We’re a local family-owned business, so we know what it means to have the support of our community. That’s why we take pride in our commitment to helping other local businesses succeed. There are hundreds of products around our stores, in every department, that come from local producers, makers and growers.
Happy fall, back to school, start of football season and embracing the crazy pace of gearing up for the back portion of the year!
In September, we celebrate our annual Style issue. Style can trickle into many facets of our lives, whether it be fashion or décor, or maybe putting your special, unique stamp on the things and experiences you love. At the end of the day, style is all about feeling comfortable in expressing yourself. And, thankfully, we all have the freedom to be different.
Tyler Amadeus reminds us of how fashion and interior design go hand in hand, and should be explored with intent. After all, the two have been embedded in our culture for centuries. Whether you’re exploring new trends, blending classic elements, or creating something entirely original, it can be a fun challenge.
Closet Factory shares the latest closet design trends and how to make the most of getting organized while staying chic. From minimalist and streamlined to functional and efficient, they can help get things on track.
In the post Covid times and reign of athleisure wear, there is a bright spot in the Galleria. J.H. & Sons reminds us of the beauty in men’s fashion. Offering the latest worldwide trends, customized suits, luxurious fabrics, their great staff provides the ability to exude confidence in your second skin.
Tight budget? Sometimes the simplest of items like coffee table books can add punch to a room, create beauty and spark conversation. Lastly, and just for fun, we’ve included a quick on-the-go breakfast recipe for fuel on the road.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” ~Maya Angelou
Stay stylish, Edina!
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @EDINA_LIFESTYLE
September 2025
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tyler Amadeus, Graham Johnson, Sarah Knieff, Pauli Reep, Beth Del Ville
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Closet Factory, Adrien King, Maria Claire Media, Alec Walworth
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
celebrated their annual 4th of July Parade featuring veterans, marching bands, floats, horses, musicians, and community groups.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Celebrate the changing seasons at one of Edina’s favorite fall traditions. Set around the scenic paths and waterways of Centennial Lakes Park & 7601 France on Sept.6-7, the Edina Fall into the Arts Festival brings together artists, families, and art lovers for a weekend of creativity and community. With more than 245 exhibitors, it’s a vibrant showcase of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and more—all paired with great food and family-friendly fun. edinamn.gov
We always say the one photo that I take over the course of my career that has the most longevity on someone’s wall is the High School senior photo. To this day, my mom will rotate out photos of my kids but the one constant is my senior photo from Edina High School. Come see us next to Bunny’s this summer!
Join the Germanic-American Institute for the St. Paul Oktoberfest on September 12-13! Held every fall, this festive two-day event features authentic German food, crisp beer, live music, dancing, and fun for all ages. Enjoy polka bands, cultural activities, and more on their scenic grounds. Inspired by Munich’s famous celebration, it’s the perfect way to enjoy Minnesota’s September weather. Proceeds support the GAI’s mission to promote German language and culture through educational programs year-round. gaimn.org
True Hue is a Minnesota-based fragrance brand creating elevated candles and home scents with a modern, moody touch. Blending design and sustainability, each product is made with non-toxic ingredients and thoughtfully developed scent stories. What started in a small apartment has grown into a beloved brand found in shops across the country. From layered, transportive fragrances to minimalist packaging, True Hue brings intentionality and warmth into the home—one candle at a time. truehue.co/
ARTICLE BY TYLER AMADEUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIEN KING AND ALEC WALWORTH
INthis unexpected love affair, fashion and interiors are more than just a simple pairing—they are rooted in culture, creativity, and the human desire for self-expression.
As conscious consumers of the 21st century, participating in a retail landscape that is oversaturated and struggling to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the modern customer, our purchasing power should not only respond to a feeling of want but also prioritize items that reflect who we are and who we aspire to be. This is clearly visible through the representation of fashion and interiors.
Although we tend to consider cost-perwear primarily when it comes to clothing, this same principle applies to furniture and the function it brings to the home. Aesthetics and functionality both play a role in this pairing, painting a picture for
the rest of the world of who the wearer is and how they live in their space.
