WM STYLE West Michigan STYLE Magazine
Jane of Steel
FASHION STYLIST AND CANCER SURVIVOR JANE BOYLES MEILNER
LOOK GREAT AT ANY AGE
FASHION TIPS FOR EVERY AGE
UNIQUE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
Winter 2013/2014 westmichiganstyle.com
Contributors | Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is internationally known for its distinguished design and LEED Gold certified status. It offers collections ranging from Renaissance to Modern Art and special collections on 19th and 20th-century European and American art. www.artmuseumgr.org
Winter 2013/2014 Lee & Birch
Lee & Birch is a fashion boutique based in West Michigan, featuring a collection of modern and classic styles for both men and women. www.leeandbirch.com
Kelly Braman Photography
Kelly Braman Photography’s unique, vintage-modern style has quickly made her one of Grand Rapids’ most desired wedding photographers. Though primarily commissioned as a Grand Rapids wedding photographer, her experience and unique style have led to work throughout the state and beyond working with stylish families and many commercial/magazine shoots. www.kellybramanphotography.com
The Rouge Salon St. Cecilia Music Center
St. Cecilia Music Center is the only organization of its kind in West Michigan. It was established in 1883 as St. Cecilia Society by nine Grand Rapids women determined to “promote the study and appreciation of music in all its branches.” It’s also named for the legendary patron saint of music. www.scmc-online.org
The Rouge Salon and Spa of Allendale is West Michigan’s superior hair-styling & hair-care specialist—perfect for the styleconscious mom, dad, daughter and son. www.therougesalon.com
David Chandler Photography David Chandler is a professional photographer based in Grand Rapids. He is results-driven and passionate about delivering creative, original and timeless photography to his clients. www.davidchandlerphoto.com
Hossler Creative
dpb communications
Writer and content strategist Dawn Pick Benson specializes in helping companies and organizations effectively tell their stories across print and digital platforms. dpb communications provides content strategy and marketing services for local and national brands. www.dawnpickbenson.com
An award-winning content, design and production company that provides creative services for multi-platform web or print campaigns, publications, television commercials, short films and photo shoots. www.hosslercreative.com
West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 1
From
DeVries
We’re so excited to bring you what we believe is one of our best issues yet! Take a look—we’d love to know what you think. We always welcome your feedback and creative ideas for showcasing local style and fashion in West Michigan.
PUBLISHER DeVries Jewelers
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dawn Pick Benson, dpb communications
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jim Hossler, Hossler Creative
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
In this issue, our focus is on generations. So we thought it would be fun to invite West Michigan residents who represent a variety of ages to take part in our “generations” photo shoot. Our goal was to show that we all can look great—at any age. In this photo essay, you’ll find the amazing results, along with some great tips from Nikki Gillette, owner of Lee & Birch, regarding what to wear during each stage of life. We hope you’ll find this article practical and fun! We’re also honored to bring you the inspirational story of local wardrobe stylist and breast cancer survivor Jane Meilner. You’ll learn how her family has been an integral support system for her, and you’ll meet her mom, Janet, and daughter, Katherine, as they model some of the newest items in the Carlisle Collection. We hope you’re as moved as we are by Jane’s story and her incredible determination to overcome an unexpected cancer diagnosis.
Brent Rudin
West Michigan Style magazine is dedicated to showcasing West Michigan businesses and utilizing local talent. Video and photography for this issue’s feature stories was shot on location at The Grand Rapids Art Museum and St. Cecilia’s Music Center in Grand Rapids. View our behind-the-scenes video and additional photos on our Facebook page
As we look forward to the holiday season, we also know holiday parties and gift giving are on everyone’s mind. So in Ideas, we’re showcasing items from stores around West Michigan that we think make the perfect holiday party or hostess gifts. In Wish List, you’ll find suggestions for the fashionista in your life. We hope you’ll find this issue to be full of creative inspiration as you move into the holiday and winter season. May this time of the year be full of joy and many happy memories for you, your friends and your family. Blessings from our family to yours,
Dan and Dave DeVries 2 | West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers
WM STYLE
Winter 2013/2014
CONTENTS 4
Trends What’s hot this holiday season?
5
Ideas Unique holiday party & hostess gifts.
6
Look Great at Any Age Fashion ideas and tips for looking great at every age.
12
Jane Boyles Meilner Fashion Stylist Jane Boyles Meilner shares how determination and attitude helped her build a career—and battle cancer.
19
Wish List Gifts for the fashionista on your list.
20
Ashley Cole Owner, Ashley Cole Design See Ashley on page 9
Ask the Jeweler Tips for keeping your jewelry looking great.
www.levycreations.com
facebook.com/WMStyleMagazine WestMichiganStyle.com
West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 3
Trends | What’s hot this holiday season.
Sparkle & Shine All Jewelry from DeVries.
