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Thank you to our Founders Club Partners. Katy Derbyshire

Charleston City Lifestyle Publisher

Amy Zonarich LLC amy@amyzonarich.com

NHS Voyages nhsvoyages.com

Apartment Jeanie apartmentjeanie.com

New York Life Insurance - Matthew Tarkowski newyorklife.com/agent/mtarkowski

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Reiki Zen Healing reikizenhealing.com

CM Financial Group cmfinancialgroupllc.com

Rutledge Law Firm LLC rutledgelawcharleston.com

Classic Kitchens o Charleston classickitchensofcharleston.com

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Carolina One Real Estate - Vanessa Beechem www.dedeandbv.com

Sculpt Dental Spa sculptdentalspa.com

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Letter from the Editor

February 2023 PUBLISHER

Katy Derbyshire | katy.derbyshire@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Lauren McDuffie | lauren.mcduffie@citylifestyle.com

Hello, February! This month, which is so often dedicated to the celebration of romantic love, has inspired us to explore the notion of love in different forms. We're ditching the traditional greeting cards, chocolate candies, and red roses and stretching February's standard notion of "love" past the obvious things and into a bigger, more unexpected space. Simply put, this issue celebrates modern love. From the quiet-yet-persistent passions that inspire us to follow our own dreams to the unbreakable bonds between a family that can power an entire business, love knows no bounds, to be sure. That said, we're still serving up oysters and bubbly drinks in these pages, y'all. It is February, after all. We’ll meet the family that launched a thriving local business, Charleston Oyster Tables, based on a love of both oysters, their father, and this beautiful Lowcountry of ours. In a unique but utterly important take on relationships, we'll talk with local New York Life representative, Matt Tarkowski, to better understand how and why we should maintain strong, long-term relationships with our financial advisors. We’ll get to know local artist, Jenn Griffith, who is growing a successful business based on her love of the ocean and all of the inspiration it can provide. Lastly, we’ll share a lineup of delicious, red-hued “love potions,” — fun cocktail ideas and inspiration to help you heat things up during this chilly month in Charleston. Now that's amore.

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Lauren McDuffie, John Nesco CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

John Nesco

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

With love,

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

L AU R E N M C D U F F I E , E D I TO R I A L C O O R D I N ATO R @CHARLESTONCIT YLIFEST YLE

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Charleston City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Charleston 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 Charleston City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable,

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Charleston Oyster Tables are made-to-order and designed to serve all of your entertainment needs... from oyster roasts to clambakes, to crawfish and low country boils, to elegant serving tables featuring charcuterie, champagne, caviar and game day treats. 843-640-0075 | WWW.CHARLESTONOYSTERTABLES.COM info@charlestonoystertables.com | @charlestonoystertables

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Painted Love

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Artist’s Palette

A RTS + C U LT U R E

Money Matters

FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

Local Limelight

Happy Hour

Home Update

Events

A quick Q&A with local artist Jenn Griffith.

18 For Love and Money

We sat down with financial advisor, Matt Tarkowski, to explore his work and his world.

22 For the Love of the Low Country

A conversation with the family behind Charleston Oyster Tables.

26 Love Potions

Red hot cocktail inspiration to help shake things up this month.

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Andrew Cebulka Local family-run business, Charleston Oyster Tables.

LI FE + C U LT U R E

FO O D + B EV ER AGE ST Y LE + B EAU T Y

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Evolve Bank & Trust Financial Centers are not full service branch locations of Evolve Bank & Trust. Financial Centers do not engage in general banking transactions, such as deposits or payments. Financial Centers provide loan products. All loans subject to credit approval. Corporate NMLS# 509256.

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

city scene

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1: Culture & Cocktails Balloon Decor & Designer @partygirl_nikkiclarkevents. 2: "We got to ... roast marshmallows & made smores at our own fire pit @charlestonharborresort 3: Have your guests PINING over your next event with Uptown Hospitality Group! 4: My biggest joy is to capture this city and all of its beauty ... 5: If you need to WINE DOWN, we have the best variety of red and whites! 6: Come hungry, leave full of food, history & friendship! 7: Scenes from Holy City Vintage Market.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @charlestoncitylifestyle

C I T Y SC E N E

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With sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway, a private dock, and numerous outdoor living spaces, this spacious Awendaw home epitomizes Lowcountry living at its finest.

