MAR | APR
IN BLOOM
Spring
FASHION ALL OR
NOTHING LUX life EDITION
LET’S PARTY! LUXURY AWARDS
1528 E. CHAMPLAIN DR. STE. 103 FRESNO, CA • 559.434.4589 • WWW.SCEPTREANDSASH.COM N.E. CORNER OF CEDAR AND SHEPHERD, TWO DOORS DOWN FROM YOSEMITE RANCH RESTAURANT
THE
BRANDS YOUWANT
Central California’s largest purveyor of pre-owned authentic designer luxury goods. Specializing in bridal jewelry, certified loose diamonds, watches, vintage and estate jewelry, handbags, and accessories. We offer a 100% lifetime authenticity guarantee, a one year warranty on all watches, and a 14-day no-questions-asked return policy, with layaway available. Sell to us. Visit us for a no-obligation evaluation and offer on your luxury goods, with immediate payment.
BEST BOUTIQUE ALL ITEMS SHOWN ARE PRE-OWNED AND/OR VINTAGE. SCEPTRE & SASH IS NOT AN AUTHORIZED RETAILER OR AFFILIATED WITH BRANDS PICTURED. LICENSE #000000780
Entrée
BRIDAL REGISTRY
at
REI M AGI NE YOU R H OME LIVE IN
Ask about our concierge interior design services
ou for voting us kY n B ha
E! OR
Exclusively at
JEWELRY T ST ES
T
Est. 1975
starting at $400
L U X U
R Y 2 0 · A W A 1 9 R D · W S I N N E R
shop the collection online now
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11-6, Saturday 11-5 | 7455 N. Fresno Street {NW Corner of Fresno & Alluvial} GianniJewelry.com | 559.432.0600 | Financing Available
Life is synchronized for fun when you live on
RIVERSTONE STANDARD TIME
Our parks echo with laughter, our waters splash with summertime joy, and our community-wide events invite neighbors to become the best of friends. At Riverstone, the sun never sets on family fun. Come discover Madera County’s biggest master-planned community.
Gorgeous New Homes | Parks & Open Space The Lodge Clubhouse | Gear Barn Future On-Site School, Dog Park, Trails and Community Farm
TOUR THE MODEL HOMES From Fresno, go north on Highway 41, turn left at Avenue 12 and follow the signs.
RiverstoneCA.com Š2019 Riverstone Development, LLC. Obtain a copy of the Public Report as required by Federal law and/or the Public Report issued by the California Bureau of Real Estate and read them before signing any documents. No Federal or State agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This advertisement is not a solicitation to purchase or sell property in any state where prohibited by law. The stylized R logo is a service mark of Riverstone Development, LLC. Riverstone and Riverstone Development are trade names of Riverstone Development, LLC. The San Joaquin River and River Park are located approximately six miles from Riverstone.
—08— MAR | APR
Contents In Every Issue LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 MASTHEAD ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 12
62
Social Affair HARON GRAND OPENING ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... 14 Haron Jaguar Land Rover TESORO VIEJO GRAND OPENING ... ... ... ... ... .. 16 Tesoro Viejo New Models LUXURY AWARDS 2019 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 18 Benefiting Made For Them
Departments SHAKE + STIR ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .... .... 47 Hosted at Parma Restaurant BEAUTY BLING ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 50 DECADENT DECISIONS ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 52 FRENCH GIRL FEELS ... ... ... . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 54 POWER SUIT ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .... ... 56 FEATHER FRENZY ... ... ... ... . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 58 ALL OR NOTHING ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .... 60 IN BLOOM ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 66
14
18
Introducing
Outdoor Furniture
Make your outside as nice as your inside with our all-new outdoor furniture parings. Outdoor furniture that lasts season after season. Attractive options that will elevate any exterior space, from porches to patios, balconies to backyards and more.
255 & 285 W. El Paso, Fresno / Behind Bed Bath & Beyond / (559) 440-9600 M-S: 10-7 / Sun: 11-6 / www.fashionfurnitureco.com
—10—
MAR | APR
LETTER from the
O
EDITOR
ver the last six years, we have made it our mission to bring everything luxury to the Central Valley. In this Mar|Apr Edition, we celebrate living the LUX life. One of my favorite parts of this issue is the inclusion of the 2019 Luxury Awards. We have featured the top businesses and professionals in the community for all your needs. In this section, we cover everything from shopping to dining, even where you should build your next dream home, and so much more! The full list of winners and event recap can be found starting on page 18. Over 500 people attended this year’s soirée, which benefited Made For Them, a charity that combats human trafficking through fashion. To see additional photos, please visit www.cvlux.com, and be sure to save the date for next year’s event: Friday, January 24th, 2020. We’d like to welcome celebrity stylist Melissa Souza to the team. As our resident Fashion Editor, Melissa has worked tirelessly to bring you some phenomenal looks to spice up your wardrobe. Whether you want a taste of something traditional or maybe a little more modern, we have you covered. My favorite feature in this section is entitled Feather Frenzy, which profiles a gorgeous selection of soft blush and cream tone pieces, offering the perfect punch for any ensemble. Andrea Towers, Features Editor, had the pleasure of interviewing Victoria Konefal for our cover story. The profile, entitled All or Nothing, is a candid look at this stunning and glamorous actress. You may recognize Victoria from the hit NBC daytime drama Days of Our Lives, where she plays the daughter of the iconic couple Hope and Bo Brady. Victoria opens up about everything, from her early days of acting to how she juggles her flourishing career. So here is to living your best life—your LUX life!
