Travel

A Victorian Legacy

Revel in the modern charm of Mackinac Island’s Island House Hotel. Article by Lynne Konstantin We love fall in Michigan — crisp air, a riot of colorful leaves and oh-so-many spots to take it all in. But September in Michigan — who knows what weather we’re in for. If you’re lucky, you might even squeeze in one last summer-weather weekend family getaway.  Either way, the Island House Hotel (theislandhouse.com) on Mackinac Island checks all of our boxes. The bustle of Main Street on the island...

Style + Beauty

In The Bag: Tatianna Merritt

The influencer gives us a peek at what matters most to her — and how she found purpose in the spotlight. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Aly Darin WHAT’S IN TATIANNA MERRITT’S BAG? 1 Studio Pointe Pilates Socks 2 Selora Sheer Nourishing Hair Oil 3 KIEHL’S Better Screen UV Serum 4 L’Occitane Shimmering Body Oil 5 The Tox Lymphatic Deodorant  6 Louis Vuitton Attrape-Rèves Perfume 7 The Lip Bar Botanical Lip Oil 8 Versed Brightening Eye Gel 9 Louis...

Style + Beauty

Luxe Life

Inside personal fashion concierge Merna Makdisi’s style secrets. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Mira Myroslava Kravets MERNA MAKDISI A Blonde Styling @ablondestyling; @mernamakdisi Shelby Twp. Merna Makdisi had already earned a degree in Criminal Justice, began a career as a paralegal, then returned to school for a master’s in Cybersecurity before she made an important realization. The 9-5 was not for her. So she pivoted and launched A Blonde Styling — a virtual and...

Style + Beauty

Makeup Made Easy

Pro Regina Pipia's guide to effortless beauty. Article by Lynne Konstantin REGINA PIPIA Beauty Therapist of Makeup Birmingham reginapipia@icloud.com “Makeup should be simple — it should only enhance your beauty and give you a great polished look.”   Like many girls, Regina Pipia started to become interested in makeup after graduating high school. Unlike others, she was serious about it. Her first real job was working in the cosmetics department at Henri Bendel in New York...

Arts + Culture

Driven By Design

The DIA’s Shelley Selim’s style-fueled curatorial journey. Article by Susan Thwing Shelley Selim is used to the long game. She’s spent years looking for the perfect coffee table: something functional but arresting, with an “interesting material” that doesn’t overwhelm the room. That kind of deliberate, discerning eye serves her well as the inaugural Mort Harris Curator of Automotive, Industrial and Decorative Design at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). It’s a post she’s held since January...

Arts + Culture

King of Cool

Celebrating a half century in the fashion business, style aficionado Mark Keller still reigns supreme in Birmingham with Iceland-designed MATTHILDUR. Article by Lynne Konstantin Mark Keller has been predicting the future of fashion for six decades, though he’ll correct you if you call him a trendsetter. “I don’t follow trends,” he says. “I identify what’s next.”  At 75, this “OG” of retail fashion in Birmingham continues to prove that being different isn’t just profitable — it’s prophetic. ...

Fitness

Glutes Reimagined: Sculpt and Strengthen with EMS

The Secret to Real Strength? Starts with Your GlutesLet's talk about real strength. Forget the mirror muscles for a second—the biceps, the abs, all the usual suspects. The true engine driving your body, the powerhouse behind almost every move you make, is your glutes. And most of us are totally ignoring them.Let’s be real, your glutes do way more than just fill out a pair of jeans. Think about it: they hold your pelvis steady, keep you standing tall, it gives you the power to move, and even...

Home + Design

The Path to Outdoor Living

Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Sally Matak THE DETAILS Home: Birmingham Landscaping: Mosher Design Co., Royal Oak Furniture: Witmer Design, Bloomfield Hills   Soft greenery dotted with lush and juicy hydrangea lines the pathway to this backyard oasis in Birmingham. Matt Mosher, owner of Mosher Design Co. in Royal Oak, transformed a once small space into a stunning retreat. Expansive yet inviting, clean and modern yet brimming with verdure, the space unites luxury with...

Education

Head of the Class

Meet this year’s stunning star students — graduating high school seniors who’ve excelled in athletics while earning top marks. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Brandon Folsom, Geoff Wickersham DANNY HOLT HIGH SCHOOL Brother Rice High School   AGE 18 CITY OF RESIDENCE Rochester COLLEGE ATTENDING IN THE FALL Vassar College, where he will play lacrosse SPORT Lacrosse ACCOLADES Academic: Brother Rice High School Valedictorian; Brother Rice Computer Science...

Life + Culture

Pet Paparazzi!

The results are in — our community loves our pets! Get to know some of our favorite furry friends, submitted by our readers. Article by Lynne Konstantin TEDDY HERMANN  So many adorable, charming, mischievous and cuddly bonus family members — we wish we could include them all. To help us choose, we brought in Birmingham City Lifestyle ’s Senior Cuddle Specialist, Teddy Hermann. P.S. He’s currently scheduling playdates with his new friends.   GORDIE PULTE MOM Lauren Pulte City ...