FIRED UP
OUR MEN’S ISSUE CELEBRATES LOCAL LEADERS IN BUSINESS, STYLE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, FAMILY, FOOD & FUN
JUNE 2026
Meredith Colburn | Associate Broker/Team Leader, Nanci J. Rands | Associate Broker, Jessica Weisman | Realtor® Adriane Dundon | Realtor®, Caroline Johnson | Realtor®, Lauren Colburn | Marketing Director/Realtor® Brooke Goodstein | Director of Operations/Realtor®
Highline Trading, founded by Calvin Kashat and Brandon Murad, is a trusted destination for buying, selling, and trading luxury timepieces and designer handbags. We specialize in authentic watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Cartier, and more — along with sought-after handbags from Chanel, Dior, Hermès, and Goyard.
Whether you are purchasing your first timepiece or trading within your collection, we offer competitive pricing, full transparency, and expert guidance every step of the way.
Explore our collection of certified luxury watches and handbags—authentic, curated, and always in pristine condition.
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June in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills has a particular energy to it.
The patios fill up. The shopping districts hum. Father’s Day puts everyone in a generous mood. And this year, we turned our attention to the men who make up the fabric of this community — not to put them on a pedestal, but to take a closer look at what they actually do.
What we found is that they are, in the best possible sense, fully invested in this life they’ve built here.
This issue is for them — and for everyone who knows one. Men who have built businesses with real staying power. Men who take care of their health, and how they look. Men who think carefully about how they dress and why it matters. Men who are deeply invested in this community — not just professionally, but personally.
Inside, you’ll find the men shaping this community from every angle: the entrepreneurs building something from nothing, the leaders driving Metro Detroit forward, the style icons who have never once considered blending in. You’ll find the best places to eat, shop and celebrate the season — and more than a few ideas for Father’s Day, whether he’s hard to shop for or refreshingly easy.
June in Birmingham is its own kind of magic. We hope this issue does it — and the men who help create it — justice.
ALI
KRAMER, PUBLISHER
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kim Hill, Pauli Reep, Susan Thwing, Patti Zielinski
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Aly Darin, Taylor Higgins, Brittany Dawn Short
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
JULY 19-26, 2026
See world-class professional tennis up close and personal at the award-winning Cranbrook Tennis Complex. Watch the next generation of global stars compete for valuable ATP ranking points and $230,000 in prize money.
NAMED 2025 ATP CHALLENGER TOUR TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR
SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TICKETS + SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.
Two
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1:
1-7: BodyBurn x
event April 19 combined movement, recovery and community, all in one. The day included a sculpt + mat class, flow into body rolling, then contrast therapy — and finished the workouts with frozen matcha.
1-5: Becoming the Art of Reinvention: A Power & Poise Experience on April 15 at Zana in Birmingham, gathered a collective of women hosted by the Power & Poise Founders Jumana Yousef, Anabelle DiPilla, Farrah Davidson and Bridjet Morris. 6: Melissa Coulier (center) led meditation followed by shopping as Vuori + Banya teamed for an event at Vuori Somerset April 12. The elevated event brought together the worlds of performance, recovery and mindful living. 7: The members-only group meditated then shopped at Vuori.
Over $875 Million in personal career sales (not team sales)
Over $70 Million personally sold in 2025 #1 Individual Agent at Max Broock/Real Estate One (over 2,100 agents statewide)
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Facial Plas T ic s urg E ry
Voic E Th E ra P y
For over 30 years, patients in Novi, Brighton, and Bingham Farms have trusted ENT Specialists of Michigan for expert care in ear, nose, and throat health. Our dedicated team of physicians has earned that trust by delivering compassionate, honest, and personalized care that makes a real difference in our patients’ lives. Known for our commitment to quality, comfort, and long-lasting results, ENT Specialists continues to set the standard for exceptional ENT care throughout Michigan. www.entspecialistspc.com 248-453-9300
Dr. Carrie Leff, a board-certified internist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, has launched a membership-based concierge women’s primary-care practice, in partnership with Monarch, serving women and girls 16 and older, with a particular focus on midlife and menopause. Currently seeing patients virtually, the practice’s Farmington Hills office opens this summer. Dr. Leff’s model integrates menopause, mental health, sexual health and long-term prevention under one physician relationship — “that is how women receive thoughtful medicine,” she says. Drcarrieleff.com .
