SHANNON BINGHAM: A WOMAN EVOLVED
STYLE + BEAUTY
HOW A LOCAL STYLIST EMPOWERS WOMEN TO MAKE STYLE WORK FOR THEM IN ORDER TO LOOK AND FEEL THEIR BEST.
REAL ESTATE
STREET OF DREAMS: WHERE STYLE MEETS LUXURY
HOME SERVICES
LUMINOUS EXTERIORS: LUXURY HOME ILLUMINATION
Hello! And welcome to the September issue of Elkhorn City Lifestyle!
First things first, the community's response surrounding our premiere issue in August was truly amazing. We worked hard to bring you engaging content while highlighting the good happening in our community and your love for what we created was humbling. So THANK YOU!
With the ushering in of September, we welcome (maybe some more than others) the back-to-school season and cooler days accompanied by crisp fall Nebraska evenings. Friday night lights once again illuminate the sky, highlighting the changing of the season.
September also heralds our Style Issue, both a fun and an interesting topic to cover. Style influences not only the things we wear, but really, every aspect of our day-to-day lives. From the ways we decorate our homes and the cars we drive to the outdoor sanctuaries we inhabit, the music we listen to and how we carry ourselves in conversation, style permeates every facet of our lives. Style is deeply personal, and as individuals, we can freely use style to express ourselves in our own unique ways.
On the pages of our Style Issue, we highlight several community members and businesses bringing style to the community at large: Read about Personal Stylist Erin Stoll of Style Thief Fashion and Mrs. Midwest International Shannon Bingham, two amazing women using fashion to become their best selves and encourage others to do the same, the Metro Omaha Builder's Association's highly anticipated annual Street of Dreams event, showcasing five stunning, multi-million dollar homes featuring some of the top talent in the Omaha community, and Luminous Exteriors owners Terese and Shon Thielen and their customizable, all-season, permanent luxury exterior lighting.
We hope you enjoy this issue, and moreso, find something that resonates with you and inspires your personal style. Because the beauty of your personal style is that no one can replicate it. It's uniquely and wonderfully you!
Happy reading!
STEPHANIE
LEWIS, PUBLISHER
@ELKHORNCITYLIFESTYLE
September 2024
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Lewis | stephanie.m.lewis@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Melissa Minassian | melissa.minassian@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Melissa Minassian, Stephanie Lewis, Allison Gibeson, Abbi Sulaski, Cate Marian
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andrew Marinkovich, Cara Bresette-Yates, Jennifer Story-Pfeffer
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Non-invasive, effective & affordable full body aesthetic, wellness,and weight loss solutions
We are dedicated to guiding you on a transformative journey toward beautiful, healthy-looking skin. Beyond the ordinary, we believe in the alchemy of beauty a journey that delves deep into the essence of who you are.
Welcome to Country Auto, your local, family-owned dealership in Blair, Nebraska. Have a vehicle you're looking to sell? We purchase all types of rides, from luxury cars and exotics to classics and family sedans. At Country Auto, we pride ourselves on offering the best price for your vehicle and ensuring a quick, hassle-free selling experience. Our streamlined process offers sellers same-day payment, loan payoffs, convenient vehicle pickup, and more.
Have something unique or want to maximize your earning potential? Let us sell it for you. Our vehicle consignment programs provide an excellent option for selling your specialty vehicle. Sit back, relax, and wait for a check while we handle the rest. But what truly sets us apart is our unique blend of horsepower and class. Our specialized inventory features a diverse selection of vehicles, offering the thrill of high-performance cars, the elegance of luxury models, the rugged durability of trucks, and much more. We’re dedicated to making every car buying and selling experience smooth and enjoyable, with our friendly, knowledgeable team guiding you from start to finish.
