STYLE + BEAUTY FALL FASHION PREVIEW
HOME + DESIGN PRESENTING HOMES WITH COMFORT AND STYLE
A NIGHT AT THE FLOOR STORE
September is here, and with it comes new school schedules, new wardrobes, and those last few pool parties, picnics, and Labor Day. Summer doesn’t feel quite gone yet, but Fall is making an entrance with some changes in the colors around us and a slight drop in temperatures- well, maybe it’ll be a little cooler, at least.
September is a month filled with the hope of fall coming along. As a kid, it’s also when we celebrated my grandmother’s birthday in spirit, if not with her. As a young adult, September also meant the return to a new college year’s semester, campus organizations and events, and my fraternity brothers. We were always in style and ready for whatever challenge came along. With that being said, we welcome you to the 2023 Style Issue!
From styles in fashion to home decor with comfort and flair to luminous outdoor lighting for your home and fantastic flooring options and stellar experiences, we hope you’ll sit back and enjoy this issue-we loved curating it for you!
Please don’t hesitate to share what you’re reading with others- we love connections and crave your feedback and involvement with us as we seek to highlight how the village of Midlothian’s unique style has attracted new people, businesses, and growth like never before. We’re so grateful to be a part of it!
The best is yet to come,
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Joanna Tannenbaum
joanna.tannenbaum@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Steven Casupanan steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com
Ashley Sill | ashley.sill@citylifestyle.com
Jamie Aguilar | jamie.aguilar@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS
Naylor Taliafierro | lcrmediallc@gmail.com
Matt Polson | matt@thevideodepartmentrva.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Ashley Jefferson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nia Negrette Photography, Philip Andrews Photography
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 Eva Tucker
AARON SWART, PUBLISHER@MIDLOTHIANLIFESTYLE
We invite you to explore, create, and experience the arts!
cook county bluegrass
saturday, 9/16, 7:30 p.m.
In the Summer of 1998, Tony Cook crossed paths with Will Perkinson at a weekly bluegrass jam. After adding a bass and banjo, Cook County Bluegrass was born. For the next several years the group honed their skills playing shows in and around Richmond. In 2000, they released the CD “Blue Sky Town”, a combination of first-rate originals and some of the classics.
In 2002, they began performing as a trio until December of 2020 when Danny Hughes, a well known bluegrass man, joined the band as the new bass player. In the fall of 2022, they took the band to the next level with the addition of legendary banjo player and songwriter extraordinaire Malcolm Pulley Jr.
For the past twenty five years, Cook County Bluegrass has been providing good time bluegrass music to the Richmond area and beyond and they show no signs of stopping now!
Memorial day
featuring work from the center street cotton collective september 16–november 5
Ten quilters were invited to participate in a textile exhibit chronicling what war has meant to us over the past 110 or so years.
Each artist in the group was challenged to make five distinct pieces responding to each of the five prompts “World War I,” “World War II,” “The Korean War,” “The Vietnam War,” and “The War on Terror.” On exhibit will be pieces made using traditional piecing style, with many combinations of techniques.
The hope is to show the diversity of understanding, personal reactions, and reflections about war when ten fiber artists respond to the same artistic brief. The result, which will be seen hanging on the walls, is representative of how we can all see the same thing in an entirely unique dimension. 5 wars, 10 artists, 50 quilts. Sadly war always seems to be a current event.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @midlothianlifestyle
A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Chesterfield County has earned recognition for the 14th consecutive year as a top performer amongst the nation’s counties, earning 4th place in the 2023 Digital Counties Survey conducted by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. This is Chesterfield's eighth consecutive year in the top five. Chesterfield continuously provides innovative, safe, and efficient technology-enabled services through an enhanced digital security infrastructure.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
Chesterfield County recently received a $3.6 million planning grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program to develop improvement plans for the Hopkins Road/ Chippenham Parkway interchange area and accommodations for bike, pedestrian, and micro transit options in the area.
Ashley Jefferson of Very Ashley in Stony Point Fashion Park recently expanded her business, opening a second location at the River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg, VA, on August 1st. Very Ashley carries a collection of trendy, feminine clothing and accessories. shopveryashley.com
Scan to read more.
Real Estate has been a passion of mine for 23 years. I am experienced in working with buyers and sellers. Working with buyers to achieve their dream has been both rewarding and satisfying throughout my years in the business. I guide both experienced and first-time home buyers with ease Sellers have always been pleased with my ability to market, stage and organize their house to get it sold fast!!
I was born in NC and have lived in VA since 2008 I have been married for 17 years and have a 12 year old daughter. I am also a mom to 2 fur babies a Golden Retriever and German Sheppard. I call Midlothian home but very much love serving clients in downtown RVA, Henrico, Hanover and surrounding counties. I adore the ocean and bea ch atmosphere
When I am not selling homes I am spending time on the coast and gardening
Phone: 804-833-7749
greerjones@srmfre.com
www.greerjonesproperties.com
Photography by Nia Negrette Photography
The best places and things to do in our area.
BY JOANNA TANNENBAUMEveryone loves a closet refresh and stylish scene, so we’ve rounded up some of our picks for the most sophisticated and fashionable destinations that will have you feeling renewed as well as ready for the camera.
NIA NEGRETTE PHOTOGRAPHY: Book a photo session with a local photographer for your family or with your significant other. 2119 Bremo Road, Richmond
VERY ASHLEY: Pick up the perfect new dress for date night at Very Ashley. 9200 Stony Point Parkway, Unit #133, Richmond
OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES RICHMOND: Enhance your outdoor living spaces with stylish outdoor lighting. 1937 Limbeck Lane, Midlothian
SOUTHERN SUN LANDSCAPING: Transform your yard into a work of art with Southern Sun Landscaping. 5213 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville
SAGE AND VINE AESTHETICS: Enhance your natural beauty with an eyelash lift or brow tinting provided by a skilled Sage and Vine aesthetics professional. 2003 Huguenot Road, Suite 104, North Chesterfield
Scan
MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR
Joanna TannenbaumJoanna Tannenbaum has a Master’s Degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Professional Writing from New York Institute of Technology. She currently works as the editor for Midlothian Lifestyle and Short Pump City Lifestyle magazines. She was born and raised on Long Island, NY, and relocated to Chesterfield County eleven years ago with her husband Brian. They have two daughters, Avery and Addison, and two beagles, Molly and Finn. Joanna enjoys reading, writing, kickboxing, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with her family.
Be NOW HIRING NEW DOCTORS
patient needs.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES ILLUMINATES RICHMOND AREA HOMES WITH HANDCRAFTED AND STYLISH LIGHTING
Although the crisp weather is approaching, September is still a great time to gather and entertain outdoors in Virginia. As the sun goes down, the perfect outdoor lighting is needed to create a welcoming space and brighten backyards for an upscale yet cozy look. If you want to upgrade your outdoor living areas with a luminous glow, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives in Richmond transforms your property into a sophisticated scene with superior design, installation, and continued services.
As Richmond's premier outdoor and landscape lighting specialists, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives delivers a classy touch to any home or commercial property with handmade fixtures that enhance beauty, curb appeal, and functionality. Bring your home's appearance to life at night with custom-designed landscape, LED, and architectural lighting that fits your exact property and operative needs. From string and globe lights strung across patios, lawns, and trees to outdoor wall, deck, and patio lighting, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives fashions the perfect outdoor ambiance for you and your guests.
To schedule a free outdoor lighting consultation or nighttime landscape lighting demonstration, visit: outdoorlights.com
Our
Ensure
Schedule
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY JEFFERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIA NEGRETTE PHOTOGRAPHY
The fall/winter 2023 runways are filled with striking trends that blend the fashion classics with contemporary flair. From the timeless allure of leather to the airy comfort of mesh, this season's trends are all about embracing boldness while staying true to sophistication. Let's break down the season's top five trends, all available now at Very Ashley!
1.
Leather is BACK! This versatile material dominates the runways, from sleek leather jackets to tailored trousers, skirts, and even dresses. Designers have taken the classic leather look to new heights by experimenting with colors, textures, and silhouettes. You can never go wrong with a black leather skirt, like the Pleats & Leather Midi Skirt from Very Ashley ($69.99). It's the most timeless piece and will always stay in style. We also have a leather corset top designed by Aishae Couture ($208), which pushes the trend forward with a super low neckline and reptile print. Perfect for a special evening out on the town.
2.
Mesh fabrics have emerged as a surprising yet delightful fall/winter 2023 trend. Delicate and translucent, these see-through materials add an element of intrigue and sensuality to any outfit. The Pants of Pearls and Blazer Set ($139) at Very Ashley is the perfect look for such a trend. The mesh pants are embellished with delicate pearls, and the blazer jacket elevates the sultry look with a more sophisticated vibe.
As the temperature drops, fashion enthusiasts can wrap themselves in the comforting warmth of oversize outerwear. One popular trend is the Teddy Coat. Throw this over your shoulders, and you'll feel the warmth of a life-size teddy bear on your shoulders. The Bundle Up Teddy Coat by Talia Addie is available now at Very Ashley for just $190! The milk chocolate coat will help keep the winter chill at bay while remaining on-trend.
Bold, passionate, and unapologetically attention-grabbing, red is prevalent in the fall/winter 2023 palette. From head-totoe crimson ensembles to accent pieces that demand attention, red exudes confidence and power. The Red Wrap Blazer Dress ($145) is a cute red dress, perfect for cocktail hour, date night, or any place where being fashionable is preferred.
Browse Very Ashley’s curated collection of trendy, feminine clothing and accessories at shopveryashley.com or the following locations:
VERY ASHLEY
Stony Point Fashion Park
9200 Stony Point Parkway, #133 Richmond, VA 23235
River Ridge Mall
3405 Candlers Mountain Road
Lynchburg, VA 24502
LUXURIOUS LEATHER ALLURING MESH AND TIMELESS BLAZERS 3. OVERSIZED AND COZY OUTERWEAR 4. RAVISHING Opposite page: Ashley Jefferson Top left: The Pants of Pearls and Blazer Set Top middle: A leather corset top designed by Aishae Couture and The Red Wrap Blazer Dress
The Floor Store in North Chesterfield Provides a Tour of its Expansive and Stylish Showroom to Midlothian Lifestyle Staff and Partners
The Floor Store in North Chesterfield recently hosted an exclusive showroom tour for Midlothian Lifestyle staff and partners. The event was fun, informative, and enlightening, with Sales Manager Angela Kidwell and Sales Representative Elijah Velazquez as the personable and knowledgeable tour guides. Before setting off to explore the showroom, guests enjoyed a private wine-tasting experience with Jana Powell of All About The Grapes.
Angela and Elijah walked guests through each row of eye-pleasing, in-stock flooring such as laminate, luxury vinyl, hardwood, and tile. While guests browsed the aisles asking questions, they learned that laminate flooring has the look of hardwood or natural stone at a much lower price; luxury vinyl flooring is CONTINUED
steady, low-maintenance, and has the genuine appearance of hardwood or tiles; hardwood is stylish, durable, and increases the value of a home; and engineered wood is more beneficial than hardwood in Virginia due to its less than 1% expansion rate which holds up well in an ever-changing climate.
While walking through the showroom, Angela explained The Floor Store's realtor program, which gives partnered realtors and their clients top priority on installation and measure times. Tour guests Katie Zacherle, mortgage advisor and strategist, and realtor Alan King were especially intrigued with the program. Making their way through the rows, the group happened upon one of the most impressive displays, The Floor Store's stair system. Retro treads made from natural wood can be installed over plywood steps, instantly transforming a staircase's material, look, and style.
Before wrapping up the event for the evening, guests marveled at the gorgeous tile displays, bathroom displays created to help customers and contractors visualize their projects, a "contractors' room" set up for contractors to research more economically priced products, and last, area rugs and carpets. At the tour's close, Angela explained how The Floor Store incorporates three entities: The Floor Store retail, The Floor Store commercial, and The Floor Store contractor. Whatever their flooring needs may be, customers can rest easy knowing Angela, Elijah, and the rest of The Floor Store team are here from beginning to end with expert knowledge and guidance.
To learn more about The Floor Store or to schedule a complimentary in-home estimate, visit: thefloorstorerva.com
“We are Richmond’s largest stocking dealer. We try to keep as much flooring in stock as possible because we want our customers to come in and take it themselves.”
– Angela Kidwell, Sales Manager at The Floor Store
“Thank you, Elijah, for great customer service from beginning to end. I had LVP installed in my downstairs living room, two bedrooms, and a small hallway. The installers were on time, very friendly, and answered all my questions. I also had carpet installed in my loft and stairs. My floors look amazing! Elijah, I will recommend you and The Floor Store to all!” - Ingrid
Christian
“I recently visited The Floor Store and must say they have excellent customer service. The sales manager Angela was very professional, knowledgeable, and personable. She made the experience easy and the atmosphere very comfortable. I absolutely recommend this business to anyone looking for flooring products.” -Angel
Colgrove
“Amazing products, great customer service, and professional installers! I have recommended The Floor Store to many friends and family members. They did a great job!”
- Jacob Howard(Alan) went well above and beyond–shattering our real estate service expectations. Had we not engaged Alan and Larry King to sell our home, I never would have known how pleasant, knowledgeable, accessible, and responsible a real estate team could be. In our 15+ real estate transaction experience, this tandem’s ability to effectively deliver blows the doors off all the other big name real estate agencies we have used. Alan and Larry’s size and creativity enables them to excel and add value where others fail. We are fortunate to count ourselves among the hundred(s) of unbiased satisfied client reviewers. Well done gentlemen!
Vance and Lee
Rosemont Subdivision
ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP ANDREWS PHOTOGRAPHY
Greer Jones is not just an expert real estate agent; she has quite a knack for staging and decorating homes to help home sellers prepare their spaces for potential buyers. “Staging is a way to show potential buyers the function of a room, particularly one that is oddly shaped or lacks windows,” Greer explains. “I prefer a home to feel cozy rather than too staged. People do not live in a staged home but in their own comfort.” Greer says the best rooms to stage are kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, primary bedrooms, and bathrooms, and empty and decluttered rooms are easiest to work with.
The most critical element of a home staging project is showing function, like how many seating areas one room can have. A home stager must show buyers all the possibilities one place can have. Greer also loves decorating homes, which is slightly different from staging. “Decorating is using a preferred color scheme
chosen by a homeowner and accessorized with a client’s personal touch,” Greer says. When decorating a room, light plays an important role. Since paint looks very different in different lighting, how much natural sunlight or added light in a space helps determine the perfect paint color.
Greer’s decorating style is a combination of coastal chic and antique. “I am from the coast, so the colors, fabrics, and accessories are throughout my home; it brings me joy.” Some of the latest trends in interior design are artsy lighting fixtures, mixing patterns, and accent walls, and trying to keep up with trends can be very costly. Because some items and styles never go out of style, Greers says, “Be creative and decorate with what you are comfortable with, not just what’s in trend.”
To contact Greer Jones, please email her at greerjones@srmfre.com or call (804) 833-7749
Real Estate has been Greer Jones’ passion for almost 22 years. She opened Greer Jones Real Properties to make a difference, devoted to making the home buying and selling process more exciting than stressful for her clients. Greer has experience working in several real estate divisions, including commercial property management, historic homes, foreclosures, renovations, and coastal properties. Most recently, she joined Shaheen, Ruth, Martin, and Fonville Real Estate as an Associate Broker.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Flowers After 5: The Original Elbe-Musikanten German Band
LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN | 5:00 PM
Relax and enjoy the sounds of The Original Elbe-Musikanten German Band, playing traditional style German, Austrian, Czech, and Slovak music (polkas, marches, and waltzes). Admission to this event is regular garden admission. Purchase tickets online or on-site at the Guest Services desk. Till 9:00 p.m. lewisginter.org
SEPTEMBER 8TH
Gallery 5 Presents an Incanto Evening of Music
LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN | 6:00 PM
Enjoy live music from Jonathan Brown, Chris and Trey of Dharma Bombs, and The Sweet Potatoes while exploring the various crafty vendors selected by Richmond Moon Market. Presented by Gallery 5. Till 9:00 p.m. allevents.in
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Gin Blossoms and Sugar
Ray with Tonic and Fastball
RIVER CITY SPORTSPLEX | 6:00 PM
Relive the 90s by listening to some of the decade's most famous artists at the Chesterfield After Hours Concert series - Gin Blossoms, Sugar Ray, Tonic, and Fastball. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase from $31 - $198 at etix.com .
866-657-7477
SEPTEMBER 9TH
First Saturdays in the Garden - Building Soils
EXTENSION DEMONSTRATION
GARDEN | 10:00 AM
Join the Chesterfield Master Gardeners at First Saturdays in the Gardens, where you can learn about seeding, small-space gardening, watering techniques, and more. September 9th highlights building soils. Till 11:00 a.m. chesterfield.gov
SEPTEMBER 10TH
Family Fun Creative Canvas - Grandparents Day
ART FACTORY PLAY CAFE AND PARTY PLACE | 1:00 PM
Celebrate Grandparents Day by painting side by side with your grandchild. Starting with a blank canvas, an instructor will walk you step by step through the featured painting offering guidance along the way. $20 per painter includes one canvas, painting supplies, an apron to protect your clothing and instruction. This class is open to adults and kids ages 5+. Till 2:00 p.m. artfactoryva.com
SEPTEMBER 14TH
THE MEADOW EVENT PARK | 7:00 PM
Savor the last days of summer by witnessing the summer sounds and vibes of the iconic Beach Boys at the After Hours Concert series at The Meadow Event Park. Tickets are available for purchase on etix.com .
SEPTEMBER 16TH
Richmond Taco, Beer, Tequila Festival
MONROE PARK - VCU
CAMPUS | 11:00 AM
Join Richmond for its biggest Taco Festival featuring 15+ taco vendors, margarita bars, tequila, and churros. There will also be live music and entertainment. All ages are welcome, but you must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Till 5:00 p.m. Purchase tickets at allevents.in
EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 25TH
BRANDERMILL COUNTRY CLUB
| 9:00 AM
Join Boys to Men Mentoring for their 10th annual golf tournament at the Brandermill Country Club. Enjoy terrific food and 18 holes of fun and prizes to benefit Boys to Men Mentoring. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with a continental breakfast, driving range, and putting green. The tournament starts at 10:00 a.m. Till 5:00 p.m. allevents.in
SEPTEMBER 29TH
Nest Academy RVA 3rd Annual Gold Fundraiser
HUNTING HAWK GOLF CLUB |
12:00 PM
Join Nest Academy for its 3rd annual golf tournament. Tee time starts at 1:00 p.m. $125 per player, $500 per team. The tournament includes 18 holes, a box lunch, range balls, and contests, ending with a dinner, raffle, and awards ceremony. Proceeds benefit Nest Academy, an organization that supports inspirational social and learning environments for young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. nestacademyrva.org
OCTOBER 27TH-29TH
Yoga Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains
WALDEN HALL
Join Guiding Tree Yoga for a weekend retreat at Walden Hall by Lightwell in Reva, VA. Rest and relax with Reiki, Yoga, and Community on the property’s 10 acres with luxury accommodations. There are various pricing options from $500 - $1200 per person depending on the level of privacy you desire and whether you are traveling with a friend or partner. Please email Caleighyoga@ gmail.com to inquire. guidingtreeyoga.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
When it comes to decorating your home, carpet is a great way to add a touch of style and comfort. To help you make the correct decision, visit The
