Beauty

Luxury Within Reach

Article by Lauren Powers | Photography by Janie Jones   A designer handbag is more than an accessory—it's a statement piece, an investment, and often the finishing touch that brings an outfit together. At Clothes Mentor Lee's Summit, shoppers can discover luxury handbags from some of fashion's most recognizable brands without paying luxury retail prices. From Louis Vuitton and Gucci to Burberry, Versace, MCM and more, the store's collection is constantly changing as new pieces arrive...

Life + Culture

More Than a Gift

How generous donors and sponsors are helping Summit Christian Academy shape lives, strengthen families, and invest in the next generation. Article by Lauren Powers | Photography by Janie Jones Behind every classroom, scholarship, athletic field, and student success story at Summit Christian Academy is a community of people quietly investing in something much bigger than a school, they're investing in lives. For Summit Christian Academy, donors and sponsors aren't simply financial supporters...

Home + Design

Wallpaper Is Back, and It's Better Than Ever

Article by Jamie Meek | Photography by Provided There was a time when wallpaper felt like a relic, something you'd find peeling in an old dining room and immediately plan to remove. That era is over. Wallpaper has made a striking comeback, and at Jami Meek Designs, it has become one of our favorite tools for giving a space real character and depth. What changed? For one, the quality. Today's wallpapers are richer, more textured, and far more durable than what previous generations worked with...

Food + Beverage

The Lavender Martini

from Marina 27 Photography by Janie Jones   Ingredients 2 oz gin 1½ oz lavender craft cocktail syrup ¾ oz fresh lemon juice ¼ oz simple syrup Fresh lavender sprig, for garnish Directions Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lavender craft cocktail syrup, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a fresh lavender sprig. Serve immediately. Optional tip:  For an elegant presentation...

Shopping

A Little Something for Everyone

at Lilac An Outfit Bar Photography by Janie Jones Tucked into the heart of downtown Lee’s Summit, Lilac, An Outfit Bar is a small boutique with a big personality. At just 400 square feet, the shop is thoughtfully filled with women’s clothing, accessories, gifts and home fragrance, with new arrivals coming in regularly. Step inside and you can expect more than a quick shopping trip. The three owners take a personal approach to helping customers find pieces they’ll actually love wearing. Whether...

Entertainment

Around Town

Article and Photography by Events are subject to change. Please check websites for up to date information on all events.  Kansas City Irish Fest September 4-6 | Friday 5-11 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Crown Center, Kansas City Three days of Irish music, dance, food, cultural activities and family entertainment. The 2026 lineup includes Gaelic Storm, Scythian, The Elders and more. For more information visit https://www.kcirishfest.com/ Lee’s Summit Music & Arts...

Home + Design

Honoring the Past, Designing for Today

How a historic bedroom found new life through the imaginative design legacy of Henry Davis Sleeper. Photography by Provided When Haley O'Neill of Haley O'Neill Home began reimagining the bedroom in her 115-year-old home, she could have approached its quirks as problems to solve. Instead, she saw them as part of the room’s story. Two tiny, almost child-sized closet doors tucked into the dormers and a small window that doesn’t quite align with the others might have been architectural...

Finance + Legal Services

Saving for Retirement: Are You Guessing or Planning?

Article and Photography by Let’s say you dream of spending your retirement mornings on a warm beach, coffee in hand, waves rolling in. To get there, you had a simple plan: save $1 million and buy the beach house you always wanted. But when retirement arrives, reality hits. After accounting for keeping your current home, everyday expenses and health care, $1 million doesn't stretch as far as you thought, and the beach house remains a dream. The problem wasn't your discipline – it was that your...

Entertainment

The Sound of Community

Inside the Lee's Summit Symphony Article by Jamie Segall | Photography by Janie Jones For nearly 25 years, the Lee's Summit Symphony has been bringing people together through live music. What began as a community orchestra has grown into one of the city's signature cultural organizations, drawing sold-out audiences, showcasing exceptional musicians and creating opportunities for local students. As the Symphony prepares for another exciting season, Executive Director Karen Schuler, Music...

Home + Design

Luxury Doesn’t Have to Be Untouchable

How Thoughtful Design Creates Beautiful Spaces for Kids, Pets, and Family Life Article by Jami Meek | Photography by Mathew Anderson Luxury has long been associated with perfection, immaculate fabrics, pristine surfaces, and rooms that feel more like showpieces than spaces meant to be lived in. However, the most beautiful homes aren’t the ones that remain untouched. They’re the homes where children can be children, pets nap in sunlit corners, and families gather to create memories together...