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Welcome to Salty Oak Farm-a unique opportunity in the heart of McClellanville with limitless potential. It consists of an event rental venue (Salty Oak Farm), a working farm, and two luxury residential farmhouses.

With a prime location in the heart of historic downtown Charleston and panoramic views of the Charleston Harbor, this luxury two bedroom penthouse condo in Laurens Place offers the best of downtown living with incredible views.

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

With over 50 years of collective Estate Planning experience, we provide our clients with more than just legal documents, we also provide peace of mind. We can tailor plans specifically to your needs, whether it’s an Asset Protection Dynasty Trust or something as straightforward as a Last Will & Testament. We often serve as Personal Representatives and Independent Trustees to ensure that your plans are executed correctly. Rest easy knowing that you and your families’ wishes will be followed through to the end. Our initial consultations are free for prospective clients who would like to have their existing Estate Plan reviewed or those who would like to know more about Estate Planning.

Gracen Watts Meets her Mortgage Loan Clients Where They Are From first-time home buyers to long-time homeowners, Gracen always seeks to understand client goals. Offering a wide range of loan programs, from FHA and VA to conventional and jumbo, Gracen ensures clients know what’s happening with their mortgages as they move through the process. "I’ll be with you every step of the way ... Whether you're buying, refinancing, or renovating, I'm ready to give you the outstanding home loan experience you deserve." crosscountrymortgage.com

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Amy Zonarich's Real Estate Business Runs on Passion and Experience Amy Zonarich's career started in sales and marketing work, but after moving to Charleston in 2004, she found a new career and passion. Throughout her 13 years selling real estate in Charleston, she’s never lost her passion for the business. That passion is evident, not only in Amy’s enthusiasm in finding everything from the right land investment to the perfect waterfront home for her clients (and everything in between), but also in her repeat business. Photography by Chad Savage

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Rutledge Law Firm's Campbell Coxe Helps Craft Custom Estate Plans Campbell Coxe of Rutledge Law Firm focuses the whole of his legal career on Estate Planning and Asset Protection. Campbell works with his clients to craft customized estate plans that meet their individual and family needs while also helping their loved ones execute those plans after a client passes away. He serves as an Independent Trustee, Executor, and Power of Attorney for a number of clients.

Scan to read more. FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

I’d love to help you or your business capture the moments that matter most. If you have a project you need assistance with, or a concept you want to bring to life,

let’s chat 843.697.3026 CHADSAVAGEPHOTO.COM

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843-729-1589 | stefaniesellscharleston@gmail.com | Stefanie.Oneal@exprealty.com

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PAINTED LOVE Q&A With Jenn Griffith 1. CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF? I grew up in Eastern Tennessee, and attended Furman University. I'd travel to Charleston with friends during those years, and that's when I first fell in love with the city!

2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE? I'd say my style is a modern and fun take on impressionism. It is colorful, sometimes representing daily forms or subjects in unique colors, like a pink wave or blue palm leaves.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A QUICK Q&A WITH LOCAL ARTIST JENN GRIFFITH

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

We chatted with local artist, Jenn Griffith, about her work, background, and inspiration. Jenn works to draw attention to water through her paintings and, in turn, attract conservation of our waterways. She selectively works with brands who align with this mission and have a shared sense of preservation. Her tagline, "don't drink the water" is occasionally inquired upon, to which Jenn explains, "It's two-fold, a serious commentary on the world's water crisis, and our need for better-quality drinking water, whether in our own taps or around the globe, as well as the conservation of our oceanic ecosystems." In a more playful sense, it's also a tribute to 'don't drink the kool-aid,' to not believing everything you hear or see. Question things, be bold and brave, forge your own path!"

3. DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL TO STUDY ART? DO YOU THINK YOUR WORK IS MORE A PRODUCT OF YOUR OWN INNATE CREATIVITY, OR FROM YOUR ARTISTIC STUDIES? I did not formally study art during University, but I have continued my education with occasional courses at Sotheby's in NYC. My art career is definitely more a product of my creativity and business mindset. I love creating and then finding ways to establish my artwork in the homes and spaces of others.

4. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? There's no doubt Charleston inspires my work; I surf and love the ocean, so I am definitely influenced by the area and the feeling of peace I have here.

5. WHEN YOU'RE WORKING, WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENT LIKE? DOES YOUR SETTING MATTER? Yes! I need a clean studio and bright natural light to work best. I listen to podcasts a lot, and sometimes like to listen to audiobooks or things that can help me learn throughout the day.

6. WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR WORK? DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PLANS OR EXCITING NEWS WE CAN SHARE WITH OUR READERS? I have my work available in my online shop. I also sell locally at The Charleston Artist Collective. I have done murals throughout town, like Share House and Bodega downtown, and on Kiawah. I've done a custom surfboard for Lululemon and a big wave mural in Freshfields Village.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO MIGHT DREAM OF BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL WORKING ARTIST? Just keep at it. Create, publish it, find inspiration, and don't let "rules" dictate what you think you should be doing!

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

fall in

with your home*

* M INIMU M SPE N DI N G, MA XI MU M I M PA C T

BEFORE

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Live. Love. Charleston REAL ESTATE.

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Conveniently located in West Ashley, Barrier Islands Psychiatry is an upscale private practice offering specialized services in general psychiatry and addiction treatment. With a focus on restoring normal brain functions through a combination of medications, therapy, and an emphasis on total body health, the practice offers therapies for treatment-resistant depression and intensive outpatient services for substance abuse disorders.

1620 Ashley River Rd | (843) 556-8177 | barrierislandspsychiatry.com FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

FOR LOVE AND MONEY WE SAT DOWN WITH LOCAL FINANCIAL ADVISOR, MATT TARKOWSKI, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS WORK AND HIS WORLD.

One of the most important relationships you may ever have is with your financial advisor. Trust, communication, and a healthy dynamic are key, just as in a lifelong friendship or a marriage. Furthermore, they say that money is the single biggest determining factor when it comes to future planning, so keeping a reliable financial advisor in your corner is key. It’s safe to say Matt Tarkowski is one of those people. Matt likens his client advisory role at New York Life to the map on your phone. Tell it where you want to go, and the most direct route will populate. However, along the way, there are often hazards and detours. His job is to help navigate the journey in the safest and most reliable way, which coincidentally enough may not always be the most direct way. First and foremost, this includes building a sound financial plan that will not fall apart with the complexities of everyday life. There is a theme to Matt, which quickly emerges as you speak to him. It is also one that he is unlikely to mention himself because selfless and humble people rarely shine a light on themselves. So, it comes as no surprise to know that Matt joined the Airforce as a firefighter at age eighteen, deployed to the Middle East four times after 9/11, and spent three years as a civilian firefighter for the city of Charleston.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO WHAT YOU DO? There are a lot of intelligent people in this world but so few of them understand how to navigate their own financial life. I consider it my mission to promote financial literacy to ensure clients make sound decisions individually and for the people important to them.

MANY OF YOUR PURSUITS SEEM TO BE SELFLESS ONES. WHERE DOES THAT COME FROM? I am a spiritual person at the core, and this includes the pursuit of helping others. When you put others before yourself, which may include taking responsibility for their health, safety, and financial wellness, the benefits are endless.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT GOAL WHEN IT COMES TO MANAGING A PERSON’S FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO? That they sleep better at night. To this day, I have found it to be the best measure of success. Peace of mind is everything. The goal is to ask the right questions to determine their true need. Once you understand what people value most then it becomes a matter of helping them articulate how those values fit into their future financial strategy.

OF ALL YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I am proud of my work with Bridges for Hope, whose mission is to provide a safe group environment to support and empower children, teens and families grieving a death. I am also excited to start work with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce to help accelerate the development and growth of high-potential minority-owned businesses.

