Westport , CT September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO:

MEET YOUR FABULOUS NEW NEIGHBOR

OUR BEST SAV SAVINGS A INGS PLAN EVER. AV

Part of banking well is doing good, and with hundreds of animals in local shelters, it’s time to do some serious saving.

That’s why, with the support of local community partners, we launched the Bankwell Pet Adoption Project to boost awareness and collect supplies for all the special dogs and cats in need of a home.

Go to mybankwell.com/PleaseAdoptMe to see available dogs and cats and see how you can help.

mybankwell.com/PleaseAdoptMe 100 Post Road East, Westport | (203) 652-2710 Special thanks to our outstanding volunteer photographer, Mike Bagley, whose generosity and remarkable way with animals has played a vital role in this program.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

SEPTEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Robin Moyer Chung | robin.chung@lifestylepubs.com

Style OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE IS ALL ABOUT STYLE, BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A FASHIONISTA TO ENJOY IT! Guess who just moved to town! Our cover story features acclaimed designer and new

AD DESIGNER

Miranda Williams LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Videler, Sara Kerens and Jen Berniker, Julia D’Agostino

Westport resident, Christian Siriano! Besides being the go-to designer for celebrity red carpet gowns, he was the first fashion house to to make masks for the medical community during the Covid crisis. Turn to page 24 to see what he has planned locally and how he’s changing the fashion industry globally.

Believe us when we say our community has some impeccable taste. We narrowed down the hottest trends for this fall season to bring you the best in transitional fashion. Once you have all of these fabulous local finds how will you organize them?

With a gorgeous closet, of course! Closet Factory CT gave us the skinny on the latest in closet design.

But after months in quarantine your body may be… how to say this… adapting to a non-exercise lifestyle? Which is fine! All good! But if you want to kickstart your workouts, Emsculpt is here! We experienced this hot new trend with Modern Dermatology to get a jump on our exercise routine.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Miss vacations? Us too! I’ve been a devoted follower of Brian Kelly aka The Points

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Guy for years. If you’re wondering, “Will I ever get on an airplane again?”, you’ll want to

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

read what he has to say about traveling in the new normal.

And if you’re not traveling but need a chic getaway, check out our glamping road trip feature right here in Westport!

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

No doubt you’ve noticed the work of the mysterious Yarn Bomber around town, especially by Compo Beach and Bedford Square. We love the happy message that goes along with her beautiful street art.

2020 has been a tough year. We hope you enjoy this issue while pampering yourself a bit.

Stay stylish, Westport!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA

Marisa MacLean, Publisher

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Christian Siriano in his Westport home.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA KERENS 8

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

Proverbs 3:5-6 Westport Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Westport 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 Westport Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2020

FEATURES 18 Camping In Style Clandestine Local Glampsites

24 Christian Siriano Lives in Westport!

From Medical Masks to Models, He's Changing an Industry

32 Yarn Bomber The Mystery Night Knitter Strikes Again

24 32

48 The Best Way To Travel If You Have To Travel

48

DEPARTMENTS

18

8

Lifestyle Letter

12

Good Times

14

Around Town

18

Road Trip

24 Local Limelight 32 Inspired By 38 Local’s Choice 42 Trend Setter 48 Travel Destination 54 Healthy Lifestyle 58 Locals Only

Discover More Space In Your Closet.

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GOOD TIMES

Remarkable Theater Drive-In Movies A movie-night years in the making, hundreds of enthusiastic fans enjoyed the sold-out premiere of Remarkable Theater’s first-ever drive-in. The wildly popular socially-distanced screenings will run through the end of September. Like the outdoor movie screen, the nonprofit's mission is big: to build an art-house type cinema in downtown Westport providing employment for people with disabilities, who also make up some of the staff working at the drive-in. For tickets go to RemarkableTheatre.org. PHOTOGRAPHY: JEN BERNIKER

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Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

T H E D E N TA L C E N T E R O F W E ST P O R T

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AROUND TOWN

BOOK CHAT WITH NINA SANKOVITCH Book Chat has moved online! Join the discussion on zoom (see event calendar). Writer Nina Sankovitch will continue drop-in conversations!

No "book reports" — just read whatever interests you and then drop into the Library and talk about it. Occurring first Tuesday of every month, the conversation lasts about an hour. All are welcome!

September 1 at 10:00 (first Tuesday of every month).

WestportLibrary.org

HISTORY HAPPY HOUR! VINTAGE WEEKLY COCKTAIL Every Thursday at 5pm, Westport Museum for

HELMUT LANG EXHIBIT AT MOCA WESTPORT Don't miss Helmut Lang: 41.1595° N, 73.3882° W, curated by Todd von Ammon

History and Culture will raise a glass to the past with our new vintage cocktail series produced with CTbites.

