STYLE + BEAUTY THE FASHION INSIDER-TURNEDPERSONAL STYLIST HELPING REAL WOMEN REDISCOVER CONFIDENCE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND THEIR SIGNATURE LOOK — NO RUNWAY REQUIRED. SEPTEMBER
Consistent Point of Contact: You work directly with Claudia who understands your uni ue needs and preferences.
Deep Relationship Building: Trust grows faster through personal rapport and familiarity.
Tailored Experience: Claudia can customize every step based on your style, goals, and communication preferences
Responsi eness: Direct communication leads to faster decisions and fewer delays.
Accountability: Claudia is fully responsible-no passing the buck.
Ideal For: Clients who value trust, personal attention, and a hands-on, bouti ue-style e perience
8-9: In just one month, the Honors Global Citizenship and Service classes raised about $7,000 for Cami Cares, a nonprofit founded by senior Cami Parmelee to support children battling pediatric cancer. 10-11: Mrs. Rodenberg’s Advanced ASL classes learned how to teach her 7-month-old puppy, Casper, her commands in sign language, and they successfully taught her commands in sign-only. 12-14: The NHEA sponsored a Faculty & Staff brunch to celebrate the end of the year!
October 19 at 11:00 AM
October 23 at 6:30 PM
IHA is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders by challenging our impressive young women to develop their God-given talents for a future filled with endless possibilities. Find out why our extensive curriculum, artistic offerings, athletic teams, and Christian service programs are second to none. Do you belong @theheart?
At Plasker Family Chiropractic in HoHoKus, aging is something to be celebrated. From newborns to older adults, our family practice cares for people at every stage of life, helping them heal faster, move better, feel stronger, and live more fully. As a 100 Year Lifestyle affiliate office, they encourage our community to make lifestyle adjustments that support long, active, and meaningful lives. For more information visit plaskerfamilychiropractic.com.
BY
A signature cocktail for our September Style Issue
Refined, layered, and unmistakably New Jersey in its elegance and edge.
Inspired by the rich tapestry of New Jersey’s landscapes — from the coastal charm of the Jersey Shore to the sophistication of Bergen and the historic charm of Hunterdon County — this cocktail captures the essence of early fall in the Garden State. It’s a drink that marries tradition with modern flair, offering a taste of New Jersey’s diverse and stylish spirit.
1.5 oz Bourbon (warm base, rich and grounded — like Jersey heritage)
0.75 oz Fig syrup (earthy and luxe — a nod to fall and local harvest)
0.5 oz Amontillado sherry (dry elegance — layered like a perfect trench coat)
0.5 oz Lemon juice (zippy, modern contrast)
2 dashes black walnut bitters (depth and a hint of the unexpected)
Garnish: Brûléed fig half + sprig of rosemary (stylish, dramatic, editorial)
1. Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled.
2. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
3. Garnish with a brûléed fig half and rosemary — torch lightly for aroma and visual flair.
For more signature cocktails and recipes, follow us on Instagram: @newjerseycitylifestyle.
“STRUCTURED LIKE A BLAZER, SMOOTH LIKE SILK — THE GARDEN STATE GLAM IS YOUR SEPTEMBER IN A GLASS. IT’S FASHION
SEASON, AND NEW JERSEY’S GOT STYLE TO POUR.”
When Ivy Harrington was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2025, she didn’t just claim a title—she affirmed a journey. At 30 years old, Harrington made history as the oldest titleholder the state has ever crowned, and with it, she’s redefining the narrative around beauty, purpose, and perseverance.
But for Harrington, the victory is just one moment in a much longer story—one that spans basketball courts, personal loss, self-discovery, and ultimately, public service.
Born and raised in Neptune, New Jersey, Harrington spent her college years at Morgan State University in Baltimore, where she played Division I basketball on a full athletic scholarship while majoring in broadcast journalism. It was there, in the quiet of her dorm room, that she stumbled across the Miss USA competition on TV—and something clicked.
“I remember watching in 2016 and again in 2017 when two African-American women from D.C. won back-to-back,” she says. “It wasn’t even the idea of winning that drew me in—it was seeing someone who looked like me succeed in that space. It planted a seed.”
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
NATASHA CHIAVIELLO
For over a decade, Sonie Skogerson crisscrossed North America and the globe for some of the biggest names in luxury sportswear. A graduate of
drapery,” she says. “I work with highend designers and new homeowners. There is a budget for every style.”
Projects begin with an in-home con-
Parsons School of Design who studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the London College of Fashion, she was living her dream.
