The City Magazine Dec/Jan 2023

El Paso's Leading Pain Management Physicians

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Ysette Ceballos

Ysette is a Texas native, born and raised in El Paso with over 11 years of exclusively practicing medical aesthetic nursing. Ysette is a registered nurse, expert cosmetic injector, licensed aesthetician, certified laser technician, and clinical injector instructor for Allergan, an American global pharmaceutical company, as well as the Academy of Aesthetics at Southwest Plastic Surgery. She has trained numerous physicians and nurses nationwide on clinical application of aesthetic injections. She is also a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA).

Ysette strives to enhance people’s lives and their self-image through clinical treatments, cosmetic injectables, and effective skin care. She believes the foundation to any successful treatment is education and dedication. Ysette is incredibly passionate about providing an individualized approach while treating patients by using cutting edge, non-surgical methods to enhance their unique beauty. Ysette believes her success has stemmed from her mentor, Dr. Agullo, as well as the bond she has with her Med Spa Team at Southwest Plastic Surgery.

Ysette strongly believes that “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” ~ Helen Keller. When Ysette is not working, you can find her working out, attending her son’s baseball games, or spending time with her family and friends.

has 5 beautiful children and an amazing spouse who are great contributors to her strength.

Dr. Juan Guillermo Becerra

MEDICAL SERVICES OF

BORDER

At Medical Services of the Border, patients can be confident that the dedicated team will provide the highest quality care at the local level. Dr. Juan Guillermo Becerra is a board-certified family medicine physician and palliative care specialist who leads the practice team that provides a multitude of services to meet individual needs.

Children are prone to injuries and fractures as they are curious to explore their environment and engage in sports activities. The healing of fractures in children is quicker than that in adults, therefore, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if a fracture is suspected in a child to ensure proper alignment of the bones so that your child can look forward to a normal and active lifestyle.

December / January 2023

EL PASO/LAS CRUCES magazine

FASHION · HEALTH · lifestyle

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Shelley Mozelle | shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor

Erin Coulehan | erin@thecitymagazineelp.com

GRAPHIC

Editorial Design

Ernie Sanchez Creative | ernie@thecitymagazineelp.com Graphic Designer Maggie Blum | maggie@thecitymagazineelp.com

ADVERTISING

Director of Sales Chaz Wilson | chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com

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Operations Manager

Mari Van Pelt | mari@thecitymagazineelp.com

Account Executives

Crystal Barnes | crystal@thecitymagazineelp.com Megan Langford | megan@thecitymagazineelp.com Omar Samaniego | omar@thecitymagazineelp.com

ASSISTANT

Editor-In-Chief Assistant Amber Lanahan | info@thecitymagazineelp.com

415 East Yandell

El Paso, Texas 79902 (915) 225-0265 | info@thecitymagazineelp.com

Cover Design By: Ernie Sanchez Creative

A thought to start the year “Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect” - Alan Cohen.

Hello New Year, we’re springing into 2023! It’s only a matter of time

The end of the year brings us time to reflect and a time of new beginnings. It’s a time to look back on the life we’ve lived and a time to dream of the new year, set goals, and it’s time to plan for the 2023year bucket list check-off!

Time…where did time go and why does it pass quicker every year? Is it because we’re so busy we forget to stop and enjoy the moments we’re in? Is it because we are busier, not slower than the year before? Is it because technology tells us we’re getting more done, yet the list continues to grow?

Oprah Winfrey says it best, “time is all we have and living in the moment is our gift to ourselves.”

For many of us, the pandemic changed the way we think about our personal and professional lives. As the boundaries between our work and home spaces blurred, and our priorities and goals shifted, we took stock of our health and happiness as much as our 9 to 5. There’s a new balance, a gift of precious time we’re allowed to give ourselves. Life is about experiences, both at work at in our personal lives.

Perhaps, not surprisingly, those areas where the personal and the professional intersect are where we notice the most issues worth examining.

While I naïvely thought I would have it all figured out by now, I own the fact that I’m continually a work in progress and I promise myself I’ll be a better me in 2023 than I was in 2022. I’ll love and live more in the moment. I’ll re-define the word “self-care” and I’ll check off another “bucket-list” experience.

My bucket list has changed through the years. I now look for ways of experiencing time through more travel, reminding myself of the hobbies that once brought me joy, and spending time with those I love being around instead of those I tolerate because my subconscious tells me I’m supposed to.

From the @shelleymozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com

The beauty of a bucket list is that no matter how many items you check off, there are always new adventures to add, waiting just over the horizon.

I challenge you to update your bucket list and promise you I will.

Hello 2023. I can’t help but to look back at the change in the past few years. I recall what a different world we lived in not so long ago. The day when a cough was politically accepted and an accidental poot was politically unexcepted. Those times have changed! Electric, hybrid cars were only a thought that most of us couldn’t wrap our head around, now, 25% of the city has one and they are considered “the thing to have.” When I reflect on the definition of what going-to-work meant for families, how we prided ourselves that we worked through feverous colds, never missing a day of work, and how we thought there was honor in that mind set. Time has changed us!

We’re doing it again, another version of Best of the City Magazine since 2012. Running a business comes with many unexpected trials, so when a business wins any award, it’s monumental, but “The Best of The City “award, that’s the biggest you can get in the city.

Congratulations and cheers to those winners! Take a minute to look at our “Best of” list for 2022 and when you’re in their businesses, take a minute to congratulate them. We’re celebrating those who were voted on by you, our readers, who will forever wear the badge of “Best of.”

Here’s to a new year wishing you inspiration as you write your bucket list and the very best of life for you in 2022!

“Your voice matters. Let’s hear it. Scan the QR code to send audio advice to the editors."

From the

Welcome to the future! -- 2023 During this time last year, I remember writing about the first cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 being reported -and here we are, combating ever nuanced variants of the omicron strain while bracing for whatever happens next. And yet, we persist with scientific innovations and humanitarian instincts to be good people.

Does anyone else feel like they’ve gained significant insight over the last few years?

More than anything, I’m cognizant of the people, place, things, and actions that keep us going.

Family and close friends. Favorite restaurants and destinations. The perfect cup of coffee on a hectic morning. The drive to do better than yesterday, last year -- whatever.

For me, the last year -- and this magazine -- would not have been successful were it not for the guts and leadership of Chaz Wilson.

Full disclosure: he’s been my very best friend since 2007 and has amazed me ever since -- who do you think introduced me to Shelley?

Indeed, Chaz is not only an amazing BFF but also an admirable leader.

In 2022, for example, we celebrated the 10-year anniversary and 100th issue of TCM while also creating a contemporary model for print media pursuant to the pandemic. Some said that print was dead! Hah!

During this time, we’ve grown more attached to our community and cultivated new relationships that are indicative to the magic of holding a print publication. Lucky are we to have a reprieve from the endless scroll of news cycles and timelines with a tangible leftto-right read of people within our vicinity doing great things.

I’m so proud that we’ve been able to celebrate the most inspiring people from the Borderland over the last 12 months and 11 issues. El Paso, for example, is now home to the West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition that is bringing jobs to the region and developing technologies to -- quite literally -- take us to

outer space and beyond. At the same time, the community is welcoming “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” to the El Paso County Coliseum that highlights the nuance that comes when centuries old works of art are reimagined via modern technology. You can read all about it in the pages that follow.

Additionally, this issue celebrates the very best of El Paso as voted on by our readers.

