The Art of Style
Style isn’t just about what you wear, it’s how you move through the world. As a dancer, I’ve always felt that style lives in rhythm, presence, and emotion. The way a beat shifts your posture, how movement gives shape to feeling, style is not just seen, it’s experienced. Dance has grounded me most of my life, it has guided me, continually reminded me that my confidence doesn’t come from the exterior and has given me an outlet to tap into my own personal style. Confidence lives in the energy we carry, the stories we tell, and the way we breathe creative energy into the world. Style isn’t always defined by what surrounds us, it can be revealed in the way we move, express, and the way we carry ourselves.
In this issue, we explore what it means to live in style, where fashion, home design, and even the way we nourish ourselves become creative expressions of who we are. We take you inside The Adams Manor, a stunning estate that’s been restored with care, vision, and heart. Like a beautiful performance, every room tells a story, curated with intention and brought to life through the talent of Britney Fedricks of Britney & Co., whose layered, timeless aesthetic celebrates both history and function.
You’ll also find style in unexpected places, from our feature on “Eating Pretty,” where feeling good starts from within, to seasonal hair transformations by Courtney Nicole, that let you express yourself in rich, radiant tones. Whether it’s a bold brunette or buttery blonde, each shift reflects a woman confidently in step with the season.
As you turn these pages, I hope you find more than fashion or decor inspiration, I hope you find movement. Because style, like dance, is memory, energy, and meaning.
Let this issue move you.
SHAUNA OLIVERIO, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
September 2025
PUBLISHER
Chris Oliverio | chris.oliverio@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jessica Snow | jessica.snow@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jennifer Lee | jennifer.lee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Shauna Oliverio | shauna.oliverio@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Shauna Oliverio
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jessica Snow Photography, Photography with Natalie
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
1: Summer Barre 3 pop-up at Comerica Park! 2: Janelle Herbert, Co-Owner; Aubrey Moon, Instructor; Mackenzie Hatala, Instructor; Lindsay Irrer, Co-Owner 3: Barre 3 class at the ballpark brought the energy!
business monthly
Rochester City Lifestyle Exclusive: 2 Weeks of Barre3 for $20
Rochester City Lifestyle readers, this one’s just for you. We're offering an exclusive 2 weeks of unlimited barre3 classes for only $20 (normally $60) through September 30, 2025. Barre3 combines cardio, strength, and mindfulness to help you feel balanced and empowered, both in and out of the studio. Whether you're new or returning to movement, we’d love to welcome you in. Come see what it’s all about - we’re saving a spot just for you. Click on the link to claim this exclusive offer bit.ly/b3RCL20
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It Girl Energy Boutique launches online September 15th
It Girl Energy Boutique launches online September 15th, bringing trendy, girly fashion for teens and young women ready to own the spotlight. From statement pieces to everyday essentials, our Instagrammable outfits are designed to spark confidence and main-character energy. Style isn’t just clothing—it’s a vibe, and we’re here to help you radiate it.
Supporting Local: A Boutique Flourishes Beside Farmers Markets
Nestled near the bustling farmers markets in Rochester and Port Austin, Be Scene Boutique is your go-to for fall fashion. Embracing a Western Boho Chic vibe, you’ll find suede fringe, earthy tones, vintage-inspired tees, and flowy skirts—styles perfect for crisp mornings and cozy evenings. Whether you’re grabbing fresh produce or browsing for seasonal staples, stop in one of two Be Scene Boutique locations, just steps away from the markets. This fall, shop small, shop local.
Chris turned a magazine into community.
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?
Rochester City Lifestyle
Published by Chris
Loved by Rochester
ARTICLE BY SHAUNA OLIVERIO
BY JESSICA SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY
THE ADAMS MANOR
Unique. Welcoming. Timeless.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Just beyond the bustle of downtown Rochester lies one of the city’s best-kept secrets: The Adams Manor, a historic estate turned refined event space, where past and present live beautifully side by side. Steeped in nearly a century of history, The Adams Manor has long stood as a quiet symbol of architectural grace.
Today, thanks to the vision of Allie and Todd Detwiler and the thoughtful collaboration of Britney Fedricks of Britney & Co. its story continues, lovingly restored, reimagined, and ready to host life’s most meaningful gatherings. This is more than a design makeover; it’s a preservation of character, a celebration of craftsmanship, and the unveiling of a space where every corner tells a story.
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Originally known as Frederick Darden’s estate, the name evolved over decades to become currently recognized as The Adams Manor, an enduring symbol of historic grandeur. The property showcases exquisite architectural features including slate roofing, plaster moldings, flint faience tile, pegged oak floors, cove ceilings, and ornate brass hardware. Anchored by five fireplaces, each with an elegant mantelpiece, The Adams Manor reflects the refined craftsmanship of its era. Built in 1932 by Canadian architect Arthur LeBaron Weeks, this English Tudor–style home was designed with hospitality in mind. The estate once boasted a private baseball field, tennis court, and an indoor pool rumored to have metallic stars glimmering on its ceiling, a testament to the original owner’s love for entertaining. Over the decades, the home’s spirit of warmth and welcome has never faded. When the great-grandchildren of the original owners returned for a family reunion, they shared cherished memories that echoed what Allie and Todd had already discovered: this house holds a soul. Now just seven years shy of its centennial, the Detwilers, only the third family to call The Adams Manor home, feel deeply privileged to preserve its legacy. “It’s clear that the people who have lived here stayed for a long time and built their families here,” Allie shared. The Detwilers are honored to be part of that history, and to help shape its next chapter as a place for connection, celebration, and community.
Allie and Todd fell in love with The Adams Manor the moment they stepped onto the property. “There are so few places in the area with this kind of acreage and privacy, it just felt like something rare and special,” says Allie. Drawn to its architectural character and rich history, they immediately saw the potential to restore the home to its original purpose: a space for gathering, celebrating, and creating meaningful memories. With backgrounds in entertainment and design, Allie as a producer at NBC’s Today Show, and Todd as a designer for Peloton and freelance illustrator, the couple brought a creative and hospitality-minded vision to the project. After years in New York City, the pandemic opened the door for a move back to Michigan, where Allie grew up. With
a toddler in tow and another on the way, the timing felt serendipitous. Today, the Detwilers not only host select events at The Adams Manor, they live there, raising their two young children among the estate’s nearly 40 acres. Their days are filled with the simple joys of skipping stones in the pond, hiking wooded trails, playing in the creek, and spotting wildlife in the backyard. It’s a place where history and home intertwine, where their family is making memories of their own while opening the doors for others to do the same.
When Allie and Todd first imagined The Adams Manor as a venue, their vision was both ambitious and intuitive. “We saw amazing bones right away,” Allie says. “The veranda felt like
a cocktail hour waiting to happen. The servant’s quarters? A bridal suite. The game room? A groom’s space. Even the old indoor pool felt like it could become a ballroom. It was all there; it just needed someone to help us bring it to life.” That someone was Britney Fedricks of Britney & Co., whose warm, layered, and timeless design philosophy aligned perfectly with the couple’s desire to honor the home’s character while enhancing it for modern gatherings. Known for her ability to blend function with feeling, Britney approached the project with deep intention, preserving the architectural integrity of the space while creating rooms that felt welcoming, beautiful, and setup for entertaining.
“We want people to walk away with a sense of gratitude for the preservation of the property and an appreciation that we’ve created a hospitable, intentional place to host life’s most meaningful moments” – Allie shares.
It’s clear that Britney wasn’t just the right designer for The Adams Manor, she was the perfect partner. Her calm flexibility, creative eye, and collaborative spirit allowed Allie and Todd to bring their vision to life while navigating the realities of a largescale renovation. “We met with probably ten different designers in the area,” Allie shares. “But Brit really stood out to us from the beginning. She understood the scale of what we were doing, never made us feel bad when things shifted, and always stayed open-minded and collaborative. She gives honest opinions, but ultimately lets you make the decisions. She’s a true team player.” As founder of Britney & Co., formally known as Decorlift, Britney brings that same thoughtful and flexible energy to every project she takes on. “My entrepreneurial journey began with Decorlift,
a DIY blog during my college years,” she explains. “It was a creative outlet where I could share my love for interiors and styling. Over time, it evolved into a full-service design studio.” That evolution came naturally, shaped by a combination of hands-on experience, formal training, and what she calls “a lifelong curiosity about how people interact with their environments.”
Britney’s design philosophy centers around creating spaces that are not only visually inspiring, but deeply livable and purposeful. “Each space in your home should feel not only beautiful but also functional,” Britney shares. “A well-designed space has an impact on your everyday life.” She describes her personal style as “rooted in timelessness with a modern sensibility”, often blending old and new, layering textures, and creating moments of visual surprise. “I’m endlessly drawn to classic patterns, mixed finishes, well layered textures and warm neutrals,” she says. “They ground a space and create a sense of timelessness. And I love a good wallpaper moment; it’s such a powerful way to add personality.”
More than anything, Britney wants the spaces she creates to feel meaningful.
“Good design is about how a space makes you feel,” she says. “It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about creating an environment that supports your lifestyle, reflects your values, and brings you joy. It should feel like home.” That emotional impact is what drives her work, “I hope they remember how it made them feel, welcomed and inspired. I want my designs to linger in memory not just for how they looked, but for the experience they created,” Britney shares.
For Allie and Todd, finding the right partner to bring their vision to life meant more than hiring someone with impeccable taste, it meant finding someone who could see the soul of the home and respect its story. “Britney has great design sensibilities, a great personality, and really understands the historic part of the home,” Allie shares. “But she also knew we were a young family, and it had to be livable and usable while still honoring the era of the house.”
What began as a vision to honor the estate’s legacy quickly transformed into a creative journey defined by collaboration and trust. Together, they reimagined nearly every space in the home while transforming once-overlooked areas into show-stopping features. Britney thoughtfully incorporated original architectural details like arched doorways, while updating color palettes, lighting, and materials to reflect a more current, elevated aesthetic. “I leaned into timeless elements like olive greens, natural wood, and classic patterns to bridge the old and new,” she explains. From solving quirky challenges in a former shower room-turned-bathroom suite to reimagining one of their most
impactful spaces, every decision was made with clear intention. The basement, once a disused indoor pool, is now a bold blackand-white ballroom, complete with a custom bar that has become the heart of the venue. “The bar was all Britney,” Allie says. “We hadn’t even thought of adding one, but she insisted it would be a game changer and she was right.”
“There were moments when we felt overwhelmed, but we always leaned into Britney’s expertise,” Allie adds. “She was and is our design guiding light.” Britney felt equally inspired by their trust and connection: “This project was deeply personal and truly a dream. It wasn’t just about design, it was about
friendship, trust, and creating something lasting. Allie and Todd are incredibly thoughtful and creative, and they trusted me while also being deeply involved.” Over time, the partnership evolved into something far more meaningful, a real bond that now goes beyond a designer-client partnership.
For Allie and Todd, crafting events at The Adams Manor is about so much more than simply providing a venue, it’s about creating an experience that lingers in the hearts of guests long after the celebration ends. “We want people to walk away with a sense of gratitude for the preservation of the property and an appreciation that we’ve created a hospitable, intentional place to host life’s most meaningful moments.” Allie shares. Every event is designed to feel intimate, exclusive, and rooted in the beauty of the property and the legacy of the home. Unlike traditional venues that host backto-back events, The Adams Manor limits its calendar to just a small number each year. This slower
pace allows couples and families to truly immerse themselves in the space. From multiple-day access to flexible planning support, guests get to settle in and feel at home. “Couples get access to the property for several days before and after the event so they feel quite familiar with the space by the time their big day comes around.”
That personal connection is something Allie and Todd know firsthand. A year after moving in, they renewed their own vows on the property in an intimate ceremony shared only with their children, celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary, a heartfelt memory that deepened their appreciation for what could be experienced at The Adams Manor. The Adams Manor doesn’t just offer a blank canvas; it offers a story. Touring the property becomes an experience in itself, with potential hosts envisioning their ceremony under the old trees, a reception in the elegant ballroom, and cocktails on the veranda.
“We guide them through the possibilities, but also let the space speak for itself,” says Allie. “It’s not for everyone. It takes vision, but the people who love it? They really love it.” The emotional core of their vision came to life during the first official wedding hosted on the property. “The venue wasn’t even close to being
finished,” Allie admits, “but when we saw the guests arriving and the shock on their faces when they pulled in, not knowing something like this place even existed, was magical.” From the home’s historic architecture to the modern design touches curated in partnership with Britney & Co., every detail contributes to the atmosphere. The natural surroundings, from towering trees to the peaceful pond, bring a sense of escape and quiet elegance. “We always say it feels like Up North, but without the drive.”
Looking ahead, Allie and Todd are committed to continuing the evolution of the property while staying grounded in their mission. “This is one of those places that will always be improving,”
they say. “There’s a long list, from little things like painting a room to major projects like transforming our old pool into a ballroom. But we’ve learned it’s a marathon, not a sprint and having an innovative team, like Britney & Co. is a great place to start.” While weddings are at the heart of what they offer, The Adams Manor has also hosted charity events, sorority formals, and birthday parties for their own children. “It’s such a joy to see people make memories here,” Allie shares. “That’s what it’s all about, letting the home continue to be a place for connection.” If they had to sum up the spirit of the space? “Unique. Welcoming. Timeless.” And for those lucky enough to experience it, it’s all that and more.
LIVING STYLE in
THE INTERSECTION OF FASHION AND HOME
ARTICLE BY TYLER AMADEUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIEN KING AND ALEC WALWORTH
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
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Shoot Credits
ART DIRECTION
STYLING
MODELS
Amy Appleton
Tyler Amadeus
Amy Appleton and Elena Weber
’SEQUALLYIMPORTANT
“JUSTASWECAREFULLYCHOOSEOUTFITS
TO EXPRESS OURSELVES,IT
TOENSURETHATOURLIVINGSPACES
ARE DESIGNEDWITHTHESAMEINTENTION. ”
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 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.
EAT
ARTICLE BY HAYLEY HYER
KEEP YOUR PLATE IN STYLE WITH THESE FOODS THAT WILL HELP YOU LOOK AND FEEL GOOD
PUMPKIN
SWEET POTATOES CARROTS
BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Vitamin A is essential to protecting the corneas of our eyes. By taking care of your corneas, you can extend the health of your eyesight and reduce vision loss with age. An easy way to remember what to eat for healthy eyes is to look for orange foods. Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash are all high in vitamin A.
EYES HEALTHY
SKIN HEALTHY
NUTS FLAX SEED
CHIA SEEDS FISH
Did you know that vitamin A is also imperative for skin health? So while you’re caring for your corneas, you’re also boosting your outer glow. If you want to kick it up a notch, be intentional about eating plenty of foods with omega-3 fatty acids to reduce acne and inflammation and help your skin produce its own collagen. For your healthy fats, go for flax seed, nuts, chia seeds, and fish.
HAIR HEALTHY
For soft, flowing tresses, make sure you’re getting an equal amount of B vitamins in your diet. We naturally get plenty of B-6 because it’s in most grains, but it’s easier to end up with a biotin or B-12 deficiency if you don’t pay attention. Focus on foods like salmon, eggs, spinach, and broccoli for a healthy balance of B vitamins for your hair.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 eggs
• Dash of flax milk
• Cumin
• Salt + pepper
• ½ sweet potato, cubed
• ¼ green onion, chopped
• ¼ cup spinach
• Handful of broccoli florets
SWEET POTATO SCRAMBLE
(for one)
• Ghee butter or avocado oil for cooking
TOPPING IDEAS
• Cooked salmon
• Hot sauce
• Chia seeds or flax seeds
• Fresh parsley
DIRECTIONS
1. Whisk together your eggs, milk, and spices.
2. Prepare a skillet over medium heat with your ghee butter or avocado oil. Cook the sweet potato, green onion, and broccoli for 5-8 minutes. Add the spinach and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Pour your egg mixture into the skillet and scramble together until the eggs are your desired texture, roughly 3 minutes.
4. Immediately add your cooked salmon, seeds, parsley, or hot sauce and enjoy while it’s still hot!
MIX IT UP
Shades of Style
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY MASSA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY
BLONDE & BRUNETTE TRANSFORMATIONS YOU’LL LOVE THIS SEASON.
FOR THE BOLD BRUNETTE BEAUTY SERVE UP DEPTH AND SHINE.
• Deep espresso, chocolate glaze, and warm chestnut tones
• Add subtle lowlights for movement
• Glosses for mirror-like shine
• Cool undertones or warm — let’s find your match
• Rich doesn’t have to mean flat
FOR THE BRIGHT BLONDE BABE KEEP YOUR LIGHT, ADD SOME SPICE.
• Add a root smudge for depth and dimension
• Tone down the brightness — think golden beige, creamy champagne, or soft honey
• Low-maintenance blends = fewer salon visits
• Bright doesn’t have to mean icy
• Fall doesn’t mean going dark — it means going rich
Color by Courtney Nicole, specializing in custom blondes, and low-maintenance color that grows out like a dream. Our studio vibe? Relaxed, real, and all about making you feel like your best self.
Studio Em & Lu 205c S Main Street, Rochester, MI
At The Spa MD, we specialize in refined, balanced, and deeply personal results. Whether it’s subtle contouring, skin rejuvenation, or body sculpting, every detail is designed to enhance what’s already yours.
With over 25 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, our team brings a level of precision, discernment, and clinical artistry that’s unmatched. We don’t follow trends. We follow anatomy, science, and what’s right for you.
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SEPTEMBER 25TH
Nightfall at the Hall
Meadow Brook Hall - 350 Estate Drive Rochester, MI 48309 | 6:00 PM
Join Meadow Brook Hall for Nightfall at The Hall on Thursday, September 25, from 6–9 p.m. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and an exciting auction under the stars at this glamorous fundraising event. The evening includes a chef-crafted dinner and exclusive auction items—all in support of preserving the Great Estate. Tickets are $175 per person.
SEPTEMBER 26TH - 27TH
Oktoberfest!!!
Rochester Mills - 400 Water St, Rochester, MI 48307 | 5:00 PM Oktoberfest is BACK at Rochester Mills, September 26–27, 2025! Kick off the fun Thursday at 6 p.m. with the ceremonial keg tapping and live German music by Enzian. Enjoy the big tent, stein-holding and sauerkraut-eating contests, kids’ activities, authentic German food, and more! Friday 5–11 p.m. and Saturday 1–11 p.m. Don’t miss this festive fall tradition!
SEPTEMBER 28TH
Golden Grizzlies
5k/10k Run
Elaine Leigh Track and Field Complex at Oakland University6000 Meadow Brook Rd Rochester, MI 48309 | 9:00 AM
Join us for the Golden Grizzlies 5k/10k Run on September 28 at Oakland University! Enjoy a scenic course through campus with a track finish, music, coffee, sponsor tents, and fun for all ages. Runners get medals and t-shirts, with special awards and alumni gold bibs for the first 200 registrants.