Cheers,
David
—12—
MAR | APR
C A L I F O R N I A · V I B E
DAVID MANNING Editor in Chief, Partner
DONNA ENSOM Creative Director, Partner
EDITORIAL Managing Editor LAUREN BARISIC Fashion Editor MELISSA SOUZA Beauty Editor JESSICA MCCAFFERTY Interiors Editors ROSEANNE GUAGLIANONE and ERIN MELKONIAN Lifestyle Editor GINA JELLADIAN Travel Editor AMY K. GUERRA Features Editors ANDREA TOWERS and ANN T. SULLIVAN WHITEHURST ART Design Director PHENG MOUA Graphic Artist JENNIFER REDDING Contributing Photographers STEPHAN ALVIN, MARK BOULDOUKIAN, DON DIZON THERESA JEBIAN, ELLIE KOLEEN and TIM SCHAEFFER BUSINESS Regional Marketing Director CAROL DEFENDIS Accounting Director DEE ANN LINKER Legal Counsel GONTORWON BORH Please submit all advertising inquires to donna@cvlux.com.
Letters To The Editor: We want to hear from you. Please submit letters to: CVLUX, 7797 N. First St. #172, Fresno CA, 93720 or e-mail to information@cvlux.com. Letters must be signed and deemed appropriate for our readership to be considered for publishing. Letters are subject to editing and may be cut for length. Story Queries: Are you a writer? Please send story queries to information@cvlux.com. Please allow six to eight weeks for a response. CVLUX is not responsible for unsolicited material. CVLUX is published bi-monthly by Modern Living Publishing LLC, 7797 N. First St. #172, Fresno CA, 93720. Copyright 2014 by Modern Living Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is complete and accurate at the time of publication. CVLUX does not warrant such accuracy or the claims of its advertisers. All materials, articles, reports, original artwork, and photos published in this magazine are the property of Modern Living Publishing LLC and cannot be used or reproduced without permission in writing. Modern Living Publishing LLC is not responsible for the opinions expressed within the publication. Prices quoted in advertisements are subject to change without notice.
559 | 431 | 8810 711 West Alluvial, Fresno, CA 93711 preensalon.com
SOCIAL affair
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MAR | APR
HARON GRAND OPENING Haron Jaguar Land Rover The Grand Opening of Haron Jaguar Land Rover, which took place on January 22nd, was well attended by friends, family, and community leaders. When asked about the Haron family’s commitment to downtown, partner Randy Haron said, “The construction only took 19 months, but the planning started in 1945.” Haron is the third generation to continue the tradition started by his grandfather on the same site 74 years ago. The new facility is three times the size of the previous space and is the only new automotive dealership in downtown—the first to be built in over 50 years. For more information, please visit www.haron.com.
PLANNING A SPECIAL EVENT? Check out our private dining room. Perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, company parties, private parties, or any event you can imagine.
Our exclusive Private Dining Room seats up to 34 guests. A perfectly climate-controlled environment featuring an elegant design with ceiling to floor windows and an attached patio with views of the Clovis Old Town Trail. AV is available. We offer three seasonal menu options and a custom menu option at your request. BOOK YOUR PARTY TODAY! Contact: Rebecca Cuadras Assistant General Manager 559.216.1317 rebecca@13primesteak.com 1345 N. WILLOW AVE. #190 CLOVIS 559.216.1313 13primesteak.com
SOCIAL affair
—16—
MAR | APR
TESORO VIEJO GRAND OPENING Tesoro Viejo New Models Six new models were unveiled at the Grand Opening of Tesoro Viejo in Madera County on February 9th. The Bluffs by D.R. Horton and Oaks by McCaffrey Homes, the community’s master builder, are comprised of single and two-story model homes designed exclusively for Tesoro Viejo. Visitors toured the newly opened Hillside Elementary School and Madera County Fire Station No. 7 and were treated to live music performed at the Event Barn, while horse-drawn carriages shuffled visitors between the models, which were open to the public for the first time. For more information, please visit www.tesoroviejo.com.