Pro tennis returns to Bloomfield Hills July 19–26 for the 2026 Cranbrook Tennis Classic, an ATP Challenger Tour event held at the award-winning Cranbrook Tennis Complex. Watch up-close as rising global stars battle for $230,000 in prize money, coveted ATP ranking points and a wildcard entry to the US Open. Named 2025 ATP Challenger Tour Tournament of the Year, the CTC is fast becoming a compelling celebration of sport, culture and community. Cranbrooktennisclassic.com
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Rachel Carroll grew up watching her grandmother gardening and tending to her breathtaking windowbox outside her kitchen. Inspired by her grandmother’s love of plants and flowers, Carroll brings WOW Windowboxes to Metro Detroit. Carroll and her team create custom-built windowboxes and planters, installs them at clients’ homes replete with an automatic irrigation system and offers plantings for each season. A beautifully simple way to bring a seasonal flourish to your home or property. Wowwindowboxes.com/detroit.
Founded in 2014 by Amarilda Vucaj, Amareaux Interior Design has become a trusted partner for discerning homeowners, builders, and real estate professionals.
Whether embarking on a new build, transforming a remodel, or furnishing a residence from the ground up, our studio brings vision, expertise, and seamless project management to every step of the journey.
The Art of Refined Living, Curated.
725 South Adams, Suite 190, Birmingham, MI 48009 Office: 248-792-2720 | sales@amareux.com | www.amareaux.com
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ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
SUMMER
THE BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT MAKES THE LIVING (AND SHOPPING) EASY WITH EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEASON.
TIME
1. The world’s third-most popular sport — who knew? Bring this easy-to-transport (in a birch carrying case) Bocce Ball Set to your next picnic. Serena & Lily.
2. Step into the world of the Outdoors Oracle, a naturethemed oracle deck with 84 hand-illustrated cards inspired by Pacific Northwest wilderness, combined with a 220-page journal, topographical map and more. The Paper Source.
3. Plan, sketch and track your garden in My Gardening Journal, with advice and a logbook for each week of the year. The Paper Source.
4. Classic Dutch-style city bikes get a modern spin from Public in the C7 Beach Cruiser Bike with Riviera Rattan Basket — charming details like sporty stripes belie the sturdy, dreamy ride. Serena & Lily.
5. We’ve never seen a Pickleball Set so pretty as this one by Recess. Serena & Lily.
1. Easy, breezy, sheer and gauzy — Matthildur Dress Matthildur X Mark Keller.
2. The Sancia Marina Dress, crafted with a delicate, floaty paneled skirt and contrast binding. Dolce Moda.
3. We don’t think there’s ever been a more perfect pair than the Terry Patch Pocket Short: Stretch terry fabric with the appearance of denim and the clean cut of a classic. Faherty.
4. With short puff sleeves and smocked back waist, Ramy Brook’s ultra-versatile Nicky Poplin Mini Dress is perfect for your next garden party. Found Objects.
5. The Brick Scribble Jacket stuns with a peplum hem, rhinestone brooch and floral drawing print. Tender.
6. Natural shells, beads and strass embellishments give this Dries Van Noten Pendant Necklace beachy sophistication. Tender.
7. Environ’s Botanical Infused Moisturising Toner leaves skin feeling hydrated, refreshed and primed. Skin House.
8. The Splash-of-Color Belt — crafted of Colorado leather with a raffia-wrapped buckle — is a summer-toned work of art. Tender.
9. Don’t be fooled by Cuba Lab’s Rose Silk & Straw Bag’s beauty — sturdy leather flaps, two leather handles and a crossbody strap anchor hand-painted details and ribbon embellishments of handmade pure silk. Tender.
11. Get those toes poolside-ready with a Classic Pedicure, including a warm mineral foot soak. Rivage Day Spa.
12.
13. Lilli reversible square-neck One-Piece Bathing Suit is splattered with brilliant florals. Johnny Was.
1. Sunshine for your table: Juliska’s Cabana Stripe Melamine Plates (in dinner and dessert) is chic, shatterproof and have a fancy ruffle trim. Found Objects.
2. Black-and-white botanicals evoke vintage illustrations of nature in the ceramic Everly Appetizer Plate, by Londonbased Victoria Sanders Design. CB2.
3. Grab a Detroit-Style Coney or all the fixins’ to make the grilling easy for summer soirees — Father’s Day barbecue, anyone?) — with Marrow hot dogs, brioche buns, Coney Chili, mustard and onions. Marrow on the Go.
