the issue STYLE


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This month, we're celebrating and exploring 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.
Style is a deeply personal form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are — that’s something no one on earth can duplicate!
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 in Birmingham to uplift our spirits, boost our productivity and ignite our creativity.
Here’s to being uniquely you!
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rayna Southart | rayna.southart@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Aly Darin
ALI KRAMER, PUBLISHER @BIRMINGHAMCITYLIFESTYLECHIEF 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 Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
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Nanci J. Rands Associate BrokerJessica Weisman
Realtor®
Adriane Dundon Realtor®
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Lauren Colburn
Marketing Director/Realtor®Brooke Goodstein
Director of Operations/Realtor®For us, luxury real estate isn't about a price, it's about an experience.Meredith Colburn Associate Broker/ Team Leader
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We teamed with Giulia Zhou to create fall looks from her Birmingham boutique, Via Manzoni.
Born in Beijing and earning a degree in business administration from Bocconi University in Milan, Giulia Zhou (see page 24) eventually joined her family’s 30-yearold business in Italy’s fashion, wine and furniture industries.
After meeting her husband-to-be, Lingxuan, while visiting Indiana, Zhou moved from Milan, Italy, to Troy, Mich., where her new husband works as an engineer. Wanting to bring a taste of her chic Italian lifestyle and business to Michigan, Zhou opened Via Manzoni (viamanzoni. com) — named after the bustling street in Milan that is home to high-end fashion boutiques and their shoppers — in Birmingham last December. (Continued on page 22)
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALY DARIN STYLED BY GIULIA ZHOU(Continued from page 20) Offering imported luxury designer clothing, accessories and lifestyle goods, Via Manzoni strives to “bring European shopping to Michigan,” Zhou says, “capturing the elegance and artistry that is synonymous with Italy. Our products and services (including an Hermes cafe) reflect the finest Italian craftsmanship, fashion, cuisine and hospitality.”
Via Manzoni offers exclusive items only found in Italy — including purses, shoes, clothing and Italian appliances
(Continued from page 22) — from her family’s wholesale business in Italy. The store carries more than 40 designers, including Gucci, Chloe, Prada, Hermes, Roger Vivier, Miu Miu and more, all at highly discounted (up to 40 percent) prices. If that perfect designer item — a Goyard bag, for example — is not in-store, Zhou will do her best to find it.
“Our primary goal is to curate and offer an exquisite Italian luxury lifestyle experience to our clients,” Zhou says. “Part of that experience is unparalleled customer service that exudes the essence of la dolce vita — reflecting the beauty, passion and grace that embodies the heart and soul of Italy.”
When Rachel Schostak was a little girl, she changed her outfit multiple times a day. “I always loved fashion. There are pictures of me with these crazy shorts on with a skirt,” Schostak says. “I always wanted to change, try something different. Now my own daughter does the same thing — it’s funny, because I want to say, ‘Let’s stick to one outfit.’ But I end up letting her do her thing.”
After studying art and design for a year at the University of Michigan, Schostak realized that she wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She transferred to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City to study fashion merchandising and marketing, while at the same time working in the industry — she interned at Cosmopolitan magazine, Theory and other fashion companies and also worked at seasonal trade shows. “I really got my feet wet at a young age, learning the ins and outs of the business,” she says. “When I first got there, I wanted to be a buyer for a big corporate company like Ralph Lauren or Chanel, and work my way up. As I worked for different companies while at school, I shifted my mindset of what I wanted to be doing.”
She also worked as a personal assistant for a luxury marketing brand consultant. “She really opened my eyes to fashion entrepreneurship,” Schostak says. “Just being exposed to all these opportunities changed my path.”
That path eventually led her back to Michigan, where she worked for Denise Illitch Designs, continuing to learn about owning a business, before launching her own fashion tech company, Styleshack. She also helped launch Seen magazine in Metro Detroit, becoming its fashion director and overseeing all things regarding fashion content.
Now a mom to three young children with her husband in Birmingham, Schostak is aware of the evolution of her life and place in the world. “Having kids has given me clarity and made me take a look at my priorities and how best to manage my time,” she says. “I’m really grateful that I can be present right now, and consider my next projects in my career.”
Throughout her time at Seen , Schostak simultaneously curated her business, Styleshack, which was acquired by Seen in 2018. From there, she created
Rachel Schostak gives a peek at what it’s like to be an entrepreneur in the fashion industry — and spills on what’s hot for fall.
another company, SchoStyle (@scho_ style; schostyle.com), her own brand of styling, fashion musings and consulting in the fashion space. In addition to its website and Instagram, followers can sign up for a monthly newsletter.
