Style + Beauty

A Life, Styled

Mary Glenn McElveen shares the looks she loves—and the timeless style philosophy behind them Article and Photography by When it comes to style that feels both effortless and intentional, Mary Glenn McElveen has mastered the balance. As the founder of Styled by MG , the Birmingham-based tastemaker spends her days curating wardrobes, editing closets, and uncovering the kind of fashion finds that make clients feel transformed. Since launching her business in 2015, she’s cultivated a loyal...

Arts + Culture

Style on His Own Terms

Fine artist Madison Faile’s expressive, evolving style refuses to be boxed in Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr Madison Faile doesn’t sit around waiting for inspiration to strike. He laughs at the notion of a tortured muse or a dramatic flash of genius. For him, being an artist means working at it every day. “I’m a debilitating morning person,” he says. “I get up, and I go to the studio.” Some days at his studio—located in Forstall Art Center—are more productive than others...

Home + Design

The House Next Door

The story of a modern, meaningful redesign shaped by friendship, family, and a few serendipitous twists Article by Blair Moore | Photography by CRU Photography When Cameron and Whitt Steineker moved from New York to Birmingham as newlyweds, they bought a house just off Cherokee Road—with not much furniture of their own, but plenty of hope. Over the next eleven years, they raised two children, grew deep roots, and built a life that made it hard to imagine leaving.  Their home sat right beside...

Shopping

Curate Your Signature Look with Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers

Five must-have categories to build a personal jewelry wardrobe with intention and flair Article by Avani Patel The Layered Necklace Edit Layering adds instant polish. Mix gold tones, a floating diamond station, a centered pendant, and something playful like a charm or gemstone to create depth, interest, and everyday elegance. The Stackable Band Story Start with a classic base and build with texture, pattern, and color. Stackable rings are a playful way to express style, whether worn solo...

Arts + Culture

The Threads That Connect Us All

A celebration of slow fashion, shared values, and Southern roots that shape a global conversation Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Provided Born of needle and thread in Florence, Alabama, luxury label Alabama Chanin has become a global voice in slow fashion, handcraft, and sustainable design. Its influence may be far-reaching, but its identity is unwaveringly Southern. This fall, the brand’s local presence will grow more personal, with a new office opening above basic. , the downtown...

Life + Culture

Mildred: The Bird Who Bowed

A trial lawyer, a crow, and an unlikely friendship Article and Photography by Stephanie Emens Balzli It all started with a New Year’s resolution to walk every day. Yep, that’s a low bar, but it had to be something I couldn’t talk myself out of on a busy day. I’m a trial lawyer and practice with my husband, Chris, and we have two very active kids. I had been trying to find some kind of self-care outlet and a little fresh air in the morning was the most doable option. At first, it was just me...

Life + Culture

Passed Down, Cast Forward

A Birmingham guide, his grandfather, and the river that keeps giving Article by Blair Moore Before dawn on the river, the fog is so thick you can’t see the other side of the creek. Somewhere in the trees, a squirrel rustles. Birds trade early morning calls, and the Cahaba hums its slow, familiar song. “You just let the woods wake up around you,” says Will Hargery. “The birds start chirping, the squirrels start messing around, and then the water wakes up too.” That’s how it started for...

Life + Culture

Turn It Up

Birmingham’s youth rock scene is loud, live, and here to stay Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr When Ethan Brown was nine years old, he heard Eddie Van Halen’s Eruption , turned to his dad, and asked, “What is this?” That moment set his course, and he’s never looked back. “He’s known since day one that this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life,” says his mom, Meredith. “And he has not wavered since he was nine.” Now 16, Ethan is the frontman of Oxmoor, a rising...

Home + Design

Strawberries & Storybooks

Designed with timeless charm and everyday joy, this Birmingham bedroom balances sweetness and sophistication in a space where childhood memories are made—and pups are welcome. Article by Blaire Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr “Oh, darlin’, don’t you ever grow up. Don’t you ever grow up. Just stay this little.” —Taylor Swift Designing a picture-perfect bedroom for a little girl is one thing. But crafting a space as graceful as it is grounded in real childhood—that’s its own kind of magic.  ...

Life + Culture

Sit. Stay. Shop.

At these Birmingham businesses, the best customer service comes with four legs and a little attitude. Article by Blaire Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr They nap on antique rugs, greet you like kin, and keep a watchful eye on the UPS man. Some sprawl on cool tile. Others have a chair with their name on it. But all of them—every paw-shaking, tail-wagging one—know they’re the real reason folks stop by. Meet seven of Birmingham’s most beloved shop dogs. Lucy, The Cook Store Title: Mascot &...