Greenwich, CT December 2020

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

H O M E FO R TH E H O LI DAY

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Joy and Cheer in Greenwich OKAY, SO MAYBE THE HOLIDAY SEASON ISN’T FULL OF JOY AND CHEER THE ENTIRE TIME. There’s a lot to do, and you want everything to be perfect so your family and friends know how loved they are. But take a big breath—we are here to help.

This month’s issue includes the ultimate gift guide for everyone on your list, and you can find each item here within our community. We are all about shopping local in Greenwich and supporting each other.

This holiday season is going to be wonderful, and we believe in you. Just remember to

Brynn John | brynn.john@lifestylepubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGER

Kate Yoder | kate.yoder@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stephanie Kaminsky, Emily Liebert, Helen Philips, Robin Moyer Chung CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mindy Briar, Megan Mills

find time for yourself too. Your family wants you to be happy and healthy above all else.

Happy holidays, Greenwich. We can’t wait to see you next year!

CORPORATE TEAM Laura Sabia, Publisher

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Greenwich Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Greenwich areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Greenwich Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 12 Holiday Fashion for Every Occasion 16 The Power of a Wish

26 12

20 Something for Everyone 26 Beautifully Bespoke

16

20

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Trend Setter

16

Giving Back

20 Local’s Choice 26 Artists’s Palette 30 DIY 34 Lifestyle Calendar

GOOD TIMES

GO WILD! DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT The Go Wild! Drive-In Movie Night raised funds to support Greenwich Land Trust’s efforts to conserve open space, connect our community with the natural world, and inspire the next generation of conservationists.

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Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

1.

2.

3.

5K for Waterside School in honor of Greenwich's Jeff Long Waterside School held its annual 5K run on October 17th, virtually! The run was in honor of Greenwich’s Jeff Long, who was tragically killed in a bicycling accident in 2018. Proceeds benefit the Jeff Long Endowment Fund, providing scholarship support for Waterside students.

1. Jessica Chang; Liz Deunnebier; Fiona Angelov; Eileen Popovich | 2. McKenna Dolor; Jimmy Dolor | 3. Jordan Womack; Brian Mchugh; Peter Hennessy; JP Entrocassi; Pat Darby; Buck Smith; Kevin Sierra; Elio Campiolo

// TROVAREHOMEDESIGN.COM //

V CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich

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AROUND TOWN

KINNEY LANE MEALS NOW AVAILABLE! After taking some time at home with a new baby, Rachel Mahoney and her team have reopened the Kinney Lane kitchen. Kinney Lane makes healthy meal planning easy. Place an order by Friday afternoon to enjoy delicious, healthy, hassle-free prepared meals delivered right to your door the following week. You can choose from a variety of healthy choices (including vegan options) with a weekly menu. Visit their site www.kinneylane.com to learn more!

BETH KRUPA NAMED PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS, CT ASID advances the interior design profession and communicates the impact of design on the human experience. ASID collaborates with others to promote the value of interior design. They prepare their members to excel in this dynamic and evolving profession. ASID generates, collects and shares applied knowledge.

“Our 2020 / 2021 board boasts a diverse range of design professionals and industry partners who embody the Society’s objective of demonstrating the impact of design and advocating for the profession” states Beth.

THANK YOU FROM DR. YETERIAN On behalf of myself and my staff, I want to take this opportunity to express our sincerest gratitude to our patients for the continued support they have given us over the past several months.

During these most difficult times, it is encouraging and heartwarming to know so many have placed their confidence in our office as we have taken 10

Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

extraordinary measures to continue to provide the same excellence of care while striving to keep you and your families safe.

We extend our best wishes to all our patients, friends, families and the entire Greenwich community, for a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. Once again, thank you, truly, for the confidence you have shown in providing for your needs!

STILL MEDITATION NOW IN WESTCHESTER Styll Meditation, a virtual mindfulness meditation studio based out of Westchester County opened earlier this year. Founder Jane Pollack was a fashion executive in New York for twenty-five years before hanging up her heels for a meditation cushion. Meditation changed Jane’s life, she found her inner peace and calm and she applied the practice to her daily life. She opened Styll to give that opportunity of calm and peace to others.

What makes Styll unique is the sense of community. Students are taught how to apply class learnings into their daily lives. Styll is recommended for those new to meditation and current mediators who want to expand their practice. Classes include: Fundamentals, Emotions, Compassion,

Intentions

and

Manifesting Joy. Jane would love to share the gift of Styll by offering a first timers complimentary class at www.styllmeditation.com.

CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich

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TREND SETTER

H o l i d ay F as h i o n f o r E v e ry

OCCASION

ARTICLE STEPHANIE KAMINSKY (@THESTEPHKAM)

1

ITEM DETAILS Kippa Sweater by Lily Pulitzer, High Rise Fringe Jeans by Frame, Black Suede Pump from ALDO

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Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

2

ITEM DETAILS Off-the-Shoulder Ponte Dress courtesy of Vineyard Vine’s

3 ITEM DETAILS

THE HOLIDAYS ARE BACK AGAIN IN WHAT FEELS LIKE WARP SPEED (THANKS, 2020) AND

Gold Sequins Bodycon Dress courtesy of Bloomingdale’s

IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR SHOPPING ON! Even though the world as essentially ~stopped~ this past year, the fashion world has managed to push through, full-speed ahead. From the run-

officially trickled down to every store. Whether it’s

ways to catalogues, online boutiques to designer

puffy-sleeved sweaters, dresses, body-suits, or

labels, the fashion gods are bringing you fresh takes

blouses, the pump is real! And to be honest, I’m

on some old classics and introducing new trends

obsessed! There’s just something so effortlessly

that will surely spice up your holiday season.

chic about these double XL sleeves, and there is

A red dress? For the holidays? Groundbreaking.

simply no need for extra accessories when the

No, but really - I don’t think this look will ever go

ultimate fashion statement is sown right onto your

out of style! Red, as we know, is the color of con-

shirt. How convenient?!

fidence and if you ask me, it looks great on every-

Glitter and Gold: one of my favorite dynamic duos.

one. Nothing screams “Holidays” more than this

There’s a reasons why gold is so valuable these days: it

classic candy-apple red with a touch of sparkle. Not

truly makes EVERYONE look fabulous. From birthday

to mention, this color absolutely dominated on the

parties to NYE celebrations, this white-gold sequins

runway this year, making it a go-to choice for even

mini gives the LBD a run for it’s money! This vaguely

when the holidays are over. You can be “the girl in

“20’s Flapper” inspired look is timeless, in my opinion.

the red dress” all season long!

It’s flattering, flirty, fun and it’s the perfect way to make

Statement sleeves made a huge impression on this year’s Fall/Winter runway and the trend has

any grand entrance. If you’re hoping to turn heads this holiday season, this golden hue is the one for you.

CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich

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We specify, install + service high-end motorized shades, automated lighting systems, fixtures and controls.

Our design approach is to blend with your interior design. Using the finest metals, fabrics + technology, we have options ranging from traditional to contemporary.

Old Cove is comprised of uniquely talented, intelligent and driven people.

We pride ourselves in our craftsmanship and detailed work.

Kevin Marra

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Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

Andrew Russotti

WORK. STAY. EAT. ENGAGE. REFRESH. 1114 East Putnam Ave Greenwich, Connecticut 06878 203.698.6980 JHOUSEGREENWICH.COM

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GIVING BACK

THE POWER OF A WISH

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Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

IS THERE ANY WORD MORE DELICIOUS THAN “WISH”? Any concept more potent in its possibilities? A wish is a miracle, when a

ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

miracle is most needed.

Which is precisely the objective for the Make-A-Wish Foundation (MAW), the purveyor of pure fantasy for children critical illnesses.

Since 1986, the Connecticut chapter has granted over 3,400 wishes, approximately 225 each year.

I spoke with Director of Major Gifts Kim Pugh, who is used to talking about MAW at length: everyone is enthralled by the foundation’s deliverables. I mean, a wish? Anything??

With few exceptions (tricked-out Maserati, hunting for wildlife), yes!

A playhouse with a purple door, backyard zombie cabin, baby alpaca - pretty much anything their parents can tolerate.(Of note, wishes are not limited to terminally ill individuals. 90% of the recipients grow up and many become part of the MAW alumnae network.)

If you are between 2 1/2-18 years old with a qualifying illness you are eligible for a wish. Period. Nothing else matters: not religion or income or race or whether or not you told your little brother he ate slugs when he was a baby.

WISHES FALL INTO FIVE CATEGORIES: 1. I wish to be… (firefighter, policeman) 2. I wish to have… (shopping spree, puppy) 3. I wish to go… (travel) 4. I wish to meet… (celebrity, local magazine editor) 5. I wish to give… (throw party in the hospital for all of their caregivers) You can’t have a double-wish unless it happens organically, i.e. I wish to go wine-tasting in Napa Valley and eat at French Laundry. And it should be the child’s wish, not the parents’.

In addition to being a director, Kim is one of 300 Wish Granters, or “human dream-weavers” in Connecticut, which is where the wish begins. Two Wish Granters are assigned to each family to gather information about the child’s heartfelt wish and ensure they know that the wish and the Wish Granters are as close to magic as they may ever get.

“We’ll ask ‘Favorite color?’ ‘Favorite food?’” Kim says, “If they say ‘pizza with olives’ then I’ll bring them a pizza next time I see them.”

In some cases, such as with Greenwich’s Sophie Lenschow, the child knows what she wants: to attend the Grammy’s!

Sophie was diagnosed with leukemia when she was eleven and spent the next three years in treatment. Sophie, says, “During treatment it was pretty tough because I had to spend endless hours in the hospital sometimes for a few weeks. I couldn’t go to school most of the time as I was too nauseous and immune compromised. Also, when I lost my hair it was really tough because not only did I feel like a cancer patient but I also looked like one and that was difficult for me.”

When Sophie had completed her treatments, MAW flew her and her family to Los Angeles. During the family’s stay in LA they visited the Grammy’s museum and attended rehearsal. The night of the Grammy’s, a driver whisked Sophie and her mother to the Grammy’s for a night Sophie will always remember.

She describes the experience as “Truly amazing because it was so exciting to see all the celebrities and really not just the celebrities, the

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich

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GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

whole experience was amazing as we got to go backstage at the Grammys, got to walk on the red carpet, go to Universal studios, go to the After party, see the Hollywood sign and so much more. It was truly an incredible experience - I will never forget it. It made me feel super happy to be there and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience - it was a nice ending to my treatment” The wishes are arranged by Wish Coordinators. They have access and ability to do things we mortals can not. For instance, a popular destination is Disney World (well, pre-COVID). The Wish Coordinators arrange for transportation, hotel, special “alternate entrance” passes for rides, meeting Cinderella at her castle, even opening the front gate in the morning.

While the cost fluctuates with each wish, the average cost is… wait for it… $10,000. Woah, right? Some wishes cost a bit more but are worth it: a young girl hadn’t seen her grandfather since she was three years old. She learned he was terminally ill and wished for her entire family of eight to fly to Ghana and visit him. MAW flew them to West Africa, and her family was able to see him right before he died.

Some are less, like a puppy. So the Wish dream team will throw in toys — training, vet expenses, food for a year, maybe a dog bed - fun extras to make it an amazing experience.

WISHES ARE AS VARIED AS THE KIDS WHO MAKE THEM: + A girl, 5, fighting cancer, wanted to be a ballerina.

She was gifted ballet classes and is waiting until she can be brought to the Schubert so she can dance beneath the lights. + A boy, 17, fighting cancer, wished for a shopping spree.

While on the spree he bought gifts for his brother and his mom “Because my mom takes care of me,” he explained, and because he knew his illness affected the entire family. + A boy, 14, fighting cancer, wants to take over a diner for a day: plan the menu, cook, take orders, the whole bit. MAW is currently researching what diner he can take over and when is a safe time to do so.

Unfortunately, no wish can stop COVID. But the MAW team is doing whatever they can to make sure

Further research has shown that wishes save lives

these kids get what they want. Not only do these

by giving kids hope and a reason to survive. A wish

children need a generous sprinkle of fairy dust, but

“renews hope, uplifts spirits and encourages the belief

doctors have noted the most withdrawn and reticent

in the impossible.”

of kids come to their appointments smiling and talkative after their wishes are granted.

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Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

And a little bit of happiness, a small escape from reality, never hurt anyone.

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19

LOCAL’S CHOICE

gift guide SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Y HOLIDAYS PP HA A H P

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OL

YS DA

LIDAYS HAP PY HO

PY HOLI HAP DA YS

PY

ID

HAPPY HO AYS L

I 20

Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE STEPHANIE KAMISKY

g i f t s fo r

D AT E N I G H T

01 Silk Georgette Ruffle Blouse by Katie Fong Collection. Can be made in over 300 colors. $625 | 02 Lola & Leone perfume, available at Katie Fong Boutique and McArdles, lolaleone.com, $195 | 03 Crystal Mother of Pearl Lariat, $89, Mother of Pearl Vintage Button Bracelet, $279, LLF Studio, available at Katie Fong Boutique or llfstudio.com | 04 Polished Wavy Gold Earrings, $98, Gold Clip Chain Bracelet, $98, Gold Rope Link Chain Bracelet, $112, Andrea Del Bello Jewelry, available at Katie Fong Boutique or andreadelbello.com | 05 100% Cotton Non-Surgical Masks, Katie Fong Boutique $18-23 (price varies depending on which mask) | 06 Thaxter Cashmere Blend 1/4-Zip, Vineyard Vines, $138, vineyardvines.com | 07 Classic Fit Lyle Twill Tucker Shirt, Vineyard Vines, $98.50, vineyardvines.com | 08 Omega Seamaster 3oo Master C-Axial Watch, Shreve, Crump, & Low, $6,500, shrevecrumpandlow.com | 09 Dressed Plant Crew Sock, $20, happysocks.com CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich

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LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

g i f t s fo r

THE KIDS

01 Buddy the Bear, sendafriend.com, $26 | 02 Toddler Turtleneck, Dudley Stephens Townhouse, 6 West Putnam Ave, dudley-stephens.com, $48. Use “GL20” for 20% off. | 03 Supersac, Lovesac, $1300, lovesac.com | 04 Boys’ Stillwater Sherpa 1/4-Zip, Vineyard Vines, $98.50, vineyardvines.com | 05 GraviTrax Starter Set, Funky Monkey, $59.99 | 06 Kids Hathi Pajamas, $65, rollerrabbit.com | 07 Kids Monkey Pajamas, $65, rollerrabbit.com | 08 Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Blocks, Funky Monkey, $30.00 | 09 Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks, Funky Monkey, $65.95

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Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

gifts to

WORK HARD AND RELAX HARDER

01 Bio-Cellulose Undereye Patches, kovoessentials.com, $55 for 10 | 02 Jay Jogger, Dudley Stephens Townhouse, 6 West Putnam Ave, dudley-stephens.com, $138. Use “GL20” for 20% off. | 03 Bose Sport Earbuds, $179.95, bose.com | 04 Bose Frames Soprano, $249.95, bose.com | 05 Spacedye Tri-Panel High Waisted Midi Legging,$110.00, beyondyoga.com | 06 7” Lined Mako Short, $78, rhone.com | 07 Bala Bangles, $49.00, shopbala.com | 08 Lola & Leone candle, available at Katie Fong Boutique and McArdles, lolaleone.com, $72 | 09 FORTË, A year long subscription to live and on-demand classes from over 20 studios, $288, forte.fit. Use code CLUBSWEAT to get the year for $95.

CONTINUED >

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LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

g i f t s fo r

OUR ECO-FRIENDLY FRIENDS

01 Illuminating Booster Serum 33, kovoessentials.com, $110 | 02 Spring Street Scarf, Dudley Stephens Townhouse, 6 West Putnam Ave, dudley-stephens.com, $88. Use “GL20” for 20% off. | 03 Park Slope Turtleneck, Dudley Stephens Townhouse, 6 West Putnam Ave, dudley-stephens.com, $158. Use “GL20” for 20% off. | 04 The Loafer, $165, rothys.com. | 05 The Handbag, $350, rothys.com. | 06 Organic Keratin Treatment, Paulo Lanfredi Salon, 401 Greenwich Ave | 07 Bamboo Sheet Set, $311, cozyearth.com | 08 Men’s Ultra-Soft Bamboo Jogger Pant, $139, cozyearth.com | 09 Rambler 10 oz Tumbler, $19.99, yeti.com 24

Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

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From smart casual, to business suits, coats, weddings and gala black tie, they will design and hand tailor the best quality garments you have ever owned – created just the way you want them from the sketch to perfection.

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CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich

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ARTISTS’S PALETTE

B E A U T I F U L LY BESPOKE ARTICLE EMILY LIEBERT

PHOTOGRAPHY JULIA D’AGOSTINO

AND JOANNA FISHER

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS FOR BUSINESS OWNER

events have been rescheduled to next year. And some clients

AND PAPERPRENEUR SHARI LEBOWITZ, WHOSE COM-

have gone ahead and had small, intimate, micro weddings

PANY BESPOKE DESIGNS LAUNCHED IN MAY 2017 IN

with big celebrations planned for the future. It has required

WESTPORT’S SCONSET SQUARE. From wedding, birthday,

intense creativity and flexibility to make these events happen

anniversary, and bar/bat mitzvah invitations to holiday cards

beautifully and safely.

and an expertly curated gift shop, her intention is to provide clients with a completely personalized experience from start

GL: HOW DID YOU PIVOT TO KEEP YOUR

to finish. It’s the special touches unique to each project and

BUSINESS AFLOAT?

the nuances she and her team select that fuel the creative

SL: When the studio was required to close due to the lock-

process. “When you get the details right, everything else

down in early spring, everything came to a standstill. My team

comes together exquisitely,” Shari explains. “And that is when

was homebound and living in different states. Fortunately, we

something wonderous happens.”

were still brimming with creativity, and I was determined to keep everyone employed. I applied and received a PPP loan,

GL: WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER PRIOR TO FOUNDING

which was helpful. And, channeling my entrepreneurial spirit,

BESPOKE DESIGNS?

I took the pandemic as an opportunity to create our own prod-

SL: I had an interior design firm focused on luxury residential interiors in New York City.

uct line. If we couldn’t have people come to us for the Truly Bespoke experience, then we would bring the Semi Bespoke experience to them wherever they lived.

GL: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH BESPOKE DESIGNS IN WESTPORT?

GL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR SEMI BESPOKE COLLECTION.

SL: I was recently divorced, living in NYC, and I wanted

SL: The Semi Bespoke Collection is a group of invitations

to move close to the beach and have my own house with a

with twelve distinct vibes, plus three classics. Why do we call

garden, a kayak, and a puppy. While all of those things came

it a vibe? Because often a clients will describe what they want

to fruition, I was in the process of sorting out my career. That’s

their event to feel like, rather than be able to say exactly what

when I met a wonderful man, and ultimately found myself

they want the invitations to look like. The Bohemian couple, for

engaged and planning a wedding. The only issue was that I

example, can be more unconventional. They’re often travelers

couldn’t find a shop to design our wedding invitations—so I

with a slightly nomadic style, layered with cultural influences,

decided to open one! Instead of an interior design studio, I

and loosely structured. They’ll share a Pinterest board with

started a paper design studio.

us that reveals an eclectic mix of pattern, color and texture, and lots of natural elements. It’s our job to interpret this, piece

26

GL: THE PANDEMIC HAS TRIGGERED STEEP

together the vibe, and then represent it graphically. The invi-

CHALLENGES FOR MANY BUSINESSES, HOW HAS

tation sets the tone of the event. It’s important to note that the

IT AFFECTED YOURS?

Semi Bespoke collection is not just for weddings. These invi-

SL: I’m in the business of inviting people to gather, so the

tations can be used for just about any event you can imagine.

pandemic has been a massive challenge. But, here’s the

Each vibe has a full line of accessories including napkins,

headline: Love isn’t cancelled! Many of my original (30+)

cups, matches, thank you notes, and wax seal stamps.

Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

STUDIO INFO For more information on Bespoke Designs, visit: bespokedesigns.com

CONTINUED >

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27

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

GL: HOW DO YOU BRAND AN EVENT FROM START TO FINISH? SL: It starts with what is received in the mail. But we also consider each touch point that a guest will experience at an event. Usually working closely with an event planner, it can include signage (we are doing weddings now that have sanitation stations with custom hand sanitizers), menus that are personalized with each guest’s name, couples’ monograms that we create and then stitch on to napkins and tablecloths, chocolates that resemble the wax seal from the invitations, gifts for the guests to take home, and stationery for thank you notes.

GL: WHAT’S ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE EVENT ELEMENTS YOU’VE CRAFTED? SL: We recently created an invitation that’s a light box.

It’s spectacular.

GL: YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFULLY CURATED SHOP WITH AN ARRAY OF GIFT ITEMS. TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW FLORAL AND SILVER COLLECTIONS. SL: This holiday season most entertaining will be at home, so we’ve welcomed two brands into the shop for a pop up focused on “Home. Holidays. Entertaining.” We have a gorgeous collection of vintage silver from Hôtel Silver. They are pieces collected from European hotels, railway lines, and steam ships. You can use them for entertaining or in other unexpected ways. And we have Diane James Home, a gorgeous collection of faux floral couture.

GL: WHAT KINDS OF HOLIDAY CARDS ARE YOU DESIGNING AND IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO PLACE AN ORDER? Yes, there’s always time! More than ever, our family, friends, and colleagues need connectivity. Of course we offer traditional holiday cards, but we love designing cards with unexpected paper and ink colors and also fun fonts that are fresh, current, and optimistic. Holiday cards can arrive before the year end or after!

GL: WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT BESPOKE DESIGNS? SL: We’re a creative studio spreading love through design.

Visit us safely in Westport or work with us virtually. We can design and make just about anything.

GL: ANY BUCKET LIST ITEMS YOU’D LIKE TO EXPAND INTO? SL: We’ve begun to take some patterns from the Semi Bespoke collection and explore wallpaper. The liner from Bohemian has been installed in the studio and is bringing us all so much joy. We’ll see where that goes!

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Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich

29

DIY

bullet journaling 101

Let’s face it—in today’s so-much-to-do-

and-so-little-time cultural mindset, it can be hard to keep track of everything we need to do. Wake up—did you get enough sleep?

Brush your teeth. Feed the kids. Feed the dog.

Get ready for work. Make your lunch. Those are just six things to think about in the span of 15 minutes after your alarm goes off.

With all of these things to keep track of and

our lives moving a mile a minute, anything we

THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE + ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOALS

can find to streamline our obligations (and our thoughts) can be a lifesaver! Enter: bullet journaling. It’s equal parts calendar, meal tracker, diary, self care and, well, really anything else that you want to keep tabs on! The “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system,” coined by creator Ryder Carroll, can help you master the art of intentional living—any way you want to.

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ESTÉE JANSSENS

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Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich

31

DIY (CONTINUED)

what you need There’s so much you can do here with just a notebook (you’ll probably want one with a dotted grid) and a pen! If you want to add some creative flair, consider incorporating markers, stickers and washi tape.

start simple When you start searching for bullet journaling on Pinterest, it can get really overwhelming really fast. Decide what is most important for you to keep track of and start with that! If you try to do too much at once, you’ll be less likely to stick with it.

make it your own The most important thing to remember is that it is for you and not anyone else. Use your favorite colors, doodle things that help

symbols s ymbol char t

A bullet journal really becomes what you make it. Use symbols that speak to you! Here are some basics to start with:

Task

Event Note

Complete

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Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

you out and make it work for you!

how-to how - to

page styles t ypes of pages in a bullet jour nal + Mood tracker

+ Spending log

+ Activity tracker

+ Bucket list

+ Exercise tracker

+ Reading list

+ Ideas list

+ Yearly goals

+ Chore list

+ Happiness log

+ Budget tracker

+ Sleep tracker

CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich

33

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

10

presents around a decorated tree or

GIVING TUESDAY

FIRST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH

derful time of the year!

ping and looking for the best deals

ication of the Second Temple in

possible, this day reminds us to give

Jerusalem in the 160s BC. It is won-

to those less fortunate. Whether we

derful time to spend with family

look to our favorite causes or chari-

enjoying games and joyous meals.

ties, it’s a great reminder to lift others

Fry up some sufganiyot or latkes

up during a generous time of year.

to commemorate of the miracle of the

and seconds of the old year, it is an

On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving

Maccabees' long-burning oil.

excellent time to look back at the

After we’ve spent the weekend shop-

have a meal together. No wonder many people call this the most won-

Hanukkah celebrates the reded-

the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

As we count down the last hours

year and reminisce with friends and

charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around

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21

family. Take some time to make goals and set good intentions for 2021!

WINTER SOLSTICE

The winter solstice is the official start

6

of winter, the shortest day and lon-

ST. NICHOLAS DAY

the shortest day of the year. Those

gest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter lovers, enjoy

On December 6th, Saint Nicholas

longing for more sunlight, prepare to

Day

celebrate. Longer days are ahead.

recognizes

the

third-century

saint who became an inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus. St. Nicholas is known for selling all his possessions and giving his money to the poor. Raised as a devout Christian,

CHRISTMAS DAY

us? We would love to hear from you!

serving the sick and suffering. Surprise

celebrated in the days leading up

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

someone with a treat on Saint Nicholas

to Christmas. Christmas Day is a

Greenwich using the Get In Touch

Day or slip a gift into their shoe.

time to gather with family and open

link and let us know what you think.

Greenwich Lifestyle | December 2020

Many Christmas

Would you like to get in touch with are

St. Nicholas dedicated his whole life to

34

25 traditions