“I’ve always been working on my SchoStyle brand on the side, but now I can focus on it a bit more,” Schostak says. It features local and national must-have fashion items, mostly for women but sometimes I’ll throw some menswear, kids and accessories in there. It’s my mix of
what you should be paying attention to on a very relatable level.”
There are some higher-end items sideby-side with pieces from Zara and Target. “I think that’s the way people shop,” she says. “They might splurge on a high-end item and mix in basics from the Gap.”
At her core, Schostak loves styling. “Putting an outfit together for someone, from start to finish, head to toe — this is what I really enjoy, whether it’s the creative process of producing an editorial photo shoot or creating aspiring
yet relatable content, putting together a team to create aspiring yet relatable content,” she says. “I also really love the idea of sales, the experience of creating a relationship by working with a person. This is what I’ve been doing, but now I’m focusing on putting out fashion content on my own terms and doing creative projects in the community.
“I’ve always wanted to do fashion, but it was always evolving,” she says, “like a kid with a blank palette, drawing my way through it.”
Style inspiration from the Bottega Veneta runway. Photo courtesy of Bottega Veneta. Favorite Daughter Simon Coat (shown in petite). Shopfavoritedaughter.com. Favorite Daughter Ex-Boyfriend Shirt (shown with the Ollie Ultimate Baggy Wide Leg). Shopfavoritedaughter.com.“I’ve always wanted to do fashion, but it was always evolving, like a kid with a blank palette, drawing my way through it.” — Rachel Schostak
Looking for style inspiration on Instagram? Support local with these follows.
@scho_style
Of course!
ANGELA WISNIEWSKI
@hey_Angela
“Cool, cool style and owner of local store Coup D’Etat.”
SISSY YELLEN
@sissyyellen
“Great overall style and home design.”
KERRY DOMAN
@littleguidedetroit
“Where to go and what to do with your littles, in style.”
AMANDA FOCHTMAN
@amandafochtman
“Overall great style, skin care and good finds, plus cute kid stuff.”
RACHEL SCHOSTAK BRIDJET MORRIS
@bridjetmorris
“Great style. I love how she shares authentic moments and inspires other women to find the best version of themselves.”
LINDSAY ROBERTS SCHEY
@thegiftinsider
“Go-to for gifts and style stuff.”
CHRISTINE T. COLMAN
@christinetcolman
“Gorgeous jewelry and great eye.”
JESSIE ABRAMS HODARI
@jessieabramshodari
“Amazing local artist.”
“The main trends on the runways this season are Luxe Minimalism, Layering, Leather, Tailoring, Classic Cool Basics and Elevated Athleisurewear,” Rachel Schostak says. Subtle, muted monochromatic tones pair perfectly with these mix-and-match looks, but, she says, “I think it’s ok to add color — you have to adapt every trend to what looks good on you.”
Elevate the comfort by pairing chic sweatpants or leggings (look at Steele Angel in Birmingham) with a button-down (check Isabel Marant or Favorite Daughter) or layering a sweatshirt or sweater with a black blazer (try SHE in Bloomfield Hills). A tank or T-shirt by Perfect White Tee (at Guys N Gals in West Bloomfield) pairs perfectly with leather pants. “Leather is big for this season with comfortable, cool sweaters,” Schostak says. “The mix of comfortable and classy exemplifies this look.” (Look for sweaters at Found Objects in Birmingham or Hersh’s in West Bloomfield.) High-waisted or wide-legged jeans (Guys N Gals) feel classic but trendy with a black blazer. Pair them with sneakers for daytime — “I’ve been really into the New Balance sneakers, they’ve got fun colors for fall,” Schostak says. “Elevated casual is a vibe right now, so pairing a blazer with a sneaker is totally OK.”
This trend is all about updating the classics, like a pair of jeans with modern loafers (check Sundance in Birmingham), a hoodie or button-down with blazer. “We’re seeing a lot of ’90s-style platforms now,” she says. “I like an in-between — not platform, not flat.” A beautiful trench coat or elevated raincoat (check Ralph Lauren or Amazon) or coat (Favorite Daughter, Hersh’s, SHE) looks great with leggings and New Balance sneakers. “For fall weather, you can throw a trench or coat on over a T-shirt, in creamier, warmer, subtle colors, like camel,” Schostak says. Look for leggings by All Access online at Bandier — “they make a great variety of leggings, including faux leather. It’s best to stick with easy black leggings, you can throw them on and it doesn’t look like you’re going to the gym, but it’s still comfortable,” she says. “If you’re going with a color, pair them with a black blazer.”