From the very best taco to the best hospital -- and more! -- I’m thrilled to highlight the hardworking local businesses that keep our community alive.

Shelley and I will tell you anytime that we have the best jobs because it involves celebrating the hard work, ingenuity, and resilience of our community. It’s been interesting to watch our community make national headlines (for myriad reasons), and an absolute privilege to showcase the movers-and-shakers, as well as the legacies, that make El Paso what it is today.

I believe that people often respond better to challenges than invitations, so this year, I dare you to dive into our community. Order the award-winning nachos from The Tap before strolling San Jacinto Plaza; make a reservation at new and noteworthy spots that showcase the cultural evolution of our very special city; visit a neighborhood you’re unfamiliar with.

This city is full of adventure.

Here’s to another year of print, possibility, and people who keep us inspired.

See you on January 21st at our “Best of 2022” party!

“Your voice matters. Let’s hear it. Scan the QR code to send audio advice to the editors."

COULEHAN Managing Editor

Erin

AMADOR

How to Practice inHolidayandSelf-CareSpreadCheer the New Year

|

By: MARGO LEPE |

olidays are a lot like life: sprinkled with excitement and cozied up with much uncertainty. Are you someone who overspends on others during the holidays, yet rarely (or never) takes time to drop a dime on your own personal wellness? Heightened prices could cause even more distress this year for some, with possible anxiety over a recession and the ability to not be as generous as in prior years. If you can afford to shop this holiday season, or even if you can’t, you should invest in yourself and well-being.

As we approach winter holidays, the currency flowing through our palms and keeping our nation’s economy afloat consists of hundreds of billions of dollars every year. Last year, moneytransfers.com reported online shopping to be 24.1 percent of total holiday spending with Cyber Monday being the most popular online shopping day in US history.

Whether it be financial, emotional, physical, social or career stress, it will come. Several components can and will affect our overall wellness, no matter who we are. Whoever coined the phrase “shop ‘til you drop” just sounds burned out, if you ask me. Let’s face it – shopping can be stressful, especially when choosing gifts for others. In order to better prepare yourself for what’s to come this holiday season and in life, it is vital to be mindful.

Find a day and time to check off that list when you are at your best. Stress can affect our bodies in many ways that include “mind fog,” irritability, high blood pressure,

increased inflammation, lowered immune defenses, hair loss, decreased hormone production and so much more. Putting others first this holiday season sounds nice, but if you have not met your own needs, it becomes difficult to meet those of others and ultimately, you could be creating longterm health issues for yourself.

Perhaps, it is not shopping which causes you stress, but old trauma wounds tied to the holidays. The holiday season can be especially hard for a parent who had to bury their child, someone who lost a sibling, or a woman who miscarried. These types of loss and pain may prevent the holidays from being “the most wonderful time of the year” for them and others suffering in similar ways. For some, the season of celebration can mean a time full of triggers for others. Trauma as defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is “an emotional response to a terrible event.” The administration reports anguish linked to an overload of fear, flashbacks, tense relationships, erratic emotions and even physical illnesses like headaches and revulsion.

If you were met with suffering last year, may you be comforted knowing there is power which lies beneath the fear, equivalently growing and evolving. May you find strength and joy again, as you continue onward toward flourishing while enduring a season of hard survival.

Considering all things, mental health deserves priority. Mental struggles can cause

physical, emotional and internal ones. What you invest in your wellbeing today creates a greater return for who you become tomorrow.

Every day is an opportunity to practice stress or practice peace. Feeling unsure and lost is normal, and can be a good compass when navigating the road to self-care. Instead of avoiding uncertainty, it is imperative to dissect it in order to see what those feelings are showing us and how we can use them. Even if you don’t feel okay all the time, find time for rest, create distance from negativity and take care of your thoughts.

Allow yourself a chance to unplug and regroup, if needed. It is okay to block people, unfollow people who post things that negatively affect your mental health, mute/restrict accounts, turn off notifications, not respond right away (or at all), restrict or monitor your comment section, and just take a break from (or quit) social media. Sometimes, it is best to say “no” and/or just let go.

Self-love and worth are the ultimate keepers.

In an effort to enhance your wellness and self-love, helpful techniques are not just for the holidays either. Indulge in self-care that makes you feel happy. Boundaries still matter, so don’t feel the need to do things

While we’re sipping on some positive-tea, remember to toast to yourself and those to come. The road to health is never perfect. The more consistent you are in paving that road creates a smoother ride for you to come. May this year and every season overflow with cups of self-love, protecting your peace, your boundaries, knowing your value, your creativity and self-trust. Your mental health depends on it.

Here’s a new and healthy recipe to try: a dollop of creativity, a spoonful of support, a pinch of kindness, a shred of fresh-air and a sprinkle of self-love. Whisk together and enjoy often.

Cheers!

sustainable nutrition in the New Year

| By: KAT BENSON, RDN, CSSD, LD |

The new year often brings great intentions for changing habits and improving health. But, unfortunately, these great intentions often don’t materialize into sustainable habits. While this can happen any time of the year, this is especially prevalent at the beginning of the year.

If you’ve been overhauling your lifestyle for health only to find yourself “falling off the wagon,” it’s not your fault. The dieting industry has done a great job of selling diets and plans that sound good, but aren’t sustainable for the majority of people. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the CDC reported that in 2015–2018, 17.1 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 and over were on a special diet on any given day. Unfortunately, research also indicates people tend to dietcycle, continuously starting and stopping.

You don’t have to choose to focus on health in the new year, or any time if that’s your choice. You have permission just to be. However, if you do have intentions of improving or supporting health and have succumbed to on-and-off dieting, this article might be for you.

Dieting Methods to Avoid

• Seeing your health and fitness as all-or-nothing

It can be tempting to jump into a new health or fitness program. However, implementing small changes over time supports behavior-change for sustainable habits and consistency, which is the key to continued health and fitness.

• Seeing food as “good” or “bad”

Seeing food as neutral allows us to see the positives and negatives that food offers us in the context surrounding a meal or snack, enabling an informed decision. For example, we may choose different foods to sustain us through an afternoon of meetings versus a holiday meal. The outcomes we desire (i.e., levels of fullness, energy needs, etc.) are more important when choosing food than labels.

• Eating too little

Our bodies are pretty resilient. We can handle low caloric intake, until we can’t. Research suggests that in addition to food choice restriction, having too few calories can increase binging/overconsumption, leading to physical discomfort and frustration.

4. Cutting out entire groups of food

Cutting out specific groups of food can increase restriction-based binging and the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Typically, this isn’t a sustainable way to approach healthy eating and is only recommended if medically necessary.

While these approaches can reduce weight, more must be done to determine if something is truly healthy for you. These methods often lead to the “dieting cycle” (i.e., going on and off diets), which can lead to weight cycling, a cycle of losing and gaining weight repeatedly. Research suggests that weight cycling can have negative physiological and psychological consequences related to blood pressure, poor body image, and more.

Here’s What to Try Instead

• Think back to what has and hasn’t worked for you

Make a list of past dieting plans or programs that did not work. And by “did not work,” consider if they worked long-term, not just short-term. Remember, if you aren’t consistently doing those plans or programs right now, it probably wasn’t sustainable. Use this list as a reminder to not fall back into those actions again.

• Focus on Foundations

While implementation can look different depending on food preferences, availability, medical needs, etc., I use the following foundations to build personalized plans. These foundations include prioritizing vegetables, fruit, lean protein sources, healthy fats (or protein sources with healthy fats), and fiberfilled, nutrient-dense carbohydrates.