The woman who wears a blazer with sharp shoulders that makes her feel powerful in her everyday life—or the black dress that gives her a necessary boost of confidence—may naturally gravitate toward sleek, modern furniture that feels equally strong and elevates the space where the modern woman thrives.
In the same way, someone who prefers an effortless ensemble—like their favorite white T-shirt and comfortable denim jeans—may also look for home pieces that
are functional and make their guests feel at ease. Even a handmade rug, one that sparks conversation about where it was found and adds a focal point to a room, mirrors how we search our closets for a sweater tied to a cherished memory.
Just as we carefully choose outfits to express ourselves, it’s equally important to ensure that our living spaces are designed with the same intention. More than ever, modern buyers are making purchasing decisions based on personal morals and values, forming a new wave of consumers who seek products that are both high-quality and environmentally or socially conscious, whether for themselves or their homes.
The following imagery affirms that living a timeless lifestyle across all aspects of life is possible through the thoughtful styling of sustainable clothing and vintage furniture. As the modern retail landscape continues to evolve, it’s become increasingly vital to make conscious consumer choices—ones that allow us to express our truest selves through both our wardrobes and the places we call home.
ART DIRECTION
Amy Appleton
STYLING
Tyler Amadeus
MODEL
Amy Appleton
Closet Factory Shares the Latest Trends in Home Organization
As people continue to spend more time at home, there's a growing demand for spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply functional and uniquely personal. Closet Factory in the Twin Cities is seeing this shift firsthand, blending organization, style, and smart design across closets, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and more. We sat down with owners Theresa and Doug Williams to learn about the design trends shaping today’s homes – and how they work with clients to bring their dream spaces to life.
WHAT ARE THE TOP FIVE DESIGN TRENDS YOU'RE SEEING IN HOME ORGANIZATION RIGHT NOW?
1. Boutique-Inspired Closets: Homeowners want their closet to feel like a luxury retail experience. Think open shelving, glass-front cabinets, and elegant lighting to showcase their wardrobe, often with a central island. It's about making getting dressed a special occasion.
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLOSET FACTORY
2. Minimalist and Streamlined Designs: This trend emphasizes clean lines, simplicity, and a clutter-free environment. It's all about calm aesthetics, often with monochromatic colors, hidden storage, and highly organized open shelving. It reflects a broader desire for decluttering and efficiency.
3. Multifunctional Spaces: Closets are no longer just for clothes. We're seeing them integrate home office nooks, dressing room vanities, or even small
relaxation zones. This is crucial as people spend more time at home and need every square foot to work harder.
4. The Adaptable Mudroom/Entryway: Especially here in Minnesota, these 'transition zones' are becoming robust, organized hubs. We're designing them with custom built-ins, dedicated drop zones for keys and mail, and a strong aesthetic appeal that mirrors the rest of the home. It's vital for clutter control and managing our climate.
5. The Calm & Efficient Laundry Room: These are no longer just chore spaces; they're serene, highly organized areas. We're focusing on thoughtful layouts, smart storage with custom cabinetry and pull-out hampers, and durable, beautiful finishes. It's about making a dreaded chore more pleasant and adding value to the home.
Ultimately, people are looking for a blend of functionality, personalized aesthetics, and comfort. It's no longer just about a space looking good; it's about how it makes them feel and how well it supports their lifestyle.
For general home areas, people prioritize smart layouts, optimized, often hidden, storage, and multipurpose zones that adapt to their needs, like a dining room that doubles as a homework station. Aesthetically, they want their homes to reflect their personality and evoke a sense of calm or joy through color, lighting, and texture.
When it comes to a well-designed closet, it's about maximizing storage and organization. They want specific spaces, visible storage and adjustability to evolve with their wardrobe. Beyond that, they desire a luxurious, boutique-like experience with high-quality materials and excellent lighting. Ease of use and good flow are also essential.
Our process is truly collaborative, starting with great listening. We conduct an initial consultation to understand their lifestyle, daily routines, pain points, and aspirations. We ask specific 'living questions' about how they use their home, their hobbies, and even how many shoes they own! We also differentiate between their wish list and their must-haves.