4. The must-have for every host: The Waverly Tabletop Collection, crafted from rattan and seagrass, includes Flatware Caddy, Wine Coaster, Serving Tray, Breadbasket, Napkin Rings and more. Serena & Lily.
5. Perfect for dinner parties and picnics, these Chilewich Oval Placemats add a durable, easy-to-clean layer of texture to your table. West Elm.
1. The easy-stretch, leaf-patterned All Day Trunk is a riff on the All Day Short but for the water. Wear it all day, in and out of the sun, paired with the Sunwashed Crewneck Sweater, an airy, year-round classic. Faherty.
2. Escentric Molecules is a cult fragrance brand built around Iso E Super, a lab-created aroma molecule prized for its velvety effect, evolving with the wearer’s own natural scent, by perfumer Geza Schoen. Try one or all from the collection. Lori Karbal.
3. Stone Rose Nova White Watercolor Floral Shirt: easy, languid and cool, with effortless polish. Dolce Moda
4. She’s a beauty: Omega’s blue-dialed Seamaster Diver is designed for professional diving — it’s water-resistant to 300 meters (1,000 feet). Highline Trading.
5. Equally cool on her, these District Vision Keiichi Performance Sunglasses are made for running, with adjustable nose pads and temple tips for a secure fit and shatterproof lenses. Gazelle Sports.
6. Protect your pucker with M-61’s reef-safe vegan Hydraboost Lip Treatment, with SPF 45, power-packed peptide, vitamin B5 and aloe. Blue Mercury.
TO RECLINE, TO NAP, TO SINK IN, TO DRY OFF, TO BE COMFY IN THE SUN
1. Wrap up in a tropical-motif ode to Havana: the thick and delicious Island Palm Beach Towel. Serena & Lily.
2. Lightweight enough to pull-up poolside, the Oceanpark Lounger is slipcovered in Sunbrella fabrics. Serena & Lily.
3. Perfect for a summer-evening snuggle: The Mendocino Throw is crafted from luxurious washed linen and handdyed with pretty pigments. Serena & Lily.
4. The perfect outdoor rug: This Woven Cable Performance Rug is durable, waterproof, easy to clean with a gorgeous reversible flatweave design. West Elm.
5. Bring the Mediterranean breeze indoors with Cereria Molla 1899’s Bergamotto di Calabria Candle. Slightly fruity, with warm sandalwood and notes of cardamom and limeta. Skin House.
Redefining primary care for women in midlife—connecting symptoms, hormonal changes, and long-term health, with the time and attention you deserve.
Expert care for midlife and beyond
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Same week scheduling & 24/7 support
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Address (248) 2909024
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30335 W 13 Mile Rd
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
QR code for drcarrieleff.com
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALY DARIN
Attorney Jeffrey Lance Abood oozes movie-star charisma.
Never forced — it’s simply who he is. As a litigator with the venerable Abood Law Firm (aboodlaw.com), founded by his extended family in 1956, his high-energy go-getter personality blends with honest-to-goodness integrity and placing a priority on community action.
With a focus on authenticity, he brings that same energy to his sartorial style — with custom suits, bold colors and patterns and an easy understanding of how to bring it all together to elevate his work and his life.
Growing up in Southern Missouri, Abood was signed with a modeling and acting agency in high school, doing commercials and modeling for department stores — he even earned a prestigious acting scholarship to the University of Miami. “My parents, however, put the kibosh on that,” he says. “So I went to law school.”
This career choice was not a hard sell. A family friend — an attorney who used his power to help people in his small town — planted the seed early. A volunteer stint on his uncle’s political campaign in Metro Detroit did the rest. He fell in love with the area, enrolled at Wayne State, earned his law degree at Cooley Law School in Lansing and launched his own firm in 2009, specializing in personal injury and criminal defense.
“Suddenly, I was getting criminal cases for professional athletes and divorce cases, and I was doing a good job,” he says. “Word started spreading.”
During that time, he worked on some cases with his cousin, Andrew Abood, in his extended family’s Abood Law Firm in East Lansing. The collaborations led the cousins to launch the firm’s Birmingham office in 2012. Today, Abood’s practice spans divorce law in Birmingham and higher-profile criminal defense on a national stage, representing NBA, NFL and NHL players.
Each day is a constant hustle — and Abood loves every second. “I’m happiest when I’m in court all day,” he says. “That being said, most divorce cases are resolved through private mediation.”