“Tailored vests are very in right now,” Schostak says (check SHE or the Gap). “The Gap is great for basics. It’s easy, quality and affordable — you don’t have to break the bank for easy pieces. “What I like about taking a classic low look and changing it into elevated is that it’s so easy. The blazer elevates the jeans or leggings — switch out sneakers for classic black pumps or a bootie for an instant new look.”
@thesoutherngail
“Go-to for DIY home reno and design.”
GAIL DISNER MARINA PIA GOLDI
@marinapiagoldi
“Photographer, trendsetter and sharp. Her eye is always on the cusp of something inspiring and beautiful.”
Accessory-wise, Schostak loves layering necklaces. “Tapper’s has a great variety for layering and lots of cool, modern pieces,” she says. “They don’t have to be super-expensive, just easy pieces to wear together.” As a mom, Schostak prefers little backpacks for throwing in kids’ stuff and still looking cool (check Oliver Thomas, whose founder is based in Birmingham). For a splurge purse, she loves La Roe.
Again, harkening back to ’90s style, when going out or for a party, “strapless dresses are very in right now,” Schostak says. “It becomes more modern by layering it with a sweater or turtleneck underneath, for a minimalist monochromatic look.”
14 Karat Gold Diamond Necklace, 18-inch Paper Clip Chain in 14 Karat Yellow Gold, 14 Karat Gold Diamond Star Necklace on 14 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace chain, Tapper’s, West Bloomfield, Troy, Novi and Birmingham. Tappers.com.
L’Agence
Fall 2023 trends take their cue from the runway, like this one from Miu Miu.
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JENNIFER FANTICH
@SPOONFULOFFLAIR
10.1K followers
Bloomfield Hills
Blogger Jennifer Fantich wants to inspire people to style their basics in elevated ways. “I love showing how a white tee can be worn casually or for a night out; a pair of denim with sneakers or pumps; and the right accessories can amp up your entire look,” she says. “Fashion doesn’t have to be difficult and functional pieces shouldn’t be seen as boring. I want to help people find quality pieces at affordable prices that they can feel good in — while supporting local businesses.”
Her look “Classic but elevated: I love adding in new trends to work with what I already wear — as a mom of three, not every fashion trend makes sense for me, and that’s OK.”
Fave trends “Cargo pants, and styling basic colors with staples like a cropped tee, a ribbed tank or a solid tube top. I’m also loving denim maxi skirts, tailored leather pieces like vests and trousers and rosette details.”
Fave brands Perfect White Tee for tops/tanks/lounge; Agolde for denim; Blan kNYC for trendy, affordable jackets/pants/shorts; Daydreamer for graphic tees; Schutz for affordable shoes/boots; Melissa Lovy for quality, affordable jewelry.
Closet essentials “A great pair of denim, a classic pair of black boots or booties, a white or black bodysuit, a classic blazer, a basic white tee, a black belt with either gold or silver hardware, flattering leggings and a pair of hoop earrings.”
6,116 followers
Grosse Pointe
Wardrobe stylist Kendra Bissig loves to facilitate the connection between getting dressed and its subsequent positive mental shift. “I want to provide a welcoming space for fashion enthusiasts, practical ideas to apply in the closet and plenty of humor.”
Experimenting with fashion, she says, “gave me the creative outlet I’d lost in the transition from career person to stay-at-home mom. It aided in my postpartum depression recovery, and connected me with a community that loves fashion as a vehicle of self-expression.
“Now, I love seeing my clients’ confidence blossom when they wear something that fits and feels great,” she says. “The friendships that have developed are the icing on the cake.”
Her look Polished casual.
Fave brands and pieces “Mother and Just Black denim; Nina Nieves capes; Veronica Beard blazers; Old Navy V-neck ribbed tanks; ASOS for trendy styles and inclusive sizing (tall, curvy, wide feet.); The RealReal for luxury consignment clothing; and FWRD.com for luxury consignment handbags/accessories.”
Fave trends “Vests with wide-leg trousers and slip dresses with oversized leather moto jackets.”
Fun fact “I don’t save special outfits for special occasions, because every day on this side of the dirt is a special occasion!”
Detroit
“I’ve loved fashion since I was a kid — art in its many forms has always interested me. I had thoughts of being a designer but my path led me to working in fashion retail, styling and visual merchandising,” says Lala Triplett, an image (for personal style/ lifestyle clients) and brand (for business and marketing clients) consultant. “I love being able to utilize my different skills, both on the business side and the creative side. My business allows me to draw from my experiences in retail, sales, operations, visual merchandising, leadership, styling and marketing to best serve clients.”
