Scottsdale, AZ September 2023

The Style Issue

SHOPPING

REVOLUTIONARY SHOE DESIGNER CANDACE CHEN

ARTS + CULTURE

VINTAGE AUTOS

TRAVEL A STUNNING MEXICAN RESORT

SEPTEMBER 2023

Here's to Style

There’s something about fall. Even though it’s still hot here in the Valley, the searing heat has broken (typically, anyway!) and there’s the promise of change in the air—cooler weather, the upcoming holiday season, and of course, new fashions.

In keeping with that, September is always our Style Issue.

Style is an interesting concept. Not only does it influence the fashions that we wear, but it influences every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to and 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 because 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 in Scottsdale to uplift your spirits, boost your productivity, and ignite your creativity.

In this issue, we showcase comfortable (yes, really!) shoes created by a local innovator and designer, highlight stylish cars of the past, talk about the popular little black dress, and more.

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—and stylishly—you!

Yours,

MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @SCOTTSDALECITYLIFESTYLE

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Alicia Haygood | alicia.haygood@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Michelle Glicksman | michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Faith Morello | faith.morello@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Shana Schwarz, Susan Lanier-Graham, Georgann Yara

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Sophia DuBois

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 Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

pathways for health and recovery.

Explore innovative treatments and therapies that rejuvenate and restore. Let's journey together to a healthier, happier you.

Top doctor in Scottsdale offering patients nonnarcotic and non-surgical treatment options to help reduce pain and improve function

Take the first step today and experience the wonders of regenerative medicine at Integrated Spine, Pain & Wellness

DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED, FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED ANESTHESIOLOGIST AND INTERVENTIONAL PAIN ALUMNUS OF THE CLEVELAND CLINIC

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @ScottsdaleCityLifestyle

1: Courtland and Meghan Fable and Jill and Brian Hegardt at DFA’s cocktail party. 2: Michael and Wendy Arendt attend DFA’s event. 3: Amy Gause, Heather Terveen, Katherine Zamora, Sarah Carlenzolii, Shannon Gulbas, and Rachael Stillwagon at DFA’s New Member Cocktail Party. 4: Nancy and Kenneth Bates at Desert Foundation Auxiliary’s (DFA) 57th Annual New Member Cocktail Party. 5: Scott and Elise Whyte attended DFA’s cocktail party, held at a private home. 6: Michelle and Scott Maxwell were on hand at DFA’s Annual New Member Cocktail Party. 7: Catherine Ann Cowie and Caren Redivo at Desert Foundation Auxiliary’s event. Photography by Colleen Katz Pictures in Pixels

In your corner & around the corner.

The Fast-Casual Greek Restaurant Kuko’s Nest Opens in Scottsdale Ranch

Longtime Valley restaurateur and the owner-proprietor of Feeney’s, Maria Tobras, recently opened Kuko’s Nest in the Mercado at Scottsdale Ranch. The fast-casual Greek restaurant was inspired by her son, George Tompras. Kuko’s Nest offers Mediterranean foods that are all scratch-made and follow family recipes. Menu items include chicken dinners, kabobs, gyros, Greek-style potatoes, salads, housemade loukoumades (traditional golden puffs covered in honey syrup), and more. The Tobras family are natives of Athens, Greece. KukosNest.com

Artist Sharon Albrektsen's Sculpture Chosen for a Collectible Directory Cover

Scottsdale ceramic artist Sharon Albrektsen's playful Bee Free ture was chosen to grace the cover of this year's Hidden in the Hills artist direc tory, which is a four-color, thick, glossy directory that has become a collectible. Hidden in the Hills, Arizona's largest and longest-running artist studio tour, will take place this year Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 24-26. Albrektsen's surreal piece depicts a fairytale-like woman setting a bee free. HiddenInTheHills.org

letter from the PUBLISHER

Style is unique and ever-changing.

I’m the kind of person who stands in my closet looking at my clothes and shoes, remembering events or times that I wore them, from a date night with my husband, ladies’ weekend in Vegas, or a meeting here in town. A person’s style tells a story about who they are and where they’ve been. That’s what this issue is going to be for you, a journey of style, here in Scottsdale.

My style, like many, has changed over the decades. From my 20s when I was living in big cities working in the corporate world, to mom life in yoga pants, and now in my 40s, back to feeling myself in heels and nicer clothes (easier now that the kids are older and not as messy). No matter what I wear, I wear it for myself. I wear it to feel my best. And when we feel our best, we are our best selves.

So whether that’s a new pickleball outfit, pair of shoes, or custom suit, be your authentic style. Because as we all know, Scottsdale has a style all of its own. And we’re proud to show it off.

See you around town,

Alicia  Owner/Publisher

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOPHIA DUBOIS

A Rare Space

A GIFT OF A FIRE ENGINE LEADS TO A UNIQUE DESTINATION

Some women want jewelry. Some want a handbag. But when it was Janet Cussler’s birthday, her husband, the late author Clive Cussler, knew just what he wanted to get her.

It was a 1917 Ahrens-Fox fire engine.

“I was very excited,” she says when he gave her the surprise. “And I was very appreciative. But I said, ‘It doesn’t fit in my jewelry box.’ Without missing a beat, he says to me, ‘Well, get a bigger box!’”

And so the couple, who met in 2005 and married in 2008, did just that—in a way.

Clive, an adventure novelist known for his thrillers and who was often listed on The New York Times best-seller list, had long been an avid automobile collector. At the time the couple met, he already owned more than 150 classic cars and ’50s convertibles, a collection now owned by his children and housed in the Cussler Museum in Colorado.

Janet’s background was in fine art and art history, and after Clive introduced her to the collectible car world, she was soon also “bitten by the bug.”

“It’s not hard to go from a Picasso or a Calder to a rolling piece of artwork like this,” she says. “And I did. I just got bit. I got very enthusiastic.”

By the time Clive gave her the fire engine, the couple had also already amassed an extensive collection together in Arizona. In fact, they had put up temporary tents on

their sport courts at their Paradise Valley home, where they were living full time— Clive was from Colorado—to house some, while others were in storage.

“We’d just put them into storage, and I hadn’t thought much about it,” Janet says. “But then when the fire engine came, I looked at him like, really? I mean, what does one do with a ginormous 1917 fire engine?”

Their answer was the unique location that is now the Janet Cussler Car Collection, located in nondescript buildings in the Scottsdale Airpark.

“We got one space, then outgrew it, got another, outgrew it, and now have three,” she says, laughing.

Today, the space houses 50 rare and collectible cars, grouped by era—and the fire engine, of course. There are also strategically placed mannequins, dressed in authentic clothing of the era of the vehicles (which Janet curates), displayed throughout.

Included in the collection are a 1902 Oldsmobile, a 1906 Packard that’s the 22nd oldest known Packard, and an unrestored 1914 car that still runs.

“It has its own electrical system and is one of the first cars that had an electrical starter in it,” she explains.

Janet says that she and Clive, who passed in 2020, enjoyed sharing the cars, so they turned this area into an event space.

Available for rent, the space fits 125, although she notes that they’ve held dinners for up to 200 by using the alleyway space between the two buildings.

“We’ve done board meetings and cocktail parties, and I also like to provide the space for charity events,” she says.

A small library area—stocked with Clive’s books, of course—also provides a perfect locale for a more intimate gathering, such as a small meeting or a VIP meet-and-greet before a gala.

Janet still collects cars and is very involved in the collectible market. She oversees the restoration of the cars she owns, a process that can take years per vehicle, she explains.

And, she continues the practice she and Clive had of taking the cars out on the road. Yes, they are road-worthy, and you can sometimes find her driving them around the Airpark or down Shea Boulevard, heading toward Fountain Hills.

Over the years, the couple enjoyed attending classic car auctions together—although their mutual love of cars wasn’t always advantageous, Janet shares.

“Once, [we were] at a Gooding auction, and the auctioneer was very well known, very proper, very British … Once he gets a room going, he never stops,” she recalls. “And during this auction, he actually stopped. He leans forward and says, ‘Everybody, just wait a minute’—and you just don’t do that in the middle of an auction— and he leans over the podium …” Janet pauses for emphasis, “and he says, ‘Mrs. Cussler, you are bidding against Mr. Cussler!’”

The Cusslers did get the car.

“I really enjoyed [the auctions], and I enjoyed watching him and his passion,” Janet says. “And I think that was part of it because he loved them so, and you could see the passion, and I could, too. It was wonderful. We had a good time.”

JanetCusslerCarCollection.com

“It’s not hard to go from a Picasso or a Calder to a rolling piece of artwork like this,” Janet says.

TRUE COLORS

Morrison and Brooke Svec Help Clients Find the Perfect Clothing and Makeup Colors

If you’ve ever tried on clothes and wondered whether the colors suited you, you know how nice it can be to have a friend nearby for a second opinion. And finding just the right shade for makeup can be equally daunting. But if your friends aren’t great with colors, or you’ve always been curious about your optimal look, it might be time to call in the experts.

Lexi Morrison and Brooke Svec opened House of Colour Central Scottsdale in 2021 and are ready to rescue you.

“During a color consultation, we will discover your color palette using a time-tested color analysis process,” they explain. “In addition to learning which colors are your best, you will also have a personalized makeup application using your best shades, as well as get to see all of your season’s colors on you. Knowing which shades are best for you when choosing clothes, accessories, and makeup ensures that you are investing in pieces that will make you look and feel your best.”

Seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall—are long used as color types since people already associate certain colors with specific seasons.

“I love to see their faces light up when they see how beautiful they are, knowing they will leave with knowledge that will last them a lifetime for how to dress confidently.” - Lexi Morrison

Lexi

With two years under their belts, they’ve had time to think about their favorite parts of the job.

“For me, it’s the relationships,” says Svec. “I always tell my clients that they’re a friend and not just a customer. I have met so many incredible people through this work, and it has become this really powerful community. I get to help dress people for major events in their lives, and instill in them tools to simplify getting ready so they can feel put together, even amid a chaotic season of life.”

And for Morrison, the best part of this career is that “aha moment” clients have when they learn their best colors or styles.

“I love to see their faces light up when they see how beautiful they truly are, and knowing that they will leave with knowledge that will last them a lifetime for how to dress confidently,” she explains.

If it sounds like a fun job, it’s because it is. When asked for any special memories over the years, they each had several to share.

“One that sticks out in particular was from a mother-daughter pair who came in for a color analysis,” says Svec. “The mother shared that she did not like to shop and had worn the same things for years because it was so much easier than trying to find something new. She didn’t wear makeup and didn’t have a lot of confidence in how she looked.

Through the analysis, we learned she was a spring, which is a gorgeous season filled with lots of bright and splashy warm colors. After applying a little makeup, including a fun lipstick shade, and draping her in her best colors, she exclaimed that she looked and felt really pretty! She couldn’t stop smiling, and we all got a little teary looking at her and reveling in her reaction. Being able to give this woman (and so many others like her) the tools to feel confident and beautiful again is just the best.”

“My favorite memories are working with clients who are family members,” says Morrison. “First of all, it’s a bonding experience for loved ones to share, and second, I get the opportunity to know the whole family. One of the most fun days in my color studio has been with four male clients, three of whom were brothers. We laughed so hard and had a great time discovering each of their seasons. In fact, each of them ended up being a different season. It is rare to have all four seasons in one day!”

In addition to color analysis, House of Colour also offers style analysis. During a style analysis, Morrison and Svec will discover your clothing personality, which is derived from your body architecture, personality, and lifestyle. You will learn which styles of clothing and accessories best honor your whole authentic self.

“With both of these services, you will walk away knowing how to invest in clothing items that allow you to look and feel your best every day,” the pair says.

To learn more about these services, schedule an appointment, and see more color and style inspiration, follow along with House of Colour Central Scottsdale on Instagram at @houseofcolour_cscottsdale.

THE SHOE

(COMFORTABLY) FITS

She was using her mechanical engineering degree at a high-end golf equipment company, designing shipping boxes that efficiently used space while ensuring the valuable contents arrived at their destinations in pristine condition.

So when faced with the challenge of creating a comfortable and stylish stiletto that required cleverly squeezing as much padding and pressure-relieving foam into as few inches as possible, this was perfectly in Protégé founder Candace Chen’s wheelhouse.

The fact that she is a woman designing and building shoes for women is the icing on the cake. Historically, women’s shoes have been designed by men. And because engineering remains a male-dominated field, it’s common for shoe companies, even those with women owners and designers, to hire an engineer—who’s almost always a man—to bring their visions to life.

In either case, Chen explains that most women’s shoes, especially those from high-profile fashion houses, are designed or made by men who’ll never know what it’s like to wear them.

“Being a woman and mechanical engineer, I’m the best one to tackle this problem because of this unique combination,” Chen says.

The result is Chen’s line of gorgeous dress shoes that aesthetically hold their own next to the luxe labels on the market, but without the agony.

Since selling her first stilettos in 2021, positive feedback has not only sustained Protégé, but also sparked new styles that Chen is rolling out, each based on customers’ wish lists. This includes a dressy block heel with a cute detachable bow, a closed-toed slingback, and a bridal heel featuring a wear-it-how-you-want bow.

Growing up in the fashion-forward city of Los Angeles, one may assume that owning a luxury shoe line was a natural evolution in Chen’s career. However, as a kid, she would be more likely to be found dismantling and building rather than obsessing over each page in Vogue or Elle.

“I was playing around with Legos, building stuff out of cardboard or anything I could find. I loved working with my hands and making things and was obsessed with a woodshop class I took when I was 12 years old,” Chen recalls. “Clothing and fashion were not what I thought I would be doing.”

And that may have been the case for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate if not for a daytime networking event that extended to a happy hour-turned-dancing the night away in Old Town Scottsdale.

After 10 hours in pretty but painful heels, Chen suffered the numbness, chafing, and blisters that most women are all too familiar with.

“There’s no reason women should have to suffer this pain. Why haven’t high heels been designed to be comfortable, especially with all the technology that currently exists?”

Chen questioned at the time.

ARTICLE BY GEORGANN YARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOPHIA DUBOIS

PHOTOGRAPHED ON-SITE AT THE SCOTT RESORT & SPA

Protégé Founder Candace Chen Is a Mechanical Engineer-Turned-Shoe Designer Who Has the Industry Spinning With a Comfortable Stiletto Heel

But instead of accepting this fate, Chen tapped into her childhood passion. She purchased 20 pairs of heels from a thrift store, brought them home, and took them apart to see their materials and understand how they were constructed. She used a heat gun, a rotary cutting tool, pliers, and a few other tools that allowed her to grind into each shoe.

Chen discovered that most were cheaply made, with little consideration for comfort. Thin cardboard, hard plastic, and steel, often which drove through the surfaces where the foot sits, was what she found.

Equipped with this insight, Chen went to work. At the time, she was the design engineer at a Scottsdale-based golf equipment company. She designed golf accessories and custom shippers.

Here, Chen’s design checked many boxes: Hold as many as 14 clubs, keep them secure and separated so the heads wouldn’t get scratched during transport, elegantly accommodate placement of marketing materials, and take up as little space as possible to keep shipping costs low.

So when she decided to make her flagship shoe a stiletto— considered the most uncomfortable style by nature because of its pencil-thin heel; barely-there straps; and thin, non-supportive soles—solving this puzzle was right up her alley.

The sleek shape meant Chen had much less room than if she were working with a chunky heel or wedge.

“I was playing around with it, trying to make it thinner and thinner without compromising comfort,” she says.

After taking a shoemaking class in London, Chen created her first shoe with arch support and a stabilizing heel cup. Shockabsorbing foam, memory foam, and shock-absorbing gel are incorporated to address different issues while standing or walking. Chen sewed the fabric and added a piece of internal thermoplastic in the back of the heel to hold the shape.

Eighteen months and 67 prototypes later, Chen finally had a shoe she was happy with. After testing it out on family and friends, Chen was excited and nervous when she held her first three pre-launch events in 2020 and 2021. She had enough pre-order sales to fund her first round of shoes for customers.

Today, Chen’s shoes are sought after by professionals who must present impeccably and spend much more time walking or standing than sitting. Lawyers, doctors, realtors, and high-powered salespeople represent the majority of her clientele.

And each one is living and walking proof that her mission is successful and appreciated.

“When customers tell me, ‘I really love the shoes; they’ve been a real game-changer for me,’ it’s rewarding to experience,” Chen says.  ProtegeFootwear.com

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We are the experts in Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and specialize in hormone pellets, the safest and most effective form of treatment available.

DR. VANESSA DEAN

Heaven on Earth

HARD ROCK HOTEL RIVIERA

MAYA OFFERS AN UPSCALE GETAWAY TO PARADISE

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

TRAVEL JOURNAL | TRAVEL

Welcome to Heaven.

This is where you’ll find blue ocean waters, a private beach, palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze, unlimited food and drinks, swim-up rooms on the ground floor, and good ol’ rock music.

Heaven is the adults-only side of Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, an upscale, all-inclusive sprawling resort nestled on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, a little over an hour south of Cancun, not far from Playa del Carmen.

The side for adults and kids is called Hacienda, and while you are free to roam back and forth, many areas of Heaven are strictly for those ages 18 and up, including the pool and several restaurants.

Eden pool in Heaven. Courtesy Hard Rock Hotels

Hard Rock recently unveiled several new luxurious experiences in Heaven, including three new restaurants, poolside cabanas, the swim-up rooms, and a new pool.

I stayed in a deluxe swim-up room, which was 482 square feet and as luxurious as they come. After I arrived, it took only a few minutes for me to open the sliding door to my patio and settle into the hammock hanging outside. Perfection.

Of course, the pool beckoned, too.

Heaven’s pool—aptly named Eden—is surrounded by lounges and cabanas, and features a popular swim-up bar.

Although the area is for adults only, it’s far from dull. The music plays, and cheers go up as the staff wades into the pool handing out drinks and shots brought out on a float. There’s a party to be had if guests want, or pure relaxation if that’s the preference.

For those who prefer the sea—which comes up almost to the pool—there are private beaches along the length of the resort, with water areas roped off from the rest of the sea so that you can swim or wade safely.

While the endless ocean views are plenty, so are the food options. There are multiple dining locales, from buffets to specialty restaurants spanning steak, Italian, Asian, pizza, and more.

Three of the newest options are located in Heaven. Umo features Mexican Yucataninspired fare (try the handmade tortillas!), while Wai features Thai food. Faro is a food hall showcasing various stations with different cuisines, from sushi to Mexican.

The beach in Heaven. Photo by Michelle Glicksman

Heaven Deluxe Swim-Up room. Courtesy Hard Rock Hotels

Between meals, I often stopped at Cafetto, a quick walk-up cafe with snacks, coffee, and ice cream.

And bars abound, as well.

Of course, Hard Rock doesn’t forget about entertainment and experiences.

The night I visited the Club Heaven nightclub, the new light-up LED floor flashed as people danced. In the lobby, karaoke took place with a live band behind the singer, making it a true rock star experience.

Other resort activities include a spa, an on-site water park (included), golf, laser tag, a bowling alley, and the Hyper X gaming lounge. Some experiences have extra fees.

The resort also held its popular Glocal Food + Wine festival during my stay, which was part of the all-inclusive experience. There were beverage master classes, poolside culinary events, special dinners, and more.

Indeed, Heaven all around.

HARD ROCK HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA

An all-inclusive experience

Km 72, Carretera Cancun-Chetumal, Puerto Aventuras, Mexico 77710 +52.984.875.1100

HardRockHotels.com/riviera-maya/

Umo. Photo by Michelle Glicksman

We

committed to providing opportunities for teens to stay active and healthy.

Recently, we introduced a few private groups for teens to gauge interest and response - each participant loved it! Pilates group classes offer a convenient way to enhance your workout routine. It provides numerous physical benefits like improved posture, balance, muscle tone, flexibility, and core strength, which are especially beneficial for athletes and dancers.

Additionally, Pilates can counteract the negative effects of prolonged computer and phone use, reducing slouching tendencies. Moreover, it serves as a stress relief and enhances mental focus. Embracing Pilates not only brings about positive physical changes but also contributes to overall well-being, making it a valuable addition to anyone's fitness journey!

"This morning I had the opportunity to take a

class - I am in LOVE! The class was exactly what I have been missing. Just like all of Firm Body Pilates' classes and instructors, the FitSprings class and equipment are empowering. They allowed me to go deeper into squats, lunges, and burpees (which I typically hate). So excited we have these options at FBP, can't wait for the next class!" -

Designer and Contractor Kaitlyn Wolfe Shares Some of Her Latest Stunning Work

A WORK OF ART

In 2016, Kaitlyn Wolfe launched Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe (IconicByKaitlynWolfe.com). The founder, principal designer, and general contractor is known for her thoughtful and creative designs—as evidenced by these impactful spaces.

Here, she takes us through each room, beginning with the unique design of a bathroom of a recently completed remodel in Paradise Valley.

“We integrated chairs into the bathroom vanity for the Jack and Jill bath for their daughters. When the chairs are pushed in, they seamlessly blend into the drawers.”

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN BROST

“We layered this kitchen with European White Oak flooring, putty and white cabinetry, and a statement agglomerate stone on the hood. We accented it with dark wood trim on the windows, cabinet hardware, and lighting.”

“We designed a plastered drywall pop-out to carefully surround the vintage sconces, along with a bench with built-in planters and a custom dining table.”

“We kept the formal dining room minimalistic with layered neutrals of wood, boucle, metal, and plaster. We incorporated soft curves into the furnishings and lighting.”

THE little BLACK DRESS

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

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 1920s, 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 straightlined 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.

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

“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. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”

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.

events

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

SEPTEMBER 1ST-2ND

Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival

WESTWORLD OF SCOTTSDALE

This event, perfect for anyone passionate about needlework, fabric art, and creative expression, features a variety of exhibitors offering the latest tools, fabrics, patterns, and supplies to ignite your imagination and fuel your artistic endeavors. From sewing machines to quilting rulers, from yarns to beads, you'll find everything you need to bring your craft projects to life. QuiltCraftSew.com

SEPTEMBER 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND & 29TH

Jazzbird Nights

THE RAVENSCROFT | 7:00 PM Jazzbird Nights returns this month every Friday night. Listen to music from popular up-and-coming musicians, accompanied by a fine selection of wine, local craft beers, and catered meals for purchase. Musicians include Alice Tatum, the Ilya Dynov Trio Featuring Bill Cunliffe, the Tommy Gearhart Quintet, the Folklore Quartet - Featuring Max Beckman, and the Jack Radavich Quintet. TheRavenscroft.com

SEPTEMBER 8TH-17TH

2023 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week

STATEWIDE

Arizona Restaurant Week is 10 full days when diners can discover the breadth of food and beverage options available throughout Arizona—at just a fraction of the usual cost. Participating restaurants offer specific menus featuring hyper-seasonal or limited-availability ingredients and, oftentimes, dishes that are not generally on their regular menus. There are three-course prixfixe menus for just $33, $44, or $55 per person. ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com

SEPTEMBER 15TH-17TH

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

WESTWORLD OF SCOTTSDALE

Browse more than 100,000 square feet filled with more than 160 vintage and handmade vendors from across the country who are selling all things chippy, rusty, vintage, and handmade. There is also live music and local food trucks. JunkInThe TrunkVintageMarket.com

SEPTEMBER 24TH

LeAnn Rimes: The Story ... So Far Tour

SCOTTSDALE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS | 7:30 PM

Armed with powerhouse vocal talents, LeAnn Rimes took home the Grammy Award for Best New Artist when she was only 14 years old. At 15, she became the first country artist to win Artist of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards. Catch her as she performs in Scottsdale for one night only. ScottsdalePerformingArts.org

SEPTEMBER 30TH

Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels 11th Annual Night of Hope Gala

HYATT REGENCY SCOTTSDALE

RESORT & SPA AT GAINEY

RANCH | 6:00 PM

This colorful cocktail, black-tie optional event raises much-needed financial resources to support the mission and services of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels (AHRA). AHRA offers comfort and care counseling, Comfycozy's for Chemo apparel, financial assistance, and major distraction events for childhood cancer warriors and their families. AmandaHope.org

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Scottsdale

When should I consider in-home care for myself or a loved one?

This quick checklist will help determine whether it’s time to have a conversation to see if in-home care or other care solutions are needed. you are Aging. miss taking Medications. Assistance needed by others to stay at home – help with transportation, errands, grocery, housecleaning, personal hygiene. Desire to stay at home. A spouse of someone you are caring for – in-home care as a respite for a loved one.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR

"STATISTICS MATTER, BUT RELATIONSHIPS MATTER MORE."

Discover a Hidden Treasure in Your Home! Get a complimentary home valuation report delivered right to your inbox. You never know, it might be worth more than you think! And hey, if you're diving into the exciting world of buying or selling a home, fear not! I've got your back. If questions are swirling in your head like a whirlwind, simply give a ring. Let's have a friendly chat where I'll equip you with all the info you need to make the perfect decision for you and your loved ones. Don't wait another moment, reach out today and let's embark on this exciting journey together.

ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM

LUCID AIR GRAND TOURING SEDAN

WELCOME TO THE WORLD’S LONGEST RANGE AND FASTEST-CHARGING LUXURY ELECTRIC CAR

Welcome to Lucid, an American-made luxury electric vehicle assembled right here in Arizona.

The new Lucid Air Grand Touring offers maximum thrills in an all-electric luxury vehicle. You can hit 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 168 mph. Not only is the acceleration staggering in this sedan with 819 horsepower, but it has the stamina to take to the road with a 516-mile range on a single charge.

LUXURY INSIDE

When you sit down in the Lucid Air Grand Touring, you feel the luxury of complete silence. Sleek surfaces surround you. Fullgrain Nappa leather is sourced from the world’s only carbon-neutral leather producer. Combine that with PurLuxe leather alternatives and sustainably harvested open-pore wooden accents and you have the ultimate in sustainable sophistication.

An expansive glass canopy overhead is ideal for those cool desert evenings. Don’t worry about those hot days. Protective interlayers help block heat and harmful rays.

As you take to the road, delight in the 20-way massaging seats and the optional 21-speaker Surreal Sound™ Pro audio system with Dolby Atmos.

The main displays put everything at your fingertips. A floating 34-inch glass cockpit panel curves around the driver’s seat. You see everything in crystal clear, 5K resolution.

A retractable central pilot panel gives you even more control over the Air’s features and slides away for hidden storage.

TECHNOLOGY TO GO

The optional DreamDrive™ Pro, Lucid’s advanced driver-assistance system, gives you peace of mind and cutting-edge convenience. DreamDrive™ Pro includes 32 on-board sensors, an innovative driver-monitoring system, and on-board ethernet networking.

Lucid Air Grand Touring comes with facial recognition and Alexa voice-enabled commands.

LUCID AIR GRAND TOURING

MSRP $138,000 (155,650 as tested)

819 hp

0-60 in 2.6 sec

516 mile range

12 minutes to charge to 200 miles

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