Our September issue is always a favorite of mine to plan. The theme is dedicated to fashion and style, and for someone who likes to be creative, self-expression using style choices through genres such as fashion or interior design is something I enjoy. In my opinion, choosing your style should be a reflection of what makes you feel comfortable and reflects your personality. If it makes you feel happy, wear it regardless of what the current trend says. I love dresses. I have always worn them almost on a daily basis. Perhaps the choice stems from the fact that I attended a catholic school for 12 years, and so I grew accustomed to wearing a uniform skirt every day. However, I think for me it just makes me feel comfortable and reflects my feminine, free-spirited personality. I think it is important to wear what you love and not what experts say you should wear. I love the color yellow, but old fashion rules of the past have suggested that blondes shouldn’t wear yellow. I don’t really care because the color makes me feel happy. And as some of those old rules are a thing of the past such as what colors should be worn with different skin tones and hair colors or the inability to wear white after labor day, fashion now tends to be more reflective of what makes you feel like you are showing your true self.
For our fashion issue, I enlisted the help of local stylist, Amani Skalacki. I have worked with her for many years, and she not only is a genius with her shoot concepts and fashion sense, but she is a huge advocate for wearing what makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. She knows the newest trends, is a true professional in every sense of the word, knows high fashion and what to pair with what, but she also appreciates a great Target or Amazon find. For those of you who are older than 40, you will understand this reference, but I call her MacGyver. She can literally create absolutely anything out of what seems like nothing and does it so effortlessly. (I have seen her create a one of a kind stunning centerpiece for a table out of what looked like scraps.) But my favorite thing about watching her work is how much passion and heart she puts into everything she does. She styled and created the concept for both our styled fashion shoots this month titled, The Little Black Dress and Fall Fashion. She found some great local fall pieces that not only boast the latest fashion trends, but that supports small local businesses in our city. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did putting it together for you. Happy fall!
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Allison Swan, Judy Goppert, Lisa Moyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITOR @LEAWOODCITYLIFESTYLE
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 Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
BioBalance Health’s goal is to bring women and men back to vibrant health. Aging begins in the fourth decade and coincides with the loss of testosterone production. Testosterone deficiency results in loss of libido, fatigue, depression, weight gain, and the beginning of the diseases of aging, like diabetes and high cholesterol. BioBalance stops aging where it starts, by replacing testosterone with the most physiologic method of T replacement, bioidentical hormone pellets.
We will help you look and feel younger! 816.753.6552
“ DataMap is a technology and consulting company. We maximize the return on our customers’ cloud investments. We spent a lot of time finding a space that would fulfill our company needs. We fell in love with the Aspiria NOW space almost immediately. It has an incredible technology infrastructure, ergonomic workstations and collaborative meeting spaces. We have a passion for wellness and health, so having access to the state-of-the-art fitness center was also important in our decision to move here.
Lenny Lee President and CEO DataMap LLC
Elevate your next meal with hand-crafted comfort foods made with a modern twist. Discover a new level of taste.
Scan To Book Today
This show is becoming the most anticipated style event held twice a year. Clothology:135 carefully selects looks that appeal to many ages and body types. Our mission is to present fashion that encourages you to find your own personal style. It is held at The Venue in Leawood. More information about this event can be found in store, facebook, and instagram.
in business. “I feel incredibly grateful to have been able to open in the midst of a pandemic and to now celebrate two locations and three years in business. We have such incredible clients and community.” said owner, Joni Johnson. To celebrate they are hosting a weekend of trunk shows, mystery gift cards and special events starting September 7-10th at both their Fairway and Leawood locations.
Scan to read more.
Enjoy fall brewfest fun at the Arboretum with samplings from dozens of local and regional breweries and restaurants. Celebrate the season with live music, dancing, games and activities, and access to the beautiful gardens and nature trails the entire day of the event. For more information or to reserve your tickets visit opkansas.org/events/ botanical-brewfest/
Scan to read more.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Leawood
For two decades, Rajeunir Medical Spa has proudly provided the most advanced, minimally invasive, and result-oriented medical aesthetic treatments, all while delivering exceptional care that stands as a testament to their expertise
Derived from the French word "rejuvenate," the name Rajeunir Medical Spa reflects their commitment to revitalization Administering over a million noninvasive cosmetic treatments, they showcase both expertise and outstanding customer care As the Midwest Premier Medical Spa, their dedication to surpassing patient expectations remains unwavering.
Guided by board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr Spencer Eagan, Rajeunir Medical Spa consistently introduces research-backed industry trends Their versatile portfolio of advanced, minimally invasive treatments provides premier medical aesthetics, yielding transformative outcomes.
Marking their 20th year in business, Rajeunir expresses gratitude to all who've been part of their journey –patients, team members, and the community. As they embrace the future, they continue to shape the wellness landscape, one radiant individual at a time
The best in fashion for the fall 2023 season includes all things comfortable, classic and sleek with a feminine twist. We are no longer bound by shapes that constrict the body but instead will see oversized suits, wide leg pants, longer roomier jackets and coats paired with feminine details. It’s all about fabrics that feel good and move with you.
| IMAGE 1
Alysa Rene- Blouse with embroidered floral details, wide leg pant, pendant necklace, hoop earrings
| IMAGE 2
Alysa Rene- Jacket with fringe, matte sequin top, patchwork denim jeans, earrings and necklace
| IMAGE 3
Gown Gallery- Sequin evening gown, floral chandelier earrings
| IMAGE 4
Clairvaux- Pleated dress
| IMAGE 5
Clairvaux- Dress, long plaid jacket
| IMAGE 6
LadyCo- Oversized denim jacket, tie dye print maxi dress, pendant necklace
| IMAGE 7
Alysa Rene- Floral maxi dress, kimono with embroidered details
| IMAGE 8
Alysa Rene- Jacket with fringe, matte sequin top, patchwork denim jeans, earrings and necklace
| IMAGE 9 Clairvaux- Blouse, pant
| IMAGE 10 Clairvaux- Jacket, dress, earrings
| IMAGE 11 Gown Gallery- Tulle evening gown, rhinestone choker, headpiece
| IMAGE 12
LadyCo- Oversized denim jacket, tie dye print maxi dress, pendant necklace
|
IMAGE 16
Clairvaux- Dress, long plaid jacket
IMAGE 17
|
Gown Gallery- Tulle evening gown, rhinestone choker, headpiece
SHOOT CREDITS:
|
Stylist: Amani Skalaki
Hair: Maddie
Makeup: Caro Benetiz
Location: Blackfeather Farmhouse
Model: Lily Johnson with Voices &
As a 44 year old with chronic health issues, mom of three kids under the age of 10, wife of 20 years, and owner of my advanced medical practice, I know the benefits of self care to keep me at my best.
I believe in treating the whole person to stay in optimal health!
Inside and out, you are worth the investment in YOURSELF.
Wellness | Aesthetics | Balance
That is our focus everyday at aNu. Let us help you wake up to aNu YOU!
Multiple locations in KC to serve you!
Office: 816-359-3310
www.anuaesthetics.com
CRISTYN WATKINS, MD Founder, CEO & Medical Director Aesthetic Master Injector Functional Wellness Physician and National Trainer for Regenerative Medicine
I
two decades of experience, they make sure to offer exceptional and personalized treatments, guaranteeing satisfactory and high-quality results with the best products and techniques, offering a space of tranquility.
Beauty has no language. It is an art. That is how this talented artist feels about her craft.
Originally from Paraguay, Caro Benitez ran her studio there for years, then moved to Kansas to raise her family and continue her career as a makeup artist working with major brands, including Dior.
“I had the opportunity to participate in fashion week in Paris, New York and Miami,” she explained. “In 2022 I was hired to do makeup for the Grammy Awards where my client was the winner of one of the most important awards. Thanks to that opportunity, I was hired for the documentary filmed in Miami at the beginning of the year, which won the award for best documentary in Los Angeles.”
Her studio provides a luxurious experience. She and her staff meticulously take care of each client’s needs both in the realm of skin care and makeup services. With more than
Allie Jasminski, esthetician and makeup artist, is the expert at our spa services, offering treatments for acne, hydration and packages specially designed for brides, always taking relaxation into account through the practice of European massages and lifting techniques.
