East Cobb, GA September 2023

All About Style

Hello Early Fall

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

In this issue, we pause to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others.  Check out our story on community leader Chaz Easterly's unique style and fashion on page 16.

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 our area to uplift our spirits, boost productivity and ignite creativity. We hope you will enjoy our stories. From City Springs Theatre Company's artistic director Shuler Hensley's unique style of directing. that perfect black dress or custom-tailored suit (made in the USA) by Commonwealth Proper that fits perfectly, swinging into autumn with Atlanta Bed Swings and the custom closet you've always wanted!

What I’ve found to be true is that the best style is an authentic expression of who we really are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.  Here’s to being uniquely you!

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Abby Ramsey | abby.ramsey@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylfietsyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rei Kaiser, Denise K. James, Cathy Jones

Cathy James

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Abby Ramsey, Wayne Albright

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LISA THIBAULT, PUBLISHER @EASTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

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

1: East Cobb Business Association leaders gather to celebrate volunteerism and community engagement at monthly luncheon 2: Fun & Music East Cobb Park. New concert September 17 from 4:00 pm 3: Health and Wellness Hiking Club of Chattahoochee Plantation Women’s Club Hiking Club 4: Blessed Trinity Catholic School students celebrate back to school 5: Lassiter Art teacher Suzette Spinelli named 2023 Cobb Schools high school Teacher of the Year 6: Favorite pastime Book Club of Chattahoochee Plantation Women’s Club 7: Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta expands work to Dunwoody with new storage and distribution center

LASSITER HIGH SCHOOL

BACKPACK BUDDIES OF METRO ATLANTA

FIRM

WWW.THEAAAGROUP.COM @THE_AAA_GROUP EAST COBB’S INJURY

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Brazilian Beauty Spa Celebrates 6 Years

Happy Anniversary! A beauty and medical esthetics spa, BBS celebrates 6 years. Treatments include body contouring, laser hair removal, skincare, beauty and wellness. Located in East Cobb, Owner Meirielly Teixeira and team are experienced, proven professionals whose knowledge and passion inspire, motivates, and renews. Commitment is to educate clients to adopt a daily regime so as to obtain lasting results. Enjoy an enchanting setting and the incredible treatments offered.

brazilianbeautyspa.com

770-779-8992 #relax #renew #rejuvenate

Want to be featured?

CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER CARE

The Harvest Hustle

The Kennesaw Grand Prix Series is in full swing. The Harvest Hustle on September 9 is the 3rd of 4 premier 5K races. Starting at Kennesaw First Baptist Church and finishing in historic downtown Kennesaw. Professionally timed and USAT&F Certified, enjoy post-race awards ceremony and celebration. Perfect for beginner runners, walkers, and families. Races are part of the Fit City Kennesaw encouraging the community to become more active and engage in wellness activities. kennesaw.com/ kennesaw-grand-prix/

Atlanta Braves Manager Brian Snitker Keynotes

Blue Ties Luncheon

14th Annual Blue Ties Luncheon is set for Friday, September 8 at Flourish in Buckhead. The luncheon will feature keynote speaker Atlanta Braves Manager Brian Snitker benefiting ProstAware, a Georgia non-profit creating awareness and education about the impact of prostate cancer and those at risk. Since 2009, the charity's vision is to have every man they meet to undergo prostate cancer testing and talk with their doctor about reducing risk. Visit ProstAware.org .

Plasker Family & Performance Chiropractic

For over 35 years, we’ve been providing exceptional chiropractic care to top athletes locally and globally. And we’re right around the corner. Regardless of your age, ability, or activity of choice, we’re here to help you heal quickly and perform at your highest level for a lifetime – The 100 Year Lifestyle Way. Don’t suffer or settle! Now is the time to take action on your health!

Schedule Your Consultation and Examination Today

We passionately transform and create spaces; developing innovative designs for homes and offices is what we love to do. Whether flooring, countertops, or cabinets, we have what you need. Kitchen Designs Group has decades of proven experience to create the design you have always wanted.

Leaning In

Finding peace and success through mindfulness and friendships

ARTICLE BY SUE COLLINS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY RAMSEY, WAYNE ALBRIGHT

Put yourself on the list. Lean into the strong and smart women in your life.

Work every day to keep your mind, body, spirit and soul healthy.

Live a beautiful life.

These are Chaz Easterly’s tenets, a rock-solid foundation of the new life she’s carved out for herself after a recent challenging divorce and harrowing health journey.

The creative force and founder of the Linen & Flax brand based here in Roswell, she leans heavily into her faith which buoyed her through rough waters and continues to power her every move. Personally and professionally.

It was nearly six years ago that she needed to find a job to contribute to the family budget. Any job. After having doors shut in her face time and time again, she drove down Canton Street and prayed for inspiration and help. Chaz walked into

the nearby Pottery Barn clutching a photo of her children and landed herself a job. In the three years that followed, she learned the business of retail and sales and built on her passion for interior design.

In 2015, she held a one-day Designer Open House in her home. “For the second show, I added goods I curated from antique markets and other finds. I met with a furniture vendor to build a custom line of furniture, and sold everything in the house. Women were fighting in the foyer over art,” says Chaz, a mother of three and Roswell resident of 14 years.

In 2017, she found herself again on Canton Street and saw a “for lease - commercial” sign in front of a small white bungalow. A month later and countless hours of sweat equity from friends and neighbors, Linen & Flax Home opened its doors, with more than 500 people showing up on day one. “Linen & Flax was created to make life more

beautiful,” says Chaz. “I credit the power of social media, namely Instagram. We needed a furniture store in Roswell, and people showed up. They always show up.”

Now the brand has a cohesive worldwide presence, an apparel store across the street and a larger headquarters with a design studio, fulfillment center and e-commerce team offices. The online presence exploded during the Covid-19 pandemic and has shoppers from coast to coast. While design was the initial driving force of the brand, now all segments are performing equally as strong. Most recently, Chaz added a leisure line, featuring destinations she loves including a stunning home in Rosemary Beach, Florida. “It’s a Linen & Flax experience. My heart and soul are in that house,” says Chaz of the vacation rental she decorated that is booked solid. Everything in the home has a QR code tag for seamless shopping. “Part of creating a beautiful life is traveling with your family. This is everyone’s summer house.”

And, by “everyone,” she means her friends, family and extended family of nearly 85,000 followers on Instagram. “I engage with them (followers) every day. They want to know where I’m going, what I’m wearing and what’s happening in my life. I want to know them, too, and I respond to every DM.”

She is non-stop. She credits her family for supporting her and other like-minded creative entrepreneurs for inspiring her. “I love to create and find what’s missing, then build it. I surround myself with people who are smarter than I am. I dream it, but they make it happen. I’m a dreamer and schemer.”

Last year, with a goal to engage directly with followers, nourish friendships and explore the vision for the Linen & Flax brand, she held a live event with hundreds

of attendees. In March, the second annual event sold out in a day, with 220 people sharing their journeys. “I found the conversations so meaningful and had the opportunity to encourage people in their faith and inspire them to put themselves on the list…first on the list!” More than half of those gathered traveled from out of state.

Now, her team is 45 people strong and she sources new employees from her pool of Instagram brand ambassadors and other creatives she follows on social media. “They are my vision carriers. They know me and want to be a part of the brand. They know I am a mom who started something out of nothing. And that I am nothing without my faith or friends.”

It was her friends who held her up during the last two challenging years.

“I was in the middle of a divorce and overweight. I started walking to get out of the house so the kids wouldn’t see me crying,” Chaz shares. That practice turned into fuel for a new, more mindful life, with friends helping to pull her out of her black hole and a posse of women professionals (a lawyer, therapist and finance manager) who held her hand and had her back. These women all attended her recent LIVE event.

“I learned, if you’re going through a difficult season, put yourself on the top of the list. Now, everyone on my team has locked into a more mindful life. Walking and prayer changed everything,” says Chaz.

Next up? Linen & Flax 2.0, a rebirth of the brand, with a new excitement, a freedom and more opportunity to explore with confidence. Watch Chaz walk. Then run. And, good luck trying to keep up!

Linen & Flax

IF

We tend to our steaks with the passion of a winemaker, our master butcher monitors our steaks daily for 21 days in a temperature and humidity-controlled vault, then carves it by hand. Does our obsession pay off? You tell us.