Town Center Hillside Village TK-8 School Resort-Style Clubhouse Amphitheater Walking & Biking Trails Neighborhood Parks Coffee Bar & Eatery Fire Station
9
new models. One epic community. A new kind of community is creating a sensation—with brand-new model homes from D.R. Horton and McCaffrey Homes now open. Come explore the picturesque trails, bocce courts, whimsical children’s play structure at Cordon Park, and outdoor fire place and event barn at Harvest Park. Then keep an eye out for our new outdoor amphitheater and resort-style clubhouse—coming later this year. TM
AVE. 15
TESORO VIEJO BLVD.
41
TOWN CTR. BLVD. AVE. 12 HERNDON AVE.
168
99
N
Map Not To Scale
Hillside Village Grand Opening New Homes from the $300s Plan your visit today at TesoroViejoLiving.com or call (559) 419-0965
Life. Unprecedented.
The Hub - Welcome Center Hwy 41 & Town Center Blvd. Open daily: M-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm Photos depicted do not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to purchase real property at Tesoro Viejo. Prices are effective date of posting or publication deadline and subject to change without notice. Based on the information presently available, the developers of Tesoro Viejo understand that Tesoro Viejo will be served by the Chawanakee Unified School District. Buyer should contact the Chawanakee Unified School District to confirm the identity and location of the specific schools planned to service Tesoro Viejo, including the TK-8 Hillside School located adjacent to Tesoro Viejo. © 2019 Tesoro Viejo Development, Inc.
SOCIAL affair
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MAR | APR
LUXURY AWARDS 2019 Benefiting Made For Them On Friday, January 25th, CVLUX celebrated the annual Luxury Awards with a Diamonds and Rosé theme. Now in its sixth year, CVLUX Magazine acknowledged the best of what the Central Valley has to offer by recognizing the top businesses with Luxury Awards. In addition, three coveted Diamond Awards were presented to individuals whose philanthropic efforts have greatly impacted the community. A portion of the evening’s precedes benefited Made For Them, a charity that combats human trafficking through fashion. For more information, please visit www.madeforthem.org.
THANK YOU CENTRAL VALLEY! Sceptre & Sash is honored to be chosen as your favorite boutique store in Fresno. We know this kind of trust and loyalty is not given lightly. It is earned with every special moment, whether large or small, public or personal, day by day, from one generation to the next.
BEST BOUTIQUE
1528 E. CHAMPLAIN DR. STE. 103 FRESNO, CA • 559.434.4589 • WWW.SCEPTREANDSASH.COM N.E. CORNER OF CEDAR AND SHEPHERD, TWO DOORS DOWN FROM YOSEMITE RANCH RESTAURANT ALL ITEMS SHOWN ARE PRE-OWNED AND/OR VINTAGE. SCEPTRE & SASH IS NOT AN AUTHORIZED RETAILER OR AFFILIATED WITH BRANDS PICTURED. LICENSE #000000780
Thank You!
F o r V o t in g Us Best M edi cal Spa
559.432.7222
Robert A. Graham MD 1648 E. Herndon Ave. Suite 106 Fresno, CA 93720
A N a ti o na l l y Re co g n ize d & Aw ar d Wi nni ng Gr ee n Me di ca l Spa
C E N T R A L
V A L L E Y
Thank you for the oppor tunity to ser ve the community and give back to those that make up our great valley. Receiving the distinguished honor of Best Dealership will continue to enforce the values that have embraced Fresno Acura since our inception.
L U X U R Y A W A R D S 2 0 1 9 W I N N E R
Together we can continue to redefine luxur y for the Central Valley.
VOT E D 7 2 50
N
PAL M
AV E
(559 )
B E S T
4 3 1 - 3 4 0 0
D E A L E R S H I P
2019
W W W. F R ES N O ACU RA.COM
THANK YOU CVLUX FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY.
VOTED BEST REALTOR Ashley Hyatt Lic# 01913737
Angie Hyatt Lic# 01013098
e MOST TRUSTED Name In Real Estate 4845 N. VAN NESS BLVD. FRESNO, CA 93704 | (559) 229-9961 | WWW.HYATTRE.COM
THANK YOU VOTERS! For voting us Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon for 2019. Dr. Chin and his staff at Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery and Aspire MediSpa are truly grateful for everyone who voted. Dr. Mark Chin/Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery | 6175 N. Fresno St, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93710 559.435.9646 | www.markchinmd.com
CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS
Thank You For Voting Us Best Fine Gifts + Decor
Jude’s
Fine Gifts | Home Decor | Design
Pavilion West Shopping Center 2047 W. Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711 559.549.7600 judesdecor.com
L U X U R Y · A W A R D S
2 0 1 9 · W I N N E R
BEST dressed
LEFT TO RIGHT Ellena Woodhams in JJ’s San Fransisco and Anton Sweet in Jos. A. Bank | Emily Shakeshaft in LA Vintage | Kathy Stypula in Herve Leger Chandler Merigian in Custom White Jumpsuit | Dina Juve in Custom Michelle Mason by La Rouge Boutique de Lingerie
VOTED BEST
HIDDEN GEM
Join us @HARRISRANCHCA harrisranch.com | 559-935-0717 | 24505 West Dorris Avenue Coalinga, CA. 93210
Thank you Central Valley. You made our entire year.