YOU HAVE CALLED CHARLESTON HOME FOR 7 YEARS. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHARLESTON? It may sound like a cliché but walking downtown. You can walk the same streets every day and there is always something different to see. One of my favorites is Tradd Street.

ARTICLE BY JOHN NESCO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN NESCO PHOTOGRAPHY

M ON E Y M AT T E R S | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

"THERE ARE A LOT OF INTELLIGENT PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD BUT SO FEW OF THEM UNDERSTAND HOW TO NAVIGATE THEIR OWN FINANCIAL LIFE."

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

COASTAL COLLECTIVE C O M B AT I N G A G I N G

AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS BOUTIQUE l CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA l BOTOX

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Our Goal?

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take the 'unusual' flavors, and make them into the best coffee you have ever tasted.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

For the Love of the Low Country

A Q&A with the family behind Charleston Oyster Tables

ARTICLE BY LAUREN MCDUFFIE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW CEBULKA AND PROVIDED

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

It all started in Christmas of 2019 when they couldn’t find a decent-quality oyster table to purchase for their father, who was in desperate need of an upgrade. Nothing they found met their standards, so they built them on their own. They'll never forget the look on their father's face when he unwrapped his present. Three years later, Charleston Oyster Tables was born. This Charleston-based, family-run business with a deep love of outdoor entertaining and all things Lowcountry, was originally envisioned as an upgrade to the standard plywood-based oyster tables. Fast forward a few years from that original vision and launch, and Charleston Oyster Tables has now fully reimagined and repurposed the muchloved “oyster table” into an elevated multi-functional serving piece to meet all outdoor dining and entertaining needs. Co-founder Rachel Propst, with whom we spoke, was raised on the marshes of Charleston Harbor by parents who love entertaining and the outdoors. Some of her greatest childhood memories were of her dad bringing home bushels of local oysters and eating them around an oyster table with friends and family. This was a family tradition she grew up on and it stood as the inspiration behind Charleston Oyster Tables. Their tables bring friends and families together through a socially engaging outdoor dining experience, no matter the food you serve or enjoy on them. As a relative newcomer to the Lowcountry myself, I wondered what, exactly, an oyster table was. Turns out they are essentially exactly what they sound like - tables upon which one may serve all manner of oysters, shellfish, and the like. What makes Charleston Oyster Tables unique is that each table is hand-crafted by local artisans with real wood, so no two tables are the same. What so intrigued me about these beautiful tables, however, is their ability to be

stretched beyond that initial functionality, and into a very multi-functional piece. "While a table with a central hole may be dubbed an “oyster table,” as our company name reflects, these tables serve multiple purposes. The central cavern is ... for any food comprised of a disposable part discarded after eating: blue crabs, low country boil, clambakes, crawfish, mussels, etc. The beauty ... is that they bring a socially engaging experience. Friends and family gathered around a table, facing inward." Add one of their custom turn tables that fits perfectly in the center hole, and you have a year-round, full-service entertaining piece. From a charcuterie board to a game day table to a beverage table with a champagne bucket placed through the center, the possible uses for a Charleston Oyster Table are really only limited by your imagination. When it comes to future business potential and growth possibilities, for this Lowcountry-loving family, the world is truly their oyster table.

2. CAN YOU SHARE WITH US WHAT MAKES CHARLESTON SO SPECIAL TO YOU? We are a family run business with a deep love of outdoor entertaining and all things Lowcountry. Raised on the marshes of Charleston Harbor by parents who love entertaining and the outdoors, some of our greatest memories have been made surrounded by family and friends at an oyster table. We can't think of a better way to enjoy the Holy City than by enjoying the outdoors, surrounded by loved ones.

4. COULD YOU SHARE HOW YOU WENT ABOUT MAKING THAT FIRST TABLE THAT STARTED IT ALL? We searched everywhere for a quality oyster table for our father, but nothing we found met our standards. Aaron, one of our co-founders, had never built a table before but decided he was up to the task. Luckily, one CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

of our close family friends has ample woodworking experience and helped advise Aaron, who built two gorgeous tables with our father's favorite bible verses engraved on each side. We will never forget the joy that gift brought to our family that day and we are fortunate to employ local woodworkers and artisans who make each table by hand locally.

no one else we'd trust more to navigate difficult decisions and challenges with. As a family, we spend tons of time together, so we are thankful that this labor of love has only brought us closer. Not getting much personal time off can be a bit stressful at times but we wouldn't change it for the world and encourage everyone reading this to follow their dreams.