In tune with his high-energy work ethic, Abood has fun with his iconic style. “I’m a firm believer that you can never be overdressed,” he says. “When I talk to people — college students, law students or other lawyers — I tell them that the initial impression is extremely important. You do not need to spend a lot of money on clothes, but you should look polished and groomed.
“It makes a big difference,” Abood says. “People notice you more, they tend to listen more closely. You’re more confident when you feel like you dress well, so you perform better.”
Abood's interest in style started young. His parents always dressed him in unique pieces, and that early instinct to stand out only grew from there. During high school in Missouri, he worked at The Buckle — the “it” store at the local mall — where he earned a reputation as the resident denim expert.
His signature style is bold, with custom shirts and suits created by wardrobe specialist Bill Dobinski, co-owner of BB Custom Clothing in Clawson. “I’ve never tried to follow any trends or styles — I like everything to stand out and create my own style. I like bright colors, herringbone and windowpane
“ I’M A FIRM BELIEVER THAT YOU CAN NEVER BE OVERDRESSED. PEOPLE NOTICE YOU MORE, THEY
CLOSELY. YOU’RE MORE CONFIDENT, SO YOU PERFORM BETTER.”
plaids and striped suits. I like to mix and match,” he says. “It’s rare to find me in a plain suit. I think since Covid, it’s allowed us to get even more creative in how we dress.” Abood is involved in every detail — the lining, the stitching, his monogram, even mixing and matching hand-chosen buttons. His favorite finishes on his polished, manicured look: visits with his dream team of Shamayne Mercer at BABS Salon & Spa Aesthetics, Elizabeth Pugh Arsov at Elizabeth's Head To Toe and George Nikollaj at 6 Salon.
He also has Dobinski build a custom interior cigar pocket into every suit. “He actually suggested the idea — he does it with his own suits,” Abood says. “In a regular pocket, cigars get damaged or crushed, and it can be uncomfortable. This keeps cigars intact without disrupting the line.”
When he does exhale, he can usually be found in Birmingham — dining at Elie's, settled into Churchill’s Cigar Bar & Bistro or in his ventilated home cigar room, built during the COVID shutdown. He reaches for Davidoff Millennium, Tabernacle by Foundation
Cigars, and Padrón. “I don't really collect cigars," he says. "I just enjoy a good one.” His current go-tos: Davidoff Millennium, Tabernacle by Foundation Cigars and Padrón.
Off the clock, he trades the courtroom for the sidelines in PsychoBunny and Lululemon. Along with his wife, Joelle, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Henry Ford Hospital, free time is spent on his kids’ activities — his son Beau, 8, plays travel and recreational soccer, basketball and flag football, and daughter Estelle, 5, plays travel soccer. “It's nonstop,” he says.
Equally important — to Abood and the family firm — is giving back to the community. Abood serves on the board of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, supports On the Wings of Angels and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and more.
In every room he enters — as attorney, father, husband, style icon — Abood performs at the highest level. Impeccably dressed, deeply rooted, and completely, unapologetically himself.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALY DARIN
In a recent reel on their Instagram, longtime best friends Calvin Kashat and Brandon Murad stand anxiously at their Downtown Birmingham window. The object of their attention: The FedEx delivery truck.
“This is us,” Murad laughs. “We’re waiting around like kids on Christmas morning.”
Finally, after stacks and stacks of boxes are wheeled inside, the real fun begins — the unpacking, admiring and sorting, with the ginger handling of proud new parents.
Kashat and Murad are the co-owners of Highline Trading (highlinetradingllc.com), provisioners of high-end watches, clothing, leather goods and more. Meticulously sourcing each item they sell and buy, they seek out the rare, the iconic and the exquisite.
Coveted Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags and Goyard Anjou totes line the walls while glass cases highlight row after row of Rolex, Cartier and Omega.
But while they are quietly redefining what it means to invest in luxury and timeless style, their story is equally one of trust and the natural evolution of friendship.
Kashat and Murad met at a very young age, their connection shaped not only by shared interests, but by family ties. “His dad and my dad were in the same line of work and best friends,” Kashat says. “We grew up around each other.”
Long before Highline Trading existed, the two shared a natural fascination with watches: admiring them, studying them — and eventually collecting them. That early exposure laid the groundwork for what would become both a passion and a profession.
