Westport, CT July 2025

S U MMER IS HE R E:

I'M WITH HER

P L AYS T H E LEV IT T PAVI LI ON PLUS M O RE WAYS TO E XPLO RE TH E BEST O F SU M M ER IN WESTPO RT

J U LY 2 02 5

Join the Evolution.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Adventure Awaits There’s something about summer that brings out our inner explorer. Maybe it’s the longer days or just that urge to make the most of every minute, but this issue is all about discovery, both near and far. So we’re taking you on a little exploration journey through music, travel, local finds, and inspiring stories right here in our community.

We start with our cover story: I’m With Her, the acclaimed folk band, is coming to the Levitt Pavilion this summer, and we couldn’t be more excited to feature them. The Grammy-winning trio is lauded for their distinctive sound and tight-knit musical chemistry. Their upcoming show is one of the highlights of the season.

Next, we head over to Motoplex, a new Italian scooter dealership opened by Westport’s own Ryan Ambrifi. From Vespas to Aprilias, it brings a little European flair to Fairfield County and is perfect for anyone looking to explore in style.

Across the pond, our editor Sara Gaynes Levy traveled with her daughter to London to check out the launch of the new Hogwarts Library Collection with Yoto, embarking on an immersive audio adventure for young Harry Potter fans. In this issue, she highlights her magical trip, and we’ve also rounded up a few nearer-by experiences to help families find that same sense of wonder a little closer to home.

Back in town, we spoke with Wynter Kullman Warshaw, who shares her journey from actress to therapist, a career change that’s as brave as it is inspiring. Her story is a great reminder that exploration sometimes means reimagining your own path.

For some summer fun, local influencer Anna Barnes shares her picks for easy pieces on warm days with spontaneous plans. To go along with that beach bag, Amanda Parrish Morgan from Westport Writers’ Workshop gives us her picks for the best summer reads to bring to Compo.

Sun safety is a must while you’re out and about, so we sat down with Renee Plato, CEO of MDSolarSciences, to talk about smart skincare habits for the season.

We’re also welcoming Sex and the City creator Candace Bushnell to the Westport Country Playhouse this summer. Her one-woman show brings her signature voice and sharp wit to the stage—definitely one to add to your calendar.

And to close out our journey, Ariel Dunne of Westport Is The Bestport shares her list of favorite hidden gems around town. Whether you’re new to Westport or have lived here for years, her picks will remind you there’s always more to uncover.

Here’s to a summer of curiosity, inspiration, and a few good surprises along the way.

Warmly, M A R I SA M AC L E A N , P U B L I S H E R @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE

July 2025 PUBLISHER

Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Sara Gaynes Levy | sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anna Barnes, Yael L. Maxwell, Ariel Dunne, Sara Gaynes Levy, Marisa MacLean, Amanda Parrish Morgan C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Alysse Gafkjen

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Westport Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Westport area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/WESTPORT

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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 Westport Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JU LY 2 0 2 5 | EX P LO R E

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Featured

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With The Band

Folk-Americana trio I'm With Her is taking the stage at the Levitt Pavilion.

On the Cover

Departments

Aoife O’Donovan, Sarah Jarosz, and Sara Watkins, the members of folkAmericana trio I'm With Her.

6

Lifestyle Letter

14

City Scene

22

Business Monthly

28

Artist’s Palette AUTO + MARINE

34

Local Limelight ENTERTAINMENT

42

Travel Journal TRAVEL

48

Inspired By WELLNESS

54

Gift Guide STYLE + BEAUTY

62

Locally Sourced ARTS + CULTURE

66

Skin Care STYLE + BEAUTY

72

Must See ENTERTAINMENT

76

Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE

80

Events

88

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Compo-Approved Fashion & Fun Picks for carefree days at the beach.

Sun Safe Beauty

Protect your skin this summer.

Photography: Alysse Gafkjen

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J U LY 2 0 2 5

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1: Lisa Schwert Pohlschoeder of Innate Studio, Elana Tenenbaum Cline of Carta Creatives, and Lora Mazurakheic. 2: Jen Berniker and Annie Ford celebrate one year of Designport's Designport|Folio at Design Within Reach. 3: Photographer Allyson Monson, artist Gali Katz, artist Rena Levine, and Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs. 4: Zac Mathias. 5: Photographer Lillie Fortino and Brennan Donefer. 6: Interior designer Katy Bolan and Yozo Studio's Shannon Vindiola. 7: Amy Wasserman and Aaron Popowsky of Outpost CT. Photography Courtesy Jen Berniker CONTINUED >

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C I T Y SC E N E

DR. MASHA KOGAN & DR. VIRGINIA ROMANO

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ROWENE WEEMS

8: Bridget Flynn and Samantha Owades, co-chairs of the Compo Beach Playground Renovation. 9: The Compo Beach Playground Renovation community build. 10: Kim Greenberg and Megan Rutstein. 11: Another day at the Compo Beach Playground Renovation community build.

13: Volunteers helped update the playground. 14: Ashley Holt and Erin Spillman.

CONTINUED >

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C I T Y SC E N E

BUILD YOUR DR E A M POOL W ITH THE BEST

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15: Kitt Shapiro, Robin Selden, and Maureen Newlove. 16: The planning committee for the 2025 Women Leading the Way to Wellness Luncheon. 17: Anna Barnes and Marisa MacLean. 18: Honorees at the Women Leading the Way to Wellness Luncheon, benefitting the American Cancer Society.

19: Keynote speaker Dr. Sue Varma. 20: Debbie Selden and Jeffrey Selden. 21: Nearly 550 people attended the luncheon.

Photography by Laura St. James Photography

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C I T Y SC E N E

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22: The OK to Delay Alternative Device Fair, held at the Westport Library. 23: Members of the OK to Delay team at the Alternative Device Fair.

24: Parents explored alternatives to smartphones for their kids.

Photography Courtesy Dana Aussenberg

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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Charging Ahead

In 1953, Porsche shocked the racing world with the giant-killing 550 Spyder. Nearly seven decades later, Porsche continues to set new standards in performance in every category, even electric vehicles, with their groundbreaking Taycan and all-new Macan EV. At Speedsport Tuning/SST Auto, we understand the passions and interests that drive Porschephiles are as diverse as the cars themselves. Over the past 30 years, we’ve grown from a small Porsche specialty shop to a full service, independent company serving Porsche street, competition and vintage enthusiasts nationwide. We pride ourselves on being able to handle the needs of any vehicle that rolls into our 32,000 square foot facility.

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J U LY 2 0 2 5

EMBRACE THE CHILL. RESTORE YOUR BODY.

