



September feels like a pause month, doesn't it? A time when we can finally, now that the kids are back in school, just hit the pause button on life for a bit and try to reconnect with what's going on in our lives.
For West Hartford Lifestyle , September is also our Style Issue. Meteorological summer is over, though the weather often says otherwise, and fall is just around the corner. Time to revamp our wardrobes and maybe our overall look?
For this issue, we've touched base with several folks in our community who are connected with style, in one way or another.
We met with Kristen Hinkle Trainor, the owner of Diesel & Lulu . Founded on Cape Cod, this women's apparel and accessories shop in Avon opened in 2021. She's close friends with the founder of the original Diesel & Lulu's, Peri Olson, and told how the store came about and what it seeks to provide the local community.
In addition, we talked to the owner and stylists of Bodytalk Boutique about what its like to work at a store that's been in business for nearly 40 years. Many of Bodytalk's employees have worked at the store for decades and have a deep understanding of what its customer base wants in fashion.
We also visited with Armen Manukyan, owner of Armeny Custom Jewelry Designs, on Farmington Avenue. Armen got a degree in engineering but became so hooked on metal smithing and jewelry design he opened his own store making unique jewelry pieces.
We spoke with Mary Bycholski, owner of the IV Lounge CT, about the growing popularity of IV treatments in the medical spa world and how the IV infusions her spa provides can help boost our wellness.
Lastly, we take a look at one of the region's premier theater spaces, Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, which stages numerous original productions in an intimate theater, at affordable prices, all year long.
We hope you enjoy this month's issue of West Hartford Lifestyle and that you find something in these pages to inspire you!
GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @WESTHARTFORD_LIFESTYLESeptember 2023
PUBLISHER
Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com
Ivy Perrelli | ivy.perrelli@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Brian Boyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Seshu Badrinath - Connecticut Headshots, Ira Nozik Photography, Rich Wagner, Meredith Longo, Nicole Bedard, Gwen O’Donnel
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 Emily Lisenbee
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
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Connecticut’s education community is celebrating after receiving national recognition for CEA’s public awareness advertising campaign, which highlights the enduring, positive influence teachers have on their students’ personal, academic, and professional achievements. The television ad used in the campaign— Because of a Teacher, Every Profession is Possible—won a prestigious Telly Award. The ad included a testimonial by Marina Creed, a West Hartford nurse (pictured above from the ad). Visit CEA.org for information and to see the ad.
The Connecticut Alliance for Victim of Violence and Their Families Inc. has won a grant from the West Hartford Greater Together Community Fund. The grant supports the alliance's Never Going Back to Abuse Project which provides free, virtual workshops to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. The workshops are led by Susan Omilian, whose niece was killed by her ex-boyfriend. Visit CT.Alive.org for more information.
The IV Lounge CT, owned by Mary Bychoski, has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the Eversource Energy Hartford Marathon Foundation, hosts of the annual Hartford Marathon. Under the agreement the IV Lounge will be the premiere IV therapy provider for the race. The agreement allows IV Lounge to participate in race-day sponsorship events and provides the spa with exhibition spaces at the race. For more information visit IVloungect.com .
Scan to read more.
THE NEW TREND OF IV TREATMENTS HAS COME TO THE HARTFORD AREA
Mary Bycholski, the owner of Touch of Glamour Medical Spa here in Glastonbury, opened a new spa earlier this year in South Windsor that offers the innovative use of IV Therapy to help rejuvenate and enhance overall well-being by delivering vital nutrients straight into your system. We spoke with Mary about the treatment and her new venture.
Q. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HOW IV LOUNGE CAME TO BE AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS BUSINESS?
A. IV Lounge opened in March 2023. Being an experienced APRN who has been in the hospital setting since 2003, I have seen the effects of chronic disease over and over. During the Covid 19 pandemic, I was witnessing people all around me being compromised with illnesses and having poor immune systems.
This had lead me to take action on helping my patients with their chronic diseases and illness prevention. With the level of research I’ve done and starting my business, I’ve seen that IV therapy can help anyone and not just those that are suffering. It has been eye-opening in many ways. I firmly believe IV therapy is a great option for those that want to take control of their health.
A. Having over 20 years of experience in healthcare has given me diverse perspectives on patient outcomes. I first started my clinical career as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in 2014. My specialty is predominantly internal medicine, emergency medicine, and neurology. In 2017 I wanted to shift my focus toward the aesthetics industry and to help people feel confident in their own skin. Ever since starting Touch of Glamour, I continually have been asked by my clients for advice on their medical health conditions. After hearing their personal stories I wanted to make a difference in their lives with the knowledge that I have. I want to try to do something to make a difference and educate on health strategies to keep people out of the hospital.
IV Therapy’s significant advantage is its 100 percent nutrient bioavailability, which means your body is able to use all of the vitamins administered. Typically oral supplements can have up to 60 percent bioavailability. With IV infusions there is a level of control of vitamin absorption through your bloodstream; supplements and nutraceuticals don’t have that same guarantee. People seek IV treatments because of their benefits. Some of the most common reasons we’ve seen people seek care can be to enhance their immune support, aid in recovery by promoting faster healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle soreness.
A. IV infusions have been available for quite some time. As the demand for self-care has been rising, healthcare professionals saw this as an opportunity to provide infusions to people outside of a clinical setting. Initially, many providers would be asked for infusions for hangovers or dehydration.
“With the level of research I've done and starting my business, I’ve seen that IV therapy can help anyone and not just those that are suffering. It has been eye-opening in many ways.”
Mary Bycholski
Since then, people have discovered that IV infusions can be customizable based on any of their individual needs, with more infusion options than ever before. The growth of this industry is due to people wanting to take their health into their own hands and focus on their long-term sustainability.
A. We have a very robust and successful weight loss program that we started in late 2022 at Touch of Glamour and we will be bringing that service to IV Lounge. Our program is designed to curb appetite, slow down gastric emptying, promote fat burning, preserve muscle mass, and focus on long-term results. Our team has consistently witnessed numerous success stories personally and with clients. They are achieving significant weight loss, which has improved their overall health and lifestyle.
We will also be providing some of our most popular aesthetic services including Botox and fillers. In the future, we will be adding services based on the demand of our community and other options for people to continue to have access to treatments that can benefit their health and self-image. IV Lounge will continue to grow based on the needs of our community, and we are here to help them become a healthier version of themselves.
158 Sullivan Ave., Suite 6, South Windsor 860-644-9442
Online: IVloungect.com
On Social: @IVloungect
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When he was pursuing an engineering degree in college in the 1990s, Armen Manukyan started experimenting with metal smithing and soon began creating jewelry designs.
“I liked to make stuff and started doing jewelry making while I was in college. Since my graduation I have never worked in my specialty because I found jewelry-making to be more stylish and interesting. My passion became my career.”
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY IRA NOZIKA native of Armenia, he moved to the United States in 2000, and worked for a local jewelry company. At the same time, Armen started his own business, making and selling jewelry from a small home-based studio.
In 2009 he struck out on his own and opened a retail store in West Hartford, Armeny Custom Jewelry Design, at 995B Farmington Ave. The store will celebrate its 14th anniversary this September.
A master craftsman, Armen works with a wide variety of precious and semiprecious gems, as well as with fine metals including gold, platinum and sterling silver.
“We are a full-service retail jewelry location that specializes in custom designs, jewelry repairs and remodeling existing heritage or estate jewelry to give such pieces a more modern flare or aesthetic. In addition, we can do watch repairs and appraisals. We really cover it all!”
Our retail store is a place where all custom designs, jewelry repairs and remodeling are done on the spot. We are pioneers in the use of computer aided design (CAD), which allows us to create jewelry precisely to every customer’s needs. CAD gives us the ability to show our customers what their jewelry will look like when it’s complete, through image rendering before the jewelry is fabricated. The collaborative process helps customers visualize their special jewelry pieces and make changes during the process.
While custom-designed diamond engagement rings and wedding bands are a popular product at his shop, Armen works with unique gemstones that the “majority of people don’t even know exist.”
Some of the precious and semi-precious gemstones he works with are colored garnets, labradorite, larimar, amber, tourmaline, emeralds, turquoise, spinel, meteorite and pearls.
“Everything we have here is different and unique and we have a large variety of pearls. We have a beautiful selection of pearls in which each and every pearl is unique.”
The store features a wide selection of different types of jewelry, including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, watches and even luxury reading eyewear frames.
Owning a piece of custom-made jewelry, Armen says, is a unique and affordable experience most can enjoy.
“When you buy from me there’s a special satisfaction in knowing you’re wearing the finest jewelry, affordably priced and masterfully created to bring you years of joy.”
Armeny Custom Jewelry Design
995B Farmington Ave.
Phone: 860-232-3200
Online: Armeny.com
On Facebook: @ArmenyCustom
During October – December, Piya will be training in Thailand, Bali, Indonesia & India!
Starting January 2024 New Client Pricing
Honoring
That continuity and consistency of service has helped Bodytalk carve out a special place in Avon’s retail scene.
Bodytalk has set a fashion standard for three generations of customers during its nearly 40 years of business. Founded in 1984 as a dance and workout wear retailer, today it represents an upscale ladies’ boutique. The Avon store was purchased by Anna and Paul Mancinone in 2021. Its loyal employees, who have worked there for more than two decades, continue to be the heartbeat of the store.
Anna Mancinone, Bodytalk’s owner, came to work at the boutique 25 years ago for Marsha Davison. Terry Couture, Bodytalk’s manager, started around the same time. Gayle Arcouette is a fashion stylist who has worked at the store for 29 years. Tracey Ciccarelli, who is also a fashion stylist, joined the family three years ago. The newest team member is Meghan O’Brien, social media specialist and part time sales.
“Over the years we all became close friends, so it made sense for me to buy the boutique when Marsha decided to retire two years ago,” Anna says.
“We’re like sisters and we love our customers like family, too,” Terry says.
Their deep knowledge of their customers means they can provide an intimate level of service and knowledge that other boutiques can’t.
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY SESHU BADRINATH - CONNECTICUT HEADSHOTS“We are a unique, enthusiastic, welcoming boutique. We provide a high level of personal service and we have a marvelous assortment of fashions that appeal to women of all ages.” - Anna Mancinone
“We’ve been dressing our customers for so many years, we know what they like and don’t like and now we’re dressing their daughters as well and, in some cases, their granddaughters,” Anna says.
“We literally can dress three generations of women,” Terry adds. “They value our opinion and fashion sense. We help dress them for all their special events and they don’t ever feel pressured. It’s a fun and friendly shopping experience.”
The 4,000-square-foot store on East Main Street carries a wide variety of designers and brands that reflect a modern yet relaxed fashion vibe.
Some of the popular brands Bodytalk carries include Rails, Johnny Was, Planet, Joseph Ribkoff and AG Jeans, to name a few.
After buying the store, Anna says, she undertook a remodel to include the addition of a new gift shop. She also began adding new products, luxury preloved designer handbags and expanded some of the clothing lines to include more youthful offerings.
“Although we have a lot of existing customers we are welcoming new customers daily,” Anna says. Bodytalk is a place for every woman to come and feel confident, special and beautiful!
Bodytalk
51 East Main St., Avon Phone: 860-678-7855
Online: Bodytalkboutique.com
On Social: @Bodytalkboutique
Hours:
M-F: 10-6
Sat: 10-5
Sun: Closed
After creating a popular and loyal customer following on Cape Cod, the fashion boutique Diesel & Lulu’s has been making waves in this area.
The Avon shop opened last year on East Main Street, offering women’s fashions and accessories in an intimate shopping space.
Its owner, Kristin Hinkle Trainor, says the store is a sister-shop of the Diesel & Lulu’s that has been a popular shopping destination on Cape Cod since 2012. The East Sandwich, Mass. boutique is owned by Peri Olson, a friend of Kristin’s since their art school days.
“We’re close friends from college and we’ve worked on various ventures together,” Kristin says.
They came up with the idea to open another Diesel & Lulu’s in this area after Kristin, who owns a jewelry design business, 10-ton goldfish designs, took part in a trunk show at the Cape Cod Diesel & Lulu’s.
“It was such a successful show and we were kind of laughing because so many people who came to it were from this area; West Hartford, Farmington, Avon, Simbsbury, etc. We joked
about how we should open a Diesel & Lulu’s in Connecticut because we already had a large customer base of people here who summer on the Cape. I was at a point in my life where I was rethinking my business model, traveling around to do pop up shops and outdoor shows. Mother Nature can really ruin a good open air market. Then one day Peri called me and said “What do you think, should we open a Diesel & Lulu’s in Connecticut?.”
Less than two months after Kristin signed a lease for the Avon store they opened in May of 2022.
“It was one of those things that happened really organically,” she says.
The 850 square-foot shop offers “colorful, casual, comfortable and stylish” fashions at affordable prices,” Kristin says. “After Covid and the last couple of years people really respond to a couple of things in their fashion choices: color and comfort. The age of only neutrals and button up stiff business clothes is gone.”
Diesel & Lulu’s sells apparel that “you can dress up or dress down; clothing that’s casual enough that you can throw on a baseball cap and tennies and look great, or you can put on some flats and a tennis bracelet and go out to dinner at night. To be able to do that back and forth is something people really respond to. Coming off the pandemic people lived in T-shirts and yoga pants and now they want to go out and look nice but they don’t want to give up that comfort.”
Nor do they want to spend a fortune for that kind of flexible fashion, Kristin says, something that Diesel & Lulu’s price points reflect.
“Our price points are very reasonable. One thing Peri has always said is ‘It’s a sweater, not
a life decision” and it shouldn’t be.’ You don’t want to make a huge financial decision about clothes and our pricing allows people to try out styles they might not otherwise consider.”
Kristin grew up in West Hartford, lived in Denver and Ireland for a time and came back here a few years ago.
“I know this area well and I know the clientele, so I knew the clothes and the vibe of Diesel & Lulu’s would work well here.”
Peri has since opened a third Diesel & Lulu’s location in Plymouth, Mass.
And the name? That’s a question Kristin and Peri get all the time. The store is named after two much-loved dogs that Peri owned, Diesel and Lulu.
Diesel & Lulu’s
24 East Main St., #2, Avon Online: dieselandlulus.com
On Instagram @dieselandlulusct 860-986-2511
Diesel & Lulu's owner, Kristin Hinckle Trainor.The Theater Group Stages Professional Productions Year-Round
When the sun sets over Park Road in West Hartford, the brightest lights shine from Playhouse on Park, a cozy, cultural icon transforming visitors into new worlds from various backgrounds and genres of plays and musicals. But it wasn’t always a sure thing the theater would be such a pillar in the West Hartford Community.
“We were in the right place at the right time,” said Tracy Flater, Co-Founder and Executive Director, who helped open the theater in 2009. “We opened in June and had our first show the same month. We wanted to give back to the community that supported us as soon as possible.”
During a recent early summer morning, the intimate theater bustled with activity as actors rehearsed, the box office sold tickets and the scenery was prepared for staging “Bandstand,” a musical about American WWII soldiers returning home, grappling with the effects of the war, and entering a national radio contest in an effort to rebuild their lives through music.
Running Sept. 27 - Oct. 22 is “The Complete Works of Jane Austen “a fun, funny, and fast-paced romp that will delight fans of Austen and newcomers alike.” Tickets are on sale now.
While Broadway tickets in New York have increased significantly in recent years, Playhouse on Park offers professional productions with a community feel and at reasonable prices.
“We try to be a good neighbor in our community by bringing awareness of the arts to the residents of West Hartford and throughout Connecticut,” said Flater, who also noted that most tickets range in price from $45-$55, much less than larger theaters. We offer specials and subscriptions which often make a night out even more cost-effective.
“We have five main stage productions that run between three to seven weeks, a dance company in residence, theatre for young audiences productions, comedy nights, and more, so there is something for everyone.”
The cost of putting on world-class productions – and filling the seats at the theater – has been no easy feat for Flater and her team. It has been especially challenging after COVID-19 shut down public venues. Arts and culture continue to fight back after years of dark stages and minimum activity.
“It’s a change in lifestyle postCOVID,” said Flater, who added the theater partners with local restaurants
"Indecent"to cross promote shows, dinner and drink deals. “Many people prefer now to stay in their homes and watch Netflix, but we’re starting to make a comeback and hope people will come out and enjoy dinner and a show.”
Flater points out that the cost of the tickets and intimacy of the space is what make Playhouse on Park such a unique experience for visitors. In addition, the Park Road neighborhood offers numerous dining options and a community feel for those attending performances.
“The quality of our productions is first rate,” add Flater. “Our audiences are so close to the stage, they become immersed in the performance. It’s an escape from everyday reality.”
Playhouse on Park continues to build momentum, and the quality of the professional and community actors gets better and better, according to Flater. There is also an effort to partner with other arts organizations to ensure a bright future for culture in Connecticut.
“We have a lot of work to do but we’re not giving up,” said Flater. “There is a passion from everyone who walks through these doors, and our goal is to ensure this theater continues as a community hub for many years to come.”
on Park
244 Park Road
Phone: 860-523-5900
Online: Playhouseonpark.org
On Facebook: @Playhouse-on-park
On Instagram: @Playhouseonpark
"Into the Woods"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 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. 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.
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.
“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.
Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type?
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.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI
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.
2023/24
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SEPTEMBER 1ST
Ballet Hartford Hosts Awakening Festival
BUSHNELL PARK, 60 ELM ST., HARTFORD | 5:30 PM
Awakening, Ballet Hartford’s free annual festival, brings the community together to enjoy the works of artists of various disciplines. The festival returns to Bushnell Park for its third year with the mission of revitalizing the hearts and spirits of the participants and audience through created works that are life-giving, transformative and hopeful. Visit Ballethartford.com for information.
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Adult Congenital Heart Association Walk
WEST HARTFORD TOWN HALL, 50 SOUTH MAIN ST. | 8:00 AM
Join the Adult Congenital Heart Association’s Walk for 1 in 100, a chance to gather and meet other patients living with Congenital Heart Defects, their family and friends, and the medical community that serves them while participating in a 1-mile walk around beautiful downtown West Hartford, parts of Blue Back Square and along Trout Brook Trial. For information visit Achaheart.org.
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Real Ale Challenge at Noah Webster
NOAH WEBSTER HOUSE, 50 SOUTH MAIN ST. | 2:00 PM
Come sample over 20 beers from Connecticut breweries who will compete in this annual cask challenge. Tastings will be held 2-5 p.m., and 6-9 p.m. Each beer will be available for this one day only and each brew must include an ingredient from Noah Webster's 18th century garden or pantry. Visit Noahwebsterhouse.org for more information.
SEPTEMBER 19TH
GOLF CLUB OF AVON, 160 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD, AVON | 11:00 AM
Enjoy a day filled with food, drinks, fun and golf in support of The Miracle League of CT, which serves children with disabilities and their families. Play 18 holes on a premier course, along with contests! All proceeds will support The Miracle League of CT’s mission to improve the lives of Connecticut’s children. Visit miracleleaguect.org/golf for information.
3rd Annual Beat Parkinson's Golf Tournament
PORTLAND GOLF COURSE, 169 BARTLETT ST., PORTLAND | 9:00 AM
Come play a round of golf at the Portland Golf Course and help the group Beat Parkinson's Today raise money to eradicate Parkinson's Disease. Admission is $150 and includes a round of golf, lunch, dinner, contests and raffles. For more information visit BPDGOLF.com.
Watkinson School Hosts Information Sessions
WATKINSON SCHOOL, 180 BLOOMFIELD AVE, HARTFORD | 9:00 AM
Watkinson School, a private day school for kids in grades 6-12 will host a series of information session for parents. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and will include refreshments. You’ll have the opportunity to meet faculty and school leaders, tour the 40- acre campus, see classes in session and hear from a panel of current students. Visit Watkinson.org/visit for information.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestHartford