SEPTEMBER 2022
1 INDEPENDENCE DR, STE 305, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209 4000 EAGLE POINT CORPORATE DR, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242 no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. 205-874-8680 | WWW.CRITTENDENPARTNERS.COM FAMILY LAW • ESTATE PLANNING APPEALS • MEDIATION FAMILY LAW IS OUR PASSION
CELEBRATING ART & MAKING LIFE’S JOURNEY A CELEBRATION FOR 7 YEARS! BIRMINGHAM,CANARYGALLERYLLC.COM205.224.530022012NDAVENALABAMA,35203 DEBRA RIFFE Light Play Light Play, a current exhibition at the Birmingham Museum of Art running through January 29, 2023, showcases works from the Museum’s permanent collection reflecting the influence and use of light in works of art. I am pleased to announce that Canary Gallery artist Debra Riffe’s multiple prints in her series walk, in the direction you goin’ in, are included in this exhibit.
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What do you notice about a person’s style? Sure, there are the obvious elements of clothing and accessories, but style is much more than what is worn on the body. It's the total person: what they love, how they engage with others and what they value in life.
DENISE K. JAMES, @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLEEDITOR PUBLISHER Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com EDITOR Denise K. James | denise.james@citylifestyle.com INTERN Maya Kitchens AD DESIGNER Matthew Enersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Denise K. James, Christiana Roussel, Maya Kitchens CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Mary Fehr, Clay Morrison, Joel Valencia September 2022 Scan QR code to visit our Instagram Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell LIFESTYLE LETTER Proverbs 3:5-6 Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com/franchise CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAM | Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. AlwaysBirmingham:inStyle
Welcome to Birmingham Lifestyle’s annual style issue. Inside the magazine you’re holding, you’ll find our team’s unique perspective on what, exactly, it means to have style. Together, Kali and I have sought out the best of B'ham to showcase home design, art, sustainable fashion, furnishings and more.
Get inspired reading about Lynlee and Carter Hughes’ beautifully reno vated home in Historic Redmont, where Photographer Clay Morrison and I were fortunate to spend the afternoon capturing images, then enjoying crisp rosé in the company of our gracious (and obviously stylish) hosts. Or peruse the story “Planting Ideas” to decide whether you need more nature in your household – and call Caitlin Hastings, a woman with the stylish green thumb, if the answer is yes. Do you appreciate stylish ideas from unexpected sources? Stephanie Lynton, interior designer and antique afi cionado, can help you find them. Finally, learn secrets to stylish fall hair and makeup – it’s easier than you think! – and score yourself sustainable threads to refresh your autumn wardrobe.
Yours, LIFESTYLE LETTER
On behalf of Kali, me, and all of the issue’s talented contributors, we appreciate you, and we wish you a stylish September and beyond.
Correction to August 2022: The names William McLure and Abigail Witthauer were misspelled in the print issue. We sincerely regret the error. 6
BROOKE@BROOKEWAHL.COM 205.447.1704 Never out of style—your perfect home.
inside the issue The Style Issue SEPTEMBER 2022 ON THE COVER DEPARTMENTS 6 Lifestyle Letter 10 Our Town STYLE + BEAUTY 14 Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY 18 Open House ARTS + CULTURE 26 Home Update HOME + DESIGN 34 Must See HOME + DESIGN 40 Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE 44 Inspired By HOME + DESIGN 48 Events 50 Trend Setter SHOPPING 10 44 26 40 FEATURED 10 Get the Look Faster this Fall Blo is Your Go-to for Beauty Shortcuts 26 House of Style Lynlee Hughes Invites Us Inside Her Family’s Dream Home 40 Treasure Hunting Stephanie Lynton Previews Antiques at the Gardens 44 Planting Ideas Botanica is on a Mission to Make Your World Greener Photography: Clay Morrison The Betsy Brown designed living room at the home of Lynlee and Carter Hughes. 8
1752 OXMOOR ROAD HOMEWOOD, ALABAMA 35209 205-868-4577 | HOMEWOODDENTAL.COM v @HOMEWOOD_DENTAL_AESTHETICS Love the Smile You’re With PRESLEY KAUFFMAN PATIENT, HOMEWOOD FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
BLO IS YOUR GO-TO FOR BEAUTY SHORTCUTS OUR TOWN | STYLE + BEAUTY10
cut and color appointments. According to Afsheen, “it’s comfortable, convenient and a great way to get your hair out of the way for the rest of the week.” Many of the regulars come without fail each week to score a sleek, profession al-looking ‘do that will keep them looking and feeling their best for the next seven days. From Realtors to registered nurses to business owners — all who have weekly standing appointments — the lure to look great with minimal effort is what keeps everyone coming back to Blo.
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“The stylists take great care of my thick, natural curly, auburn hair, and they do their magic in less than an hour — all while I edit content, answer emails or work on my next presentation! I always leave Blo feeling con fident and prepared to tackle the tasks in front of me that day.”
“Blo has been a tremendous blessing and helps me maintain a professional look throughout the week,” concurred Jennifer Davis Rash, president of TAB Media group.
ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES
As a kid, I never saw my grandmother parade around the house with a head of wet hair. Her hair consisted of always perfect, silky, salt-and-pepper waves — yet, I never saw her styling it. It was not until much later that I figured out my grandmother’s beauty secret: she visited her trusted hair stylist each week to obtain always-lovely locks.
THISFASTERFALL
GET THE LOOK
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And while many of us are accustomed to DIY hair and makeup these days, I have some news – we don’t have to be! Take it from Afsheen Ali, owner of Blo Blowdry Bar in Homewood: having a stylist and makeup artist handle your look is an affordable luxury you must try at least once. But, fair warning, you might never go back to DIY. Blo Blow Dry Bar offers a variety of spe cial occasion hair and makeup options –from weddings and proms to engagement photo shoots — but many of the salon’s visitors are regulars. Because Blo offers monthly memberships, it’s easy to save money and time on finessing your appear ance and maintaining your hair between
“We even have one client who comes every week to get her hair braided,” Afsheen said, smiling. “She gets her hair washed, blown out and braided every Wednesday at 1 p.m.!”
Ready-made makeup is another bestseller, par ticularly with Blo offering the elite brand Glo Skin Beauty, a mineral-based natural skin and makeup line.
OUR TOWN | STYLE + BEAUTY12
Afsheen pointed out how makeup doesn’t need to be reserved for milestone portraits either — plenty of Blo customers get their makeup done for date nights with the hubby or drinks with the girls.
AgentLynlee
strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 400 transactions totaling over $155 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. "I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding "city suburbs" from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge". Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, "Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing that my contributions positively impact my clients, my company, and my city and that I have produced the highest quality work."
1309 Roseland Drive Homewood, AL $1,453,000 • Buyer’s Agent 1110 Winward Lane Vestavia, AL $799,900 • Buyer’s Agent 1056 28 th Street S Highland Park $610,000 • Buyer’s
FASHION FORWARD | STYLE + BEAUTY These Boots Aren’t Made for Walking ARTICLE BY BIRMINGHAM LIFESTYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR Check Out Josh Haynes’ Tibetan Footwear Collection 14
HOW OFTEN DO YOU WEAR A PAIR OF TIBETAN BOOTS?
WHAT IS THE COLLECTION WORTH? ARE INDIVIDUAL PAIRS PRICED DIFFERENTLY?
These days, almost never — these boots are not made for walking. I’ll wear them sometimes if I’m dressing up for Buddhist teachings and most especially for Losar, or Tibetan New Year. It’s the biggest holiday of the year in Tibetan culture — think Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving in one go. At one point, I noticed that my teacher, Lama Tenzin Deshek, would get a little depressed around the holiday, which few people in Birmingham have ever even heard of, much less celebrated. So I committed to making as big a tra ditional celebration as possible each year, with food and decorations and fancy outfits.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
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SHARE YOUR INTEREST IN TIBET. WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN THIS COLLECTION IN THE FIRST PLACE? I began studying Tibetan Buddhism when I was 14 and was fascinated with the material culture of the Tibetan world. I haven’t visited Tibet — travel is restricted since the Chinese invasion in 1949 — but I have visited Tibetan refugee communities in North and South India. I can’t do anything directly to help keep Tibetan language and culture alive, but if I can help preserve some costume pieces and get to play dress-up, I feel good about that.
Currently, there are workshops in India that make boots for traditional performers, but otherwise, they’re only made in Tibet, so most of mine have been purchased secondhand. I have no idea what the prices for different styles would be if bought new from a boot maker. But I’d say, on average, vintage boots like mine go for around $100-$150 a pair. New ones from India can start at around $20 for a cheap pair of wool songba to as much as $400 for the fancy gyal ham worn by dancers portraying kings and princes. Bhutanese boots, tsholham, are still made in a range of styles, and the color of the band of fabric that goes around the ankle, connecting the instep and the leg, is often an indicator of rank. Prices range from $100 for ordinary boots on up to highly embroidered boots for royalty, and I hesitate to guess what the latter cost.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PAIR.