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

New Mom School Is Now In Westport Becoming a new mom is an immeasurable challenge. New Mom School is designed to be a support system, and there's now a location here in Westport. They offer classes for newborn, infant, and rising toddler moms, as well as second-time moms, to educate and support parents on baby care, sleep, the transition to motherhood, and much more. New Mom School is located at 25 Sylvan Road S, Unit U. For more information, contact westport@newmomschool.com

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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Sweet P Bakery Cookies Are at Yankee Stadium Sweet P Bakery, the bakery founded

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CONTINUED >

See how we stand apart MICHELLEANDTEAM.COM | 203.454.HOME (4663)

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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business monthly CONTINUED

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The Connecticut Sun, the WNBA team that takes residence at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., has announced a partnership with Lux Bond & Green jewelers. As part of their partnership, through the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the team and the family-owned jeweler "will work together to promote player self-expression and fashion," including editorial shoots with players wearing basketball gear and Lux Bond & Green jewelry. For more, visit lbgreen.com or connecticutsun.com Photography by Johnell Pannell.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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www.saugatuck-financial.com 203-221-5275 | 274 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT Justin Charise uses Saugatuck Financial as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Justin Charise provides investment advisory services as an Advisor of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®(NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank. Justin Charise provides investment brokerage services as a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. Justin Charise is an Insurance Agent of NM. Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group is a select group of Northwestern Mutual advisors and representatives. Saugatuck Financial and Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group are not registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, insurance agencies, federal savings banks or other legal entities. Forbes Top and Best-In-State Top Financial Security Professionals and Best-in-State Wealth Advisors research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research, LLC. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success. Westport Lifestyle Magazine Readers Choice Award for Best Financial Advisor (2021, 2022, 2023,2024) is based on online voting completed in September & October each year. No compensation is provided for eligibility.

CULINARY• EVENTS • LIFESTYLE

LA VITA VESPA

Motoplex offers an exclusive selection of Italian scooters and motorcycles right here in Fairfield County.

ARTICLE BY YAEL L. MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY MOTOPLEX

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | AUTO + MARIN E

Ryan Ambrifi has always loved la dolce vita, especially feeling the freedom of the coastal wind on his face while riding one of his three Vespas.

With a storied career in marketing, plus owning one of the largest Land Rover dealerships in Connecticut, he’s taking on his next venture with Motoplex, a full-service scooter and motorcycle shop specializing in Italian brands including Vespa, Aprilia, Piaggio, and Moto Guzzi.

“What we really want to do is provide an environment that immerses the customer into the Italian lifestyle,” he says.

“Whether it's scooters or motorcycles, it's a premium retail environment that displays the rich history of the vehicles and the styling.”

The new dealership, which opened in May and is nestled between luxury brands like Mercedes Benz and Audi on Commerce Drive in Fairfield, features a cappuccino bar and a selection of clothing and accessories. The light and airy space, designed by Gaelle Dudley of GLDESIGN, highlights the four brands by separating them out into distinct boutiques, with open seating for customers and an Italian countryside mural that can provide an “Instagrammable moment,” as Ryan says.

Motoplex offers knowledgeable service, even for bikes purchased elsewhere, as well as pickup, delivery, and winter storage options. Down the road, they plan to host operation and safety clinics as well.

CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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“IT PUTS A SMILE ON EVERYONE’S FACE.”

THERE IS A TRULY A LOVE AFFAIR WITH VESPA,” HE SAYS.

“THE BRANDS HAVE SUCH HISTORY AND HERITAGE, AND 30

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | AUTO + MARIN E

“We're the first one on the East coast to have built this new concept,” says Ryan, who has lived in Westport for more than two decades. Coastal Connecticut is the perfect place to embrace living like an Italian, he adds. “It really gave us an opportunity to take the bikes and make them heroes.”

He recognizes that most of their customers will come in with a desire as opposed to a need for their premium product, perhaps imagining themselves draped in a scarf and clad in Jackie O sunglasses while winding their way down to the Levitt Pavillion for a summer concert. Ryan aims to provide an emotional experience that only enhances the initiation into their unofficial club, as well as reinforce a lasting connection.

Once the purchase is complete, he hopes to build a community. Motoplex plans to offer curated rides with each of their specific cohorts of customers so that they can further identify with, say, the Vespa or Moto Guzzi lifestyle.

“The brands have such history and heritage, and there is a truly a love affair with Vespa,” he says. “It puts a smile on everyone's face.”

The vehicles sold at Motoplex offer the ability to have “a smaller environmental footprint,” Ryan adds. But they can also go places that cars might not be able to easily, like the crowded roads leading to and from Compo Beach for the Fourth of July fireworks. “It's just that sense of freedom.”

From browsing to buying to maintaining, Motoplex aims to give customers a different level of experience. “I want them to be excited about their product and really feel the energy of what they're getting into, whether it be a motorcycle or scooter,” Ryan says. “We really want the customer to go in and say: ‘Wow, I feel a connection here. I feel like this is more of a lifestyle for me. And I'm embracing the lifestyle.’”

To learn more, visit motoplexfairfield.com or call 203.292.3550.

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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ON SALE NOW JUL 11 UMPHREY'S MCGEE JUL 13 MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD JUL 16 I’M WITH HER w/ Ken Pomeroy JUL 19 DARK STAR ORCHESTRA JUL 22 SIERRA HULL AUG 10 THE WOOD BROTHERS w/ Mason Via AUG 20 JOSH RITTER & THE ROYAL CITY BAND AUG 22 JOHN OATES & THE GOOD ROAD BAND MORE SHOWS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

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LEVITTPAVILION.COM The Levitt Pavilion is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and grateful to our Lead Season Sponsor Circle

Folk-Americana trio I'm With Her is taking the stage at the Levitt Pavilion as part of their summer lineup.

With The

BAND ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALYSSE GAFKJEN

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | ENTE RTAIN ME N T

I’m With Her, the celebrated folk-Americana band comprised of Aoife O’Donovan, Sarah Jarosz, and Sara Watkins, released their second studio album, Wild and Clear and Blue, on May 9th of this year. The trio is spending the summer touring in support of it, including a stop at the Levitt Pavilion on July 16th. “I’m so excited to come back to Westport,” Aoife, who sings and plays keyboard and guitar, tells Westport Lifestyle. “I remember when we were booking this tour, I mentioned to Sara and Sarah, we have to go back and play in Westport. It’s such a cool venue. I loved looking out and seeing the public library in the background. Last summer, when I was there, my family came—my daughter and my niece were running around on the grass. It’s a great energy for live music, to have a place where you can bring the whole family and take in music under the stars.”

The fact that playing the Levitt was so memorable that the band wanted to do it again is a huge compliment to Westport: in their ten year history as a group, I’m With Her has played venues all over the world, toured with bands like

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Iron & Wine, and won a 2020 Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song for their song “Call My Name.” The group originally came together after a stroke of good luck. “We’d all known each other for quite a while through the scene,” explains Aoife. [All three women have solo careers, and have performed with other groups as well, including Crooked Still (Aoife) and Nickel Creek (Sara).] “We loved each other’s music. And then about ten years ago, we found ourselves at a festival, in a workshop set where you find yourself on stage with people you might not otherwise have found yourself on stage with.” The three women had an instant connection, especially in their gorgeous harmonies. “We just felt joy from our harmony blend,” explains Sarah. “I think all of us had a feeling like I hope that’s not the only time that happens,” adds Sara.

It was far from it. For the next few years, they booked a series of mini tours in the UK, playing cover songs and material from their solo projects. (And yes, for the curious: the name “I’m With Her” predates the 2016 Hillary Clinton CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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I'm With Her: Sara Watkins, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sarah Jarosz.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | ENTE RTAIN ME N T

Ollabelle pl aying the Le vitt Pavilion Photo by Se in 2024. an Bemand for the Levi tt Pavilion.

ean hoto by S orming. P . n moe. perf lio vi a P for Levitt Bemand

presidential campaign. The band started using it shortly after their first performance, in early 2015.)

Eventually, they booked themselves a writing retreat of sorts in Vermont and wrote their first album, 2018’s See You Around, in a little over a week. “It was a really consolidated approach to the songwriting process,” says Aoife. The process for Wild and Clear and Blue was entirely different, the women say. “Over the last seven or eight years, we’ve all been in situations where we had an idea that we didn’t want to finish by ourselves, or it wasn’t the right fit for what we were working on at the moment, and we all brought those to the writing sessions we did for this album,” Aoife says. The result is an 11-track record that’s infused with history, specificity, and heart. “All these songs feel so collaborative from start to finish,” agrees Sarah. “We’re really proud of this music– it feels very personal, and musically we’ve created this larger sonic landscape that supports the songs in a unique way,” Sara says.

That electric musical chemistry is the fuel behind this summer’s tour. “This material is stuff that we connected to each other on, and now we get to connect with anyone who is drawn to the record and feels similarly,” says Sara. Aoife cites the opening lines of the track “Ancient Light” (“Better get out of the way// Gonna figure out what I’m gonna say”) as a kind of thesis statement for audiences. “It’s saying: we’re gonna take you on this adventure with us, and we’re walking through the woods, clearing the brush, and finding some peace on the other side.”

“There’s something so special about being on tour with this band,” says Sarah. “We’ve all experienced touring under our own names for our solo projects, and that’s great too, but it’s a joyful experience getting to do it together, where everything is shared. And then to get to share the music with the audience, too— it’s just awesome.” Those gorgeous harmonies aren’t just sonic— they represent a connection that is felt by band members and audiences alike whenever I’m With Her takes the stage. “I keep coming back to the idea of community,” says Sara. “The community of our touring company, the community of these audiences that we have come to know, who are bringing their kids now– it’s a big part of life to us,” she says. “We’ve spent a lot of time making this record. Now we finally get to go out and do the thing that we’ve been waiting to do, which is play the music with the audience. It’s going to be a really, really good year.”

I’m With Her appears at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts on July 16th at 7pm with guest Ken Pomeroy. Tickets, $31-173.50, at levittpavilion.com CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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The Levitt Pavilion presented "Chelsea Cutler - the Hometown Show" in July 2024. Photo by Chantel Malin for the Levitt Pavilion.

MORE TO Love The Levitt has an incredible season planned— I'm With Her included. "We are thrilled both to present I'm With Her and to continue our relationship with Aoife O'Donovan as part of our 51st season under the stars," says Carleigh Welsh, V.P./ executive producer for the venue. "These incredible women and the diverse and dynamic artists who will light up our stage are a constant source of inspiration." Other summer concerts happening at the Levitt Pavilion you won't want to miss: • The Disco Biscuits 30th Anniversary Tour: Saturday, June 28th

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | ENTE RTAIN ME N T

• Umphrey's McGee: Friday, July 11th • Michael Franti & Spearhead with Allen Stone: Sunday, July 13th • Dark Star Orchestra: Saturday, July 19th • The Wood Brothers: Sunday, August 10th • Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band with Bhi Bhiman: Wednesday, August 20th For tickets and more info on these shows, visit levittpavilion.com

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T H E W E S T P O R T L I F E S T Y L E T E A M S H A R E S T H E I R F A M I LY - F R I E N D LY T R I P S T H AT C E L E B R AT E R E A L- W O R L D M AG I C .

MAGICAL

Taking in views of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

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ACROSS THE POND

BY S A R A G AY N E S L E V Y

This past March, I had the incredible opportunity to visit London with my oldest child, 7, to celebrate the launch of the Hogwarts Library Collection with Yoto, a screen-free audiobook player for kids. While Yoto planned the centerpiece of our trip— a fantastic day on a British Pullman train where we had afternoon tea and got to see the English countryside— we planned the rest of our magical itinerary on our own to complement the Potter-themed celebration.

For young Wizarding World fans, here’s our guide to a bloody brilliant time in London.

King's Cross Station.

The London Eye.

WHERE TO STAY

Yoto selected The Standard London as our hotel, which was conveniently located across the street from King’s Cross Station, the famous train station from which Harry journeys to Hogwarts. Visiting the train station is a must for any Potter fan, as there is a special photo op at the location of the mythical Platform 9 ¾, the invisible-to-non-magical-folks platform where Harry and friends catch the train to school. There’s also a Potter-themed shop full of references to the books and movies in the station. King’s Cross St Pancras station is also home to six lines of the London Underground, which made getting around the city quick and easy. The Standard was a great spot, with a comfortable room and tasty breakfast options.

WHAT TO DO

Shopping in Covent Garden.

On our first day, we booked a combo ticket for the London Eye, the famed observation wheel, and Big Bus London, a double-decker tour bus with audio commentary. The Eye was a hit with my daughter, who loved that while it looks like an adrenaline junkie’s dream, it’s actually slow-moving and peaceful with spectacular city views. There was a boarding station for the Big Bus just steps from the Eye, which we rode to see famous London sights like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and the elegant homes in Mayfair. We disembarked the Big Bus to visit CONTINUED >

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Harrod's.

Views of the English countryside on our British Pullman excursion.

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Hamleys Toy Store, a seven-story toy mecca said to be the oldest toy store in the world.

(If you’re nostalgic for the glory days of F.A.O Schwartz in N.Y.C., Hamleys evokes the same childlike wonder.) From there, we ventured back to the King’s Cross area for dinner, visiting Australian eatery Granger + Co. In addition to a delicious main menu, they have a separate children’s menu full of familiar favorites.

On our second day, we saw a matinee of Matilda on London’s West End, keeping the theme of “children with magical powers” going. The show is adorable and very childfriendly. Before the show, we shopped around Covent Garden, an easy walk from the West End. (Highly recommend the fantasy-themed shop House of Spells if you’re looking for another dose of Potter memorabilia, and they also had merch for popular series like Lord of the Rings and Stranger Things.) We had lunch at Seven Dials Market, a food hall with everything from Syrian food to smashburgers. My daughter declared her burger from there to be “the best in the world.”

We had dinner at Smith + Wollensky London with the Yoto team, which was just as delicious as the stateside locations we’ve visited.

On our third day, we had our train experience on the British Pullman, which left from King’s Cross. This majestic train evoked the classic Orient Express cars, and we had exceptional high tea and service while we took in gorgeous views of the English countryside.

Yoto provided audio players for the kids to listen to while the adults sipped champagne

A set on the Warner Bros. London studio tour.

and enjoyed the tea service. It was absolutely a highlight of the trip!

Nearby King’s Cross is a branch of Dishoom, an insanely popular Indian restaurant that, believe it or not, also had a kid’s menu. I would say it’s definitely best for adventurous kids, but it was nice to be able to try a spicy main while my daughter’s dinner was mild.

Lines for Dishoom can get very long, but they will take reservations before 5 p.m.

For our final full day in London, we took a day trip to Leavesden Studios and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, where the Harry Potter films were shot.

The studios are about an hour outside London, so we booked a combo ticket to take the tour and receive transport there and back. The tour is selfguided, and takes three to four hours depending on how much you want to take in— there is tons to see and learn. There are also multiple cafés and an incredible gift shop. This was probably my daughter’s favorite part of the trip. For young fans, seeing the sets, props, and behind-the-scenes magic (of which they reveal a lot!) is a priceless experience, and one I wholeheartedly recommend.

After the studio tour, we had dinner at Instagram-friendly spot Zizzi, an Italian eatery with multiple locations (we went to the Covent Garden one). It was very good and, again, super-kid friendly.

Before our flight back to the U.S., we had time for a quick visit to Harrod’s— a must do for first-time visitors to the UK, of course!— where we picked up some souvenirs for the rest of our family. It was a truly magical trip!

The proscenium at Matilda on the West End.

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ENCHANTED DAY TRIPS CLOSER TO HOME

BY M A R I S A M AC L E A N Not heading to London anytime soon? No worries. These fun, whimsical spots are all within driving distance of Westport and packed with just the right amount of magic to make any day feel like an adventure.

1. HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

THE LYRIC THEATER, 214 W. 43RD ST., N.Y.C. This award-winning production brings the wizarding world to life with jaw-dropping illusions and a storyline that picks up where the books left off. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just tagging along, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

2. COLOR FACTORY

251 SPRING STREET, N.Y.C. Bright, bold, and made to be explored. This interactive museum is full of larger-than-life color-themed rooms—complete with a giant ball pit, a confetti room, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

3. SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT + SKYLIFT

45 E. 42ND ST., N.Y.C. If you’re up for something unforgettable, head to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Take the SkyLift—an all-glass elevator that rides outside the building—to the top, then walk through mirrored rooms, cloud-like spaces, and sky-high ledges with unreal views.

Color Factory

4. TWA HOTEL ROOFTOP POOL AT JOHN F. KENNEDY AIRPORT

1 IDLEWILD DRIVE, QUEENS, NY This isn’t your average airport hotel. The TWA rooftop pool is heated year-round and overlooks the runways—perfect for watching planes with a retro drink in hand. You don’t even have to stay overnight; day passes are available.

5. LEGOLAND NEW YORK RESORT

1 LEGOLAND BLVD., GOSHEN, NY Build your way through a full day of rides, shows, and attractions at this colorful theme park, just over an hour away. It’s ideal for kids who love to imagine, create, and explore.

6. MYSTIC AQUARIUM Summit One Vanderbilt

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55 COOGAN BLVD., MYSTIC, CT From beluga whales and penguins to hands-on exhibits and a 4D theater, Mystic Aquarium makes a great excuse for a family day trip. Spend the morning with the sea life, then wander the shops and ice cream spots downtown.

TWA Hotel pool.

EXPERT BARBERS. EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE. Legoland Resort

Mystic Aquarium

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

203.557.8500 | WESTPORTCUTSHAVE.COM

235 POST ROAD W, WESTPORT, CT 06880

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A NEW Beginning Photo by Rachael Gorrie.

ACTRESS WYNTER KULLMAN WARSHAW RELAUNCHED HER CAREER AS A THERAPIST. ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

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Photo by Jenaé Weinbrenner.

Photo by Jenaé Weinbrenner.

Westporter Wynter Kullman Warshaw had an almost cliché dreams-comingtrue moment not long after she moved to New York City for an acting conservatory as an 18-year-old. The Pittsburgh native had wanted to become an actor since she was in elementary school, so when a talent manager stopped into the restaurant where she was working in Manhattan and asked if she was an actor, Wynter couldn’t believe her luck. “Two weeks later, I was having breakfast with Sam Mendes [the director of American Beauty],” she says.

She began booking guest spots on TV shows and landed roles in iconic 2000s films like Uptown Girls and Garden State.

She bounced back and forth between N.Y.C. and L.A. for nearly 20 years, booking “small parts in big movies and big parts in small movies,” she explains, but never what one might consider a breakout role. “There were so many times it was between me and one other person.

And then it wouldn’t work out. I was like what is the universe telling me?”

CONTINUED >

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The answer to that question wasn’t clear to her, at least at first. She married her husband, Jeffrey, in 2012, and they had two children. With two young kids, and working as an actor, Wynter went back to college to get her undergraduate degree from The New School in N.Y.C. It was her minor, psychology, that ended up calling to her. “One Friday, my manager called me and said ‘you have an audition on Monday.’ The deadline [to apply] for grad school [for marriage and family therapy] was in a week.

So I called her back and said ‘I know this is a bit of a pivot, but I’m not going to my audition. I’m not acting anymore.

And I need a letter of recommendation.’”

Wynter had decided: she wanted to become a licensed marriage and family therapist. Her manager wrote the letter, and Wynter went on to Fairfield University to get her master’s degree.

After completing her clinical training, she joined You Are Complete Psychotherapy here in Westport in 2024.

Therapy may seem like an unusual career change for an actor, but to hear Wynter tell it, the two professions are more linked than they might seem. Studying and learning a character, after all, is a kind of psychological analysis. “I have such an appreciation for the differences in people’s lives— I really embraced that part of learning to become a therapist,” she says. She also relished the opportunity to meet people openly, honestly, and

without judgment after so many years of being on the receiving end of critical feedback.

Her new job has been rewarding in ways she could never have imagined. “Nothing brings me more happiness than when people leave our sessions feeling less alone,” she says. There have been some surprises, too— like how much she’s enjoyed talking with male patients. “In the therapy room, they’re fascinating and dynamic and deep-feeling. They don’t have to be so stoic,” she says. She’s been able to freely embrace her new role. “I genuinely love my clients, and they can feel it. It helps me say something that may be hard for them to hear, knowing I absolutely care for them.”

Wynter’s story shows that a Hollywood ending might not always turn out the way you expect it, but tuning in to what you excel at is always rewarding. Wynter credits Westport with a lot of that— moving here came at a pivotal moment in her journey. It’s allowed her to build a thriving career in her practice (along with her colleague Bianca Rodriguez), and foster her passion for performing (she still appears in local productions). “We ended up in paradise,” she says. “It’s the most welcoming, supportive, safe environment.

Really, my dreams came true when I moved here.”

“I know this is a pivot, but I’m not going to my audition. And I need a letter of recommendation.”

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For more information about You Are Complete Psychotherapy, visit youarecomplete.com

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203-601-0022

@BLOOM.WESTPORT

NEWS OUR LIFE IN DOWNTOWN WESTPORT SO FAR

Normal gets you nowhere

— and that’s exactly the point Since settling into our new home in the heart of Westport, Bloom Salon has been on a steady rise—and we’re just getting started. Our chairs are full, our team is growing, and the energy in the salon is electric.

We’ve welcomed three incredibly talented stylists to the Bloom family, each bringing their own unique artistry, fresh ideas, and infectious passion for hair. It’s been amazing to watch our team evolve and grow stronger than ever.

Beyond the salon floor, we’ve been making moves in the community and beyond. This spring, we had a blast styling and participating in Fashionably Westport, connecting with the vibrant local scene and showcasing what makes Bloom stand out. And next month, we’re heading south—the entire team is flying to Florida for the Premiere Beauty Show in Orlando. It’s part celebration, part education, and all about leveling up together.

Vibe check

Business has never been better, and we can’t wait for what summer brings.

From bold transformations to subtle refinements, every client who walks through our door knows: we don’t do cookie-cutter. www.bloomsalonwestport.com

At Bloom, we believe hair is personal. It’s an extension of your identity, your mood, your moment.

And when you sit in our chair, we’re here to create something that feels like you—not just what’s trending.

If you’re ready for a salon experience that’s a little less “normal” and a lot more you, come see what’s blooming.

ARTICLE BY ANNA BARNES

SUMMER STYLE, MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES, A ND OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BEST SEASON UNDER THE SUN.

Compo -Approved Fa shion & Fun

Summer is officially here, and there's no better place to soak it all in than Westport. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day at Compo, an impromptu sunset picnic, or a full afternoon of tennis, our town offers the perfect backdrop for summer memories. To help you make the most of the season, this style guide is filled with summer style staples and fun-in-the-sun must-haves.

The author in a Shop Macey Jane dress.

Photo by Sydney Sheehan.

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1. Siviglia Opal Drop Earrings | $1800 | lbgreen.com | 2. Peace Love Waves Hat | $38 | west2westport.com | 3. Summer dress from Macey Jane | $315 | maceyjane.com | 4. Famille Rose Picnic Basket | $229 | williams-sonoma.com | 5. Mirage Pleated Skort & Serene Tank | $156 for set | rhone.com | 6. UPF50+ Sun Hat | $69 | coolibar.com | 7. onewith Bellows Suit| $92 | onewithswim.com | 8. Alice Walk Cashmere Wrap | $245 | alicewalk.com | 9. The Dune Basket Bag | $188 | brochuwalker.com CONTINUED >

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For the gentlemen, it’s all about effortless style and practical comfort.

Think lightweight layers, classic swim trunks, sun-protective hats, and breathable fabrics that keep you cool from sunrise swims to sunset hangs. A great beach day calls for a versatile outfit, a stylish pair of shades, and a go-to bag for snacks for the whole family (and sunscreen).

For Him Photo courtesy of Rhone.

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1. Swim Trunks from Rhone | $98 | rhone.com | 2. 48 Wheeled Cooler | $425 | yeti.com | 3. Skysail Performance Cotton Shirt with Cool Comfort Technology | $128 | vineyardvines.com | 4. Zander Frames | $295 | krewe.com | 5. Everyday Drawstring Short | $70 | jcrew.com 6. Ciele Running Hat | $40 | cieleathletics.com | 7. Omega Seamaster Diver Watch | $6500 | lbgreen.com | 8. Supergoop! Sunscreen $38 | bluemercury.com | 9. Family Beach Bag | $55 | llbean.com CONTINUED >

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School’s out, and summer fun is officially on! Compo Beach is the perfect playground for sun-soaked adventures, sandy toes, and splashfilled days, and kids need comfy, durable, and sun-safe essentials. From colorful swimsuits to sun hats and beach games, these picks will keep little ones cool, protected, and ready for nonstop fun.

For Kids

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1. Bright Swimsuits | $68 each | vineyardvines.com | 2. Spikeball | $70 | amazon.com | 3. Summer Dress | $78 | splashofpink.com 4. Sunglasses | $38 each | babiators.com | 5. Boys Short-Sleeve Camp Shirt | $38 | jcrew.com | 6. Summer Bucket Hat | $34 | pehr.com 7. Kite | $27 | awesometoys.com | 8. Kidstick SPF | $22 | mdsolarsciences.com | 9. Kids’ Freesip Water Bottle | $25 | owalalife.com

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We’re here to make you SMILE BIG. New patients welcome at Embrace Orthodontics.

Come in today for an evaluation at our convenient Westport and Stamford locations. www.westportortho.com | 203.227.6061 WESTPORT: 22 Imperial Ave, Westport, CT STAMFORD: 61 Fourth Street, Stamford, CT

inspired swimming pools and landscape design 203-939-9777 || in2bluedesign.com

SIX SUMMER

Reads

Books to pack in your beach bag.

ARTICLE BY AMANDA PARRISH MORGAN

Amanda Parrish Morgan Amanda Parrish Morgan is the author of Stroller (Bloomsbury), which The New Yorker named one of the best books of 2022. Amanda’s writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Wired, LitHub, Guernica, n+1, The American Scholar, The Washington Post, and elsewhere. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children.

Photo by Stefanie Cole.

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Amanda Parrish Morgan was recently named the interim executive director of the Westport Writers’ Workshop, a hub for writers and authors in Westport (and beyond) to hone their craft. Amanda is a celebrated author herself—her book Stroller was heralded by The New Yorker, noting that “the central strength of the book is not comprehensiveness but the way the stroller, and Morgan’s experience of her own strollering years, become an omnidirectional magnet, pulling disparate material into friendly proximity.”

Amanda is also an expert at recommending books— she has written roundups of favorites for outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic.

And, since we are lucky enough to have her right here in our own backyard, Westport Lifestyle asked Amanda to suggest six of her favorite summer reads. While these books are perfect for days spent at Compo, they aren’t your typical “beach reads.” From an essay collection by an esteemed TV writer to a nostalgic novel about the bygone days of 1990s summers, there’s something on her list for everyone.

DIRECTIONS TO MYSELF

THE ROAD TO TENDER HEARTS

NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO PANIC

1. Heidi Julavits’s Directions to Myself is a meditation on navigating life between Manhattan, where Julavits teaches, and Maine, where she and her family spend their summers. It’s a book deeply rooted in place and in the particular, sublime and mundane moments that make up our lives and one of the most probing reflections on raising children as they grow older and inherently more separate from their parents.

2. I loved Annie Hartnett’s quirky novel Unlikely Animals, which is a loose retelling of Our Town featuring a chorus from the town cemetery, and I love a road trip novel (perfect for summer!), so I ordered The Road to Tender Hearts months ahead of its publication date. It’s about a quirky cast of characters stuck in a car together in a way that reminds me of the film Little Miss Sunshine.

3. Kevin Wilson’s Now is Not the Time to Panic is set mostly over the course of a single early ‘90s suburban summer. Teenagers Frankie and Zeke form an unlikely friendship and the by turns hilarious and sincere novel is brilliant at evoking that particular ennui of unstructured summer days in an age before cell phones and the way the intensity of our earliest friendships shape us into adulthood.

THE GUEST

WE ARE NEVER MEETING IN REAL LIFE

NORMAL PEOPLE

4. Emma Cline’s novel The Guest follows a vaguely sinister yet threatened young woman as she grifts and wanders through the Hamptons. It’s a dark book with the tension that’s present from the novel’s opening and is not necessarily resolved on its final pages; this, along with the novel’s summer setting makes reading it feel like waiting for a thunderstorm to break during an oppressive heatwave.

5. Sam Irby’s essay collections are all hilarious. A writer for Hulu’s Shrill and the HBO reboot of Sex and the City, she’s mercilessly self-depricating and brilliant in the specificity of her observations, but the humor in her writing is also fundamentally forgiving and kind. Her first book, We Are Never Meeting in Real Life is a great place to start.

6. The plot of Irish writer Sally Rooney’s Normal People is so propulsive that it’s easy to overlook the quality of the writing at the sentence level.

Over the course of the summer day to tear through this novel years ago, I was in the throes of raising young kids and reading time was hard to come by; I carried it around the house, reading while I folded laundry, did dishes, or waited for camp pickup.

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Danna & Jen work VERY hard for their clients but they also know how to have fun and LOVE WHERE THEY LIVE!

Here are some of Danna & Jen’s favorite summer spots and activities: Fireworks at Compo Beach • Lobsters at Sunset Grille in Norwalk • The Westport Farmer’s Market Fairfield Summer Concert Series at the Gazebo • Concerts at the Levitt Pavillon Visiting the baby animals at Wakeman Town Farm • Hiking at Troutbrook and Devil’s Den in Weston Boating, Tennis and Golf at the Longshore Club in Westport • Porch Fest in Bridgeport Date Night at The Westport Country Playhouse • An Ice Cream Cone at Van Leeuwen Musical Brunches at Walrus Alley • Summer Reading Clubs at the Westport Library Westport Sidewalk Sale • The Yankee Doodle Fair

30 Elm Street Bedford Square, Westport CT 06880 | dannarogersandjenkass.com

Danna Rogers

(917) 282-6292 • dannakrogers@gmail.com • Licensed in CT

Jen Kass

(203) 368-8032 • jenkass32@gmail.com • Licensed in CT

Higgins Group Private Brokerage is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties for Fairfield and New Haven Counties in Connecticut. Forbes® is a registered trademark used under license.

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Contact our team: 203.655.6974 1 Turkey Hill Road S. Westport, CT Rob Vaccaro

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$76, mdsolarsciences.com

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$35, mdsolarsciences.com

Soak Up The Sun

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1 . D A I LY P E R F E C T I N G MOISTURIZER SPF 30: The first thing I put on in the morning, time-released hydration and UV protection all in one.

$46, mdsolarsciences.com $36, mdsolarsciences.com

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3. MINERAL CRÈME 50: Clean, reef safe/water safe mineral formulas that go on sheer to provide invisible protection. Perfect for the beach or extended sun exposure.

$22, mdsolarsciences.com

5 MDSolarSciences CEO Renee Plato is a true sun safety advocate.

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOMIRA WILCOX

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2. MINERAL TINTED CRÈME: A great no-makeup makeup with SPF that provides coverage and blurs imperfections with a beautiful matte finish.

4. SOLARSTICK SPF 40: This mineral stick is excellent for on-the-go protection. Throw it in your purse and car for convenient coverage at any time- hands-free.

5. G LE AM & G LOW SPF 50: This gives the most gorgeous radiance to all skin tones, and also hydrates and boosts elasticity.

Renee Plato.

Before joining MDSolarSciences as their CEO, Westporter Renee Plato had an impressive career in media, working for brands like Univision, Nielsen, and the Walt Disney Company. “I worked across digital platforms, developing strategies, building partnerships, and scaling audiences. But what fascinated me was watching how beauty and skincare brands were really leading the charge and creating community-driven, content-first experiences,” Renee tells Westport Lifestyle. “They weren’t just selling product— they were selling stories.” When she was approached about coming on to steer the Westport-based company, “I thought my background in media provided a wonderful foundational knowledge to help drive growth,” she says. “Ultimately, I realized I wanted to work with something tangible, that could impact people’s lives, in a space that I genuinely loved. And it very much helped be in my own backyard!”

After Renee became CEO, she made an effort to elevate the dermatologist-crafted line, taking it from packaging and positioning that made it seem like a beach-first product to something that customers would want to wear every day as part of their skincare routine. “It was important to me that that consumer understood that SPF isn’t just for the beach—it’s an everyday healthy habit,” Renee says. And living in beach-front Westport means Renee and her family are putting the products to the test constantly. “For me, it really

KidStick SPF 40: The ultimate kid-friendly mineral stick that kids love applying themselves. Scentfree, clean, gluten-free with invisible protection.

“It was important to me that that consumer understood that SPF isn’t just for the beach.” starts with putting on an everyday SPF moisturizer as the first step of my daily routine. And then, with Westport being such a wonderful outdoor community, I always have sunscreen available— in the car, in my bag, in my daughter’s backpack. We have these great portable solar sticks that make it super easy to glide on the high-absorption parts that are getting a lot of sun no matter where you are.”

For your sun-safest summer ever— whether you’re here in Westport or hitting the road— we asked Renee for some of her favorite MDSolarSciences products. “It brings me a lot of meaning, knowing that we are improving people’s skin health and longevity, and delivering beauty from within,” Renee says.

“It’s about total wellness.”

MDSolarSciences products are available at mdsolarsciences.com and select local retailers.

CONTINUED >

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“What fascinated me was watching how beauty and skincare brands were really leading the charge and creating community-driven, content-first experiences.”

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SATC at WCP Candace Bushnell, creator of 'Sex and the City,' brings her one-woman show to Westport.

On July 9th, Candace Bushnell will bring her one-woman onstage memoir, True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and the City, to the Westport Country Playhouse. Candace is, of course, the creator of Sex and the City, the column-turned-book that became the iconic TV series. Westport Lifestyle chatted with Candace—a Connecticut native!— about what audiences can expect from this wholly original evening of theater.

WESTPORT LIFESTYLE: YOU'VE TOLD YOUR STORY IN SO MANY FORMATS—IN YOUR COLUMNS, IN BOOKS. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BRING IT TO LIFE ON STAGE?

Candace Bushnell: I met someone who had done a one-man show, and he said, ‘I think you can do a one-woman show.’ I just said yes. I wrote something, and then it took off. We got a Broadway director, we developed it at the Bucks County Playhouse, and then I did it off-Broadway. It had a great response, and I’ve done it all around the world. I’m still doing it four years later. It was one of those things that just worked out.

WL: WHAT IS IT LIKE TO PERFORM YOUR STORY, AFTER WRITING ABOUT IT FOR SO MANY YEARS?

CB: It's fantastic to interact with a live audience. There's something very different about performing—a little bit goes a long way. There

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

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are things that need more explanation in a book, but little actions on stage are, somehow, magnified. And when you write a book, you don’t get any reactions for a year. But people come up to me after the show, and they love it. They find the show inspiring. It's great to get an immediate reaction.

WL: YOUR LOVE OF FASHION IS LEGENDARY. HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHAT TO WEAR ON STAGE?

CB: I always wear the same dress by PatBo, because it works. I have to move around the stage. I have to slide off a couch. I have to lie down.

WL: WHAT DO YOU HOPE AUDIENCES TAKE AWAY FROM THE PERFORMANCE?

CB: My message: be your own Mr. Big, as opposed to being married to Mr. Big. It's a feminist message about being an independent woman not relying on a man, and the realities and the struggles of that.

WL: SPEAKING OF MR. BIG, IN THE AND JUST LIKE THAT REBOOT, WE SEE THAT CARRIE AND BIG WERE MARRIED, FOR QUITE A LONG TIME. IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS CARRIE YOU STILL RELATE TO?

CB: The character was my alter ego, so I would say that there's a lot that I relate to. But the show's been on TV, in some form or another, for close to 30 years, and you want the people who are working on the show to make it their own and bring their own experiences. What works in a TV show is not the same as what works in real life.

People love to catch up with those characters, and people feel like those characters are like their friends. They really relate, and that is just fantastic.

Photo credit: Fadil Berisha.

WL: WHAT ABOUT DOING YOUR SHOW BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY?

CB: Being on stage and getting the reaction of the audience.

It's really fun. It's the origin story of Sex and the City combined with my story of how I first came to New York and how I made it.

People dress up, they bring their girlfriends, they have a couple of cosmos, and they have a great time.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Tickets for True Tales of Sex, Success, and Sex and the City start at $65, at westportplayhouse.org

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Summer favorites from the local lifestyle brand that celebrates and gives back to the town.

Westport Is The Bestport Like many Westporters, founder and designer Ariel Dunne moved to Westport from N.Y.C. and immediately fell in love with the town, beach side vibes, and the pride and participation the people of Westport have in their local community. Here, Ariel shares some of her favorite things about this special place we call home.

ARTICLE BY ARIEL DUNNE

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Old Mill Beach My family often likes to escape the crowds of Compo and go to Old Mill Beach. There is a calmness that makes it feel like your own private island. You can always find your spot, kids can run free, and you can pop over to Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci for a pizza, coffee, or wine. Feeling adventurous? Set up a beautiful dinner party on the low tide terrace.

The author’s children at Old Mill Beach.

Rive Bistro What gets better than a French bistro located on a beautiful river?

Study the tides to pull up your boat to the dock along the Saugatuck River or cruise down Riverside Avenue to indulge in their Smoked Salmon Tartine or Bistro Burger. Whether you like to sit at the bar and enjoy a specialty cocktail, are looking to host a large- or smallscale fête, or want a relaxing meal with family and friends on the inside/outside patio, this spot has something for everyone.

Saugatuck River views.

Saugatuck Rowing Club & Fitness Center Over the years I have bopped between gyms in the city and Westport and never found the right fit—they always felt more like a fashion show rather than a place to break a sweat. Then my son started rowing, and we found Saugatuck Rowing Club & Fitness Center as a family. An uncrowded gym, phenomenal classes, workspace inside and out (where I am writing this article!) and an upscale restaurant and bar- all with river views to make the experience more special.

Photo courtesy Saugatuck Rowing Club.

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Restore Hyper Wellness We all know with work, kid schedules, and just the in and out of the day, it is hard to find time for yourself. But, if you can carve out three minutes, pop into Restore Hyper Wellness for a Cryotherapy session.

Have 15? Hit up the Red Light Therapy. Lucky to have 45 minutes to one hour? Get a curated drip to increase hydration, improve energy and boost immunity—or pop your legs into Compression Therapy to improve circulation and reduce muscle pain and recovery time. My recommendation is to go ahead with the monthly membership for the best value, as it also gives you a mental push to visit the studio and take care of yourself.

Restore Hyper Wellness.

Idan Chen Salon: I have had short hair for over 10 years—and I am particular—so finding the right precision and perfection for my cut and color in Westport was hard until I found Idan Chen. Often, I commuted into the city to get the job done right. Not having to spend half a day in the city gives me my life back and keeps me looking glam even on average days.

The quality and outcome are always incredible, and owners Idan and Melissa make everyone feel at home and special. Long locks, short locks, curly or straight, the team at Idan Chen deliver exceptional results tailored to each clients’ style and vision. Their dedication to their craft is truly impressive.

Photo courtesy Idan Chen Salon.

Westport is the Bestport: Westport is the Bestport is a local lifestyle brand I founded two years ago to celebrate this amazing place we are lucky to call home. While we have an original collection of pieces such as sweatshirts, hats and stadium cups, the fun part comes in when we get creative, design and launch limited edition capsule collections that end up being fun collectibles for residents or takeaway gifts for out-of-town town visitors.

Check out westportisthebestport.com or @westport_is_the_bestport for new item drops. It’s a great way to show your love for our community!

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events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

JUNE 28TH

The Disco Biscuits: 30th Anniversary Tour The Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Rd. 6:30 PM The "trans-fusion" jam rock/EDM band Disco Biscuits take the stage in celebration of their 30th anniversary. Tickets, from $55, at levittpavilion.com JULY 9 TH

Candace Bushnell: True Tales of Sex, Success, and Sex and the City Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct. | 8:00 PM Candace Bushnell, author of the book Sex and the City, on which the original series was based, appears in a one-woman show about her life. Tickets, from $65, at westportplayhouse.org

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Saugatuck Scribes: Summer Edition!

The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Rd 7:00 PM Stop by the Westport Library for an evening with two local authors, Meg Serino and Veena Dinavahi, as they discuss their new books, Annapurna and The True Happiness Company. Free, register at westportlibrary.org J U LY 1 1 T H

Umphrey's McGee

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The Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Rd. 7:00 PM Improv-rock band Umphrey's McGee visits The Levitt Pavilion to play a set, including songs from their new album Asking For a Friend. Tickets, from $55, at levittpavilion.com

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Solutions for Hair and Skin

JULY 12TH

The Wicked Lo-Down Lachat Town Farm, 106 Godfrey Rd. West, Weston | 6:00 PM Blues/R&B band The Wicked LoDown will play the annual series Music In The Meadow at Lachat Town Farm on July 12. Tickets, from $33.32, for more info and ticket link visit lachattownfarm.org JULY 16TH

I'm With Her (with Ken Pomeroy) The Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Rd. 7:00 PM This issue's cover stars, I'm With Her, a Grammy-award-winning folk-Americana trio, appear in support of their new album Wild and Clear and Blue. Tickets, from $59.50, at levittpavilion.com

ARTISTEXSALON.com 203-222-0344 82

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Roseanne Cash (with Josh Leventhal) Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct. | 8:00 PM Grammy-winning singer-songwriter appears in a special concert at the Westport Country Playhouse playing hits from her more than 30 year career. Tickets, from $98, at westportcountryplayhouse.org J U LY 1 6T H

'Jaws' 50th Anniversary Screening & Book Talk The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Rd. 6:30 PM The Westport Library celebrates the 50th anniversary of this landmark film with a screening and discussion with Christopher Shaw Myers, author of Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond. Free, register at westportlibrary.org

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Summer is in full swing!

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JULY 19 TH

Dark Star Orchestra The Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Rd. 6:00 PM The Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience with their set list based on the band's catalog. Tickets, from $58.50, at levittpavilion.com JULY 20 TH

Steep Canyon Rangers Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct. | 7:00 PM Grammy-winning bluegrass quintet Steep Canyon Rangers will play hits from their 14 studio albums at this special concert at the Playhouse. Tickets, from $55, at westportcountryplayhouse.org

Call: 203.221.1440 Animal Doctor of Weston

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'Screen Time: The Musical' The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Rd. 2:00 PM

Let me help you find the insurance that fits your needs Life | Health | Medicare Supplemental | Long-Term Care

The Westport Library presents scenes from Lloyd Allen's musical Screen Time, which follows the story of a coder building Angela, an AI chatbot.

Free, register at westportlibrary.org J U LY 2 3 RD

Author Talk: Adriana Trigiani The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Rd. 7:00 PM Come here best-selling author Adriana Trigiani discussing her newest release, The View From Lake Como, a novel "about one woman’s quest to build her own life before it’s too late." Tickets, $29 (includes book), at westportlibrary.org

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DRI NKS UP Crafting Cocktails with Fresh Garden Ingredients

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES Summer is here and what better way to quench your thirst than with drinks crafted from the season’s fresh produce? Embrace the natural sweetness of sun-ripened fruits and the invigorating zest of garden-fresh herbs. From crisp berry infusions to fragrant herbal blends, enjoy the art of crafting delicious and revitalizing beverages that celebrate the fresh flavors of summer.

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THE “HERBAL COCONUT” PIÑA COLADA

This sangria emphasizes fresh garden herbs and the sweetness of seasonal berries.

Ingredients: • 1 bottle wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio or Garnacha) • ½ cup brandy or rum • ½ cup elderflower liqueur • 1 cup sparkling water • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced • ½ cup fresh raspberries • ½ cup fresh blueberries • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced (optional) • 1 lime, thinly sliced

IA

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Instructions: Muddle the mint and basil leaves in the bottom of the blender. Add the remaining ingredients and ice.

Blend until smooth and pour into a glass. Garnish with fresh fruit and herbs

EN HER D AR

B

Ingredients: • 2 oz. Coconut Rum • 1 oz. Pineapple Juice • .5 oz Coconut water • 1 oz. Cream of Coconut.

• A few fresh mint leaves • Optional: A few fresh basil leaves.

• Ice • Garnish: Mint sprig, and a pineapple chunk.

G

Instructions: In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, brandy (or rum), and elderflower liqueur. Stir gently to mix.

Add the sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, mint leaves, rosemary sprigs, and cucumber slices to the pitcher. Gently muddle the berries and herbs slightly to release their flavors. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, add the sliced lime and sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently. Serve the sangria over ice, ensuring each glass gets a mix of fruit and herbs.

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UIT FR

Y GRAP R E A M

PE

AR FIZZ

E M I L

MINT

This cocktail balances the tartness of grapefruit, the sweetness of pear, and the distinct notes of rosemary, all brought together with a bubbly finish.

Ingredients: • 2 oz Gin (or Vodka) • 1.5 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice • 1 oz Pear Liqueur (or Pear Juice) • 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice • 1 sprig of Rosemary • Sparkling water • Garnish: Rosemary sprig, grapefruit slice, pear slice Instructions: Place the rosemary sprig in a cocktail shaker. Lightly muddle the rosemary to release its oils. Add the gin (or vodka), grapefruit juice, pear liqueur and lime juice to the shaker. Add ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled.

Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with a rosemary sprig, a grapefruit slice, and a pear slice.

A Lime Mint Rose Mojito adds a floral twist to the classic mojito, creating a refreshing and elegant cocktail.

Here’s a recipe that balances the traditional lime and mint with the delicate aroma of rose.

Ingredients: • 10 fresh mint leaves • 1 lime, cut into wedges • 2 tablespoons white sugar (or simple syrup, to taste) • 2 ounces white rum • 1 ounce rose water (adjust to taste, as it can be potent) • Club soda or sparkling water • Garnish: Mint sprigs, lime wedges, edible rose petals (optional)

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Instructions: Muddle: Place the mint leaves and lime wedges in a glass. Add sugar. Use a muddler to gently crush the mint and lime.

Pour the white rum and rose water into the glass. Stir well. Fill the glass with ice. Top with club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig, a lime wedge, and, if desired, edible rose petals.

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WESTPORT

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