Newtown, PA September 2023

You Have Complete Control Over What Style Means To You

We hope this letter finds you in high spirits and full of creative energy.

Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here locally to uplift our spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.

What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on Earth can duplicate.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

DANA WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER @NEWTOWNCITYLIFESTYLE

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg

Dana.Weissenberg@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Catrina Tier | catrina.tier@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Alexis Weissenberg

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Robinson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Becky Libourel Diamond, Julie Brown Patton, John Fiduccia, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mandee Hammerstein, Becky Libourel Diamond, Paul S. Bartholomew/Bartholomew Studio, Allure West Studios, Janie Jones, Peter Rymwid

Corporate Team

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 Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

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1: Friends Of Washington Crossing awarded $61K Civil Rights Grant to research African Americans' participation. 2: Hortulus team members held their first Family Festival and its second Summer Handmade Market. 3: Historic Newtown Theatre screened documentary about Newtown native/artist “Alan Magee: Art Is Not A Solace." 4: Tim Farrell, CouncilRock graduate, one of four guitarists:100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists and Best Instrumental International. 5: Newtown-based Exact Solar was named one of Greater Philadelphia's 'Civic 50' recognizing corporate citizenship. 6: Funds raised at Newtown Beerfest Sept. 9 will help purchase rescue/safety equipment, new fire truck. 7: This summer, Adventure Camp went kayaking at Tyler State Park.

FRIENDS OF WASHINGTON CROSSING PARK

HORTULUS

COURTESY OF NEWTOWN THEATRE

COURTESY OF TIM FARRELL

EXACT SOLAR

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP PARKS AND RECREATION

NEWTOWN FIRE RESCUE

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

New Weekend College Program Launched By Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College managers just launched a new Weekend College Program. Students enrolled in the program can pursue these disciplines: associate of arts in Criminal Justice; associate of science in Health Science; paralegal studies certificate. Programs start at $600 per course; financial aid, scholarships and payment plans are available. These accelerated cohorts will meet Fridays and Saturdays, using a hybrid model for students’ needs for flexibility. Interested students can visit  Bucks.edu/Weekend or email weekendcollege@bucks.edu.

New Hope Arts Center Reopens

Seatbelt Safety Challenge Won By Local Teens

Council Rock High School North students won the 16th Annual Bucks County High School Seatbelt Safety Challenge while also achieving the greatest percentage increase. Student drivers from North had the highest overall seatbelt use (97 percent) over 20 other Bucks County high schools that participated in the challenge while also having the greatest percentage increase in seatbelt use over all schools at 4 percent (93 in the fall to 97 percent in the spring). Scan

After closing for renovations for six months, the New Hope Arts Center is again available to support artists by providing space to create, collaborate and present art mediums while offering residents and visitors access to a vibrant array of visual, performing and literary arts at 2 Stockton Ave. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides a welcoming forum to emerging artists who would otherwise not have access to a professional exhibition setting. For exhibit schedules, visit NewHopeArts.org .

Photography by Bucks County Community College

Photography by Mandee Hammerstein

Newtown's First Permanent Jeweler In Business

Juliana "Jewels" Bell, also Beaudee  Lash Bar at Newtown salon manager, recently launched a permanent jewelry business, operating out of the Beaudee storefront at 2138 S. Eagle Road. Permanent jewelry is a necklace, anklet, bracelet or ring that doesn’t have a typical clasp for easy removal. Instead, the ends are welded or “zapped” together; however, it can be removed by cutting the chain at the weld site. She also offers charms to add. Email: permanentjewelsbyjewels @gmail.com.

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Treat One's Lashes And Brows

Beaudee Lash Bar Technicians Create Stylish Lightness, Separation For New Fall Looks

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

If "confidence is 10% hard work and 90% lashes," then it's a perfect time while changing seasons to consider ways to enhance one's eyelashes and brows.

For lash extensions/lifts/tints, brow threading/waxing/laminations, as well as lashing supplies, the local Beaudee Lash Bar experts make it their business to help their clients' eyes stand out among crowds every day.

Deanna "Dee" Ngo, master artist and owner of Beaudee Lash Bar at Village at Newtown, 2138 S. Eagle Road, is certified in classic, hybrid, volume and mega-volume lash sets and lash lifts. Along with her husband, David Ngo, Dee opened their first Beaudee Lash Bar in Northeast Philadelphia in 2016. Their son, Dominick, had the creativity to construct the play on Deanna’s nickname, Dee, to develop the name Beaudee. Over the next several years, Dee and David opened two other locations, including Newtown’s first Lash-only salon in 2019.

For this autumn, Dee says wispy, natural-looking lashes are predicted to carry into a highly desired look. The strip lash look, or "wet mascara look," also can provide a fuller and more dramatic look, she adds.

"We help clients select the best lashes for their face and eye shapes, and whether they're seeking a dramatic or more organic look and feel," she assures.

For starters, eye shapes often are referred to as round, almond, hooded, small, monolid or deep-set. "Once we’ve identified the right lashes, we can decide the proper length and curl of them, too, for the most comfortable fit," Dee says.

Beaudee salon manager Juliana "Jewels" Bell specializes in lash lifts and brow tinting, in addition to the front desk operations. She says their team is getting more requests for lash lifts, which is a process for chemically curling existing lashes to give the appearance that they're longer and darker. Lash lifts generally last six to eight weeks.

The range of lash vibes spans a variety of styles, including flare/cat eye, kitten eye, open eye, natural eye, doll eye and staggered eye.

Beaudee Lash Bar also sells luxury lash supplies, such as lash trays, glues and lash shampoo.

215.600.9371

BeaudeeLashBar.com

LEARN MORE: As people age, lashes and brows tend to thin. Beauty experts agree the fastest, most convenient way to look younger is to have lash extensions. Beaudee Lash Bar specialists in Newtown offer a range of services so clients can choose customized styles, lengths and curls. A lash lift and tint adds instant freshness, too, providing a natural, low-maintenance look.

Deanna “Dee” Ngo, Beaudee Lash Bar owner

HOST YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY AT TERRAIN

THE GARDEN ATRIUM AT TERRAIN CAFE

Seating up to 38 guests, our private dining room in Doylestown, PA gives your party a one-of-a-kind experience in an idyllic natural setting where elegance intertwines with farmhouse-inspired architecture. Inquire today using the QR code to the right.

Dana Slifer Photography

Head To Terrain's New Space At DelVal

DINE, SHOP, PLAY AND ENTERTAIN AT DOYLESTOWN'S INNOVATIVE NATURE-INSPIRED LOCALE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECKY LIBOUREL DIAMOND

Located in the spot previously occupied by Market at DelVal off Lower State Road, Terrain team members expanded the former garden center and market to a gorgeous facility with a café, events space and retail store offering a variety of indoor and outdoor home and garden products. It's an extensive transformation that warrants at least an afternoon to fully take in all that it has to offer.

The garden center has several different sections of plants, indoor/outdoor furniture and related accessories to beautify any outdoor space. Annuals are organized by color and perennials are grouped alphabetically so they can be mixed and matched based on colors and textures to “give you inspiration,” says Diane Stulb, director of brand marketing for Terrain.

Perhaps the most significant change to the DelVal location is Design by Terrain (DBT). Customers who shop at Terrain Retail can pick out the plants and color scheme of their choice and DBT consultants will create arrangements based on their specifications. Consultants also will make house calls to provide customers with “custom, one-of-a-kind pieces to help style your home,” adds Diane.

Terrain Cafe: Shrimp, heirloom grits with asparagus, radish and pickled jalapeño basil honey

Also specific to this Terrain space is the ability to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, based on the “produce ebbing and flowing in from the DelVal farm,” says Diane. In addition, pick-your-own pumpkins and apples will be a fun new expansion this fall. During the holidays, Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths and roping will be available for sale.

Diane says this focus on the seasons is central to the Terrain experience, with a number of festivals and events planned to highlight the changes each season has to offer.

“Bringing the outdoors in,” is a theme woven throughout the indoor shop, with décor such as metal awnings and vintage botanical posters, giving the space an outdoor market feel. Natureinspired products are attractively displayed, including wreaths, garlands, candles and candle holders, housewares, kitchenware, cheese boards, linens, tableware, spa accessories and indoor/outdoor lighting with a variety of transparent, opaque and uniquely shaded bulbs. The growhouse features a moss wall, plants and terrariums, including charming herbal and floral arrangements, premade by DBT specialists, that look like they were fashioned by woodland fairies.