I would describe my style as eclectic. I’ve lived and traveled different places and have had many influ ences. I love combining Asian antiques and ethno graphic art with western MCM, Deco and antiques for a dramatic, Hollywood regency effect. I love natural materials and textures and avoid synthetics, sym metry and unnatural perfection. When it comes to clothing, I’ve found it's alienating to dress so distinc tively as I once did, unless there’s a specific, appro priate context. The rest of the time, it’s just a Banana Republic floral shirt middle-aged gay cowboy vibe.
The first pair were songba boots, constructed of geometrical pieces of colored wool felt with embroi dery and espadrille-like rope and leather soles. I found them right around the same time as my first chupa, the huge robe or coat that is the basic item of Tibetan dress, on eBay. At the time I was going through a phase in which I exclusively wore head-to-toe traditional costume - Indian kurta pajama, Thai seua kang kaeng, Japanese kimono. I certainly didn’t have a collection yet, but I was thrilled to have a new outfit.
We asked Josh Haynes, owner of Alloy Thai, to share his elite Tibetan boot collection with Birmingham Lifestyle. Read on, and be inspired to start your own niche collection of stylish global accessories.
400 41 ST STREET SOUTH, SUITE 100 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35222 (205) 777-5534 CALL / TEXT / BOOK ARCADIABHAM.COMONLINE LOCATED IN HISTORIC AVONDALE Welcome to theexperience.unhurried PHOTO BY STACY ALLEN
OPEN HOUSE ARTS + CULTURE ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL VALENCIA HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS JIM AND MARI ROBERTSON WANT THEIR WALLS TO TALK 18
CONTINUED > Left to right, artwork by Paul Kremer, Richard Roth, Beth Letain and Jason Stopa. 19| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAMSEPTEMBER 2022
With its minimalist decor, the Robertson residence showcases an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture and multimedia pieces from artists such as Roscoe Hall, Rachel Eulena Williams, Will Boone, Paul Kremer and many others. To add to their col lection on a regular basis, Jim and Mari frequent art shows and galleries, as well as keep a close eye on Instagram.
OPEN HOUSE ARTS + CULTURE20
Jim and Marilyn Robertson have transformed their home into a modern art gallery. The Birmingham native and his wife, origi nally from Colombia, moved back to the Magic City after resid ing in South Florida and developing appreciation for a modern aesthetic. Jim Robertson said his own love for art probably began in childhood, as an avid comic book collector. Today, he has spent more than a decade collecting art from sources all over the country, including Birmingham’s own Scott Miller Projects on Morris Avenue.
“We purchased our home in May of 2021. We actually weren’t looking to move immediately and had expected to live in West Palm Beach for a couple more years. One Saturday, a friend who knew that we really like modernist homes sent me a text of the listing,” Jim Robertson shared. “I immediately called a real estate agent, my mom, and a family friend who is a home inspector to meet at the house that afternoon. All went well for the walkthrough — we put an offer in and got the house that night.”
“We definitely like a more modern home because we can fit our larger-scale paintings — and fit more art in general, due to the open floor plan,” Robertson noted.
Left to right, works on Paper by Roscoe Hall, Artwork by Mark Flood, Roscoe Hall and Sam Jablon.
CONTINUED > Jim and Mari Robertson with artwork by Rachel Eulena Williams. 21| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAMSEPTEMBER 2022
OPEN HOUSE ARTS + CULTURE22
With its minimalist decor, the Robertson residence showcases an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture and multimedia pieces from artists such as Roscoe Hall, Rachel Eulena Williams, Will Boone, Paul Kremer and many others.
Left to right, artwork by Will Boone, Roscoe Hall and Rico Gatson.
Sydney Cancer Survivor 23| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAMSEPTEMBER 2022
InspirationhappensSydneywasdiagnosedwithosteosarcomaat13yearsold.Throughhertreatmentandrecovery,shebondedwiththedoctorsandnursessaying,“theybecamelikefamilytome.”Shewassoinspiredbyhercareteam,shedecidedtobecomeadoctorandhelpotherchildrengoingthroughascaryandsimilarsituation.Shealsowantedtoshowthatpeoplewithphysicalchallengescanandshouldpursuemedicine,too.ShebelievesherjourneytobecomingadoctorwasinspiredasapatienthereatChildren’sofAlabama.