“We’ve both always loved watches,” Kashat says. “One day, I just called Brandon and said, ‘I think we’re onto something. Let’s get into the watch business.’ We met at the bank, opened an LLC and started from there.”
That was in 2022. At the time, there was no storefront, no display cases — just hustle, instinct and a deep understanding of what their network wanted. They began by sourcing pieces through trusted connections and marketing them through social media, often selling watches before ever physically holding them. It was a lean, fast-moving model that quickly gained traction.
As word spread, so did demand — and with it, their knowledge base, through constant exposure and hands-on experience.
What began as a side venture soon grew into an appointment-only office in West Bloomfield. Within a few years, they expanded further — to their full retail space in Birmingham, just opened in November 2025 — a move both strategic and symbolic. It was a reflection of how far they had come and where they were headed.
Today, Highline Trading offers a curated selection of luxury watches and designer handbags, with inventory that spans from a few thousand dollars to well into six figures. But beyond the price points, Kashat emphasizes a key shift in how people view these items.
“They’ve really become a liquidable asset,” he says. “People enjoy wearing them, but they also understand the value. You can trade them, upgrade them and build a collection. It’s not just fashion. It’s an investment.”
That mindset is especially evident in today’s watch market, where brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet continue to dominate demand. Their collectibility comes down to a combination of
“WHAT MAKES HIGHLINE TRADING TRULY UNIQUE IS THE FOUNDATION BEHIND IT. IT’S BUILT ON YEARS OF TRUST AND A SHARED PASSION FOR CRAFTSMANSHIP AND STYLE.”
—
craftsmanship, heritage and scarcity: factors that drive both demand and long-term value.
“People don’t want to wait,” Kashat explains. “They want access, they want options and they want transparency.”
That’s where Highline Trading has found its niche.
Rather than positioning themselves as gatekeepers of exclusivity, Kashat and Murad have built their brand around accessibility and education. Clients are encouraged to come in, try on pieces, ask questions and explore — all without pressure.
“For a first-time buyer, the biggest thing is to actually put the watch on,” Kashat says. “What you see online isn’t always what feels right on your wrist. That experience matters.”
Murad underscores the relationship-driven nature of the business.
“What makes Highline Trading truly unique is the foundation behind it,” he says. “It’s built on years of trust and a shared passion for craftsmanship and style. Our clients aren’t just transactions, they’re long-term partners.”
That philosophy extends to every aspect of the business, from sourcing to authentication. On the handbag side, designers like Hermès and Chanel are prized not just for status, but for craftsmanship and scarcity. Highly sought-after pieces, like the Birkin, can take years to acquire through traditional retail channels, often with little control over color or style.
“With Hermès, you might wait years and spend significantly just to be offered a bag,” Kashat says. “Or you can come in here and buy exactly what you want at market value.”
For many clients, that immediacy and the ability to choose specific features, from color to condition, is part of the appeal. In an industry where trust is everything, Highline Trading takes a rigorous approach, working with reputable suppliers and verifying each piece through multiple channels.
“You’re not buying from someone online or on social media,” Kashat says. “You’re walking into a real space, working with people who stand behind what they sell.”
Of course, working with a lifelong friend comes with its own dynamics.
But that balance — between friendship and business, instinct and strategy — is precisely what gives Highline Trading its edge. In a market driven by both emotion and investment, Kashat and Murad have created something that resonates: a space where luxury feels approachable, expertise is earned and trust is the most valuable asset of all.
Inside Highline Trading’s Most Coveted Pieces
The Watch List From entry-level luxury to six-figure collector pieces, today’s watch market is less about “trends” and more about access, craftsmanship and long-term value.
“Everyone gravitates toward brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet,” Highline co-founder Calvin Kashat says. “But it really comes down to what fits your lifestyle and your budget.”
At Highline Trading, inventory spans a wide range — from $3,000 starter pieces to rare, investment-grade watches well into six figures. The common thread? Wearability meets liquidity.
“These aren’t just accessories,” Kashat explains. “They’re assets you can enjoy and still move when you’re ready to upgrade.”
The Bag Market If watches are the gateway, handbags are the power move, especially when it comes to ultra-rare pieces from Hermès and Chanel.
And while the idea of a waitlist still defines the traditional luxury experience, Highline Trading offers a different path.
“With Hermès, you might wait years and spend significantly just to be offered a bag,” Kashat says. “Or you can come in here and buy exactly what you want at market value.”
That includes highly sought-after Birkin bags, often in classic black, or more unique hues for collectors looking to stand out.