“We have the Advanced Facial Treatment, which is a comprehensive service that adapts to your individual needs. There is no ‘one size fits all’ in skin care,” she smiled. “Each treatment is a unique experience.”
They provide makeup services for various social occasions, but bridal makeup is their specialty. They take pride in offering a personalized experience to ensure each bride looks radiant on her special day.
“In addition, we have a self-makeup class service, where our clients learn to enhance their features and master techniques such as smokey eyes, eyeliner, contour, etc.,” she continued.
In August, she traveled to a destination wedding in Florence, Italy, where she had the opportunity to discover and embrace new makeup trends and European fashion. She brought a new chic, edgy twist to their makeup services.
She enjoys destination weddings and has learned through experience, so she can safely say that she can foresee and solve anything that comes up.
For the upcoming fall season, she sees bold, strong lips in burgundy tones and dark colors trending, paired with radiant, luminous skin.
“As for eyes, we are seeing an interesting trend called ‘Grunge Meets Glam,’ a bold and dark eyeliner smoothly blended for a natural look with a 2000’s feel. Another more natural, fresh trend arriving from It Girl Sofia Richie is ‘latte makeup,’ which focuses on flawlessly radiant, natural-looking skin, complemented by a subtle brown-toned smokey eye,” she related. “I’m excited to share all these makeup innovations with my clients and offer them versatile and modern options to enhance their beauty for any occasion.”
She advises not to be afraid to experiment, continuing, “Makeup is ageless. It is something that is constantly changing, and often we find our comfort zone and do not want to leave it. It’s so much fun to learn new techniques and find things you love.”
Caro Benitez Makeup Studio is located at 6910 W. 83rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas. Call 913562-4870 and visit carobenitezmakeupstudio. com , and Instagram @carobenitezn.
With a passion for curating a collection of beautiful artwork in their Downtown Overland Park gallery, Prairiebrooke has built the reputation as a go-to source for art and custom framing for residential and corporate clients. The gallery represents a variety of artwork, from abstract, representational, photography and landscape. They exclusively represent all of their artists in the Kansas City area.
“It’s always a special thing to see how our clients emotionally connect to Kansas Prairie-inspired artwork,” says owner Megan Hoban. “People love the Flint Hills, and collecting art that captures its essence creates a window into our treasured landscape. Every artist interprets the majestic skies and landscape from a different lens. The varied perspective changes with the light, angle, weather and mood. Our clients enjoy those unique perspectives and stunning colors our artists create in their works.”
Enjoy a glimpse into the “Window into the Flint Hills” through the eyes and brushstrokes of five Prairiebrooke artists.
Kim Casebeer was born and raised in Kansas on a family farm. As part of a fourth-generation farm family, she has been connected to the land for a long time. Kim lives in Kansas and draws her inspiration from the Flint Hills.
“It’s a simple landscape,” says Casebeer. “You have to spend some time and let it speak to you. I think the simplicity of the Kansas landscape has helped me find the essence of other places. I’m able to focus on what’s important in a composition.”
Cristine Sundquist is originally from St. Louis and has studied drawing, painting, and photography since the age of 12. Her appreciation for the uniqueness of people, as well as landscapes, is conveyed in each portrait or landscape painting. She has a constant fascination with solving the problems of light, composition and color in each painting and drawing endeavor. Each year she has participated in invitational shows, including 30 Women Artists Paint Kansas at the Coutts Museum and often has worked in the auction at Symphony in the Flint Hills.
Nathan Novack is a native to the extreme corner of the Midwest where he grew up with his parents and 13 siblings. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science in Education from Fort Hays State University, Nathan entered the art education world. He has taught at the high school and middle school levels for 16 years. Intrigued by the untapped talent of students, Nathan believes that there is art for everyone.