2022 free & open to the public Saturday, Sept. 10 | 8 A.M.–2 P.M. AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS Benefiting the Gardens and featuring our Member Plant Gift MEMBER EARLY-BIRD SHOPPING: Friday, Sept. 9 | 10 A.M.–5:30 P.M. Bring a cart or wagon • Check and credit card only Natives • Perennials • Tropicals • Herbs Trees & Shrubs • Camellias • Ferns New this year: Preorder fall bedding plants at the sale! Stop by the membership table at our Fall Plant Sale and receive your annual Member Plant Gift—a pollinator-friendly CranRazz™ butterfly bush courtesy of our friends at Leaf & Petal. Thank you for being a Friend of the Gardens! bbgardens.org/fallplantsale A facility of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the result of a public/private partnership between the City of Birmingham and the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a mission-driven membership organization that seeks to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of the Gardens.
Botanica is a modern houseplant shop here to help your green thumb thrive. botanicabhm.com | (205) 777-5024 plantscape@botanicabhm.com | 312 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N. Birmingham, AL 35203 We offer commercial and residential interiorscaping services including: Plant consultations | Plant installations | Living walls | Monthly plant maintenance Get a free commercial or residential plant consultation when you mention this ad! MASTERS OF THE OUTDOORS WORLD CLASS FIRE ARMS Prepare for Hunting Season with Caliber (205) 917-5800 caliberxl.com 2822 Central Avenue in Homewood 24
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HOME UPDATE | HOME + DESIGN HOUSESTYLEOF ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAY MORRISON Lynlee Hughes Invites Us Inside Her Family’s Dream Home 26
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Lynlee Hughes recognizes a treasured piece of real estate when she sees one, which is why a home in the Redmont neighborhood inspired her vision at just first glance. The local Realtor and Magic City native said she and her husband, Carter, were leaving a property viewing more than four years ago — one they agreed wasn't the right fit — when they spotted a sign for a Redmont house. Sparked by curiosity, they turned down the street and pulled up to the home to find the owners busily pressure-washing as they were preparing to list it. Although it was not yet on the market, Lynlee and Carter were able to purchase the new abode in an off-market transaction. Even then, it all seemed meant to be — and now, this family is sure of it.
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The 3,000-square-foot house was built in the 1920s and lacked a laundry room and a master suite walk-in closet, both necessary for comfortable liv ing. The Hughes hired Architect Louis Nequette for the renovation; they had worked together on previ ous projects and trusted his meticulous approach to design while preserving the history of the home.
“Life with little ones can be chaotic, but a home can create amazing memories when design and space are carefully curated.” —Designer Betsy Brown CONTINUED > 29| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAMSEPTEMBER 2022
"We wanted to stay within the original footprint as much as possible and we knew Louis would be able to execute," Lynlee explained. "The closet and laundry room were two of the significant additions. We also added a swimming pool — and a back window to see straight to the pool from the frontThedoor."Hughes family has created a versatile, stylish home where the focus is on enjoyment. The entire crew, now with the addition of 4-year-old Ruby and 2-year-old Annie, values quality time in the front sitting room, transformed from its original purpose as a formal dining room. Thanks to the exper tise of interior designer Betsy Brown, the reimagined room is equipped with a cozy, u-shaped sofa, and a family-friendly atmosphere continues throughout the home.
Lynlee, Carter, Annie, age 2, and Ruby, age 4
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Life with little ones can be chaotic, but a home can create amazing memories when design and space are carefully curated."
"When we designed the home, family was a consideration," said Brown. "We re-designed the kitchen so they could cook and engage with little ones at the same time. We suggested a u-shaped sectional sofa so they could lounge and snuggle together.
For casual meals and conversation, the family gathers around the kitchen bar. Holidays and occasions are spent in the home's picturesque courtyard, with a table spacious enough for 12 guests. For additional seating or an unpredictable fore cast, the living room can also accommodate guests for dining.
"My husband and I are both invested in the city of Birmingham, and it's a miracle that we found this house," Lynlee said, smiling.
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With the assistance of Brown's artistic eye, the home has a neutral black-and-white color scheme, which the family plans to enhance with color as they go along. The Hughes have a love for travel and art — many of their favorite destinations have a strong artistic culture, and you can see pieces inspired by their experiences throughout the home.
The magic of discovering their family's dream home isn't lost on Lynlee, who helps her clients through the same pro cess and understands the inherent triumph. The family had previously lived in Forest Park and wanted to stay in the perimeter of the city — but with more space and a backyard to accommodate their growing family and lifestyle.
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Every aspect of the property is underpinned by style and intentional design, with deliberate thought given to how future residents will engage with their home. Below-ground parking, climate-controlled storage, a heated lap pool, sun deck, yoga studio and a 24-hour concierge doorman (a first in Birmingham) all provide lifestyle, security and peace of mind to homeowners.