1: Hot air balloons light up the night sky at the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival. 2: A brand style shoot at Interiors Joan and Associates. 3: Local makers and vendors highlight their goods at Springfield's Veseli Market. 4: Adults and dogs alike enjoy the Monday Night Market at Olde Towne Elkhorn. 5: Energy Elementz's DIY Candle Bar at the Monday Night Market at Olde Towne Elkhorn. 6: Area residents enjoy a summer movie at Dairy Chef sponsored by Relevant Community Church. 7: A vibrant silk flower arrangement greets Hillcrest Highlands residents, compliments of Beyond The Vine.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
The Metro Omaha Builders Association's 2024 Street of Dreams is a multi-site home tour featuring everything you can imagine for luxury living. Explore five custom homes in four neighborhoods, priced $1 million to $3 million, throughout the Omaha metro area. Come get inspired. Tours run September 13 through 15 and September 20 through 22, from noon to 6 pm each day. Visit moba.com for tickets and additional information.
Meet Dr. Makenna Conway, D.C., founder of Honest Chiropractic! Dr. Conway is Nebraska State Board Certified, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certified, Webster Technique Certified, and holds special training in Sacro Occipital Technique and Cranial Sacral Protocol. While treating all members of the family, she holds a special place for prenatal and pediatric patients in her practice.
Personal Stylist Erin Stoll is creator of Style Thief Fashion, created to help women who are ready to make their own style rules! Frustrated by not knowing what to wear? Overwhelmed by the many "rules" of fashion? Work with Stoll to unlock your personal style, explore your individuality, learn practical styling skills, get inspired, and gain confidence to be your most empowered self!
Nobody changes the seasons quite like Beyond the Vine! With seasonal decorating services, bring the essence of fall to every corner of your home, both inside and out. Adorn your interiors with warm hues and festive accents while transforming your outdoor spaces with stunning fall foliage and charming wreaths. Embrace the crisp, golden beauty of fall without lifting a finger — letting them handle the details while you savor the season’s splendor. Want
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE LEWIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARA BRESETTE-YATES AND ANDREW MARINKOVICH
How a local stylist empowers women to make style work for them in order to look and feel their best.
Omaha-based fashion stylist Erin Stoll has always loved fashion, but felt, for most of her life, like she was trying to fit someone else’s definition of “style.” Like most women, she believed other’s opinions about what she could or couldn’t wear based on her body type, subsequently spending thousands of dollars trying to get it “right.”
Then…she turned 40!
Stoll explained that — as if overnight — she felt like she just gave it all up. Instead of trying to “get it right,” she started focusing on what felt right to her.
Enter her personal styling business: Style Thief Fashion. What started as small “closet edits” for friends and family soon grew into a four-step Style Intensive program where Stoll meets with clients, either one-on-one or in a group setting, empowering them to find the style that supports them every day.
“We talk about what you’re drawn to, but how do we make it connect to you personally so you’re not buying everything you see and chasing every trend,” explained Stoll. “Rather, you’re intentional about your style and get what you need from it to feel supported.”
While Stoll primarily works with women ages 30 to 60, she says her sweet spot is women in their 40s as this is when it personally “clicked” for her. Women in their 40s are generally entering a new place in life. Some have had children and are leaving the challenging, all-encompassing stage of mothering infants. For some women, their kids are in school full-time leaving them with more time for themselves. Some are re-entering the workforce while others are entering perimenopause.
As this season of life tends to be a transitional one, it’s likely the styles that used to work for women in their 40s
CONTINUED >
Erin Stoll is a personal fashion stylist for women who want to make their own rules. Helping clients cancel out the noise associated with the "style rules" they're bombarded with, she helps them identify what's holding them back to find style they feel great in.
no longer work anymore, leaving many women struggling to find style and balance they feel good about.
Whether in a virtual group setting or one-on-one with Stoll, the process of her four-step Style Intensive remains the same:
The first step helps you identify your existing style as well as where you hope to be. What style rules are holding you back? What trends are you drawn to, but afraid to try because the “rules” tell you those trends “aren’t for you?”
Stoll works with clients to find their style inspirations and then explores ways those styles can work for them personally.
In Stoll’s words, this step is all about getting “back to basics.” She advocates the importance of getting solid measurements. Using these measurements, she helps clients understand their true size and fit — the basis for feeling good in whatever you’re wearing.
Once you have a solid understanding of your personal style and what works for you, it’s easy to go into your closet and edit your wardrobe to fit what you need.
After the Style Intensive, Stoll works with clients to edit their wardrobe, shop for new pieces, and find seasonal style refreshes to shift with the changing seasons.
Said Stoll, “I’m a stylist for women who want to make their own style rules. If you think about what we’re being told — what not to wear, what not to show, how to dress for your body type and age — it’s too noisy! How do you stay connected to what you love? I help women identify what rules are holding them back, and rewrite them, so they know what they feel great in.”
To boot, Style Thief Fashion provides offerings beyond Stoll's intensives, holding fashion shows throughout the year, most recently in August 2024 at the Benson Theatre. Not your typical runway-strutting fashion show (although, Stoll says she encourages strutting of all sorts), Stoll uses the show to walk attendees through her personal fashion faux pas and style journey, coupled with audience interaction and live entertainment, and of course, a signature cocktail or two.
A pared-down version of the Style Intensive, audience members are able to identify rules holding them back, find inspiration from Stoll and others in the audience, and learn some tools for getting back to basics and finding what they love.
To learn more about Erin Stoll, Style Thief Fashion offerings, and upcoming shows, visit www.stylethieffashion.com
ARTICLE BY MELISSA MINASSIAN
BY
SHANNON BINGHAM'S JOURNEY OF FINDING HER TRUE SELF, FEARLESSLY TRYING NEW THINGS, AND HOW FASHION INSPIRED THE WAY
"I
Shannon Bingham was self-admittedly a shy girl. A 1996 transplant from Lenox, Iowa, she moved to Omaha to attend hair school and try her hand at city life.
Nearly 30 years later, the quiet farm girl has evolved into a prolific Omaha business owner, a prominent advocate, and
“I was dating band members and being wild, so I was exposed to a lot of underground fashion at that time,” Bingham said. “Back then, it was about huge, wide leg jeans, heavy jewelry, major eyes and dark lips. I rocked short hair, which was really edgy.” She added
I'M
now a beauty queen. But what catalyzes such transformation?
Bingham’s resume runs deep: an owner of Seven Salon & Boutique, a successful cosmetologist styling hair for private clients and commercial fashion events alike, an international Brand Educator for TIGI and IGK, and Vice Chair of the DHHS Board of Cosmetology. But there’s much more to her than mere titles on paper, an epiphany recently realized through the impact of her work as a double title holder with the Mrs. International® Pageant organization: Mrs. Nebraska International in 2023 and Mrs. Midwest International in 2024.
Freshly returned from the 2024 Mrs. International® pageant, Bingham is wisely taking a season to reflect before deciding what’s next. She sat down with Elkhorn City Lifestyle to discuss the metamorphosis of her life, as well as fashion’s role in the process. Her evolution began in the mid-90s amidst Omaha’s underground music scene.
with a laugh, “And, as we went into the 2000s, we saw flat irons come on the scene and [ironed] our hair for the next 10 years.”
As Bingham’s life changed, so did her tastes in fashion. Becoming a wife, a business owner, and then a mother had her grasping for more classic pieces easy to assemble on the fly. It wasn’t until she was in her 40s that she really began experimenting again.
“As I've come into my 40s, it’s been more fun. My kids are a little older and I've been able to thrive in what my personality is. You’re rediscovering who you truly are, and — all of a sudden — you get to lock on to this new era and experiment again."
As Bingham’s sense of self grew, so did her confidence, soon landing her in the pageant world with the platform of “Adoption As An Option,” opening doors for her to share the story of adopting her first son, Seth, on multiple stages, including before Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen at the Nebraska
CONTINUED >
State Capitol where he signed a proclamation naming November “Adoption Month” in Nebraska.
