The Inside Press

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Catching up with Tonya Tochner, owner, ROCKS

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Tonya Tochner

Publisher’s Note: The Inside Press asked Tonya Tochner to explain why she is opening a second location of ROCKS at Chappaqua Crossing–and why she believes customers will appreciate this new store in addition to her much beloved Armonk location.

“Opening up a modern home store was always a future vision for ROCKS. When the opportunity presented itself to open up in my own hometown and offer modern home gifts and jewelry, I could not resist. I was sold when I visited a friend who lives in Chappaqua Crossing and witnessed the beautiful property,” said Tochner.

Grand Opening

The Grand Opening date was offered at press time to the Inside Press and is in our print edition but it is waiting for confirmation, too. Tochner promises: “It is going to be great. We will have swag bags, massages, facials, raffles, etc. The first 25 customers will get a free piece of jewelry with their purchase!”

Follow news of ROCKS on Facebook and on Instagram.

A Fresh Take on Spring Fashion with Stile

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With candor, impeccable taste and a ready smile, Julie Root is adept at helping customers put the “I” in style. Nestled in the heart of Armonk’s Main Street, her shop, Stile, is a lifestyle boutique that offers “fun, delicious” items for everyone. Having opened only three years ago, the shop quickly found its niche in the Armonk fashion scene and cultivated a strong following. Describing Stile as a shop that has something for everyone, Root says, “My customers don’t just come to us for one thing. They come for the fabulous bags, chunky knits, beautiful candles and diffusers, wardrobe staples and trendy pieces. Everything we offer has a special twist and our inventory is ever-changing.”

Stile offers a dazzling array of swoon-worthy products including accessories, home goods, women’s apparel and J. Hillburn menswear. From the stunning Baobab diffuser to the one-of-a-kind Rolling Stones sweatshirt to the custom costume jewelry adorned with vintage Chanel buttons, the selection challenges clients to narrow down to just a few purchases. It’s no surprise that the boutique was the winner of the “Best of Westchester 2017” in the category of “Place to Find a Hostess Gift.” Stile specializes in exclusive, one-of-a-kind items and under the radar designers. Root says, “I have cultivated strong relationships in the industry over the past decades that provide me with access to items that no one else has–our lines are hard to get. You simply won’t find many of them on Amazon or in the major department stores.”

The fashion veteran is excited about spring as the new season’s inventory begins arriving. Here’s the forecast as Root sees it:

Pinks & Patterns

Root predicts that a specific color scheme will take over spring wardrobes, saying, “There will be a lot of color. I expect hues of pink like blush, coral and rose to be huge. We are also seeing patterns like camo, animal print and florals injected into designs. Take part of the trends by adding it in pops with a soft sweater, yummy wrap or a fun handbag.”

Luxurious Materials

“Luxury is back,” Root proclaims, adding, “Materials like cashmere, lace, fur, silk, velvet and leather are so in. Layer a little shearling vest or a lace cami into your outfit to infuse this trend.”

The Feminine Persuasion

Femininity will influence the spring looks. Dresses will be big, but the good news is that every length is acceptable. She says, “It’s high/low with maxis, midis and minis–anything goes this season! We’re also seeing designers do fun things with sleeves–big sleeves, off-the-shoulder, one shoulder, cut-outs, etc. And, don’t forget those cute rompers, which are still having their moment!”

Bag Lady

As Root talks about handbags, she becomes animated, saying, “I am bag-obsessed. There are so many fun bags coming to Stile this spring! I do a lot of smaller brands made in NY and California. We’re doing metallic, fringes, bouclé that’s reminiscent of Chanel, fur accents, sumptuous Italian leather and more. And, there are so many options from knapsacks to cross-body to clutches. The cross-body iPhone cases are so functional and popular right now!”

Denim

Denim continues to have its moment in the sunshine. Stile features an assortment of all styles at all price points including pull-on bell bottoms, striping up the sides and uneven rough-hewn hemlines.

Custom Creations

Stile truly thrives in the one-of-a-kind arena. As Root says, “Everyone wants what no one else has. I offer denim jackets with custom messaging and embellishments, the cutest, fun rock-n-roll t-shirts and unique vintage and custom jewelry.  Shirts with messages of female empowerment are huge–I have them specially made for the store.” Sweatpants, sweatshirts and tees can also be customized according to personal tastes, featuring specific colleges, sports teams and favorite branded logos like Louis Vuitton or Chanel.

Regardless of trends and evolving fashions, there is one constant at Stile. High-end customer service is paramount as Root says, “I know what my customers are looking for and I always provide approachable, honest feedback with a smile. I will tell you if that dress looks awful and the pants don’t fit. I’d rather have the customer return because they love what they bought than buy something they regret and not return to us. And, I have the most wonderful style team who each share the same sensibilities and have their own loyal base of clients. It’s that personal touch that makes shopping local such a joyful experience. It’s something that internet shopping can never replicate.”