In regards to design, Watts noted, “there will be a subtlety to the experience that will be felt, even if it is not tangible.”
Fresh off the success of hosting The World Games, our city is thriving in business development, cultural ame nities and award-winning culinary outposts, which makes being bullish on Birmingham a no-brainer.
The top floor of the building features a panoramic, 4,500-square-foot penthouse, which is as accessible to live and entertain in as it is exclusive in its privacy. Expansive outdoor space adds an additional 4,300 square feet. The lower two levels of the Tramont will feature maisonettes, which offer ample space for entertaining, complete with walkout terraces but with ample interior privacy. “We're excited to bring this concept to Birmingham. It is literally a two-story townhome within the building,” said Watts.
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The Tramont is scheduled for completion within the next 18 to 24 months; interested buyers may stop by the sales office adjacent to Vino in English Village to discover the vision and see additional renderings, as well as peruse proposed fixtures and finishes available to customize.
As one part of the D&A Companies design-andbuild team behind the landmark Tramont project coming to the historic Redmont-Highland Park neighborhood, Watts has a vision for the next chap ter of elevated residential living. Coupling sophis ticated and timeless design elements with gracious turn-key living, the Tramont promises to be a cov eted address. Once complete, the building will stand sentinel in the area, offering views of downtown and beyond, from light-filled interiors to expansive bal conies, which will serve as complete outdoor living and entertaining spaces.
And Evan Watts believes in Birmingham.
As one example, purposeful placement of floor-to-ceiling windows – as opposed to a simple glass-wrapped condo building – required thought as to the interior layout of each of the 28 units.
MUST SEE | HOME + DESIGN
While Watts and his team also develop properties in New York, the Magic City holds a special place for him, as he has strong family ties here. Working on this specific project affords him the opportunity to spend more time in Birmingham and reconnect with many of his favorite spots in town.
ARTICLE BY CHRISTIANA ROUSSEL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED PREVIEW THE TRAMONT AND MEET THE VISIONARY BEHIND IT CONTINUED > Rendering of The Tramont 35| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAMSEPTEMBER 2022
36 MUST SEE | HOME + DESIGN
Dividing his time between New York City and Birmingham, Evan Watts has the luxury of enjoy ing the benefits of both big city life and Southern hospitality. We asked him for a few of his favorite Magic City hotspots.
A run on Jemison or Vulcan Trail is pretty hard to beat when I’m in need of a good sweat. When it comes to dining and imbibing, Birmingham’s culinary scene continues to floor me. Some of my all-time favorite restaurants are here! I always find myself gravitating to Chez FonFon or the patio at Bottega – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail and dinner. My architectural eye can’t help but appreciate the rich history of the build ing. In fact, its masonry details, along with other buildings in the city, inspired and contributed to our timeless design at the Tramont. Often on the weekends, I run my dog, Juniper, down from Red Mountain and stop all along the parks gracing Highland Avenue. We love to throw balls at Caldwell park before looping back up to Key Circle. On a sunny afternoon, we love all the local breweries, like Trim Tab —and Juniper loves the abundant treats. At night, I love dining at Automatic Seafood in Lakeview or having a great glass of wine at Golden Age in Mountain Brook Village. And for late night, I always enjoy listening to a set from local musicians at Mom’s Basement.
The shopping in Birmingham is similar to the style of the city: understatedly elegant while chock-full of character and a sense of edge. Personally, I’ve become a big fan of Billy Reid for its timelessness, style and fit. Harrison’s in Mountain Brook Village is also my go-to for a great pair of slacks, and my wife has become a fan of Le Weekend since it opened in English Village a few months ago. Like many, we are obsessed with the weekend farmers market, especially Stone Hollow Farmstead, sold at their Farmstand location in Pepper Place, and their amazing jarred provisions—we chuckle when we see them sold in New York City. When it comes to furniture and home accesso ries, Shoppe is one of my favorite places to peruse – it normally warrants a quick bite at Juniper, too — which are both in Forest Park. We’ve also become big fans of ALKMY in Crestline Village and Maison in Mountain Brook Village.
To start my day, I love feeling exhausted (but refreshed) after a 60-minute Orange Theory workout downtown or hitting the bags at Battle Republic in Homewood. A double espresso over ice with a splash of oat milk from Continental Bakery in English Village is a nice reward after ward. When Chez LuLu is open, I often linger for lunch, especially with guests from out of town. Both are conveniently located across the street from our Tramont sales gallery at Vino, where I find myself spending a lot of time these days. It’s not unusual for me to walk back over for two or three more coffee refills or pop down to Red Cat in Pepper Place. I am also obsessed with Bandit and the Essential on Morris Avenue—did I men tion how many great food options we have here?
