TOO COOL for School
HEALTHY TEETH & GUMS...
Fashion Forward: A New Season of Style in West Bloomfield
Style tells a story. It’s in the confidence of a perfectly chosen outfit, the energy of a bustling boutique, the way a look can shift our mood and spark new possibilities. It’s personal, powerful — and this month, it’s front and center in West Bloomfield City Lifestyle.
For our Style & Fashion issue, we wanted to create something that reflects that spirit. “Style Gets Schooled,” our feature photo shoot, does exactly that. Shot against a historic setting and styled with standout pieces from Guys N Gals in Orchard Mall, with hair and makeup from Tricho Salon at Twelve Oaks Mall, it blends the old and the new, reminding us that style is a conversation between past and present.
Our models, Mary and Annabel, bring youthful energy and modern edge to every frame — proof that great style transcends trends and generations.
Of course, style extends far beyond fashion. In this issue, you’ll find many of our advertising partners who bring style and substance to every corner of life — from interior designers and custom painters transforming our living spaces to health care professionals elevating how we look and feel every day. They each play a part in shaping the vibrant, stylish community we’re proud to call home.
Whether you’re here for inspiration, discovery or simply to celebrate the artistry of great design, I hope you find something in this issue that sparks your own reinvention. Style isn’t about following rules — it’s about writing your own. TODD
HAIGHT,
September 2025
PUBLISHER
Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Allison Sommerville | allison.sommerville@ citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tyler Amadeus, Jennifer Lovy
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Darrel Ellis, Adrien King, Alec Walworth
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
inside the issue
Baker
city scene
1: At the Brewing 4 Business in the LaFontaine Garage at M1 Concourse, co-sponsored by the Waterford Area and Troy Chambers of Commerce. 2: Event sponsors Carol Peters and Audrey Ryskamp, LaFontaine Automotive Group. 3: Tara Tomcsik-Husak, Troy Chamber President; Nikki Tippett, Waterford Chamber Executive Director. 4-6: Waterford and Troy Chamber members network at M1 Concourse. 7: Margaret Meyer Haight, co-publisher of West Bloomfield City Lifestyle, one of the event sponsors. Photography by Troy Chamber of Commerce
business monthly
Natural Hormone Weight Loss Center Opens in West Bloomfield
Helping women lose stubborn weight and feel like themselves again — naturally — is the mission of BeBalanced Natural Hormone Weight Loss, opening this month at 6716 Orchard Lake Road. Sisters and franchise owners Stephanie Kennedy-Kinney and Roslyn Reeves bring this innovative, non-medical approach to West Bloomfield, offering personalized support to lose weight, rebalance hormones, improve sleep and increase energy. No prescriptions, no harsh diets — just results. Join the grand opening Sept. 24-26. Bebalancedcenters.com; (248) 228-6826.
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The Magic Soiree Launches New Season on September 13
The Magic Soirée returns September 13! Join Lady Sarah and Keith Fields for another season of world-class magic, jaw-dropping illusions, and laugh-out-loud entertainment—now at the Embassy Suites, 850 Tower Drive, Troy. Rated 5 stars online, this is Michigan’s premier live theater experience, blending comedy with unforgettable magic. Reserve your seats today at TheMagicSoiree.com or call (248) 990-8198
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Two Royal Oak Leprechauns Called in 2025 MLB Draft
Two Royal Oak Leprechauns were selected in the 2025 MLB Draft. Aidan Cremarosa, the 2024 team’s Mountain West Pitcher of the Year at Fresno State, was drafted by Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth round (237th overall). Current Leprechaun Jake Shelagowski (shown), a Saginaw Valley State redshirt sophomore who reached 98 mph this summer, was chosen by St. Louis Cardinals in the 13th round (390th overall). These selections bring the franchise’s total drafted players to eight in team history. Royaloakleprechauns.com.
Photography by The Magic Soiree
Photography by BeBalanced Natural Hormone Weight Loss
STY L E GETS
SCHOOLED
OLD-SCHOOL CHARM MEETS MODERN ATTITUDE.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREL ELLIS
Photographed on location at the One Room Schoolhouse at Troy Historic Village, offering a glimpse into 19thand early-20th-century local life (troyhistoricvillage.org ).
Opposite:
On Mary: Prince Peter Bowie Cropped Tee; American Vintage Dumy Cardigan; JBD High-Rise Cropped Wide-Leg Jean; B Brave Medora Belt.
This Page:
On Annabel: Junk Food Detroit Lions Cropped Sweatshirt; Amo Camryn Straight Fit Jeans; B Brave Leysa Belt.
Opposite: On Annabel: Perfect White Tee Ziggy Sweatshirt and Rosanna Pant in Night.
FASHION
Wardrobe courtesy of Guys N Gals, West Bloomfield (shopguysngals.com).
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
Hair by Lisa Volis; makeup by Josline Adam, Tricho Salon, Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi. Since 2003, Tricho Salon & Spa has grown to five salons across Metro Detroit, including Troy, Royal Oak, Clinton Township, Novi and Ann Arbor, earning a loyal following for their full-service approach, from cuts and color to therapeutic facials and nail services (trichosalonandspa.com; @trichosalonandspa).
This Page: On Annabel: Perfect White Tee Tank; Pistola Jadyn Low Slung Palazzo Jeans; American Vintage Rose Bubble Cardigan.
Opposite Top Left: On Mary: Soldout NYC Tank; Amo Sally Denim Jacket; Black Pants.
Opposite Bottom Left: On Mary: Junk Food Detroit Lions Cropped Tee; Still Here Cool Shorts.
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.
BAKER COLLEGE’S PROGRAM TRANSFORMS THE NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT’S UNDERGRAD DEGREE FROM A FOUR-YEAR COMMITMENT INTO AN ATTAINABLE MILESTONE.
Creating Pathways
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER LOVY
Adam Mayhew
LaTasha Ellis
Under
Baker’s program, students submit a portfolio documenting their skills and experience.”
Adam Mayhew, the executive dean at Baker College, didn’t follow the usual path to higher education. Instead of heading straight to college after high school, he joined the Army, gaining real-world experience and consequently earning 12 credits toward his undergraduate degree, which he completed in his 30s.
Mayhew, who is now working toward his PhD, understands what it’s like to be a non-traditional student and recognizes how turning relevant life experiences into college credit gives adult learners the momentum they need to earn a degree.
This concept, known as credits for prior learning (CPL), isn’t new. When Mayhew earned college credits for his military experience, the term “credit for prior learning” wasn’t used. But the concept — recognizing skills and knowledge acquired outside the classroom — allowed him to start college with a semester’s worth of credits.
Today, more and more schools are embracing CPL, using guidelines set by the American Council on Education and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. Notable among them is Baker College (baker.edu). Founded in 1922, Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution where students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online.
“Why ask a 30-year-old to start college the same way an 18-year-old does,” says LaTasha Ellis, the undergraduate dean for the College of Business at Baker College. “They’ve already learned the things we would be teaching them if they came straight out of high school.”
CPL allows adult learners to earn college credits for military service, professional certifications and licensures, as well as work or volunteer experience, by evaluating whether those experiences reflect college-level learning. Ellis estimates that around half
of Baker College students, where the median student age is 28, could qualify for CPL.
Under Baker’s program, students submit a portfolio documenting their skills and experience. The materials are reviewed for college-level equivalency. Credits can come from formal certifications, such as police academy training or real-estate licensure, to less formalized but relevant work experience.
Adult learners make up a significant percentage of the college student population. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the Fall of 2023, 6.2 million students aged 25 and older were enrolled in degree-granting postsecondary institutions.
Mayhew gives the example of a student in his 20s with experience managing a retail store. The assumption, he says, is that this individual has valuable experiences, such as hiring and firing employees and managing benefits packages. All of his experience could translate into a three-credit introductory course in human resources.
“If you’ve already met the learning objectives of an intro to human resources class, because you have five years of experience as a manager, taking that class may feel somewhat redundant,” Mayhew explains.
For adult learners like this store manager, starting from scratch to earn the 120 credit hours required for a bachelor’s degree can be overwhelming in terms of both time and cost. That’s why a large number of older students start and stop their postsecondary education, according to Ellis. However, if they’re able to earn credits, Ellis says, obtaining a degree becomes more manageable for adults, which in turn increases both retention and graduation rates.
When institutions make degree completion more accessible, she says, they unlock the potential of countless working professionals who might otherwise never finish their education.
A VICTORIAN LEGACY
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
Revel in the modern charm of Mackinac Island’s Island House Hotel.
We love fall in Michigan — crisp air, a riot of colorful leaves and oh-so-many spots to take it all in. But September in Michigan — who knows what weather we’re in for. If you’re lucky, you might even squeeze in one last summer-weather weekend family getaway.
Either way, the Island House Hotel (theislandhouse.com) on Mackinac Island checks all of our boxes. The bustle of Main Street on the island has its pros and cons — the pros, of course, being plenty of activities, history, shopping, restaurants, fudge and picturesque views. And after a day amid the busyness, it feels like pure luxury to tuck in at the Island House, even if it’s for a quick respite before revitalizing for dinner.
Mackinac Island exudes elegance and nostalgia, and the Island House delivers that and more, as a destination in itself. With magnificent views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge, graceful Victorian architecture and family-owned eager-toplease intimacy, the Island House oozes historic mellow charm, while massive renovations provide blissful modern comfort. Perfectly positioned on Main Street, the Island House offers the ideal balance — close enough to be in the heart of the action,
yet removed just enough to provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling energy below, with just the occasional clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages in the distance.
The Island House has humble beginnings, but the simple beach house hotel, built in 1852, now holds nearly two centuries of Great Lakes history. Purchased by a skipper in 1865, who relocated the entire structure 300 feet inland from the shoreline, the Island House was positioned for massive growth: In 1875, Mackinac Island became the nation’s second National Park and along with it, a hospitality boom was born. The skipper’s daughter transformed the property into a grand Gilded Age resort, adding wings on either side that now define the hotel’s architecture.
Following a period of disrepair, the hotel was saved from demolition by Harry Ryba — founder of Ryba’s Fudge Shop (arguably the best fudge around) — and his son-in-law, Victor Callewaert. The pair reopened Island House in 1972 after three years of renovations, with every intricate detail, from the majestic columns and ornate porch spindles to the elegant gables, windows and door styles, painstakingly preserved. Still owned by the Callewaert family, the hotel today is both a Michigan Historic Landmark and included in the Historic Hotels of America. The Island House is Mackinac Island’s oldest continuously operating hotel — preserved in time in a place where motor vehicles have been banned since 1901.
In 2019, in celebration of 50 years under the Ryba-Callewaert family, a multi-million dollar renovation again breathed new life into the hotel, while maintaining its historic charm, offering 94 guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, a pool, an outdoor deck hot tub, curbside bike rentals and more. Whether sightseeing around the island or relaxing in a rocking chair on the Island House’s expansive porch, watching sailboats glide into the harbor and making s’mores at the front lawn fire pit, Island House Hotel offers an authentic Mackinac Island experience.
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Mackinac Island exudes elegance and nostalgia, and the Island House delivers that and more, as a destination in itself.
SEPTEMBER 9TH & 17TH
Vine & Vintage Wine Dinner at Carrabba's
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver, Troy | 6:30 PM
The city of Paso Robles, Calif., is renowned for its expressive blends and masterful winemaking. Immerse yourself in the artistry of this celebrated region at Carrabba's Vine & Vintage Wine Dinner – a four-course culinary experience crafted to delight your senses. Indulge in expertly paired wines that showcase the depth and passion behind every bottle. Visit Carrabbas.com/offers/wine-dinner/experience or call (248) 269-0095 for details.
SEPTEMBER 10TH
Open House Festivities and Healthy Fun at MDI
Midwest Diagnostic Imaging, 5463 Elizabeth Lake Road, Waterford 4-7 PM
Check out the new services at MDI – including Red Light Therapy – at MDI’s Open House Wednesday, Sept. 10. Enjoy refreshments and enter to win a free Body Composition scan or 30-day subscription for nutrition and fitness counseling. Check out the DEXA scan for measuring body composition and the VO2 Max and Metabolic Testing for assessing your fitness level. Visit MDImichigan.com or call (248) 681-2000.
SEPTEMBER 13TH & 27TH
The Magic Soirée Launches a Dazzling New Season
Embassy Suites, 850 Tower Drive, Troy | 5:30 PM
The Magic Soirée kicks off an exciting new season this September. Lady Sarah and Keith Fields bring unforgettable illusions and comedy to their new home at the Embassy Suites in Troy. And now there are two shows each day – at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Sept. 27. Get your tickets now at TheMagicSoiree.com