Her look “Modern chic with an edge. I love both unique statement pieces and clean minimalism with interesting details,” she says.
Fave pieces and brands “My favorite brand is YSL Saint Laurent: It would be my dream wardrobe. Lately, I’ve been loving the the brand Hanifa — I want everything. Favorite pieces include a classic clean blazer with structured shoulders and a cinched waist — you can do so much with a good staple blazer. I also have been wearing my zebra-print calf-hair loafer slides a lot. They elevate every outfit.”
Fave trends “Remember how we saw the Bottega green everywhere? Red will be the power color of the season and I’m here for it. I also love the power dressing trend. I love a strong, refined, chic look. Be on the lookout, especially in Michigan, for the elevated statement coat trend. It is essential! You are prepared for our wild weather while also uniquely stylish and fashion-forward.”
Shameless plug While Triplett wants to connect, share her creativity, inspire and empower others, she also wants to market her brand and business — using her platform to “look for different projects with individual women, brands, retailers and brand partnerships.”
Photo by Marcel Brown, IG @mdotbrown_107K followers
Bloomfield Hills
Style curator Elizabeth Thurswell has created a forum to showcase her love of fashion — and inspire women to tell their own style story. “I love to travel and exploring new and favorite spots around the world,” she says. “I wanted to create a community to ask questions and share ideas about the business of fashion. I think it’s important that women know how to invest their money into good pieces that can work into their existing wardrobe. People act differently when they are well-dressed.”
“Born” to be in the fashion industry, her late mother was a successful retailer of European designers. “I worked in shipping and receiving, the selling floor and I accompanied her on many buying trips and fashion shows. I fell in love with fashion through my mother’s eyes — women literally bought clothing off my mother’s back because she was wearing it!”
Her look “Feminine cool girl. My favorite outfit is a fun graphic tee, great-fitting blazer, wide-leg denim, heels and a statement handbag. And I always accessorize with yellow-gold jewelry.”
Fave designers “Right now, they are Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent and Prada. My more contemporary brands are Frame, Nili Lotan, Matteau, Dsquared and Isabel Marant,” Thurswell says.
Fave trends “Tailored clothing, sheer fabrics in dresses, red everything (which makes me very happy) and lots and lots of leather.”
@IAMCARRIEM
981 followers
Birmingham
AKA owner of Petite Cabane, a European children’s concept store in Birmingham
“I’ve always loved sharing photos and moments with people,” Carrie Martin says. “Before social media, I used to carry around packets of photos from my travels. Now, I love that I can share with friends around the world, and make new friends who share a common interest. I hope that followers find something that resonates with them, whether an interest in travel, motherhood or just finding the beauty in their days.
“We spend a lot of our year in France,” Martin says. “Paris for work trips and the South of France for our family trips. I am also in the process of writing a city guide of Paris for kids! Nous pouvons rêver.”
Martin became a fashion model and moved to New York City at 16 before living in Paris, Milan, Madrid then London to start a family. “Fashion has been a constant for me, which shifted to children’s fashion after my four children were born,” she says. “I love the discovery of new brands and products for my shop. I am most passionate about curating our collections each season.”
Her look “A mix of classic European and Californian bohemia. I gravitate toward simple, clean, pretty things. I cannot handle clutter or too many things fighting for attention.”
Fave pieces and brands “Dresses always, by Natalie Martin, La Double J and Doen with classic Hermes Oran sandals. Otherwise, it’s Levis, a J Crew V-neck T-shirt or simple La Ligne sweater with a black blazer, Veja sneakers and my black Celine bag. Like a uniform!”
1,457 followers
Dianne (the aunt), Oakland Jennifer (the niece), Rochester Hills AKA Jen works as a marketing project manager
The multi-generational Harper Girls blog came about after “our fashionista mom/grandma, who greatly influenced us, passed away. We loved taking shopping trips to New York together,” Dianne says. Adds Jen, “Grandma let me try makeup when I was little, which grew into a love of beauty. Aunt Dianne took me back-to-school shopping every year — it’s perfect that we are doing this together.”
“We wanted to find a way to take my mom’s classic lessons (she still believed in no white after Labor Day) and modernize them,” Dianne says. “Most of all, she taught us that you can live your best life at any age — with style and have fun while doing it.”
Case in point: The pair’s popular series, How to Wear it at Any Age, shows how two generations, 25 years apart, can wear the same thing and look equally good. Says Jen, “As a mom of two, I enjoyed sharing my pregnancy fashion journey. Keeping up your style with a busy family can be tough, but it can be done, even enjoyable!”
Their look “Chic, classic with a touch of glam,” Dianne says; Jen is more chic, classic and casual.
Fave brands Dianne: “I like small local boutiques. Online, I like Dallas & Dottie plus Evereve and WHBM.” Jen: “Quince offers the same quality as more expensive brands. I love their leggings, washable silk and cashmere.”
Photo by Kyra Head at Brixroom@IAMLAURENLYRICS
173K followers
Troy
AKA Licensed realtor
The self-described lover of all things pink and pretty (“dresses, pearls, colors and florals”), content creator, entrepreneur and mom Lauren Wilson grew up knowing that she had her own unique style “and never felt the need to follow the trends,” she says.
In that vein, she wants to “spread love while helping to empower women,” she says. “I strive to encourage each person to believe they can live the life of their dreams with God by their side, dedication and discipline.
“I really enjoy being able to create and promote products, services and businesses. I’ve helped small businesses sell out products and the joy it brings them makes my heart smile!”
Her look Classic and girly.
Fave brands Kate Spade, Chanel and Lilly Pulitzer. “They all embody my style.”
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Tamara Day, star of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions, describes her style as “laid-back luxe.”
“I am a mom of four, and I like pretty, shiny things,” Tamara says. “The two don’t always mix well. I design with lifestyle and family in mind but with that touch of glam.”
This mixture of practicality and flare can be accomplished throughout the home on a budget, Tamara says.
When it comes to the kitchen, she says replacing the backsplash is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh the room. Additionally, she says paint is the most inexpensive option to update cabinets, and there is a de-glosser on the market that will reduce the labor involved by helping paint adhere to cabinets.
“You can get a whole new kitchen with some fresh paint,” Tamara says.
In the bathroom, Tamara suggests putting up new light fixtures and wallpaper for a fresh look. She suggests using wallpaper on just one wall to create contrast.
“Wallpaper transforms everything and puts in a hominess factor,” Tamara says.
To give a new feel to the living room, Tamara suggests using decorative pillows as well as displaying design books and layering with a candle or other interesting object to create a sentimental focal point. She also suggests investing in good, quality sofas
HGTV star shares her secrets to make a home look both beautiful and livable.
and rugs because less expensive options will not typically withstand the amount of wear and tear they receive from a family.
Overall, Tamara says there is a balance between mixing expensive and inexpensive items and materials around the home, all without having it looking cluttered. She says every space needs something that is thrifted.
Tamara finds many people enjoy elements of different types of styles and have a hard time defining their personal style. To help narrow down to a preferred look, she suggests taking a hundred room images and sorting them into piles of likes and dislikes. She says when someone completes this exercise, they typically find a theme to their preferences.
Tamara has a natural eye for using great colors and textures in design. What is her approach to making a room look great?
HERE ARE TAMARA’S TOP TIPS: Find a base color with pops of other colors.
“Every room needs a touch of black and a pop of color,” Tamara says. “The black will anchor it, but the color will give it life.”
If the home is urban, she suggests more bold pops. If it is a traditional home, use a mixture of colors. Additionally, she suggests using one basic color throughout a home with pops of other colors as opposed to having a different color in each room.
Consider wallpaper.
“Wallpaper can be scary for a lot of people, but there are so may wallpapers out there that are removable,” Tamara says.
Tamara says wallpaper adds texture and warmth, and she includes it in most of the homes she designs.
Layer with baskets, blankets and greenery. All three make a room feel cozy and add color and interest to a space.
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A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
SEPTEMBER 8TH
Birmingham Outdoor Movie Nights
BOOTH PARK
It's show time! Head to Booth Park for an outdoor movie night featuring Toy Story. As always, the event is FREE. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m.; movie at 7:30 p.m. *In the event of inclement weather, Movie Nights will be held the following evening (Saturday). Visit allinbirmingham.com/calendar for more information.
SEPTEMBER 29TH & 30TH
59th Bloomfield Charity Antiques and Collectibles Show
CROSS OF CHRIST
LUTHERAN CHURCH
Come and explore antiques and collectibles from more than 32 respected dealers on Friday, September 29 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Show tickets are $12, and all proceeds benefit local charities.
OCTOBER 22ND
Empowered Moms LIVE Event
DETROIT MARRIOTT SOUTHFIELD
Empowered Moms LIVE Event is an all-day immersive experience happening on Sunday, October 22 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. featuring guest speakers on topics that raise the bar for moms who know they are worthy of more and are ready to continue dreaming after motherhood through Connection + Community + Collaboration. For more information, visit empoweredmoms.co