WHAT DOES YOUR DOWNTIME LOOK LIKE?
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HOW DO YOU BEGIN YOUR DAY IN BIRMINGHAM?
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE RETAIL OUTLETS IN BIRMINGHAM?
WHAT DO YOUR KIDS THINK ABOUT YOU LIVING DOWNTOWN?
Sheri: We are city people and were looking to move down town for a while, and we purchased our spot at the New Ideal about two years before it was built. We were looking for a diverse community where we could be involved in Birmingham.
THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON DOWNTOWN –WHAT KINDS OF THINGS DO YOU ENJOY DOING?
Connie: We can roll out of bed and be at St. Elias Church in 10 minutes! We attended so many World Games events. Cecil: We love having people over to watch the fireworks after Barons’ games from our rooftop balcony.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO MOVE DOWNTOWN?
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Connie: They love it. They want to know who's going to inherit this place!
Sheri: We walk to Barons’ games, the theater at Sidewalk, the Lyric and Alabama, all the restaurants on 2nd Avenue, Squadron games, UAB football and basketball, USFL games and anything else going on in town.
Connie: All three of our kids went to Spain Park High School but now live on Southside in Birmingham. It became increasingly clear that they didn't want to drive all the way out to Greystone, and we were driving downtown just to do different functions probably at least three nights a week.
Sheri: We have really enjoyed meeting people in the neigh borhood and feel a part of the excitement going on downtown.
CONSIDERING THE MOVE DOWNTOWN?
HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT
Connie: Yes! We meet at The Wine Loft each week, and they host us. You need to join us!
Recent years have seen scads of former suburbanites buy downtown lofts and condominiums, exchanging time spent maintaining a lawn and garden for more artistic and leisurely pursuits. Many of these buyers are empty-nesters who now delight in walking to dinner, enjoying rooftop cocktails, e-biking to gallery openings and attending concerts. Two such couples who traded in Over-the-Mountain living for the vibrant downtown scene are Connie and Cecil Bostany and Sheri and Jimmy Krell.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING DOWNTOWN?
WE HEAR THERE IS A DOWNTOWNER GROUP, WITH LOTS OF FOLKS WHO HAVE MADE THE MOVE TO LIVING DOWNTOWN.
MUST SEE | HOME + DESIGN
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ARTIST’S PALETTE | ARTS + CULTURE TreasureHunting ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR Stephanie Lynton Previews Antiques at the Gardens 40
CONTINUED > Plaster pieces from Rick Ingenthron Antiques, @woodsonantiques; Leftovers Antiques, @leftoversantiques; and Shoppe, @shoppebham 41| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAMSEPTEMBER 2022
WHAT ELSE EXCITES YOU ABOUT THIS YEAR’S EVENT?
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TELL US ABOUT THIS YEAR’S DEALERS. This year, we have a number of new dealers. We have Piggy Kitchen owner Bill Borman, who has an excellently curated collection of antique French cookware. He was a finalist on the Food Network’s Julia Child Challenge. We are excited about a new art hallway by Well & Wonder, the online artist collective featuring emerging Southern artists. We also have two new fine antique dealers, Roger Winter and Justin Westbrook. We have dealers from as far away as Los Angeles and Chicago—and three dealers from Alabama. HOW DO YOU SHOP AT AATG? I will go in with a list for clients. I’m always excited to view the agricultural chic items from Madison James—I can’t even tell you how many pieces I’ve bought from her!
To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, and view a list of dealers and speakers, bbgardens.org/antiques-at-the-gardens. visit
My first encounter with the keen eye of Stephanie Lynton was via the 2020 virtual IPC Holiday House Tour. Her commitment to a theme — along with her embrace of saturated colors, antiques, curiosities and thematic collections — made her home tour a total feast for the eyes. A bedroom brushed in Hermès orange and inspired by the colors of Tibet features layer upon layer of boldly patterned textiles. A cozy library smartly hides a Murphy bed behind a Berber wall hanging, allowing guests to sleep cocooned by books and cherry-red walls. Stephanie’s artistic flair and eye for detail make her the perfect person to serve (again) as antique dealer co-chair, alongside fellow designer Ellie Christopher, for the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 2022 Antiques at the Gardens (AATG). Here, Stephanie gives Birmingham Lifestyle a sneak peek into this year’s event—and a glance at a few of the cherished items she has collected from AATG over the years. WHAT MAKES ANTIQUES AT THE GARDENS SPECIAL IN YOUR EYES? We go above and beyond with hospitality for our dealers and cultivate strong rela tionships over many years. We have a small, highly curated group of 22 dealers. We host a dealer dinner at a private residence. McCorquodale Transfer donates turnkey porter services to our dealers, which is an incredible service—our dealers know they have professionals loading and unload ing for their precious cargo. Josephine [McDonough, of McDonough Fine Art], for example, knows I collect stylized snake prints. She finds rare patterns for me and has even hand-colored antique prints for me. Longtime AATG dealer Thomas M. Fortner will likely bring me some obelisks. Our dealers know their local Birmingham collectors and designers!