• Prioritize actions

The more significant change in routine, the easier it is to get off track. Make small

changes that almost feel too easy, then build from them. Small changes add up over time. For example, try adding vegetables to lunch, adding protein to an afternoon snack, or drinking one glass of water.

• Recognize and embrace imperfection

We typically recognize that nobody is perfect, yet we often expect perfection around diet and exercise. Learning to embrace imperfection allows us to continue with healthy habits through the challenges. Learning how to roll with imperfection is key for sustainable healthy habits.

We don’t have to focus on cutting out sugar, eating after a specific time, or any other usual dieting rules. What we can do is learn how different foods impact our energy levels, satisfaction, joy, and performance. We can make the choices that best fit our preferences, lifestyle, and long-term health.

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AerospaceIndustry in El Paso Takes Off

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By: ERIN COULEHAN |

TThe sky is no longer the limit in West Texas when it comes to aerospace development -- in fact, it’s only the beginning. This Fall, the West Texas Aerospace and Defense Coalition was announced by Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and awarded a $40 million grant as a winner of the Department of Commerce’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

The West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition is led by UTEP’s

renowned Aerospace Center, and the grant award will go toward bolstering the U.S. ‘s aerospace and defense manufacturing capabilities by integrating legacy manufacturers in West Texas into the aerospace and defense supply chain.

“This funding is an exciting and transformative investment in El Paso’s future and a reshaping of our economic landscape going forward,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “I’m absolutely thrilled for UTEP and the rest of the West

Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition and I know this investment will expedite our community’s goal to be an aerospace and defense manufacturing leader.”

The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is funded by the American Rescue Plan and managed by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to alleviate regional economic distress pursuant to the pandemic while also addressing economic disparities and inequality in communities across the country.

“This investment by the EDA allows our West Texas region with a population that is 82 percent Latino and 24 percent rural to capture our fair share of American prosperity,” said Dr. Ahsan Choudhuri, Associate Vice President, Director, Aerospace Center and principal investigator of this proposal. “Our nation can’t remain competitive if we don’t expand prosperity to every community, to every zip code and every demographic. West Texas has the talent, the research capabilities and a strong and nimble manufacturing base that will be the foundation of our success.”

The West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition is one of 21 winners chosen nationally out of more than 500 applicants to receive awards to implement an average of six projects that will expand and enhance each region. One of the projects to be funded in West Texas includes the creation of the El Paso Makes Advanced Manufacturing District that will allow firms to

co-locate with research and innovation assets while simultaneously benefitting from the cybersecurity and physical infrastructure necessary to the market.

Additional funding will increase access to services for local manufacturers and employees to create reliable routes to Aerospace and Defense supply chains that will go toward establishing the West Texas Advanced Technology Corridor.

“The Build Back Better Regional Challenge provides bold investments in local economies to create good-paying jobs, catalyze emerging industries, and prepare our workforce for the future,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition will strengthen a critical technology and innovation sector that will ensure U.S. global competitiveness for decades to come.”

The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is buttressed by core themes that include:

• Restoring American competitiveness by way of making investments in global competitiveness and prosperity of regional economies that have been traditionally underinvested in.

• Empowering local leadership to form coalitions that are centered on a core strategic industry; prioritize specific investments needed in the community; and to compete for resources that will bring the vision to fruition.

• Aligning investments in innovation and workers using technology development and complementary workforce programs to ensure workers from all skill levels benefit from innovation.

• Accelerating economic transformation by investing in multiple interconnected projects.

Local community leaders and elected officials are praising the federal challenge that will strengthen the El Paso community.

“The Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant, the talent flowing from UTEP and the support that is forming around cutting-edge innovation for the aerospace and defense industry will transform our region’s economy,” El Paso County Judge Ricardo A. Samaniego said. “Six years ago, El Paso County partnered with UTEP to create a research and development platform at our Fabens Airport that is now a thriving focal point for aerospace innovation. Winning the Build Back Better Regional Challenge means we can accelerate the growth of this industry that creates game-changing skill sets and good-paying jobs. It means that the people of El Paso can pursue dreams as big and as wondrous as the universe that we are helping to explore.”

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The Lust Frontier

Take a Swipe at Love in the New Year

By: MEGAN MEHL |

I have some tough love for you: you’re not going to meet your significant other from your couch. The pandemic may have left us all a little more socially awkward and a lot more introverted, but if romance is at the top of your wish list for 2023, you have to put yourself OUT THERE. Sure, there’s a small chance that you’ll meet someone at the grocery store or that your friend will finally set you up with her cute cousin. But if finding your person is a priority for you, it makes sense to actively explore other options, including online dating.

According to Statistica, 413 million people will be using online dating platforms by the end of 2022. The U.S. tops the list globally, with 15.7 percent of the population currently using online dating accounts. At this point, it’s clear that dating apps are not going anywhere, so you might as well join them -literally. Whether you’re a long-term swiper or trying to build up the nerve to create your first profile, I’m here to pass on my best advice after nearly a decade of experience dating on the apps, as well as coaching others in their love lives.

Be open-minded

Maybe you’ve heard (or told) one too many horror stories about Bumble and have the mindset that the apps don’t work. It’s true, dating apps can take up a lot of time and you may have to kiss a few frogs before landing your dream relationship. But if you’re truly intentional about finding your person, that means putting yourself out there and being open to meeting new people that you wouldn’t meet otherwise.

That’s the true benefit of dating apps, especially in a place like El Paso where it can sometimes feel like you’ve already met everyone in the singles pool. I also challenge you to ditch your 52-item dating checklist and be open to meeting people who aren’t your typical type –that’s when the magic happens!

Focus on photos

For the love of God, PLEASE forego the mirror selfies and gym photos (this tip is especially for you, gentlemen). Potential partners want to see that you are a normal person who spends time in places other than the gym and your filthy bathroom. For the filter-loving ladies out there, it’s best to leave all filtered photos off your profile. That flower crown (and magic complexion corrector) may make you feel more confident, but people want to see your real, beautiful face! On a similar note, make sure your info and photos are recent and reflect your current hairstyle, weight, facial hair, etc. Assuming you plan to actually meet people, this is the best way to avoid accidentally catfishing someone, which doesn’t feel good for either person.

Don’t be basic

Ask a close friend or family member what makes you the total catch that you are, and really try to bring that into your profile. Find photos that show you doing fun or interesting things, and skip the group photos that make it hard to identify which person you are (one is okay if it’s obvious from your other pictures). Dating apps now offer fun prompts that allow you to show off your sense of humor, or the ability to add voice notes or give your

profile a soundtrack to help you stand out in the sea of singles. Avoid cliché platitudes about how much you love travel, brunch, tacos, and dogs. I get it -- I do too -- but so does everyone else. Similarly, try to be creative with your messages by referencing something in their profile or asking a question. “Hey, how are you?” doesn’t exactly inspire riveting conversation and just seems lazy, frankly.

No one wants a pen pal

When chatting back-and-forth with someone on an app, give it enough time to let conversation flow but not so much that it dies off. Do you have things in common? Do you have good banter? Do they seem genuinely interested in getting to know you? As soon as those things are established, make plans right away. There’s no way of knowing if there’s chemistry until you’re face-to-face with the person. We all get busy, but try to respond to messages in a timely fashion to keep momentum going. If conversation goes on for too long on the app, you run the risk of the other person losing interest, getting busy, or meeting someone else! If you’re on the fence, just grab a quick drink with the person. You never know!