Then, we move into style exploration. We use “this or that” exercises with images to pinpoint their aesthetic preferences, and critically, we use 3D renderings and floor plans. This helps clients vividly visualize the proposed design in their actual space, making it much easier for them to give concrete feedback and ensure there are no surprises.
Throughout the entire process, we maintain transparent communication, presenting a few wellthought-out design options and constantly seeking honest feedback. We're flexible, adjust designs based on their input, and always manage the budget proactively. Building that trust is paramount to achieving their vision.
Beyond specific room trends, we are definitely seeing broader shifts. In colors, people are embracing earthy neutrals with depth, like warm taupes and muted sage greens, which create a calming backdrop. We're also seeing a lot of rich, deep tones like navy and forest green for sophistication, and warm metallics like brass are still very much in.
In terms of materials and general trends, wellness-focused design is huge – creating spaces that promote well-being through natural light and quiet zones. There's a strong current of 'quiet luxury,' emphasizing high-quality, timeless materials over overt flashiness. People are loving bringing the outdoors in with natural wood tones and stone.
Here in Minnesota, our climate definitely shapes design. Mudrooms are absolutely crucial for managing snow and mud. Designs often lean into creating warm, inviting spaces for our long winters. While global trends influence us, Minnesotans often appreciate a blend of classic elements with modern updates. And given our family-oriented community, durability, practical storage, and kid-friendly but stylish solutions are always top of mind. Our commitment is always to client satisfaction – we're truly passionate about creating spaces that enhance their lives.
Want to explore a custom space of your own? Schedule a consultation with Closet Factory and start designing a home that truly fits you. 763-551-9100.
ARTICLE BY BETH
Curated coffee table books for every interior and interest
01.
for the one with wanderlust
CAPRI DOLCE VITA
Tour the ancient island of Capri in this bright and gorgeously oversized book. It features more than 270 glittering pages with glamorous photos of life on the sun-soaked island. Written by Cesare Cunaccia, a writer, lecturer, curator and journalist who served as editor at large for Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue, as well as the antiques consultant for Architectural Digest Italy.
for the car connoisseur
THE LAMBORGHINI BOOK
02.
Author Michael Köckritz pays homage to the influence and beauty of the iconic Italian luxury sports car brand in this opulent book. Filled with striking images and interesting background information, this is sure to be on the top of any true car connoisseur’s stack.
03.
for the foodie
CHÂTEAU LIFE
A veritable feast for the eyes, Australian Jane Webster’s Château Life, photographed by Robyn Lea, features sixty scrumptious recipes categorized around ten themes, along with images of the Webster family’s life at Château Bosgouet in Normandy. Joie de vivre, indeed!
SO IS THE $250 BILLION THAT’S SITTING IN DONOR ADVISED FUNDS – AND NOT BEING SPENT.
We can help with both. That’s the ADVISED part of Donor Advised Funds, and it happens to be exactly what we do—and what our community needs. Get started by transferring your DAF today. GIVE ADVISED. SPEND THAT FUND. WE CAN HELP. GIVEADVISED.ORG
J.H. & SONS SHARES HOW TO BUILD A LASTING WARDROBE
ARTICLE BY GRAHAM JOHNSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE MEDIA
By Maria Claire Media
When considering investment, one thinks of stocks, bonds, and commodities. While an investment in style might not top the list for your portfolio, adding quality, well-fitting clothes to your wardrobe can be an important long-term investment.
For Kevin Luedke of J.H. & Sons, investing in clothing is about more than the quality and long-term durability of a piece, but rather “it is more about how you feel when wearing the pieces you have invested in. If you are confident in the quality, look, feel, and fit of your clothing, you are going to feel great wearing them.”
So, what type of clothing is worth investing in? What styles will stand the test of time? And how can you elevate your wardrobe?
For Kevin, the short answer is a navy blazer. “I believe it is always important for a man to have a great navy blazer. In our world today, this can mean a number of different things — from a knit-jersey stretch travel blazer from Canali to a more sartorial, tailored jacket from Brioni. The navy blazer is a crucial piece of clothing our clients can use for any occasion.”
