













Welcome to the Style Issue : our annual celebration of the people, places, and creative spirit that make Milford not just a scenic shoreline town, but a stylish one, too.
Style, as we’ve come to understand it, is about far more than what we wear. It’s how we live, what we choose to surround ourselves with, and how we express ourselves to the world. In this issue, we’ve set out to spotlight the individuals and businesses shaping Milford’s unique aesthetic – from personal fashion to interior spaces.
We start with someone who turns heads wherever he goes. Unofficially dubbed Milford’s Best Dressed Man, Raheem Nelson is the marketing director for the MAC and local creator with an eye for bold details and a philosophy rooted in self-expression. His interview reveals how clothing can be both armor and art, and how style isn’t always about following trends but about telling a story.
We also sit down with a local artist whose work blends technique, intuition, and community connection. She opens up about her creative process, the inspiration she draws from everyday life, and the projects she’s most excited to share. Her perspective reminds us that style isn’t static, but evolves just like we do.
To round it out, we showcase the custom-made bespoke furniture available at Inside Living Style right here in Milford, where the mother-daughter team curates one-of-a-kind statement pieces for your space. And finally, we interview a New York City-based stylist on tips and tricks for staying current, taking risks, and leaning in to your personal aesthetic.
Milford has always had charm – coastal views, historic streets, and a close-knit community – but what we’ve discovered through creating this issue is how deeply creativity runs through our town. It’s in the clothing choices that make us feel most ourselves, in the art that challenges and moves us, and in the spaces we create to call home.
We hope this issue inspires you to celebrate your own style, whatever that means for you.
MARK ARNOLD, PUBLISHER @MILFORDCITYLIFESTYLE
September 2025
PUBLISHER
Mark Arnold | mark.arnold@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Chelsea Spata | chelsea.spata@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jonna Capone | jonna.capone@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mark Arnold | mark.arnold@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kristina Foreman, Julian Saria
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jimmy ienner Jr., Kristina Foreman, Amy Vischio
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
What’s New in Our Weight Loss Apothecary?
The Alchemista at Milford Med Spa Turningtheordinaryintogold–inhealth,beauty, and self.
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Mayor G. proclaims July 7, 2025 Scoopy Doo's Ice Cream Day, marking their 25th anniversary 2: Linda Wilson, Barb Zink, and Attorney John Mager pose for photo at a recent event 3: Friends enjoy a stroll on a beautiful summer day 4: Kathleen Kennedy presents Jeff Mariam with official citation at Genesis Grand Opening 5: Genesis of Milford owner, Jeff Miriam, poses with his mother, wife, and three sons 6: Natalie and Brian Scherbaum and Ozzy attend dog adoption event at Downtown Milford Farmer's Market 7: Photographer Jimmy ienner Jr. checks lighting levels at Rachel Hellerich photoshoot
IMPORTANT PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE
High Field (Wider Opening) MRI
Body MRI Screening (No Radiation)
CT Scan (Computed Axial Tomography)
Ultrasound - Diagnostic and Ultrasound Guided Procedures
DEXA Scan (Dual Energy Absorptiometry - Bone Densitometry) 2D and 3D Mammography
CAT Scan Coronary Calcium ScoreDiagnostic X-Ray Studies
Online Reports and Online ImagesArthrogramsSteroid Joint Injections
MR Arthrography
Epidural Steroid Injections
of milford/west haven
The Lovet Shop is a charming ecofriendly women’s boutique nestled along the harborwalk at 22 Broad Street. This cozy downtown spot showcases thoughtfully curated clothing and accessories from sustainable small designers, including tops, dresses, handbags, jewelry, candles, and selfcare treats. Known for its warm owner and unique, quality pieces across varied price points, it’s a go-to for stylesavvy shoppers seeking ethical fashion in a welcoming, stylish atmosphere.
The House of Brides is a premier bridal salon located at 236 Boston Post Road. Open seven days a week, it offers an extensive selection of wedding dresses, evening gowns, and formalwear for brides, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride or groom. With on-site alterations and accessory options— from veils to tiaras—and a personal stylist approach, it delivers an upscale, appointment-driven experience, making every step of your wedding journey feel curated and elegant.
Founded in 1902 by Jacobi Press at Yale, J. Press in New Haven remains the original home of classic Ivy League menswear. Located at 262 Elm Street, this storied haberdashery offers its timeless three-button sack jackets, rep-stripe ties, Oxford shirts, Shetland sweaters, and made-tomeasure tailoring—all crafted with meticulous American craftsmanship. Beloved by generations from campus to boardroom, it’s a pillar of heritage style, embodying enduring quality and preppy elegance.
Orthodontist Since 1968
Our focus is always on you and your smile
Dr. Gary Opin and Dr. Perry Opin understand that changing a person’s smile can change a person’s life. Throughout your entire orthodontic experience, they will be attentive to your comfort, will listen to and respect your treatment goals and concerns, and partner with you to achieve a lifetime of smiles. At Opin Wide Orthodontics, our doctors develop lasting relationships with our patients and their families, while providing a superior level of care to create healthy, engaging smiles. For over 55 years, we have been leveraging state-of-the-art treatments to provide our patients with highly individualized, effective care.
We are seated at a round modern dining table in the sunroom adjoining Rachel Hellerich’s kitchen. The room is a testament to color and minimalism: blue penny tile flooring complements original warm wood paneling on the ceiling. The four chairs are an electric lime green, and, along with the white table, are the only pieces of furniture in the space. Rachel sits across from me dressed simply in all black. A mixture of mid-century and contemporary style, the bright and colorful palette of the room contrasts starkly with Rachel’s dark clothing and hair. Her subtle lipstick offers up a flash of unexpected red.
With her eyes narrowed and her hands suspended around her coffee cup – like a potter at the wheel –she tells me:
“I love to touch art.”
She is, presumably, talking about her day job as a senior museum preparator at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven. But her statement immediately reminds me that the way we often encounter art – from behind glass barriers and stanchions in museums – belies the reality that art is tangible, laborious, and made rather than simply generated . Tactility and process come to shape our entire conversation.
Born into a family of artists, Rachel’s creative path was in many ways pre-paved. She attended Southern State Connecticut University before pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has worked at Yale for 20 years and has lived in Milford since 2008. In 2019, she and her husband Mark Tsang purchased a “modest mid-century ranch” by the water and renovated it into a stunning contemporary space, complete with a custom spiral wooden staircase that leads guests to the lower level – Rachel’s studio.
Influenced by the Op-Art and Precisionist movements of the 20th century, Rachel’s work delights in exactness, geometry, and what she describes as “a mix of color and restraint inspired by East Asian Art.” She smiles wryly when I ask a question to which I already know the answer – Do you gravitate toward particular colors? – and tells me, “Obviously I love blues, greens, purples – taking beach walks along the Milford shore has made a huge impact on my color preferences.”
“I like to represent things seen in a flash... like if you see a cool pattern on someone’s garment as you pass them on the street, or even a single part of a vivid dream you can’t quite remember in its entirety.”
I ask Rachel how she would describe her work, and like the focused but abstract nature of her paintings, she rattles off a series of descriptors: patterns, textiles, movement, dreams – “I like to represent things seen in a flash,” she muses, “like if you see a cool pattern on someone’s garment as you pass them on the street, or even a single part of a vivid dream you can’t quite remember in its entirety.”
Rachel reviews finished pieces to inform an upcoming painting.
Rachel surprises me by sharing that she often returns to her earlier work with newfound inspiration and fervor. I note that most writers revisit their previous writing with nothing but shame and embarrassment. “Trust me,” she laughs, “I feel plenty of that too. But looking at past work can often inspire new directions. It’s like reverse muscle memory.”
Because her work often incorporates patterns and repetition, Rachel begins every piece by sketching a grid on canvas. “The math and measuring portion can take a few days,” she notes, emphasizing the precision inherent to her process. She uses acrylic and flashe paint – a vinyl-based medium with an opaque, matte finish – along with metallic paint for contrast and luminosity. “Because of the blending I do, many would expect me to use oil paint,” she explains. “But I tend to lean on my work quite a bit; I need something that is fast-drying so my arm won’t disrupt it.” For the second time in my conversation with Rachel, I’m reminded that the artistic process is a physical one.
Rachel tells me earnestly that at least once a year, a painting simply “doesn’t work out.” When I press her to explain what she means, she casts her eyes to the ceiling and searches for the right words. “The original intention wasn’t there…it just didn’t live up to what I thought it would be,” she says. But her tone is far from
aggrieved. In fact, she perks up as she tells me that it’s good to have pieces that don’t work out, because “it means you’re trying new things.”
That is precisely Rachel’s advice for other aspiring artists: “Try several different forms of art before you decide on your preferred medium. I experimented with all kinds of media as a student before I settled on painting. In retrospect, I needed those experiences to make the work I do now.” Of equal value, she notes, is a network of artist friends from whom you can seek advice and input.
Rachel continues to be deeply involved in various artistic communities. She recently began sharing her work internationally, working with La Mancha, a gallery in Lima, Peru. Her work has been featured most recently at the Glass House Summer Party in New Canaan, and at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford. She plans to host an open studio in the coming months for friends, collectors, and community members.
“Art is how I’ve always been able to connect with others,” she says. “The act of making things in the physical world is becoming less and less common. I think what I do inspires and gives people ideas about how they may want to be creative.”
rachelhellerich.com
@rachelhellerich @modestmidcenturyranch
arciuolos.com | 203-877-7463 74 S Broad St, Milford, CT06460 recently expanded! recently expanded!
Celebrating two years of building community, sharing passions, and creating art We recently expanded our retail shop and are taking custom orders! With classes, workshops, lessons, paint your own ceramics, private events, parties, and memberships, we have something for everyone! It’s never too soon to start, but one day it will be too late...come down and grow yourself!
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS | APPAREL
Arciuolo’s is proud to be the oldest and most established shoe store in Connecticut. We offer intangibles that other stores cannot match: tradition, a century of experience, and quality care and attention to every customer, every time.
Location:
A
ARTICLE BY JULIAN SARIA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIMMY IENNER JR.
For Milford-based artist Raheem Nelson, fashion isn’t just about looking good, it’s about storytelling. As a digital illustrator, cartoonist, and creator deeply embedded in the Milford arts community, Raheem views personal style as another canvas for self-expression. He dresses with intention, drawing from the same creative instincts he uses to craft his vibrant digital illustrations.
Raheem’s artistic journey began early, sketching cartoons at the age of seven before progressing into oil painting and ultimately finding his true calling in digital art. His distinctive, colorful artwork has made him a familiar face around town, especially through his involvement with the Milford Arts Council (MAC). But perhaps equally recognizable is his meticulous sense of personal style, which blends influences from different eras and creative media, earning him the unofficial moniker of “Milford’s Best Dressed Man.”
“My style is inspired by art, film, and television,” Raheem shares. “I typically pull ideas from classic formal menswear of the 1960s and ’70s, mixed with the casual, street-inspired aesthetics of the early 2000s.” His wardrobe strikes a careful balance between sharp tailoring and laid-back sophistication, influenced heavily by television shows like Mad Men , White Collar, and Suits. Books like We Are Dandy and Austin Kleon’s Steal Like An Artist provide daily inspiration, keeping his approach to fashion fresh and creatively stimulating.
But Raheem’s style isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s deeply connected to his confidence as an artist. He’s cultivated the art of dressing well for over fifteen years, understanding how the right outfit can elevate both mood and mindset. “There’s an artistry and sophistication that comes from dressing sharply. When I put on a suit, I feel powerful, ready for anything,” Raheem explains. He vividly recalls meeting art clients in New York City who were initially surprised to see a creative professional arrive fully suited. “Everything I wear is carefully chosen but feels effortless because I’ve practiced it so long,” he says. “It’s all about finding the right balance.”
Central to Raheem’s style is a love of experimentation, mirroring his approach to technology and digital tools in art. His willingness to embrace new methods artistically has translated directly to fashion, allowing him to comfortably shift between bold patterns, rich colors, and minimalist, monochrome looks. “I dress like I paint, sometimes bold, sometimes subtle, but always intentional,” he says.
CONTINUED >
One key piece in his current wardrobe perfectly captures his approach: a double-breasted navy pinstripe suit. “It’s incredibly formal, just a step down from a tuxedo,” Raheem points out. Reserved for important meetings or major artistic events, it’s a deliberate, attention-commanding choice. “People don’t typically expect artists to dress this formally. I enjoy challenging those expectations,” he adds.
Living and working in Milford also influences Raheem’s style evolution. His daily routine, whether organizing events at the Milford Arts Council or exploring downtown, requires versatile, practical outfits. Inspired by Milford’s coastal atmosphere, Raheem regularly incorporates nautical elements, such as fisherman sweaters and resort shirts. “Being near the water has inspired me to embrace styles that echo my surroundings,” he notes.
When asked about his ideal fashion collaboration, Raheem names AskOkey, a brand renowned for its bespoke and made-to-measure suits. He values their timeless approach, particularly the relaxed, classic silhouettes reminiscent of menswear from the 1920s through 1940s. “My aim is to invest in clothes that
withstand trends, becoming a permanent part of my wardrobe,” Raheem emphasizes.
For those building their own style, Raheem’s advice is both practical and encouraging. He recommends versatile basics: “Start with navy and charcoal suits, a blazer, and some staple shirts and ties. Thrifting or affordable brands like Zara can help you do this on a budget.” He stresses that style is accessible and varied: “There’s prep, streetwear, nautical – endless possibilities. But always prioritize fit. A good tailor, like Executive Cleaners here in Milford, can transform how your clothes look and feel.”
Ultimately, Raheem’s philosophy is clear: dress deliberately, experiment often, and let your clothing tell your story.
raheemnelson.com
@raheemnelsonart
Location: Founders House Pub & Patio and Milford Arts Council
Inside Living Style Crafts Handmade Furniture for Every Aesthetic
Ximena Cardentey never planned on becoming a furniture maker, but a challenging request to create a custom banquette for a restaurant sparked an unexpected passion. After mastering that initial project, she founded Inside Living Style, where each piece of furniture is carefully designed and handcrafted to reflect clients' personalities, spaces, and lifestyles.
Clients currently gravitate toward natural textures paired with modern simplicity, favoring luxurious yet durable performance fabrics, like bouclé and mohair. Ximena’s daughter, Denisse emphasizes timeless style, encouraging customers to choose pieces based on comfort and functionality. “Beautiful interiors start with how you live,” she advises. “Design isn’t about perfection, it’s about personality.” With personalized service and sustainable practices, Inside Living Style creates furniture meant to be lived in, loved, and passed down.
BY KRISTINA FOREMAN
When I encounter someone with an amazing personal style, I can’t help feeling intrigued by their journey to self-expression through clothing, personal grooming, and makeup. In a room full of people, it’s those with a distinctive look who truly stand out. Many of us draw inspiration from fashion editorials, celebrities donning designer pieces, and social media influencers showcasing their latest beauty looks. We might aspire to replicate the style of someone we admire, but the question remains: how do we develop our own?
“DEVELOPING YOUR STYLE IS ALL ABOUT AUTHENTICITY.
ASK YOURSELF: WHAT MAKES ME FEEL ALIVE? WHAT DO I WANT MY STYLE TO SAY ABOUT ME?”
Model: Eileen “EJ” Jaworowicz
Photography: Kristina Foreman
Makeup/Hair: Kristina Foreman
Location: Milford Train Station
Darshan Gress, a New York City and Los Angeles-based personal stylist who writes the weekly newsletter StyleD, shares: “I always remind clients that personal style doesn’t start in the stores, it starts in your closet. Take time to play dress-up with what you already have, experiment with unexpected combinations, and have fun rediscovering pieces you’ve overlooked. That’s where authentic style truly develops.”
This insight is invaluable. It reminds us that personal style isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about connecting with what resonates with you and expressing who you are.
In my own style journey, I’ve found downtown boutiques to be a treasure trove of unique pieces. These shops often have experienced owners who help you find items that truly work for you. It’s not just about “finding clothes” or “new makeup colors”—it’s about discovering what feels like you and having fun with it. Sometimes, it’s that one unique piece that speaks volumes and complements what you already own. Or maybe it’s a new lipstick shade or highlighter that brightens your look and boosts your confidence.
Developing your style is all about authenticity. Ask yourself: what makes me feel alive? What do I want my style to say about me?
In a world increasingly dominated by fast fashion and beauty trends, it’s important to remember that finding what’s truly you isn’t just about what’s popular—it’s about expressing who you are and what makes you feel confident. So, take a moment today to play with what you already own, and ask that boutique owner to help you discover the style that reflects the real you.
Kristina Foreman is a professional makeup artist and owner of MakeupMakeup.com.
Model: Eileen “EJ” Jaworowicz
Photo credits: Kristina Foreman
Makeup/hair: Kristina Foreman
Shoot location: Milford Train Station and Fort Trumbull Beach
Model: Eileen “EJ” Jaworowicz
Photography: Kristina Foreman
Makeup/Hair: Kristina Foreman
Location: Milford Train Station
INthis unexpected love affair, fashion and interiors are more than just a simple pairing—they are rooted in culture, creativity, and the human desire for self-expression.
As conscious consumers of the 21st century, participating in a retail landscape that is oversaturated and struggling to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the modern customer, our purchasing power should not only respond to a feeling of want but also prioritize items that reflect who we are and who we aspire to be. This is clearly visible through the representation of fashion and interiors.
Although we tend to consider cost-per-wear primarily when it comes to clothing, this same principle applies to furniture and the function it brings to the home. Aesthetics and functionality both play a role in this pairing, painting a picture for the rest of the world of who the wearer is and how they live in their space.
The woman who wears a blazer with sharp shoulders that makes her feel powerful in her everyday life—or the black dress that gives her a necessary boost of confidence—may naturally gravitate toward sleek, modern furniture that feels equally strong and elevates the space where the modern woman thrives.
In the same way, someone who prefers an effortless ensemble—like their favorite white T-shirt and comfortable denim jeans—may also look for home pieces that are functional and make their guests feel at ease. Even a handmade rug, one that sparks conversation about where it was found and adds a focal point to a room, mirrors how we search our closets for a sweater tied to a cherished memory.
Just as we carefully choose outfits to express ourselves, it’s equally important to ensure that our living spaces are designed
ARTICLE BY TYLER AMADEUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIEN KING AND ALEC WALWORTH
with the same intention. More than ever, modern buyers are making purchasing decisions based on personal morals and values, forming a new wave of consumers who seek products that are both high-quality and environmentally or socially conscious, whether for themselves or their homes.
The following imagery affirms that living a timeless lifestyle across all aspects of life is possible through the thoughtful styling of sustainable clothing and vintage furniture. As the modern retail landscape continues to evolve, it’s become increasingly vital to make conscious consumer choices—ones that allow us to express our truest selves through both our wardrobes and the places we call home.
Gather. Relax. Connect.
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ART DIRECTION
Amy Appleton
STYLING
Tyler Amadeus
MODELS
Amy Appleton and Elena Weber
884 Boston Post Rd, Milford, CT 06460
Chiropractic Care for Kids of All Ages
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thebehaviorcorner.org (475) 414-8084 | 4 Oxford Rd, Milford, CT 06460
This data is a sampling of sold properties from June 1, 2025 through July 21, 2025. Source: Smart MLS/Connect MLS.
FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH - 27TH
Antigone:
Milford Arts Council | 7:30 PM
Join the Eastbound Theatre for Jean Anouilh’s powerful adaptation of Sophocles’ classic tragedy. The play sets a fierce clash between conscience and tyranny in the context of Nazi-occupied France. Written by Jean Anouilh, inspired by Sophocles’ original; Directed by Mark Frattarolli. Tickets $32 in advance, $40 at door, $5 children under 17.
SEPTEMBER 13TH
Milford Performance Center, 53 W Main St. | 7:30 PM
Enjoy a spectacular tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire at the Milford Performance Center. This immersive show features electrifying vocals, tight horn sections, vibrant choreography, and dazzling psychedelic visuals that recreate the golden era of funk and soul.
A soul-stirring experience that brings the magic of EWF’s iconic sound to life. Doors open 6:30 PM.
SEPTEMBER 17TH
Tyde at Walnut Beach | 5:30 PM
A networking event for all women — entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and content creators. Connect with rising talent and experienced leaders offering guidance and opportunities. Perfect for those starting out or looking to give back. Plus, your ticket includes a professional headshot session!
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?