Etiquette is everything

The first date should ideally be short and sweet. I always encourage my clients to keep the first date light and fun, and to avoid the

tendency that many of us have to “interview” the other person. You should not come out of the first date knowing everything about them -- mystery is sexy! Most importantly, make a concerted effort to keep the conversation balanced between the two of you; there’s nothing worse than listening to another person talk about themself for two hours straight and realizing they have no interest in getting to know you. As for wrapping up the date, I’m a “Dutch” person myself, but it’s a very nice touch to offer to pay for your date’s drinks or meal (and as unfair as it is, many heterosexual women still expect this). If your date offers to pay, you should ALWAYS do the wallet grab or offer to split the bill; “entitled” isn’t a good look. One more thing, and I cannot overstate this… DO NOT GET DRUNK ON YOUR DATE.

Halloween is over Don’t ghost people. It’s not nice. If you’re not interested in continuing to date someone, send them a quick message to let them know. It’s not comfortable, but you’re an adult. Look, I’ll make it easy for you: “Hi [X]. I really enjoyed [meeting you/getting to know you/dating you but I don’t feel a romantic connection. You’re an awesome [guy/gal] and I wish you all the best.”

Enjoy!

It takes guts to prioritize your own happiness and allow yourself to be open and vulnerable. Try to stay present and true to yourself throughout your journey. One day, you’ll look back fondly on your single days of dating, so enjoy the ride. Happy swiping!

Megan Mehl is a native El Pasoan who lived and worked in NYC pre-Covid. After happily quitting her job in the fashion industry and returning home, she now works as a professional matchmaker and astrologer. Interested in becoming her client? Email Megan.Mehl@Tawkify.com

Brain Surgery Beyond Borders

| By: ERIN COULEHAN photos courtesy of: EL PASO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL |

Physicians in El Paso continue to share their gifts with the community and beyond in order to improve the lives of children around the world. Some of the world’s most brilliant minds gathered in El Paso in November to participate in the region’s first Endoscopic Surgery Treatment of Craniosynostosis Symposium, put on by El Paso Children’s Hospital in partnership with El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Craniosynostosis occurs when the bones in a baby’s skull fuse before the brain is fully developed. The condition, the CDC reports, can be serious and can lead to the skull being mishapen as the baby continues to grow, while also limiting or delaying growth of the brain that limits the child’s development.

Surgeons from China, Japan, Mexico, Scotland, Argentina, Turkey, and across the U.S. came together for the symposium that featured live surgeries, academic lectures, case presentations, and more. Fields of speciality included neurosurgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and orthotists, with residents and fellows from each specialty represented.

“It is such an honor to host a symposium of this magnitude here at El Paso Children’s Hospital. This is a very unique opportunity for these doctors who traveled all the way to El Paso, to learn from our region’s only pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. David Jimenez, and fellow El Paso Children’s Hospital medical staff,” said Dr. Cindy Stout, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, President and CEO of El Paso Children’s Hospital. “Our community physicians plus El Paso Children’s Hospital nurses

and staff also benefit from this informative symposium by engaging with some of the world’s best physicians during several indepth live surgeries.”

The symposium was led by Dr. David Jimenez, MD, FACS at El Paso Children’s Hospital, who is a Board Certified Pediatric and Adult neurosurgeon and serves as Medical Director of Neurosurgery. Additionally, Jimenez is internationally lauded for developing the Endoscopic-Assisted Craniectomy more than 20 years ago.

“He was the pioneer,” says Dr. Stout. “He helped to invent this procedure, and continues to go out and teach his techniques to neurosurgeons.”

The symposium featured three live surgeries where participants could watch Dr. Jimenez’s magic hands in action while in real time.

“Everything that I did in surgery inside the patient and with the endoscope, with the multiple different cameras, allowed for them to see from different angles,” said Dr. Jimenez. “So it was like they were in there, doing the case with us.”

The visiting physicians were eager to gain some of Dr. Jimenez’s erudition in minimallyinvasive procedures that can typically be performed in less than an hour and a half and lead to successful patient outcomes -- happy kids and thriving families.

“This technique has changed the way the world does craniosynostosis surgery,” says Dr. David Yates, a Cleft and Cranialfacial surgeon at El Paso Children’s Hospital. “We really are recognized as one of the world centers craniosynostosis surgery.”

GAL Fashion Brings to El Paso Il Mercato

| By: TCM STAFF photography by: JORDAN LICON |

Luxury retail is becoming even more luxe in El Paso thanks to one-of-a-kind shopping experiences brought to the community by GAL Fashion. From cocktails to perfectlycurated collections, owner Gesuina Legaspy most recent event imbued style, elegance, and taste that took fashion to the next level. The City Magazine caught up with her to learn how.

The City Magazine

What inspired you to plan this pop-up event?

Gesuina Legaspy

I recently took a mother-daughter trip to Mexico City. I came back to El Paso fully inspired by all the food, ambiance, and music. It was all truly just top-notch. As soon as I got back to the store, I immediately told Ambar Chavez, my right hand at GAL Fashion, how eager and excited I felt after this trip. I just felt the need to do something great and innovative in El Paso that would transmit the huge lively experience I had just lived. Ambar’s response to my excitement was just what I was looking for: “Why don’t you create a fashion market here? Clients always want to travel with you to the market. Let’s just make one here.”

And So, the Il Mercato experience was born.

TCM

How did the inspiration become a reality?

GS

I shared the news with my grandmother. She was the one who suggested naming this new experience ‘Il Mercato,’ taking pride in our Italian roots, our name, and our culture.

Once I had the name laid out, I immediately reached out to Adriana, my visual artist. Not only am I obsessed with her creative work, but she’s also great at transforming my visions into reality. It’s always fun collaborating with Adriana and this time was no different. I showed her several pictures of my recent trips to ‘The White Show,’ one of the largest market shows in the world that takes place in Italy, as well as pictures of my inspiration and recent trip to Mexico City. Before we knew it, we were bouncing ideas back and forth and the project started taking life.

TCM

How did you decide on the guest list?

GS

Our marketing for Il Mercato was very lowkey and discrete. We did very little to get the word out. It was just part of the exclusivity of the event. We wanted to make sure you all were the ones who reached out to make

an appointment. This event was intended to be one of a kind from the beginning, and we wanted to make sure that those who attended the event were as exclusive and fabulous: our GAL followers, blog readers, and lovely loyal clients. The whole thing was IYKYK (If know, you know).

TCM

What was the logistical process like?

GS

I met with the stylists to empower them to pick and choose the names of the showrooms that would shape Il Mercato. We talked about what each showroom would carry and which brands would be showcased:

• Nich and Co: This was Vivenne’s vision. This showroom carried some of the most original and expensive brands from Italy and Ukraine. Every piece was high-end, custom, and of course, one-of-a-kind.

• Backstage by Victoria: Unique and highend jewelry and accessories. This showroom featured a recently launched jewelry brand from India along with another luxury jewelry brand.

• Intemporelle Fashion: A showroom that featured high-end ready-to-wear. Think casual meets fur. Here you would find cashmere and comfortable cotton.

• Element’s Showroom: The place for all things leather, coats, and dusters from all over the world.

All pieces in the showrooms were strategically hand-selected to bring a curated mix of oneof-a-kind treasures to Il Mercato. I can assure you, some of these pieces will never be seen again. Not even on social media. That is just how exclusive everything was.