STYLES YOU MUST SEE

TRENDS FOR HAIR THIS FALL INCLUDE BOLD COLORS, CURLS, MODERN AND BANGS!

This fall the trends in hair are very different. We are seeing recycled looks, cuts and styles and it's getting really fun.

According to Salon Arcaro owner, Adam Awtrey, “ We are on fire, literally, all the rage is RED!” He shares that more than ever clients are requesting red as their new color of choice and in many different shades and variations this fall. Color has never been hotter for us it seems.

Also, the bayalage is in full force and has been for a while, Adam says, but shares it is much softer tones for the fall now than the cool blonde shades we have seen this spring and summer. He also has been surprised at the trend for shag cuts and bangs galore for clients who haven’t tried these hairstyles

in the past. There is lots of experimenting going around, he says.

Also, his staff has been surprised at the amount of high school students coming in for their back to school perms, it is curls and curls they want. Young men, many of whom are football players, are coming into the salon begging for new curls, as well as the ladies.  Adam shares his own son has a “fluffy top” look going full of curly hair right now. With all of these new looks being the rage, he tells us the demand for their experience and talent is growing like never before! As busy as the salon is, clients are invited to book far in advance to secure an appointment.

salonarcaro.com

“He shares that more than ever clients are requesting red as their new color of choice and in many different shades and variations this fall.”

I Love My Beach Life.

I was taught young that when you find good in this world you share it with others.

Years ago after living in the Atlanta and Nashville metro areas for two decades, my husband, Scott, and I decided that life is too short not to love where we live. We took the opportunity to move to our vacation paradise of the Emerald Coast’s Scenic 30A and have not looked back. The beach life immediately felt like home to us.

Sharing this lifestyle with others has been a dream and rarely feels like work!

I welcome the opportunity to discuss your interest whether buying, selling or investing, primary or secondary, and representing you with an elevated and curated approach.

- Rachel

CREATE A MASTERPIECE

Stain, sand and swirl your way to an elegant new piece of home decor at Board and Brush, Marietta’s booziest DIY studio. Specializing in DIY wood signs and other DIY projects, Board and Brush is a great way to flex your creative muscles. With rustic farmhouse decor making a resurgence in interior design, the eclectic wooden signs that are a staple at every Board and Brush location are both trendy and timeless.

ARTICLE BY CATHY JONES

Craft enthusiast Julie Selby started hosting DIY home decor through classes in her basement before opening her first location in Hartland, Wisconsin, in 2015. Now, with over 260 locations nationwide, East Cobb local Lillian Puleo owns and operates the Marietta branch. As a former Realtor and HOA Property Manager, Lillian is skilled in home decor and staging, so her love of Board and Brush is a true testament to its efficacy.

. . . with a board, brush and little bit of booze

“It’s easy to buy something mass-produced,” explains Lillian. “It’s fun to handmake your own decor and a great way to ensure it matches your style and home decor.”

Set against the picturesque Chattahoochee River, these paint-and-sip-esque classes offer a romantic or rejuvenating setting for your next date night, girls' night or family gathering. After arriving at the studio (with booze in hand), the Board and Brush team will lead you to a seat where a pile of tools and supplies await. Instructors will then walk you through sanding, assembling, staining and painting a board to match your home and exude your personality.

“I love driving through neighborhoods and recognizing porch signs from my studio, proudly displayed on front doors,” says Lillian.

While Board and Brush’s most popular workshop, the Pick Your Project Workshop, are their signature wooden signs, the creative studio offers a host of other workshop types. Plus, with fall and Christmas right around the corner, the studio has plans to host a series of festivities like parent/child workshops and make and takes.

So, lean into your interior design expertise and become your own craftsman by booking a workshop (or two) at Board and Brush Marietta this fall. Your home will thank you!

LILLIAN’S TOP TIPS

Keep these in mind during your first Board and Brush workshop:

1. Less is more!

2 . Dab! Dab! Dab!