Follow along and learn how to make these classics along with history you can drink to. They'll upload a new video every Thursday at 5 p.m. to their Facebook

On view through September 13th

page and on CTBites.com. To learn more about this

MoCA Westport is pleased to present an exhi-

event go to VirtualHistoryWestport.org/Events/.

bition of works by Helmut Lang, curated by Todd von Ammon, on view to the public beginning on Wednesday July 8th and continuing through

WESTPORT ROTARY CLUB'S LOBSTERFEST

September 13, 2020. The exhibition will span both

Scheduled for September 26, 2020, 3 p.m. - 7

galleries of the museum and consist of two sepa-

p.m. at Compo Beach, the Westport Rotary Club's

rate projects, demonstrating the continued evolu-

Lobsterfest is the beach event of the season!

tion of Lang’s contributions to culture and art.

Adults have the choice of two 1.25 pound lobsters or a 14 ounce steak-- both with all the trimmings, plus unlimited wine and beer. There is also a raw oyster and clam bar, a children's menu for kids age 12 and under, games and live music. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Subject to change due to, as always, the pandemic.

LEARN TO KNIT WITH WESTPORT'S YARN BOMBER! Our elusive knitter presents "Virtual Knitting for Just About Anyone" classes throughout the month. $50 includes needles, yarn, instruction, and socially-distanced public yarn bomb. Supply and live lesson hub at Westport Yarns. Contact YarnBalmer@ gmail.com for more information.

REMARKABLE THEATER DRIVE-IN The Remarkable Theatre Drive-In movies are showing through September! Check out their website for the schedule and to purchase tickets.

Imperial parking lot opens at 8 p.m. for a 9 p.m.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

movie. Wear a mask, maintain a safe distance, and

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

bring anything you’d like to eat. Enjoy!

Westport using the Get In Touch link and let us

RemarkableTheater.org 14

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

know what you think.

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ROAD TRIP

CAMPING IN

STYLE ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN VIDELER ME? Not a fan of camping. Too many memories of hot pine needles and chilly mornings with sleeping bags wet from the condensation of collective bodies breathing the same tented air.

Okay, it’s only one memory. Still. One is enough.

But Glamorous Camping? Glamping? Yeah!!

Glamping is the “outdoors” without the pain of “roughing it.” Imagine a room plucked from a luxury hotel and placed on beautiful plot of land.

Replace the walls with canvas - you’re camping, after all - and make sure the room opens onto a breathtaking view. Throw in high-end linens and amenities and even the most hardcore urbanite can look forward to communing with nature.

What few of us know is that clandestine glamping sites are popping up all over Fairfield County.

Primarily catering to friends and friends-of-friends, as one only learns of them by word of mouth.

Which is how we found this spectacular site.

Ever the giver, I volunteered a night of my life to experience a Westport glamp. It’s a pandemic-friendly environment, mostly-outdoor living and the room is sanitized after each guest’s stay.

Adirondack chairs overlooking the beach.

CLANDESTINE LOCAL GLAMPSITES

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Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

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ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

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Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

WOOD BIN Solid Wood Furniture

The owner is careful to mention, “I primarily rent to local people, to keep the area safe and follow quarantine guidelines.”

Summer Fun Sale

A pedicured, hydrangea-lined path led me to the Lotus Belle tent. It’s worth repeating that this half-acre site is spectacular.

I had the entire beachfront to myself. Well, me and a bottle of complimentary rosé.

However, though it was private it wasn’t scary-isolated: there were homes in the area and I never felt unsafe.

The navy and tan safari-like tent contained a queen sized bed, a cot, and a sisal rug. Several games and magazines (including Westport Lifestyle! Nice touch!) lay on tables alongside crystal lamps. Baskets held towels, sunscreen, and bug spray.

On the private beach lay an umbrella, boogey-board, and beach towel. Outside of the room were several seating areas and fresh flowers. The owner stashed a few extra folding chairs next to the two-story stone fireplace and set up wood and tinders so I could easily create my “campfire”.

A small cottage next to the fireplace houses a sitting room with a refrigerator and the bathroom. While not as fancy as the bedroom, it held an RV toilet and a galvanized metal sink with running water. And of course, electricity throughout.

I could easily order dinner for pick-up at a nearby restaurant, bring it back, and pretend I made it on an open fire. Or not. It’s glamping. No need to pretend any work was done.

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CityLifestyle.com/Westport

21

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Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Christian Siriano Lives i n We s t p o r t !

ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG PHOTOGRAPHY SARA KERENS

Christian with his models in runway looks.