5. WHAT'S BEEN THE TOUGHEST PART ABOUT STARTING THIS BUSINESS? THE BEST?

7. HOW DO Y'ALL LIKE YOUR OYSTERS?

Starting a family business with your siblings may seem like a crazy idea but there's

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

We've never met an oyster we didn't like! We'll take 'em grilled, steamed or raw, and we will even knock back some oyster shooters if those are on the menu.

Headshot & Portrait Photographer 843-718-6771 Jp e y t o n p h o t o g r a p hy @ g m a i l . c o m w w w. j p e y t o n p h o t o g r a p hy. c o m

You work hard to protect your loved ones. Now, you should simply enjoy them. You deserve a retirement worthy of a lifetime of love. Let’s talk about a solution that works for you and your goals.

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visit www.NHSvoyages.com or call (800) 585-7852

* Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency. SMRU1848301 (Exp.01/22/2024) ©2021 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. All rights reserved. NEW YORK LIFE and the NEW YORK LIFE Box Logo are trademarks of New York Life Insurance Company.

Insure. Invest. Retire. FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

Love Potions Red hot cocktail inspiration to help shake things up this month. When the temperatures drop in Charleston, there's nothing better than staying home with friends and keeping warm by shaking up some fun, inspired cocktails. Sure, it's easy to reach for a bottle of pre-made mix but there's something especially enticing about crafting your own beverages from scratch - from fresh ingredients that you selected and measured yourself. The flavor payoff, in the end, will always be bigger, as you can control exactly how your handmade sippers taste. February calls for seasonal ingredients and garnishes (think cranberries, pomegranates, and citrus) and even a hot drink to stand up to the chilly temperatures. Because we've never met a theme we didn't love, we've rounded up a selection of delicious, red-hued libations that we adore. Recipes for each drink featured abound online, and are no more than a quick internet search away.

IDEA 2: THE COSMOPOLITAN

Informally known as a "cosmo," this iconic cocktail is made with vodka, Cointreau or Triple Sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed or sweetened lime juice.

IDEA 1: THE LOVE POTION

Beautiful, easy to make, and admittedly perfect for Valentine's Day, the Love Potion cocktail is made with vodka, peach schnapps, and ruby red grapefruit juice. A cheeky heart-shaped blood-orange slice isn't necessary, but definitely completes the effect.

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

IDEA 4: CRANBERRY BOURBON BLIZZARD

A frosty combination of cranberry juice, smoky-sweet bourbon, fresh lemon, and simple syrup makes for a special, well-balanced take on a classic bourbon cocktail that even non-bourbon lovers tend to enjoy.

IDEA 3: KIR ROYALE

Want an easy, two-ingredient cocktail that’s both festive and sophisticated? Look no further than a Kir Royale! This beloved French cocktail features black currant liqueur and sparkling wine. Plus? Plump red berries and bubbles are a match made in heaven.

IDEA 5: CLASSIC MULLED WINE

Looking for a beverage that will warm you up from head to toe? A classic mulled (red, red) wine is tough to beat. With warming spices like cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla, you can customize your version till your heart's content. Plus? Your house will smell absolutely amazing as it simmers away. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

IDEA 6: CAESAR

Like the Bloody Mary's more masculine counterpart, a Caesar features flavorful Clamato juice, in addition to the vodka and tomato juice, making it a perfect red-hued, Low Country libation. This drink can really be spicy or not, and can play host to any number of creative, festive garnishes. From a simple celery stick to a stack of tiny cheeseburgers, Bloody Mary and Caesar garnishes can be as small and simple or as big and bold as you see fit.

IDEA #7: THE NEW YORK SOUR

A perfect cocktail for lovers of both bourbon and red wine, the New York Sour layers a bright and zesty blend of lemon juice, bourbon or rye, and simple syrup with a float of ruby red wine on top. Some more classic versions also feature a third layer of creamy whipped egg whites on top, creating a dramatically stratified effect that's perfect for a special occasion.

