 201, serves as a compassionate, experienced oral pain relief team ready to help.

"When experiencing pain from the face or neck, it's always a good step to have a comprehensive oral exam to determine the root cause," assures Spencer Haley, D.D.S., who co-owns the Tennessee Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Oral Surgery and Implant Dentistry with Jeffrey Culbreath, D.D.S.

"And, whenever possible, we're hoping to help patients avoid pain by removing wisdom teeth before they become a true problem," adds Dr. Culbreath.

When is the best suggested time to get oral health care? Holiday breaks prompt images of free time or gatherings with friends and family. Yet, those breaks from regular routines also are great times to proactively take care of oral needs before kids return to school, teens go back to college, or adults return to work—something the team at Tennessee Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Oral

More recently, Dr. Culbreath says an increasing number of patients are opting for implants as a long term treatment option to replace missing teeth. "There have been many improvements through new technologies in three-dimensional and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. This allows us to predictably treat challenging implant cases with a high degree of success using customized models and guides for each individual patient."

Many people experience anxiety at dental offices. Dr. Haley and Dr. Culbreath also are board-certified by the National Dental Board of Anesthesia, and they and their staff provide a calming ambiance and are all well trained and up-to-date in I.V. anesthesia.

Both of these surgeons have impressive backgrounds with diverse experiences they bring to the practice each day.

SPENCER HALEY, D.D.S.

Spencer Haley, D.D.S., has lived in Tennessee all of his life. After graduating from Rosemark Academy High School in 1986, he completed his undergraduate training at the University of Tennessee-Martin in 1991. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1995.

His advanced postgraduate training in oral and maxillofacial surgery was obtained at the University of Tennessee Memphis and Regional Medical Center in Memphis. He received his certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery in June 1999. He was an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, College of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and in private practice in Memphis following his residency.

Dr. Haley began practicing in Nashville in July 2000. While maintaining his schedule at the office, he remains very active in hospital, dental and civic activities in the surrounding community. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Nashville Dental Society, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Tennessee Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and a Diplomate of American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Haley is board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.  For the past 20 years, he's worked with the Nashville Predators NHL hockey team and also has been actively assisting for the past 21 years with the Tennessee Titans NFL football team and their dental and medical staff. He is also a member of the Academy for Sports Dentistry.

Dr. Haley maintains training in CPR/ACLS/ PALS, as well as ATLS as certified Advanced Trauma Life Support, and as an Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

He also lectures on many topics related to oral surgery and implant dentistry, while maintaining and advancing his continuing education relating to oral and facial surgery.

JEFFREY CULBREATH, D.D.S.

Jeffrey Culbreath, D.D.S., is a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon originally from Murfreesboro. He received his bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2004 and graduated from the University Of Tennessee College Of Dentistry in 2008.

He accepted a commission as an officer in the US Navy after graduation and completed a General Practice Residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in June 2009. He then served as the general dentist onboard the USS PONCE (LPD 15), where he completed two deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Persian Gulf.

Dr. Culbreath completed his four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia, in June 2015. Following residency, he served as a staff oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Naval Health Clinic Charleston, Naval Hospital Beaufort, the 628th Air Force Medical Group, and Beaufort Memorial Hospital for four years while stationed in Charleston, South Carolina.

He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, a Fellow of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He's also a member of the American Dental Association and the Tennessee Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.

615.829.7000

TNOralSurgery.com

Dr. David McNutt & Dr. Timothy McNutt Sr.

Green Hills Seamstress can take care of all of your alterations needs from minor repairs to the perfect fittings.

Green Hills Seamstress not only specializes in clothing alterations but also carries home decor items, gifts, + more!

Fittings by appointment only. Tues-Fri 9-5 Sat 10-3. 3706D

THE little BLACK DRESS

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 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. 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.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be. “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.

“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.

Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type?

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.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI

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.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Abbey Cone

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

David Morris

Lathan Warlick WITH

STRIKE A POSE!

Hollywood-Style Glamour Shots That Capture Unique Personalities

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

Have you ever wondered how you would look if you were photographed by a Hollywood photographer? Now you can find out. For photographer Rob Lindsay, taking someone’s picture is much more than just capturing a face--it’s about capturing a life. And using skills he developed taking pictures of celebrities and artists, he captures his subjects at their best.

This year, Rob launched Classic Hollywood Portrait, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. These photos are reminiscent of the Hollywood glamour style from the golden ages. “The idea is to create family and individual portraits for a family's legacy, something they can pass down from generation to generation that will never go out of style,” he says.

He combines the techniques of the 1930s and 1940s with modern clothing, wardrobe and aesthetics in mainly black and white photos with dramatic lighting.

Rob started out as a cinematographer in New York City and Los Angeles shooting commercials for clients such as Pierre Cardin and Cover Girl, and shooting music videos for artists including Reba McIntyre and Tracy Lawrence. Many of his photographs have been published in magazines, books and in advertising campaigns.

He founded Rob Lindsay Pictures more than 20 years ago after moving from Los Angeles to Nashville. During his career, he has photographed many well-known faces, such as Travis Tritt, Kathy Mattea, Paul Newman and Lauren Hutton.

ClassicHollywoodPortrait.com

RobLindsayPictures.com

ELEMENTS OF ROB LINDSAY’S PHOTOGRAPHY SUCCESS:

• Make people feel confident, calm and comfortable

• Listen to and understand what clients want from photo sessions

• Collaborate on ideas; be creative

• Be in the moment

• Have fun and enjoy the process, otherwise it’s not going to be a good session

DAVID LUSK GALLERY

Contemporary Art in Wedgewood-Houston

516 Hagan . Nashville