“Some clients don’t want to wait two years or take whatever color they’re offered,” he says. “They know what they want and they’re willing to pay for that flexibility.”
Skip the Wait, Know the Value Think you’re overpaying to skip the line? Not quite. “You’re paying market value,” Kashat says. These pieces are worth what they trade for.”
In other words, whether it’s a watch or a handbag, the real luxury isn’t just ownership — it’s access, immediacy and informed investment.
Happy Hour
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zanabham.com | 248-800-6568
210 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI
Inside the quiet revolution of men and aesthetic surgery — what they’re getting done and why they're doing it.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
The plastic surgeon’s waiting room looks a little different than it used to. More men are seeking cosmetic procedures than ever before — and the reasons why might surprise you. We sat down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Julio Sosa, owner of Bloomfield Plastic Surgery, who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures for the face, breast and body. He filled us in on what’s changed, what men are actually asking for and what everyone should know before scheduling an appointment.
BIRMINGHAM CITY LIFESTYLE Your patient mix has shifted. How much of your practice is men today?
DR. JULIO SOSA Right around 20 percent. That number has grown steadily, and I expect it to keep climbing.
BCL What’s driving that?
DJS Largely the workplace. Men are staying in their careers longer and want to remain competitive alongside younger colleagues. Looking vital and rested isn’t vanity — for a lot of men, it feels like a professional necessity.
BCL Is there still a stigma around men getting cosmetic work done?
DJS There’s less than there used to be. Men are talking about it more openly, which normalizes it. I think that conversation is only going to continue.
BCL What age range are you seeing?
DJS Anywhere from 18 to 65. It’s a wide range, and the motivations shift across those decades — younger men tend to be focused on specific concerns, while men in their 40s and 50s are often thinking more broadly about looking refreshed.
BCL What are the most common procedures men are coming in for?
DJS The top three right now are liposuction for gynecomastia — excess male breast tissue, which is far more common than most people realize — eyelid surgery and facelifts. Each of those addresses something men notice in the mirror and find genuinely bothersome.
BCL Any lesser-known procedures worth mentioning?
DJS There are quite a few options men don’t always know to ask about — non-surgical skin rejuvenation, neck contouring and ear reshaping among them. A good consultation opens up that conversation.
BCL What’s the fastest growing procedure you’re seeing among men?
DJS Eyelid surgery, without question. The eyes are often the first place fatigue and age show up, and the results can be remarkably transformative with very little visible sign that anything was done. That appeals enormously to men. Men tend to want a very subtle look and do not want extreme change.
BCL Do men approach this differently than women?
DJS Very much so. Men tend to want subtle. They are not coming in looking for dramatic transformation. They want to look like themselves, just more rested or more defined. The goal is almost always that no one can quite put their finger on what changed.
BCL What’s the most exciting innovation in the field right now for male patients?
DJS The refinement of minimally invasive techniques has been significant. We can achieve results today with far less downtime than even five years ago, which matters a great deal to men who aren’t eager to take time away from work or explain a recovery to anyone.
BCL Is there a procedure men ask for that you think is often unnecessary?
DJS There are situations where men come in focused on something quite minor that I don’t think warrants surgery. Part of my job is having that honest conversation — sometimes the right answer is a non-surgical option, or simply reassurance.
BCL How do you assess whether a patient has realistic expectations?
DJS I always ask about prior procedures. One of the clearest red flags I encounter is a patient who has had multiple procedures and multiple revisions. That pattern often signals that the issue isn’t surgical — and no procedure is going to resolve it.
BCL What do men most commonly misunderstand about what surgery can do?
DJS That it’s a finish line. Surgery can refine and restore, but it works best as part of how you take care of yourself overall. It’s a tool, not a solution.
BCL What should men ask when they’re looking for a surgeon?
DJS Three things matter most. First, how many times has this surgeon performed the specific procedure you’re considering — volume and experience are everything. Second, are they board certified? And third — which often surprises people — does the surgeon have hospital privileges for this procedure? Hospital credentialing is a rigorous process. It weeds out a lot of practitioners who call themselves ‘cosmetic’ surgeons but are operating exclusively in office settings without that oversight. It’s one of the most important questions you can ask and one of the least asked.
BCL Last question: Have you personally had any work done?
DJS No, I haven’t. But I wouldn’t rule it out down the road. I’d like to think I’d be a good patient.