IDEA #8 WINTER SANGRIA

A seasonal spin on the classic fruit-filled drink, a "winterized" sangria swaps out summery or springtime berries and stone fruits with more seasonally appropriate choices for the cold winter months. Think lots of citrus, pear, cranberry, and pomegranate. Furthermore, a red wine-based winter sangria gets some added coziness thanks to the inclusion of warming spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and fresh nutmeg.

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

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ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

8 WAYS T O O R G A N I Z E A N D I N J E C T S T Y L E I N T O YO U R S PAC E

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our eight tips for transforming and elevating your closet as you Spring clean and declutter for a more peaceful, inspired space you absolutely love.

H OM E U P DAT E | STY L E + BE AUTY

A sneak peek inside the closet of active mom and entrepreneur Keri Tarantino of Leawood, KS reveals a dressing room that rivals celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. But it didn’t come easily. Keri painstakingly planned, designed and curated the space with care. When we first stepped inside, we gasped as our eyes beheld the glory. No detail went unnoticed in this dreamy dressing room. Here are some guiding principles that can be drawn from her exquisite taste and vision. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying the guidelines Keri used in her space will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. The large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

USE R EAL ESTATE WISELY

ORGA NIZE BY KIND A ND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, longsleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

NEGATIVE SPACE

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

FACE CLOTHES THE SA ME DIR ECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner! Here’s a few of our favorite elevated hangers:

UPGR ADED HA NGERS 34

H OM E U P DAT E | STY L E + BE AUTY

BAG & SHOE STOR AGE

Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions. Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

HIDDEN STOR AGE Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-to-ceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for outof-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

LIGHTING Lighting is everything in a closet. Gone are the days of dim recessed lighting being sufficient. Consider adding a statement lighting fixture like a chandelier or pendant that provides ample bright lighting to your space, no matter how big or small. FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

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Welcoming an Avondale Aesthetics Studio Home that specializes in subtle. We provide a balanced approach to skin rejuvenation.

VIP event for those interested in morpheus microneedling and radiofrequency. Come hear industry leaders speak about the technology and why morpheus is taking the aesthetics world by storm.

March 15, 2023 | 6:30-8:30pm RSVP by emailing shorelineaesthetics@gmail.com, subject line VIP. RSVP required.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A R L E STO N S C

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

F EB RUA RY 2 N D

Ice Skating on the Point

CHAR LESTON HARBOR AN D R E S O RT MA R I NA | 3:0 0 P M "Charleston, we're Ice Skating on the Point every Thursday - Sunday, from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm on our new Synthetic Ice Rink. Chill out with our new Patriots Point Lager brewed by our friends at Rusty Bull Brewing Company, and enjoy s'mores and hot cocoa by the fire pits." charlestonharborresort.com F EB RUA RY 3 RD

The Gatsby Gala

56 BEAUFAIN STR EET | 8 :00 P M Take a journey back to the roaring twenties, when things were more glamorous and sophisticated. Join Blue Steel Promotions on February 3rd and 4th as they transform Charleston's Festival Hall into a spectacle that would make even ole' Jay Gatz envious. Enjoy live music from The Midnight City on Friday night and Greg Keys and Company on Saturday night. events@bluesteelpromotions.com F EB RUA RY 1 1 T H

Storm the Citadel

171 MOULTR IE STR EET, CHAR L E STO N, S C 29 4 0 9 | 7 :0 0 A M The Citadel has a rich engineering heritage and each year joins the nation in celebrating National Engineers Week (also referred to as DiscoverE Week). Founded in 1951, it was created to increase public appreciation of the engineering profession. Each year during Engineer's Week, The Citadel hosts a number of design competitions, including Storm the Citadel, for teams of Lowcountry students. F EB RUA RY 1 5T H

Mountainfilm on Tour

CHAR LESTON MUS IC HALL | 7 :0 0 P M A selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed, and incredibly inspiring documentary films comes to Charleston Music Hall.

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