Fairfield, CT September 2023

Reesa Lake of LTK

HEALTH + WELLNESS

EXPERT TIPS - DR. ALISON

KUDISH - A NEW SMILE IS ALWAY IN STYLE

ART + CULTURE

JEAN ELTON STUDIO

Victoria Fingelly presents . . .

THE WESTPORT “GOLD COAST”

TWO MAGNIFICENT LOTS

This remarkable offering presents the very rare opportunity to custom design your own sensational estate, on either of these two spectacular “Gold Coast” lots featuring wonderful southerly exposure, and expansive sweeping water-frontage with beach. Directly on Long Island Sound, luxuriating in unrivaled water views, glorious sunrises, and distant views of the Manhattan skyline, these very well elevated lots have been cleared and are now ready to build.

26 Beachside Avenue consists of 3.03 Acres with 227 feet of direct water-frontage. Offered at $8,995,000.

28 Beachside Avenue consists of 2.63 Acres with 227 feet of direct water-frontage. Offered at $8,995,000.

September 2023

Publisher’s Letter

Although we are sad to say goodbye to summer, we love the coming of fall in New England.  We welcome the cooler temperatures and the beautiful fall colors.  We can’t wait to savor the season’s bounty. We embrace the changes that the new season brings. The change in season can also be a time for us to refresh our style.

Each of us has a unique style which is a window into our personality. Our style is demonstrated in our clothes and accessories, our home decor, the foods we eat, and the places we visit. We are pleased to turn our attention this month to style at Fairfield Lifestyle Magazine.

If you have ever shopped on Instagram, you will likely be familiar with the LTK app.  Fairfield is home to Reesa Lake, VP, Head of Creator Agency & Partnerships. We know you will love reading about her incredible career history and her love for Fairfield.

Perhaps you have been thinking about improving your smile.  If so, head over to the article on Dr. Alison Kudish, a local expert in cosmetic dentistry. Her multifaceted approach to dentistry is one you will want to read about.

Finally, we are always amazed at how many amazing artists and creators live in Fairfield.  We are so pleased to be able to introduce you to Lois and Bill Barker, owners of Jean Elton Studio and their beautiful ceramic art.  We hope you are enjoying your last days of summer and we wish you a happy and fulfilling fall!

BRUCE BERNSTEIN & MINDY KATZ, PUBLISHERS

@FAIRFIELDLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

September 2023

PUBLISHERS

Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com

Mindy Katz | mindy.katz@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Samantha Beranbom samantha.beranbom@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Pam Antonacchio | pam.antonacchio@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dariusz Terepka Photography, New Light Creative Services, Park City Studio

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 Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Proverbs 3:5-6

SOLD: $9,375,000 REPRESENTED SELLER

SOLD: $8,000,000 REPRESENTED SELLER & BUYER

SOLD: $3,680,000 REPRESENTED SELLER

ACTIVE: $13,900,000 REPRESENTING SELLER

SOLD: $2,600,000 REPRESENTED SELLER

SOLD: $4,325,000 REPRESENTED SELLER

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Starlight Gala at the Fairfield Museum 1: Geneva Morris, Mia Beurskens & Chelsea Garth 2: Fairfield Museum Board President, Susan Bonner with husband, Larry Erdmann 3: Seth and Larisa Cooper, Tom and Cathy Walsh, Chris and Denise Daley 4: Randal Chinnock, Paula Derrow, Julie Parrish, and Sarah Wetzel 5: Armen Keteyian, Grant Panarese, Michael Jehle, Executive Director, Fairfield Museum 6: James and Wendy Accomando 7: Elizabeth Fath and Gerald Torres Photography by Kate Eisemann Pictures

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

The Benefits of Gua Sha with Ginger at Tümü 8: Ali Vanderpool & Aimee Greyson 9: Ginger Richardson & Karla Krassin 10: Arbikie Distillery 11: Betis Mufson, Ali Vanderpool & Aimee Greyson 12: Vita Palmeri & Eloise Berowsky 13: Making cocktails 14: Karla Krassin, David Stirling & Ginger Richardson Photography provided by Tümü

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The Klein Memorial Auditorium

The Klein Memorial Auditorium is Bridgeport’s 1400-seat performing arts center with a Broadway-sized stage and diverse slate of entertainment ranging from concerts to comedy, plays and film festivals. In recent years The Klein has also become the unofficial dance capital of Connecticut and is home to many dance companies and competitions. Klein Theatre Arts is the cornerstone of their education efforts, providing tuition-free arts education for Bridgeport youth. theklein.org

