I've always marveled at those with an effortless sense of style. Whether it’s a celebrity walking the red carpet in couture or my busy mom friend who always looks insanely put together even at a moments notice, I usually find myself muttering under my breath, I wish I could pull that off.
The ability to define my own personal style has always eluded me. One look in my closet and you'll see a wall of black and grey with nary a pattern or bold swath of color. I like to think keeping it simple is my nod to the Zuckerberg-ian way of making a power statement with an iconic monotone work look. In truth, it's just that I really have no idea what I'm doing.
That's not the case for the real icons we're featuring in this issue, who continue to impact Portland in the most stylish way, whether it's food, fashion, or your front porch. Take photographer and food stylist Lauren Lear, for example, who shares with us images of our city's food scene at its most stylish (and delicious). You'll also hear from designer Alice Yardley, who introduces us to some of her favorite Maine creatives making our world bolder and brighter. And you'll get to meet the people behind Common Threads, an organization helping to provide meaningful careers in Maine's textile industry to immigrants and refugees.
With our diverse pool of talented artists, designers, and decorators, Portland has become a style icon in its own right, and its burgeoning style scene has definitely become one to watch. No, we'll never be Manhattan or Miami, but that's the point. It's that genuine, individualistic vibe that defines us, makes us unique, and gives us the confidence to be our own brand of fashionable... And no matter how Portland's style scene continues to evolve, you can be sure I'll be right here in my all black power suit, watching it all unfold.
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Emily Harradon | emily.harradon@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rebecca Abramson rebecca.abramson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Matt Gondek
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Liz Daly, Apphia Kamanda, Lauren Lear, Matt Gondek, Kelsey Riordan
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 Kathy Nguyen
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St. Lawrence Arts, a nonprofit performance venue located in the historic St. Lawrence Church Hall on Munjoy Hill, recently announced a new brand identity: The Hill Arts. The multi-use theater, which hosts hundreds of live events each year, will undergo renovations to better serve Portland's vibrant arts community. The reimagined venue will include an arts incubator, enhanced programming and infrastructure to support the area's kids in need, and a 400-seat, state-of-the-art auditorium. thehillarts.me
Co-founded by Caleb Landry, Adam Sousa, and Matt Brown, Portland Distilling Company (PDC) is an up-and-coming craft distillery born from a shared passion for high-quality spirits and a love for the city of Portland. Set to launch this fall, PDC's first product will be Goldie’s Cocktail Gin. Created in a classic London dry style, Goldie’s is a tribute to the timeless tradition of gin distilling, crafted with a contemporary touch. portlanddistilling.co
Two Maine bag designers with a passion for sustainability have paired up to create the ultimate accessory: a two-tone brown and orange clutch made from rugged Kodiak leather and a recycled bib worn by hardworking fishermen. Combining Rugged Seas’ bib to bag philosophy with Wildwood Oyster Co.’s salt air signature style, this chic nautical wristlet is the perfect statement piece. A portion of proceeds from each sale will be donated to the Maine Lobstermen's Association. wildwoodoysterco.com | ruggedseas.com
A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Portland Trust Company is a Maine non-depository trust company focused exclusively on wealth management and fiduciary services. We work with individuals and families, nonprofits, and local governments. We do everything the giant financial services organizations do while providing local and accessible attention to your specific needs.
It’s more than just a name. Portland Trust Company is the only financial institution in the state with “Portland” as its namesake. We love our hometown as much as you do! This is more than a place of business for us; this is our home and our way of life. It’s our promise to treat you as more than a client, but as a friend and neighbor.
Our customer experience is “real,” like walking next door to borrow some sugar or eggs. We’ve created a home for our clients and their assets—managing their money, their lives, and their futures—with peace of mind knowing that we are a fully regulated financial institution. Together, we embrace our Maine way of life.
6 trendy items for the fall season found at Portland Dry Goods
1 Bennett Winch Leather Backpack: Every Bennett Winch backpack is handcrafted in England by a team of master craftspeople using traditional techniques and materials reimagined for a contemporary world. $1,450
2 . Carhartt Work In Progress Delray Cap: Roughly 100 years after Carhartt began making bibs in the USA, Carhartt WIP started adapting these classic products for those seeking refined design that remains true to the origins of the brand. $68
3 Vuarnet Edge Large Black Skilynx Sunglass: Roger Pouilloux, an avant-garde optician with a passion for skiing, revolutionized the sunglasses world by inventing an exceptional glass that protects eyes on the slopes but provides a clear vision of the landscape in overcast weather. $395
4. Le Labo Palo Santo 14 Candle: Le Labo was founded in Nolita in 2006 by two friends wanting to create a scented revolution in a world of conventional perfumery. $82
5. Il Bisonte Populonia Men’s Dopp Kit in Vintage Leather: Comfortable luxury, unconventional elegance, authentic beauty that transforms itself over time: the casual-chic style of Il Bisonte is ideal for those who long for high-quality leather accessories. $225
6. Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY Chuck 70: A fan-favorite collab, these sneakers put a playful spin on a classic. $150
Matt Gondek is the marketing manager at Portland Dry Goods on Commercial Street. Having worked in the menswear business for more than five years, he curated these trendsetting items and essential accessories for the fall season featuring some of his favorite lines in the shop.
LAUREN LEAR DISHES OUT ADVICE ON GETTING STARTED IN FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN LEAR
“Growing up, I was definitely a picky eater,” recalls Portland food photographer and stylist Lauren Lear. “After college, I moved to New York City and lived with roommates who introduced me to all kinds of food—Thai, sushi, Indian. There’s pretty much nothing I won’t eat now,” she laughs.
Following her initial work as a fashion photographer in NYC, Lear moved to Maine and became the sales manager at a food photography stock company. “I was selling food images to other magazines and books, but I was still doing headshots and weddings,” she explains. “One day, I got asked to shoot donuts for the Holy Donut, and it snowballed from there.” A weeklong food photography and styling course with Maine Media in Rockland helped Lear build up the confidence to start her own business: “I could buy the food, cook it, style it, shoot it, and edit it,” she says. The only missing piece was a studio that felt like home.
Lear teamed up with fellow small business owner Krystina Fisher to launch The Photo Kitchen, Portland’s first boutique food photography studio, commercial kitchen, and event space. “When I started out, I didn’t have the funds to rent a studio each month, and I’ve had four or five studios since I’ve been here in Maine,” she explains. “I’ve acquired lots of props and equipment, so I needed space to spread out, a place to call my home,” Lear says. “The Photo Kitchen is going to be a really great addition to the community—we’ll rent it to other photographers, and Krystina plans to hold cookie decorating workshops. For content creators and brands, this space means they don’t have to shoot in their own kitchens.”
Want to learn more? Turn the page for Lear’s advice on styling and photographing your own food.
Shooting an item on a flat, boring background results in images that feel, well, flat and boring. An easy way to amp up your food styling at home is to “use placemats, cutting boards, or napkins to add texture,” Lear explains. Elevate your food styling by incorporating an elegant linen fabric, or add a homey, down-to-earth feel with gingham or soft cotton. And don’t forget that cutting boards come in all shapes and sizes, from colorful plastic to bamboo, butcher block, glass, and marble.
Lear suggests utilizing props to help your image tell a story, whether it’s for Instagram, for a customer, or for yourself. While it’s always fun to shop around for new (or antique) pieces to use in photos—Lear considers herself an avid collector when it comes to props— it’s easy to find household items that you can incorporate when styling and photographing food and beverages. If you’re taking a picture of your morning coffee, for example, Lear suggests “adding a book, candle, flowers, or any other small, simple elements that say ‘relaxing morning.’”
A simple way to add visual appeal to food photography is by “stacking items, or setting them directly on a surface to vary the height,” Lear notes. Vases, jugs, and bottles add a decorative touch while filling the frame with height, and you can arrange food on a series of stacked plates, place additional elements in the background, or casually incorporate utensils to bring extra dimension to a photo.
When photographing a meal, it’s important to stick with colors that will complement your dish rather than overpower it. If you’re snapping a shot of a fresh green salad, for instance, Lear suggests “using props or additional elements with an analogous color like yellow, or a complementary color like red.” Try to stay away from recognizable color combinations “that might give the viewer a sense of a holiday such as Christmas, unless that is what you are going for,” Lear adds. Her best advice when it comes to playing with hues is to limit your palette to two colors, “unless the third is a neutral such as white, black, gray, or brown.”