“Going into pageantry, I had to move from being stuck in this hairdresser feel — we tend to wear all black — into what I felt confident in, what I felt was the most powerful version of myself.” Bingham drew inspiration from social media influencers like Sammi Jefcoate and rock goddess Debbie Harry of band Blondie. “It's not that you mimic them, but you draw inspiration off their fashion journey. [You] find dupes that [you] feel confident in. You become grounded in what your style really is.”
Bingham's adventurousness only grew after she and business partner Nikki Haney renovated their salon, doubling the space to include a carefully curated boutique, further spurring her creativity and experimentation.
"Having fun with fashion is what I think people forget," said Bingham. "Trying new things... Wearing the dress... Going on a limb... Changing the landscape of how you portray yourself. You can always fall back on your casual basics, but why not push the boundaries?"
"I'M HERE TO SERVE. BOLDLY. AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY.”
Bingham was on a journey — pushing the needle by trying new looks — until one day, “I was like, 'There she is!' It was like my 90s version of me, but grown up. Understanding what it felt like to put on that garment, that version of myself, and it felt like home.”
Yes, Bingham discovered her true self, but she's not done yet. Concerning her future, she said, “My hands are open. God's not done doing what he's doing in me. I'm here to serve. Boldly. And unapologetically. There’s some big things I’m discussing, impacting a lot more than my own little world. My goal is not to be famous, but to inspire and make a positive impact — however that looks.”
With a coy smile, she added, “Part of being fashion forward is that anticipation of what's next. I gotta keep people guessing. And that's the beauty of it… I'm always going to evolve."
BY
Join other home and design enthusiasts for another jaw-dropping multisite tour at the Metro Omaha Builders Association's (MOBA) Street of Dreams! Producing the luxury custom home showcase since 1985, MOBA highlights the latest in residential innovation, luxury, and architecture — a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of MOBA members who continue to set new standards in residential construction.
From September 13 through 15 and September 20 through 22, noon to 6 p.m., the homes will be open to tour, treating attendees to the highest level of residential luxury. Featuring the creativity and craftsmanship of some of Omaha's best builders, interior designers, and other tradespeople, it's a oneof-a-kind opportunity to get inspired while also supporting local talent.
This year’s event showcases five custom homes in four neighborhoods, featuring Omaha-area builders G. Lee Homes, Nathan Homes, New Chapter Homes, Pohlad Custom Homes, and Art of a Craftsman Custom Homes. The luxury homes range in price from $1 million to $3 million and each is professionally designed, fully furnished, and landscaped.
Digital tickets for Street of Dreams tours can be purchased online through the MOBA Web site. For additional information on ticketing, participating builders, home locations, or to download the Street of Dreams app, visit moba.com.
HGTV star shares her secrets to make a home look both beautiful and livable.
Tamara Day, star of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions, describes her style as “laid-back luxe.”
“I am a mom of four, and I like pretty, shiny things,” Tamara says. “The two don’t always mix well. I design with lifestyle and family in mind but with that touch of glam.”
This mixture of practicality and flare can be accomplished throughout the home on a budget, Tamara says.
When it comes to the kitchen, she says replacing the backsplash is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh the room. Additionally, she says paint is the most inexpensive option to update cabinets, and there is a de-glosser on the market that will reduce the labor involved by helping paint adhere to cabinets.
“You can get a whole new kitchen with some fresh paint,” Tamara says.
In the bathroom, Tamara suggests putting up new light fixtures and wallpaper for a fresh look. She suggests using wallpaper on just one wall to create contrast.
“Wallpaper transforms everything and puts in a hominess factor,” Tamara says.
To give a new feel to the living room, Tamara suggests using decorative pillows as well as displaying design books and layering with a candle or other interesting object to create a sentimental focal point. She also suggests investing in good, quality sofas
and rugs because less expensive options will not typically withstand the amount of wear and tear they receive from a family.