Next Century Spirits

Next Century Spirits is a turnkey spirits production company built on the back of a patented technologically advanced cask-finishing and filtration process with a new Fairfield corporate location. Fairfield will be the home of NCS’s marketing and sales divisions which will drive the growth efforts across its award-winning portfolio of spirits, inclusive of Bear Fight American Single Malt Whiskey, Creek Water Whiskey, Caddy Cocktails, Truthteller 1839 Whiskey, Body Vodka, Hapē Sake Spritz and Sesh. nextcenturyspirits.com

Kitchen Melissa

Kitchen Melissa is a prepared meal service that brings fresh, fully cooked, hand-crafted meals from my table to yours.  Everything is gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and soy-free, made with quality ingredients and your gut in mind.  A new menu is available each week where you can pre-order for pickup or delivery.  Or stop by the store at 1891A Post Road for a variety of prepared meals, salad dressings, soups, sauces, and fermented vegetables. kitchenmelissa.com

Photography: Provided by Kitchen Melissa

Photography: Bill McMenamey

Photography: Provided by NCS

Cornerstone Medical Training Center

Cornerstone Medical Training Center is committed to providing high-quality, life-saving skill training. We offer a variety of different courses, including CPR training,Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified EKG Technician, Patient Care Technician, and Babysitter Certification Training. We have full-time, part-time, weekend, evening, and online programs available. Aside from providing quality training from experienced instructors, we also offer job placement assistance, tuition assistance, and mentorship throughout your journey into the healthcare field.  corner stonemedicaltraining.com

Pampered Pant

Pampered Pant thoughtfully designs and develops athleisure-style clothing for children ages 2-7. Their products are lovingly crafted with the littlest consumers in mind –soft and durable fabrics without

Photography: Roger Salls Photography

tags or scratchy seams – in practical and stylish designs. Founder and local Connecticut mom Jessica Besse partnered with the National Diaper Bank Network to help fulfill Pampered Pants’ promise to provide a day’s worth of diapers to a family in need with every purchase. pamperedpant.com

SoulOSoaring

SoulOSoaring is Southport's home for sound healing, sound healing classes, and  Crystal Tones™ singing bowls. Westport Native and Founder Terry Eldh is a classical musician, Broadway performer, sound healer and Reiki Master. As a result of her own deeply transformational experiences, she is committed to empowering others to shift their frequency from fear to love through sound and energy healing.  Schedule a sound meditation for your company, friends or family. SoulOSoaring.com

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Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Fairfield

Photography: Jessica Kelly Photography

Photography: Kate Eisemann Pictures.

Scenic Route Photography

Capturing

By Nikki Kaldawy

5 Locations To Serve You.

AFC Fairfield 1918 Blackrock Tpk Fairfield, CT 203-583-8400

AFC Trumbull 57 Monroe Turnpike Trumbull, CT 203-590-6330

AFC Shelton 389 Bridgeport Avenue Shelton, CT 203-567-4171

AFC Bridgeport (Main St) 4200 Main St. Bridgeport, CT 203-916-5151

AFC Bridgeport (Boston Ave) 161 Boston Avenue Bridgeport, CT 203-333-4400

We Can Help Your Family Live Life, Uninterrupted.

If you’re in need of medical care for an illness or injury that’s not life-threatening, look no further than American Family Care® We're open 7 days a week and offer urgent care for patients of all ages - no appointments needed.

If you're in need of a physical, x-ray, or even a check-up - our team is staffed with medical professionals that are dedicated to ensuring your health and overall well-being Most insurances accepted, and self-pay options are available

You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile

Trumbull Dental Arts offers the most advanced and revolutionary esthetic veneer technique

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARK CITY STUDIO

Usually, September is when we start thinking about updating our wardrobe or taking the leap on a new hairstyle. And while fashion trends come and go - investing in and caring for a new smile will always stay in style. Connecticut native and mother of 2, Alison Kudish has always been a creative. From painting to sculpting jewelry, she thought her life would follow an artist’s trajectory. But being the daughter of a periodontist, dentistry was in her DNA. An appreciation

for science and the human body, juxtaposed with an artistic eye and skillful hand, the dental arts seemed destined. She completed her Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the University of Connecticut and General Practice Residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She also always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so eventually, starting her own practice, Trumbull Dental Arts, was inevitable.

Dr. Alison Kudish of Trumbull Dental Arts

Dr. Kudish and her team.

Trumbull Dental Arts is a family and cosmetic practice with a holistic approach. Traditional dentistry treats one tooth at a time, and historically, the dentist looks at your mouth, suggests flossing more, and sends you on your way. Early on, Dr. Kudish realized she would offer a more thoughtful approach. “The mouth is connected to the rest of the body and the oral microbiome truly affects one’s overall health.” Dr. Kudish believes incorporating stress management, good sleep habits and proper nutrition into her patients’ care is as essential as maintaining teeth and gums. Prevention is also crucial. Since poor oral health is linked to chronic illness, including heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, she urges cleanings every six months to clear out bacteria and thwart infection. Simply stated, regular cleanings helps you feel better.

She also sees the power that cosmetic dentistry has in her patients’ lives. Dr. Kudish was trained in the most advanced and revolutionary esthetic veneer technique by the top esthetic dentists in the world. This technique enhances a patient’s smile while preserving the natural tooth structure. While working with true artisans in the field of ceramics, restorations on the front teeth look natural and life-like. “I love when a patient returns after treatment reporting that everyone is asking what work they’ve had done, but no one can tell it’s a smile enhancement!” She is changing

patients’ lives by improving their health and bettering their smiles. “Another thing that is incredibly important to me is my team,” Dr Kudish underscores. “We collaborate and communicate new ideas. We all take pride in what we do.” From the minute they walk in, patients are treated like family. Dr. Kudish takes her time with each patient, offering a highly personalized, individualized touch.

“My mentality is to always be better than the day before.” A self-described, extroverted introvert, Dr. Kudish gets her energy from her work, especially from her patients and staff. She has taken her practice’s holistic approach to wellness to better balance her own life. Her self-care routine has become a critical part of her day. Finding balance has not only been restorative but a source of pride, as well, for this recovering overachiever. She has cultivated a practice of taking time for herself, which includes breath work, meditation and connecting with nature. She has also set a daily intention, “Finding joy in everything I do, is something I practice every day and that has totally changed my life.” And that is certainly something to smile about.

Trumbull Dental Arts  160 Hawley Lane, Ste 101  Trumbull, CT trumbulldentalarts.com

@trumbulldentalarts

“I love when a patient returns after treatment reporting that everyone is asking what work they’ve had done but no one can tell it’s a smile enhancement!”

Influenced: Reesa Lake of LTK

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE

Powerhouse Reesa Lake is charismatic, dynamic and brilliant. After a successful career in fashion PR, she is now a leading authority in the influencer space. Reesa’s forward-thinking has establish the creator economy into the juggernaut that it is today. She is currently VP and Head of Creator Agency Partnerships for LTK. LTK is the largest global Creator/Influencer platform for influencers - which powers creators’ shops - making all their content shoppable and commissionable from over 7,000 brands. Shoppers can easily browse and shop all in one place. There is nearly 30M monthly shoppers on the LTK platform, with an astonishing $4.1B in retail sales annually through LTK Creators. Meet a true visionary, Fairfield’s Reesa Lake.

Q: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.

A: I spent my early years in California and Florida. My parent’s entrepreneurial spirit rubbed off on me. I loved any opportunity to make money, from garage sales to lemonade stands. They would buy and flip houses. I remember one of the houses had a huge walnut tree where I picked up nuts off the ground and

cracked them open to sell to the neighbors. To my parent’s disbelief, I would come home with a pocket full of money.  I have always loved fashion. My first job was at the GAP. I had cardigans in every shade of the rainbow.  I was also rebellious, throwing parties at home as soon as my parents would leave the house - although I also was class president and involved in community service. Not much has changed. I am still throwing parties, but this time more elevated with Rosé. I am still hustling every second but living life to the fullest.

Q: WHAT IS YOU CONNECTION TO FAIRFIELD?

A: I live a real-life love story. Fourteen years ago, I was in an airport bar, sitting out a 3-hour delay.  Next to me, two guys were busy on their computers, I anticipated a round of drinks coming my way, but that didn’t happen. As I made my way onto the aircraft, I was dreading 16E, a middle seat.  I was the last person on the plane to make eye contact with the guy in 16D, the same guy I had sat next to in the bar. After 3 hours of talking, we exchanged cards.  I was working in NYC and never imagined I would fall in love and within six months, move to

Fairfield, get married to Michael, and become a mom or, as he calls me, The Reesters, to Mason who was 6 when we met. Moving was a rough transition. I had no friends and struggled to find a network. I remember one of the first weekends in Fairfield I was in disbelief that there was nowhere to have brunch!  Fast forward to today and I love Fairfield! We moved from the beach to the University area and now there’s  plenty of brunch options. I also enjoy hosting friends at our home. I recently hosted a lunch and had a pinch me kind of moment thinking back to when I could barely fill a table. Now, the room was over capacity with many incredible women entrepreneurs.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO FOR FUN AROUND TOWN IN THE FALL?

A: We entertain a lot, so I am usually running around picking up seafood at Nordic Fish or cheeky napkins at Beehive. I love floral design, so getting stems at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s and spending a couple of hours arranging flowers is therapeutic.

Q: YOU’VE HAD AN INCREDIBLE CAREER. CAN YOU TAKE US ALONG THE PATH THAT HAS LED TO NOW?

A: I went off to Florida State University with the plan to go to law school. After failing Intro to Political Science, I switched majors to a more familiar subject, Fashion Merchandising.  I studied abroad in Paris and London and then landed in NYC for an internship with fashion designer Yigal Azrouel. The receptionist quit and I talked them into hiring me two weeks into my Internship. I spent 7+ years in Public Relations, planning fashion shows and dressing celebrities for the Red Carpet for clients like Oscar De La Renta, Donna Karan, Gwen Stefani, Cartier, and American Eagle. In 2008, magazines started shuttering and it was impossible to get placements. I began pitching bloggers like Purse Blog and Tina Craig from Bag Snob. I went on to sponsorship sales and joined Digital Brand Architects, the first talent management company to represent bloggers. I signed and represented Fashion Influencers, including Camila Coelho, Paola of Blank Itinerary,

Amber Fillerup Clark of Barefoot Blonde, and many more. I went on to launch the successful brand partnership division playing matchmaker between talent and brand. Celebrating women entrepreneurs has been part of my DNA and a guiding light in my decisions.  I drove sponsorship sales and talent procurement for Create & Cultivate, then joined the incredible team at LTK to build an agency partnerships team to support the growth of creators on the platform.

Q: YOU HAD SUCH FORESIGHT VERY EARLY ON THAT INFLUENCERS AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN GENERAL WOULD HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON HOW WE DISCOVER BRANDS, HOW WE SHOP, HOW WE FIND EXPERT INFORMATION.

A: I saw the power talent has to drive value, brand awareness, and sales for a brand. From my time in-house to PR, celebrities and socialites were the marquee names. It was a natural progression for influencers, who have amassed millions of followers to move from standing room only to front row during fashion week. For brands, influencer partnerships are the answer to many of their goals; from driving sales to brand lift and affinity. Influencers have created a priceless relationship with their audience. As consumers we put tremendous trust in them.  From seeing new restaurants on their Instagram feeds to curating sales, we look to influencers to make daily decisions.

Q: WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN PARTNERING WITH INFLUENCERS? WITH BRANDS?

A: Not all partnerships are created equal. Brands are looking at creator marketing as a genre. They are commissioning and casting creators based on their ability

to drive sales and there is no bias as to which platform the creator uses to deliver that outcome. Most of our brands seek creators to post personal shoppable content to drive sales.  Commerce plays a part in the success, as does content type.  Brands are investing in video content more than any other media type.

Q: IN A NOW SATURATED MARKET - CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE TO ASPIRING ‘INFLUENCERS’?

A: I’m in awe of this industry and the room it leaves for new content creators to raise the ranks.  Focus on community and engagement and lean into platforms that make the most sense for your business, creating monetization opportunities.  Remember, your reputation will outlive a social media post, and your network is extremely valuable as you are looking to grow.  Find your niche and try not to get imposter syndrome.  I have loved following the growth of “newish” local influencers @palomameehan, @brittanyksansone, and TikTok creator @kat_can_cook.

Q: I IMAGINE EVERY DAY IS DIFFERENT BUT WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE?

A: As VP and Head of Creator Agency Partnerships for LTK, I spend a lot of time in internal strategy meetings. I manage a team of ten and work closely across our creator sales, success, and brand team. I have spent a significant amount of time on the road this year, traveling for events and meetings and partnering with our agencies on creator retreats. In-person time is essential for building a network.  In Fairfield, I meet with local influences and creators for strategy meetings a couple of days a week.  I typically wind down with an end-of-day catch-up with my husband.  We love a good binge-watch.

REESA’S FAIRFIELD FAVORITES:

Date Night:  Lunch at the bar at The Chelsea or Bodega. Me Time: A mani-pedi at Posh.

Sweet Treat : Grandma’s Biscuit at Esh

Girlfriends’ Day: Molto. The Nella salad on repeat. Recharge: A facial at New Beauty Wellness Design Inspo: @ChristinaLake  @freshflowerbar

Retail Therapy: Penfield Collective, Marea

“CELEBRATING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS HAS BEEN PART OF MY DNA AND A GUIDING LIGHT IN MY DECISIONS.”

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM

LOVE & CERAMICS

having it shipped from the US. The opening of the kiln became an event with their small community of friends. Lois and Bill soon began selling works at local art shows and craft fairs and solidifying the artistic pursuit of Jean Elton.

Jean Elton has grown to showcase at large wholesale trade shows focusing on online sales. In their current Fairfield studio, they try to express uncomplicated beauty in their work, creating contemporary objects that are a diversion from the world’s difficulties. “We are not interested in social commentary, in fact, we like to think of our work as a welcome distraction from it,” Lois points out.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIUSZ TEREPKA PHOTOGRAPHY

Jean Elton Studio is a collaboration between the husband and wife team of Lois Jean and William Elton Barker. While stationed in a rural part of the Southwest during Bill’s time in the US Army, the young couple encountered a local craft center. There, they started to learn about ceramics, soon becoming fascinated. Lois was especially taken with the medium. “Bill would join me on weekends, but I worked there constantly. I couldn’t get enough!” It was then that Bill built their very first potters wheel to use in their small apartment when the center was closed. After a transfer to Germany, the couple’s education expanded, discovering the works of Wilhelm and Elly Kuch, whom they still credit with teaching and influencing them throughout their career. During their time there, Bill secured their first gas kiln,

“We’re inspired by the idea that creating beautiful objects isn’t just a way to make money or a means for deep personal expression, but rather, it is the joyful participation in one of the very pursuits for which humanity was created.” She draws inspiration from architecture, especially the geometric patterns of Frank Lloyd Wright. Design ideas can also come from simple, ordinary, everyday things. A fallen palm tree branch found on a stroll down a street in Naples, Florida, led to the creation of the Palm Vessel collection, whose exterior surface is a replica of the palm leaf’s texture. Lois and Bill work together using various machines and tools, along with their clay and glazes, to create their handcrafted vessels. It is a process they describe as moving from engineering to craft to art - finishing their pieces with their distinct surface treatments.

Lois and Bill understand the struggles young artists face, like finding supplies, storage and materials, to name a few. Lois explains, “The solutions for these challenges are best found in the context of a group or the studio of an accomplished artist.” This has led them to host the Round Hill Pottery Collective. Up-and-coming artists are welcome to work in the studio and share pottery equipment, glazes, expertise, inspiration and encouragement.

And although Bill typically handles the business side, and Lois’ attention is on the artistic side, they often check in with each other when issues arise. “Bill always consults with me when we have business challenges and he comes up with some pretty good design ideas from time to time.” Lois lovingly reveals. A true partnership, this husband and wife team collaborate on art, business and life.

jeaneltonstudio.com

Mediterranean Mix

Working in the studio

“WE’RE INSPIRED BY THE IDEA THAT CREATING BEAUTIFUL OBJECTS ISN’T JUST A WAY TO MAKE MONEY OR A MEANS FOR DEEP PERSONAL EXPRESSION, BUT RATHER, IT IS THE JOYFUL PARTICIPATION IN ONE OF THE VERY PURSUITS FOR WHICH HUMANITY WAS CREATED.”

Willam and Lois Barker of Jean Elton

Keith Rudolph DDS

R E S I D E N T I A L & C o m m e r c i a l

R E S I D E N T I A L & C o m m e r c i a l

I n t e r i o r a n d E x t e r i o r P a i n t i n g I n t e r i o a n d E x t e r i o r P i n t i n g

R e n o v a t i n g R e n o v a t i n g

D r y w a l l D r y w a l l W a l l p a p e r i n g I n s u l a t i o n W a l l p a p e r i n g I n s u l a t i o n P o w e r W a s h i n g P o w e r W a s h i n g D e c k s e c s C e r a m i c T i l e I n s t a l l a t i o n C e r a m i c T i l e I n s t a l l a t i o n M a r b l e I n s t a l l a t i o n M r b l e I n s t a l l a t i o n C a r p e n t r y C a r p e n t r y F e n c i n g W i n d o w R e p l a c e m e n t F e n c i n g W i n d o w R e p l a c e m e n t

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F R E E E S T I M A T E S

K i t c h e n R e m o d e l i n g B a t h r o o m R e m o d e l i n g

K i t c h e n R e m o d e l i n g B a t h r o o m R e m o d e l i n g

B a s e m e n t a n d A t t i c F i n i s h i n g B a s e m e n t a n d A t t i c F i n i s h i n g

B a s e d i n F a i r f i e l d , C T , w e h a v e w o r k e d i n a n d a r o u n d t h e s t a t e o f C o n n e c t i c u t s i n c e 1 9 9 9

C h e c k u s o u t o n : C o s t i s d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e j o b N o t r a v e l c h a r g e s

THE little BLACK DRESS

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI

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 the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. 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. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straightlined silhouettes. 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. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.

THE POPULARITY OF THE BLACK DRESS SKYROCKETED and IT BECAME ONE

OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.

COCO CHANNEL MADE THE BOLD MOVE TO PRINT A SHORT, BLACK DRESS ON THE COVER OF VOGUE IN 1926

“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. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”

Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.

“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. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”

ALTHOUGH BLACK IS A timeless, classic LOOK, THAT DOESN’T MEAN IT GOES WITHOUT personality . YOU CAN MAKE IT YOUR OWN STYLE BY accessorizing TO INFUSE NEW LIFE INTO A DRESS THAT YOU ALREADY OWN.

Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:

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 BAILEY MORRIS

Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin. To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.

events

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

SEPTEMBER 9TH

Lincoln Parkapalooza

LINCOLN PARK/JACKMAN AVE | 11:00 AM

20+ local bands play on the porches or front lawns of private residents, culminating with a live concert in Lincoln Park featuring 3 main acts. Also enjoy food trucks, a bounce house and local vendors. Proceeds benefit the SVA and the community. Visit stratfieldvillageassociation.org for tickets and more information. 11AM10PM Rain date September 10th.

SEPTEMBER 14TH-15TH

nora chipaumire NOT waiting…

QUICK CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 8:00 PM

Choreographers nora chipaumire and Germaine Acogny put forth an act of refusal, of intergenerational conversation and transmission, and of sorority and solidarity—a political statement and gesture that promotes ongoing practices found in Senegal and Zimbabwe. Drawing inspiration from the history of the Lébou community and the central place that women have in the traditional Ndeup healing ceremony.

SEPTEMBER 20TH

NicholsMD of Fairfield's 1 Year Anniversary Party

NICHOLSMD OF FAIRFIELD | 6:00 PM

NicholsMD of Fairfield is graciously celebrating their one-year anniversary of being a part of the Fairfield community. Dr. Nichols and the NicholsMD Team recently celebrated 10  years as a company. Please join them at their Fairfield location on Wednesday, September 20th, from 6-8PM and take advantage of the most anticipated treatment and product savings of the year! nicholsmdfairfield.com

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Wine on the Water: Fundraiser for the Bigelow Senior Center

JACKY DURRELL PAVILION | 5:00 PM

The Friend’s Board is hosting a wine tasting to support the Bigelow Senior Center on Thursday, September 21, 2023 5-7PM. Enjoy selected wines, music, silent and live auctions, all to benefit the center. Visit  friendsofthebigelowcenter.org  for tickets.

SEPTEMBER 21ST

ConnectFairfield Dueling Pianos, a fundraiser to support REACH Program

PARK CITY MUSIC HALL | 7:00 PM

ConnectFairfield Presents Dueling Pianos, to support REACH Program for National Suicide Prevention Month. A night of music, laughter and community support. Two performers on two pianos deliver an all-request, rock and roll sing-along! Doors open at 6pm. Limited first come first serve bar seating is available. $46. parkcitymusichall.com for tickets. ConnectFairfield.com

SEPTEMBER 27TH

Women and Leadership Series Zanny Minton Beddoes

QUICK CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 8:00 PM

“Your Kitchen Table Meets Global Disruptions: Economic Challenges Near & Far”  At the nexus of the global economy and policy, Minton Beddoes adeptly positions new developments that impact business and industry into the broader context of world events, from emerging markets and a precarious European Union, to corporate America and the latest twists in U.S. politics.

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