RIVERSTONE HAS JUST WON the CVLUX 2019 Luxury Award for Community of the Year. It’s a prestigious accolade that honors only the best of the best in the Valley. We couldn’t be happier with the win—which is a nice addition to the Nation’s Best MasterPlanned Community award we took home last year at NAHB. We’d like to thank all of you who gave us your vote—especially the funloving families who call Riverstone home. (We’ll see you around the neighborhood. High-fives are definitely in order.)
From Fresno, go north on Highway 41, turn left at Avenue 12 and follow the signs.
RiverstoneCA.com ©2019 Riverstone Development, LLC. Obtain a copy of the Public Report as required by Federal law and/or the Public Report issued by the California Bureau of Real Estate and read them before signing any documents. No Federal or State agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This advertisement is not a solicitation to purchase or sell property in any state where prohibited by law. The stylized R logo is a service mark of Riverstone Development, LLC. Riverstone and Riverstone Development are trade names of Riverstone Development, LLC. The San Joaquin River and River Park are located approximately six miles from Riverstone.
THANK YOU
FOR VOTING US BEST SHOPPING CENTER
L U X U R Y · A W A R D S
2 0 1 9 · W I N N E R
SHOP R IV ER PA R K .C O M
—31—
MAR | APR
BEST COSMETIC/PLASTIC SURGEON MARK CHIN, MD, MPH Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery
BEST DERMATOLOGIST KATHLEEN L. BEHR, MD Behr Laser & Skin Care Center
BEST MEDICAL SPA Body del Sol Medical Spa
BEST SALON + SPA PREEN a boutique salon
BEST COSMETIC DENTIST SAM NAMDARIAN, DMD, FAGD Fresno Smile Makeovers
BEST HOSPITAL Clovis Community Medical Center
BEST FITNESS CENTER FitnessSocial
BEST SHOPPING CENTER River Park
BEST BOUTIQUE Sceptre & Sash Authentic Luxury
BEST JEWELER Gianni Fine Jewelers
BEST DEALERSHIP Fresno Acura
BEST FINE GIFTS + DÉCOR Jude’s
SOCIAL affair
SOCIAL affair
—32—
MAR | APR
BEST HOME FURNISHINGS Fashion Furniture
BEST COMMUNITY Riverstone
BEST BUILDER McCaffrey Homes
BEST MORTGAGE LENDER KATHY STYPULA Bay Equity Home Loans
BEST REALTOR ANGIE HYATT Hyatt Real Estate
BEST INSURANCE AGENCY DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers, LLC
BEST CASINO Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
BEST BAR Elbow Room Bar & Grill
BEST DINING FIVE
BEST HIDDEN GEM Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant
L U X U R Y · A W A R D S
2 0 1 9 · W I N N E R
Thank You! McCaffrey Homes is thrilled - and humbled - to be voted 2019 “Best Builder” by readers of CVLUX Magazine. There’s something special about knowing we received this recognition because people like you, who grew up in, or today live in, one of our homes, took the time to cast a vote for McCaffrey Homes. We are honored to be your favorite builder and extremely proud of the relationships we have built. Again, thanks for your vote. It means a lot to us.
McCaffreyHomes.com
SOCIAL affair
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MAR | APR
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MAR | APR
SOCIAL affair
7770 N Fresno St. #105 / Fresno, CA 93720 / (559) 431-1772 / fresnosmilemakeovers.com
L U X U R Y ¡ A W A R D S
2 0 1 9 ¡ W I N N E R
Thank You For Voting us 2019 Best Cosmetic Dentist
Thank You
Central Valley! Voted Best Salon + Spa
L U X U R Y ¡ A W A R D S
2 0 1 9 ¡ W I N N E R
559 | 431 | 8810 711 West Alluvial, Fresno, CA 93711 preensalon.com
DIAMOND winners
ERIN GOLDFARB Dress for Success, Fresno
—38— MAR | APR
DANAY FERGUSON Reading Heart
THANK YOU to our partners
ASHLEY SWEARENGIN
Central Valley Community Foundation
VOTED BEST JEWELER 2019
Thank You!
Visit us to shop the most exclusive ne jewelry collections in the Central Valley. Store Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 11am-5pm The Palatine | 559-432-0600 | GianniJewelry.com 7455 North Fresno Street, Level One {on the NW Corner of Fresno & Alluvial} | Fresno, California
Your H om eto wn
Thank You Central Valley For Voting Me Best Mortgage Lender!
Len
der
A re Y ou r F in ances F it Fo r 20 19?
L E T M E H E L P .. .
WWW.K AT HY LOAN.COM 310 .600.0 979 NML S ID # 3 11 484 77 8833 N. In gr am Ave . Fr e sn o, CA 937 11 s no, 93711
Get your body summer-ready
559.435.7546
www.435skin.com
with NONSURGICAL FAT REMOVAL Dr. Behr's CoolSculpting Patient
Before
After
Thank you, Fresno, for voting Dr. Kathleen Behr CVLUX's 2019 Best Dermatologist!
559-433-9824 997 E CHAMPLAIN DR STE 160, FRESNO, CA 93720
MONDAY 9AM–5PM TUESDAY-FRIDAY 9AM–7PM SATURDAY 9AM–5PM SUNDAY CLOSED
HAIR • NAILS • LASHES MASSAGES • MAKEUP FACIALS • WAXING
WITH bay equity Experience lightning fast technology and first-class personal service DAY 1 CERTAINTY Appraisal waivers, automated income verification and automated asset verification.
IN PROCESS COMMUNICATIONS Email communications to all parties the moment something important happens on the loan file. NEVER MISS A THING!
ECLOSINGS Allows clients to OPT IN, REVIEW and E-SIGN most closing documents before the notary arrives. REDUCING CLOSING TABLE TIME to as little as 10 MINUTES for inked signatures!
BE SECURE (FLOIFY) Document portal AVAILABLE 24/7 for borrowers to see their loan in real time. Streamlining the mortgage process to IMPROVE COMMUNICATION between customers and loan officers.
Kim Bryant
Senior Loan Officer | NMLS ID #335826
kbryant@bayeq.com | 559.779.2000
KimBryantLoans.com
Download my app today!
7783 North Ingram Ave, Fresno, CA 93711 Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Restrictions may apply. Rates may not be available at time of application. Information and/or data are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all loans or products are available in all states. Bay Equity LLC, 28 Liberty Ship Way Suite 2800, Sausalito, CA 94965; NMLS ID#76988. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- #4150077; NMLS consumer access: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org BEKG-190205-3.0
Text the keyword
kimbryant to 362-60 Or scan the QR code!
TIMELESS BEAUTY
L U X U R Y · A W A R D S
2 0 1 9 · W I N N E R
Pavilion West Shopping Center 2047 W. Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711
559.549.6700
www.judesfantasyland.com
LOVE
WHERE YOU
LIVE LAURA MATHER
559. 341. 2476 |
Broker Associate Lic# 01155115
MatherMethod.com
—47—
MAR | APR
SHAKE+STIR HOSTED AT PARMA RESTAURANT Managing Editor Lauren Barisic Photographer Don Dizon
P
arma Restaurant is the embodiment of its namesake city, from food to décor. CVLUX’s Donna Ensom hosted Kathy Stypula, Aida Mohamed, Elaine Steitz, Ivette Ibarra, and Rebecca Abell amidst Parma’s simulated Piazza Garibaldi. There, Shake+Stir’s eleventh edition cultivated what was decidedly the most interesting conversation to-date. It must have been the Italian wine that was flowing before everyone even made it to the table… Recap: the ladies covered everything from out-of-the-ordinary bedtime routines and organic skincare practices to controversial supplements…most of which were inappropriate for publishing here! Parma’s vino selection is extensive, but the three cocktails served were incredible—perfect for a nightcap. While the ladies had the pleasure of trying five menu items (plus an unscheduled dessert), there are plenty more where those came from. As the restaurant’s motto goes, Parma may be “A City to Love,” but owner Elena Corsini Mastro’s food is to-die-for. Her desire to bring a little piece of her hometown of Parma, in Northern Italy, to the San Joaquin Valley lead her to open Parma Restaurant in September of 1990. Guests feel transported when they walk into the establishment—as if the scents of scratch-made pasta and authentic Italian flavors aren’t enticing enough, a wallpapered photo of the Piazza Garibaldi (taken by Elena’s niece) makes you feel as though you are part of the bustling city center. Elena had the photograph printed in three panels so that 1) she can take it with her wherever she goes, and 2) “So you’ll be sitting with the people in the plaza this evening!” Pale blue and butter yellow linens echo the plaza’s historic façades, accented by rustic touches.
Situated in the southwestern corner of the North Pointe Center, at Palm and Herndon Avenues, in Fresno, Parma Restaurant is open only for dinner. Patrons can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine from 5:30 to 10:30 Monday through Saturday. Private Parties are accommodated on Saturdays, for 25 or more guests, from noon until 4 p.m. There’d be no Parma Restaurant without Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parma ham (aka: prosciutto). So it was befitting that the Torta Fritta & Prosciutto Di Parma was first out. A light, fried dough (about the size of raviolis) is served with arguably the most delectable Parma ham you can find in the Valley and intended to be enjoyed together. “The only thing that would’ve made it better is to have cheese on top…and then there was cheese!” Kathy reflected. Elena had followed shortly behind by serving beautiful wedges chipped from the grandfather wheel—Parmigiano-Reggiano connoisseurs will relish the delicate crumble and micro salt crystals as it melts on your tongue. Simple but sublime, the Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer is the perfect springtime cocktail. “I love this! This is my favorite,” Ivette (a pomegranate fan to begin with) declared of the pomegranate juice and prosecco concoction garnished with a blood orange slice and a sprig of rosemary, which delicately accents the flavor. The Vitello Tonnato appetizer consists of a thin slice of poached veal tenderloin, topped with tuna aioli and a bit of arugula, then garnished with a cornichon, pearl onions, and caper berries, which Rebecca described as being “like an olive, but bursting!” Her plate was cleaned before anyone had a second bite. Elaine admitted, “It tastes like roast beef!” You can eat it with a fork, or layer it atop the accompanying piece of garlic toast.