SHOPPING DISTRICT
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI
MATTHEW BITONTI IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY WHEN CLIENTS NEED HIM MOST.
“Do you know your insurance agent’s name?” Matthew Bitonti asks. It’s a simple question — yet one many people can’t answer.
Bitonti, president and CEO of Bitonti Insurance Group (bitontigroup.com) in Bloomfield Hills, believes that says everything about the state of modern insurance. “When you work with us, and you have a real problem, you don’t call an 800 number,” he says. “You call me — 24/7.”
“WE HAVE AN OLD-SCHOOL APPROACH OF ANSWERING THE PHONE LIVE AND IMMEDIATELY HANDLING WHATEVER THE ISSUE IS. WE ALSO TREAT OUR STAFF LIKE THEY ARE OUR BIGGEST CLIENT — AND THAT SHOWS IN THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE.”
— MATTHEW BITONTI
That level of accessibility and personal attention has helped position Bitonti Insurance Group as a trusted local leader, protecting clients across both personal and commercial lines, from homeowners and auto policies to complex business coverage.
“What truly differentiates us is service,” Bitonti says. “We take an old-school approach — we answer the phone live and handle your needs immediately. More importantly, we treat our team like the most important client — and that is reflected in the customer service they offer.” This alone, Bitonti believes, provides his clients with an elite experience and the best possible outcome in difficult situations.
After many years as an entrepreneur, Bitonti re-entered the insurance industry in 2014. He graduated from Michigan State University, where he played as backup QB under Nick Saban. Drawn to the profession by a desire to help people, Bitonti also earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology — a background that still shapes how he connects with clients today.
One of the biggest mistakes Bitonti sees consumers make? Focusing solely on price.
“Most people don’t truly understand what they’re buying,” he says. “The numbers on an insurance policy can be confusing, and too
often we find people are either over-insured — or worse, under-insured — in key areas. It costs nothing for us to review your documents and make recommendations that provide potentially invaluable clarity.”
He also cautions against relying solely on online quotes. “Unless you really understand coverage, you should speak with an agent before making these decisions,” he says. “We ask the right questions to make sure everything is structured properly.”
Education is central to Bitonti’s approach, and he works to help clients proactively reduce risk. “For example, water damage can be just as devastating — if not worse — than fire,” he says. “Installing an automatic water shut-off valve can prevent the vast majority of home water losses.”
He also regularly hosts speaking events to offer a better understanding of how insurance works.
Outside of the office, Bitonti enjoys spending time with his wife, Erica, and daughter, Marisa, at local favorites like Oakland Hills Country Club, Café ML, Stroh’s Ice Cream Parlor and Streetside Seafood.
“I’m fortunate to be part of a community filled with hardworking, successful people,” he says. “As a business owner, that environment has provided incredible mentorship and guidance.”
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ARTICLE BY KIM HILL
Has it been too long since your tribe gathered to rib and one-up each other as only guys can do? To help plan a getaway for just the guys, City Lifestyle gathered an eclectic list of locations offering tons of things to see, do and experience. Here’s hoping the only ribs one will get on this guys’ getaway are the kind to hold in hands while barbecue sauce drips onto shirts.
There’s no other tournament on the PGA Tour like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and no hole like the legendary 16th, where 20,000 boisterous fans boo the tee shots that miss the green. The other 51 weeks of the year, golfers can play TPC Scottsdale or try one of more than 200 courses in the Scottsdale area, a top golf destination. Another winter event is the BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction. Even if one’s only collector car was a Hot Wheels, it’s a blast to peruse the acres of autos for sale before heading inside to watch the unique or renowned cars crossing the auction block. When it’s time to get moving, the strenuous hike up Camelback Mountain in nearby Phoenix
is a bucket-list item. Need a more moderate trail? Experience the same magic of the majestic saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
It’s always a party in New Orleans (NOLA), especially when it comes to festivals, many of them centered around music. Folk to funk, gospel to jazz, zydeco, blues, African and other musical styles are celebrated on the Jazz and Heritage Festival’s 12 stages. If free admission is more desired, don’t miss the French Quarter Festival featuring local musicians and food vendors representing dozens of New Orleans restaurants. Part of the fun of Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is admiring revelers’ watercraft, some of them homemade just for this festival on the banks of Bayou Saint John. If one of the festivals can’t be attended, there’s still plenty of NOLA live music, particularly the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street. And when a break from crowds is needed, take a guided swamp tour. Kitschy, yes, but it’s a hoot to cruise around on a swamp buggy while looking for alligators.