Innovation Takes on a New Light

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In July 2018, Amy Barone brought a new, innovative health and skincare clinic to Chappaqua when she opened Red Light Life. With Red Light Life, Barone is introducing Red Light Therapy to help people treat acne, reduce inflammations, rejuvenate skin, and manage chronic joint pain, musculoskeletal and arthritic pain.

“Our bodies crave sunlight,” says Barone. “Red light therapy provides the deepest penetrating red and near infrared wavelengths to give people all of the benefits of sunlight without any UVA and UVB damage.” A licensed esthetician, Barone opened her clinic after working for manufacturers and venture capital groups involved with the development of skin, wound, and oral care. She spent a year researching manufacturers and equipment and studying the science and proper power levels to achieve the best results with red light and she uses only FDA approved, medical-grade quality LED systems.

Barone implements painless, natural treatments using red and near infrared lights. “They are actually good for your entire body at the location of the treatment and systematically by traveling through our blood all over without side effects. Red light feels good to receive as it’s warm and comforting, never burning,” says Barone.

Red Light therapy is designed to help people look and feel younger. It has been proven to help people with everything from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Lyme Disease to tighten flaccid skin on the stomach, arms and neck from aging and pregnancy to reducing pigmentation from sun and age spot and scarring from acne.

“My eighth-grade son was having typical acne breakouts, so I brought him into Red Light Life,” says local Chappaqua resident, Laura Tainsky. “After two short treatments, we saw a notable difference.” Tainsky appreciates that Red Light Life is local and convenient. Seeing positive results for her son, Tainsky went in for a treatment to ameliorate foot pain. She was amazed at the results. “I definitely felt relief afterwards. And they are not putting chemicals on your face or into your body.”

Barone uses only pure, cruelty-free skincare products at her clinic. Everything is high quality medical grade and the ingredients are formulated to produce powerful results with no artificial dyes, fragrances, parabens and sodium lauryl sulfates. Her goals are to heal, protect, and ultimately transform skin. Moreover, none of her products are tested on animals.

Barone is constantly uncovering new, innovative treatments to help the community. Red Light Life now offers a series of six neck treatments to tighten the skin and reduce the “double chin effect.” She is also offering abdomen tightening treatments that can be done in conjunction with facials. And, she is planning to offer “Smoking Cessation” using red light in a low-level laser pen to mimic the effects of acupuncture with a painless treatment. Barone notes, “I’m hoping that young people, who have become addicted to vaping, will recognize the dangers of vaping and actively end their addiction in one to three sessions.” She also intends to develop an online retail store, selling innovative red-light therapy devices for home use.

Ultimately, Barone’s “mission” is to make red-light therapy a go to health solution for our community. She hopes everyone can acclimate to these new treatments and leave Red Light Life feeling rejuvenated, younger, and healthier.

Red Light Life

(located at the Chappaqua Wellness Center)

400 King Street, Suite 4

(914) 494-9009

redlightlife.com

Publisher’s Note: Opinions and information presented in all Inside Press articles, particularly in the arena of health and medicine, reflect the experiences, expertise and/or views of the author or those interviewed. Please consult your own doctor or health care professional for diagnosis and/or treatment.

March Boutique: A Local Gem with On-Trend Clothing for Fashionistas

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Nestled into a corner of downtown Briarcliff Manor’s main thoroughfare, Pleasantville Road, March Boutique offers Westchester fashionistas on-trend apparel and accessories. Whether you are looking to mimic the styles of a model on a Milan runway or looking for a more casual Instagram-worthy outfit, this jewel-sized boutique should be on your radar.

Lynn Puro, the owner and a Briarcliff Manor resident opened the store twelve years ago. Her exquisite taste and style is evident as soon as you step into the store. Puro scouts fashion showrooms in New York, Paris, Milan and Los Angeles and carries lines that you may not be familiar with such as Bailey 44 and Fifteen Twenty plus well-known and beloved labels like Nicole Miller and Joseph Ribkoff.

Everything But the Shoes

Saturday is the store’s busiest day as many customers come in needing something to wear that evening. “We get a lot of last-minute requests and we love helping clients choose an outfit and accessories such as handbags and jewelry. We offer everything but the shoes.” Puro strives to offer many options for customers at different price points.

“Fit is everything” is Puro’s cardinal fashion rule. To that end, she always tries on every product in her store when visiting showrooms. She brings an additional employee to showrooms as well with a different figure to see how the clothing fits before deciding to sell it in her boutique.

On a recent visit, I had fun perusing the racks and checking out spring trends. The store reminded me of a trendy Soho boutique with exposed brick and a copper tin ceiling. Everything was thoughtfully displayed and photos of Puro’s fashion icon Audrey Hepburn adorn the walls.

As a petite person, I’ve been wondering how to embrace the wide-legged pants trend seen all over the spring fashion magazines. “Not to worry,” advises Puro and she pulls out a wide-legged jean made by Just Black Denim which I try on and lo and behold, it actually looks good. Puro and all her employees have a strong sense of style and can immediately size up your silhouette and provide ideas of items to try on. I wonder what shoes to wear with the jeans and Puro offers suggestions. “The number one question we get from customers, is what shoes should I wear with an outfit?”

Next up, I want to try on a floral dress as the fashion magazines are saturated with them for spring. On a small frame, prints can look overwhelming but Puro knows what patterns will work with my figure. The kelly green floral wrap dress by Cupcakes & Cashmere is a winner and best of all, it is not like the dozens of black dresses I have hanging in my closet. With graduations and baby showers on the horizon, I am all sorted with this little number.

Snapworthy Spring Trends

I want to know what other spring trends are blooming and Puro is at the ready with several sartorial suggestions. Flower prints and pastel colors are popular. She also carries several leopard print items.  Leopard print is big this spring but if you don’t want a full outfit with it, the store has leopard print hats, scarves and bags. Other trends include cropped and slightly flared jeans or pants and any item in blue. “Blue is the new black this season,” proclaims Puro.

“Fashion should also be fun,” attests Puro. She holds several themed events to coincide with popular television shows that have stylish costumes such as “Downton Abbey” and “Mad Men”.

Mrs. Maisel Trunk Show: April 27

This spring she will hold a “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” trunk show event on Saturday, April 27th from noon – 5 p.m. The event will pay homage to the style icon played by actress Rachel Brosnahan featuring retro-inspired clothing from Nanette Lepore and Fifteen Twenty. Champagne and snacks will be available and Puro will also be giving out cat eye sunglasses as a gift for customers who make a purchase.

As Puro wraps up my items (I also purchase a Nicole Miller dress for an upcoming Bar Mitzvah on my visit on the sale rack no less), I notice the lovely tissue paper decorated with delicate dragonflies. It’s no surprise that before opening March, Puro worked in beauty for Estee Lauder. Confidence breeds beauty was one of Lauder’s favorite sayings and as I walk out the door with my fashion-forward items, I feel like a million bucks and can’t wait to wear my new dresses this spring.

March Boutique

1207 Pleasantville Rd

Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

Phone: (914) 923-2100

Marchboutique.com

 

Making a Move to the Big Apple? A Check List

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1. Some 18 months before your anticipated move, interview and choose your selling agent. He or she will be able to advise you on the value of your home in your market, suggest the best selling season and keep you apprised if and when changes occur. They’ll also make recommendations on putting your home in its best possible selling condition: pointing out where a coat of paint or a landscape refresh will punch up the curb appeal, or caution against spending renovation money you won’t recoup on your sale.

2. Research estate and/or tag sale managers. Depending on your style and the age and quality of your furniture, art objects, musical instruments, even cars, you may want to sell the things you can before you start tossing, recycling and donating. You’ll want several vendors to come to your home, appraise your items and give you an idea of their own style and record of success, how they would manage your sale, and an estimate of your net. Be sure to get a list of references and check them!   

3. Throw it out! No way are you taking all that suburban stuff with you. In all likelihood your place will be smaller and you just won’t have the storage. Be ruthless and if possible, start a year ahead of your move, throw it out, recycle it, give it away. When the moving van comes, you’ll be glad you did.  

4. Check out the neighborhoods you think you might like. Visit open houses to get a feel for what’s available in your price range, and stop in at stores and restaurants at different times of day, on different days of the week, and even in different seasons. The block you thought was sleepy and serene on an August Sunday afternoon could be hopping with tourists, skateboards or baby strollers on the Tuesday after Labor Day. Consider renting for a while if you’re not absolutely sure.

5. Assemble your buying team. Assuming you are buying, you will want to identify your buyer’s agent early for the same reason you choose your seller’s agent early. A good professional will want to get to know you–not just your wish-list, but who you are, how you will live, work and have fun in your new environment. That takes time…and a lot of questions.

The buying team should also provide you with market updates and info you really can’t easily find anywhere else–like tips on passing your coop board application, or which condos might be offering unadvertised discounts. In addition to decorators, contractors, movers and painters, they should also recommend other members of your team – lenders and, most important, attorneys.

Keep in mind: 90% of owned real estate in New York is cooperative and there is nothing more complicated and fraught with potential pitfalls than a coop purchase. Choosing a top notch real estate professional team–responsive, responsible and knowledgeable selling and buying agents; an eager and honest lender; and a savvy, diligent and cautious attorney–will have the greatest impact on making this move to a new home and a new chapter in your life stress-free, exciting and tremendously satisfying.

Robin Roy was a 12-year resident of Chappaqua. She now lives in midtown Manhattan and is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with The Corcoran Group.