FROM MEDICAL MASKS TO MODELS, HE'S CHANGING AN INDUSTRY IN 2018, NEW YORK MAGAZINE WROTE OF CFDA DESIGNER AND WESTPORT RESIDENT CHRISTIAN SIRIANO, “THERE’S NO QUESTION THAT HE HAS DONE MORE FOR WOMEN OF ALL COLORS AND SIZES THAN MOST DESIGNERS EVER WILL.” Quite an achievement, especially given what Vogue wrote of his Spring 2011 collection a mere seven years prior: “And while today’s crowd, assembled to see [Christian Siriano's] fifth collection, likely owed its bulk to fans and fashion tourists, it also included Saks Fifth Avenue president… and Neiman Marcus fashion director… Both stores carry Siriano’s collection…

Siriano’s clothes generally don’t propose any fresh thinking about fashion

24

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

Christian at home with his dogs, Bear and Topper

or the way women should dress. And when they do, there’s an air of the ridiculous… But it would be nice to see him shore up the goodwill and fame with clothes that can stand on their own.”

Vogue is, of course, Anna Wintour’s darling. She was, at that time, Chairwoman of the Met Gala*, and a long-standing member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) where she created the CFDA/Vogue award to support young designers. The CFDA helps these designers “flourish” and gives them access to rare funding opportunities.

According to Condé Nast’s CEO Roger Lynch, “There are very few people in the world who can have the influence on change and culture, as it relates to the activities that our business has, than Anna.”

If Anna is the matriarch of the fashion press in America, promulgating supplicant’s obsession with her Vogue brand of money, beauty, and fame, Christian would soon become its enfant gentil.

At age 21, Christian competed in the 4th season of reality show Project Runway. Although the judges were wary of his professional inexperience, they were ultimately wowed by his talent and voted him winner. Despite this win, or because of it, the fashion industry was frosty and dismissed his reality show win as pop-culture folly.

After the show, lacking the requisite resources, connections, and/or auxiliary notoriety, he collaborated with Payless and Victoria’s Secret to “pay the bills” for his high-end clothing and runway shows.

In stark contrast to Anna’s long-held tenets of fashion, Christian explains “I dress people that I can support and support what they’re doing in their lives. That’s why it’s important to me and it should be important to every designer because the people that you put in your brand represent the brand.”

CONTINUED >

A fabulous Siriano skirt.

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED) Despite

his

endearing

personality

and

increasing popularity among consumers, trade publications neglected to validate his talent and the venerated fashion folk regarded his dalliances with down-market brands as cheapening his upstart label. In 2011 his first application to the CFDA was declined.

Christian then worked with J. Jill and Lane Bryant, developing capsule collections to accommodate all price points and flatter all sizes, 0 to 28. These mass-market female customers, all colors and socio-economic backgrounds, are those with whom Christian grew up near Baltimore and who are largely ignored by high-end fashion publications and designers. In fact, Christian drew inspiration from the wardrobes of the women who raised him: his grandmother’s pink suit; his mother, Joye’s, prints and colors; his sister, Shannon’s, costumes for her ballets. These women alone spanned sizes 2 to 16/18.

As well, he was raised in a non-judgmental home with freedom for creativity. “I never belittled or pushed my kids,” Joye remarks.

Regarding Christian’s homosexuality, he never had to ‘come out’ and says of his mother, “She never made it a thing. She let me be me.”

With money from these ventures he financed his haute couture which has famously graced varying frames from comedian Leslie Jones, actress Christina Hendricks, actor Billy Porter, and former FLOTUS Michelle Obama. Instead of only “sample size” runway models, he continued to send women of all races and sizes down his catwalk; a reflective symmetry of his customers.

Style rags may have refused to notice him, but soon the newspapers did. Social media did.

Celebrities and consumers did. Publicity and sales increased. Slowly, other labels took note and opted to strip off their privileged and exclusive veneer. Models became more diverse and clothing sizes increased.

He was accepted into the CFDA in 2013.

Meanwhile, Christian filled his atelier with sewers and salespeople of different ethnicities and backgrounds, creating a workplace that informs the product. On The Daily Dish, Christian explains, “It’s not enough to just make pretty dresses; you have to make sure they actually mean something or say something or have something behind the work.”

26

CONTINUED >

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

Sewing masks in his atelier.

Models of all sizes and colors.

Gowns on the staircase at his store, Curated NYC.

Christian with models.

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

27

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

These men and women are the same people to whom Anna Wintour is now apologizing. In an open letter this summer, Anna addresses the lack of black

The wide skirt is a signature look.

leaders and staffers in her offices. She writes, “I want to say plainly that I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to Black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators. We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes.”

Never mind that her use of “we” effectively dilutes her responsibility by directing it toward other culpable parties. Or that in her 30+ years at the helm of one American’s most powerful magazines she never advocated or practiced racial inclusivity. Moreover, as the purported arbiter of “culture and change” in one of America’s largest industries, her attitude tainted those of other fashion gatekeepers.

As Anna’s controversial atonement spirals through the internet, websites and publications laud Christian as a disruptor of the status quo she and her peers constructed.