Overall, Tamara says there is a balance between mixing expensive and inexpensive items and materials around the home, all without having it looking cluttered. She says every space needs something that is thrifted.
Tamara finds many people enjoy elements of different types of styles and have a hard time defining their personal style. To help narrow down to a preferred look, she suggests taking a hundred room images and sorting them into piles of likes and dislikes. She says when someone completes this exercise, they typically find a theme to their preferences.
Tamara has a natural eye for using great colors and textures in design. What is her approach to making a room look great?
HERE ARE TAMARA’S TOP TIPS:
Find a base color with pops of other colors.
“Every room needs a touch of black and a pop of color,” Tamara says. “The black will anchor it, but the color will give it life.”
If the home is urban, she suggests more bold pops. If it is a traditional home, use a mixture of colors. Additionally, she suggests using one basic color throughout a home with pops of other colors as opposed to having a different color in each room.
Consider wallpaper.
“Wallpaper can be scary for a lot of people, but there are so may wallpapers out there that are removable,” Tamara says.
Tamara says wallpaper adds texture and warmth, and she includes it in most of the homes she designs.
Layer with baskets, blankets and greenery. All three make a room feel cozy and add color and interest to a space.
Braids to Keep You Chic All Year Long
Braids are a great way to add style and uniqueness to your hair style rotation and have been a staple in hair styles dating back to the 3500 B.C. This historical hairstyle is here to stay, so we wanted to share some go-to impressive looks.
ARTICLE
BY
ABBI SULASKI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER
Place a bandana on the forehead and tie it in the back. Create as many braids as desired in the back of the head, teasing the ends to avoid using elastics.
CONTINUED >
Part a mohawk section of hair down the center of the head. Create a French braid down the middle. For a thicker-looking braid, gently pull on the strands working your way up and down the braid. Pull it back into a ponytail for a simple and trendy look.
Part hair down the center. Create pullthrough braids on each side of the head. Tie elastic at the end of the braids to create a ponytail at the nape of the neck. For extra volume in the buns, tease the hair in the ponytail before twisting it into a bun. Secure with hair pins and... Voilà!
Part the hair down the center or side part, if preferred. Create braid(s) on the side of the head and secure with elastic. Twist the hair with braids into a simple bun, securing it with hair pins. Add an accessory for a classy touch.
Add ease and function to your home or business's exterior with Luminous Exteriors, providing the highest quality Jellyfish Permanent LED lighting. Colors and options are customizable, leaving your home well-lit and beautiful for every holiday and time of year. This woman-owned business, run by husband and wife team Terese and Shon Thielen, prides itself on providing an impeccable product, service, and customer experience. Visit www.luminousexteriors.com to learn more.
DAILY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 8TH
Nelson Produce + Farm's Annual Sunflower Festival
Nelson Produce + Farm
"Nebraska Strong, Nebraska Proud" is the theme of the annual Sunflower Festival at Nelson Produce + Farm. Every year, twelve acres of land is meticulously transformed into a sunflower wonderland, boasting over 300,000 blooms spilling over three terraces. Interesting historical facts dot the trails weaving throughout, making fun photo opportunities. Nelson Produce + Farm, 10505 N 234th Street, Valley nelsonproducefarm.com
SEPTEMBER 13TH - 22ND
Omaha Restaurant Week
Benson Brewery, Cibo Vino, Dante, Gather in Omaha, Gorat’s, Goose 120, Jams, Kona Grill, Le Bouillon, Nick’s Quorum, Stoaks, Stokin’ Goat, Sullivan’s, Taxi’s Grille & Bar, Tupelo Honey, Twisted Fork, Vida, and Wave Bistro
During Omaha’s 10 Tastiest Days of the year, enjoy three-course dinners priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person at some of the Omaha-area’s best restaurants (dine-in only). Dine out for a cause during Hunger Action Month knowing a portion of Restaurant Week proceeds benefits local charity Food Bank for the Heartland. Head to visitomaha.com/restaurantweek for additional information.