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MAR | APR
Bourbon fans will really appreciate the Citrus Basil Manhattan for spring. CVLUX’s Editor in Chief David Manning was delighted to find that “it’s refreshing!” Maker’s Mark bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup are served with basil leaves, allowing for a peppery finish. “It’s an acquired taste, but very interesting,” described Elaine. The Cappelletti in Brodo soup is not on the menu, but, if you call a day in advance, Chef Emilia-Romagna might make it for your reservation…and then you’ll be obsessed. “This is so good…how is this so good?!” David eagerly questioned—everyone agreed it was the best chicken soup they’d ever had. Divine. A specialty of the chef, mini raviolis, stuffed with cheese and juice of the chicken meat, float in capon chicken broth. An Italian dinner would be incomplete without pasta, and the Cheese Ravioli did not disappoint. “These are incredible!” Kathy professed of the pasta pillows, which don’t even need sauce. “They’re wonderful all by themselves!” Aida concurred. A ricotta cheese mixture is folded between homemade pasta dough, tossed in butter and sprinkled with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Onto the Pollo Mattone alla Diavola, which Aida professed to be “the tastiest chicken” she’d ever had, and everyone at the table agreed; no one spoke…everyone just ate. “It’s so flavorful,” Donna mused. Half-chickens are pan-seared, with a spice that has heat yet isn’t overpowering, then cooked under a brick. It is served with roasted red potatoes, asparagus, and grilled fruit (nectarines and pears), all of which share the same spicy seasoning. “I’ve never experienced seasoning like this; totally addictive,” admitted Rebecca. It’s a wonderful marriage of spring’s bounty with comfort food. “Oh my gosh…this is to die!” Ivette exclaimed of Parma’s Chocolate Martini. Composed of Amaretto, Bacardi rum, dark rum, chocolate liqueur, and bitters, this liquid dessert doubles as a boozy bath for its dark cherry garnish, resulting in a heavenly fruit finish to perhaps the best chocolate martini you’ll ever have. In line with Italian hospitality, Elena surprised the group by delivering two Tris di Dolce assortments (made up of Classic Crème Brûlée, Mousse al Cioccolato con Salsa Chantilly, and Torta di Limone e Mascarpone) to the table, accompanied by plates of Italian cookies—the dishes were left bare. The ladies admitted that they love a sugar rush of energy, but Kathy divulged her secret to endless vigor: BIOREIGNS LIMITLESS CBD + Curcumin Isolates capsules, which she just happened to have extra bottles of in her purse, so half the ladies bought a bottle on the spot! Elena’s offerings at Parma Restaurant will make your list of favorites very easily. As spring buds, the ladies reflected on fresh perspectives and the journeys they’ve traveled to get to where they are today. It was realized that Kathy and Ivette have been supporters of CVLUX since it’s birth six years ago—both of their homes were featured in the magazine’s first year. Shake+Stir consistently cultivates new friendships over a common appreciation for wonderful food, and these ladies share an exceptionally memorable dining experience. Save yourself the trip overseas—the Italian LUX life can be served to you via dinner plates and cocktail glasses at Parma Restaurant.
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MAR | APR
559-770-4060 | 555 Bullard Ave Clovis, CA 93612 | www.retreatclovis.com Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 7 pm | Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm | Closed Sundays & Mondays
—50—
Beauty Bling MAR | APR
Beauty Editor Jessica McCafferty
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Your jewelry collection is not the only place that can be filled with gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls. More and more skin, hair, makeup, and body products are using the powers of precious stones and metals to amplify results. Whether they are added to the ingredients or used for eye-catching names and packaging, it has never been easier to bling out your beauty routine.