3. Always bring enough wine to share!

BOARD AND BRUSH MARIETTA

PHONE: (770)599-2660

LOCATION: 2323 Shallowford Rd Suite 107, Marietta, GA 30066

WEBSITE: boardandbrush.com/marietta-eastcobb

A FIERCE APPRECIATION FOR THE ARTS

A CONVERSATION WITH SHULER HENSLEY AT CITY SPRINGS THEATRE COMPANY

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

Shuler Hensley is taking a short break from “the thick of auditions” when we sit down for our interview. The current artistic director of City Springs Theatre Company is never long on time – in addition to this role, he’s an actor on and off Broadway and heavily involved with the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, better known as the Shuler Hensley Awards. Though he considers himself an actor first, the Georgia native is multi-talented – he played football and baseball in high school, all the while developing a fierce appreciation for the arts.

“My mom taught ballet, and I’d go to ballet classes in addition to playing sports,” he says. “It was a hard thing to navigate. Then, I went to Georgia on a baseball scholarship and sang in the men’s glee club.”

Hensley doggedly pursued all three – acting, singing and dancing — which, at the time, was quite rare, especially for an athlete from

the South. Following college, Hensley headed to the Big Apple for training in music. “I attended the Manhattan Sc hool of Music, then the Curtis Institute of Music for my master’s,” he says. “I considered myself more of an actor who could also sing, but I wanted that classical training. That was in the early ‘90s. I’m 56 now, but I feel more like I’m in my late 20s. That’s what the arts can do for you!"

Later, dividing his time between shows in New York City and working on the theater awards show in Georgia, Hensley met Natalie DeLancey and learned that Sandy Springs would be starting its own theater company locally. “Sandy Springs never had their own venue and company, but they had always supported the arts,” he says. “I said I would love to be involved.”

Hensley initially came on board in 2018 as City Springs Theatre Company's Associate Artistic Director and then stepped into the full-time role of Artistic Director in 2021. He considers the position an ideal way to be “on both sides of the table” – understanding the point of view of those on the stage as well as those directing the production. “I get what the actors are going through because I am going through it with them,” he says.

This year, Hensley is directing Fiddler on the Roof, a classic musical that he insists is just right for 2023, thanks to its timeless themes. “All good theater is cyclical,” he

Shuler with Natalie DeLancey

says. “It's done at a certain time — then, as a society, we mature – and there’s always a moment when an old show comes back as relevant. Fiddler is about the breakdown of traditions and the relationships among generations and families – which is very current!”

As for his directing style, Hensley believes the right cast carries the show. “I worked on Oklahoma! with Trevor Nunn in London, and I remember our conversation about directing,” he says. “He told me probably 80% of good directing is casting — and if you cast the right people, they help you create the characters and the story.”

For tickets and more info, visit cityspringstheatre.com .

Photo by Bruce Glikas

Photo by Bruce Glikas

The Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards are known as The Shuler Hensley Awards.

ELEGANCE INSPIRED BY NATURE

Oaks on the River creates an ideal space for your next event

Imagine being surrounded by loved ones in a space beautiful and inspiring. That vision can become more than your imagination when you work with the creative, caring staff of Oaks on the River to plan an event. The boutique resort hotel, nestled in the charming town of Darien, Georgia, opened its doors in 2022 – and, thanks to its location on a beautiful

riverbank among historic oaks, events of all kinds are quickly becoming the hallmark.

“We always planned for that to be our focal point,” says Carlie Librizzi, marketing director. “The beauty of a boutique hotel is that you can have luxury accommodations and an idyllic setting.”

One of the best parts about booking your event at Oaks is the perfectly balanced scenery. For waterfront folks, the flowing river presents a perfect backdrop, while those who prefer the serenity of the woods will find repose in surrounding trees.

“Most places don’t offer both water and woods,” Librizzi points out. “It’s the perfect environment for people who are looking for both. The look, I would say, is nature-inspired elegance.”

If you’re planning an event, get ready to be “wowed” by the creativity of the Oaks staff, all of whom are dedicated to getting it just right, from food to lighting.

“Thanks to its location on a beautiful riverbank among historic oaks, events of all kinds are quickly becoming the hallmark at Oaks on the River.”

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

“We write out their vision and brainstorm, just like planning with friends,” Librizzi says. “Planning can be stressful, so we take things off the guest’s plate and guide the vision. It’s fun to work together as a team and organize it. Luckily, as an independent resort, we can dive into individual visions with a ‘make it happen’ mindset. In the end, it’s their day.”