It’s a really great opportunity to get together with your friends and hear speak ers talk about beautiful interiors, have cock tails and enjoy a lovely shopping experience in a gorgeous setting. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis. While shopping and eating over the course of four days, you are supporting the gardens and their programs. Whether you are a floral, culinary, architecture or antique person, there is something for everyone. Antiques at the Gardens September 29-October 2
AATG ALWAYS HAS INTERESTING GUEST SPEAKERS. WHO ARE YOU MOST LOOK ING FORWARD TO? As a diehard maximalist, I’m thrilled to hear designer Ken Fulk. I’m also excited about floral designer Lewis Miller, creator of the Flower Flash, the New York-based guerrilla-style flower installations uti lizing leftover flowers from events. Pro Tip: Look out for Flower Flash-inspired installations blooming out of unusual locations—think trash cans and stop signs— around Birmingham, leading up to AATG!
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER ATTENDED AATG?
And dealer Barbara Adkins (Black Sheep Antiques) always has unique items.
The following page features items collected at AATG by designer, 2021 Antiques at the Gardens co-chair and 2022 dealer co-chair Stephanie Lynton of Stephanie Lynton Home.
We have our first textile sponsor, Sister Parish Design. The gala will feature a grand entrance by Millhouse Howell Landscape Company, and guests will experience a “wow” upholstery moment created by local custom furniture maker and uphol sterer Grant Trick.
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Not long into her high-stress career as a physician assis tant, Caitlin Hastings realized she needed a relaxing, creative hobby for her off-hours. She already had a love for beautiful houseplants, and that love began, shall we say, growing as she read books to gain knowledge and help her plants thrive. Soon, friends were asking Caitlin to assist with their own plant purchases — and before any one knew it, the seeds of a business had sprouted. “Long story short, I started doing consultations for people who wanted plants but didn’t know where to start,” Caitlin explained. “Then my husband said, ‘why don’t you make this a side hustle?’” That “side hustle” is now Botanica, a houseplant bou tique offering interiorscape services. From humble begin nings as a pop-up shop, Botanica opened an indoor plant emporium in August 2019, six months before Covid — a time, fortunately, when everyone wanted to enhance the home. The business expanded to include a second bou tique in Huntsville by September 2020. Today, Caitlin edu cates on how to add natural beauty to interiors. Her newest offering, Plantscape by Botanica, consists of consulta tions, installations and maintenance — replacing plants as needed and providing care so homeowners don't have to.
PLANTING IDEAS ARTICLE BY DENISE
“People don’t know they need plants until they have them,” Caitlin mused. “I work with businesses and homes to make the spaces greener.” K. JAMES MARY FEHR is on a mission to make your world
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Botanica
greener CONTINUED > 44
INSPIRED BY | HOME + DESIGN
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“People don’t know they need plants until they have them,” Caitlin mused. “I work with businesses and homes to make the spaces greener.”
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INSPIRED BY | HOME + DESIGN Caitlin Hastings Photo by Morgan Sowards
“I enjoy understanding the uniqueness of each individual that I serve. I listen to your story and goals and do everything I can to help you make a plan to get there.” Mary Meadows Livingston, CFA, CFP® Founder, Abeona Wealth (205) 259-6447 | abeonawealth.com 2208 University Blvd., Ste. 102 Birmingham, Alabama 35233 Investment advisory services offered through Equita Financial Network, Inc. Holistic Wealth Management | Retirement Planning Investment Management | Financial Education Tax Planning | Charitable Planning | Cash Flow Planning IN A QUEST FOR TRUTH, WE WILL LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED. ACHIEVING THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULTS FOR OUR CLIENTS THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN ADVOCACY. GLENDA ATTORNEYSASSOCIATESCOCHRANATLAW GLENDACOCHRAN.COM 205.328.5050 47| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAMSEPTEMBER 2022
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
events
HOOVER MET COMPLEX
Champagne & Fried Chicken Picnic PEPPER PLACE | 3:00 PM
HOLY TRINITY-HOLY CROSS GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL | 10:30 AM
SEPTEMBEROCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBER29TH-2NDOCTOBER1ST2NDOCTOBER13TH-15TH30TH EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2022
The Bluff Park Art Association Annual Art Show draws between 3,000 and 4,000 individuals each year for its eclectic mixture of media. Bluff Park Art Association is a 501(c)3 organization of volunteers, and the Art Show began as a way to fundraise and expand Bluff Park Elementary Library. In nearly 60 years, it's grown into a nationally recognized event.
Now in its 16th year, the 2022 Antiques at the Gardens (AATG) benefiting the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Birmingham's premier antiques show. Created by a committee of 150 dedicated volunteers, the show welcomes celebrated antiques dealers from across the nation offering furniture, fine art, vintage and fine jewelry, silver, rugs and textiles, home decor and garden accessories.
59th Annual Bluff Park Art Association Show
Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's SLOSS FURNACES | 1:00 PM
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. Antiques at the Gardens
Want to be featured? Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Birmingham 48
Enjoy a gourmet picnic for two featuring Southern-fried chicken (or vegetarian option); potato salad with herb vinaigrette; kale salad with dried fruit; pears and cheese; cornbread muffins; banana pudding and Cre mant de Loire. You'll also receive colorful dahlias from Stone Hollow Farmstead. Pick up your picnic at the drive-through at Pepper Place; it's your gift for a $175 donation. Birmingham Greek Festival
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The annual Heart of Alabama Walk in Birmingham is the largest event for our state. All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer's further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.
Become Greek for the weekend at the 49th Annual Greek Food Festival, set for October 13-15, 2022, from 10:30am until 9:30pm. The Greek Festival is Birmingham’s oldest and most anticipated cultural event, of fering an abundance of delicious Greek cuisine along with music and dancing. All entrees and desserts are homemade as they have been for 48 years.
S ept embe r 2 9 – O ctob er 2 PRESENTING SPONSOR: FIRST HORIZON BANK TEXTILE SPONSOR: SISTER PARISH DESIGN benefiting FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS BBGARDENS.ORG/ANTIQUES 49| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAMSEPTEMBER 2022
Need clothing repaired? Martha Ellen has you covered. Her mission is to take cloth ing and give it life again to last a lifetime.Insta gram: @mend_marthaellen Address: 825 39th Street South, Unit A, Birmingham Website: mendbymartha.com
TREND SETTER | SHOPPING Looking to add to your closet in honor of autumn? These local businesses offer sustainable options so you can get dressed with a good conscience. ARTICLE BY MAYA KITCHENS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED CHECK OUT THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES AND LEVEL UP YOUR WARDROBE Sustainable Fashion For The Season
Hannah Christine started by creating handcrafted, custom accessories and has now built her business on the premise of using vintage bags and putting her own twist to repurposing them. She also creates her own bags from scratch. Instagram: @hideandhunter Website: hideandhunter.com basic. Founder Lacey Woodroof wanted to change the way garment workers are treated globally, as well as tackle fast fashion. Today, her business stocks ethically made, staple apparel from indie designers. Instagram: @abasicshop Website: abasicshop.com Address: 2214 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham Devore Vintage Owner Hannah Conzelman wants to bring antique apparel back to life through her shop. She presents one-ofa-kind vintage and antique apparel from the Victorian Era all the way through the 1970s. Instagram: @devorevintage Address: 2829 2nd Avenue South #20, Birmingham Website: shopdevorevintage.com
Elidia the Label Founded in 2017, Talaya Champion ethically creates and produces leather accessories. Her brand focuses on mini malism and fashion-forward aesthetics for sus tainability. Instagram: @elidiathelabel Website: Hideelidiathelabel.com&Hunter
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Julie Maeseele created her brand on the basis of using recycled material and surplus textiles to produce made-to-order apparel. Her vision for her business is remaining progressive and ethical. Instagram: @juliemaeseele Website: Mendjuliemaeseele.com
©2022 All rights reserved. J David Homes is an independently owned and operated franchise. Mary Kathryn Bonamy • MKBonamy@ARHomes.com Call 205-876-3677 to schedule your visit. MOSS CREEK CIRCLE, MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL 35223 Visit Trails End – An AR Homes ® Community Monday – Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 1pm to 5pm