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FOUR GREAT PLACES FOR GROOVES, GRUB AND GAWKING WITH BEST BROS
“America’s Sports Car” is produced at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where visitors can join guided tours to observe Corvettes being built and learn the fascinating history of these sexy autos. See examples of all Corvette generations at the National Corvette Museum. And if the need for speed is still felt, a few times a year Xtreme Experience offers driving or ride-along events in exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. After getting all revved up, cool down at Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, where guided tours take participants through tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. And after all this touring, the Bowling Green area is the southernmost point in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail of distilleries.
Live music rules here, with iconic venues such as Antone’s, The Continental Club, the White Horse and hundreds of other locations, from dive bars to big stages. From rock and blues to country and urban, music is heard every night of the week (and many afternoons as well). When guys are hungry, there are tons of barbeque and Tex-Mex joints. Unique food trucks are truly a thing here, with nearly 2,000 food trailers in town. Burn some calories biking or running the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or one of many paved paths. Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Travis or Lady Bird Lake. Take a dip in the historic Barton Springs Pool, where the underground springs keep the water around 68 degrees all year.
You can expect exceptional at every level... from our agents to the experience they create.
BY EVE BUSHMAN
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste. ARTICLE
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achieved - and a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom – because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
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JUNE 4TH
Cranbrook House Tour
Cranbrook House & Gardens, 380 Lone Pine Rd., Bloomfield Hills | 11:00 AM
Step inside the 1908 English Tudor Cranbrook House for a guided tour of one of the region’s most storied estates. Designed by renowned Detroit architect Albert Kahn, it is the former family home of George Gough Booth and Ellen Scripps Booth, founders of Cranbrook Educational Community. Explore handcrafted furniture, stained glass, tapestries and more. Weekends throughout June. Cranbrook.edu.
JUNE 5TH
Outdoor Movie Night at Shain Park
Booth Park, corner of Harmon Street and North Old Woodward Ave., Downtown Birmingham | 6:30 PM Birmingham Shopping District’s outdoor Movie Nights series returns to Downtown Birmingham this summer, presented by KW Domain. Head to Booth Park to see Smurfs and free family-friendly entertainment. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m; movie at 7:30 p.m. Save the date for more Movie Nights this season on Fridays, July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4. Allinbirmingham.com/calendar
JUNE 7TH
Puppy Yoga for a Purpose
Lincoln of Troy, 1950 W Maple Rd., Troy | 10:00 AM
Lincoln of Troy hosts Pawsitive Stretch and Petals 4 Paws for Puppy Yoga for a Purpose, benefitting Four Paws Cat and K9 rescue. Join a rejuvenating 20-minute compact yoga class at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or noon, led by a certified instructor — accompanied by adorable, adoptable rescue puppies climbing all over you. Classes are followed by 15 minutes of play time. Tickets: $35. Pawsitivestretch.com/service-page/
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JUNE 14TH
Strawberry JAM-boree
Birmingham Farmer’s Market, Public Parking Lot 6, 660 North Old Woodward Ave. | 9:00 AM
Join the strawberry-themed festivities at the third-annual Strawberry JAMboree. Held in Downtown Birmingham’s Farmers Market (open every Sunday through Oct. 25), the JAM-boree will have strawberry-themed activities, live music (The Fox and The Fiddle), kids’ activities, food trucks and more to celebrate (almost) everyone’s favorite berry. Downtownbirmingham.com.
JUNE 18TH
Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak | 6:00 PM
Sunset at the Zoo, presented by KeyBank, is the Detroit Zoological Society’s signature annual fundraiser. Stroll the Zoo after hours with craft cocktails and bites from Detroit’s top eateries, bid on incredible prizes and dance to live music. Bonus: early access to Erb Discovery Trails, a stunning new 7-acre immersive experience. Every ticket directly supports animal care and global conservation. Detroitzoo.org/events/ sunset-at-the-zoo.
JUNE 20TH & 21ST
Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills | 10:00 AM
Each summer, visitors to Cranbrook Art Museum can experience a “hole” new dimension of the historic campus with their artist-designed miniature golf course, inspired by the art and design of Cranbrook. On Father’s Day weekend, celebrate dad with free Cranbrook on the Green Mini-Golf for dad or special adult in your life. Cranbrookartmuseum.org.