This is how, without guile or intent, Christian re-defined the industry that rejected him.

On March 20, 2020 he made another decision which continues to help obviate the legendary megalomania of designer insiders.

A day or two after quarantine began, while watching a briefing in which Governor Cuomo reported a

Christian sells his couture masks to raise money for his medical mask initiative.

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Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

Wearing a Future Lovers jacket.

dearth of medical masks, Christian made a decision. And, like most of his decisions, he didn’t let it flip flop like a caught fish on a hot dock. He just tweeted it into the virtual universe.

“If @NYGovCuomo says we need masks my team will help make some. I have a full sewing team still on staff working from home that can help.”

About 30 minutes later, Cuomo tweeted his acceptance. “I didn’t expect the governor to tweet back!” Christian recalls. “We were up and running the next day.”

So Christian and his seamstresses of celebrated gowns began churning out one of the least sexy items on the planet.

Following his lead, numerous fashion houses traded in their Italian-mill linen for F.D.A. approved-cotton blends. Doing so enables them to keep their tailors and dressmakers employed while helping to meet the demand for masks and gowns.

By July, Christian’s atelier had sewn over 150,000 masks for over 30 locations in New York State.

So what does this 34-year old do when he’s not revolutionizing the world? He muses about plans for a store in downtown Westport with his boyfriend, Kyle Smith. “It might be mixed, with wine and cheese… kind of like a curated NYC store.” He discusses which Westport resident he’d most like to wear one of his gowns, “Maybe I’ll go throw one on her door.” And he bemoans his mentees on Project Runway, “They’re all annoying, I’m like a mom telling her kids to do something because she wants them to be successful.”

His mom may disagree. Of her own son’s drive for success Joye simply says, “It’s just who he is.” Then adds, “Oh, my boy! I miss him so much.” *Anna Wintour is still Chairwoman of the Met Gala.

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

29

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INSPIRED BY

THE MYSTERY NIGHT KNITTER STRIKES AGAIN

YA R N BOMBER ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN VIDELER

YOU’VE SEEN THEM AROUND TOWN: TREES AND SIGNPOSTS SNUGGLED INTO COLORFUL KNIT COLUMNS. They’re witty, optimistic, and raise many questions. Most notably…

Bedford Square... (Photo: Yarn Bomber)

32

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

Longshore Golf Course...

Mask custom-knit for Westport Lifestyle. For display purposes only. (Photo: Yarn Bomber)

One never knows where the Yarn Bomber will strike...

WHO IS THIS ENIGMATIC YARN BOMBER AND WHY??

WESTPORT LIFESTYLE: How did you come up with the idea for yarn bombing?

YARN BOMBER: Knitting has given me a way to harness my anxiety during this highly unusual time.

What began as small sign post cozies has become colorful messages of inspiration and hope. It gives me a sense of power to sneak out at night and hide my work in plain sight.

WL: HAVE YOU EVER DONE THEM BEFORE? YB: I’ve done some mild bombing before but not to this degree.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

33

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

Owenoke...

Imperial Parking Lot...

34

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

JULY 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

WL: HOW MUCH TIME AND YARN WENT INTO THE BEDFORD SQUARE BOMB? YB: It took about 2 weeks to knit all the components for Bedford Square and approx-

SUMMER IS STILL ON!

NILE RODGERS: THE CELEBRITY WE NEED

FUN PICNIC IDEAS

WESTPORT'S WORST KEPT SECRET

imately 8 skeins of yarn. It’s hard to deter-

mine time and amounts as multiple projects progress at once and overlap one another.

WL: HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO PUT IT UP? YB: About 20 minutes.

WL: HAVE YOU EVER BEEN “CAUGHT” OR SPOTTED DOING IT? YB: Post Road and the beach are highly active areas so while people have witnessed me out there, nobody seemed to care.

Your Ad Here

WL: WILL YOU EVER REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY? YB: Remaining anonymous gives me freedom. This work is for the public during an unsettling time, it’s not about me.

WL: HOW DO YOU STAY ANONYMOUS TO YOUR PAYING CLIENTS?

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YB: They send me a picture and an address, and we establish a bomb date so I am not mistaken for an interloper. Cash or checks made out to cash work fine.

WL: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY BECOME REALLY RATTY? YB: Some are starting to show distress from the elements and I knew they wouldn’t last forever. They’ll have to come down and maybe get replaced.

WL: DO YOU TAKE THEM DOWN OR DOES THE TOWN? YB: I haven’t thought about that. They’re kind of like my children so it’s hard for me to turn my back on them. I’ll just close my eyes and accept their fate. @yarnbalmer CityLifestyle.com/Westport

35

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Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

Ro bi n

OUR EDITOR'S LOCAL-ISH STYLE FINDS M

er oy

Vintage wash v-neck tee, Gap.com, $12

ng Chu

Roya cashmere cardigan, Intermixonline.com, $298

WHAT TO WEAR WHEN SUMMER TURNS TO FALL

White star mask with white enamel necklace, WEST, $96

ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

AH, SEPTEMBER. The transitional month in which choosing the right thing to wear is almost impossible.