While styles come and go, a stalwart navy blazer can not only be a versatile piece of any man’s wardrobe but a piece that stays with a man for years, if not decades. Kevin recommends pairing it with a white and blue ETON shirt that will always “put you in the right direction.”
For those who wear suits regularly, having a navy, charcoal, and black suit in addition to a great navy blazer is highly recommended.
The process of buying a suit, especially as an investment, can be an intimidating one. However, it’s a challenge J.H. & Sons is well prepared for. That process begins with working with a seasoned style advisor. “Our team takes the time to understand a client’s needs and works with them to determine the best option for their long-term investment,” says Kevin. This process involves establishing a relationship, finding the right fit, and exploring fabric options if made-to-measure is the best option to fit the need.
“If you are confident in the quality, look, feel, and fit of your clothing, you are going to feel great wearing them.”
—KEVIN LUEDKE
Paired with that suit, of course, are shoes. When it comes to investing in footwear, it’s “of course, all about the fit,” says Kevin. J.H. & Sons works with the Spanish brand Magnanni, and Italian-made Santoni, which are both showcased as sound investments. “Both collections offer remarkable quality and style. Magnanni focuses on Bologna construction, providing a high level of flexibility and comfort, while Santoni defines craftsmanship with their Goodyear welted shoes,” explains Kevin.
By Maria Claire Media
By Maria Claire Media
By Maria Claire Media
Increasingly, quality clothing and brands have expanded beyond formalwear. Finding elevated casualwear is yet another place where men can find quality, well-fitting clothing that will stand the test of time. Kevin recommends the collections of Eleventy, Gran Sasso, and Fedeli elevated casualwear. These brands stand out because of their “focus on superior quality, exclusive fabrics, and craftsmanship,” says Kevin.
For both suits and elevated casualwear, finding pieces that will stand up to the test of time is all about the “makeup of your clothing choices,” says Kevin. In a world where fast fashion dominates, “it is important to understand how the suit was made and the quality of fabric used. The same can be said for our great selection of elevated casual collections,” says Kevin.
So be it a great navy suit, a new pair of Spanish shoes, or simply casualwear that will stand up to Minnesota winters, J.H. & Sons can help men find the right pieces for their lifestyle.
3595 Galleria, Edina | 612-274-7166 | jhandsons.com
By Maria Claire Media
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
A FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACK
GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? This easyto-pack and satisfying snack is a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare it together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1/2 cup raisins
1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.
3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)
4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.
SEPTEMBER 2025
SEPTEMBER 5TH - 7TH
Taste of Greece Festival
St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church
Get your Greek on! Hosted by St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in south Minneapolis, the festival is a three-day event featuring authentic Greek food, live music and cultural events. mplsgreekfest.org
SEPTEMBER 12TH - 14TH
Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Auxiliary presents: the fifth annual Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch! Throughout the weekend, over 6,500 handmade glass pumpkins and garden art will be displayed and sold surrounded by the Arboretum’s gorgeous fall gardens. Purchase tickets at arb.umn.edu/auxiliary-glass-pumpkin-patch
SEPTEMBER 13TH
MOCA's 25th Anniversary Walk
Rosland Park | 7:30 AM
Join The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance as they bring community together, and raise awareness with a family-friendly walk and run. secure.qgiv.com/event/homtealstrides2025/
SEPTEMBER 27TH
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Target Field | 8:00 AM
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Join them at Target Field for an inspiring event full of hope. Registration is free, and fundraising is encouraged. Pre-registration is highly recommended but on-site registration and donation collection will also be available. act.alz.org/twincities.
SEPTEMBER 30TH - OCTOBER 5TH
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
Orpheum Theatre
“Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, ‘A Beautiful Noise’ is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir, that tells the untold true story of how America’s greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career,” states the Orpheum Theatre. Get tickets at hennepinarts.org/events/a-beautiful-noise.
SEPTEMBER 30TH - OCTOBER 5TH
The Ordway
“The Addams Family” musical is coming to St. Paul this month, embracing the wackiness in everyone. The show features all the beloved creepy, kooky characters, and is a comical feast. Get tickets now at ordway.org
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