Sterling Silver Infinity Pendant Ostbye
Holiday Charms Chamilia
Ostbye
Royal Enamel Bracelet Belle Étoile
Kinetic Core Watch Seiko
Domino Collection Ceramic Bracelet Roberto Demeglio
4 | West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers
Sideways Cross Ring
Unique gifts for your celebration.
| Ideas
Holiday Party Gifts Yin-n-Yang Add a touch of flavor to your holiday table with a sampler of the finest oils and vinegars. Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars — Holland
Two Loves Combine exquisite wine with artisan Norman Love Chocolates to create the perfectly paired gift. Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant — Buchanan
Sweet Fruits of Labor Choose from a variety of Michigan preserves, including cherry blueberry, Red Haven peach, sour cherry, Leelanau apricot and triple berry. American Spoon — Saugatuck
Fireside Bubbly This growing gourmet trend combines all of Michigan’s goodness to create two palettepleasing ciders: apple blueberry and totally roasted (cinnamon roasted pecans bring out the vanilla, cinnamon and nuttiness). VanderMill Ciders — Spring Lake
Slice of Style This Laguiole cheese knife set is ideal for your stylish, yet practical friends and family members. Anthropologie.com
Say Cheese No matter the occasion, gourmet cheese is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Art of the Table — Grand Rapids
Salt of the Table Himalayan pink salt bricks are harvested deep within the Himalayan mountain range and considered to be the purest salt in the world. Serve thinly sliced apples and cheese on a cool brick for an infusion of delicate saltiness, or heat on a stovetop to sear thin strips of flank steak or shrimp. The Ideal Kitchen — Manistee
Personalized Elegance These homegrown monogram mugs make a simply elegant hostess gift or party favor. Anthropologie.com
West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 5
Words - Dawn Pick Benson | Photography - Kelly Braman
Look great at any age.
6 | West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers
Emily Richett ponte dress $98 Bobi
Styling - The Rouge Salon & Spa Style Advice - Lee & Birch Location - St. Cecilia Music Center Wardrobe - Lee & Birch and Gazelle Sports West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 7
20s
Fashion-Forward What to Wear This is the ideal time for experimenting with fashion that shows off your unique style and personality. By picking the right items, you can create a fun, yet sophisticated look.
Go-To Fashion Item
Emily Richett
Dresses. “You’ll look great in minutes, and you’ll be comfortable and confident all day long,” says Emily.
Owner, Richett Media
This Look
Combining a patterned top with a leather jacket offers a bit of an edge, and distressed denim with camelcolored platform heels completes this fashion-forward look.
sabi leather biker jacket, $498 Muubaa penny top, $104 Weston Wear nico skinny jeans, $180 Hudson
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30s
Smart & Stylish
What to Wear
You can easily continue wearing trend pieces, but consider kicking it up a notch by choosing quality staples to incorporate into your wardrobe. For those with body concerns, Nikki Gillette, owner of Lee & Birch, suggests looking for tops with rouching so you’ll look great and feel comfortable no matter what you’re wearing.
Ashley Cole Owner, Ashley Cole Design
Go-To Fashion Item
A classic, fitted black blazer. “It instantly pulls together any outfit— whether casual with a T-shirt and jeans or as an extra layer to a dress or tailored pants,” says Ashley.
This Look
Brocade fashion is everywhere this fall, and Ashley’s dress is paired with a faux leather jacket—perfect for cooler evenings. Accessorizing with a cocktail ring adds a finishing touch. vegan leather drape jacket, $79 Olive & Oak baroque knit dress, $174 Twenty pendant Frederic Sage (at DeVries)
West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 9
40s
Classic Comfortable What to Wear
Now is the time to get rid of those fast-fashion items of your 20s and reach for a more classic look that still incorporates your favorite trends. Continue adding quality staples to your wardrobe, and show off your personality by accessorizing with statement pieces, such as a nice watch or other favorite items.
Go-To Fashion Item
Anything that fits well and feels good. “When I find something I like, I want to wear it often,” says Ken.
This Look
A plaid flannel shirt and corduroy pants are the perfect combination for the fall/winter season—and they’ll serve as great staples in any man’s wardrobe. Choosing enduring colors and items that fit well for size and length are key. shirt, $79 Patagonia corduroy pants, $89 Patagonia calobra watch Oris (at DeVries)
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Ken Sung Owner, Gazelle Sports & Terra GR
50s
Classy & Sassy What to Wear
The key to looking great is all about choosing classic pieces that flatter and accentuate your assets. Structured jackets and skirts with print or leather detailing are good choices. And don’t be afraid to show your body, says Gillette, especially if it’s in great shape. Her advice? When showing skin, choose either the legs or arms, but not both.
Go-To Fashion Item
A variety of nice coats. “With a great coat, you’ll always look like you’re pulled together,” says Terry.
This Look
Terry’s peplum top highlights her trim waistline, and this pair of coated denim jeans is on-trend this season, creating a classic, yet sassy look. Animal-print heels add personality.
Katherine peplum blouse, $97 Katherine Barclay verdugo ultra skinny pants, $219 Paige Denim mixed pearl necklace Imperial Pearl (at DeVries)
Terry Stelter Executive Director, Conductive Learning Center
West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 11
Jane of Steel
determination and a positive attitude has helped Jane Boyles Meilner build a career—and battle cancer. How
Words - Dawn Pick Benson | Photography - David Chandler Styling - The Rouge Salon & Spa | Wardrobe - Carlisle Collection Location - Grand Rapids Art Museum
12 | West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers
Jane (left)
chantilly jacket, $575 tempest pants, $295
Janet (middle)
bijou knit tunic, $445 tempest pants, $295
Katherine (right)
per nocturne jacket, $565 sohoblk pants, $295
3 Generations of Boyles/Meilner women.
When you first meet Jane Boyles Meilner, you can’t help but be taken with her energy and warmth. She moves and speaks with the same focused determination with which she built a successful business, raised a family with her husband John and even faced—and defeated—breast cancer. WM Style recently sat down with Jane in her East Grand Rapids home to learn more about her story and her work in the community she loves.
icewhite jacket, $645 sohobtr pants, $295
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R
aising a Family & Building a Business After spending several years away from Grand Rapids in her 20s while attending college, Jane returned with her husband to raise their family in the hometown she adores. “It really was a quality of life move,” says Jane, who couldn’t be happier with their decision to make West Michigan home again. But as their family grew, Jane began to desire a career that would also allow her to keep a flexible schedule. So when presented with an opportunity to work as a wardrobe consultant with the Carlisle Collection, a high-end, New York-based clothing line, she knew it was a perfect fit. “It was great timing for me,” says Jane. “Our son, Jack, had just started school, so this offered the flexibility to spend time with my children, as well as build a career.” The Carlisle Collection, according to Jane, features items such as couture dresses, suits, separates and accessories with a sense of classic style that’s modern, yet appropriate for any professional or social occasion. “Classic elegance with a modern twist,” she explains. As a wardrobe consultant for the past 13 years, Jane uses her knowledge of fashion and wardrobe-building skills to help each client achieve a look that suits her style and personality. Every year Carlisle’s design team creates four new collections—spring, summer, fall and holiday—available exclusively through appointmentonly trunk shows. “I can’t think of a better job than working with accomplished women and beautiful clothes,” says Jane, whose biggest thrill is helping someone find the right piece of clothing for the right occasion. And because she books individual appointments during her trunk shows, she is able to focus her time and attention on helping each client choose the perfect items to complement her figure and wardrobe. Jane is also a firm believer that when a person feels that they look good, they are often more confident. “And when a person feels confident,” says Jane, “they do everything better and are kinder to others. I really think the best beauty secret is confidence. And a smile, of course!”
dulce suede dress, $895 coffee turtleneck, $235
[Above] Jane’s mom, Janet, spent many years working as a nurse and professor at the Butterworth School of Nursing. Daughter Katherine is following in her grandmother’s footsteps and plans to begin DePaul University’s Master of Nursing Program in January.
ardor knit top, $425
West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 15
Confronting Cancer In 2011, Jane’s career took a back seat when she was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. With no family history of breast cancer, the diagnosis was a shock to Jane and her family. But she chose to face the disease with determination and a fierce resolve. First, she sought a second opinion. “When I went to Ann Arbor for a second opinion, the doctors were blown away that the Grand Rapids medical team had caught it,” says Jane. “I’ve been so impressed by the medical community in West Michigan.” Next, Jane set out to read all that she could on the subject. “You have to be your own advocate,” she says. “Be proactive. Research and ask questions. Talk to people who have had the same diagnosis. There’s no ‘one’ way to treat breast cancer. You really have to do your research and know the questions that you want to ask so you can determine the best course of action for yourself.” Throughout the process, Jane was determined not to let cancer own or define her. “I said, ‘I’m going to lick this; it’s not going to get the best of me.’ I approached it as my job because I felt I owed it to my family to do everything I could to beat it. I also wanted to set an example for my children, to show them that attitude really means a lot. I always tell them that their attitude is the one thing they can determine.” Jane is quick to acknowledge that her family, as well as a core group of friends, became an important support system for her. “I will forever be grateful for my ‘A’ team. I am so lucky,” she says. After much thought and research, Jane chose to have a double mastectomy and recently finished the last step in
16 | West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers
her reconstructive surgery. Because of Jane’s experience, she says she gets phone calls every couple of months from other women facing breast cancer. “It’s so important to be educated and to learn from others’ experiences,” she says. Giving Back Jane has always had a desire to give back to the community she loves—something for which she credits her parents, John and Janet Boyles, who led by example through their years of service to the community. As a result, when Jane’s children were in school, she served on the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation Board, as PTA president and on the Junior League Board. “Volunteering has enriched my life,” says Jane. “I really believe that if everyone just gave a little, the world would be a better place.” Jane continues to turn that philosophy into action by taking time to share her experiences with other women facing breast cancer. She also currently serves as vice president of the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s Board of Trustees, and next year she will become board president. “I love being downtown. Grand Rapids is such a vibrant city,” says Jane. “I’ve had the privilege of developing wonderful relationships through volunteering.” As Jane moves into the next phase of her life as an empty nester, she’s looking forward to spending more time with her husband. “Although we’ll definitely miss our children, they are each in a good place right now,” says Jane. “Now John and I are beginning to plan our next adventures together, and we’re so excited!” WMStyle
3 Generations in Carlisle The Carlisle Collection offers something for every generation. Janet, Jane and Katherine (pictured on page 16) all have items from the collection they love to wear. The Carlisle Collection is also available in a variety of sizes—from 0 to 18 and XS to XXL. To learn more about the Carlisle Collection, visit www.carlislecollection. com, or to schedule a personal appointment with Jane, email her at jmeilner@comcast.net.
“I always tell [my children] that their attitude is the one thing they can determine.”
FAMILY FACTS Husband: John, owner at Bridge Street Capital Partners and chief investment officer at 42 North Partners. He has served on several boards, including Goodwill Industries, United Way and Lake Michigan Financial. Daughter: Katherine, 23, a graduate of Miami University (Ohio). Pursuing a master’s degree in nursing at DePaul University in Chicago. Son: Jack, 19, a sophomore at Miami University studying finance and economics in the Farmer School of Business. Dad: John Boyles, lawyer and former owner of Mr. Fables. Instrumental in bringing Goodwill Industries to Grand Rapids and serves as a volunteer with John Ball Zoo and the University of Michigan. Mom: Janet, a long-time nurse and community volunteer with organizations such as Spectrum Health, Junior League, the University of Michigan and the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
this page nuance evening jacket, $645 spangle blouse, $395
previous page Katherine (left)
explore corduroy jacket, $525 impression sleeveless knit top, $225 sohoblk pants, $295
Jane (middle)
Icewhite jacket, $645 sohobtr pants, $295
Janet (right)
rivington ribknit cardigan, $425 vanguard pencil skirt, $345
Wish List All Jewelry from DeVries.
Venus Pendant Frederic Sage
Sterling Silver Earrings Ostbye
14K White Gold Druzy and Diamond Necklace Meira T
Calobra Limited Edition Oris
Stainless Steel Gold Plated Structures Watch Alfex
Diamond Stud Earrings
West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 19
Ask the Jeweler |
Keeping the “Bling” in your Ring Jewelry reflects your personality and style. It’s also a significant financial investment. Dan DeVries, president of DeVries Jewelers, offers some practical suggestions for protecting your collection and keeping that sparkle you love. Inspect regularly. Use meaningful dates like birthdays, holidays and anniversaries as reminders to conduct a personal inspection of your jewelry. Make sure prongs and settings are firm; check that clasps and locks work properly. At a minimum, you should have a professional inspect your jewelry annually. In most cases, this can be done quickly and will put your mind at ease. On some occasions, a jeweler will be able to identify a problem that you may not have noticed, make an adjustment, and ensure the good condition of your jewelry for years to come.
Remove frequently.
Minimizing the exposure of your rings, earrings and necklaces to damaging chemicals and oils is one of the best ways to extend the life of your jewelry. Hairsprays, lotions, soaps and perfumes can, over time, react adversely to metals, damage settings and stones, or develop a film that will lessen the sparkle or change the color in your jewelry. Put on your jewelry each day after you have showered, applied your make-up, and finished your hair. At the end of the day, reverse the order.
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Store thoughtfully. When you’re not wearing
pieces in your jewelry collection, store them separately. Most jewelry boxes are lined with velvet or other soft fabrics for beauty and protection. Keeping jewelry in separate small, plastic re-sealable bags extends longevity. There are many attractive and creative ways to display and store jewelry in your home. Make sure your pieces are secure and not rubbing against other pieces, which can cause scratching. Consider using one of the most overlooked storage places for your jewelry— the box you received at the store!
Clean carefully. Jewelers are happy to
clean your jewelry for free. But we also know stopping in isn’t always convenient for you. Stores do provide a number of ready-to-use jewelry cleaning solutions you can use at home, and the Internet offers myriads of inexpensive ways to clean your jewelry. Keep in mind, however, that some types of jewelry (like pearls, turquoise and silver) should be cleaned in specific ways. We’re always happy to provide advice on the best ways to keep your pieces looking great so you can avoid unintended consequences and enjoy your jewelry for years to come!