Throw cozy sweaters onto warm-weather favorites: summer whites with an ivory cardigan (make your whites tonal so you don't look like a snowflake), striped cashmere on pink shorts, and a MoCA Westport tee with fun shorts and fur-lined Birkenstocks.

Going out? Maybe, maybe not. Best to be prepared. Extend the wearing of spring and summer

Bird print cotton mask, Stephen Kempson London, $25

dresses with a cardigan (don't be a slave to the tie-waist) and boots. Find a fabulous consignment skirt and couple it with a couture mask, crystal earrings, and a simple white blouse.

38

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

Enamel stack rings, JL Rocks, $475/ea.

Glitter chain anklet, Eleven11Box.com, $30

Front seam clogs, SvenClogs.com, $240 Nina high-rise ankle flare, Rag-bone.com, $195

DAYTIME

Izipizi D sunglasses, Lou & Grey, $50

White + Warren Essentials cashmere sweater, Fred Sip & Shop, $320

BDG high-waisted mom short, Urban Outfitters, $54

Vince open front wool-blend cardigan, NordstromRack.com, $149.97

AqC “Rocky” short, WEST, $299

Arizona shearling lined Birkenstocks, Saks.com, $150

Artist T-shirt designed by Helmut Lang in support of MoCA Westport, MoCA Westport, $45

Rainbow mask with beaded necklace, WEST, $70

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

39

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

GOING OUT Tie-waist cardigan, Theory, $415 Cebille Drop Earrings, Anthropologie, $128

Ulla Johnson dress, WEST, $695

Vegan cavalier boot, free people, $90

Washable silk mask, KESNYC.com, $80 (pack of 5)

Cotton classic-fit boy shirt in cotton poplin, J. Crew, $69.50

Crystal earrings, Fred Sip & Shop, $315 Attico skirt, Roundabout, $169

Compo Beach clutch, Savvy + Grace, $39.95

Pink Crystal mask, ChristianSiriano.com, $465

40

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

429 Post Road East, Westport 4 2 4 . 2 93 .76 6 3 W W W. AW E S O M E TOYS .C O M

Westport’s Local Toy Store WITH A HUGE SELECTION

SHOP ONLINE

SHOP BY PHONE OR FACETIME

WE OFFER CURBSIDE PICK UP FOR ANY SIZE PURCHASE OR FREE DELIVERY WITH A $25 MINIMUM PURCHASE.

C O M E P L AY W I T H U S !

We have a friendly knowledgeable staff to help you with all your gift buying needs.

We open early and close late 7 days a week for your shopping convenience.

Free weekly events. Awesome cafe for coffee and free Wifi while your kids play!

TREND SETTER

IF YOU'RE IN THE CLOSET

ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG Nataliya Bryksa

MAKE IT A GOOD ONE

I’M SICK OF MY CLOSET. It’s too small.

I tried to complain to my kids about it, because it’s healthy to talk about our issues, but they had none of it. One even went so far as to suggest I throw out some clothes. To which I wanted to reply, “I’m putting gnats in your dinner.” But I didn’t because he kind of had a point and I wanted to focus my energy on shopping instead of children.

The fact is, my home has been built for about 90 years now and has never magically gotten any bigger to accommodate a larger closet. I’m stuck with the space I have, so I needed someone clever to maximize space.

42

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

Purses should be stored on flat shelves.

On a friend’s recommendation I contacted organization/ closet design expert Nataliya Bryksa. She and her husband, Nazar, own Closet Factory which custom-designs everything from bedroom closets to garage cabinetry and kitchen pantries. Which I’d also like help with, but I care more about clothes than driveway de-greaser and whatever else we’ve piled up in there over the years.

Nataliya designs all sorts of custom closets, including the gorgeous kind with carpeting, upholstered seating, designer fabrics and crystal knobs. You know—the kind in which you can spend an entire day and not get bored.

BUT BENEATH THE FANCY KNOBS AND ENVIABLE JEWELRY CASES ARE NATALIYA’S FIVE CLOSET MUST-HAVES: 1. Proper organizational system to keep the space from becoming a total mess (items piled up on the floor, etc) 2. A storage system deep enough so folded clothes don’t hang over the shelves 3. Shelves at the proper space to store items but not so high that stackable items pile up 4. Hanging bars high enough so that clothes don’t end up

+ Knitwear, including sweaters, tops, pants, skirts, and dresses, should usually be folded. + Garments made from stretchy materials like nylon or spandex should also be folded to help maintain their shape.

on the floor 5. Storage space for specific items to avoid having to jam them into a shelf If you want a fabulous new closet, Nataliya can work with

WHAT YOU SHOULD FOLD + Sweaters (especially heavy sweaters) + T-shirts

you to personalize shelving and storage in addition to dec-

+ Sweats/Athletic wear

orating. You’ll end up with something from the Beverly Hills

+ Undergarments

Real Housewives if you want it.

+ Knitwear

However, her site also contains DIY organizing tricks*, which I found helpful, even though my eyes kept wandering to a nearby blog entry, “5 Steps to Building a Mini-bar.” Puh.

WHAT YOU SHOULD HANG + Pants + Dresses

THE FOLLOWING TIPS ARE FROM CLOSETFACTORY.COM

+ Suits

Fold or Hang? Storing Clothes to Maintain Longevity:

+ Skirts

+ Shirts and blouses made of linen, rayon, or 100% cotton

+ Button-down shirts and blouses

should be hung and will remain almost wrinkle-free. + Silks and satin, as well as delicate fabrics that crush easily such as velvet, raw silk, chiffon, and taffeta, should be hung on padded hangers.

+ Blazers + Formal wear + Overcoats/Outerwear CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

43

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED) Beautiful closet with a custom accessories "island".

44

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

18 years strong and I still

COLOR CODE YOUR WARDROBE: Color coding makes it simple to find the

Love What I Do!

clothes you’re looking for, coordinate your outfits, and create an order to your hanging and folded clothing that is deeply pleasing to the eye.

There’s also another great reason to color

then

code your closet: to find out if you need another black skirt.

Without your clothing sorted by type and color, you can’t effectively see the black skirts you own, so you probably think “yes” and go buy a new one. However, if all eight

&

now

of your black skirts are placed together, you might think again. In fact, colored coded wardrobe storage tends to save people money by easily seeing what is in their closet and how it can be paired with other items.

NO WIRE HANGERS! Wire hangers can really damage your clothes. They are flimsy and can stretch the clothes, leaving marks on the shoulders.

They also collapse/bow under the weight of heavier garments causing the clothes to hang at funny angles.

STORING PURSES: The best place for purses is flat shelves.

You don’t want the shelves too deep as the space behind the bags will be wasted. The

The Real Estate Market is HOT & Needs MORE Inventory!

Buyer demand is high, interest rates are at historic lows, and inventory is low. This creates a flurry of movement around the available homes on the market.

Higher demand means that homes are receiving multiple offers and many are selling for over the asking price.

Don’t miss your chance to sell during one of the hottest market surges ever!

Contact me today for a private consultation!

shelves for the bags should be customized to the size of the different bags for easy reach and viewing. Also consider adding a door to prevent the bags from getting dusty.

Another recommendation is to put dividers between bags so they stay separated and can’t fall to the side.

ClosetFactory.com nataliya.bryksa@closetfactory.com

203.216.1287 mindy.wolkstein@raveis.com mindywolkstein.raveis.com 47 Riverside Avenue | Westport, CT 06880 CityLifestyle.com/Westport

45

CAREGIVERS ARE OUR HEROES Our caregivers are working on the front line during this pandemic to keep your loved ones safe at home.

At Sheraton, we continue to provide around-the-clock caregivers, virtual therapy, 24-hour nursing support, and same-day caregiver placement.

Licensed, Insured & Bonded | HCA #0001288 256 Post Road East, Suite 204, Westport, CT 06880 203-221-0221 | info@sheraton.care | www.sheraton.care

Call us 24/7

203-221-0221 WANT A BETTER PHYSIQUE? Sculpt long, lean muscles, and never plateau. Our signature barre method has been perfected for over a decade so you can see radical results, fast.

First 2 classes free! Email:

westport@physique57.com

and mention Westport Lifestyle for your discount code!

623 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880 www.physique57.com 46

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

Bedford Square, 30 Elm Street, Westport

203 644 3510

benzanhomes.com

Private 3.69 acre Riverfront Estate | Westport | $4,795,000

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

47

TRAVEL DESTINATION

Brian Kelly is the founder and CEO of The Points Guy (TPG), the leading voice in loyalty programs, points, miles, credit cards and travel. He has grown TPG to be a powerhouse travel and lifestyle media platform that reaches over 10 million unique monthly visitors around the world. For more travel tips visit thepointsguy.com Brian Kelly aka The Points Guy

The Best Way to Travel IF YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL.

ARTICLE BRIAN KELLY, CEO & FOUNDER, THE POINTS GUY

48

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

SINCE

MID-MARCH,

WE’VE

BEEN

FORCED TO DRAMATICALLY CHANGE OUR LIVES. We’re home more than ever, large gatherings are cancelled, and worldwide travel is at an all time low.