The event venue is Terrain’s largest to date, with seating for 162 people. For couples looking to celebrate their wedding, the space has indoor and outdoor possibilities. There's a procession aisle for outdoor ceremonies and a patio with firepits, hightop tables and lounge seating for outdoor cocktail hours. Trellis Hall is the venue’s spacious indoor reception room featuring custom-made tables and chairs, potted trees and gilded chandeliers. A dedicated event menu that can be tailored for any occasion is directed by the in-house culinary team.

Keeping with Terrain’s nature-inspired theme, entering the café feels like stepping into a garden party. With an open ceiling and abundant windows, the light and airy space features a profusion of greenery, branches and floral arrangements. An outdoor seating area with a view of the nursery’s plentiful blooms is bordered by sustainably sourced willow fences that continue the natural feel.

Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, the thoughtfully crafted menu offers “field to fork” cuisine that changes seasonally and highlights DelVal foods. As the first café location to incorporate a full service bar, it's an inviting spot to enjoy one of Terrain’s specialty cocktails.

267.289.3639

TerrainEvents.com

Terrain Gardens at DelVal is situated on the Delaware Valley University campus, granted with a noticeable historic charm that allows for uniquely memorable experiences.

Terrain Retail indoor shop

Trends In Timeless Designs

RITTENHOUSE HOME: STYLING KITCHENS RENOVATIONS FROM BEGINNING TO SUCCESSFUL ENDS

ARTICLE BY JOHN FIDUCCIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLURE WEST STUDIOS

There can be many stress factors in home renovation projects, from picking the right materials, finding quality contractors, and of course, developing a great design and best-laid plans. Coordinating all that is even more challenging. Enter Rittenhouse Home, brainchild of Jennifer Lynn Poe, the founder of the full-service design, furniture/decor and contracting company that's been upgrading homes in Bucks County and beyond for 15 years.

Based from Newtown, the Rittenhouse Home team can quell renovation concerns, and do it all within the four walls of the company's beautifully decorated showroom.

It starts with design, where Jennifer proudly offers a no hourly fee design process. "That's rare in the industry and puts our clients at ease right from the beginning of the renovation journey."

Molding and detailed trim built into cabinetry is becoming a popular standard.

From each location, the design team uses 3D rendering technology and decades of expertise in the business to set the solid foundation of dream projects.

The key is building engaging relationships between Rittenhouse design and clients, Jennifer says. The one-stop shop concept also removes the need for clients to travel to various showrooms to make project selections.

“Everything is curated from conception to completion,” adds Jennifer.

After design, Rittenhouse Home staffers kick into gear to apply purchasing power on behalf of clients to get the best costs on fixtures, furniture, decor and project materials. Rittenhouse also does the work, with contractors who Jennifer assures are "all aces in home construction."

Jennifer says kitchen renovations are currently all the rage and most popular project into which homeowners are delving, knowing there's a valuable return on investment. “Kitchens and bathrooms add best value to homes,” says Jennifer, who comes from a real estate background.

“Natural wood and warm earth tones are coming back, while shades of gray are phasing out," she says, adding that “white and gold accents are definitely here to stay as timeless applications."

Rittenhouse specialists also assist in budget planning. "We partner with clients about where to spend the most when allocating funds to a project," Jennifer says.

With a focus on luxury and high quality, they deal with top brands for furniture, fixtures, decor, cabinetry and other materials used on projects.

Jennifer, who is passionate about her job and company, uses the terms “flawless, uncompromising and meticulous attention to detail” in describing the design-build firm. "I'm confident these traits are part of what separates Rittenhouse Home from competitors, as well as our access to 300-plus vendors, including top appliance brands, lighting, floor and wall coverings," she attests.

Showroom:  2845 S. Eagle Road in Newtown RittenhouseHome.com

“Rittenhouse

projects are done organically and cohesively so aesthetics, function and budget are all considered at every stage."

Make Home A Personal Runway

ADVICE EDITORIAL: THE SYMBIOTIC WORLD OF FASHION AND  INTERIOR DESIGN

It’s hardly news that home fashion and personal fashion trends walk in near lockstep. Both worlds regularly experience multiple trends developing simultaneously. Both worlds see trends morph rather than die a sudden death, and each camp often embraces stylistic trends separate from “color trends.”

Though fashion trends change faster, both home and fashion forever influence each other. Just as the French Blue of Louis XV’s court adorned every ballgown and waistcoat, it was also the preferred color for walls and silk-covered upholstery.

Here’s a look at the entangled color trends in fashion and home today:

Pink: In deeper and lighter hues, pink continues on the fashion runway. It’s also the requested glam color in interior design. Pink’s most recent resurgence began in the fashion world; home followed.

Marigold: The fashion world has been toying with warmer colors for a few seasons, pushing largely into marigold and browns. Marigold first snuck onto the interior design scene at Paris’ renowned Maison & Objet show five years ago. The US home market followed two years later. Next, personal fashion got on board.

ARTICLE BY DONNA HOFFMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL S. BARTHOLOMEW/BARTHOLOMEW STUDIO

Black, Gray and White: The forever classic in personal fashion and runway, this color palette continues to maintain a hold in home interiors. A strong and striking palette, people either love or hate it for home, but the lovers will not be deterred.

Blue: From navy to grayed down, blue remains the classic, safe bet in personal fashion, a forever choice from denims to silks. In home design, blue remains the color furniture manufacturers most trust, perhaps because it’s the single most popularly requested color by design consumers.

Green: Green, once mossy in interiors, it turned richly jade three years ago. At that same time, the fashion world embraced deep greens, too.

Take heart: Good style is forever.

COMMUNICATE THROUGH COLOR

Color is the greatest driver in how fashion’s perceived by observers, in both home and personal fashion. Color sets mood and tone.

Color is a powerful tool, whether worn or sat upon.

About Donna Hoffman: Multiple award-winning and Bucks Countybased firm, Impeccably Designed Homes by Donna Hoffman, specializes in new construction, renovation, whole home- and full-room design, delivering livable luxury to discerning clients.

Instagram: @IDHdesigns

"If life is a fashion show, let your home be its own runway. Just as there are certain colors that feel wonderful to us individually, why not drape our homes in them, too?"

Marigold

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI

THE little BLACK DRESS

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 straight-lined 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.

“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.

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.”

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.

THE POPULARITY OF THE BLACK DRESS SKYROCKETED and IT BECAME ONE OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.

COCO CHANNEL MADE THE BOLD MOVE TO PRINT A SHORT, BLACK DRESS ON THE COVER OF VOGUE IN 1926

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events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SEPTEMBER 15TH

Joscho Stephan Concert

ZLOCK PERFORMING ARTS

CENTER | 7:30 PM

Joscho's roots lie in Gipsy Swing music, the style pioneered in the 1930s by legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Joscho is a German jazz guitarist known for his lightning fast plectrum picking and interpretation of classical, jazz and pop standards in Gypsy jazz. He began playing guitar at age 6, influenced by his father who'd been a cover band member.

SEPTEMBER 23RD

Yardley Harvest Day Performance

FITZGERALD FIELD, YARDLEY | 1:00 PM

Join a cappella group 'Noteworthy' for fun and music at this annual Yardley festival. Their catchy tunes will be performed from the main stage until 2 p.m. Yardley Harvest Day is a communitywide, family-friendly exhibitor’s event that attracts visitors throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey to enjoy unique crafters and artisans, businesses, kids and adult entertainment and delicious food.

SEPTEMBER 23RD

7th Annual Car Show For Autism

BUCKS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 1:00 PM

Proceeds will support Potential, Inc.'s efforts to end the wait list for quality autism services in the community. The event will feature music, live entertainment, food trucks, door prizes, auction/ raffles, vendors/exhibitors, Toucha-Truck and kid-friendly activities. Trophies will be awarded for top 25 cars, Best of Show, President's Choice and People's Choice. Call 215.579.0670, extension 105, or email kquinby@ potentialinc.org with questions.