The best is yet to come, Librizzi says, with all-inclusive wedding packages on the horizon and the resort welcoming all events with Oaks on the River’s iconic touch.  “We have had the pleasure of hosting corporate conferences, anniversary celebrations, milestone birthdays, family reunions and charity galas,” Librizzi beams. “Each event brings a unique essence and energy to our resort, and we take pride in being a part of such special moments in our guests' lives.”

“Oaks on the River Resort is not just a venue; it is an experience that is tailor-made to create cherished memories,” she concludes. “Our team goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels pampered and well-cared for throughout their stay. We take pride in our personalized approach, attention to detail and commitment to excellence — which sets us apart as a truly luxurious boutique resort.”

To learn more, visit oaksontheriverresort.com

*Showroom by Appointment*

We truly care about our clients and are experts in our field. We are committed to providing an exceptional client experience and offer a warranty unique to the industry providing 100% client satisfaction.

Fall in Love With Your Wardrobe

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

ARTISAN CUSTOM CLOSETS IS HELPING PEOPLE GET DRESSED IN STYLE

Back in 2003, Lisa Carlquist founded a custom closet company that would change the way people get dressed. Today, Artisan Custom Closets is known for stylish, elegant organization methods, as well as a personable touch and in-house craftsmanship that clients have come to know and love.

The process to a more organized life is simpler than you might think, assures Artisan’s Director of Marketing Christina Johnson. After a new client gets in touch, the staff will set up a complimentary, in-home consultation so the client can learn more about the company and find out whether Artisan Custom Closets will work for their home (spoiler alert – the answer is yes!). These visits are fairly in-depth, says Johnson –staff are trained to keenly observe each client’s personal taste and lifestyle.

“While they’re talking to the clients, they are taking notes on the decor and space,” she says. That way, when they see the space, be it a closet or pantry, they already have an idea, and they can gently lead the vision.”

At Artisan, the team offices are located right beside where the magic happens. Gesturing to the wall beside her own desk, Johnson explains that the warehouse is where everything is created from scratch. “We build everything at our plant — this is where we make everything for our two present locations: Atlanta and Nashville,” she says. “There's a ton of closet companies and DIY options out there, but we are still locally owned and locally operated and build everything on-site. So from the time you call us to when your closet is installed, you’re working with Artisan employees —  no one else.”

The most fun part, by far, is when the closet’s structural elements are complete, and it’s time to make it your own. Artisan’s showroom offers a wealth of ideas, from drawer finishes to lighting to hardware. “You can select something simple, like a matte black cabinet with gold hardware, or you can level up to black and cream with a faux crocodile overlay for the drawers,” Johnson says. “Of course, the right lighting can elevate any design and make the space look larger and more beautiful. The sky's the limit!”

Great things are ahead for the Artisan location in Atlanta, including a showroom update with even more exciting closet vignettes to get those creative ideas going. “We already have a beautiful showroom full of unique storage concepts, but we want to add a few new, modern touches, including new accessory options, finish colors, lighting choices and glass elements,” Johnson explains.

But style is just the accessory to this well-made outfit; what clients value most about Artisan Custom Closets is their experience with the people. In addition to locations in Atlanta and Nashville, the company is currently expanding further in the Southeast, while maintaining the customer service and quality that sets them apart.

“Samantha was highly communicative, professional, knowledgeable and kind,” remarks one happy client, Ayesha, located in Roswell. “And the install day was a breeze — Dale was great! More than anything else, our closets are life-changing. Having that part of our lives organized makes every day so much better.”

Johnson points out that the company’s level of success began with Carlquist’s original dedication to her dream. “I think all of this is a testament to her business savviness,” she muses.

“She founded it, built it from the ground up – even went so far as to handle all of the marketing while also being the extremely busy CEO  — and literally grew this amazing company into what it is now.”

Learn more at artisancustomclosets.com .

“But style is just the accessory to this wellmade outfit; what clients value most is their experience with the people.”