At Westport Lifestyle we typically love featuring luxurious travel destinations for our readers to explore. We certainly miss traveling and bet you do too!

So, what happens if you must get on a plane? We weren’t sure, so we reached out to Brian Kelly, aka The Points Guy, to give us his best suggestions on tourism in the new normal.

HERE ARE BRIAN’S TIPS: + Taking the first flight of the day has always been a good tip to avoid delays, but now its even more recommended since overnight airlines have more time to clean planes vs during the day on quick turnarounds. + Download your hotel and airline mobile apps to avoid interacting with people. Many hotels now let you use your phone to unlock your room so you stay safe and save time. + Expect limited amenities. Hotels and airports will have limited food services, lounges and fitness centers are still closed or have limited hours, so be prepared for a different life on the road and plan accordingly - bring your own snacks and drinks, even in business or first class.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

49

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

+ Check your itineraries a day prior (or more) to departure. Airlines are changing flight times and aircraft types. Some are better than others at alerting you of these changes, but make sure you check seat assignments as they have been changing a lot. We recommend window seats towards the front of the plane for least exposure potential (and book on airlines like Delta and Southwest who have committed to only selling 60% of their planes for the time being). + Make sure you’ve signed up for any promotions from your credit cards and loyalty programs. There’s lots of bonus offers for traveling right now (like double miles from American Airlines), so don’t forget to bank even more miles and points than before.

BETTER TOGETHER westport

southport

203.557.4789

203.292.8543

203.557.4789 @blowdry_sw blowdrysouthport.com

50

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

t s r i f r u o Y on us! class is

Under New Ownership!

SMA LL SOCIA LLY DISTA NCED CL AS S E S T EXT “ WEST P ORT LIF ESTYLE ” TO 203-293- 86 5 8 TO B OOK YOUR CL AS S

380 Post Road East, Westport, CT • therowhouse.com

Custom Tailor and Shirtmaker #WESTPORTSTRONG WE ARE OPEN AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING NEW AND FAMILIAR FACES. 5 Post Road West, Westport CT | 203.557.6644 | stephenkempson.com CityLifestyle.com/Westport

51

OF WE S T P OR T, C T

DANCING IS BACK! REGISTR ATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR OUR CHILDREN’S FALL DANCE PROGR AM. DANCE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITH THE BEST DANCE TEACHERS.

Open to Adults, Kids and Tots in Group Classes, Private Lessons, Livestream Classes Available Director Enrique Alarcon | (203) 341-8900 | 222 Post Rd. West TheDanceCollective | thedancecollectivect.com

Distinctive Fine Art from France

Westport River Gallery One Riverside Ave, Westport 203.226.6934 WestportRiverGallery.com 52

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

bedford square, westport

whipsalon.com

N�� ��R��N� T��S��Y�- ��T��D�� 4:3��T��9:0��P� 9��P��T��O�� �.

W��T��R� 2��.5��.6��8

Justin Charise, CFP® Comprehensive Financial Planning Wealth Management | Tax Strategies Insurance | Retirement and Estate Planning

saugatuck-financial.com 203.221.5275 | 274 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT All investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect againstloss. Saugatuck Financial is a marketing name for Justin Charise and is not a broker-dealer, registered investment advisor, federal savings bank, subsidiary or other corporate affiliate of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company including its subsidiaries, nor is it a legal partnership or entity. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM), and its subsidiaries. Charise is a representative of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, NMWMC Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and limited purpose federal savings bank, and registered representatives of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (securities), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. All NMWMC products and services are offered only by properly credentialed representatives who operate from agency offices of NMWMC.

@D �� M��O� � S��O��.C ��

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

53

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Modern Dermatology on Post Road.

(Photo: Brooke Alison Photography)

A C O O L WAY T O J U M P S TA R T Y O U R E XERCISE ROUTINE KICK B*TT BY NOT DOING MUCH OF ANYTHING

I

DID

THAT

QUARANTINE

THING

WHERE YOU BARELY EXERCISE AND YOU SURVIVE ON THE NUTRIENTS IN SHELF-STABLE CARBS. So when quarantine lightened up I was left with all of that magic. You know how it is: snug waistbands, jiggling stuff, “bloat” that turns out to be fat.

The idea of exercise became Sisyphean, like shoveling water out of Saugatuck River or cutting the Longshore greens with cuticle scissors. I’d have to exercise for weeks, months, before seeing any changes!

I needed a jumpstart, an incentive to leap back into my exercise routine. So I visited board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rhonda Klein MD, MPH, FAAD at Modern Dermatology on Post Road (in their beautiful new office) for six 30-minute sessions of Emsculpt.

54

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

Dr. Deanne Robinson and Dr. Rhonda Klein of Modern Dermatology.

(Photo: Julia D'Agostino)

Dr. Klein securing an Emsculpt paddle onto a patient's stomach.

(Photo: Brooke Alison Photography)

ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG Emsculpt is the procedure that tones and tightens stomachs and booties while the patient lies down and reads a book. The results are purportedly equivalent to 20,000 squats or 20,000 crunches without soreness. In my case, I received the equivalent of 20,000 squats.

How does Emsculpt work? Dr. Klein or an assistant places two large paddles attached to a freestanding machine on your tummy or posterior then straps them into place with a large velcro band. She turns on the machine and slowly increases the strength from around 40% to 100% depending on your comfort level.

According

to

ModernDermCT.com,

“Emsculpt

uses non-invasive HIFEM® (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology (to induce) powerful muscle contractions not achievable through voluntary contractions, these are called supramaximal contractions. These contractions activate deep remodeling of the muscle’s inner structure resulting in an average increase of 16% in muscle mass.”

I felt a series of hard-ish taps, then vibration, then an involuntary muscle clench which made me laugh out loud.

At 40% it almost tickles, at 100% it’s like a deep tissue massage. Never painful, but kind of odd. Granted, I’ve had two C-sections and ACL surgery so I scoff at pain from cosmetic treatments. But I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t hurt most people.

I started on a Friday afternoon and felt a difference as early as the next day. Then I did Tuesday and Thursday sessions for two weeks and then a final touch-up session two months later.

I write this at the “peak” of my results and I’m SO glad I did it. My clothes fit better and my you-know-what is as toned as it was during my boot-camp days. I’m back to exercising and patiently waiting for the technology in which it tones one’s entire body.

It’s not cheap, but if you factor in the number of boutique exercise classes one would have to sweat through to achieve the same results, it’s not so bad. Plus, you can comfortably wear your Covid mask the entire time.

CityLifestyle.com/Westport

55

Welcome To Our New Downtown Merchants

56

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

architectural design custom homes . remodeling www.westportbuilder.com

203.227.1055

EXPERIENCED. OBJECTIVE. PASSIONATE. 1265 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 203-429-0450 clapboardhill.com Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, DBA Clapboard Hill Private Wealth.

The things you love, LOCAL. Shop SAVVYANDGRACEWESTPORT.COM SAVVY+GRACE your “LOCAL DEPARTMENT STORE”. GIFT BASKETS: Corporate ∙ Birthday ∙ Baby ∙ Hers & His. Savvyandgracewestport.com «

B@savvyandgrace V @savvyandgracewestport CityLifestyle.com/Westport

57

LOCALS ONLY

Mask

Fa b u l o u s EVERYONE'S NEW MUST-HAVE ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

"CHOOSE YOUR SELF-PRESENTATIONS CAREFULLY, FOR WHAT STARTS OUT AS A MASK MAY BECOME YOUR FACE." - Erving Goffman Who'd have thought we'd be showcasing masks this season? Not us. Not anyone. But we have to wear them, so wear them well. Choose them wisely. And shop local. Oh, and make sure the mask you wear is fully-lined and medically safe.

1. Mask by Stephen Kempson, $25, StephenKempson.com | 2. Crystal embellished masks at West, $20/ea., West2Westport.com | 3. Sulu Collection custom mask, with Ellen Gang Design Studio, SuluCollection.com | 4. Custom mask by artist Kris Toohey

5. Printed masks created by Michele Cosentino | 6. Custom tie-dye bandana mask. 5 Kids + Dyeing. Order via instagram @5kidsanddyeing | 7.

Printed mask by Ellen Gang Design Studio | 8. Westport printed mask, lindsey-p, RedBubble.com, $12.49

9. Custom-knit masks, lined, Yarn Bomber, @yarnbalmer | 10. Westport Map mask, Savvy + Grace, $21.99 | 11. Printed cotton masks by Westport Masks, WestportMasks@yahoo.com, $15 ea

58

Westport Lifestyle | September 2020

INTRODUCING THE NEW LAND ROVER DEFENDER

MSRP FROM $49,900* The Land Rover Defender story began with the simple thought of creating an exceptionally capable off-road vehicle. Today, the story continues with the New Land Rover Defender. While it builds on the legacy of previous versions, it’s a completely new vehicle. As the toughest and most advanced Land Rover vehicle ever produced, it can confidently take you to some of the most remote places on earth—and back again. Put the New Land Rover Defender to the test at your Land Rover Retailer.

Land Rover Fairfield One Commerce Drive, Fairfield, CT 06825 203.874.8500 Landroverfairfield.com

Vehicle shown: 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 with optional equipment. *Price shown is Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for 2020, Land Rover, Defender 110 Standard. Excludes $1,025 destination/ handling, tax, title, license, retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your participating Land Rover Retailer for complete details, visit LANDROVERUSA.COM or call 1-800-FIND-4WD / 1-800-346-3493. © 2020 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC