Mount Clemens, MI September 2025 by City Lifestyle

Dressed to Express!

Style is so much more than what we wear—it’s how we express ourselves, how we shape first impressions, and how we show up for ourselves and in the world.

In this month’s STYLE issue, we’re celebrating the many ways personal style sparks connection, confidence, and creativity. I open this issue with a piece drawn from my own journey—Style Sparks Change—a playful but personal look at how fashion helped me rediscover my identity, stop playing small, and embrace reinvention with open arms.

Next, we take you inside one truly spectacular celebration—Bringing Fancy Back—a Gatsby-themed wedding that transformed The Emerald Theatre into a 1920s dreamscape. AJ Palucki-Moore and her husband Dave radiated vintage glamor, proving that style is just as much about storytelling as it is sparkle.

Want to create something striking and stylish with your own hands? DIY Duotone Earrings offers a simple guide to making bold, geometric earrings that elevate any outfit with personality and pop.

And for the design-lovers, we’ve curated a list of conversation-starting coffee table books in Objects d’Art—perfect for pairing with your home aesthetic or gifting to your most stylish friend.

Finally, sip something as fabulous as you look: this month’s Cocktail Club pick is the HAKU Lychee Martini—light, floral, and just the right amount of fancy.

Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, decorating your home, or simply looking for a spark of inspiration, we hope this issue encourages you to lean into your own intentional sense of style—whatever that looks like for you.

Here’s to living life boldly, beautifully, and unapologetically in STYLE.

Cheers!

September 2025

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marshall Zweig, Kimberly Janowicz, Nicolette Martin, Beth Del Ville

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mike Staff Productions, Nicolette Martin, Life N Light

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

WHERE STYLE MEETS LIFESTYLE

City loft, lakefront retreat, or secluded farmhouse—whatever your dream, Kristie Lohmann will help you find a home that reflects your style. With a sharp eye and deep knowledge of Macomb County and its neighboring communities, Kristie brings both taste and tenacity to every search.

SEPTEMBER 2025

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The Nest hosted Little Shop of Lily Rae, creating custom sequin-appliqué tees for football fans. 2: Girl Day Event: The Nest featured permanent jewelry with Manuela, Nicole Koziarz, and Jodi C. 3: Makenzie Mason and Laura Schaefer enjoyed boutique hopping during Girl Day in The Clem event. 4: Clementine’s Pastries served refreshing mocktails—perfect for cooling off on a warm summer Girl Day! 5: Spotted at Max & Ollie’s during Girl Day: Vera Wang pink zebra heels—Carrie Bradshaw vibes! 6: Elizabeth Ropp shops The Bohemian Goat, searching for the perfect treasure to take home. 7: Capture A Moment Photography opened their studio for a Girl Day selfie station—memories made instantly!

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Host a private spa party where wellness meets celebration in a serene, salt-infused setting. Enjoy a relaxing Salt Therapy session, a Mimosa Bar, cozy robes, and time to sip, socialize, and shop our boutique—perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or a girls’ day out.

SALTSPASCS.COM | (586) 488-1276 | 45923 HAYES, SHELBY TWP (HAYES + NORTH OF HALL)

Anna Bulszewicz Named Regina High School President

Regina High School alumna Anna Bulszewicz (’03) will begin her term as president on Jan. 1, 2026. A former award-winning journalist and executive producer, she currently serves as broadcast journalism director at St. Bonaventure University. Bulszewicz brings deep leadership experience and a bold vision for Regina’s mission, engagement, and long-term strategy—further strengthening the school’s legacy as a leader in Catholic, all-girls education.

Photography by Regina High School

Leadership as VP of Advancement

Regina High School welcomes back alumna Emily Radatz (’01) as Vice President of Advancement. With over a decade of experience in Catholic development, Radatz will lead fundraising, donor relations, and alumni engagement. She will also work closely with St. Mary Catholic School in Mount Clemens, a key academic partner. Radatz holds degrees in business and English from Madonna University and previously served in Regina’s advancement office.

Your home. Our support.

Cellar 59 Wine Bar Launches Book Club with “Cork Dork”

Join Cellar 59 for the debut of their new Book Club on September 30, 7–9 PM!

Bianca Bosker’s Cork Dork is a witty, deep dive into the fascinating culture of wine and elite sommeliers. Also available on Audible, this fun, flavorful read offers an insider’s look at a world few get to taste. Enjoy a glass of wine, lively conversation, and a small plate for $20. Limited seating. Call (586) 2280010 to reserve your spot today!

Getting a mortgage is easier with the right partner. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying your first home or have done it before. First State Bank is here to support you throughout the process. We offer loan solutions that fit your needs, and our expert lenders will be by your side every step of the way.

From application to closing, First State Bank delivers competitive rates, great service, and a smooth mortgage experience. If you’re looking to buy or build a new home, we’re here for you. Give us a call today to get prequalified or to start your application!

Getting prequalified:

• Lets you know what you can afford

• Shows sellers that you’re serious

• May allow you to close faster!

Before you start house shopping, give us a call!

Want to be featured?

Photography by Penguin Books

Photography by Regina High School

STYL E S PARKS CHANGE

A PLAYFUL, POWERFUL GUIDE TO USING FASHION AS FUEL FOR REINVENTION AND SELF-WORTH

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY JANOWICZ

WHO ARE YOU DRESSING AS?

Each morning, your closet quietly asks: Who are you choosing to be today? The woman who hides, doubts, shrinks? Or the woman who expands, who dares, who delights in herself?

This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about asking, “Am I dressing for the most joyous, expansive, life-loving version of me?” (Shoutout to life coach Tonya Leigh for that gem!)

Style is not shallow—it’s strategy. It’s not the cost or the brand, it’s the energy behind your choice.

MY WAKE-UP CALL

Before I launched my business, I was stuck in a style rut. My uniform? Black t-shirt, stretch jeans, sensible shoes, messy hair bun. It was comfortable—but it was also camouflage. The stretch jeans let me ignore the weight gain. The outfit let me blend in. I looked in the mirror and barely recognized myself. I felt like one of the guys. I had lost my spark.

Starting my own company became my invitation to remember who I was. Not overnight, but in baby steps: a new pair of earrings, a cute dress, a bag I forgot I loved. I shopped my closet and found… me.

IT’S NOT THE LABEL

There was a time I leaned into designer labels to “look the part.” But I’ve learned this truth: spending money doesn’t make you worthy.

Style isn’t about price. It’s about presence. I now choose pieces that are high quality, but not high ego. Clothes that say: I’m feminine, intentional, joyful—and I value substance over status.

ARE YOU DRESSING FOR THE JOB OF YOUR LIFE?

We all have days where we live in pajamas or stretched-out sweatpants, telling ourselves, “I’m too busy,” or “Life is too hard.” But that’s when we need self-care the most.

Waiting to buy clothes until you lose weight? Guilty. But delaying joy until “someday” delays transformation. You don’t wait for the glow-up. You dress for it. Every baby step becomes a glimmer of hope, a vote for your future.

PRACTICE BEING HER—NOW

Want to feel wealthy, strong, feminine, bold, relaxed, athletic, or powerful? Then start being that woman. Style is the easiest access point to identity. In Tonya's School of Self-Image podcast How to Use Style to Reinvent Yourself, she shares the following model:

Be — Do — Have.

Be her long enough… Do what she would do…

You’ll have what she has.

Start by showing up as the woman you want to be—not “one day,” but today.

REFLECTION SHAPES REALITY

“When you dress up and look in the mirror, your reflection is telling your brain what you think of you.” — Tonya Leigh

“Style isn’t about what it costs—it’s about who you’re becoming. Every outfit is a choice to shrink or to shine. Dress like the woman who believes in her future. Be her now.”

Guess who sees you every day? You. Not your coworkers. Not strangers. You.

Your image is forming your life. So ask:

1. How do I want to see myself?

2. How is that different from how I see myself today?

3. What does the future version of me wear—and why?

4. How can I use style to bring her to life?

Be curious. Be bold. Let your style become a conversation with your future self.

LET GO TO GROW

I donated gorgeous pieces that once served me—but now hold me back. Clothes tied to old versions of me, old jobs, old energy. Style is energy. If it doesn’t align with who you are becoming, it’s okay to let it go.

You don’t need more. You need meaning.

THE INVITATION

Drop the “shoulds.” Wear what delights you. Not what’s trendy. Not what hides you. What expresses you.

You don’t need permission to glow up: just a closet, a question, and the courage to try. Celebrate the baby steps. A bracelet, a bold lip, a “just because” dress. You’re not dressing for anyone else—you’re dressing to become.

We want to hear your style reinvention story. Tag us on social media—show us how you're dressing for the woman you're becoming!

BRINGING BACKFANCY

THEY “PARTIED LIKE IT’S 1929” AT THIS GREAT GATSBY-STYLE WEDDING

The Rock Room

ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE STAFF PRODUCTIONS

“Everything was from that era… it made the night feel so authentic.”

A 1920s jazz orchestra, tuxedos with tails, and feathered shawls. A scene from The Great Gatsby? Nope: this was a real wedding at the Emerald Theatre in Mount Clemens. Dave Moore and AJ PaluckiMoore turned their special day into an unforgettable Roaring Twenties celebration that honored the elegance of a bygone era—in the heart of their hometown.

Though many suggested they look elsewhere, the couple was determined to showcase the charm of Mount Clemens. "We just thought the Emerald would be the perfect venue," Dave explains. "We were committed to doing something in Mount Clemens, and it just lent itself perfectly to our theme."

Built in 1921, the Emerald Theatre already had the bones for a period-themed event. The couple envisioned

a 1920s Chicago nightclub vibe, and the staff, led by owner John Hannah and event coordinator Becky West, brought that vision to life. “They made everything stress-free,” Dave says. “They even hung a period chandelier.”

Wedding colors were gold and offwhite, with Gatsby-style Art Deco accents. “The Emerald is already stunning—you really don’t have to do much to make it shine,” AJ observes. Still, the couple went all out. Guests were greeted with dramatic floral centerpieces created with white roses (symbolizing eternal love, new beginnings, and loyalty), white dendrobium orchids (for faith and a dramatic feather-like elegance), and white carnations—chosen both for good luck and as a nod to the 1920s, when they were a common wedding flower.

“I said, ‘We’re bringing back fancy, and we’re going to party like it’s 1929.’”

The tables, dressed in gold-detailed off-white cloths and gold linen napkins, shimmered with candlelight. “The tablecloths gave the wow factor to the entire presentation,” AJ says. Decor, like streamers cascading from the ceiling, helped create intimacy and elegance beneath the Emerald’s soaring ceilings. It was all executed by Lorio Ross Events and Entertainment, from concepts generated by wedding coordinator Linda Bahr.

The invitations asked everyone to come dressed in period garb. "I didn’t want it to feel like a Halloween party," AJ shares, but almost everyone dressed to impress. “It felt like we'd stepped back in time,” Dave recalls. AJ’s family flew in from Berlin fully “20ed right the heck out,” she laughs, with hats and headbands to match. Even their officiant, local favorite Larry Ireland, came in 1920s attire.

Dave wore a custom tuxedo with tails made by Tom James Clothing, complete with cufflinks, clip-on buttons, a handmade bowtie—even spats. AJ found her Timelace gown—“perfection,” she calls it—on Amazon for $76, then paired it with a $300 vintage ostrich-feather shawl from the Peacock Room, a downtown Detroit boutique specializing in 1920s fashion. She’d asked the boutique if they could help her find a bridal gown for the theme. “But they didn’t have anything for brides,” she says with a laugh.

AJ’s bridal accessories, including a flapper-friendly wrist dripping with chic bracelets, were from Babeyond.com. Her dramatic period hairdo was fashioned by Laura Davey of Olympia Salon and Spa. Her makeup was by Kimberly Beauchemin Radomski.

Outside the theater, vintage Packard convertibles lined the curb, while a saxophone player serenaded guests arriving in style. Inside, D’Amato’s of Royal Oak was serving up Prohibition-era delicacies and signature cocktails. Dave’s was an Old Fashioned with bourbon and a twist of orange peel; AJ’s was Grey Goose vodka with Pepsi and a wedge of lime.

While the 1920s may have been the decade of Prohibition, Mount Clemens was once infamous for its speakeasies. The Emerald recognized that legacy with two premium open bars, serving up ‘moonshine’ drinks in Mason jars, along with plenty of martinis. Even the traditional tiered wedding cake, from Josef’s European Pastry Shop, was right out of the Jazz Age.

“Everything was from that era,” AJ says. “It made the night feel so alive and authentic.”

To set the evening’s soundtrack, the couple hired The Stardusters, an 18-piece orchestra specializing in music from the 1920s and ’30s.

“I got on the mic,” Dave remembers with a smile, “and said, ‘We’re bringing back fancy, and we’re going to party like it’s 1929.’” And they did.

As revelers Charlestoned the night away to period hits like “Puttin’ On the Ritz,” “My Blue Heaven,” and “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby,” the couple spent most of the night making the rounds. They had to greet more than 250 guests, many of whom had traveled from out of state or even overseas. “We only saw each other for the ceremony,” Dave says, laughing. “But we felt the love,” AJ adds.

“Our ceremony was meaningful,” Dave reflects. “That’s what mattered most.”

CONTINUED >

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

They made the night meaningful in other ways too. Instead of traditional wedding favors, the couple made a contribution to a local animal rescue. “Nobody keeps those little gifts,” AJ points out. “So we donated the money instead.”

AJ runs LIVFIT, a personal training studio in Harrison Township; her second location is opening soon in Mount Clemens. Dave owns Collision Collision in Clinton Township, where he’s known for both collision repair and classic car restoration.

And for one dazzling night, they were the toast of the town, living their Gatsby dream.

“The Emerald deserves recognition,” Dave declares. “They let me show my friends you can do something elegant and unforgettable right here.”

Dave and AJ are restoring a piece of Mount Clemens history to its former glory.

In 2012, Dave purchased the former home of John Jacob Sherman, son of John Brill Sherman, founder of the Chicago Stockyards and owner of the Mount Clemens racetrack. John Brill’s cottage sat directly across Cass Avenue from the old Miller Brothers Creamery; John Jacob’s was the stately white home on the corner of Cass and Lodewyck.

For Dave, the project is deeply personal. “This house is the love of my life,” he says. “Everyone is watching the progress and anxious to see it all done…us too.”

With its deep historical roots and the couple’s commitment to its restoration, the Sherman’s residence is Dave and AJ’s love letter to Mount Clemens.

The Sherman House. Photo by MCCL.

DIY Duotone Statement Earrings

Shake Up Your Jewelry Box With These Handmade Geometric Earrings— Perfect For Yourself Or As A Gift For Your Best Ladies

PIECE BY PIECE

Use both your bent nose forceps and needle nose pliers to secure each end of the jump ring. Gently twist the jump ring to open the gap, and place the jump ring through the holes in the pieces you are connecting. When securely through both pieces, gently twist the jump ring in the opposite direction to close the gap and secure the pieces.

STEPS:

2. 3. 4. 5.

SUPPLIES:

• 2 half-circle stamping blanks

• 2 large gold bars

• 2 medium gold bars

• 2 ear wires

• Jump rings, assorted sizes

• Embroidery thread

• Metal punch

• Bent nose forceps

• Needle nose pliers

Make sure to have all of your materials gathered before starting the project for easy assembly.

Take your half-circle stamping blanks, large gold bars and medium gold bars and arrange them in the order you want your earrings to flow. You can see how we arranged ours, but consider switching up the placement of each item for varying earring styles.

Mark where each of the holes line up on the individual pieces. These spots are where you’ll be creating holes with the metal punch to connect each item with jump rings.

Once you have your spots marked, carefully and precisely punch holes in your individual pieces. Once all of your holes are punched, connect each piece with the desired size of jump ring.

For an added touch, punch extra holes in the bottom piece and finish off with knotted embroidery thread for a bohemian tassel effect.

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE

Curated coffee table books for every interior and interest

OBJETS D’ART

01.

for the one with wanderlust

CAPRI DOLCE VITA

Tour the ancient island of Capri in this bright and gorgeously oversized book. It features more than 270 glittering pages with glamorous photos of life on the sun-soaked island. Written by Cesare Cunaccia, a writer, lecturer, curator and journalist who served as editor at large for Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue, as well as the antiques consultant for Architectural Digest Italy.

for the car connoisseur

THE LAMBORGHINI BOOK

02.

Author Michael Köckritz pays homage to the influence and beauty of the iconic Italian luxury sports car brand in this opulent book. Filled with striking images and interesting background information, this is sure to be on the top of any true car connoisseur’s stack.

03.

for the foodie

CHÂTEAU LIFE

A veritable feast for the eyes, Australian Jane Webster’s Château Life, photographed by Robyn Lea, features sixty scrumptious recipes categorized around ten themes, along with images of the Webster family’s life at Château Bosgouet in Normandy. Joie de vivre, indeed!

04. TOM FORD for the fashionista

This stunning book showcases the complete catalog of the venerable American designer’s era as creative director for both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent from 1994 to 2004. It features more than 200 photographs by Mario Testino, Herb Ritts, Todd Eberle and others. It explores Ford’s grand vision for the complete design of a brand, including architecture, store design and advertising.

WONDERLAND BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ for the photography enthusiast

The anthology of the famed photographer’s work includes 350 images – many of which are previously unpublished. Inside, readers are treated to a trove of photographs starring the likes of Nicole Kidman, Nancy Pelosi, Karl Largerfeld, Lady Gaga, Serena Williams and many more, with a foreword by Anna Wintour.

PACIFIC NATURAL AT HOME for the interior design devotee

Jenni Kayne, tastemaker and authority on style, shares her beautifully designed interiors as well as homes of other creative women whose style align with her own. From homes by the ocean and in the mountains, to desert and city dwellers, the book showcases gorgeous photography, inspiration, and practical tips and resources.

#BeAnArtist

Etnia Barcelona is a Spanish luxury brand creating fashionable and functional eyewear since 2001. The brand is renowned for its vibrant and colorful frames, inspired by the rich culture and architecture of Barcelona. For three generations, quality has remained fundamental.

Etnia Barcelona sees life, and the world, as a work of art. The 2025 collections are focused on celebrating creativity and individuality, with a #BeAnArtist theme.

Experience the colorful, inspirational world of Etnia Barcelona eyewear at LaCroix Eye Care!

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SEPTEMBER 2025

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 6TH

Stacked for a Cause: Pancakes with the Mount Clemens Firefighters

Mount Clemens Fire Department, 2 Dickenson St., Mount Clemens, MI | 7:30 AM

Kick off Soap Box Derby Grand Prix day with Local 838 Fire Department’s Annual Pancake Breakfast! Enjoy pancakes, sausage (thanks to Hefling’s Amish Market), coffee, and more—served by your local heroes. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 kids under 11. All proceeds benefit local charities. Come hungry and support a great cause! 7:30AM - 11AM.

SEPTEMBER 6TH

Soap Box Derby Grand Prix Rolls Into Mount Clemens

40 Crocker Boulevard, Mount Clemens, MI | 8:00 AM

The 33rd annual Mount Clemens Grand Prix returns September 6! Kids ages 6–12 race gravity-powered cars to raise money for local charities. Since its inception, over $370,000 has been raised. Enjoy time trials, trophies, DJ music, food, and family fun all day long. Don’t miss this beloved tradition! Follow the Mount Clemens Lions Club on Facebook for details.

SEPTEMBER 6TH

Super Hero Day in Mount Clemens!

Clementine’s Pastries, 57 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens, MI | 8:00 AM

Support Local • Have Fun • Be a Hero

Clementine’s kicks things off at 8 AM with heroic cookies and more! Then from 11 AM–4 PM, Downtown Mount Clemens transforms into hero HQ—fea-

turing trivia, raffles, exclusive merch, and deals from local shops. Dress as your favorite character and celebrate our small-town spirit. Capes encouraged!

SEPTEMBER 13TH-14TH

A Cozy Kickoff to Fall in Downtown Mount Clemens

The Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens, MI

Celebrate the season at the Fall Arts & Crafts Show! Enjoy live entertainment, unique finds from artisan vendors, and the charm of shopping in our quaint, historic downtown. The Anton Art Center, local shops, and restaurants will be open, so please support them during construction. Event and parking are Free. Follow Mount Clemens City Lifestyle on Facebook and Instagram for details.

SEPTEMBER 18TH

34th Annual ArtParty

Fundraiser presented by First State Bank

The Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens, MI | 6:00 PM

Step into Emerald Enchantment at The Anton Art Center’s ArtParty! Savor a ‘Taste of Macomb County’ strolling dinner, live music, art experiences, raffles, and more. Guests are encouraged to wear emerald green. Mingle, dance, and explore exhibitions in our historic space. Tickets and 50/50 raffle available at theartcenter.org/ artparty Mount Clemens City Lifestyle is proud to be the Official Media Sponsor.

SEPTEMBER 20TH-21ST Festival of the

Senses

Clinton Township Civic Center, 40700

Romeo Plank, Clinton Twp., MI

Since 2006, Festival of the Senses has celebrated art in all forms—vibrant paintings, stunning photography, specialty foods, and live performances. This two-day tradition invites you to explore, enjoy, and support local creativity. Family-friendly activities round out the fun. Held on the Civic Center Grounds. Shuttle available. Learn more at clintontownship.com

My son has been a student at Romanelli’s for over five years. I cannot express how great this dojo is. My son’s first experience with karate was through a school organization, and that teacher clearly did not know how to deal with young children. The instructors at Romanelli’s are unbelievably GREAT with children of all ages. They naturally modify their teaching styles and expectations based on each child’s individual age, level, and individual needs. The growth my son has shown in both selfesteem and physical abilities is un unbelievable. I would HIGHLY recommend this dojo for children, teens, and adults.