RECLAIM RELAXATION

PAYING HOMAGE TO A SOUTHERN PASTIME

ARTICLE BY CATHY JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY ATLANTA BED SWINGS

SEEK SOLACE IN STYLE WITH ATLANTA BED SWINGS “Bed Swings pay homage to a Southern pastime while elevating the comfort and beauty of modern outdoor living”.

These are words that the Tice family — Mike, Erin and their son, Tyler — strongly believe. The pair operates a family-owned business customizing bed swings that enhance comfort while elevating outdoor living space.

Ten years ago Mike and Tyler discovered the untapped potential of bed swings, working to improve them via intricate hardware, custom frame styles and highend fabrics. Soon enough, their bed swing design took off and Atlanta Bed Swings (ABS) was formed.

According to Tyler, extensive customization and personal touches are what make a swing from ABS so special.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

No two bed swings are completely alike. Each swing starts in the showroom, where customers have a real role in the planning process. They can book a 1:1 appointment to discuss design packages and receive tailored recommendations of fabric, color and design based on their personal outdoor living space. ABS also offers in-home and virtual consultations to anyone who can’t make it into the showroom.

CREATING THE SWING

Once the design is nailed down, ABS gets to work handcrafting every aspect of the swing. They mill, cut and assemble the frame, sew cushions with utmost attention to detail, and finally, install the finished product. The elaborate production process creates a long-lasting, stunning centerpiece that completes any sun or lounge room for ages.

STYLING TIPS

Tyler recommends not holding too tightly to a “less is more” sentiment. “Bed Swings are the centerpiece of a space, so styling them to draw attention is quintessential to their effect on the space.”

Instead, he suggests opting for a pop of color or intricate design on the cushions, selecting a neutral base and matching the frame to its surroundings. Regardless, ABS’s design team is equipped to answer and guide customers to a swing that matches their’s and their space’s personality.

TUNE IN TO SOUTHERLAND

MATT CHASE AND CHRIS ROGERS ARE WORTH A

LISTEN

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

Long before Matt Chase and Chris Rogers met in Nashville, the roots of their musical duo, Southerland, were beginning to take shape. Matt, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, had graduated from Wando High School and felt drawn to the Music City. After several successful guitar gigs at the Windjammer, an Isle of Palms venue, he approached his family about moving to Nashville, exploring music and finishing his bachelor’s degree. The plan worked, his parents agreed, and soon enough, he departed one Southern city for another.

To someone unfamiliar with the magic of creativity, it might sound fairly typical that Chris and Matt hit it off. After all, they’re both from Southern towns (Chris hails from Washington, Georgia); they share mutual friends; — including Ray Fulcher, who introduced them — and they both, of course, were living in Nashville. But the truth is, something far more unexpected took place – in short, they had immediate songwriting synergy. “We hit it off and wrote a song that day,” Chris recalls. “Matt and I were playing shows within a week!”

“We came together because we mixed as people and as artists,” Matt adds. “It was very organic.”

In those early days, things were slightly different: Southerland didn’t yet have a name, and Matt and

Chris found themselves playing any dive bar gig they could — “and not all cool dive bars, either,” they joke. Still, they persevered, and eventually, the name Southerland came to them on a trip to Maine for a gig — a battleship called the USS Southerland, created at Bath Iron Works in the city of Bath, spoke to them. “We both perked up when we heard the word ‘Southerland,’” Matt shares. “We loved it.”

Though both musicians are fans of country music –including Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt and classic artists of the genre — Chris and Matt agree they are influenced by a wide range of artists. It’s not unusual to find either of them listening to rockers from the 1990s, such as Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, or to catch them at shows, keeping up with modern talents such as Dylan Marlowe, Randall King, Lainey Wilson and others.

“I was listening to Nirvana’s Unplugged when I was younger and first getting into playing guitar — but I didn’t realize the heft of that influence until a few days ago, listening to a Dave Grohl interview,” Chris shares. “And back in 2013, he produced an EP for Zac Brown, and I was listening to that this morning! We write and play whatever comes out of our melting pot of music that we love.”

“We think about what we want to hear, and we think about what others want to hear.”

