West Chester, PA September 2023

Campli Photography

Start of Something New

For many people, September is a time of starting fresh again. A new school year always signifies a new start for our students and parents. There is excitement in the air for new opportunities, new friendships, and the opportunity for growth. At West Chester Lifestyle Magazine, we hope to inspire you with new information, new choices in shops and services, and new opportunities to get involved in your community. We try to bring new discoveries to our readers each month, so you can always be in the know of new opportunities.

While trying something new can be scary, it can also be extremely rewarding, especially when you find out it’s something you love. We always push our children to try their hand at something new, but as adults, we are less likely to get out of our usual routines. We want to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new this fall. Whether you get involved in a new activity, find a new way to give back to the community, start a new exercise routine, or simply try one of the shops in our magazine this month and discover a new merchant - we want you to get out there and take that leap!

Speaking of new things, this month we welcome our new editor, Jamie Agamalian. Jamie is a longtime resident of West Chester and lives here with her husband and three boys. She is very active in the West Chester community, loves to read, is an avid theater-goer, and is obsessed with the television show Ted Lasso. When she isn’t writing or planning next month’s magazine, you can find Jamie planning trips and traveling around the world. Welcome, Jamie! We’re glad to have you as part of the team!  Get out there and try something new! You’ll be glad you did!

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Douglas McDermott douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jamie Agamalian | jamie.agamalian@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jamie Agamalian, Roman Coia, Kirsten Gross, Element Philadelphia

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 Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

DOUGLAS MCDERMOTT, PUBLISHER @WEST_CHESTER_LIFESTYLE

4

Learn West Chester Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Chester area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle 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 West Chester Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Elevate Your Home and Office Style

When you're ready to give your home/office space a facelift, leave it to the professionals. Heritage Design Interiors has been specializing in interior design, window treatments, and home decor since 1990 and are a trusted partner in the field. They work with both residential and commercial properties. No project is too big or too small. Check them out at the Holiday Open House November 6th-12th to learn more. Visit  heritagedesigninteriors.com for more information.

Stylish Women's and Children's Clothing in Downtown West Chester

If your wardrobe is in need of a change or you are looking for a new dress for a special event, head over to Tish Boutique. Located in West Chester, Tish has become a fashion staple on Gay Street, offering top designer brands and current style trends. This woman-owned business recently expanded to offer a children's boutique across from their women's store. Kid sizes range from infant to tween. For more information visit tishstyle.com

Staying on Top of the Salon Trends

Is your hair in need of an update? The team at Peter's Salon and European Spa knows that straight hair is on its way out and textured hair with more waves and curls will be all the rage this fall. Peter's full-service salon and spa is ready to assist in all of your styling needs. If a spa day is calling, they know the perfect ways to help you relax. Visit  peterssalonandspa. com for more information.

Want to be featured?

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

Photography by Heritage Design Interiors

Photography by Tish Boutique

Photography by Peter's Salon and European Spa

Staying in the Element

A Not-So-Hidden Gem in the Heart of Philadelphia

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELEMENT PHILADELPHIA

Staycation, girls' getaway weekend, bachelorette party weekends, a stay after a night at the theater … all of these are great reasons to book a stay at Element by Westin in Downtown Philadelphia.

Located in the heart of it all, Element is an easy walk to many iconic Philadelphia landmarks and activities. Positioned steps away from historic City Hall, this hotel allows easy access to the Academy of Music, Rittenhouse Square, Love Park, the Mutter Museum, the Franklin Institute, Reading Terminal

Market, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and so much more. Element is the perfect place to stay while exploring Philadelphia.

Offering 414 rooms, 46 suites, and 37 meeting rooms spread over 24 floors, this high-rise hotel provides spacious accommodations with a focus on extended stays. All accommodations have either a kitchenette or a full kitchen, oversized closets, and spa-inspired bathrooms. The full kitchen provides a great alternative to dining out daily.

The Element Philadelphia

Motion 24/7 Fitness Center

Bedroom - One Bedroom Suite

Sky Lobby

The Element hotel brand is rooted in nature and focused on wellness. You will find natural Nordic-influenced aesthetics throughout the hotel spaces allowing guests to be surrounded by an uplifting, laid-back, and relaxing atmosphere. Sustainability is at the core of Element. This eco-friendly hotel’s oversized windows provide natural lighting, which reduces the demand for electricity throughout the building. Their other eco-conscious practices such as improved air quality and minimizing the use of pollutants and chemicals, offer a cleaner and healthier environment for guests. In addition, Element has many more eco-friendly touches, such as multiple electric vehicle charging stations, wall art mounted on a base made from recycled tires, filtered water in all guest rooms and public spaces, carpet made with up to 100% recycled content, lowflow faucets and fixtures in the bathrooms, and easy recycling in guest rooms and public spaces. Element is taking great strides to promote sustainability and overall wellness throughout its property.

All guests of Element can enjoy RISE, a complimentary breakfast that is provided daily. Guests will find more than just the usual hotel breakfast spread, with multiple hot and fresh choices to fuel their day. In the evenings, guests can unwind at the SKY Lobby for RELAX, a complimentary happy hour, which provides beer, wine, and small snacks. RELAX is offered Monday through Thursday from 5:30 - 7:30 pm and is a great way to kick back after a long day of work or exploring the city.

Dog owners will be happy to learn that Element is a pet-friendly hotel! Their ‘Love that Dog’ program provides your tail-wagging friends with a signature dog bed, food, water bowls, clean-up supplies, and more. With so many great parks nearby, your dog will feel like they are on vacation too!

Element offers Motion, their 24/7 fitness center, so guests can keep their fitness routine away from home. This sunfilled space offers exercise bikes, cardiovascular equipment, free weights, rowing machines, strength equipment, and more. In addition to the fitness center, Element offers a complimentary Bikes-to-Borrow program, which allows hotel guests to check-out bicycles to ride around the city. The hotel concierge will be happy to suggest local attractions to visit and provide directions on how to cycle there.

If a day of relaxing is on the agenda, guests can book a spa day at the Away Spa located at the adjacent W Hotel. This full-service spa offers massages, body and facial treatments, as well as private fitness training and energy healing sessions, making this a great option for a solo or group spa day. When booking a spa treatment, guests from Element gain access to W’s Wet Deck Pool and Wet Bar. The Wet Deck Pool offers heated outdoor pool experiences 365 days a year. If you have ever wanted to swim in the snow, the Wet Deck Pool offers that option. Luxury cabanas are available for rent poolside as well. The views from the Wet Deck Pool and the rooftop Secret Garden are exceptional and provide a great way to spend a memorable day or evening above Center City.

Living Room - One Bedroom Suite AWAY Spa

In addition to offering great accommodations for hotel guests, Element and the W Hotel offers 45,000 square feet of meeting and event space between them, making this a wonderful location for conferences, company meetings of all sizes, law firm gatherings, weddings, private events, and more. These spaces are chic and well-appointed with lighting and industry-leading technology/AV equipment. Attendees of these events will be happy to have the ability to book a stay at Element and use the convenient features of the extended-stay rooms, which is a rarity in conference and event travel.

When considering a stay or your next event in Philadelphia, look no further than Element. It will be the perfect hotel for all of your needs! The friendly staff will make you feel at home from the moment you walk in the door! To learn more about Element Philadelphia, visit elementphiladelphia.com

Wet Deck City View

shopping in style with a price tag that fits

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN

CONSIGNMENT SHOPPING IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO LOOK YOUR BEST WITHIN YOUR BUDGET

BY JAMIE

If you’re looking for high-style fashion items at a fraction of the cost, it is time to visit Vida Beale Consignment in West Chester. This boutique shop offers upscale clothing at prices your wallet will appreciate!

Second-hand clothing has had a surge in popularity in recent years. Consignors want to turn their closets into profits and buyers want to purchase their high-end and upscale brands. It’s a great business model that has taken the country by storm and Vida Beale Owner Kirsten Gross is having a great time being one of the top-selling consignment shops in our region.

When asked what makes Vida Beale stand out among others in our area, Kirsten stated, “Vida Beale Consignment is different from other consignment stores because we reach a broad range of ages. We cover several styles and brands of clothing and have a wide range of high-style, gently-used items. Our inventory is truly hard to beat among consignment stores. I’ve been told the store feels like a boutique with a vibe all its own. We also have a large selection of furniture and home furnishings.”

This boutique feeling is evident as soon as you walk through the door. Clean, pristine items adorn the racks and walls of the shop with everything from high-end, upscale designer merchandise such as Prada, Chloe, Gucci,

PHOTOGRAPHY

AGAMALIAN AND KIRSTEN GROSS

Located at 29 South Church Street in West Chester

Kirsten Gross, Owner of Vida Beale Consignment

Lilly Pulitzer, Tory Burch, and even Golden Goose to everyday clothing brands such as Athleta, J. Crew, Gap, Anthropologie, and Free People. Everything is so well displayed that it’s easy to forget that you’re in a consignment shop and not a regular high-end clothing store.

Kirsten definitely stays on top of the fashion trends each season and this fall she is predicting that the ‘80s style comeback will still be in full swing. “I expect the ‘80s trend to continue, and who knows…we may even see the return of ‘matching sets’ and shoulder pads. Can we handle it?” She also predicts that the athleisure style that has become popular since the days of Covid is here to stay; however, it will become more elevated and pulled together with leggings, joggers, and cute jackets.

That’s not all though. Get ready to see rich and bold colors such as red and various tones of metallics, as well as leather everything! From jackets and dresses to skirts and pants, leather will be making an appearance in fall fashions. Got tweed in the back of your closet? If so, start to dust off those jackets and pants and embrace the textures. This year is all about versatility in your clothing!

Besides clothing, shoes, and accessories, Vida Beale also takes large furniture pieces like couches, table and chair sets, and other various home furnishings. Typically, current style items are in need, but Kirsten has a love for unique and eclectic pieces. If you have one-of-a-kind items that are no longer sold in stores, bring them to Vida Beale to consign.

Looking for a girls’ night out event or a morning coffee meet-up, consider doing it at Vida Beale. Kirsten can put together a memorable event for your friends and you’ll look cute while doing it too! She also offers wardrobe consultations and personal shopping support. It truly is a boutique experience!

If you haven’t checked out Vida Beale Consignment, now is the time! Each day offers new items on the racks, so you never know what you will find, but you can guarantee it will be in pristine condition, in style, and within your budget! Visit Vida Beale Consignment at 29 South Church Street in West Chester. For information on the consignment process, visit their website at vidabeale.com

"I provide people with the opportunity to look their best by creating their own style affordably." - Kirsten Gross

It’s how Jeff Kitchen was named a 2022 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor and continues to make a difference in clients’ lives.

Ranking Methodology: Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Data as of 6/30/21. Source: Forbes.com (April 2022). Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com.SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

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CAPTURING THE MOMENTONE PORTRAIT AT A TIME

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMAN COIA

PORTRAITS IN STYLE

Located in the heart of West Chester on Gay Street, Roman Coia Photographer is not your standard family photographer. Roman’s work focuses on the individual. It brings out the heart and soul of a person, as though you can learn their life story through their portrait. Roman Coia’s portrait photography is art.

Roman began his pursuit of photography in college. When asked what sparked his interest in photography, he remarked, “Growing up in the late ’80s and ’90s, fashion magazines were big at the time. Having an interest in photography, I was influenced by many of the top photographers and the fashion/portrait images they were creating.”

Roman went on to study photography at Penn State and developed a large passion for blackand-white imagery. While in school, he was also introduced to larger format cameras like medium format and 4x5 field cameras. He still incorporates these cameras into portrait work in his studio today.

Specializing in portrait photography, Roman enjoys capturing what is important to the client at the moment. Whether it’s a senior photo shoot showcasing a young adult leaving high school, a child in elementary school, or older adults, each person has an interest in something that truly makes them shine. His portrait photography is very stylistic with an edge toward the client’s fashion sense. What a person wears or brings to a photo shoot can showcase so much of their personality. Items such as an instrument, sports equipment, dance shoes, a favorite doll, or even a special location can bring out their personality in portraits.

According to Roman, “I not only strive to create timeless portraits for clients to display in their homes as museum quality art but also lead them through a journey of self-expression to reveal a portrait of their true inner being.”

Every artist has a memorable client over the years and when asked, Roman said his grandfather was his favorite subject in his 27 years of being a photographer. “In February, I was able to take my Grandfather’s portrait on his 99th birthday. He was so proud to have achieved this pinnacle, and even more so determined to make it to 100,” said Roman. Unfortunately, Roman’s grandfather recently passed away, which makes capturing that moment even more special, something he and his family will cherish forever.

So, what should one expect when they visit Roman’s studio? They should expect a very personalized experience. Roman gets to know his clients through an initial discovery call or meeting in his studio. He wants to learn about his clients and their family members, get to

Roman Coia

know their interests, and find out the purpose of their session, particularly if it’s a special occasion. By making a personal connection with them, Roman is able to develop and plan their perfect session to truly capture the essence of his clients. To help his clients visualize how their session will flow, Roman breaks down the process and answers any and all questions prior to the shoot. He will also coach you through your session if you’re nervous about posing for a portrait.

Not only does Roman specialize in portrait photography, but he also dabbles in fine art. His studio is not just a photography studio, it is an art gallery as well. Many limited-edition fine art pieces can be seen adorning his walls. You can also purchase some of his fine art pieces from his website.

If you want to meet Roman, he will be taking part in the October 6th Fall Gallery Walk in West Chester. Stop by his studio to see which artists he will be showcasing along with some of his favorite pieces. While you're there, introduce yourself as a reader of West Chester Lifestyle.

To learn more about Roman Coia's award-winning, museum-quality photography and fine art or to book a session, visit his website at www.romancoia.com .

Roman Coia Photographer

Roman Coia Photographer

Roman's Grandfather

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

THE little BLACK DRESS

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 1920’s, 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 straight-lined 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.

“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.

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.”

West Chester’s Best Local Fish &

Market

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.

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

ARTICLE BY DAWN BURNS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CREATING YOUR PERSONAL STYLE

Blair Moore has loved all things fashion from a young age. The Nashville native studied Fashion Merchandising and Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in the fashion capital of the world, New York City. It was inevitable the mother of three would find herself in a career where she would help other women find their confidence through their wardrobe. Blair says, “I love helping women find their true personal style and get them organized in their closet so they feel truly empowered to get dressed each day with ease and confidence!” Blair shares four trends for spring and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.

BRIGHT AND BOLD COLORS

This season, bright colors such as hot pink and kelly green are trending. I know this can be difficult for my neutral-loving ladies, so I always recommend starting small. Choose a fun, colorful earring or add a bold clutch to brighten up your look. You can also have fun with your shoes by adding a colorful heel or sandal to a dress or denim outfit.

FLORALS

From floral midi dresses to feminine floral blouses, this season is all about flower power. Choose a flowy floral skirt and pair it with your favorite knotted tee and sandals for an effortless look. Tip: If wearing a dress with a large floral print, try adding a denim jacket, light cardigan or woven belt to add texture and break up the print.

TWO-PIECE SETS

From casual jogger sets to feminine tiered skirts and puff-sleeved tops, two-piece sets are everywhere! What I adore about twopiece sets is that you can wear them in multiple ways. Wear it as a set or take the top and pair it with denim, or take the skirt and pair it with a tee and light jacket or blazer. Two pieces, but multiple ways to wear them!

90S-INSPIRED DENIM

Let me be clear — I LOVE a skinny jean and always will! But the 90s denim trend is having a moment and if you want to embrace it, here are a couple of tips: Choose a fit that is high-rise with a more relaxed fit through the leg. You want the jean to fall right above the ankle bone. This is slimming and flattering to the eye. Pair with a strappy heel, sneaker or slide.

StyledByBlair.com

Instagram: @bestyledco_

Declutter Your Closet

edit

Edit down your closet. Ask yourself these three things: Do you still like it? Does it fit within reason? Is it still in good condition? If the answer is no, it’s time to donate or sell that item. Keep a donation basket in your closet to help you stay on track.

new and old

Buy something new, get rid of something old. Each time you buy a new item, get rid of an item in your closet. This manages the chaos of having too many options in your closet. We only wear about 20% of the items in our closet, so make a list before shopping and shop with intention.

organize

When it comes to organization, having a system in place is key. Utilize the entire space for your items. For example, buy closed bins for out of season or travel items and place them on the top shelf. Utilize the back of the door or any blank walls with hooks for hats or a jewelry organizer. Get rid of items that are taking up space in your closet like shoe boxes, sentimental items, and bulky items like luggage. Store them elsewhere if you can. The two best things you can do to save on space and have an organized closet is to invest in all matching slim velvet hangers. This frees up more space in your closet and looks great, too. And finally, add matching labeled baskets for folded items to keep everything nicely organized and in specific categories.

UNIQUE DECOR

WEST CHESTER in the heart of

A GIFT AND HOME FURNISHINGS STORE WITH A WEST CHESTER SPIN

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PINE + QUILL

Trendy and affordable aren’t usually two words that go together, but at Pine + Quill in downtown West Chester, you will find a wide selection of home goods and gifts that are not only stylish, they are nicely priced!

Located at 23 North Walnut Street, Pine + Quill offers a wide variety of items, many made by local artisans, which is an important element of the store for owner Dianna: “I like to think that my store offers an authentic selection of gifts and home decor that you can’t find in other stores. I carefully choose brands that I know I’m not competing with other shops and I like to curate various collections of quick graband-go-gifts to high-end home furnishings. I want to have something for everyone.”

The most popular items for sale at Pine + Quill include anything with West Chester on it. From rock glasses and magnets to water bottles and wine tumblers, this store is the place to shop for West Chester gifts. Other popular items include Geometry House tea towels, candles, and anything travel related, including travel maps that are designed and made locally. In addition,

all jewelry for sale in the store is made by local artists.

Pine + Quill sells more than just gifts, they also sell high-end home furnishings from manufacturers such as Villa + House, Woodbridge, Regina Andrews, and Forty West, as well as vintage pieces which add an eclectic vibe to the store. Many furniture samples are on the floor for customers to get a sense of the outstanding quality prior to flipping through manufacturer catalogs.

Stop by Pine + Quill today to pick out that perfect gift and then grab some West Chester gear for yourself. To learn more about the shop, head to their website at pineandquillshop.com .

Fall home trends are leaning toward more muted moody tones. The oranges and browns will now be more muted like the color honey. Textures such as velvet will be popular and natural elements such as dried hydrangea, dried sunflowers, and branches will be showcased in decor.

Dianna, Owner of Pine + Quill