Westport - July/August

THE BEST OF ISSUE

M O F F LY M E D I A

Best Summer!

GUIDE TO TOP PICKS, FROM SOFT LINENS TO SUNSET COCKTAILS

JULY/AUGUST 2021 $5.95

GOLD COAST C O N N E C T I C U T • 2021

Winners Revealed!

175+ categories along the GOLD COAST and CLOSE TO HOME

Enjoy the Moment

PLUS:

›Shopping finds ›Summer skincare ›Movie night at home goes big ›Hot beach reads ›Beat the heat with Chloe's Pops ›Education Guide

Serena & Lily linen throw, botanical-print pillows and soft area rug

the e le m e nt s c o llec t io n

contents JULY/AUG 2021 vol. 23 | issue 4

44

departments

44

10 EDITOR’S LETTER

by diane talbot sembrot

BEST OF THE GOLD COAST CONNECTICUT

15 STATUS REPORT

BUZZ Unsubscribed; Miryha Fantegrossi on finding your perfect bra; Hollis Taggart art gallery in Southport; Vivid-Tek; Southern Yankee

Let’s have fun!

The results of our annual readers’ poll are in—just turn the pages to see the local restaurants, shops and services that racked up the most votes for 2021.

70

BEST OF TOWN What about the winners close to home? We pulled out the votes for local winners to help you enjoy the best of everything, right here in your community.

SHOP Summer style essentials DO Glowbar for good skin GO Chill out in Iceland; Emily Liebert’s book picks

70

EAT Chloe’s Pops for a cool treat; perfecting the cookie with Rebel Daughter 42 MONEY MATTERS

76

87 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Rachel Precious serves more than fresh oysters; she also teaches us about protecting the ocean.

ON ATIE C U ED GUID section! l-out n

88 POSTSCRIPT by d onna mof f ly

TURNING THE TIDE

by e l i z a bet h hol e top: Manna Toast’s open-faced sandwich with hummus and veggies and meatless meatballs with marinara, cashew mozzarella and basil below: The art of layering, Mitchells-style on the c over | serena & lily | photo gr aphy courtesy of br and

l o al pu h in Speci erts weig ture u p Ex bright f . on the ucati of ed p g . 4 0 afte

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WESTPORT JULY/AUGUST 2021, VOL. 23, NO 4. WESTPORT (USPS/ISSN 1941-9821) is published bi-monthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St., Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to WESTPORT PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. U.S. Subscription rates: $19.95/1 year, $34.95/2 years; Canada and Foreign $44/1 year, $72/2 years. westportmag.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MANNA TOAST BY STACY BASS • MITCHELLS, CONTRIBUTED

features

THE BEST ORTHOPEDICS

BY FAR IS RIGHT HERE. Hospital for Special Surgery and Stamford Health have teamed up to bring world-class orthopedic care closer to you.

Our team of experts remains dedicated to making safe, responsible musculoskeletal care available – wherever you are.

To learn more about our in-person and virtual appointment options, visit HSS.edu/StamfordHealth

HSS Stamford, 1 Blachley Rd, Stamford, CT 06902 Most major insurance plans accepted. New patients welcome.

digital content & MORE

july/aug 2021

CELEBRATING THE SCENE STEALERS

WE ALL WIN! Find a complete directory of this year’s winners online. Head to bestofgoldcoastct.com to review the top vote-getters on the go.

SHARE THE NEWS! Did your business win a Best Of for 2021? Get the word out!

Head to our Winners Circle for resources to help you share the good news and attract new fans. Go to: bestofgoldcoastct.com/winnerscircle.

JUMP ONLINE

ENJOY OUR ARTICLES AND POSTS ON INSIGHTFUL LOCALS WHO HELP US ALL LIVE BETTER

Visit our directories for resources

PLUS! LIGHT A FIRE

Thank those who volunteer and give back to the community every day by nominating them for this award!

Do it online by July 9 ilovefc.com/lightafire

FOLLOW US ON:

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PHOTOGRAPHY: THE VILLAGE, BRIDGE, AND SUNDANCE STORE BY DIANE SEMBROT • SMARTPHONE ©IEVGEN SKRYPKO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

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editor’s letter

JULY/AUG 2021 / DIANE TALBOT SEMBROT

FOR THE WIN

SCAN TO VISIT US

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

westportmag.com

10

As the editor of the publication, I love seeing the results of the poll, but, yes, I feel like many good places aren’t listed. For me, some of them are part of what define our town. I want to put an asterisk on the Best Of guide that starts: “Don’t forget about ____.” If you just moved to Westport, I could list lots places to check out.

This is not to take away from the winners.

I want them to enjoy this well-earned win! I just also want locals to keep exploring. Try the places on the winners list, and then keep going. See who else is doing an outstanding job. We have impressive stores, salons, studios and more, and also amazing expertise. Go ask questions, try things and enjoy the simple pleasure of finding a favorite shop, a favorite seat in a restaurant, a favorite coffee or iced tea, favorite spot in a weekend fitness class, a favorite gift shop for all things local. Make this town yours.

We’ve waited a long time to be able to safely be among one another again. The lesson I’m taking away is not to take it for granted—to appreciate everything from the potted plants along the sidewalk to the big town events. For example, mark Saturdays, July 17 and August 14, on your calendars—these are Summer Outdoor Shopping Days by the Downtown Merchants Association. Also, check out the shows at the Levitt Pavilion. Let’s enjoy what we have and who we share it with.

Best, always,

diane.sembrot@moffly.com

WILLIAM TAUFIC

W

e do the “Best Of ” issue every year to give our readers a chance to vote for their favorite restaurants, shops, salons, gyms and more. It serves as a guide to Fairfield County as well as to Westport, Weston and Wilton. But this year is different. As I write this, we are all just getting used to walking around downtown without a mask. Actually, some of us are maskless, some not. And more of us are going back into shops and grabbing a bite to eat at an outdoor or indoor table. Things sometimes feel normal, sometimes not at all. It’s like writing with your nondominant hand—it works, but feels off. Imagine, then, how it’s been for local businesses awaiting this time.

Finally, the stores downtown have opened their doors, unrestricted. If you haven’t been there for a bit, you may not realize all of the changes. There has been a lot of turnover in the major locations along Main Street and the Post Road. Big stores, including Ann Taylor, Loft, Nike, Banana Republic, are gone. In their place, we welcome new faces, like Sundance, 7 for All Mankind, Glowbar, Madison Reed, and others. Barnes & Noble moved downtown, offering a place to linger and shop; and new eateries are opening, so we can grab a coffee, a fresh pastry or refreshing treat. It’s Westport, just changed after its Covid hibernation.

That makes this edition of “Best Of ” all the more meaningful. It feels like a celebration of the places, big and small, that have found new ways of doing business; they are the ones that come to mind first when we want something (hair styling, birthday present, sushi), because we like what they do.

This is such an exciting place to be!

I love trying new things and meeting new people.

Ethel S. Founding Resident

Westport’s Only Independent, Assisted & Memory Care Community

Select apartments available.

Ask about our Emerald Suite concierge.

1141 Post Road East 203-303-9223 residencewestport.com

An LCB Senior Living Community. Over 25 years of excellence in New England

Life on Mar’s: The Home Makeover Show Now Available Season 3

CONGRATULATIONS

Mar Jennings!

On your 8th and 9th Emmy® nominations!

Season 3 of The People’s Telly Award and Emmy® nominated series Life On Mar’s: The Home Makeover Show, is now available on Amazon Prime Video along with seasons 1 and 2.

Created and hosted by Connecticut native Mar Jennings, f requently referred to as America’s Top Lifestyle Expert, it is the first and only home makeover series filmed entirely in Connecticut and recently was honored with two additional Emmy® nominations.

LIFESTYLE EXPERT • TV HOST • BEST SELLING AUTHOR • REALTOR

marjennings.com

r e s tor at i v e “A haven for relaxation” Town & Country Magazine

winvianfarm.com

buzz STATUS REPORT

Keep It Simple UNSUBSCRIBED brings today’s slow-fashion style by diane sembrot

above: Embroidered Tank Dress Lightweight Voile, Faded Black ($328) right, top: Cropped Batwing Hoodie Fleece Terry, Ginger Root ($138) right, bottom: Jogger Fleece Terry, Ginger Root ($98)

NAME DROPPING A sample of thirdparty labels to shop: B LemLem (artisan-driven women’s collection) Boyish Jeans (sustainable denim) Ubuntu Life (based in Kenya) Scosha (female-founded fine jewelry) A. Shirt. Story (upcycled vintage button downs) Veja (environmentally friendly sneakers) LIHKA (ethically made home and fashion accessories) IMMODEST COTTON x

fleabags (custom-dyed bags)

T

he 1,600-square-foot Unsubscribed on Main Street— designed with natural materials like rattan, reclaimed wood and linen as well as accents of marble, brass and velvet—brings consciously made, slow fashion to Westport. This is the brand’s second retail location; the first is located in East Hampton, New York. They champion quality over quantity, and comfortable dressing—and its private-label collection is luxe and contemporary, yet also timeless.

Overall, Unsubscribed is committed to representing socially and ethically produced practices and partners with like-minded third-party labels, including vintage and recycled items. But it’s not new to retail. It is owned by AEO Inc., parent company to the AE and Aerie brands.

“Unsubscribed is all about slowing down, celebrating the beauty of modern simplicity and taking things easy,” says Jennifer Foyle, who helped conceptualized Unsubscribed and is CCO of AEO Inc. and global brand president of Aerie. “We’ve carried the laid-back aesthetic of the brand throughout the store which compliments the relaxed, beachy vibe of Westport. Our customer has already responded with great enthusiasm to our consciously made assortment and easy shopping experience. The new summer styles combine Unsubscribed’s effortless, chic, and modern designs with third-party labels that embody our brand’s socially-conscious mission.”

The store provides full-service styling services, runs a workshop station for embroidery and customization work and even features works by local artists, such as Tom O’Neill.

“With doors wide open, we welcome shoppers to experience beautiful pieces for a summer of timeless fashion,” Foyle says.

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ONLINE BRA SHOPPING GETS A LIFT F

inally, women have the option to say goodbye to awkward in-store bra fittings and meaningless online bra quizzes. Wacoal, a seventy-plus-year-old company, where proper bra fitting is part of their company ethos, has developed an app that builds a custom bra wardrobe for each user based on her size and shape.

The mybraFitTM app, which allows women to fit themselves at home, is the brainchild of Westport residents Naji Farhat and Miryha Fantegrossi, VP of design and merchandising at Wacoal America. They developed the free app, launched in May, to help women fit themselves at home. Fantegrossi got her first above: Miryha Fantegrossi, VP of design and merchandising below: Wacoal’s mybraFit add helps users find their perfect bras.

job one summer during college with Ralph Lauren Intimates through her high school friend’s father and has been in the intimates world ever since, working for Barely There, Wonderbra, Jockey and now Wacoal.

After being in the business for twenty years, Fantegrossi began searching for a way to help women who either weren’t sure of their size or were put off by, or too busy for, in-store fittings. “Most women don’t realize that it’s not only the size, but the shape of their breasts that impacts what styles will support them best.

Our new app finds the perfect match of size, shape and coverage preference,” she explains.

This revolutionary new tool took two years to build, and its success is due to a combination of technical-scanning precision as well as a lot of research by Fantegrossi and her team of thirty-eight people. “What we created is truly innovative. We’ve simplified a process that for decades has required physical measurements and a fit expert, taking the outdated charts of the 1930s, which were based on two points of measure, and reworking them to account for more measure points that we can capture digitally,” she says.

According to Fantegrossi, by updating these charts to better align with the reality of the female frame, they were able to increase fit accuracy by over 300 percent.

Once customers use the mybraFit calculator, which takes less than twenty minutes and involves being scanned in westportmag.com

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different positions and answering a few questions, they’ll receive their fit wardrobe based on “solution type” (t-shirt, sports, lift, ultimate comfort and back smoothing, to name a few categories). After they’ve ordered their bras and tried them on at home, they can use the quick “5 Points of Fit” guide on Wacoal’s website to confirm whether they fit correctly. If they still have questions, virtual consultations are available, and all bra returns are free.

When asked why women should trust a digital platform for something that’s so personal, Fantegrossi notes that no physical features are recorded, nor does anyone see personal scanned content (which is actually a negative, not a photo). All the app “sees” is a digital outline, and once that image is reviewed and the measurements are extracted, the image is destroyed.

While the hope is that this tool will have global impact, Fantegrossi has no plans to leave her hometown. She was born and raised here and returned eleven years ago to raise her own family.

“I’m so thrilled to be able to offer this option to the women of my hometown and beyond,” she says. “I’m hoping that mybraFit will not only be convenient and helpful, but also empower women in every stage of life.”

Visit the App store to download mybraFit.

FANTEGROSSI PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANA GAMBUTO; PHONE, COURTESY OF WACOAL

INTIMATES POWERHOUSE WACOAL DESIGNED A BRA APP THAT HELPS YOU FIND YOUR SIZE—AND YOUR PERFECT STYLE by malia mckinnon frame

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left: The opening exhibition, Look Again: A Survey of Contemporary Paintings right: Director of Contemporary Art Paul Efstathiou; artist John Knuth; President Hollis Taggart

I

n case you didn’t know, the charming town of Southport now has another amazing reason to visit. Hollis Taggart art gallery, open since 1979 in New York City, has ventured north and offers an excellent selection of emerging and established artists’ work in a relaxed, yet vibrant setting. Hollis Taggart is known for specializing in American Modernism and post-war works with a recent focus on contemporary art. “The opening of our Southport location allows us to expand support networks for our artists and more actively engage with an audience and collector base that we have been cultivating for some time,” explains Taggart, noting that the Southport space is the only Chelsea-based art gallery located in Connecticut.

Paul Efstathiou, a second-generation art dealer who’s been in the business for over twenty years, became Taggart’s director of contemporary art in June 2019. As a resident of Southport, he recognized the need for a wellestablished gallery in his neck of the woods.

“We’re so excited to bring high-caliber, emerging artists to our local community, many who are internationally recognized,” he explains.

“In opening the gallery here, we also wanted to be part of the thread of a town that would appreciate a cultural experience.”

Taggart’s satellite location opened last summer, and the first show entitled Look Again featured thirteen contemporary artists from Brooklyn, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Vienna and Westport. “This was a very strong show, similar to one you’d see in New York, L.A. or London,” notes Eleanor de Ropp Flatow, assistant director at Hollis Taggart. After the opening, Taggart’s team got such a positive response that they extended their lease for a year and now plan to stay until at least March 2022.

Taggart’s foray into the suburbs is one that feels right on track with the robust turnover of heavy-hitting curators in our area. New director hires at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, the Katonah Art Museum, the Aldrich Museum in Ridgefield, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Westport all point to an exciting new revival and awakening within the art world that extends beyond urban centers. “I sense a movement for something different, new and fresh for galleries, art institutions and artists in westportmag.com

18

our area as well as an opportunity for all to really engage with the community,” Efstathiou says. “It’s so exciting that Hollis Taggart can be part of this expansion as well as the DNA of Southport.”

In addition to bringing world-reknowned works to this tight-knit town, Efstathiou and Flatow are focusing on community outreach. So far, they’ve offered virtual tours of the gallery for Southport School students and aired Instagram Live studio visits with artists, and future plans include kids’ art shows, interactive artist talks and guided tours. This summer, they’ll feature a group art exhibition following their current show, which highlights John Knuth, a conceptual artist who creates paintings from house fly secretions.

The gallery is conveniently located on Pequot Avenue and offers a wide range of price points for new and existing collectors. “The energy here is so fun and a celebration of life after a tough year for everyone,” notes Efstathiou. “At our gallery it’s all about the art, community, a family vibe and making people feel good.”

Check them out at hollistaggart.com and on Instagram @hollistaggart.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOLLIS TAGGART.

SCENE IT

THE HOLLIS TAGGART ART GALLERY MAKES ITS MARK IN SOUTHPORT by malia mckinnon frame

H A N D C R A F T E D B E S P O K E LU X U RY J E W E LRY V I S I T O U R S H O W R O O M AT 6 6 C H U R C H L A N E , W E S T P O R T, C T 0 6 8 8 0 • ( 2 0 3 ) 5 2 3 - 9 8 4 9

W W W. S A R A H V E N T U R A . C O M

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above: Home theater with big screen and custom unit to hold audio-visual pieces below, right: A before-and-after look at how the system can be designed to fit into an existing room

Living Large

bench) rises up with the press of a button. “Our systems disappear, without a trace, into custom window seats and credenzas. When they are operating, they are a pinnacle audio-visual experience—far better than what most people with fancy and expensive basement home theaters have. Vivid-Tek offers the latest and greatest in sound with Dolby Atmos speakers, and a 4K picture that is crisp and clear. An Apple 4K TV controls the system, and anything that is on your phone—or other devices—can easily be projected onto the screen,” he says.

During the pandemic, Motyl figured that people were spending more time at home and enjoying more TV, movies and such, but also knew that most basement theaters had shortcomings. “Families often balk at trudging downstairs, and the complex equipment and inflexible theater seating can be challenging,” he says. “The need for an alternative was obvious.” He partnered with a local cabinet maker and tech firms to create the new line.

“These customizable furniture-grade pieces dramatically elevate the decor and utility of a room, and unlike a TV, they don’t ruin a wall.”

Aside from entertainment, the large screen can be useful for Zoom meetings or lessons and virtual events. “Video calls are a breeze on the big screen, with no need for families to crowd around a cell phone or computer to speak to loved ones or take a class,” says Motyl.

Private showings at the showroom helps viewers experience the picture and sound, but virtual presentations are also available.

For big-time entertainment, Zoom meetings, and classes, VIVID-TEK goes super size

M

ark Motyl moved to Westport in 2001.

He and his wife, Susan (co-founder of the anti-bullying program Kool To Be Kind) eventually bought a house, which they loved. But by 2014 they were ready to design their dream home. Mark was selling convertible bonds, but he found that he enjoyed the creativity and details of home building and design, so he contracted the work himself. He followed that up with two local spec homes. In short, he was hooked.

Mark is now sharing his latest project: a showroom at 1252 Post Road East, Westport, to

demonstrate Vivid-Tek (vivid-tek.com), audiovisual furniture for today’s living. “Vivid-Tek is a customized bench or credenza that holds the best-in-class audio-visual pieces that all work together to create a sleek at-home theater experience,” he says. “It’s unlike anything you’ve seen before!” The bond trader turned home builder is now an official entrepreneur.

The Vivid-Tek system is an immersive in-home theater, and its components are neatly tucked away in a customized credenza or bench.

When ready for action, a motorized retractable screen (110 inches for credenza, up to 120 for

westportmag.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VIVID-TEK

by diane sembrot

LUXURY IS POWERFUL

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5 Hidden Hill Road, Westport | $7,850,000 Debra Shaughnessy | 917.751. 5837

3 Devon Road, Westport | $5,195,000 Joni Usdan | 203.216.7654

Bermuda Point, Westport | $12,000,000 Linda Skolnick | 203.246.0088

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COLDWELLBANKERLUXURY.COM *Data based on closed and recorded buyer and/or seller transaction sides of homes sold for $1 million or more as reported by affiliates of the U.S. Coldwell Banker franchise system for the calendar year of 2020. USD$. Total volume calculated by multiplying the number of buyer and/or seller sides by sales price. Total volume calculated by multiplying the number of buyer and/or seller sides by sales price. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker ® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 21L6B1_CTWC_6/21

buzz

left: Jennifer Angerame making her wedding dress in 1998 with her grandmother. center and right: Southern Yankee designs and creates clothes as well as adds custom embroidery work, including monograms and names, to shirts, jackets, bibs, guest towels, bags and more.

A STITCH IN TIME

W

hile some of us may have picked up sewing or knitting during the long, quiet hours of social distancing, circa 2020, Texas native Jennifer Angerame has made textile work her life’s calling. She runs her sewing and embroidery business Southern Yankee in Wilton. “​ I have been sewing since I was a kid,” she says. “It is in my blood.”

Jennifer learned to sew from her mom, who learned from her mom—and Jennifer started out on her other grandmother’s Bernina.

For the uninitiated, that’s a Swiss sewing and embroidery machine, and it is not exactly priced for newbies who simply dabble on the weekends. Jennifer bought her own machine after high school and has been designing and sewing ever since.

“Southern Yankee started as a greeting-card company in New York City in 1999, and then I started making baby clothes with vintage linens when we moved to Connecticut, after my first child was born,” she says. “Over time, I started monogramming for friends— monogramming is in style for every season but especially at graduation and the holidays.”

She transformed her hobby into a degree in fashion design and a career in the industry in New York City, but she never parted from her roots. “Walking home from work one

day, I saw a beautiful baby blanket made with vintage handkerchiefs in the window of a fancy children’s clothing boutique, and I thought, I can do that. So, I bought a bunch of vintage handkerchiefs at the 6th Avenue flea market and whipped up my own baby quilt,” she notes (see her story at southernyankee.com). She sought out vintage handkerchiefs and linens at shops

I have been blessed living in a small town like Wilton. My little shop is perfect in its location, and everyone understands that I do not keep regular retail hours— my kids come first.

and markets, online and from friends and family. “An old family friend’s grandmother had boxes of old linens she couldn’t bear to throw out, so she gave them to me. My mom sent me vintage pillowcases she’d found at flea markets in East Texas. Before long, I had boxes full of vintage linens, and my collection was threatening to take over.” She pulled up her chair to the Bernina and started sewing.

She sold baby and children’s clothes to a shop back home—and her business was born.

Married to a Northeastener, Jennifer came up with the business name Southern Yankee.

She specializes in one-of-kind handmade accessories and children’s clothing made from vintage and upcycled fabrics, and she can embroider nearly anything made from fabric (handkerchief, guest towels, blankets, dish towels, etc.).

“I have been blessed living in a small town like Wilton,” she says. “My little shop is perfect in its location, and everyone understands that I do not keep regular retail hours—my kids come first. And while the shop was closed last spring, I too stayed home and made masks and caps—over 1,600 of them—and gave them away to anyone who needed them, not just frontline workers. It was truly an amazing thing.”

See the current line and book an appointment online at southernyankee.com/clothing

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PRODUCT IMAGES BY KENDALL LAMANTIA PHOTOGRAPHY

THE SOUTHERN YANKEE WAY TO MAKE HANDMADE CHILDREN’S CLOTHING AND MORE b y d i a n e s e m b r o t

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Award winning Salon, Spa and Barber Shop committed to sustainability. Offering traditional, natural and organic services and products. Professional experts in what we do making you look and feel great. Knowing the best techniques is only part of the process.

260 Post Road East Road East Westport | www.artistexsalon.com | 203-222-0344

shop by megan gagnon

BEACH, PLEASE T

PICK A SEAT

When classic teak meets Serena & Lily’s summery prints (or crisp white), you get one good looking beach chair.

Zippered pockets add smart storage while backpackstyle straps make transport a breeze. Teak beach chairs by Serena & Lily; starting at $248.

Westport; serenaandlily.com westportmag.com

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IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

his is it: the year to upgrade all your summer gear and make the most of your wellearned time in the sun (just don’t forget the SPF). Because while the perfect beach day is possible, you’ll need a strategic setup to achieve full relaxation mode.

Make sure to include a new suit for yourself, a coverup you’ll want to wear all day, and a chic bag to carry it all to your favorite spot in the sand.

WELL SUITED French brand ERES manages to make swimwear elegant. We love the thoughtful design of this suit: wide straps balance a plunging neckline and high tech materials ensure a flattering fit for all body types.

It could even double as a bodysuit to wear with shorts or linen pants. Prestige Sophisticated one piece by ERES; $535.

Soleil Toile, Westport; soleiltoile.com

IN THE BAG No Sunday blues here, we found a vacation-ready carryall that works any day of the week. Pack it with all your beach essentials or keep it in the rotation of your summer capsule wardrobe. Sunday jute bag by The Jacksons; $100. Great Stuff, Westport; greatstuffny.com

PERFECT PAIR Trade your old flip flops for footwear you can sport on and off the sand. The monochrome navy shade ups the style level for any summer ensemble.

Jute strap pool slides by Vineyard Vines, $49.50.

Westport; vineyardvines.com

SCREEN TIME Dermatologist-developed sunscreen is the only kind you should be stocking for all your outdoor activities.

This broad spectrum formula goes on sheer with no white cast, leaving a matte finish.

Mineral Crème SPF50 by MDSolarSciences; starting at $30. Solar stick; $22.

Achorn Pharmacy, Westport; mdsolarsciences.com

HOLE IN FUN Cornhole has never looked so good.

Anthropologie’s partnership with late textile designer Vera Neumann features her bright designs splashed over warm weather accessories, including beach balls, melamine serveware and this fresh take on everyone’s favorite lawn game.

Picnic cornhole game by Vera for Anthropologie; $178. Westport; anthropologie.com

GOT YOU COVERED Easy, breezy, beautiful, coverup. You want a kaftan that will make your day at Compo a little more glamorous and easily transitions to sunset cocktails along the Saugatuck. This one, with it’s graphic block print florals and deep sea shade, does both.

Yao maxi kaftan by Johnny Was; $278.

Westport; johnnywas.com JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTPORT

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do above: Treatments include facials, chemical peels and more. below: Rachel Liverman, cofounder of the skin-care center Glowbar, now open in Westport

Get Glowing Westport adds to its SKINCARE ROUTINE

T

ired and stressed out? Imagine how your skin feels. Take a long look in the mirror—heat, sun, stress, etc., take a toll, so make time for you. Westport welcomed GLOWBAR (and its thirty-minute facial) into the fold early this year. Skin is complicated, from assessing the reasons for red spots/dark patches/wrinkles/irritation to determining immediate and long-term treatments. To be Glowbar-certified, its licensed estheticians rack up more than 600 hours of training and more with Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics.

“Why Westport? Glowbar is a communitydriven brand,” says Rachel Liverman (Catherine Hinds’ granddaughter) and cofounder with Neha Govindraj. “We believe

that Glowbars should be everywhere that people have their routines already established.

With that, Westport was a no-brainer, and we have never felt more welcome!”

Sessions include a cleansing, one-on-one time with a skin-care specialist, a review of the customized treatments and an outline of a recommended routine to keep glowing. A drop-in treatment runs $65, but a four-monthminimum membership drops each to only $55.

Rachel’s parting advice: “Our religion at Glowbar is sunscreen protection. Not only should everyone be wearing it all year-round, but especially in the summer as the sun is stronger and people tend to be exposed to the sun for longer periods of time.” westportmag.com

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westp ort was a no-br ainer, and we have never felt more wel c ome!

CONTRIBUTED IMAGES

by diane sembrot

wanna bite? www.marciaselden.com

go Ice, Ice, Baby WHY IS AN UNDERPOPULATED ISLAND MAROONED NEAR THE TOP OF THE GLOBE

ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS? WE FOUND OUT by kim-marie evans

I

ICELAND MIDNIGHT SUN PHOTOGPRAHY

celand is hot again. (Pun intended.) The island nation shot to fame as a tourist destination, thanks to Icelandair’s cleverly marketed “Stopover” program dating back to the ’60s. Iceland lured us in with a quick, free taste of its beauty. It worked, and we’re in love.

The campaign allows travelers to book a stopover in the country on the way to, or from, major European cities for a simple transfer booking fee. Currently, you can stay in the land of fire and ice for one to seven days with no additional airfare. As international curiosity has grown about the small, mysterious Nordic land, the program has gained in popularity. Iceland’s isolation had long made it an expensive country to visit, but the airline weathered the economic crash of 2008 by positioning the country as an affordable European destination. It is now on many a traveler’s bucket list. It should be on yours, too.

Iceland recently reopened to tourists post-Covid. Unless you’re just popping in for a soak in the Blue Lagoon, you’ll want to stay for at least five days to experience some of what this majestic land has to offer.

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Volcanic eruption at Geldingadalir

VOLCANO COURTESY VISIT ICELAND; GLACIER BY AMY ROBINSON FOR HIDDEN ICELAND

FIRE If there was ever a time to visit Iceland, it is now. The still-erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano is a once-ina-lifetime experience. The eruption occurred on March 19, 2021, and experts expect it to continue for months and possibly years.

Iceland is a country constantly being recreated by volcanic eruptions. Unlike the 2010 eruption that snarled air traffic for weeks and the destructive 1973 eruption, this recent seismic event feels almost planned by the gods to allow humans to brush up against the divine. The glowing orange rivers of lava are a short drive from Reykjavik, followed by a relatively easy hike.

Ryan Connolly of Hidden Iceland has been leading private volcano tours for the last several months. The first question, of course, is: “Is it safe to hike an active volcano?” And though no one can predict Mother Nature, the eruption is described as effusive—a slow release of lava

FUN FACT Iceland is one of the last places on Earth to be settled by humans. Vikings from Norway discovered the land by accident 1,100 years ago.

without the destruction. Another big concern is gas emissions. The team is continuously monitoring levels and has never had to cancel a trip. Guests are accompanied by a geologist or volcanologist, who share the history of the region.

Every tour is customized. You can reach Ryan at hiddeniceland.is.

For another ultimate volcano experience, book a tour that will lower you into the crater of a formerly active volcano. Iceland is the only place in the world where a tour like this exists, and it’s only accessible from May to October. Thríhnúkagígur volcano last erupted over 4,000 years ago, and there are no indications of it erupting again in the near future.

A setting like this is rare, because the volcano did not collapse after its eruption. Though it’s only thirty minutes from Reykjavik, the hike can be rugged. For those who would rather not traverse lava fields covered in moss, you can arrive by helicopter. The descent into the earth leaves some visitors describing it as a “strangely

emotional experience.”

The trip of being slowly lowered 700 feet in an open basket is around $360 per person and includes all the safety gear. Bring nerves of steel and a warm jacket. insidethevolcano.com

ICE

About 11 percent of Iceland is covered in glaciers—there are 269 of them scattered across the country. Summer is the best time to head out on the ice, because the temperatures are much more bearable. Temps hover around 50 degrees and never climb above 80 (except for once in 1939). You can four-wheel, snowmobile or hike most of the glaciers. The two most popular glaciers to explore are Vatnajökull (the largest ice cap in all of Europe) and Langjökull (second largest in Iceland).

Of the two, Langjökull, Long Glacier, is more popular simply because it’s more accessible and closer to Reykjavik. Visitors can

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Falljökull glacier

spend the day snowmobiling the 3,500-year-old ice cap and even descend into an otherworldly ice tunnel beneath its frozen surface.

Yes, even in summer. In 2015 the team from Into the Glacier, a private tour company, undertook the herculean task of digging the largest manufactured ice tunnel in the world. Now you can descend into the depths of a glacier yearround. You can even get married in the ice chapel (we’ll refrain from the obvious cold feet joke).

Reaching the tunnel entrance at the top of the glacier is a challenge, so the company repurposed a former NATO missile launcher (designed for traversing heavy snow and rock, not launching tourists) to transport guests up the steep and snowy terrain. Inside the approximately half-mile-long tunnel, it’s a constant 32 degrees.

You pack the hiking boots, they’ll provide the crampons. intotheglacier.is

go

Sky Lagoon is a brand-new oceanfront geothermal lagoon that just opened this spring.

Perched above the ocean, this new hotspot is a manmade lagoon with an infinity edge blurring the line between the pool and the ocean below. The lagoon offers a seven-step spa experience called The Ritual, which combines warm and cold water, warm steam, dry heat and fresh air. It’s also home

to the Lagoon Bar, located in the side of a cave, the Sky Café and the Smakk Bar. Sky Lagoon is a short drive from Reykjavik. Book your visit ahead of time. Children under twelve aren’t permitted. The cost for the luxury experience (the SkyPass) is $108 per adult. skylagoon.com.

If you are driving the Ring Road, stop at the relatively new Vök Baths on the eastern side of the island. These floating geothermal baths are pools suspended over the surface of the lake. The word

Vök originated in 1963, when locals discovered the lake’s geothermal activity. Confused as to why specific spots in the lake would remain unfrozen in cold temperatures, they named the unexplainable situation “Vök” meaning “melted ice holes.”

Additionally, there are two on-shore hot pools, an outdoor pool bar, as well as a steam bath and cold tunnel equipped with a mist shower. vokbaths.is

GET BEHIND THE WHEEL Iceland is not a large country, it’s roughly the size of Kentucky. Here are two worthwhile drives.

The Golden Circle is a 140-mile scenic route in the southwestern section of the country. The route will take you to Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and the Gullfoss waterfall. You could do the whole circle in as little as five hours, with stops.

The Ring Road (Highway 1) is an 800-mile loop that encircles the entire island. This road is completely paved except for a few miles and will get you into the raw natural beauty that Iceland is famous for. westportmag.com

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GUIDETOICELAND.IS; SKY LAGOON, CONTRIBUTED

DON’T FORGET THE WATER

go WHERE TO STAY

No.1

Hotel Borg Stay in the center of Reykjavik at the Hotel Borg. Originally built in 1930 by an Olympic athlete, the hotel’s ninety-nine rooms have been restored to their original Art Deco style. Prices this summer start at $400 per night. keahotel.is

Ion Adventure Hotel Adjacent to Thingvellir National Park and less than an hour from Reykjavik, the Ion Adventure Hotel is one of the few true luxury hotels outside of Iceland’s capital. The former barracks for power plant workers was transformed into a concrete-and-glass Nordic-modern showpiece. Rates start around $450 per night for a standard room, $1,000 per night for a thermal junior suite. ioniceland.is

The Secret Suite at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon

No.3

Hotel Ranga Hotel Ranga on the southern coast is part luxury, part country lodge. It straddles a river and features rooms themed after the seven continents, and there’s an observatory for stargazing. Private helicopter tours of the glaciers take off from the back garden.

Rates this summer start at $475 per night. hotelranga.is

No.4

Siglo Hotel This charming hotel is in the far north of the country in the fishing village of Siglufjörður. Rooms start at as little as $250 per night in the summer, but the views are priceless. Watch the midnight sun rebound off the horizon from the hotel’s waterfront pool or tee off on the nine-hole course situated between mountains. siglohotel.is

specialty, hakarl. This dish of fermented (rotten) shark meat is best enjoyed by only the bravest diners. Fair warning, even Anthony Bourdain couldn’t handle it. loki.is

The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon for the gourmet food, floor to ceiling windows with stunning views and the exhaustive wine cellar. Guests can visit the cellar that was carved into a cavern of lava that dates back to 1226. bluelagoon.com

No.2

Dill The first Icelandic restaurant to earn a Michelin star is run by Chef Gunnar Gíslason, who is considered a foundational figure in Icelandic cooking and credited with energizing Reykjavik’s food scene. dillrestaurant.is

THE RETREAT AT THE BLUE LAGOON The Blue Lagoon is no secret, but the private suite at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is. Tucked into the side of the world-famous hotel and spa, the secret suite isn’t listed on the rate sheet or advertised— you’ll need to request it.

Many assume that the lagoon is

No.3

Moss Restaurant Book a table at Moss Restaurant at

WHERE TO EAT

a natural wonder, but it’s actually a serendipitous accident. When drilling at the nearby geothermal plant began in the 1980s, it assumed the wastewater would filter back into the lava and disappear. Instead, the warm, mineral-rich waters accumulated, and locals discovered its therapeutic properties. The water is continuously renewed by high-powered pumps and, most important, is always warm.

Regular summer room rates start $1,600. Or opt for the Fire and Ice Getaway for two: A threenight stay with unlimited use of the spa and lagoon, a six-hour visit to the hidden spa in the secret suite, in-water and indoor massages, a three-course dinner at the Spa Restaurant, a fourcourse dinner at Lava Restaurant and a seven course tasting menu at Moss Restaurant. You’ll also get a one-hour helicopter tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula and the currently erupting volcano and a two-hour private ATV tour of the local landscape. Daily breakfast and luxury airport transfers are included in the $11,000 price. bluelagoon.com G

INSIDER TIP Grab a world-famous Icelandic hot dog anywhere in the country. What makes the hot dogs “worldfamous”? They’re made mostly from organic, free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free Icelandic lamb, pork and beef.

No.1

Café Loki This cozy second floor café in a charming home overlooking the church in the center of Reykjavik offers comfort food and some of the most authentic Icelandic cuisine. It also serves the local westportmag.com

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HOTODG STAND COURTESY OF WWW.BBP.IS/; SECRET SUITE AT THE BLUE LAGOON,GIORGIO POSSENTI

No.2

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BY THE BEACH GRAB A LOUNGE CHAIR AND SOME SPF. THESE THREE PAGE-TURNING NOVELS WILL CAPTIVATE YOU FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET b y e m i l y l i e b e r t

LADY SUNSHINE

BY AMY MASON DOAN The summer of 1979 was revolutionary for Jackie Pierce. Not only did she spend three months at her uncle’s expansive estate, but she experienced the stunning spirit of Californian freedom. While musicians and artists congregated at The Sandcastle in search of inspiration and communal living, Jackie and her cousin Willa became fast friends, tempting fate in their natural surroundings.

Unfortunately, what began as a season filled with promise, ended in sudden tragedy when Willa disappeared into the night.

Surprisingly, two decades later, Jackie inherits The Sandcastle and returns to sell it. But when a fragment of her past triggers new questions about Willa’s vanishing, Jackie must decipher if the dark secret she’s held on to is even the truth at all.

LAST SUMMER AT THE GOLDEN HOTEL

BY ELYSSA FRIEDLAND From the acclaimed author of The Floating Feldmans comes a nostalgic novel about a family reunion at The Golden Hotel in the Catskills (think Dirty Dancing meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).

For over six decades, the Goldman and Weingold families—best friends and business partners— have called the glamorous resort their second home. Only the Catskills aren’t as glossy as they used to be, nor is the relationship between the Goldmans and the Weingolds. When an enticing offer to sell the property unites the two families again, they’re forced to decide if saving their cherished hotel is really possible. Brimming with long-hidden secrets, financial drama, and Friedland’s trademark humor, you won’t be able to put this one down.

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BLUSH

BY JAMIE BRENNER Three generations of women, “trashy” novels, and a premier winery in economic disarray are the ingredients for this exquisite story about the Hollander Estates and the family behind it. As matriarch Vivian Hollander prepares for her annual summer reunion with her daughter and granddaughter, she worries it might be their last. Of even greater concern is that she may have to sell their family’s legacy to strangers and thereby reveal a deep secret she’s concealed for thirty-five years. When her daughter, Leah (a successful Manhattan shop owner at a crossroads in her marriage and career) and her granddaughter, Sadie (a college senior) arrive, Sadie discovers that her prim grandma ran a book club dedicated to scandalous novels.

Unexpectedly, this unearthing may be the very thing they need to heal old wounds and to fight for what they deserve.

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right: Cofounder Michael Sloan with his family far right: Chloe's Dark Chocolate and Oatmilk Salted Caramel

That’s Cool!

CHLOE’S POPS are the chill treat we all need now by diane sembrot

S

ummer, bring your high heat, humidity, no shade.

We’re not concerned. We have ice pops. And not just any ice pops. We have guilt-free Chloe’s (chloesfruit.com)—dairy-free, plant-based, non-GMO project verified, gluten-free, no-sneaky ice pops for the 2021 treat we deserve.

Michael Sloan founded Chloe’s with partner, Chloe Epstein, in 2010, and as CEO has helped grow the brand from a single brickand-mortar shop in NYC serving

fruit-based soft serve to a grocery store product available in more than 10,000 stores, including, Balducci’s and The Fresh Market.

Recognized by Fortune magazine as a “Top 40 Under 40” honoree, Sloan was also a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Chloe’s original pops are made from only fruit, water and cane sugar—no artificial flavors or colors. Varieties include lime, mango, raspberry, blueberry,

pomegranate, dark chocolate and strawberry.

In the last three years, Chloe’s has expanded its offerings faster than an ice pop melts in July.

In 2019 they introduced the dipped line: coconut, banana or strawberry dipped in dairy-free, soy-free dark chocolate. Then in 2020, they were first to market with oat-milk pops. The first varieties— Mint Chip, Raspberry Chip and Salted Caramel—did well, as did oat milk as a popular milk alternative, so Chloe’s unwrapped three new varieties: Brownie Batter, Cookies and Cream and Chocolate PB. Then this year, Chloe’s added a No-Sugar-Added Strawberry Pop, made with all-natural ingredients and sweetened naturally with allulose, monk fruit, and strawberries. For fun, they also partnered with Marvel to offer Avengers Cherry & Grape and Spiderman Strawberry & Lemon.

Insider tip: The fruit pops can be used as a base for frosé or margaritas (after all, parents need to chill out, too). »

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We moved to Westport in 2019 because we wanted to provide the best life for our children.

Similarly, we started Chloe’s because we wanted to offer the best frozen treats for our families; best in taste, best in ingredients. It is very exciting to see that Chloe’s Pops are available at almost all local major retailers in town. The consumers in 06880 demand better-for-you products and the retailers listen to their valuable customers. You can find our pops at Whole Foods, Balducci’s, Stop & Shop and The Fresh Market. You can order online delivery from Fresh Direct to get any of our eighteen Chloe’s varieties or through Instacart from a local Westport store or you can order from Big Y to get all six of our Oatmilk pops, Kids Pops and our NSA. There is no better town than Westport, we love living here and sharing Chloe’s with our new community.

— MICHAEL SLOAN, cofounder and CEO of Chloe’s

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY CHLOE'S

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If you find that you have a favorite flavor of Chloe's Pops, use this guide to find the shop that carries it.

BALDUCCI’S

Mango Strawberry Dark Chocolate Raspberry Blueberry Banana Dipped Strawberry Dipped Coconut Dipped Spider-Man Strawberry & Lemon Avengers Cherry & Grape

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Avengers Cherry & Grape Spider-Man Strawberry & Lemon Oatmilk Brownie Batter Oatmilk Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmilk Cookies & Cream Oatmilk Mint Chip Oatmilk Salted Caramel Oatmilk Raspberry Chip

FRESH MARKET

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Mango Strawberry Dark Chocolate Blueberry Banana Dipped Coconut Dipped Oatmilk Mint Chip Oatmilk Salted Caramel Oatmilk Raspberry Chip

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WHOLE FOODS MARKET/ AMAZON FRESH

Spider-Man Strawberry & Lemon Avenger’s Cherry & Grape

STOP & SHOP

(natural section of the market) Lime Coconut Dipped Spider-Man Strawberry & Lemon

FRESH DIRECT

Mango Strawberry Dark Chocolate Lime No-Sugar Added Strawberry Blueberry Banana Dipped Coconut Dipped Strawberry Dipped Oatmilk Mint Chip Oatmilk Salted Caramel Oatmilk Raspberry Chip Oatmilk Brownie Batter Oatmilk Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmilk Cookies & Cream Spider-Man Strawberry & Lemon Avenger’s Cherry & Grape

CONTRIBUTED

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eat above: Owner of Rebel Daughter Cookies, Anne Grossman, with her children right: The Original, which started it all

Sweet Success Anne Grossman rebelled against the naysayers to create her cookie empire

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very year, on her husband’s birthday, Anne Grossman went into her kitchen with one goal: make the best chocolate chip cookie. In 2019 she made it a personal goal, making half batches of chocolate chip cookies every other day and force feeding to Scott, her husband and cookie-taste tester.

“I think this is it,” he said. “I think you finally got it.”

It was then that REBEL DAUGHTER COOKIES was born—but the Rebel Daughter saga actually started long before, with a different tradition. When Anne lived in Brooklyn, she would grab a deluxe chocolate chunk walnut cookie after her workout. Anne moved to Wilton only to find that there were no cookies “worth spending the calories on.”

“There needs to be a place with all different kinds of chocolate

she would make the time or be successful without a culinary or business background. She did it anyway.

In fact, Anne chose the name Rebel Daughter not only because that’s what her mom dubbed her as a push-the-limits-and-break-therules adolescent, but also because it seemed like a fitting name for a business facing the odds.

Now, it is a thriving business with a loyal following nationwide.

There are seven mainstay flavors —like The Original, Churro and S’more Please­—with a rotating list of specials. The Blackout is the most popular, and The Original is the one Anne gravitates to when craving a cookie. The White Unicorn is also a fan favorite for the less traditional. It’s a fruity cereal sugar cookie filled with a white chocolate center rounded out by a tangy crunch of Nerds candy, and it’s just as delightful to eat as it is to photograph.

chunk cookies here,” she told her husband. To which he replied, “You should make that happen.”

So, she did.

Anne started Rebel Daughter Cookies when her daughter was six months old, and her son was three. “I wasn’t going to have the guilt associated with trying to pursue my own dreams in tandem with being a mom stop me,” she said.

While she had supportive friends, she also had just as many skeptics questioning how

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While big, chunky, Instagramworthy cookies are a dime a dozen, Rebel Daughter Cookies are gourmet in the truest sense. They are all small-batch, handmade with top-quality ingredients.

The menu of lactation cookies, which are rolled-oat based with flax and brewer’s yeast, are worth mentioning too. “They have gained a following with some men and other non-moms who love them too!”

Reflecting on how far she’s come, Anne says, “Women should be breaking the mold, harnessing their own power, without letting anything stop them. If I can do that, anyone can do that. I doubted myself for so long, and here I am with a successful company that is able to give back to charity” (a portion of profits goes to Filling in the Blanks and National Birth Equity Collaborative). “And I can also be a great mom at the same time.”

CONTRIBUTED IMAGES

by georget te yac oub

MEET FLOWCODE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF QR CODES

Go ahead, try it out. Point your phone’s camera at the Flowcode to scan.

money matters GRAB A BUCKET

Jim Pratt-Heaney

W

hat a difference a year makes. The stock market freefall in early 2020 had investors teetering on the edge of panic. One year later, the market has nearly doubled, setting and resetting record highs. Combined with reduced spending (no dinners out, no lavish vacations abroad), restored bonuses and perhaps a house sale or two, many investors here in lower Fairfield County have

an unusual quandary: Figuring out what to do now with an extra stash of cash, say $100,000 or so?

Jim Pratt-Heaney, the founding partner at Coastal Bridge Advisors in Westport, has some suggestions.

“It really depends on the person. To some, discretionary means I can take a risk and I don’t care. To others, it means I want to have it two years from now. Very few people can handle things that go up and down 20 percent a day. It starts with finding out everything else they have.”

And to find that out, PrattHeaney turns to buckets.

In the simplest terms, a financial plan contains three buckets. The first represents safety, or what you need on hand to maintain your lifestyle: money for house payments, insurance policies, bill payments and the like, so that “when 2008 or 9/11 happens, there’s enough in there that you don’t need to worry about the market,” he says.

The second bucket holds

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR EXTRA CASH NOW

commodities, stocks, bonds and other investments designed to grow over time, time being the shock absorber for inevitable bumps in the road.

“The last bucket is aspirational,” he says. High-risk, high-reward, less liquid, philanthropic holdings go here— in other words, this is the place for your extra $100K. “If you lost it, you’d be OK,” Pratt-Heaney says, adding this asterisk: “It’s life-changing money. No matter what you do, it takes time to earn $100,000. Maybe you don’t want to treat it as ‘extra.’”

Before fooling around with your new money, be sure to max out retirement accounts, pay off expensive debt and pad your emergency fund. Then you can get creative with your investment repertoire. If you’re risk-tolerant, explore targeted-play ETFs such as a clean energy fund or cryptocurrency exposure. Think about non-traditional lending with a business development company (BDC). These tend to

pay handsome yields, though not without increased risk.

Invest in real estate, either by buying another property of your own or, if you don’t want to be a hands-on landlord, with a REIT or private equity real estate fund.

Hedge your losses. A ’40 ACT fund, for example, earns you about two-thirds of the upside in a positive market, as well as access to private vehicles, and offers downside protection.

Or maybe you’d rather turn a hobby into something more.

Art, wine, muscle cars— intelligent buying and selling might earn you money versus only costing you.

Not all investments generate returns measured in dollars.

Maybe you’d like to invest in yourself—get a personal trainer, a yoga teacher, a fitness pro, a piano teacher. Or buy something that will make you happy in the long-term, whether a motor home, a little bungalow somewhere or a side business.

RECORD HIGHS IN THE MARKET equals “many people making a ton of money. If that $100,000 is in profit, you’re going to pay a tremendous tax bill,” Pratt-Heaney warns. You can avoid paying those taxes—and benefit needy causes —by setting up a donor-advised fund, which is an investment account for the charities of your choice. “It’s an easy way to give, there’s no capital gains tax, and you get a deduction.” Besides helping the needy, this is a great way to get your family interested in investing. “Sharing the wealth is always good, and with a donor-advised fund you could actually end up giving more to the charity. We say, everything you give should be out of a donor-advised fund.”

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CONTRIBUTED

SHARE THE WEALTH The advantage of giving

THE

2021 WINNERS

THE BEST OF THE BEST To check out all of our winners digitally scan here

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TIME TO SHINE We all need a reason to celebrate! Here, with the winners of our annual readers’ poll revealed, we applaud the businesses on making an impression and building a loyal following. A commitment to excellence is never easy (it’s not supposed to be), but this year was especially challenging. Congratulations to the those who give their best every day!

FOOD

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DRINK

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FOOD & DRINK One of the great joys in life is A DELICIOUS MEAL AND A FEW REFRESHING DRINKS with friends, old and new. Leave it to these pros to create your favorite dishes and cocktails, served with a smile. Our readers reveal their favorite local restaurants, cafés, bars and grab-and-go places. westportmag.com

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THE LILA ROSE BY KYLE NORTON

GOLD COAST

THE WINNERS LIST RESTAURANTS Best Service Match 98 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-852-1088; matchsono.com Business Lunch Prime Restaurant 78 Southfield Ave., Stamford, 203-817-0700; restaurantprime.com Creative Menu Tied Winners Taco Daddy 121 Towne St., Stamford, 203-541-5770; tacodaddystamford.com and The Whelk 575 Riverside Ave., Westport, 203-557-0902; thewhelkwestport.com Hotel Restaurant + Outdoor Seating Artisan Southport 275 Old Post Rd., Southport, 203-307-4222; artisansouthport.com New Restaurant The Lila Rose 121 Towne St., Stamford, 203-569-9227; IG @tacodaddyandthelilarose Outdoor Dining Table 104 299 Long Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-388-8898; table104stamford.com

above: Everyone needs a happy place to escape the stress of everyday life.

Here’s one close to home. The Lila Rose delights with pure groovy fun paired with outstanding food and drinks.

THE LILA ROSE // WINNER OF NEW RESTAURANT

Everything’s aglow and there’s a bit of magic—and a whole lot of fun—in the air at The Lila Rose. Put life’s worries aside at this new restaurant, which gets serious about fully enjoying food and drink.

Co-owners John and Morgan Nealon and Chef Mo have created a wonderland, ready for you to dig into angry lobster risotto or other tapas, get serious about your dry-aged New York strip, and sip your cocktail. Impossible not to smile and feel good about life here.

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Pickup/Delivery Option Little Pub 531 East Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-717-1147 | 26 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-1122 | 2133 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-612-4567; see all locations at littlepub.com

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READERS’ PICKS

1 // BARCELONA RESTAURANT & WINE BAR // WINNER OF BEST TAPAS

We’ll take an order of Blistered Shishito, PEI Mussels, Grilled Quail, Bacon-Wrapped Dates and Spinach and Chickpea Cazuela for the table—because we plan to share. As for washing it down, choose from dozens and dozens of options. If this sounds good to you, head over with friends and enjoy yourself. westportmag.com

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above: Boquerones, Patatas Bravas, Jamón and Manchego Croquetas, and Hanger Steak with Truffle Vinaigrette

TOM MCGOVERN

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READERS’ PICKS Private Dining/Intimate Venue Oak and Almond 544 Main Ave., Norwalk, 203-846-4600; oakandalmond.com

Chinese The Little Kitchen of Westport 423 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-454-5540; littlekitchenwestport.com

Seafood The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood 89 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton, 203-866-4488; rowaytonseafood.com

French Le Fat Poodle 20 Arcadia Rd., Old Greenwich, 203-717-1515; lefatpoodle.com

Special Occasion/Date Night Tavern at GrayBarns 194 Perry Ave., Norwalk, 203-580-1900; tavernatgraybarns.com Steak Washington Prime 141 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-857-1314 washingtonprimect.com Sushi Nordic Fish 1499 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-8400; nordicfishfairfield.com Tapas Barcelona Wine Bar 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-854-5600 | 4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800; see all locations at barcelonawinebar.com

REGIONAL SPECIALTIES American BJ Ryan’s 57 Main St., Norwalk, 203-866-7926; bjryans.com Asian Fusion Mecha Noodle Bar 151 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-801-7577 | 116 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-295-8718 | 1215 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-8222; see all locations at mechanoodlebar.com

Thai Little Thai Kitchen 21 St. Roch Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-2972; 4 West Ave., Darien, 203-662-0038; littlethaikitchen.com

CASUAL FOOD

Greek Kouzina Taverna 223 Main St., Stamford, 203-588-0110; kouzinataverna.com

Bagels Village Bagels 1874 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-319-0299 | 873 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-254-1750; villagebagelsct.com

Indian Coromandel Cuisine of India 68 Broad St., Stamford, 203-964-1010 | 25 Old Kings Hwy. N., Darien, 203-662-1213; see all locations at coromandelcuisine.com

Breakfast The Tasty Yolk 1505 Pequot Ave., Southport, 203-726-6520 | 999 Brookside Dr., Fairfield, 203-526-9745 | 4700 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 203-572-8884 | storefront: 2992 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-545-9311; thetastyyolk.com

Italian Café Silvium 371 Shippan Ave., Stamford, 203-324-1651; cafesilviumct.com

Frozen Yogurt 16 Handles 219 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-817-0707 | 1300 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9841; see all locations at 16handles.com

Japanese OKO 6 Wilton Rd., Westport, 203-557-8404; okokitchen.com

Hamburgers Flipside Burgers & Bar 1125 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-8233 | 1 Schooner Ln., Milford, 203-283-7282; flipsiderestaurant.com

Mediterranean Layla’s Falafel 936 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-461-8004 | 1535 Post Rd. E., 203-955-1583 | 2088 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-384-0100; laylasfalafel.com

Hot Dogs Super Duper Weenie 306 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-334-3647; superduperweenie.com

Mexican Bodega Taco Bar 980 Post Rd., Darien, 203-655-8500 | 1700 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9590; bodegatakeout.com

Ice Cream Gofer 522 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-661-9080 | 551 East Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-990-0094 | 551 E. Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-9900094 | 869 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-504-3105 | 103 Main St., New Canaan, 203-594-1342 | 1020 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-2022661 | 379 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-210-5546; see all locations at gofericecream.com

Spanish Barcelona Wine Bar 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-854-5600 | 4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800; see all locations at barcelonawinebar.com

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TRY IT, LOVE IT! Flipside Burgers & Bar If you can’t decide among the many burgers at Flipside, trust us, these two will win you over.

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BURRATA BURGER When you’re starving, try the 6 oz. sirloin with burrata, arugula, roasted red peppers and pesto mayo on a toasted garlic parmesan bun.

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WALDORF BURGER Put a twist on a classic, by subbing grilled chicken or turkey for the burger and top with gorgonzola cheese, green apples, candied walnuts and cranberry aioli.

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READERS’ PICKS

TRY IT, LOVE IT!

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Tavern at GrayBarns A special occasion doesn’t always mean lobster or steak.

Rethink surf and turf.

1 SEA For full seafood flavor, you can’t miss with the Black Sea Bass with ginger dashi, Chinese broccoli and cipollini onion.

2 LAND Pick the king trumpet mushrooms with spring relish, pine nuts, spring broccoli, and barley or campanelle with morel mushrooms, sherry, pesto and parmesan.

1 // GOFER // WINNER OF BEST ICE CREAM

Some prefer hard ice cream, scooped high on a sugar cone. Others pick the soft variety, swirled to a peak and covered in sprinkles. But everyone can agree on the Gofer Bites, bite-sized, hand-rolled ice cream that is dipped in rich chocolate. westportmag.com

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above: Hot carmel sundae with sprinkles, a tower of Oreo and chocolate-chip cookies with vanilla ice cream, a milkshake and raspberry bites

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2 // OKO WINNER OF BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Is your dinner too pretty to eat? Almost, at OKO. This is fine dining, with equal parts pleasure in cooking prep, presentation and service. This is a treat for all of your senses.

3 // NORDIC FISH WINNER OF BEST SUSHI

Some know this place as a fish and seafood market, but it’s also a serious fresh-made sushi spot (eat in or pick-up). Consider a build-your-own poke bowl or pick a roll, including vegetarian, cooked or raw fish and fancy options (like the Tiger Rainbow Roll with crab, cucumber, shrimp, seaweed and spicy mayo).

4 // TABLE 104 WINNER OF OUTDOOR DINING

On a breezy afternoon or a starlight night, nothing beats dining outside. Table 104 has a cozy patio with padded bench seating, canopy coverings, plenty of privacy with wood panels and flowers and a sweet touch of string lighting.

Relax and enjoy yourself here.

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TABLE 104, CONTRIBUTED; OKO BY MELISSA HOM; NORDIC FISH BY GARVIN BURKE: OPPOSITE PAGE: GOFER BY KYLE NORTON

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1 // MARCIA SELDEN CATERING & EVENTS WINNER OF CATERER + GOURMET TO GO

Whether you’re looking for either a royal-worthy wedding menu or a round-the-firepit gathering with your closest friends, Marcia Selden always hits the mark with food, presentation and vibe.

There is a sense of abundance and joy in every bite.

2 // LITTLE PUB WINNER OF BEER SELECTION + PUB

Understanding what makes a good beer and a good pub work is about that moment that eases the stress of the every day. Little Pub’s welcoming atmosphere comes with both comfort food and ice-cold beer.

3 // ORGANIKA KITCHEN WINNER OF HEALTH/ORGANIC

Juices, smoothies, acai bowls, sandwiches, wraps and more— the wonderful thing about healthful eating is that it’s not only good for you, but also looks and tastes delicious. The proof is in Enjoy summer any of Organika Kitchen’s options. warm breezes at Prime Restaurant waterside location. westportmag.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MARCIA SELDEN BY JULIE BIDWELL: ORGANIKA KITCHEN FROM INSTAGRAM; LITTLE PUB BY MICHAEL GIACALONE

GOLD COAST

M O F F LY M E D I A

READERS’ PICKS Pizza Colony Grill 172 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, 203-359-2184 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-866-5252 | 1520 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-259-1989; see all locations at colonygrill.com Ribs/Barbecue Hoodoo Brown BBQ 967 Ethan Alley Hwy., Ridgefield, 203-438-6033; hoodoobrownbbq.com

DROP-IN SPOTS Brunch + Café/Bistro + Lunch Spot Terrain Garden Cafe 561 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-226-2732; shopterrain.com Coffee Shop Lorca 125 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-504-2847; lorcacoffeebar.com Deli A & S Italian Fine Foods 2079 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-576-1600; asfinefoods.com Diner Orem’s Diner 167 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-7370; oremsdiner.com Food Truck The Tasty Yolk 1505 Pequot Ave., Southport, 203-726-6520 | 999 Brookside Dr., Fairfield, 203-526-9745 | 4700 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 203-572-8884 | storefront: 2992 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-545-9311; thetastyyolk.com Health/Organic Organika Kitchen 3546 Post Rd., Southport, 203-955-1500 | 424 Main St., Ridgefield, 203-403-3346; organikact.com Juice Bar Green & Tonic 7 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob, 203-869-1376 | 1098 Post Rd., Darien, 203-656-1036 | 17 Jesup Rd., Westport, 203-557-6392; 665 Commerce Dr., Fairfield,

Wine Shop Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market 2094 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-259-4692; harryswine.com

203-345-0995; see all locations at greenandtonic.com Vegetarian The Lime Restaurant 168 Main St., Norwalk, 203-846-9240; limerestaurant.com

BAR BOASTS Beer Selection + Pub Little Pub 531 East Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-717-1147 | 26 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-1122 | 2133 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-612-4567; see all locations at littlepub.com

MARKETS + MORE Bakery + Desserts DiMare Pastry Shop 1245 East Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-637-4781 | 12 Largo Dr. S., Stamford, 203-967-2253; dimarepastry.com

Margaritas + Restaurant Bar bartaco 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-323-8226 | 20 Wilton Rd., Westport, 203-222-8226; see all locations at bartaco.com

Butcher Shop A & S Italian Fine Foods 2079 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-576-1600; asfinefoods.com

Martinis Washington Prime 141 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-857-1314; washingtonprimect.com

Caterer + Gourmet to Go Marcia Selden Catering & Events 65 Research Dr., Stamford, 203-353-8000; marciaselden.com

Microbrewery Half Full Brewery 43 Homestead Ave., Stamford, 203-658-3631 | 575 Pacific St., Stamford, 203-580-2030; halffullbrewery.com

Cup Cakes 22 Candles Custom Cakes Wilton, IG @22candles Gourmet Grocery Balducci’s 1050 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-637-7600 | 1385 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-254-5200; balduccis.com

Outdoor Bar Sunset Grille 52 Calf Pasture Beach Rd., Norwalk, 203-866-4177; sunsetgrille.net

Grocery Pickup/Delivery Option Instacart instacart.com

Wine Bar Barcelona Wine Bar 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-854-5600 | 4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800; see all locations at barcelonawinebar.com m

Liquor Store Total Wine & More 380 Main St., Norwalk, 203-840-0007; see all locations at totalwine.com Seafood Market Fjord Fish Market 158 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-661-5006 | 22 East Ave., New Canaan, 203-966-2200 | 1015 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-202-9473 | 1835 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-255-9331; see all locations at fjordfishmarket.com

Wine List The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s 2748 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-325-9979; watersedgeatgiovannis.com

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TRY IT, LOVE IT! DiMare Pastry Shop This landmark is for a pro-level sweet tooth.

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CHOCOLATE, NOW When we need chocolate, we order DiMare’s 7 Layers cake, with golden sponge cake that is frosted and filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with ganache.

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A BITE OF THIS AND THAT Not sure what you want? Follow our lead: A mix of pastries: cannolis, sfogiatelle, Napoleons, eclairs and lobster tails.

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READERS’ PICKS

TRY IT, LOVE IT Green + Tonic These housemade vegetarian picks always oomphs up our day.

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IT’S A WRAP

BARTACO BY THOMAS MCGOVERN; OPPOSITE: FJORD FISH MARKET BY HAPPI YU; HARRY’S BY WILL MCBRIEN

We can vouch for the Curry Chickpea Wrap, with collard green, spinach, carrots, purple cabbage, curry chickpea spread and curry dressing.

2 WASH IT DOWN We’re all for a Turmeric Boost wellness shot or deeply refreshing Aloe water, but we also rotate in some sip time with Arogya jasmine mint green tea.

1 above: Nothing more refreshing after a day at the beach than a fresh bartaco margarita

1 // BARTACO // WINNER OF BEST MARGARITAS + RESTAURANT BAR

Put your lips to that salty rim and drink in some sweet-and-tangy margarita. Life is good. Enjoy a great seat outside (along the water at the Westport location) or order online for pick-up and serve your favorites—yes, even cocktail kits—at home. The restaurant has it’s own margarita take-home kit—and shaker—for one to six. It’s a good summer, cheers! westportmag.com

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C O N N E C T I C U T • 2021

3 // FJORD FISH MARKET WINNER OF BEST SEAFOOD MARKET

below: A selection of responsibly sourced seafood in Fjord’s.

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2 2 // HARRY’S WINE & LIQUOR MARKET WINNER OF BEST WINE SHOP

GOLD COAST

above: No matter the occasion—even just a regular dinner— there’s a good wine to fit it. But which one?

The experts at Harry’s can help.

Harry’s opened eighty years ago, in 1941, and is now enjoying its third generation of ownership.

Whether you know wine or you’re just starting out, you’ll find lots of options (like eighty rosé selections) and lots of help making a final choice. And it still feels like a neighborhood shop.

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Want a good seafood market that has your favorites? Of course, you do! Fjord has it all, from market options for home cooking, to catering (note amazing salmon below), to fully cooked food to go. We’re thinking lobster roll with fries and a fresh squeeze of lemon, because nothing tastes better in high summer. Order in one of their beautiful markets or online for pickup or delivery. Really, it’s good—no catch.

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THE

READERS’ PICKS

2021 WINNERS OF

STYLE & SHOP

Go ahead, EXPRESS YOURSELF. Our readers have found the shops and department stores that keep them in style. Some choose fashion to show the world who they are, others outfit their homes with furniture, rugs and accessories to make their part of the world beautiful. A lucky few are good at both. Here’s the list of where to start your journey to showing off your unique style. westportmag.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF BRAND

GOLD COAST

THE WINNERS LIST FASHION Accessories + Teen Fashion + + Luxe Leisurewear + Virtual/ Online Shopping Services Apricot Lane 1499 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9888; apricotlaneboutique.com Consignment Roundabout 48 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-552-0787 | 606 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-4334; roundaboutcouture.com Department Store + Women’s Fashion Nordstrom at the The SoNo Collection, 100 N. Water St., South Norwalk, 203-642-2634; nordstrom.com and thesonocollection.com Designer Boutique WEST 117 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-4157; west2westport.com Eyewear Warby Parker 344 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-433-7701 | The SoNo Collection, 100 N. Water St., South Norwalk, 203-648-9689; warbyparker.com and thesonocollection.com Jeans B Chic 78 Old Ridgefield Rd., Wilton, 203-210-7037

above: The Avero bra, a Marie Jo Lingerie best-seller, is now available in a fresh new nude tone with an updated delicate floral strap.

SOLEIL TOILE // WINNER OF LINGERIE + SWIMWEAR

Celebrate the human body and all of its precious curves at Soleil Toile, which carries designer lingerie and swimwear. Confident or modest, you’ll feel at ease at this mother-daughter owned store. Plus, no more t-shirts for bed—not when you can find comfy and feminine sleepwear.

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Lingerie + Swimwear Soleil Toile 44 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-966-2887 | 14 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-454-8688; soleiltoile.com

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READERS’ PICKS

TRY IT, LOVE IT!

Warby Parker We think these two sunglass styles prove sun safety is cool.

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Luxe layers are an instant way to to look casual yet polished.

In-store stylists can help craft the perfect wardrobe for work and weekend.

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TODDY, FOR MEN

MITCHELLS/RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRAND; WEST PHOTOGRAPHY BY ULLA JOHNSON PHOTO; APRICOT LANE CONTRIBUTEDD

This summer, keep your eye on this sunglass combo: azure crystal frame with scratchresistent lenses, and oak barrel arms. Perfect for a day of sailing.

2 MORGAN,

FOR WOMEN Check out this Mesa Tortoise frame with rivets on the endpieces and deep-green polycarbonate lenses. The round shape is a head turner.

1 // MITCHELLS/RICHARDS WINNER OF MEN’S FASHION + MEN’S SHOES

Clothes make the man, they say. So true! You’re in excellent hands at Michells and Richards, where the men’s department is stocked with designer options. One of the perks of shopping here, in person or online, is the expert style advice as well as professional tailoring. westportmag.com

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If you forgot that getting dressed can be fun, and even empowering, then head to this boutique.

The clothing and accessories are unique, stylish and always tasteful, so you never have to wonder if you look as good as you feel.

C O N N E C T I C U T • 2021

3 // APRICOT LANE WINNER OF BEST ACCESSORIES + TEEN + LUXE LEISUREWEAR + ONLINE SHOPPING

below : Putting together outfits, even for the hottest summer days, is a snap with the latest styles in tanks, T’s, jeans and sunhats.

2 // WEST WINNER OF BEST DESIGNER BOUTIQUE

GOLD COAST

above: The Ulla Johnson Tarama dress in coral is a sweet mini, featuring a layered skirt in tiers of lurex gilded silk. The ruched bodice is framed with full sleeves and features a delicately ruffled neckline.

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Teen shoppers just have a way of knowing what’s in style and what looks good on them. The amount of votes in Best of the Gold Coast suggest they’re heading to this fashion-forward boutique—the rest of us would do well to follow their lead.

TIME TO SHINE

HENRY C. REID

WINNER OF BEST SPECIAL OCCASION JEWELRY

Jewelry is always your outfit’s best attention-getter.

Yellow-gold hoop earrings with pear-shaped diamonds by Arzano; $5,725

For special occasions, like a wedding; reaching celebratory milestones, like graduating college; or just because “a little something extra” will complete your look, jewelry is always in style.

Local boutiques have a treasure trove of options. Just pick your favorites, like warm gold and diamonds or cool silver and colorful gems.

It’s a rock-solid treat.

MANFREDI JEWELS

WINNER OF BEST WATCHES Khaki Navy Scuba automatic watch by Hamilton; $745. Cape Cod Quartz 23mm watch by Hermès; $7,625

MITCHELLS/RICHARDS

WINNER OF BEST DESIGNER JEWELRY Yellow gold, pearl and diamond station chain necklace by Mariani; $27,500

WINNER OF BEST LOCAL JEWELRY BOUTIQUE Diamond bracelet in 14K yellow gold; $4,850

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ALL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRANDS

LUX BOND & GREEN

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READERS’ PICKS Men’s Fashion + Men’s Shoes + Personal/Private Shopping Services Mitchells/Richards 359 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-0551 | 670 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-5165; shop.mitchellstores.com New Shop Classically Cate 21 River St., Wilton, 203-216-3795; classicallycateboutique.com Women’s Shoes Shoes ‘N’ More 251 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-629-2323 | 1074-1076 Post Rd., Darien, 203-202-7702 | 121 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-972-8484 | 275 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-4224; see all locations at shoesnmore.com

JEWELRY Designer Jewelry Mitchells/Richards 359 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-0551 | 670 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-5165; shop.mitchellstores.com Estate Jewelry Peter Suchy 1137 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-327-0024; petersuchyjewelers.com Everyday Jewelry Apricot Lane 1499 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9888; apricotlaneboutique.com Fine Jewelry Betteridge 239 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-869-0124; betteridge.com

Special Occasion Jewelry Henry C. Reid Jewelers 1591 Post Road, Fairfield, 203-255-0447; hcreidjewelers.com

Home Organization Design Services Tidy Nest Ridgefield; tidynest.com

Watches Manfredi Jewels 121 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 866-312-9653 | 72 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-966-8705; manfredijewels.com

Home Security System Designs & Services New Canaan Alarm 145 Cherry St., New Canaan, 203-966-8713; newcanaanalarm.com Home Tech Services Untangled 196 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-665-8221; theuntangledlife.com

HOME Antiques/Vintage Store Bungalow 4 Sconset Sq., Westport, 203-227-4406; bungalowdecor.com

Lighting Chloe Winston Lighting Design 68 Water St., Norwalk, 203-957-8686; chloewinstonlighting.com

Appliances Aitoro 401 Westport Ave., Norwalk, 203-847-2471; aitoro.com

Linens + Rugs Serena & Lily 35 Elm St., Westport, 203-635-8000; serenaandlily.com

Bookstore Barnes & Noble 76 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-221-7955; barnesandnoble.com

Outdoor Furniture Terrain 561 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-226-2750; shopterrain.com

Cleaning Services (rugs, furniture, home) Triple S 400 West Main St., Stamford, 203-327-7471 | 337 Westport Ave., Norwalk, 203-847-8000; triplesclean.com

Pool Design & Services Shoreline 393 West Ave., Stamford, 203-967-1203; shorelinepools.com

WEDDINGS

Contemporary Furnishings + Furniture Crate & Barrel 1200 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-222-9500; crateandbarrel.com

Local Jewelry Boutique Lux Bond & Green 136 Main St., Westport, 203-227-1300; lbgreen.com

Garden Center + Hardscaping Services + Home Garden Design & Services + Landscaping Services Designs by Lee 129 Interlaken Rd., Stamford, 203-322-2206; designsbylee.com

Selection of Local Designers R. Hollander Master Goldsmith 154 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-363-2200; ringart.com

Home Accessories Habitat Greenwich 234 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-900-1233; habitatgreenwich.com

Bridal Gowns + Bridesmaid Dresses Marietta C. Designs 436 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich; mariettac.com Menswear Mitchells/Richards 359 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-0551 670 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-5165; shop.mitchellstores.com Wedding Cakes Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes 3 Field Rd., Cos Cob, 203-869-9545; sweetlisas.com

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TRY IT, LOVE IT! Serena & Lily Bedroom as luxe spa?

We want that for you.

Here are two picks to start right.

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PRIANO DUVET COVER Refresh this summer. The botanical print in navy is crisp, yet sweet— and the scallop edging is like the waterline at high tide. The reverse is as solid white as those clouds you should be counting.

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SEA STRIPE RUG Come morning, swing your feet over and dip your toes into this soft, hand-knotted rug with all the coastal feels.

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READERS’ PICKS TRY IT, LOVE IT!

Melani Lust One day has many ways to tell a love story, and we always tear up for these two looks.

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FORMAL PORTRAIT

Wedding Flowers Fresh Flower Bar 1301 Bronson Rd., Fairfield, 203-800-3830; freshflowerbar.com

Wedding Invitations/ Stationery MK&T Design and Print 203-807-2209; mkatdesign.com

Wedding Gifts Tied Winners Hoagland’s of Greenwich 175 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 888-640-9577; hoaglands.com and Simon Pearce 170 Main St., Westport, 203-226-2353; simonpearce.com

Wedding Music James Daniel 125 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-969-2400; jamesdaniel.com Wedding Photographer Melani Lust Photography 203-454-5878; melanilustphotography.com

CANDIDS Lost in the joy of the first dance, a stolen look during the speeches, holding hands while waving farewell, Melani finds the image that is personal.

Wedding/Engagement Rings Betteridge 239 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-869-0124; betteridge.com

Wedding Planner Ashley Douglass Events Greenwich, 917-748-6281; ashleydouglassevents.com

We love when Melani captures the moment when a bride is alone in her thoughts just prior to exchanging vows: serene and beautiful.

2 JOYFUL

Wedding Reception Venue The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s 2748 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-325-9979; watersedgeatgiovannis.com

BETTERIDGE WINNER OF WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT RINGS above: Estate Collection 5.14 ct emerald-cut diamond ring by Betteridge; $220,000. below: 18K yellow gold European comfort fit wedding band by Betteridge; $1,150.

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A diamond, as stunning as it is, is more than just a diamond. It’s a love story. And Betteridge helps express the commitment you’ve made to each other.

Personalize yours through yellow or pink diamonds, round or emerald cut, elaborate setting or simple bands.

The jewelers at this boutique will help you find the right rings, just for the two of you.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRANDS

GOLD COAST

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READERS’ PICKS

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARIETTA C. DESIGNS BY JULIE BIDWELL; WATERS EDGE AT GIOVANNI’S CONTRIBUTED; FRESH FLOWER BAR BY SARAH O’BRIEN

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1 // MARIETTA C. DESIGNS WINNER OF BEST BRIDAL GOWNS + BRIDESMAID DRESSES Just like there is only one true love, so too is there one unique dress for you—and lovely options for your bridesmaids. Have them custom-made to help your dream come true.

2 // THE WATERS EDGE AT GIOVANNI’S WINNER OF WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE Your closest friends and loving family have gathered for your big day. Celebrate with endless water views and plenty of space to dance the night away (choose from 600+ to 4,500+ square feet).

3 // FRESH FLOWER BAR WINNER OF WEDDING FLOWERS Soft, fragrant, lush floral arrangements add so much romance to the big day. Whether you choose pale pink roses, parrot tulips and hydrangea or dreamy cala lilies, purple sweet pea and pink roses, they just magically fit together.

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READERS’ PICKS

SERVICES & TO-DO’S

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2021 WINNERS

We know you have a lot to get done every day —LIFE IS BUSY! Here are your insiders’ picks for the best pros in beauty and fitness as well as all things family and home. The pros at these places help make life better, including yoga, golf, music and a clean car.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: BELEN’S BEAUTY BOUTIQUE BY FADIL BERISHA PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE WINNERS LIST PAMPERING Blow Out/Updo + Men’s Styling/Salon H Salon 2060 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-255-0798; hsaloncolorcutdesign.com Color Gavali Salon 1215 Post Rd., Fairfield, 888-444-7071; gavalisalon.com Day Spa + Eyebrow Services + Facial Lanphier 20 West Ave., Darien, 203-656-4444; lanphier.us Eyelash Services Belén’s Beauty Boutique 67 Church St., Greenwich, 203-517-7155; belensbeautyboutique.com Makeup Application Amber Papstavros amberpapastavros.com Makeup Boutique bluemercury 254 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-863-0005 | 120 Main St., New Canaan, 203-9727100 | 1015 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-656-9660 | 57 Main St., Westport, 203-222-9222 | 62 Main St., Westport, 203-227-6900; see all locations at bluemercury.com

1 above: Belén, a licensed cosmetologist and certified eyelash artist

1 // BELEN’S BEAUTY BOUTIQUE // WINNER OF EYELASH SERVICES

Want some good advice? Make eye contact. Another tip? Boost your lashes. Belén transforms so-so lashes into wow ones, making them fuller and longer. You can get a tint, add a choice of extensions and more to give you the look you never thought you’d see.

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Mani/Pedi Posh Spa & Nails 195 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-900-1099 | 1077 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-3095454 | 401 Post Rd. W., Westport, 203-222-8830; poshct.com Massage Massage Mavens 203-340-2518; massagemavens.com

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1 // JOYRIDE CYCLING + FITNESS WINNER OF INDOOR CYCLING Choose your closest studio, your favorite bike and your goal— it’s go time on your bike. JoyRide helps you get there, with motivation, experienced instructors and top-notch equipment.

Good music helps! Plus, try JoyRideGo, for virtual rides.

2 // SAMA YOGA CENTER WINNER OF YOGA With group and private classes, and special sessions for teens and beginners, and even prenatal practices, academy sessions and retreats, it’s clear that if you breathe in, breathe out, you can find a yoga practice here. The studio even has a lovely outdoor garden for doing your sun salutation in the sun.

3 // UPPER DECK FITNESS WINNER OF VIRTUAL/LIVE STREAM On the website or through the app, you can do your workouts with live coaching support. You are not given a list of moves to complete; you’re guided, corrected and encouraged by a pro.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: JOYRIDE BY DAVE DELLINGER; SAMA YOGA BY A. CERASO; UPPER DECK FITNESS, CONTRIBUTED

GOLD COAST

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READERS’ PICKS Spray Tan GLOW 1081 East Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-990-0209; glow-tone.com

Norwalk, 203-883-6070 | 645 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-883-9262 | 525 Tunxis Hill Cut Off, Fairfield, 203-883-8220; orangetheoryfitness.com

Waxing/Hair Removal The Waxing Spot 211 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-340-9590; 420 Post Rd. W., Westport, 203-228-5118; thewaxingspot.com

Golf Equipment The Golf Performance Center 824 Ethan Allen Hwy., Ridgefield, 203-790-4653; thegolfperformancecenter.com

Women’s Hairstyling Reveal Hair Salon 332A Hope St., Stamford, 203-359-3050; revealhairsalon.com

FITNESS + GEAR Activewear lululemon 151 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-5046; 69 Main St., Westport, 203-2271378; see all locations at shop.lululemon.com Barre pure barre 280 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-489-3500 | 1958 Post Rd., Darien, 203-309-5690 | 291 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-8663; see all locations at purebarre.com Bicycle Shop Danny’s Cycles 1492 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-883-8488 | 1950 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-355-0002; see all locations at dannyscycles .com Crossfit Crossfit Stamford 75 Selleck St., Stamford, 203-569-2906; crossfitstamford.com Dance Fitness Allegra Dance Greenwich 37 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-629-9162; allegradancegreenwich.com Fitness Studio Orangetheory Fitness 1101 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-883-9518 | 364 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-309-2669 | 205 Main St.,

Children’s/Baby Décor She La La 120 Main St., New Canaan, 203-594-9798 | 281 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-8365; shopshelala.com Children’s Clothes Groove 420 Post Rd. W., Westport, 203-557-8111 | 115 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-920-1700; shopgroove.net

Gym Chelsea Piers Connecticut 1 Blachley Rd., Stamford, 203-989-1000; chelseapiersct.com

Children’s Fitness Training Master Na’s Traditional Martial Arts 2109 Summer St., Stamford, 203-724-9592; stamfordtma.com

Indoor Cycling JoyRide Cycling + Fitness 25 Old Kings Hwy. N. (Goodwives Shopping Center), Darien, 203-202-9712 | 1200 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-349-5454 | 62 Danbury Rd., Ridgefield, 203-403-6874; joyridestudio.com

Children’s Haircuts Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids 1568 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-8700; sharkeyscutsforkids.com

Pilates Club Pilates 70 Main St., New Canaan, 203-405-8050 | 1063 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-4394670 | 427 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-990-1011 | 85 Mill Plain Rd., Sportsplex, Fairfield, 203-659-0090; clubpilates.com

Children’s Music Lessons Fairfield |Trumbull School of Music 338 Commerce Dr., Fairfield, 203-690-1888; ftsmusic.org Children’s Parties Rosebud Slumber Parties rosebudslumberparties.com

Private Fitness Training Inspire Fitness 1051 Long Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-658-8000; inspirefitnessct.com

College Prep Courses Carnegie Prep 203-352-3500; carnegieprep.com Family-Friendly Restaurant Little Pub 531 East Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-717-1147 | 26 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-1122 | 2133 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-612-4567; see all locations at littlepub.com

Virtual/Live Stream Fitness Upper Deck Fitness 225 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-309-6231; upperdeckfitness.com Yoga Sama Yoga Center 45 Grove St., New Canaan, 203-594-7077; samayogacenter.com

Nanny/Babysitting Services Nannies As Needed see all locations at nanniesasneeded.com Toy Store Awesome Toys & Gifts 970 High Ridge Rd., Stamford | 429 Post Rd. E., Westport, 424-293-7663; awesometoys.com

FAMILY LIFE Art Classes + Art Gallery Silvermine Arts Center 1037 Silvermine Rd., New Canaan, 203-966-9700; silvermineart.org

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TRY IT, LOVE IT! Reveal Hair Salon Our top bets at this salon for winning at summer hair.

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SERVICE Try the 3 Minute Repair by Eleven Australia—a $25 in-salon deep conditioning and reparative treatment and a 200mL take-home product.

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PRODUCT Ask about Trybe Hair Care—an all-inclusive line for textured hair. Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products meant to suit every hair texture.

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READERS’ PICKS ERRANDS

TRY IT, LOVE IT!

Awesome Toys & Gifts Surprise the kids with a new game or gift from this shop.

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UBONGO! This is a game of puzzles for lots of ages. You work through nine levels to arrange the puzzle pieces before the timer runs out or your competitor beats you.

600 Riverside Ave., 203-227-6153; 190 Weston Rd., Weston, 203-3495302; minutemencleaners.com and Sanda’s Cleaners 59 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-992-1515 | 78 Pine St., New Canaan, 203-966-3962 | 178 Heights Rd., Darien, 203-656-3539 | 160 Rowayton Ave., Norwalk, 203-866-1500; ​ sandascleaners.com

Auto Repair Shop Pray Body Shop 336 Elm St., Stamford, 203-359-3025; praybodyshop.com Car Wash Splash Car Wash see all locations at splashcarwashes.com CBD Store Your CBD Store 48 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-594-7656; cbdrx4u.com

Florist Hansen’s Flower Shop 1040 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-255-0461; hansensflowershop.com

Dry Cleaners Tied Winners Fabricare 264 Heights Rd., Noroton Heights, 203-655-3381; 5 Holmes St., Norwalk, 203-229-0001; 2130 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-256-2725; fabricarecleaners.net and Minute Men Cleaners 223 East Putnam Ave., 203-869-3361;

Gift Shop Splurge 39 Lewis St., Greenwich, 203-869-7600; splurgegifts.com Livery Service Rudy’s Limousine 203-609-8000 (reservations), 866-678-3700 (curbside pickup); rudylimo.com

Online Banking Chase chase.com Pet Groomer/Pet Spa All Fur Paws 209 Bruce Park Ave., Greenwich, 203-542-5181; allfurpawsct.com Pet Supplies/Pet Clothing Choice Pets 80 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-869-4999 | 949 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-9682600 | 360 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, 203-853-2777 | 374 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-226-1111 | 1947 Black Rock Tpk., 203-334-4242; see all locations at choicepet.com Portrait Photographer Jerri Graham Photography 203-803-5485; jerrigrahamphotography.com Shoe Repair Westfair Shoe Repair 1783 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-259-5587 Storage Facility Westy Self Storage 80 Brownhouse Rd., Stamford, 203-961-8000 | 50 Keeler Ave., Norwalk, 203-899-1234 | 65 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-7600 | 2070 Kings Hwy., Fairfield, 203-256-2777; see all locations at westy.com

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WRAPPLES These cute animal wrist wraps love to be petted and have more than fifty reactions—even their eyes light up in colors to share moods.

Local Hotel Delamar Southport 275 Old Post Rd., Southport, 203-259-2800; delamar.com/southport

Tailor Ted the Tailor 2 Church St., Greenwich, 203-869-5699

SPLASH WINNER OF CAR WASH Just like muddy puddles seem to be everywhere, so too are Splash locations—or close to it: There are twenty choices. So when your vehicle needs cleaning, choose hand wash or the automated full-service tunnel, then get back on the go. westportmag.com

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Veterinarian Spot On Veterinary Hospital & Hotel 184 Selleck St., Stamford, 203-973-7768; spotonvet.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARVIN BURKE

GOLD COAST

awards

the premier home design competition

And the winner is...

The A-list Awards Networking Gala & Awards Ceremony We’re thrilled to celebrate with a brand-new awards presentation at The Village, Stamford’s exciting new waterfront destination!

September 14, 2021 JUDGES

BRIAN SAWYER Sawyer | Berson

MARA MILLER Carrier and Company

JESSE CARRIER Carrier and Company

BRITT ZUNINO Studio DB

DAMIAN ZUNINO Studio DB

KEITH WILLIAMS Nievera Williams

STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS! athomealistawards.com EXCLUSIVE AWARD SPONSOR

Sponsors >

EDWARD SIEGEL Edward Siegel Architect

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2021 WINNERS OF

BEST OF TOWN

And now for the BEST OF WESTPORT, WESTON & WILTON, the winners close to home. Here are the places—in the same categories—that have won the top spots within our community. These are the restaurants, markets, gyms, salons, shops and more that we know best and visit most often. See if your favorites won!

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THE WINNERS LIST

Pizza Parlor parlorwilton.com Ribs/Barbecue Walrus Alley walrusalley.com

Business Lunch Rive Bistro rivebistro.com

CONTRIBUTED BY THE BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT INSTAGRAM, @BOATHOUSE_AT_SAUGATUCK

Pickup/Delivery Option Match Burger Lobster matchburgerlobster.com Seafood The Whelk thewhelkwestport.com Steak parker. parkereatery.com Sushi OKO okokitchen.com Tapas Basso bassobistrocafe.com

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Hot Dogs Heibeck’s Stand heibecksstand.com

Best Service + Private Dining/ Intimate Venue + Special Occasion/Date Night The Cottage thecottagewestport.com

Outdoor Dining bartaco bartaco.com

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RESTAURANTS

New Restaurant Manna Toast Café mannatoast.com

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FOOD & DRINK

Creative Menu + Outdoor Seating The Boathouse Restaurant at Saugatuck Rowing Club boathouseatsaugatuck.com

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1 1 // THE BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT WINNER OF BEST CREATIVE MENU + OUTDOOR SEATING When you want to enjoy a beautiful view of the water with your meal, head over to The Boat House. It was a second-floor perch from which to enjoy long views of the river.

Asian Fusion Kawa Ni kawaniwestport.com

Spanish Cactus Rose Restaurant & Tequila Bar cactusrosewilton.com

Chinese The Little Kitchen of Westport littlekitchenwestport.com

Thai Rainbow Thai rainbowthaict.com

French Rive Bistro rivebistro.com Greek + Mediterranean Layla’s Falafel laylasfalafel.com Indian The Mumbai Times mumbaitimesct.com Italian Via Sforza Trattoria viasforza.com

REGIONAL SPECIALTIES

Japanese Sakura sakurarestaurant.com

American Spotted Horse Tavern spottedhorsect.com

Mexican bartaco bartaco.com

Brunch The Cottage thecottagewestport.com Café/Bistro Rive Bistro rivebistro.com Coffee Shop Winfield Street Coffee winfieldcoffee.com Deli Gaetano’s Deli gaetanosdelis.com Diner Orem’s Diner oremsdiner.com Food Truck The Tasty Yolk thetastyyolk.com

CASUAL FOOD

Health/Organic Organic Market organicmarketct.com

Bagels PopUp Bagels popupbagels.com

Juice Bar Green & Tonic greenandtonic.com

Breakfast The Granola Bar thegranolabarct.com

Lunch Spot Terrain Garden Cafe shopterrain.com

Frozen Yogurt + Ice Cream Sunny Daes sunnydaesicecream.com

Vegetarian/Organic/ Health Manna Toast Café mannatoast.com

Hamburgers Match Burger Lobster matchburgerlobster.com

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TRY IT, LOVE IT! Margaritas bartaco bartaco.com

TecKnow winner of best home-tech services

Martinis + Outdoor Bar Viva Zapata vivazapata.com

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Restaurant Bar The Whelk thewhelkwestport.com

ENERGY BACK UP

Wine Bar + Wine List Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant harvestwinebar.com

Summer, though beautiful, can be a countdown to a thunderstorm that knocks out power. The Tesla Powerwall means seamless solar-power backup.

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LIVING IN HARMONY The Smart Living Ecosystem, integrated with Apple HomeKit and Tesla tech, means data privacy and ease of use among smart home devices.

1 1 // DREAM SPA WINNER OF BEST DAY SPA We know of few things that are good for you and feel so good as a facial, massage or other spa treatment. Dream Spa can pamper and treat you from head to toe, with such options as an Ultra Sonic & Light facial, Seaweed Body Wrap and Swedish massage,

MARKETS & MORE

Gourmet to Go Aux Délices auxdelicesfoods.com

Bakery Kneads kneadsbakerycafe.com

Grocery Pickup/Delivery Option The Fresh Market thefreshmarket.com

Butcher Shop Village Market villagemarketwilton.com

Liquor Store The Grapevine thegrapevinect.com

Caterer A Dash of Salt Catering adashofsaltcatering.com

Seafood Market Fjord Fish Market fjordfishmarket.com

Cup Cakes 22 Candles Wilton, IG @22candles

Wine Shop The Fine Wine Company of Westport thefinewinecompanyofwestport .com

Desserts/Chocolates Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates and Cakes by Aarti lerougebyaarti.com

BAR BOASTS

Gourmet Grocery Balducci’s balduccis.com

Beer Selection + Pub Little Pub littlepub.com

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STYLE & SHOP FASHION Accessories Blue Star Bazaar bluestarbazaar.com Consignment Roundabout Resale Couture roundaboutcouture.com Department Store + Luxe Leisurewear + Men’s Fashion + Men’s Shoes + Personal/ Private Shopping Services + Virtual/Online Shopping Services + Women’s Fashion Mitchells shop.mitchellstores.com Designer Boutique WEST west2westport.com Eyewear Specs specsforyou.com Jeans B Chic 203-210-7037 Lingerie + Swimwear Soleil Toile soleiltoile.com New Shop Classically Cate classicallycateboutique.com

MASSAGE PHOTO © PUHHHA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

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TRY IT, LOVE IT! Women’s Shoes Shoes ‘N’ More shoesnmore.com

Home Organization Design Services PRIM primliving.com

Wedding Photographer Melani Lust Photography melanilustphotography.com

JEWELRY

Home Tech Services TecKnow Smart Living Ecosystems tecknowhomes.com

Wedding Planner Amy Champagne Events amychampagne.com

Designer Jewelry + Estate Jewelry + Local Jewelry Boutique + Watches Lux Bond & Green lbgreen.com

Lighting Lillian August lillianaugust.com

Wedding Reception Venue The Inn at Longshore innatlongshore.com

Everyday Jewelry Blue Star Bazaar bluestarbazaar.com

Linens + Rugs Serena & Lily serenaandlily.com

Wedding/Engagement Rings Lux Bond & Green lbgreen.com

Fine Jewelry Tiffany & Co. tiffany.com

Outdoor Furniture Terrain shopterrain.com

Selection of Local Designers Local Soul localsoulwilton.com

WEDDINGS

Special Occasion Jewelry JL Rocks jlrocks.com

Bridal Gowns The Plumed Serpent Bridal plumedserpentbridal.com

HOME

Bridesmaid Dresses Bella Bridesmaids bellabridesmaids.com

Antiques/Vintage Store + Home Accessories Bungalow bungalowdecor.com Bookstore Barnes & Noble barnesandnoble.com Contemporary Furnishings Crate & Barrel crateandbarrel.com Furniture Millie Rae’s millieraesstore.blogspot .com Hardscaping Services + Home Garden Design & Services + Landscaping Services + Pool Design & Services Hoffman Landscapes hoffmanlandscapes.com

SERVICES & TO-DO’S PAMPERING Blow Out/Updo + Women’s Hairstyling Mancini Westport manciniwestport.com Color Artistex Salon & Spa artistexsalon.com

Menswear Mitchells shop.mitchellstores.com

Day Spa Dream Spa dreamdayspa.com

Wedding Cakes The Cake Box thecakeboxofct.com

Eyebrow Services + Makeup Application + Waxing/Hair Removal Rachel Lynn Beauty rachel-lynn.net

Wedding Flowers KD&J Botanica Floral Design Studio kdjbotanica.com

Facial Skin by Kataryna skinbykataryna.com

Wedding Gifts Bungalow bungalowdecor.com

Makeup Boutique bluemercury bluemercury.com

Wedding Invitations/ Stationery Bespoke Designs bespokedesigns.com

Mani/Pedi Posh Spa & Nails poshct.com

Wedding Music James Daniel jamesdaniel.com

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Barnes & Noble winner of best bookstore

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AUTHOR VISITS Westport has many published authors, including Kitt Shapiro (Eartha & Kitt).

Mar Jennings (Life on Mars), and, of course, Emily Liebert (Perfectly Famous).

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BOOK PICKS While we’re proud of our book picks, new suggestions are always welcome.

The local shop makes monthly recommendations for what to read next.

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READERS’ PICKS

FAMILY LIFE Art Classes MoCA Westport mocawestport.org Children’s/Baby Décor She La La shopshelala.com Children’s Clothes Groove shopgroove.net Children’s Fitness Training Westport Weston Family YMCA westporty.org

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Children’s Haircuts Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids sharkeyscutsforkids.com

1 // EARTH ANIMAL WINNER OF BEST PET SUPPLIES/ PET CLOTHING

Children’s Music Lessons Wilton Music Studios wiltonmusicstudios.com

We’re lucky to have this store with all-natural pet products nearby. Find food, treats, remedies, supplements, toys and more.

Children’s Parties Rosebud Slumber Parties rosebudslumberparties.com Massage Massage Mavens Men’s Hairstyling Westport Cut & Shave westportcutshave.com Spray Tan Palm Beach Tan palmbeachtan.com

FITNESS & GEAR Activewear/Running Shoes Fleet Feet fleetfeet.com Barre BodyQuest Barre Studio bodyqueststudio.com Bicycle Shop Cycle Dynamics cycledynamics.com

Dance Fitness The Dance Collective thedancecollective.org

College Prep Courses Freudigman & Billings LLC freudigman.com

Fitness Studio Saugatuck Rowing & Fitness Club saugatuckrowing.com

Family-Friendly Restaurant Match Burger Lobster matchburgerlobster.com

Gym Orangetheory Fitness orangetheoryfitness.com

Nanny/Babysitting Services Nannies as Needed nanniesasneeded.com

Indoor Cycling JoyRide Cycling + Fitness joyridestudio.com

Teen Fashion B Chic 203-210-7037

Pilates Westport Pilates westportpilates.com

Toy Store Awesome Toys & Gifts awesometoys.com

Virtual/Live Stream Fitness Peloton onepeloton.com

ERRANDS & MORE

Yoga Kaia Yoga kaiayoga.com

Art Gallery Amy Simon Fine Art amysimonfineart.com

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Auto Repair Shop Vautrin Auto Services Inc. vautrin-auto-services-inc. business.site Car Wash Splash Car Wash splashcarwashes.com CBD Store Franny’s Farmacy frannysfarmacy.com Dry Cleaners Dean Cleaners of Westport deancleaners.com Florist KD&J Botanica Floral Design Studio kdjbotanica.com Garden Center Gilbertie’s Herb & Garden Center gilbertiesorganics.com Gift Shop Classically Cate classicallycateboutique.com Hotel Inn at Longshore innatlongshore.com Online Banking Chase chase.com Pet Supplies/Pet Clothing Earth Animal earthanimal.com Portrait Photographer Melani Lust melanilustphotography.com Shoe Repair Westfair Shoe Repair 203-259-5587 Storage Facility Westy Self Storage westy.com Tailor Stephen Kempson stephenkempson.com Veterinarian Winslow Park Animal Hospital winslowparkah.com

CONTRIBUTED FROM EARTH ANIMALS INSTAGRAM, @EARTHANIMAL1979

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two new productions for 2021!

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Rachel Precious of Precious Oysters caters parties and educates guests on ocean conservation.

b y e l i z a bet h hol e • phot o g r a ph s b y andrea car son • st yling b y v ener a alex androva

Turning westportmag.com

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the Tide

RACHEL PRECIOUS SHARES HER LOVE OF OYSTERS AND THE ART OF SHUCKING JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTPORT

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© YADA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

GROWING UP, RACHEL PRECIOUS VOWED TO “NEVER HAVE A DESK JOB” and—so far—she has kept that promise. With the Long Island Sound as her office, the former oyster farmer runs a Norwalk-based company called Precious Oysters, a tide-to-table shucking service for special events. She uses local oysters, serving up an elegant raw bar experience with an eco-minded mission.

When you book her for your event, Precious makes a point to educate and entertain guests about oysters, while she shucks them at cocktail parties, charity events, weddings and town festivals.

“The aim of my business is to spark people’s interest in ocean conservation through the enjoyment of fresh, beautiful oysters,” says Precious. “Because of my background in farming, I do more than just stand behind an ice display and hand out oysters. I can’t help but share my stories and my passion for these amazing creatures.”

Her company promotes sustainable aquaculture by using local oysters, following a “zero-plastic policy” at functions and returning used oyster shells to farmers so they can regenerate oyster beds.

“I believe you should start in your own backyard to make an impact,” says Precious, who gets most of her oysters from Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk, where she used to work. “Much like farm-to-table, what I’m providing is locally grown and harvested; supports the community, is good for the environment and is good for you.”

Precious also gives back by serving as vice chair of the Surfrider Foundation’s Connecticut chapter. Through legislation, the organization helps protect the ocean and coastlines. Her conservation efforts are in effect at all her parties, too. Says Precious: “I use bamboo, USA-grown plates and napkins, organic lemons and sauces, and even the seaweed I use for decoration is special. I get it myself when I go kayaking.”

Despite the small Connecticut coastline, there’s a wide variety of oysters available. Precious explains that Copps Island Oysters are “hearty

and meaty” and get their signature flavor from growing on the floor of the ocean. Mystic Oysters, which she also serves, are higher in saline because they are from “the mouth” of the Long Island Sound.

“Interestingly, all oysters on the East Coast of the U.S. are the same species (Crassostrea virginica), but as with wine, where and how they’re grown will impart different flavor profiles and appearances, thus creating varieties,” says Precious. “Wine has terroir; we have merroir.”

A Westport native now living in Norwalk, Precious graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Wildlife Conservation Biology and a minor in International Environmental Public Policy. Most of her formative years in Fairfield County were spent on the water.

“Rather than going to after-school activities or summer camps,” says Precious, “I would spend my days alone in the mud at low tide, looking for crabs and listening to the iconic green parrots.”

During college and after graduation, she researched lizards in Honduras, practiced sustainable lobster farming in Nicaragua, tracked humpback wales in Australia, and spent time as a puppeteer traveling around the Outback to teach children about native wildlife. After a two-year stint she calls “unfulfilling” in New York City, Precious moved to South Norwalk in 2016.

“I was working as a wedding planner doing odd jobs on the side, including construction and waitressing, and I wanted to return to working with my hands and the environment, as I had done for so many years,” says Precious. “I found a job listing on Craigslist for a deckhand on an oyster boat in Stamford, and while I had no relevant experience, they hired me.”

For now, Precious is all-hands-on-deck at Precious Oysters, with a busy summer shucking season in full force. Precious and her team of shuckers

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“All oysters on the East Coast of the U.S. are the same species...but as with wine, where and how they’re grown will impact different flavor profiles.”

—RACHEL PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS OYSTERS

THE COPPS ISLAND OYSTER VS. MYSTIC OYSTER

COPPS From: Norwalk, CT Available: Year-round Flavor: Sweet, Slightly briny, plump and a hint of ivory Shell: Because these oysters live in the wild, each shell and oyster are a unique shape and color

MYSTIC

THE OYSTER SHOOTER 1 oyster in the bottom of a shot glass 1 teaspoon spicy cocktail sauce 1 teaspoon horseradish

From: Noank, CT (at the mouth of the Mystic River) Available: Year-round Flavor: Balance of brine, sweetness and a hint of mineral Shell: Round with a green hue on the outside, white on the inside

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1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 1 dash black pepper 1 shot vodka Layer all ingredients in the glass, drink with one swig and savor the flavors. Delicious.

Precious recommends certain types of crackers and beers to pair with the oysters.

est. 1992

by

Tony A Molina

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“Every event is different from the last. I know that any day now, I’ll find a pearl.”

Bringing NYC's best fitness to CT

—RACHEL PRECIOUS

offer a variety of party services in order to serve events both large and small. While she says she is willing to work with peoples’ budgets, she does have a minimum of $300 per event, not including the price of oysters. This includes the setup display that Precious brings to “shuck to order” for two hours. Also, she offers both front-of-house and back-ofhouse services based on the type of event you’re throwing.

Precious takes pride in being a female-owned business, and in the future, she wants to start a nonprofit creating women-run ocean farms and oyster cooperatives in developing countries. On a local level, she’s committed to hiring women and growing Precious Oysters. Always on the move, she plans to create a traveling Shuck Truck. Precious jokes that she’s “not capable of sitting still” and loves the variety of her job.

“Every event is different from the last,” she says. “I know that any day now, I’ll find a pearl.”

Move Burn Live 55 Post Rd West Westport, Ct 06880 www.mprfitness.com info@mprfitness.com (203) 442-4384

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It’s Time to Celebrate the Good Guys!

Visit ilovefc.com to nominate those individuals and organizations who have gone beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary in their support of those in need. Honorees will be featured in the November issue and celebrated at a special awards ceremony.

PLEASE VOTE TODAY! Go to ilovefc.com/lightafire VOTING DEADLINE: JULY 9

Nominations being accepted in the following categories: Most Involved in the Arts Most Dedicated Committee Member Outstanding Philanthropist Outstanding Teen Volunteer Best Friend to Children Best Health Advocate Lifetime Achievement Best Friend to Seniors Most Involved Couple Corporate Good Neighbor

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Take our survey and, as a thank you, for every completed survey, a donation will be made to Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Fund for Women and Girls.

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Get your feet wet with local history!

Information at westporthistory.org JULY/AUGUST 2021 WESTPORT

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postscript

JULY/AUG 2021 / DONNA MOFFLY

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“Guys who hated going to doctors lined up in her waiting room for those body checks they used to pooh-pooh.”

was born a redhead, taking after my father. He looked pretty much like Arthur Godfrey—a sort of chubby redhead who liked Lipton tea.

I also married a man who was basically a redhead. I know, because when Jack tried to grow a mustache during one Bermuda Race, it came in pink. His first night ashore, after a very celebratory evening, he was snoring on his back in our bed at Newstead, when I took out my roll-on mascara, stood over him and inked it in to see if I’d like it better. I didn’t. The next morning he awoke thinking somebody had stepped on his face with newly polished shoes.

I don’t think blondes have more fun. I think redheads do. They just have to be particularly careful about fun in the sun.

In my teens I didn’t know that, of course, and would loll around pools with the best of them—mostly my brunette friends—and am now paying the price at the dermatologist’s.

I used to go to a young woman who was so beautiful that guys who hated going to doctors lined up in her waiting room for those body checks they used to pooh-pooh. They were sorely disappointed when she left town.

Among blistering stories from my innocent past: Senior year at Hathaway Brown, Dede Zilm’s parents chaperoned six of us on spring break in Fort Lauderdale.

The first day my legs got so badly burned that, following God-knows-who’s advice, I spent my vacation applying coffee cream on one and wet tea bags on the other to see which healed faster. (The cream curdled and the bags fell off. Oh, well.) But Doris Shilliday itched so much she had to go to a doctor’s office where she became so agitated about her sun poisoning that she bared her

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chest to the receptionist.

At Wellesley, we used to go up to the roof of our four-story dorm Freeman Hall, slather our uncovered bodies with baby oil and lay there holding large pieces of cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil to catch the rays.

Helicopters full of sailor boys from the Boston Navy Yard took to flying overhead.

But the whole romp ended when Miss Clapp, our college president with an unsettling name, was showing some visiting dignitaries the new dorms when somebody on the roof stood up. Nude. (Not me. I never did nude.

In fact I’ve never even done bikinis.)

Probably the worst burn I ever got was picnicking at Plymouth Rock with some M.I.T. types. The sun was fierce, and I turned painfully purple. No wonder those poor pilgrims wore so many clothes.

In any case, I’ve always worn long pants and long-sleeved shirts on sailboats and sometimes socks on the beach, though I draw the line at shoes. On vacations in Barbuda, I’d just take cover under a palm-leaf wicky with my books and needlepoint while my friends soaked up the sun. Who’s to care if I came home the same shade I left?

Then, too, I’m a hat person, as was my mother before me. She was also the only one I ever knew who carried a parasol to stave off the rays. So if you need to borrow a white straw parasol with little pink roses on it, that’s in my attic, too, along with a ton of hats.

Whatever you do during these hottest months, first thank God we can be outdoors again instead of stuck indoors in Covid isolation. And second, even if you look silly, do whatever it takes to have a healthy, happy summer. G

VENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, GREENWICH, CT

OF SUN AND TAKING THE HEAT

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