“I’ve always loved fashion, but I definitely enjoy it more as I get older and more progressively in tune with how I want to feel and represent myself,” says style influencer Alice Yardley, the contemporary handbag designer behind Portland’s Alice Yardley Maine. “Fashion has always been one avenue that makes me feel like a real artist because I feel confident, self-expressive, and true to myself,” she adds.
After growing up in Portland, Yardley spent time in a variety of cities, each with its own style profile: the preppy southern style of Richmond, Virginia; the colorful urban style of Atlanta, Georgia; the chic experimental style of New York. “I’m not the most ‘outdoorsy’ of Mainers, but I love to experience the excitement and emotions that come with the seasons changing here—part of which is the opportunity to change up your style,” she adds. “After having lived away for 12 years, it’s fun to be back in Maine and merge some of the elements from where I’ve lived with a more practical and traditionally ‘Maine’ style,” Yardley explains.
For Her:
1 I love anything with a nod to art history, and these Studio Choo11 Matisse Coral Earrings are the perfect statement piece. choo11.com
2 I couldn’t write the list without my personal favorite accessory: my own handbag! This trendy color-block mini bag will fit your phone, card holder, and sunglasses. aliceyardleymaine.com
For Him:
3 I recently ordered this travel cribbage board as a gift for my dad before a family trip. The sleek leather case with a magnetic closure makes it easy to bring anywhere. castandcarve.com
4 Rancourt & Co.’s Classic Ranger Mocs can be dressed up or dressed down and fit a wide variety of personal styles—plus, they’re based in Maine! rancourtandcompany.com
For Them:
5 The Casco Bay Lines Sunset Run is a 2.5-hour BYOB ride, so grab a group of friends, a bottle of wine, a cooler of snacks, and enjoy Portland from the bay. cascobaylines.com
6. My go-to order at Tipo is the cauliflower dip, rye cavatelli, a green salad, and a wonderful glass of Sangiovese Chianti. tiporestaurant.com
LEARN MORE: Alice Yardley Young is a Portland, Maine handbag designer. When starting her company in 2018, Alice utilized her relationships with local upholstery and leather shops to repurpose leather pieces into unique colorful bags. A portion of her work continues to be made with remnant leather, and she is passionate about contributing to the sustainable movement in the fashion industry.
Here at Health Resonates, we provide relaxing and effective massage, skincare, energy healing, and wellness services to help you live your best, blissed-out life!
Health Resonates is a quaint getaway for all your Wellness and Beauty needs. Located in Portland’s West End, this charming Boutique Wellness Spa is like nothing else in Portland. We pride ourselves on offering top-quality, results-driven services and love to help the community around us on their healing journey and beyond.
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON
When Dory Waxman struggled to find experienced stitchers who could craft wool capes at her small textile business in the Old Port, she decided to launch a training program: Waxman would teach refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants how to sew, then connect them with reputable employers offering stable, well-paying jobs in the area. In 2015, she founded Common Threads of Maine (CTM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting fulfilling careers in Maine’s textile industry by providing tuition-free classes and workshops, studio space, and sewing equipment to those looking to develop or improve their craft.
Apphia Kamanda, a fashion designer who moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the US in 2011, was one of Waxman’s first students. Today, Kamanda is the co-executive director and lead sewing instructor at CTM, where she teaches students of all skill levels how to stitch like a pro. “We have people who have never touched a sewing machine, and people who have a bit of experience but want to learn something new,” Kamanda says. “We find a balance to accommodate everybody, depending on their level.” Students who register for CTM’s twelve-week course (offered three times each year) learn every aspect of the sewing process, from manipulating industrial machines and working with different materials to measuring, understanding patterns, attaching zippers, and more.
In addition to community courses, intensive workshops, and paid classes for hobbyists, CTM offers a shared makerspace in the Dana Warp Mill with industrial sewing machines, a large cutting table, and various tools, as well as private studios available for rent to those interested in starting their own textile-based businesses. Jo Bell, a former sewing instructor who now acts as Kamanda’s co-executive director at CTM, explains the origins of the organization’s secondhand sewing supply shop: “People kept offering us fabric, and we started saying yes, but we realized we weren’t able to use all of it in class. We started selling what was left over, in addition to sewing machines, patterns, books, and tools. We also sell items that former students and other members of the community have made, so it’s sort of a thrift and gift shop.”
Looking to the future, Kamada and Bell intend to expand CTM’s makerspace, launch an online store, and develop additional programming that will benefit the community. They’re currently working with Coastal Enterprises Incorporated to offer free business workshops to former students and plan to host a fashion show event this fall. “I love my connections with students who come to the textile training, and all of the sewing enthusiasts and professionals that I’ve met. It’s a really wonderful community that we’ve built,” Bell says.
CTM welcomes volunteers (especially those with basic sewing skills) and accepts monetary donations in addition to fabric, sewing machines, and tools. Learn more at commonthreadsmaine.org.
I came out of college with a BA in Fine Arts, but I really loved dressing and putting things together. When I was about 25 years old, I opened a women’s clothing store in Yarmouth. It was considered highend at the time, with a mixture of home goods and fashion. I once had a customer say to me, “I love coming to your shop—I get a little something for me,
Nicola Manganelloa little something for my home, and a little something for my soul.” Looking back on it now, it was just a natural evolution that I ended up in the interior design world because I do think they go hand in hand. There’s a lot of inspiration from fashion that goes into interior design, and vice versa.
I think the misconception that “a carpenter’s house is never done” is the same for an interior designer’s house—it’s always changing. The one thing I’ve noticed as I’ve gotten older and refined my look is that I now style my house so that I don’t tire of it. I’ve tried to get it to a place that’s timeless, functional, and doesn’t need changing. It’s reflected in the work I do for clients, and from there it rolls into my own personal style. The way that I like to style interior design and the way that I like to dress have evolved into one and the same.
“The way that I like to style interior design and the way that I like to dress have evolved into one and the same.”
Interior designer Nicola Manganello’s style shines in her home, her work, and her wardrobeARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR STYLE?
Lots of things from the outside world. I certainly do a lot of research online and reading magazines, social media, etc. I travel. I’m discovering new things all the time and trying to incorporate them into my work. In the design industry, we’re all trying to be current and unique, but I want there to be personality and compassion in my work. I want it to have a “real life” feel to it, so that it’s not so precious that it can’t be lived in. I think that sums up my personal style as well.
DOES YOUR WORKWEAR DIFFER FROM YOUR EVERYDAY CLOTHES?
I try to dress classically, and that’s true in my design work as well. I like to keep things simple, uncomplicated, and uncluttered. I’ve tried to simplify my wardrobe over the years in the same way I’ve tried to simplify my home. Living an uncluttered life and staying organized has helped me work more efficiently, and I see that inside my wardrobe, too. I’ve been simplifying my style and keeping more basic pieces so that when I get dressed in the morning, I’m able to pull things together quickly. The goal is to have it feel effortless while feeling good about myself and how I look.
My sweats, probably. The one thing I’ve always done after work is go straight home and put on the things that are the most broken in and most comfortable to me. I’ve had some of these pieces for more than twenty years! When I think of some of the nicer things I’ve invested in now that I’m a bit more successful, I realize that I take great pride in wearing them because I’ve worked so hard to get them. I love how those nicer items accent some of my more basic pieces—there’s no need for everything to be Gucci! Again, I think it’s similar to my work, like a beautiful piece of artwork in an otherwise simple room—you only need one great piece to make a space come to life. That’s true in fashion as well. A simple black
dress with a giant beaded bracelet and bang, you have a total statement piece.
I love Bliss for clothing, and Blanche and Mimi of course. Her selection of housewares is like taking a quick trip to Europe. I always leave with things I don’t need, but boy is it satisfying! I also hit up the local Anthropologie store with reckless abandon. It always has affordable things that I don’t feel bad about buying—items that dress up your home like pillows, candles, and blankets. Anthropologie is always a stop for me when I travel as well, because I love seeing their artful merchandising. It’s inspiring.
FOGG LIGHTING CONSULTANT NANCY NORTON SHARES HER TOP TIPS FOR ILLUMINATING YOUR HOME
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FOGG LIGHTING
Lighting is one of the most significant elements in a home—a stunning fixture or simple recessed lighting can change the entire atmosphere of a room. Unfortunately, lighting is also one of the most overlooked parts of design, and it’s not until rooms are nearly finished that homeowners begin to think about their options for illuminating a space. We sat down with Nancy Norton, a lighting consultant at Portland’s Fogg Lighting, to learn more about the latest lighting trends, why layering is important, and how to keep our homes bright as we head into autumn.
When Norton meets with clients in the Fogg Lighting showroom, she asks them to bring creative inspiration as well as a floor plan so they can “walk through” the house together to discuss lighting options. “We start with the kitchen, dining room, or entry chandelier,” before addressing the rest of the house, Norton explains. Adding a pop of color, infusing a space with drama, or incorporating a showstopping fixture is easiest to do first, “and then we can find sconces and other functional items based on the decorative ones,” she says.
Blending natural elements and shapes in lighting fixtures is in vogue this year, according to Norton. “What’s been really popular is natural fibers, and mixing those with brass to create a refined piece,” she says. Rattan, jute, straw, and natural clay finishes are having a moment, so consider replacing an outdated industrial-style fixture with something more organic.
“We like layering because it means you’re not just getting light from one overhead source,” Norton notes. When designing a kitchen, for example, “you’d have recessed lighting, then you’d add pendants over the island or kitchen table, and you’d also have under-cabinet lighting,” to illuminate your counter space. The same is true for a bedroom: “You could have bedside table lamps with a mix of recessed lighting, or there could be a ceiling fan with a light on it. If you have floating shelves or a dressing area, you could add under-cabinet lighting, too,” Norton mentions.
“Whether it’s an LED bulb or LED integrated, the lifespan of the fixture is going to be much longer now,” Norton says, adding that “everything is going LED.” In addition to enhancing the longevity of bulbs and fixtures, LED lighting “uses less energy, so you’re going to see a turnaround in your electric bill,” and emits less heat than incandescent or halogen bulbs.
SEPTEMBER 2023
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
SEPTEMBER 8TH
Camp Sunshine’s Night at the Farm
SHAW CHERRY HILL FARM | 5:00 PM
Get ready for an exciting evening of line dancing lessons, delicious food and drink, and live music by American Ride at this old-fashioned barn party hosted by Dan and Jon Shaw. A live auction and plenty of additional opportunities to support Camp Sunshine’s mission will be available. nightatthefarm.com
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Maine Open Lighthouse Day
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS | 9:00 AM
An annual event sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, the Maine Office of Tourism, and the American Lighthouse Foundation, Maine Open Lighthouse Day offers visitors and residents the opportunity to climb and learn more about our state’s historic seaside monuments. Local participating destinations include Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light), Portland Head Lighthouse, and Spring Point Lighthouse. lighthousefoundation.org/maine-open-lighthouse-day
SEPTEMBER 16TH
Have a HART 5K
Fun Run and Walk
THE FORM LAB | 4:00 PM
Join The Form Lab for a scenic 5K benefiting the Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART) of Maine, a no-kill cat shelter in Cumberland. After the run, enjoy some food and connect with fellow participants and vendors. Prizes will be awarded to the top 5K finishers as well as the best matching dog and owner costumes. Registration is $30/participant. formlabfitness.com/ events/5kfunrun
SEPTEMBER 23RD
PAYSON PARK | 9:00 AM
When you participate in JDRF One Walk, the money you raise will power more research, enable more advocacy, and fund more support for the 1.45 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Plus, you’ll have a great time walking with a committed community that is passionate about doing whatever it takes to live in a world without T1D. jdrf.org
SEPTEMBER 29TH-OCTOBER 1ST
CAPE ELIZABETH | 9:00 AM
Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul at this three-day healing retreat hosted by wellness experts and facilitators from across the community. From sun, moon, and fire-focused yoga classes to guided meditations, mala-making, and more, this unique holistic experience will leave you feeling unstoppable and ready to conquer the autumn season. healthresonates. com/elixir-of-life-retreat
SEPTEMBER 30TH
CONGRESS SQUARE PARK | 5:00 PM
Stop by Tender Table’s third annual food and art fair in partnership with the team at Cong Tu Bot. Spend the evening browsing a curated selection of works produced by local BIPOC artisans, hear live music by Ahmad Kafari, and enjoy tasty treats from local vendors. tendertable.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/PortlandME
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin
• 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum
• 1/2oz- Lime juice
• Topped with ginger beer
• Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame
GARNISH
• Small paint brush
• Simple syrup
• Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame
Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.
Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up! Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).
ARTICLE BY MATSUMOTO MARI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