But when she started having kids, Skogerson’s priorities changed. “I realized I couldn’t be on a plane flying to Italy every month,” she says.
In 2013, she purchased Budget Blinds franchises in Paramus and Westwood.
A decade later, in 2023, she added a third in Ridgewood. “I joke that I used to dress people and now I dress windows. I used to be the fashionista, but now I am the window fashionista,” she says. “I love the idea that I’m back to working with fabrics again.”
The national company is known for its custom window coverings, providing homeowners and businesses with personalized, stylish and affordable window treatment solutions. “We provide everything from shades, shutters and blinds to automation and custom
sultation done by Skogerson or one of her designers. “I walk in and look at everything like the paint color and décor, then I started designing, which goes back to my fashion background and training,” she says. “I talk to the client and get a feel for what they're looking for. I ask them to walk me around their house to see what windows they’re interested in covering and make suggestions.”
After the walk-through, Skogerson will show a curated selection of samples based on the discussion. “This is when we start playing, layering it all. I used to help merchandise fabrics and collections, so I have a good eye of what goes together. We make decisions and measure. The process takes about an hour to an hour-and-a-half. The installation happens three to five weeks later,” she says.
Skogerson says design is one part, function is the other consideration.
ARTICLE BY HILARY RUSSO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIF HAJALUGA
At 26 years old, Michael Sun speaks through color and creativity. A local young man with Down syndrome, his quiet spirit shines in vibrant crayon strokes and elaborate sketches — especially of gowns. His drawings reflect an imagination full of elegance and joy.
One of those sketches is now more than art. It’s a symbol of healing, resilience and the power of community.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Michael’s world. Like many in the special needs community, the sudden loss of routine, therapy and connection deeply affected him.
“He was a happy child, always creating,” says his father, John Sun. “But during the pandemic, he lost interest in everything — even drawing. He refused to leave the house.”
That changed after a chance meeting at a vendor fair hosted by William Paterson University. John met Elif Hajaluga, a speech-language pathologist and co-owner of All 4 Therapy in Fair Lawn.
“After Michael’s first session, they stopped at CVS and he asked for crayons,” Hajaluga says. “That moment marked the return of his creativity.”
CRAYON TO COUTURE
Soon, Michael was drawing again — mostly dresses. His sketches were intricate, expressive and inspired by celebrities, Disney characters and ballroom dancers. Hajaluga proudly hangs them in her office. Over time, his drawings have become an emotional outlet.
“Drawing gives him control and a safe space to express himself,” she says. “It’s been both healing and empowering.”
But Hajaluga saw something more: the chance to bring one of Michael’s creations to life.
Through a mutual friend, she connected with Aideen Gannon, a recent fashion design graduate from Griffith College in Ireland. Now working in childcare, Gannon has a background in sewing and patternmaking — and a love for creative projects.
“When I saw Michael’s drawings, they reminded me of princess dresses,” Gannon says. “I loved the colors and shapes he used.”
Michael chose a short dress in blue and green with a mesh overlay — the same colors as All 4 Therapy’s logo.
“I think in his own way, Michael was connecting it back to the place where he felt safe again,” Hajaluga says.
Gannon worked behind the scenes to turn the design into a real dress, sparking ideas for the future — including lending the gown to high school students for prom.
But for Michael, the dress is about something deeper. It represents his return to creativity and the community that championed his voice.
A special celebration is in the works, where the dress will be unveiled in front of family, friends and the therapists who believe in him.
“This isn’t just about fashion,” Hajaluga says. “It’s about honoring who Michael is. This is his moment.”
For John Sun, the journey has been emotional.
“DRAWING GIVES HIM control AND A SAFE SPACE TO express himself.”
—ELIF
“When Michael draws, it’s how I see what he’s thinking,” he says. “Each stroke is like a thread weaving something beautiful from within.”
A dress imagined by Michael, sewn with love and worn by hope — proof that creativity speaks volumes, every voice matters, and when you can… dance.
Hilary Russo is a trauma-informed holistic practitioner, health coach, journalist, international speaker, and author. She is one of only 50 Certified Havening Techniques® Trainers worldwide and a certified practitioner of this neuroscience-based method. With a background in media and the military, Hilary brings first-hand insight to her work with clients facing secondary trauma, stress, and burnout. Her globally top-rated podcast, HIListically Speaking® (top 1.5%), features inspiring conversations with leading voices in holistic health, wellness, and neuroscience. Connect with Hilary at www.hilaryrusso.com or on social media @hilaryrusso.