SEPTEMBER 14TH & 15TH
Truck & Tractor Days at Nelson Produce + Farm
Nelson Produce + Farm
Visit Nelson Produce + Farm for Truck & Tractor Days and get a close-up look at the machines that make up Nebraska agriculture! From antique tractors, modern day farming equipment, and heavy duty machinery on display, kids and adults alike will have a great time with tractor and semi truck rides. Nelson Produce + Farm, 10505 N 234th Street, Valley nelsonproducefarm.com
SEPTEMBER 21ST
Fall Festival at Olde Towne Elkhorn
Olde Towne Elkhorn | 11:00 AM
Make your way to Olde Town Elkhorn for the Fall Festival. Shop with local vendors and pop-up boutiques and enjoy live music and food and drink specials. Event runs from 11 am to 4 pm. Olde Towne Elkhorn, 2714 N. Main Street, Elkhorn
SEPTEMBER 27TH - 29TH AND OCTOBER 4TH - 6TH
Junkstock: Harvest Edition
Sycamore Farms | 9:00 AM
Head to Junkstock: Harvest Edition for vintage finds, unique antiques, handmade food, and one-of-a-kind repurposed relics. Shop vendors and artisans, enjoy live music, sample food trucks, and explore Kid's Village. Tickets are $15 per day or $25 per weekend. Pre-purchase tickets online and receive a $5 voucher for the Market Barn. Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Road Drive, Waterloo junkstock.com
SEPTEMBER 27TH - 29TH
Home Innovations Spas Hot Tub Expo
Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center | Friday: 2 PM to 8 PM, Saturday: 10 AM to 8 PM, Sunday: 2 PM to 5 PM
Join the spa experts at Home Innovations Spas for a Hot Tub Expo! Showcasing a wide array of hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, and cold tubs for every budget, learn about the latest innovations and offerings and even take advantage of special show pricing. Embassy Suites Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista spasonline.com
SEPTEMBER 30TH
The Monday Night Market | Farmer + Makers Market
Olde Town Elkhorn | 5:00 PM
The Monday Night Market features fresh local produce, handmade goodies, delicious desserts, live music, food trucks, family and pet-friendly activities, photo ops, plus plenty of outdoor seating. While you're there, be sure to browse the shops of Olde Town Elkhorn. Market runs from 5 to 8 pm. Olde Towne Elkhorn, 2714 N. Main Street, Elkhorn
BOLD COLORS Fresh florals. An eye-catching shimmer. The perfect embellishment. We’re talking cocktails, not the catwalk. But like fashion, the art of mixology is full of ways to push the limits with creative twists on classic recipes, and unique adornments guaranteed to turn heads. There’s no reason your personal style can’t extend to the drink in your hand, and this botanical beverage is bound to taste as delicious as it looks.
• 2 ounces Absolut Citron
• 1/2 ounce Blue Curaçao
• 1/2 ounce lemonade
• 1 ounce Sprite
• Edible flowers such as rose, lavender, hibiscus and nasturtiums
Pour Sprite into ice cube trays and add edible flower combinations. Let freeze overnight.
Combine Absolut Citron, Blue Curaçao, lemonade and ice cubes in martini shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass.
Allow ice cubes to melt, gradually filling the glass with Sprite and garnishing the drink with beautiful botanicals.
ARTICLE BY CATE MARIAN
LET'S WORK TOGETHER!
If building a truly custom home or high-end remodel is your dream, we need to talk!
G. Lee Homes is your local full-service luxury home builder. We can take your project from concept to completion and build on our lot or yours. Known as the area’s premier “destination home builder” we specialize in lake an d acreage properties. We’re thrilled to be part of the Elkhorn CityLifestyle Community and can’t wait to meet you. Schedule an appointment to start your dream ho me today.
Best of all, we’re right here in the neighborhood!
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