TCM

What was the local response to the luxury pop-up experience?

GS

Within the first week, we were fully booked! Our clients were ready to get the unique and true market experience with food, cocktails, gifts, and models at Il Mercato. When the big day finally arrived, our clients were able to have one-on-ones with the showroom reps and get an exclusive look at all the pieces in the showrooms. In the end, they took home what they loved.

TCM

How did you make sure this event so special?

GS

We had a greeter ready to meet our guests, explain to them the rules for the day and greet them with a cocktail. We had our creative film crew capture every second,

and our photographer captivate every moment. Our favorite DJ brought a special beat and kept the ambiance and magic alive throughout the event.

Every appointment with the showroom reps was full of magic and the event was just something worth remembering. We can’t wait to live it all over again. It was absolute bliss. A jungle of elegance where happiness and adrenaline filled the air. By all means, the most successful and amazing event GAL Fashion has hosted to this day.

A special shout out and thank you to my dream team, as well as to those who made an appointment and had the experience to share this first volume with us. Where shall we pop-up next? Email gesuina@ galfashion.com if you have any ideas for the next volume of Il Mercato. We can’t wait to do it all over again!

Federally Insured

GOLD WINNER

Alnajjar,

Best Architect / Architecture Firm

Parkhill, Smith and Cooper In*Situ Architecture

Best Attorney / Law Firm

Glasheen, Valles, and Inderman Injury Lawyers Alyssa E. Nava Wyatt Underwood Trial Lawyers

Best Bank / Credit Union GECU TFCU / Raiz Navy Federal Credit Union

Two

Best Barber Shop

OT the Barber Romero’s Classic Barber Shop

Best Car Dealership

Poe Toyota Right Drive Auto Casa Auto Group

FLOWERS BY LIZA

Best Flower Shop

Flowers by Liza Adobe Rose Custom Florist Angie’s Floral Designs

Best Chiropractor

My Life Chiropractic / Sam Hernandez DC

My Life Chiropractic Fred Aguyo DC

Best Dentist

Dr. Gerardo Guillen DMD Dr. Larisa Flores-Sapien DMD Dr. Richard Bandley DMD

DR. MOHAMMED AL NAJJAR

Best Doctor / Physician Group

Dr. Mohammed Al Najjar Dr. Alozie / Sunset ID Care Dr. Jose David Burgos MD, FACP

Best Gym / Cross Fit Gym

Revolution Fitness Contrology Barre El Paso Raw’Fitness

Best Financial Advisor

It’s Time Credit Repair Ernesto Herrera, The Herrera Group Truvize Financial Planning

SAM HERNANDEZ DC MOISES GARCIA

Best Fine Artist

Moises Garcia Gabriel Marquez / Mystic Studio and Vanessa Clark (TIE) Christin Apodaca

Best High School

Cheerleading Team Mountain View High School San Elizario High School Parkland High School

Best Home Builder

Palo Verde Homes Icon Custom Builder Saratoga Homes El Paso

Best Home Improvement

Inspiring Spaces Integrity Property Inspections Eco Living Home Improvement

Best

Best

Best

Best

Best Lunch Spot

Best Italian Food

Trattoria Bella Sera e Italian Kitchen Johnny Carino’s

Best Steakhouse

Best

Best

Best

Best

Best

Best Breakfast Salt and Honey Crave Kitchen and Bar Le Terraza

Best

Best

LVER W I NNER

BEST DOCTOR/PHYSICIANGROUP

Dr. Ogechika Alozie MD MPH AAHIVM Infectious Disease Specialist

Congratulations to all the Best Of The City Winners!

Destanie, Actual Patient

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK

Palo Verde Homes is a premier award winning home builder in El Paso Texas and Southern New Me xico. Est ablished in 2007, our commit ment to you has always been to offer the best in design, materials, customer service, workmanship, and quality at competitive market pr ices. Thank you for taking time to con sider Palo Verde Homes to build your family's new home and thank you for vot ing us builder of the year.

Our doctors and staff are committed to helping our fellow El Pasoans reach their optimum level of health through genuine and affordable care. The improvements that we see in our current and future patients will continue to be a driving factor in the core of My Life Chiropractic. Thank you for the votes El Paso, your health means everything to us. We are here to help!

1393 George Dieter Dr Ste E (915) 228-4915

Mon-Thurs: 8-9:30AM & 3:00-6:00PM Friday: 8-9:30AM Sat + Sun: CLOSED

14470 Horizon Blvd Ste H-I (915) 228-4915

Tues-Thurs: 8-9:30AM & 3:00-6:00PM

Fri-Sun: CLOSED

BESTREALTOR/ R EAL ESTATECOMPANY

Queen Up Now has helped countless men and women unleash their potential, paving the way towards both personal and professional success.

Get in touch on queenupnow.com to learn more.

Queen

Up Now iamvictoriaolivia QueenUpNow

MEET CENTER REAL ESTATE

enter Real Estate is your local boutique brokerage. When making important decisions in real estate, it is wise to have an advisor who knows how to find common ground, ask the right questions and lead you to your ultimate goal.

That advisor is Center Real Estate. Our group of e ective, caring professionals makes it a mission to provide a listening ear and look out for your best interests just like a best friend would. Led by top agent Luis Carlos Perez, who possesses a highly nuanced understanding of the industry, we consistently raise the bar. That’s because for us, real estate is not a transaction—it’s an experience.

Like El Paso itself, we want Center Real Estate to be a place you come back to. We o er you first-rate service, guidance, trustworthiness, opportunity, and relationships that are built to last.

Right up to the time we hand you the keys to your new home or finalize the sale of your current one, we make sure that your experience is tailored to you.

This is what one of our loyal clients had to say “Luis Perez and his team are incredible. Luis has worked with us in selling our condo, then finding our home when expanding our home business, and again when our business expanded and we had to sell once more and move out to pursue those new opportunities. He guided us with his extensive knowledge that got us amazing results every time. We are grateful to have had him during all these changes and opportunities!”

Thank you for nominating Center Real Estate and for your vote in making us winner of Best of The City!

Photo taken at Aloft Hotel

Recommended Reading

| By: ERIN COULEHAN |

Give the gift of knowledge to yourself or loved ones in 2023 with books that are impossible to put down (trust me). Bookworms of all genres from local and acclaimed novelists to short stories and non-fiction can delight in this eclectic collection. Whether exercising your mind is on your 2023 to-do list, or you need a paperback to get you through holiday travels, the reads below will expand your mind and appreciation of contemporary literature.

The Passenger Cormac McCarthy remains one of the most important writers of the 20th and 21st centuries with his first novel in 16 years. The Passenger, and its sequel Stella Maris, examine humanity that is set primarily in Louisiana during the 1980s and follows siblings Bobby and Alicia Western. True to form, the novel explores familiar themes in McCarthy work that include familial trauma, death, and the search for existential meaning in a bleak landscape written in a way that is as elegant as it is straight-forward.

The Candy House Jennifer Egan reintroduces readers to characters from earlier novels in her latest book that examines the intersection of memory, connection, and technology. Protagonist Bix Bouton happens into a group discussion on “externalizing” (essentially downloading) memories in order to commodify the mind by allowing people to access and exchange memories. Egan tells the story using a variety of forms that include tweets, omniscient narrators, duet voices, and more that blur the lines between literature and our own lived experiences in the digital age.

Nobody’s Pilgrims

Set in El Paso, Sergio Tronconso’s most recent novel chronicles the adventures of Turi, a first-generation American, and Arnulfo, an undocumented worker from Juarez, who endeavor to create their own version of the American dream when they leave the Borderland before daylight -- but are unaware of the dangerous materials hidden in their pick-up truck that is capable of devastating impact. The novel draws on the adventures of Mark Twain, the chilling suspense of Cormac McCarthy, and apocalyptic possibilities of Don Delillo that remind us what it is to live and be in contemporary America.

Liberation Day

George Saunders, lauded by Time as “the best short story writer in English” returns with an exquisite collection that navigates systems of power, morality, and justice that also celebrates the tenderness of human relationships. The nine story collection weaves together the ways in which joy, despair, desire, and reality shape our daily lives while also challenging our expectations of what it means to exist in community and as an individual.

Do Hard Things

Life is hard and only getting tougher, but author Steve Magnes expertly makes a case for rethinking our ideas of “toughness” that teaches readers how to prepare for some of life’s greatest challenges. Magnes is a performance scientist who coaches Olympians and has shifted the resilience paradigm using science and technology. Although not an overt “how to” book, Magnes expertly coaches readers on how to work with physical discomfort while also making mindful decisions under duress to improve resilience in a multitude of scenarios to make us better and happier.

Mixed Feelings Celebratory Meals

| By: YASMÍN RAMÍREZ |

As we enter a new year and try to shake off the haze of the holidays, let us look forward to everything that 2023 has to offer. When it comes to celebrations the meals we make, share, and consume are as important as those we share them with -- but no two meals are alike! Let’s take a look at some of the most popular celebratory meals in anticipation of how we’ll celebrate them this year.

The Work Meal

The typical workplace party is a food and conversation buffet. These work parties are usually catered by the local Corner Bakery or La Madeline. Employees hold an assortment of slightly smooshed croissant turkey or roast beef sandwich quarters, rotini pasta salad, and some cookies or scones on disposable plates as everyone makes small talk with coworkers who are caught up in the same plate, drink, convo balancing act. People shift from one person to another just as they moved between food trays. The plate of snack-sized bites is the same length as the light conversations they have with people.

The Work Friends Meal

You might think this is the same thing, but it’s not. This meal is for your work family. You’re not going to invite fulanita from down the hall to this meal. The people you share this meal with know bits and pieces about your real life, not just your work life. You get together at Pho Bistro because it has vegetarian options, so there’s something for everyone. The group swaps small gifts picked up at the Downtown Farmer’s Market and books from local gems Literarity and Brave Books.

The meal starts with work talk, chismes about coworkers, but quickly shifts to holiday plans and travel. The group has dinner together every few months for a life check-in. They’ve probably seen you after a few glasses of wine when your laughter becomes a cackle. They even picked up some slack for you when a cancer diagnosis affected your family. They are friends, but you met them at work, so that makes them work friends.

The Lifelong Friends Meal

This is a tricky one because it has to be timed just right. Schedules have to be pieced

together like an old puzzle since friends traveled in from places like Austin and Houston. We make it work no matter how tired we are or what family commitments everyone has the next day; it might be a while until we can all get together again. Somehow, we figure out a place, rideshare, and we are pulled to a common center as if no time has passed.

At the restaurant, inevitably Mexican because the other cities can’t do Mexican like El Paso, the waiter stays away after trying to take our orders several times. We haven’t stopped talking long enough for anything more than to order drinks. Dude’s and Shut up’s, fly through the air faster than Spring El Paso winds. Our voices get louder, and the laughter makes our stomachs hurt. Then a sudden Aye Yai with the “i” dragged out for days from one of the out-of-town friends makes everyone cackle until tears are squeezed out of our eyes.

We reach for warm corn tortillas and dip our tostadas in the salsa. The table is scattered with plates of arroz y frijoles. Comfort foods.

Comfort friends. We’ve known each other for large chunks of our lives. We can be ourselves because we were there in high school when people broke our hearts, and we thought we might die from heartache. Later, we survived the deaths of our grandmothers together, and now we’re more siblings than friends. This is the family we chose, and regardless of moves and time zones, our love for one another remains the gravitational pull that keeps everyone in orbit.

The Familia Meal

The corn hojas soak in water. The masa has been massaged until it’s a white cloud that floats to the top of a water glass. (As a child, I thought this was a myth until I saw it happen.) The meat filling is cooked to its spiced perfection. It’s Christmas Eve, and I sit at a kitchen table with my familia. I’ve lived this moment countless times. It’s as familiar as the sound of the first notes of Eydie Gormé’s “Sabor a Mi.” A song I’ve heard since I was a child.

Over the years, the assembly group has changed, grown smaller, bigger, then smaller again. The roles don’t change too much, though. There are the masa spreaders, the meat fillers, and a single person who fills the pot. Javier Solis plays in the background as we take our places. I use the backside of a spoon to spread the masa on the leaf and pass it to my sister, who plops a proper amount of spicy pork in the center. This

moves to the last step of folding, then the tamal is placed upright in a steel pot, each leaning against the other. We laugh and bicker. Two sides of the same family coin. This repeats until the giant pot is filled with concentric tamale circles.

Then the giant olla is covered and moved to the stove for the tamales to steam.

While they cook, we snack on things like tostadas, queso, and guacamole. My nieces sneak one biscocho after another. The TV sound comes on as the husbands retire to the comfy couches to watch whatever sports they can find. They sit with brown bottle beers cradled in their hands and babble on about this or that team. I sit at the dining room table with my mom, sister, and nieces. Maybe Jane, too, my sister’s friend who is part of the family now, and we talk about everything and nothing at all. I sip from my glass of white wine and smile as its warmth spreads, or maybe the heat from the tamales we all made together warms me.

Ding! The timer goes off, and we watch as Mom confirms the tamales are ready. She smiles, and we shift toward the stove. We take one, open the steaming hot husk, and blow on the warm masa before taking the first bite. The winter winds whistle outside, but that’s okay. Here, inside, the tamal tastes like home, and the warm embrace of generations of love.

Edward Jones is celebrating 100 years of partnership

Edward Jones is celebrating 100 years of partnership

Edward Jones is celebrating 100 years of partnership

Edward Jones is celebrating 100 years of partnership

As we celebrate 100 years, we want to thank our clients and communities for helping us get to where we are today. With your partnership, we're poised to continue helping to create brighter futures for generations to come.

As we celebrate 100 years, we want to thank our clients and communities for helping us get to where we are today. With your partnership, we're poised to continue helping to create brighter futures for generations to come.

As we celebrate 100 years, we want to thank our clients and communities for helping us get to where we are today. With your partnership, we're poised to continue helping to create brighter futures for generations to come.

Edward Jones is celebrating 100 years of celebrate want to thank our and communities for helping we're poised to continue helping to create brighter futures for generations to come.

As we celebrate 100 years, we want to thank our clients and communities for helping us get to where we are today. With your partnership, we're poised to continue helping to create brighter futures for generations to come.

Brian N Mosher, CFP®

Edward Jones is celebrating 100 years of partnership

Brian N Mosher, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

Brian N Mosher, CFP®

6801 N Mesa St Suite B208

CAU-14064-A-A7

Brian N Mosher, CFP®

Financial Advisor

As we celebrate 100 years, we want to thank our clients and communities for helping us get to where we are today. With your partnership, we're poised to continue helping to create brighter futures for generations to come.

6801 N Mesa St Suite B208

El Paso, TX 79912 915-581-8973

Brian N Mosher, CFP® Financial

Financial Advisor

6801 N Mesa St Suite B208

Edward Jones is celebrating 100 years of partnership

El Paso, TX 79912 915-581-8973

El Paso, TX 79912 915-581-8973

6801 N Mesa St Suite B208 El Paso, TX 79912 915-581-8973

6801 N Mesa St Suite B208 915-581-8973

CAU-14064-A-A7 Exp 12/31/2022 © 2022 Edward D. Jones & CO., L.P. All rights reserved.

Brian N Mosher, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Exp 12/31/2022 © 2022 Edward D. Jones & CO., L.P. All rights reserved.

As we celebrate 100 years, we want to thank our clients and communities for helping us get to where we are today. With your partnership, we're poised to continue helping to create brighter futures for generations to come.

Freed of Frames

|

By: ERIN COULEHAN photography by: TIMOTHY NORRIS |

The Sun City welcomes “The Starry Night” with a month-long experience designed to transport visitors by moving them with beauty, art, and connection.

“Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” will run at El Paso County Coliseum from December 16, 2022 through January 20, 2023 and invites El Pasoans to reimagine more than 300 works of postImpressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh in a three-dimensional setting that breathes life into the works via sensory extravaganza.

“This distinctive and unique multimedia artistic adventure is deeply resonating with audiences,” says Justin Paquin of Paquin Entertainment Group, which is producing the immersive experience. “Encompassing a refreshing new twist unlike art lovers have seen before, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience gives new appreciation of this tortured artist’s stunning work,” Paquin adds.

The emotionally-driven immersive art experience utilizes contemporary multimedia technology that takes visitors on a journey through some of Van Gogh’s most famous works that include “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” “Cafe Terrace at Night,” as well as insight into the mind of the artist with excerpts from letters written from the artist to his brother Theo displayed in large text projected on the walls.

Van Gogh has resonated as an artist for people across the world for centuries due in

part to his relatability as a person. The artist, like all of us, was challenged by existential issues like what he wanted to do with his life and what gave him meaning, much to the chagrin of his family who wanted him to choose a more traditional path.

But adhering to convention did not appeal to the artist, who would become a posthumous icon.

“Normality is a paved road: it’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it,” Van Gogh wrote in one of his letters.

At the age of 26, Van Gogh was fired from a job as a local preacher in France and moved to a neighboring village where his life as an artist began once he took up drawing. He painted for the first time at 27, not to express woebegone circumstances but to celebrate existence by finding beauty in darkness.

“The only time I feel alive is when I’m painting,” wrote Van Gogh.

While most are familiar with Van Gogh selfremoving an ear and other darker aspects of his life, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Art Experience challenges viewer’s to consider the artist as a person of profound depth, ambition, and humanity.

“Beyond Van Gogh is really about bridging two realities,” says Fanny Curtat, Art History consultant for the immersive experience. “It’s about this collision of 19th century art with cutting edge technology, which is very much a 21st century tool, and this allows the

audiences to literally be part of the paintings themselves -- to literally step foot into Van Gogh’s world and vision.”

The exhibit is divided into three rooms: the first is “The Education Room” that serves as an introduction to Van Gogh, his style and his psyche, and then moves onto the “Waterfall Room” that Curtat explains acts as a portal to prepare guests for the unconventional experience of art immersion.

“It can be a little bit of a trippy experience,” she says. “The last room, the ‘Immersive Room’ is entirely dedicated to Van Gogh’s work: four walls entirely covered by projections, the floors covered as well.”

According to Curtat, Van Gogh’s work serves as a remedy to the darkness that plagued the artist’s life that she says most people can relate to.

“There’s something very relatable about somebody finding his own demons. We’ve all been in that position, and this message is about focusing on the immediate beauty around you. Even though the struggles Van Gogh faced were widely different than those we’ve faced through the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s still something so strong about the idea of being able to find beauty while we were cooped up inside,” she says.

At the end of the day, the message of the works --resilience, strength, and a quest for beauty -- corresponds to Van Gogh’s ethos as an artist that continues to make an impression.

“The fishermen know the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible,” Van Gogh wrote, “but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.”

Fashion Trends to Try in the New Year

| By: DANIEL HERNANDEZ |

The new year has come, and the fashion trends for 2023 bring pretty much everything plus the kitchen sink. The world has been back in full swing for a bit now and we see designers trying what looks like everything under the sun. There is so much out there, and it all looks intriguing. Trying to figure out what actually might be on brand for you might take some trial and error. There is a lot to look at and think about so have some patience and courage as the new designs show up in stores and online.

With the plethora of styles out this year, how do you figure out what works best for you? Look at your closet and think about what you love. What colors most occur in your wardrobe? What is your body type? What styles do you want to try out?

I’m a big proponent of going window shopping in order to see what’s out there and then trying on a few things to see how they look in a dressing room mirror. If it’s something new or questionable, I always take a picture and give it a day or two to decide if it’s fated to be in my life. To decide, it helps to have a stylish friend who you can send a picture to and tell them you need some input. Definitely do not ask your parents or partner to avoid an inevitable bias against anything new.

Women always have so many choices with the new fashions and this year they are quite diverse. I think at this point everyone has seen the return of the micro-mini skirt with the controversy over Diesel’s beltskirt (it’s basically a large leather Velcro belt for $1000). Minis are here for the new year. Another popular skirt that is back in

circulation is the bubble skirt. I haven’t seen these since the 80s, and now they are making a big comeback.

Some other styles women will be seeing a lot are textures like fringe and lace. Checking out the latest in women’s fashion I saw a lot of fun fringe and tassels swaying around runways like Versace and Michael Kors. It takes some sass to wear this so have you new year confidence ready to go.

Along with fringe there seems to be a resurgence of lace. The thought of this ornate mesh usually conjures up sexy and sometimes questionable taste levels, but the new versions have definitely been elevated and can be found in collections from Tom Ford to Rag & Bone. But the item that seems to be a must have are leather pants: so many

collections are doing them. There seems to be a lot of statement pieces coming in for the new year so be cautious on accessorizing as to feature the trend, not fall victim to it.

Men’s fashions are just as interesting this year as for women. Streetwear is still a big part of what’s popular in men’s trends. I suppose with the rise of the big brand of oversized suits and jackets in the past few years, it would be inevitable that the baggy jean makes a comeback, and bigger seems to be better. Speaking of jeans, many designers such as Prada and Moschino are creating versions of the beloved Canadian tuxedo (jean top and bottoms worn together). This look is easy to wear and can be dressed up with a dress shoe or even a plaid blazer.

One common theme I found in men’s wear for the upcoming year is a lot of patterns and bold colors, nothing subtle here. From

the plaids of Gucci and Thom Browne to the mixed patterns of D Squared and Louis Vuitton, men will be showing up and showing out. These are looks for an adventurous fashionista, so be fearless when approaching. I also have to give a nod to an accessory trend that at first I abhorred but it’s grown on me, which is the men’s cross body bag. This is sort of a take on the man purse mixed with a fanny pack. Dior did a pretty cool version of their satchel bag for their men’s crossbody bag, and Rick Owens has a version called the shoulder pouch that is subtle and chic.

What’s ahead for the new year in men’s and women’s fashion is exciting. I always encourage people to try new things, and there are plenty to choose from this year. Remember to have fun and enjoy the expression of yourself as you head into the new year.

The City NovemberMagazine’s launch party

The last launch party of 2022 was one to remember as guests flocked to St. Rogers Depot to celebrate outstanding El Pasoans. Pam Agullo, a physician and philanthropist, covered the issue for her work locally and abroad to raise awareness and kindness while also exuding grace, confidence, and some serious fashion.

by: GIBEL AMADOR |

| Photos

El Pasoans feeling the need for speed and high-end cars satisfied their craving at Spotted:

El Paso 2022 Car Show at Painted Dunes

The luxury and exotic car show boasted foreign and domestic cars that guests and car aficionados spent the day admiring, learning about, and taking photos with.

Photos by: JOHN HORTA |

|

The inaugural Stand with Estela Casas Cancer Foundation

welcomed women from across the Borderland to empower themselves through healthcare access and education. The event raised funds for women in the community unable to afford cancer screenings, and the Foundation is expanding its scope to include cancer free screenings for men and children. In addition to the inspirational luncheon, Estela Casas’ memoir “A Place to Anchor” was available for purchase and signing.

december / january Advertiser INDEX

A-1 Kitchens by Sierra ....................................................Pg. 109

Access Allergy ..................................................................Pg. 47

Alfredo H. Arrellano .......................................................Pg. 108

Ana Square .......................................................................Pg. 99

Angel Oak Home Loans....................................................Pg. 83

Anotha Creative ...............................................................Pg. 57

Anson 11 ..........................................................................Pg. 35

Apricot Lane ...................................................................Pg. 117

Ary Mar ...........................................................................Pg. 105

Azul Med Spa ...................................................................Pg. 88

Ben Bridge ......................................................................Pg. 102

Borderland Bail Bonds ......................................................Pg. 14

Cafe Central ......................................................................Pg. 68

Casa Buena Vista Homes .............................................Pgs. 6-7

Cazzino .............................................................................Pg. 58

Center Real Estate............................................................Pg. 82

Contrology Barre...............................................................Pg. 89

Crave ..............................................................................Pg. 119

Delightful Creations by Kim ..............................................Pg. 95

Dependable Realty ...........................................................Pg. 57

Dr. Alozie ..................................................................Pgs. 70-71

Dr. Becerra ................................................................Pgs. 12-13

Dr. Al-Najjar .......................................................................Pg. 61

Eco Living Home Improvement ....................................Pgs. 2-3

Edge of Texas ...................................................................Pg. 44

Edward Jones .................................................................Pg. 113

El Paso Children’s Hospital ...............Pgs. 74; Inside back cover

El Paso Nutrition Consultants, LLC...................................Pg. 29

El Paso Rhinos ..................................................................Pg. 21

El Paso Trail Rides ............................................................Pg. 50

Envie Fitness ..................................................................Pg. 118

Epic Events & Entertainment ..........................................Pg. 43

Flowers by Liza .................................................................Pg. 68

GECU ................................................................................Pg. 75

Gentleman Boutique by GON .........................................Pg. 100

Glasheen, Valles and Indermann ......................................Pg. 90

Great American Steakhouse ...............................................Pg. 1

Hammer & Nails ...............................................................Pg. 28

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa ..........................Pg. 111

Hotel Paso Del Norte .............................................Pgs. 36; 117

Hotel Indigo ......................................................................Pg. 41

Hyundai of El Paso.....................................Pgs. 123; Back cover

In*situ Architecture ..........................................................Pg. 69

Icon Homes ......................................................................Pg. 24

Instreamatic ....................................................................Pg. 129

Italian Kitchen West ........................................................Pg. 123

Integrity Inspections .........................................................Pg. 84

Intraceuticals ..................................................................Pg. 104

It’s Time Credit Repair ......................................................Pg. 85

Jacqueline Durand ............................................................Pg. 69

december / january Advertiser INDEX

J-Dog’s..............................................................................Pg. 33

Juan A. Gonzalez ..............................................................Pg. 28

Lijuro Productions .............................................................Pg. 69

Magic Bistro .....................................................................Pg. 96

Mesa Street Bar and Grill .................................................Pg. 25

Minski, Inc. .......................................................................Pg. 15

Morra Mia .......................................................................Pg. 107

Mountain View High School .............................................Pg. 91

My Life Chiropractor ........................................................Pg. 78

Nicholas Reyes .................................................................Pg. 46

Palo Verde Homes ............................................................Pg. 77

Parkhill, Smith and Cooper ...............................................Pg. 80

Persian Rug Gallery ..........................................................Pg. 45

Poe Toyota .......................................................................Pg. 17

Poke Bar ...........................................................................Pg. 68

Premier Primary Care Clinic, LLC .....................................Pg. 56

Raiz Federal Credit Union .................................................Pg. 60

Rejuvene M.D...................................................................Pg. 44

Right Drive .................................................................Pgs. 86-87

Rudd Electric ....................................................................Pg. 51

Saratoga Homes ...............................................................Pg. 79

Southwest Plastic Surgery .......................................Pgs. 10-11

Sparkle Effects ................................................................Pg. 35

Sr. Healthcare ...................................................................Pg. 76

Sugar Skull Boutique ......................................................Pg. 101

Sun City Orthopaedics .....................................................Pg. 16

Stryker by Spectrum .........................................................Pg. 53

Tacos Don Cuco .........................................................Pgs. 92-93

T&L Leather ......................................................................Pg. 69

The Berkeley.............................................................Pgs. 19; 34

The City Magazine Ticketing ...........................................Pg. 103

The Manor at Ten Eleven ...............................................Pgs. 4-5

The Mix Salon and Spa ...................................................Pg. 52

The Outlet Shoppes of El Paso.........................................Pg. 59

The Shack Pizza ..............................................................Pg. 112

The Shack Wings ..............................................................Pg. 97

The Silo Bar ......................................................................Pg. 68

The State Line .................................................................Pg. 51

The Tap ...........................................................................Pg. 103

Tint World .........................................................................Pg. 37

Track One ........................................................................Pg. 94

Tropicana Homes ............................................................Pg. 122

Union Drafthouse .............................................................Pg. 98

VIP Design ........................................................................Pg. 29

Valeria Carlo ......................................................................Pg. 83

Vanities ............................................................................Pg. 40

Victoria Olivia Isais ............................................................Pg. 81

Vida CBD ..........................................................................Pg. 27

Walgreens ....................................................................Pgs. 8-9

West Texas Pain Institute ...............................Inside front cover

Zin Valle .........................................................................Pg. 130 104. 3 HIT FM...................................................................Pg. 55

Behavioral Specialists

Treats conditions related to pediatric mental and behavioral health

Brachial Plexus Clinic

Treats obstructed movement in the shoulders, arms and hands

Cardiology Clinic

Treats disorders of the heart and the blood vessels

C.A.R.E.S. Clinic

Provides medical services, emotional support, education and social work for the mistreatment of children

Cranial and Facial Clinic

and skull abnormalities

Cystic Fibrosis Clinic

Treats mucus caused problems in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs

Dermatology Clinic

Treats diseases and problems of the skin, hair, and nails ENT Clinic

EMPOWER Program

Provides personalized dietary plans for children with type 2 diabetes

Treats conditions that concern the ear, nose and throat

Spina Bifida Clinic

Treats spine and spinal cord birth defects

Vascular Malformation Clinic

Treats non-cancerous lesions

Zachary Bowling Pediatric Outpatient Diabetes Education Services

Provides personalized dietary plans for children with type 1 diabetes