“Within the location, I can confidently say that I’m truly compelled by the array of variously composed visions,” says Novack. “The borders of the states seem to not be enough to justify the lines of differences among us, nor our lifestyles. Instead, the terrain with all its variables helps dignify my creative endeavors. Through these observations, there is an artistic compassion, an inspiration within that revolves into a conceptual display resolved onto the surface. These include the agricultural structures of the Midwest—they all share a relevance that magnifies from my perspective, embedded as a oneness to their surroundings. With encounters, I want to articulate the majestic beauty that is naturally integrated.”
Kelly Yarbrough is an artist based in Manhattan, Kansas. Her practice is rooted in an ecosystem that includes mixed media drawing, arts administration and creating meaningful opportunities for humans to engage with their environment. She enjoys unexpected collaborations, transdisciplinary conversations and continual learning.
“You have to spend some time and let it speak to you. I think the simplicity of the Kansas landscape has helped me find the essence of other places. I’m able to focus on what’s important in a composition.”Artist, Cris Sundquist Artist, Kelly Yarbrough
“My work is rooted in the prairie ecosystem and presents views of place through an ever-expanding library of my lived experiences,” says Yarbrough. “The tallgrass prairie is called the most altered landscape on the planet, yet grasslands tell incredible stories of human history and their re-establishment can offer hope for the future of life in the Great Plains. I want to contribute to the growing body of knowledge and research seeking hopeful solutions to issues of the climate crisis and rural depopulation in the places I call home.”
Allan Chow has built a daring body of work for nearly two decades. Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Chow’s creative journey began when he moved to the States as a teenager. Inspired by his Malaysian and American culture, Chow’s natural instincts as a painter are manifested through his exuberant colors, bold paint strokes and irresistible textures that set him apart from his peers and made his paintings one of the most preferred and collected in the country today. Chow paints with a palette knife, applying thick impasto in brilliant colors found only in dreams.
His emotions and passions pour through his spontaneous yet controlled brushstrokes, creating a three dimensional experience for his audiences. His sophisticated style and obvious passion for painting have helped him establish a global following. Chow’s original paintings belong to prestigious Kansas City-area collections such as H&R Block, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas
City Royals, BKD, Lewis, Rice and Fingersh Law Firm, Overland Park Convention Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Russell Stover Candies and the Kauffman Foundation. Prairiebrooke is located at 7900 Santa Fe Drive in Overland Park. Stop by the gallery to see more of their work in person, or visit pbarts.com .
My Home Contemporary Furniture is dedicated to bringing you the best in modern design.
“We are proud to be the largest contemporary store in the area,” says Owner Henrik Svendsen. “We are rooted in Scandinavian design and stock pieces from Italy, Denmark, Norway, Thailand, Mexico and, of course, right here in the U.S.”
Henrik has more than 20 years of experience in the retail space and is focused on serving customers far beyond the metro area.
“We’re proud to have the opportunity to fill a large gap in the contemporary home furnishings market. Not only in the Kansas City metro, but in the entire Midwest,” Henrik says. “We’re dedicated to serving residents from all neighboring states and beyond.”
Located off I-35 in Merriam, My Home boasts a 35,000-sq.ft. showroom, providing beautiful, quality contemporary furniture from their large in-stock selections along with special-order custom pieces.
“We have everything from $100 dining chairs to a $30,000 reclining leather
sectional,” Henrik says. “Our large selection of furniture can be delivered within 24 hours in many cases.”
Along with in-store shopping, self pickup and delivery, My Contemporary Home also offers interior design services.
“We have an experienced, attentive, friendly, non-pressure sales staff,” Henrik says. “Our interior designers can provide you digital 3-D renderings to help with furniture selection during pre-construction or remodel. We partner with you through all stages of the decision-making process to ensure a seamless buying experience.”
The sleek, mid-century store offers sofas, sectionals, chairs, swivel recliners, tables, desks, accessories, artwork and much more from brands including Alf, American Leather, Fjords and Stressless.
“Our best-sellers are our leather recliners from Norway by the brand Stressless by Ekrones. We have the largest selection of these sought-after recliners, which are endorsed by the American Chiropractors Association,” he says.
With 5-star online reviews for service, selection, and customer satisfaction, My Contemporary Home is establishing its name in the marketplace. The store offers convenient hours for dropping by to shop at the one-of-a-kind showroom.
“We scour the globe for the exceptional and the innovative, to handpick the very best in modern and contemporary design, from leading design houses to emerging designers alike.” — My Contemporary Home
FOR MORE INFO VISIT: myhomecontemporaryfurniture.com info@myhomecontemporaryfurniture.com 913.912.1026
VISIT THE SHOWROOM AT: 5400 Antioch Drive, Merriam KS 66202
SHOWROOM HOURS:
Open weekdays noon - 7 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sundays noon - 5 p.m.
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.
OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.
“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.
MEET THE OWNERS OF PARKWAY REAL ESTATE: Patty Parsons & Alexis Mirakian.
As Kansas City’s go-to boutique real estate agency, our 21 experienced Realtors help home buyers and sellers navigate their next big step. We couldn’t be prouder.
913-283-7907 // www.parkwayre.com 8201 Mission Rd, Suite 104, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208 V @theparkwayre
New windows and doors can bring natural outdoor beauty and light in to enrich life.
ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONESNo matter what the age of your home, or if you are currently building a new house, Daniel Lee, General Manager/Owner of Windura, can point you in the right direction. A sweeping trend he is currently seeing is that folks are changing their space to create a seamless transition between inside and outside spaces. The Leawood family he recently worked with removed four big 16 x 72 high windows and replaced them with a huge 16-foot door, so they can now walk seamlessly from their kitchen area right into their outdoor space.
Homeowner Kristen Albert commented, “Since we have added these doors, we feel like we have doubled our space to hang out, whether it’s inside or out. We keep the doors open most of the time and the dogs absolutely love it too!”
Bringing in light warms the atmosphere while the upgraded glass keeps heat and cold out. Lee expressed. “Ever since COVID, folks are creating work-from-home spaces either upstairs or in a basement they didn’t use creating a bright studio or web conference space that is an enjoyable location for them. We can cut a hole in a room, put in a new window…just let your imagination run and do all sorts of fun things!” Replacing windows also eliminates wood rot and protects and sound proofs the home which makes your space peaceful and brighter.
Lee studied Finance at North Carolina State University and later earned his M.B.A. at Rockhurst University. He spent his career creating, developing and leading teams and departments for Fortune 500 companies.
He thrives working with a close-knit team and hearing feedback directly from customers. “In 2020, I decided I wanted to do something on my own so researched the right business that fit my experience and expertise in the finance and insurance sector,” he explained. “I was not looking at construction per se but was more interested in delivering a service through people. My history has been in hiring insurance claims- and salespeople to go out and deliver. Insurance is really an invisible product. I found Windura because our work is done through execution of process, customer service and responsiveness, which was the differentiator that pulled me in.” It just so happened to be Windura! He explained that they are somewhat unique in that they are a direct dealer for Marvin and Provia brand windows, which are top vinyl and fiberglass companies.
Windura serves the mid to upper end segments of the window replacement market and are a combination of dealer and installer. “Some big franchise companies just do installation or sales. Small local guys like us are pretty rare. The installation is where we really set ourselves apart in that we always use our own employees versus subcontractors,” he continued. “You can’t control the process or experience with subs. Our customers hire us because we offer FGIA (Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance) certified installers, which is the highest level of training in the industry. They show up every day.”
Initially, they sit down and listen and learn what a customer’s needs are. What colors they want, and what they are trying to achieve. Then, a recommendation is made on styles. This package of three things, people, product and process ensures they are accountable and follow through with constant communication. “We are a local company, so we are fast responders. Most of our customers are long-term repeat customers. When you think about replacing doors and windows it can be a big pill to swallow. We suggest ‘biting off’ just the windows and doors causing problems,” he added. “For example, owners of a 30- year-old-home may call us every two years or so to fix certain problems that come up, which creates repeat relationships. They then share their positive experiences with friends and neighbors who may have the same problems. That makes our business run.” Another thing? “We offer a happiness guarantee! That’s our installation warranty. We want you to be happy with your purchase. Our end goal is to help you be more comfortable while living better in your personal space,” he concluded.
