Life + Culture

Ivy Harrington

Miss New Jersey USA 2025 shows it’s never too late to shine. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Jessielyn Palumbo, Carlos Velez, Anthony M. Gomes When Ivy Harrington was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2025, she didn’t just claim a title—she affirmed a journey. At 30 years old, Harrington made history as the oldest titleholder the state has ever crowned, and with it, she’s redefining the narrative around beauty, purpose, and perseverance. But for Harrington, the victory is just one...

Local Services

Designing the Dance of Joy

A Young Man’s Journey from Crayon to Couture Article by Hilary Russo | Photography by Elif Hajaluga At 26 years old, Michael Sun speaks through color and creativity. A local young man with Down syndrome, his quiet spirit shines in vibrant crayon strokes and elaborate sketches — especially of gowns. His drawings reflect an imagination full of elegance and joy. One of those sketches is now more than art. It’s a symbol of healing, resilience and the power of community. In 2020, the COVID-19...

Shopping

Yes, You Can Wear White After Labor Day

Breaking the Rules and Looking Good Doing It: A Guide to Wearing White in Fall and Winter Article by Nick Hall | Photography by Suit Supply, Abercrombie, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Reiss Despite what you may have heard—or what some sartorial traditionalists may try to convince you—it is not illegal to wear white after Labor Day. While many people, especially in coastal towns, still cling to this old-school rule, the truth is: it's outdated and doesn't reflect modern fashion sensibilities. ...

Food + Beverage

Garden State Glam

A signature cocktail for our September Style Issue Article and Photography by New Jersey City Lifestyle Refined, layered, and unmistakably New Jersey in its elegance and edge. Concept: Inspired by the rich tapestry of New Jersey's landscapes — from the coastal charm of the Jersey Shore to the sophistication of Bergen and the historic charm of Hunterdon County — this cocktail captures the essence of early fall in the Garden State. It's a drink that marries tradition with modern flair...

Home + Design

Windows With Style

Inside Sonie Skogerson’s Design World Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Natasha Chiaviello For over a decade, Sonie Skogerson crisscrossed North America and the globe for some of the biggest names in luxury sportswear. A graduate of Parsons School of Design who studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the London College of Fashion, she was living her dream. But when she started having kids, Skogerson’s priorities changed. “I realized I couldn’t be on a plane flying to...

Style + Beauty

Style, Reimagined

How Lauren Matina Is Redefining Personal Styling for the Modern Woman Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Johan Santos After years in the world of glossy campaigns and editorial shoots, Lauren Matina added a new dimension to her business—bringing her expertise to real women. Through her business, Novateur Style, Matina is helping women across Bergen County and New York City reconnect with themselves through fashion. Whether it’s rediscovering personal style after becoming a mother...

Life + Culture

Strike a Paw-s!

A Star-Studded Casting Call Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by New Jersey City Lifestyle We came. We saw. We wagged! A huge thank-you to everyone who came out to our Northern Highlands   2025 Cover Model Casting Call —and especially to all the fabulous pups who showed up ready for their close-up. The energy, joy, and community spirit on display made this one of our most memorable events yet. This year’s casting call exceeded expectations! With so many adorable, camera-ready...

Life + Culture

Meet Lucy

Northern Highlands’ 2025 Doggy Cover Contest Star Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Stephanie Blum There are dogs who brighten your day—and then there’s Lucy, the 9-year-old Staffordshire Labrador mix who captured our hearts and earned her spot as the winner of our 2025 Northern Highlands Doggy Cover Contest. With her soulful eyes, love for adventure, and sweet, camera-ready face, Lucy is everything we were looking for in a cover model—and so much more. Lucy lives in Bergen County...

Health + Wellness

Holistic Pet Care

Simplicity Is Key Article by Allison Lim Meet Karl and Katrina, joint owners of Wholistic Paws, a one-stop-holistic-pet-shop with storefronts in Ramsey and Ridgewood. On any given day, pet families meander into the shop—with or without their furry friends—to restock their favorite pet foods, treats, and supplements, or simply to ask a question (or two, or three). It turns out that after 15 years of providing counsel, both Karl and Katrina really know their stuff.  Does your dog or cat suffer...

Food + Beverage

Peanut Butter Oat Balls

A Wholesome Snack for Pups and Their Tiny Humans Article by Jane Alzate At Graze Craze of Wyckoff, we absolutely love creating experiences that bring families and their furry companions together. One of our favorite moments during your recent event was seeing kids and pups nibbling happily side by side—whether it was fresh fruits and veggies or our crowd-favorite  peanut butter oat ball treats . These oat balls are not only quick and easy to make, but they’re also wholesome enough for kids ...