The Art OF STYLE A R T S + C U LTU R E
E XPRESSIVE ARTIST ELYSIZ KI NG SHOPPING
LET BAGS LE AD S T Y LE + B E AUT Y
M AKE AN E XCL AM ATIO N WITH E YEWE AR
S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6
LIFESTYLE LETTER
The Art Of Style
September 2026 PUBLISHER
Style is such an extraordinary part of life. It's far more than the clothes we wear or the accessories we choose. Style is woven into the way we decorate our homes, the art and music we enjoy, the books we read and even the way we move through the world. It's the unique thread that creates the tapestry of who we are. We've always loved fashion, beautiful spaces and creative details, but through the years, we've come to understand true style isn't about following every trend or fitting into someone else’s idea of who we should be. It's about having the confidence to show up authentically. Our style evolves alongside us as we experience life, discover new passions and become more comfortable with the person we were always meant to be. In “Designed to Roam the World,” we step inside the beautiful world of Rungolee, where globally inspired fashion, thoughtful craftsmanship and a love of travel come together in every design. “Marketplace Revival St. Louis” introduces us to local female executives who are igniting a Christian movement among professional women. Through marketplace ministry, they're building meaningful connections here in St. Louis while creating an impact that reaches far beyond our city. We also celebrate the soul mate sisters behind Kindred Spirits Designs in “Duo Spreads Joy Through Wearable Treasures.” Their joyful creations remind us that what we wear can hold meaning, tell a story and create a connection between the person who makes it and the person who wears it. Here in our county, we're fortunate to have countless opportunities to celebrate and explore style. We can visit local boutiques, support creative entrepreneurs, experience inspiring art and draw energy from the vibrant culture surrounding us. This month, we invite you to think of style as an authentic expression of yourself, your passions, your experiences, your values and your individuality. The most beautiful thing about your personal style is that no one else in the world can replicate it because no one else has lived your story. Whether you're experimenting with a new trend, blending timeless pieces with something unexpected or confidently embracing what you already love, let this edition inspire you to express yourself boldly. Here’s to being uniquely you! Live beautifully,
KELLEY AND GORDON, PUBLISHER AND CO-PUBLISHER @ S TC H A R L E S C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E M AG
Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com CO-PUBLISHER
Kelley Lamm kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julie Brown Patton, Sarah Guldalian, Mel Boban, Kelley Lamm C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S
Tatiana Cuzcueta, Gracie Belle Collins, Images by Sandra, Elysia King, JS Photography STL
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 St. Charles County City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the St. Charles County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in St. Charles County City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E
22 Featured
12 16
Let Bags Lead
Handbag Extraordinaire Stephanie Keyser Shares Fall Styling Tips
Individually Stylized Artwork That’s Fresh
Make An Exclamation With Eyewear
The Eye Shoppe: ‘Life’s Too Short To Wear Boring Glasses’
On the Cover Art by Elysia King Photography: Courtesy of Elysia King
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WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?
Departments
Expressive Artist Elysia King Knows Learning ‘The Whys’ Behind Client Requests Brings Her Tremendous Joy
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Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
12
Fashion Forward SHOPPING
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Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE
22
Expert Help STYLE + BEAUTY
26
Home Update HOME + DESIGN
30
Local Limelight EDUCATION
32
Events
34
Inspired By ARTS + CULTURE
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DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
SEPTEMBER 2026
city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
SARAH HAYEK
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MAGPIE’S ST. CHARLES
SAINT CHARLES FARMERS MARKET
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ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PARISH
ST. CHARLES CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY
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CITY OF O’FALLON - GOVERNMENT
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TWO RIVERS ELEMENTARY
1: Sarah and Toby Hayek represented The Red Beauty Salon at Callaway Lake Estates Community Pop-Up. 2: Attendees participated in Magpie’s St. Charles Mahjong 101 class at the beginners’ session. 3: Saint Charles Farmers Market gave away complimentary strawberry shortcake desserts while supplies lasted. 4: Attendees formed a conga line during Live at the Library: Dancing Through the Decades. 5: More than 100 quilters presented handmade Quilts of Valor to Missouri veterans at Assumption Parish. 6: Community leaders celebrated the opening of the Twin Island Trailhead on the Dardenne Greenway. 7: 7Brew treated school staff to coffee as they prepared for the new school year.
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C I T Y SC E N E
Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ S T C H A R L E S C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E M A G
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COTTLEVILLE WINE SELLER
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MARIO PARRA
12 EXPERIENCE ST. CHARLES
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THE COLLECTIVE MARKET
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ORLANDO’S PRODUCE
ST. CHARLES COUNTY AMBULANCE DISTRICT
WENTZVILLE PARKS & RECREATION
8: Mario’s Cafe catered breakfast for Great Day St. Louis during its O’Fallon broadcast. 9: Skyline Roofing installed new patio fans for outdoor dining and drinks at Cottleville Wine Seller. 10: More than 800 guests attended Sunset with the Symphony at Spencer Road Branch Library. 11: A parade float traveled through Historic St. Charles during the Fourth of July celebration. 12: Staff members prepared fresh produce for another day of business at Orlando’s Market. 13: Aniyah Scott was recognized for lifesaving actions with a Citizen Service Award. 14: Community members gathered for Wentzville’s Fourth of July Parade and America 250 celebration.
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LET BAGS
Lead
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATIANA
CUZCUETA, GRACIE BELLE COLLINS
Handbag Extraordinaire Stephanie Keyser Shares Fall Styling Tips Most people think the hardest part of getting dressed is finding the perfect fitting clothing items, or matching their shoes to their shirt. Handbags are rarely the issue, but designer Stephanie Keyser knows that's exactly the problem. "The biggest style mistake I see is treating one bag as the default for every outfit," says Stephanie, founder of her very own American-made handbag line. "Accessories are an opportunity to change the entire mood of a look, so I always encourage people to switch it up. Even with something as formal as a black-tie outfit, a bold bag or unexpected pop of color can make the look feel more personal and memorable." Stephanie's philosophy runs through every piece she designs, and feels especially relevant during the fall season when clothing gets layered and colors get deeper. Accessories become the easiest way to shift the mood of a look without buying a new wardrobe season after season chasing short-lived trends. Stephanie's own style was shaped in two very different cities. She says she studied fashion in Toronto before interning in Florence, and she credits each place with teaching her important foundations to her unique design eye. "Florence taught me to appreciate the beauty in the smallest details and showed me how one unexpected element can completely elevate a design," she says. "Toronto is where I developed my minimalist aesthetic. I was inspired by the city's sleek architecture, clean lines and structured feel."
The result is a design aesthetic she describes as: "minimalist, but never boring." That balance of her minimalist-but-not-so-boring design style didn't start as a business idea. It started with inspiration from her high school sewing class. "My school offered a fashion and sewing class, and that's where my passion truly began," Stephanie explains. "I was also constantly reading fashion magazines and studying the designs, fascinated by how creativity and craftsmanship came together. Fashion felt like the perfect way to express my ideas and turn them into something tangible." Her interests in craftsmanship and trends are still what guide her designs today. She says she pays close attention to what's moving quickly through fashion season to season, but she's careful and keeps a keen eye out for what actually deserves to make it into her chic designs. "My goal is to create bags that feel current while remaining timeless, versatile and relevant beyond a single season. Ultimately, I want to design pieces that women genuinely love to carry, bags that feel special, elevate their style and become lasting favorites in their wardrobes," she adds. That attention shows up in details most people never notice. On her Minimalist and Wynwood styles, the attached wristlet strap unsnaps so it can be secured around the handle of one of her Stephanie Keyser totes. The wristlet also can be looped over the back of a restaurant chair, keeping the bag off the floor entirely. It's the kind of quiet problem-solving that makes her bags go-to CONTINUED >
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FASH ION F OR WA R D | S HOPPIN G
Skudra Photography
“Bags are one of the easiest ways to add color, personality and flair, so why not have fun with them?”
AUTHENTIC
Luxury
PRE-OWNED HANDBANGS AND ACCESSORIES CROWNLUXURYRESALE.COM
636.294.6612
Photo by Harvest Bloom 3939 MID RIVERS MALL DR. COTTLEVILLE, MO 63376 S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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“Ultimately, I want to design pieces that women genuinely love to carry, bags that feel special, elevate their style and Founder Stephanie Kieser Photo by Aubrey Finnegan
wardrobe staples for their functionality versus a bag that's only worn on rare occasions. Stephanie's own go-to is the Wynwood multiuse bag. "It's chic, colorful and just the right size," she says, noting she wears it as both a clutch and a crossbody. The versatility is the whole point. Production matters to Stephanie as much as design. Most of the Stephanie Keyser bags are made in the United States, a decision she says comes from more than just a marketing angle. "I chose to support U.S. manufacturing for several important reasons, including creating American jobs and reducing the environmental impact of shipping products from overseas. I can hop on a short flight, drive to the factory, meet directly with the production team, and even bring finished bags home in my car. That kind of hands-on involvement is much more difficult with overseas manufacturing." At the end of the day, Stephanie says her goal isn't just about selling a cute bag. "I want a woman to feel confident, elevated and distinctive when she carries one of my bags. Each style is produced in small batches, giving every piece a sense of exclusivity that feels personal and refined." Coming soon...Stephanie shares some news about her fall collection, pushing her style somewhere new. She explains, "I'm currently developing several new styles, which will introduce a more elevated, luxury direction for the brand. The pieces are being crafted in genuine leather and suede with a manufacturer on the West Coast. While the line is still in the prototype stage, the early samples have exceeded my own expectations." For fall styling, Stephanie's takeaway is simple: the bag isn't the final touch, it's actually the decision that sets the whole look.
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FASH ION F OR WA R D | S HOPPIN G
become lasting favorites in their wardrobes.”
Photo by Harvest Bloom
Photo by Harvest Bloom
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Elysia King Photo by branded by assured image” at “Gatsby STL
Expressive Artist Elysia King Knows Learning ‘The Whys’ Behind Client Requests Brings Her Tremendous Joy
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ELYSIA KING
Individually Stylized Artwork That’s Fresh 16
A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE
Metamorphosing from an ER/ICU nursing career into full-time art during 2021 enabled St. Louis-based artist Elysia King to facilitate healing in a whole new way. "I believe art is transformative, and I’m passionate about collaborating with clients to tell their stories. From painting blank walls to wedding days, my work is rooted in connection and creating lasting impact," she explains. "At first, art was a thriving side hustle to nursing, but I couldn’t imagine it becoming more than that." After taking "an extremely calculated risk" by diving into art as a career, she's so glad she did! Elysia says she now has opportunities to create various kinds of art all over the world as a team member of Cloud Studio Agency, including murals, live paintings and commissioned custom pieces, especially ones done at weddings. Working in oil, acrylic and watercolor, her style highlights emotion, movement and detail. She's come a long way from her early days of pencil drawings to give as gifts to family and friends. "While a nurse, I was drawing pets, homes, T-shirt designs, logos and unique, individual tattoos for others or fundraisers for nurses. And people enjoyed them. I kept getting asked to do more complex pieces, and I kept saying 'yes,'" recalls the self-driven artist. "Every skill I learned and practiced built upon itself until more and more requests came to create people profiles, too." Elysia says she draws inspiration from master art classes, films, photography, books, and most from clients themselves as she discusses their specific ideas with them. "My prep process includes hearing individual stories and getting to know people. I then think about how to recreate their feelings and concepts and how to best recreate those in the mural world." ElysiaKing.Art
CONTINUED >
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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE
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Experience What’s Next Tickets to all 26/27 concerts are on sale now. slso.org 314-534-1700
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MAKE AN E XCL AMATION WITH E YEWE AR THE EYE SHOPPE: ‘LIFE’S TOO SHORT TO WEAR BORING GLASSES’
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
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EXP E RT H E LP | STYL E + BE AU T Y
Experience the art of eyecare with a personalized examination, unique eyewear and FUNctional accessories at The Eye Shoppe, a full-service optometry practice and optical boutique located in the heart of historic St. Charles at 115 North Main St. Julie Emming-Thomas, OD, a self-proclaimed accessory queen and eye-nerd with obsessive attention to detail, opened The Eye Shoppe during July 2012. She's a University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry 2003 graduate. "We provide a welcoming, comfortable environment with high-quality care and fabulous eyewear, along with personalized, friendly service to each of our patients," Dr. Julie affirms.
Services span eco-friendly frames, quality lenses, comfortable contacts and functional sunglasses. St. Charles County Lifestyle asked Dr. Julie for her insight into selecting perfect eyewear to match individual styles.
FACE SHAPE
"The frame shape's more about the style and vibe a person's going for, not necessarily 'balancing your face shape.' So many frame shapes today don’t fit the traditional 'round/square/cateye' model. To be honest, I’m a firm believer most faces can wear any shape; it just depends on nuances of measurements as to what balances their features best." She says she looks at head size and width between eyes, as well as width and type of nose bridge, because that will determine how well each frame sits on someone's face.
FITTING
"As with art, I prefer the frame follows the rule of one-third of lens space above the eye and about two-thirds of the lens under the eye. Poor-fitting frames will sit too high on the nose bridge, causing a visual imbalance of the lens. Metal frames typically have nosepieces, making it easier to adjust and adapt the frame to the patient's bridge. Plastic or acetate frames have a molded bridge, which makes them really comfortable because it will evenly distribute the weight of glasses; however if it doesn't fit the patient's bridge, there's nothing I can do to fix it."
LIFESTYLES
"We have lots of different options when choosing glasses for lifestyle needs: progressives, computer or occupational glasses, reading glasses, prescription sunglasses. Today’s options allow us to customize just about everything. I encourage people to think about what could make their life easier. Patients who've ordered computer glasses love them for the amazing vision they get without compromise. Likewise, my prescription sunglasses are awesome for driving or spending time on the water. We often do multiple pairs of glasses for patients, for both fun and functional purposes."
PERSONALITY
"Glasses are an extension of our personalities; they’re functional accessories. Make sure they represent who you are! When choosing frames, it’s important to decide if you want something that makes a statement. Neutral doesn’t mean just black, brown and grey/gunmetal. It can also be navy, plum or olive. Blush, champagne, crystal are other modern neutrals. People worry that a red or purple frame won’t coordinate with everything, but if the color looks good on your face, it will look good with everything!" Dr. Julie says she hand-selects each of the shop's frames. "We've focused our collection on fashion-forward pieces that are fun and unique. Because your style should be as sharp as your vision!" Dr. Julie asserts. 636.EYE.8888 (636.393.8888) | TheEyeShoppeInc.com
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I F YO U A R E R E A D I N G T H I S . . . S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.
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Cre ate Mood W ith Wa l lcover i ng s From Timeless Elegance To Bold Artistry, Discover Wallcoverings That Beautifully Transform Moods
From serene bedrooms that inspire rest to vibrant powder rooms that surprise and delight, every room tells a different story. The beauty of today's wallcoverings is their versatility; they can create quiet elegance, add warmth and texture or become a stunning work of art. "People are becoming more confident in expressing their personalities through design," Veronica explains. "Wallpaper allows homeowners to create spaces that truly reflect how they want to feel when they walk into a room." At Wimzy Walls, transforming a space is easier than ever. With expert guidance and thoughtfully curated collections, homeowners can confidently select designs that complement their style while creating beautiful, lasting impact throughout their homes. Because sometimes the simplest way to change a room is to change the way the walls tell its story.
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H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN
ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM
Walls are no longer simply the backdrop of a room, they've become the statement. Today's wallcoverings offer an opportunity to transform a space, create emotion and express personal style in ways paint alone simply cannot. Whether you're drawn to timeless stripes, elegant florals, bold geometric patterns or whimsical murals that spark imagination, the latest collections prove that wallpaper is making one of the biggest design comebacks of 2026. Reimagined in fresh color palettes and contemporary designs, today's wallcoverings blend classic inspiration with modern sophistication. "Wallpaper has the ability to completely change the feeling of a room," says Veronica Schwab, owner of Wimzy Walls. "Whether you want to create a calming retreat, a dramatic focal point or a playful space full of personality, the right design sets the mood before a single piece of furniture is added."
Design by Wimzy Walls -White Foliage Cream
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CoChair Maria Granados in Green with Guests
Marketplace Revival From STL Local Female Executives Ignite Christian Movement With Professional Women Through Marketplace Ministry With National Impact St. Louis is home to a faith-based event designed to inspire and unite professional women from across industries and states. Formerly known as The Christian Business Women’s Breakfast, this gathering is uniquely marked for encouraging spiritual and professional growth in female leaders. It has been so successful, in fact; it has sold out early each year, outgrowing its last five locations.
Now, in its ninth year, the breakfast transforms into a conference, called The Christian Business Women’s Summit, and takes place at St. Charles Convention Center Oct. 15. Growing into a summit has allowed 500 additional tickets to open. Yet, this event has grown such notoriety that attendance is nearly at its capacity of 1,300 female leaders now. The group that produces this event is The Rooted Sisters, a 501(c)(3) founded 11 years ago by two CEOs.
ARTICLE BY SARAH GULDALIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY IMAGES BY SANDRA
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EDUCAT ION
CoFounders Cindy Owens _ Lisa Nichols
Business leader Lisa Nichols, CEO of Technology Partners, and nonprofit leader Cindy Owens, then-CEO of American Red Cross (Missouri and Arkansas), joined forces to create this ministry to serve the spiritual needs of professional women. The Rooted Sisters provides a safe place for professional women to study the Word of God, grow in their faith in Christ and lead others to do the same. They produce 120 events each year, with locations in St. Louis and Houston, plus a robust online community nationwide. The summit is their signature event with the greatest turnout. Behind the scenes of this national nonprofit, headquartered in Chesterfield, is a powerful board with leaders from various sectors. Two board members are partnering with staff as 2026 co-chairs: Leah Spiros, calligrapher and owner of Wrapped + Written Fine Art Services, and Maria Granados, co-founder & COO of Life Pulse Inc. Together, they leverage their passion, talents and connections to make this a transformative day for women. “We're no longer a ‘breakfast’ but a true summit, an experience that doesn’t just inspire but equips women to lead in the workplace from a heart for Christ,” says Maria. “I’m eager for women to feel that they have a space to be equipped not just motivated in this professional journey as a Christian." What draws in so many leaders? The answer is worldclass speakers, relevant breakout topics, powerful worship and meaningful networking. Yet, there's something more, something special in the air. Some call it marketplace revival. "Sometimes the greatest investment we can make is stepping away long enough to let God refresh our vision,” says Leah. “Our desire and prayer is for this to be more than a conference. We hope to cultivate a place where women will be enriched with wisdom, authentic connections and renewed purpose!” This year’s keynote is Demi Leigh Tebow, speaker, best-selling author and entrepreneur. As former Ms. Universe, she will speak on rooting one's identity in Christ from her acclaimed book, A Crown That Lasts. The summit also lauds renowned national breakout speakers to renew hope and purpose within attendees.
KT
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andy Mur phe ox 2 M y
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SEPTEMBER 2026
55+ Active Adult Apartments
events A SELECTION OF U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S
SEPTEMBER 12TH
Tacos And Tequila Festival CarShield Field | 1:30 PM
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Now May Be the Perfect Time to Sell Your Home • Low housing inventory means many homeowners are receiving top dollar for their homes. • Eliminate property taxes, HOA dues, home maintenance, lawn care, and snow removal. • Put your home equity to work while enjoying a resortstyle, maintenance-free lifestyle.
This outdoor event in O'Fallon is a 21-plus (identification required), throwback hip-hop event and nostalgia-packed celebration. Beyond live music, attendees can enjoy craft margaritas, mouthwatering tacos, a Chihuahua beauty pageant and professional Lucha Libre wrestling. Tickets come in multiple tiers, including general admission ($74 each), VIP ($146) and group packages. For a lineup of artists, visit TacosAndTequilaFestival.com. SEPTEMBER 18TH & 19 TH
Riverfront Paint Off Plein Air, Community Arts Event Historic St. Charles | 3:00 PM The 18th is Open Paint Day at La Belle Vie; public is welcome to paint with the RFPO artists and take a workshop (until it's sold out). The 19th will be La Fête du Vin, St. Charles' Wine Festival. Artists registered for RFPO will get canvases stamped, with judging and awards later during the festival. Organizer is Rebecca McGuire. SEPTEMBER 19 TH - 20 TH
17th Annual Pedal The Cause Family Arena in St. Charles | 8:00 AM
Call Today to Learn More! Attend An Event
636-245-2848
VivaBeneStPeters.com 100 Viva Bene Circle St. Peters, MO 63376
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Pedal The Cause 2026 features seven course options (six road; one gravel), signature Spin Zone, Inspired virtual participation and Kids Challenge. 100% of donations seed, speed and lead cutting-edge cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. To date, Pedal has raised more than $56 million. Register to ride, volunteer or support at PedalTheCause.org
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Hwy 70 @ S. 5th Street | StreetsofStCharles.com S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS COMMUNITY Experience Award-Winning Artists, Live Entertainment And Family Fun All Weekend ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELINDA ROEMER/MOSAIC FINE ART FESTIVAL
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I NSP IR E D BY | ARTS + C U LT U RE
Discover a weekend where creativity fills every corner of Historic Main Street in St. Charles. The 31st Annual Mosaics Fine Art Festival returns Sept. 11–13 with more than 100 juried artists, live music, interactive children’s experiences, local shopping, dining and even pet adoptions. Whether searching for an
original masterpiece or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, this family-friendly festival offers inspiration for every age. Join us as IN YOUR CITY Show broadcasts live on opening day, Friday, at 4 p.m., celebrating one of St. Charles’ most colorful and beloved traditions.
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING 2626 S. BIG BEND BLVD.
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ST. LOUIS, MO 63143
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314-781-9000 | STLOUISCLOSETCO.COM