Southerland’s newest EP, self-titled, consists of six songs, and Chris and Matt are planning a busy year of touring in new areas, from Arkansas to North Dakota. Reflecting on whether this EP is different from their initial record, Boot Up, they agree fans will recognize their core style, but songs evolve with what’s going on in life – the trademark of authentic artists. “It’s the same but different,” Matt comments. “We always have our classic touch of writing what we know, and we’re in a state of growing up and settling down — I’m getting married this year — so we want our music to reflect it.”

Staying true to themselves is paramount to Chris and Matt, and they agree that the “show business” side of things is best avoided. They’d rather follow their creative intuition – and if that means pulling out a notepad on a fishing voyage, so be it.

“The ideas might come when we’re in a boat fishing or throwing a ball for the dog... the writing process is different every time,” Matt says. “You might start with a word, a melody — in any number of ways. We think about what we want to hear, and we think about what others want to hear.”

Additionally, the duo cares about community and commits to giving back. As one example, Chris and his wife Katie support “Music Gives to St. Jude Kids” of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Both Chris and Matt believe that music can change lives.

Visit southerlandmusic.com.

Songwriters with Southern Style

Chris and Matt are known for their music, but their Southern roots and sense of style are unforgettable to their fans as well. Here, they share what they wear, on stage and off.

WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

Chris: “I’m simple when it comes to style. T-shirts, jeans, and boots are usually my go-to. I’m a sucker for a white tee and jeans. Pretty classic and definitely simple. I should probably spice it up a little with some accessories, but other than a watch or maybe a simple kind of necklace I don’t think you’ll catch me in anything too flashy anytime soon.

Offstage, I'm a big fan of athleisure. My wife got me hooked on Lululemon. Haha.

Matt: I am right there with Chris. Our music and our brand is a tip of the hat to the common man and woman, and that's exactly how we present ourselves. Cool boots, band tees and a solid snapback. But I will take all the fashion advice that I can get.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE QUINTESSENTIAL SOUTHERN STYLE?

Chris: We think the idea of the quintessential Southern style changes depending on where you are or where you are from. Being musicians, we travel all over the country. Out west, the starched jeans that are stacked with square-toe boots are a common look. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer —  just different influences based on your environment. But plaid, t-shirts, jeans, boots and a hat have been staples of Southern style for a long time. And I don't see those things disappearing anytime soon.”

THE little BLACK DRESS

Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?

Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be. “We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says.

“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.

If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life.

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

HOURGLASS FIGURE:

• V-necklines

• Cinched-in waistlines

• Tailored/fitted dresses

PEAR OR TRIANGLE

FIGURE:

• Tailored dresses

• Off the shoulder

ATHLETIC FIGURE:

• Embellished

• Ruffles

• Empire waist

• Volume is your friend

APPLE FIGURE:

• Drop waist

• A-line

The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI

NEW SCHOOL TAILORS, MADE IN USA

ATLANTA’S TOP TAILORS REVEALED

ARTICLE BY EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

Commonwealth Proper ("CMMP") is a private, experiential retailer specializing in men's custom suits, sport coats, shirts, outerwear, formal wear and accessories - all handmade in the United States.   Operating out of a Buckhead showroom, CMMP's team of Wardrobe Advisors also offer concierge-style service and can travel to clients to meet them at their home or office.  Finding the best designers, tailors and unique, premium fabrics continues to be a relentless pursuit for them.   The end goal is to deliver exceptional clothing, service and style advice to make all their clients look "sharp, trim and proper."  That’s why their clients, who now span the globe, keep coming back.

Founded in 2008 by CEO Craig Arthur von Schroeder, a former professional soccer player and attorney, CMMP now operates out of four major cities and has been outfitting Atlanta's best-dressed since 2014.  Craig notes,  "Every individual has their own taste, needs, likes and dislikes and that's what our Wardrobe Advisors are trained to understand. Each garment is therefore made from scratch, client by client, based upon who they are and what works for their lifestyle."

As contemporary tailors, CMMP creates wardrobes that their clients actually use - and love. From fabric, to fit and functionality, the brand has reinvented the closets of thousands of clients over the past 15 years.  Make an appointment today to get started!  commonwealthproper.com

Dusty Rose Linen Blazer, White Tencel BBQ Shirt, Tan Tech Pants

Marrakech Button-Down Tan Tech Pants

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