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1. Elina Organics Diamond Elixir $80.00 from www.elinaorganicsskincare.com 2. SHIFFA Emerald Clarifying Face Oil $75.00 from www.nordstrom.com 3. 100% PURE Gemmed Lip Gloss in Rose Quartz $26.00 from www.100percentpure.com 4. Bella Schneider Beauty C U Shine Copper Mask $46.00 from www.labelledayspas.com 5. Rodial Bee Venom 24 Carat Gold Body Souffle $190.00 from www.dermstore.com 6. LaTweez Rose Gold Illuminating Tweezers + Diamond Dust Tips $36.00 from www.latweez.com 7. SkinOwl Rose Quartz Body+ Illuminator $62.00 from www.skinowl.com 8. SKIN INC Supplement Bar Get Glowin Platinum Gold Mask (3 count) $33.00 from www.dermstore.com 9. Farouk Royal Treatment Pearl Complex Lightweight Leave-In Treatment for Hair and Skin by CHI $44.00 from www.chi.com 10. Mehron Makeup Metallic Powder in Gold $10.95 from www.mehron.com
DECADENT DECISIONS Beauty Editor Jessica McCafferty
This issue is all about the LUX life and beauty can have some of the most lavish items around. With so many options to pick from, how do we know what is worth the splurge? Tried and tested, here are our top products to spoil others with. Even better if it’s for yourself!
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n:p beautiful Flat Iron $249 from www.nordstrom.com Created by celebrity hairstylist David Babaii, this iron can help you get your strands everywhere from straight and sleek to beachy and boho. The best part is its innovative rose gold vibrating plates designed to shuffle the hair back and forth to minimize tugging, slipping, or pulling for an even, shiny, healthy finish. Plus, 10% of net proceeds support the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
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Retrouvé Quartet $750 from www.bergdorfgoodman.com This exclusive collection of prestigious unisex skincare products was initially developed by beauty visionary Jami Morse Heidegger and her husband, Klaus Heidegger, for their own personal use. The line wields new technologies and high-octane active ingredients in superior concentrations and unprecedented textures to set a new standard in luxury skincare.
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Biologique Recherche La Grande Crème $675 from www.shoprescuespa.com A total innovation in the world of professional cosmetics, La Grande Crème targets all age-related phenomena. It acts on the cutaneous aging process to promote genuine cellular regrowth. Through cellular regeneration, this crème protects the cells to preserve their longevity for a regenerating effect. It’s corrective anti-aging and anti-wrinkle effects at their finest!
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QYKSonic ZOE™ Luxx $349 from www.qyksonic.com Meet QYKSonic’s ZOE™ collection—the first and only 3-in-1 antimicrobial silicone face and body T-Sonic™ beauty device. It provides deep cleansing and exfoliation by way of high-powered pulsations for ultra-clean, glowing skin. Additionally, the heated metal surface works in tandem with smart pulsations to provide unmatched anti-aging massage treatments and to ensure total and complete absorption of your products.
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Tiziana Terenzi Mirach Extrait De Parfum $425 from www.barneys.com Inspired by one of the brightest and most famous stars in the Andromeda constellation, Tiziana Terenzi’s Mirach extrait de parfum opens with Sicilian neroli combined with fragrant Damask rose, Italian saffron, and nutmeg. Featuring middle notes of patchouli, white oud, davana, and grey amber, this scent is finished with a base of Madagascan vanilla berries, benzoin, oud, and sandalwood. A must try for fragrance connoisseurs!
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Artis Elite 10 Brush Set $370 from www.dermstore.com Lush and oh so soft. Created with Artis’s revolutionary engineered brush fiber, CosmeFibre, each brush is strategically designed for a flawless finish. Apply foundation, body shimmer, bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadow, lip color, and more with one of the 10 professional makeup brushes included in this kit. The best part? They do not soak up your makeup products like other brushes tend to do.
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French
LUX looks
Girl Feels Fashion Editor Melissa Souza
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Neutral tones, sophisticated cuts, and bold florals blend to create a feminine, carefree French girl feel. Florals for spring isn’t groundbreaking, yet ethereal fabrics lend a soft innocence to the look while adding a hint of sexy that will forever remain a classic in luxury fashion.
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1. Oscar de la Renta Gold Pavé Petal Bracelet $580 from www.oscardelarenta.com 2. Dolce & Gabbana Rose-Print Tiered Silk-Chiffon Midi Dress $4,015 from www.matchesfashion.com 3. Oscar de la Renta Bold Crystal Earrings $450 from www.oscardelarenta.com 4. Miu Miu Confidential Matelassé-Velvet Shoulder Bag $1,700 from www.matchesfashion.com 5. Christian Louboutin Cosmo 554 Tan Leather and Perspex Pumps $795 from www.matchesfashion.com
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Power Suit
LUX looks
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Fashion Editor Melissa Souza
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Whether traveling the world or conquering it, suit up in soft, lightweight tailoring. Looser styles and light colors take the edge off work wear, setting the tone that women are a force to be reckoned with. Materials combine for perfect packing and lux statements.
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1. Oscar de la Renta Basil Mini Impatiens Flower Drop Earrings in Hibiscus $350 from www.oscardelarenta.com 2. Petar Petrov Blair Silk Blouse $850 from www.mytheresa.com 3. Petar Petrov Jovan Wool and Silk Blazer $1,342 from www.mythresa.com 4. Petar Petrov Hayes High-Rise Wool and Silk Pants $855 from www.mytheresa.com 5. Chloé Nile Small Leather and Suede Cross-Body Bag in Grey $1,690 from www.matchesfashion.com 6. Jimmy Choo Rav 100 Leather Mules $625 from www.matchesfashion.com
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Feather Frenzy
LUX looks
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Fashion Editor Melissa Souza
From elegant silk infused with beautiful feather detailing to more extreme oversized feather adornments, this whimsical trend creates luxurious, couture-like silhouettes of power and sensuality. Not just for the runway, swap faux fur and spread your wings in chic, luxurious feathers.
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1. Miu Miu Crystal and Pearl Drop Earrings $725 from www.matchesfashion.com 2. Blumarine Ostrich Feather Cardigan $2,080 from www.farfetch.com 3. Rochas Floral-Brocade Wool-Blend Midi Skirt $1,332 from www.matchesfashion.com 4. Oscar de la Renta Pavé Petal Ring in Silver $250 from www.oscardelarenta.com 5. Gucci GG Marmont Quilted-Leather Shoulder Bag in White $2,590 from www.matchesfashion.com 6. Malone Souliers Daria Elaphe and Leather Slingback Pumps $795 from www.matchesfashon.com
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All
Photographer Tim Schaeffer at Cellar Door Studios @cellardoorstudios.la Features Editor Andrea Towers Hair Jerry Chang @thejerrychang Makeup Anton Khachaturian @antonmakeup using Mac Cosmetics Dresses Harpers PR @harperspr
or Nothing
When I call Victoria Konefal, she apologizes for some spottiness in the conversation—she’s sitting on top of a mountain. I, on the other hand, am sitting in my small apartment in Brooklyn, and I tell her that I want to be living her life right now.
“I want to be in Brooklyn right now!” says the New York born-andbred Konefal. “We always want what we can’t have.” Maybe not. But in the case of Konefal, she’s always known what she’s wanted—and she’s made it her mission to have it. “I was seeing an off-Broadway production of The Hobbit,” she tells me when I ask her if she’s always had an acting bug. “My mom was there with me—she was chaperoning the trip because it was a school field trip and she stopped me from jumping onstage with everyone. Afterwards, we found the director of the show, and he asked if I wanted to be in South Pacific.” For Konefal, who stayed with the Off-Broadway production company for a number of years, there was never any other career choice—it was acting or nothing, something she feels lucky that her parents understood. “I was always a theatrical, creative kid growing up. I would always perform poems and my mom would always take home videos of
me, and I would kiss the camera,” she remembers. “I was very much about being out in front of the camera. My mom was thrilled I found my passion at such a young age, something that I really cared about and that made me happy. She’s supported me fully.” Although Konefal was born and raised in Brooklyn, both of her parents were born and raised in Poland. She was taught Polish by her mother (it’s technically her first language; she learned English in pre-school “through Barney and Elmo”) and she has a close connection to her roots, admitting that part of the reason she feels intensely connected to her Polish heritage is because she was raised on strict European values. As a teenager, Konefal attended the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, a New York-based high school specializing in both visual and performing arts that boasts notable alumni such as Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicki Minaj, and Liza Minnelli, among others.
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“Don’t conform to society, and stay true to who you really are.” “Our school definitely favored performing over academia, and that’s something I appreciated because it allowed me to develop that creative side of myself,” Konefal says. “We did focus on academic work, but it wasn’t the focal point of anyone going to my school, and that gave me a lot of artistic freedom. It created a better environment for high school than I would have had if I went to a regular high school.” The environment, she explains, also helped her find her confidence as a performer. “There was art, there was dance, there was vocal, there was instrumental, and a ton of amazingly talented people. But the drama department, we were just tightly knit because we all bonded over the same thing—pouring our emotions and pouring our soul into this craft.” After finishing high school, Konefal was determined to pursue acting fulltime. Despite being supportive, Konefal’s mother saw a different path for her daughter, and she understood why. “It’s a really dodgy industry and you’re not guaranteed anything,” she says. “So a lot of parents get really scared by it, because their children don’t have a stable career. My mom wanted me to go to college, and she pushed it just so I had a back-up plan…and I totally didn’t have a backup plan. I dropped out of college twice and she eventually got used to the fact that I’m not going to be in college, I’m going to be an actress.” Konefal moved out to Los Angeles via a road trip with her friends and quickly hit the ground running, securing a guest spot on the hit series Modern Family and a role in a movie called Living Dead Presents: Fog City which (even though it’s coming out this year) was the first role she ever booked, three and a half years ago. “I got to play the antagonist, and that was really, really fun…because when you play a crazy psycho, it really gives you a chance to let loose,” she says. “It’s almost therapeutic in a way, because you take all those negative emotions you don’t want to feel and use them.” A string of Lifetime movie roles followed, and one of them in particular (a movie called The Wrong Crush, staring As the World Turns’ Lesli Kay) gave Konefal her big break: the role of the fierce, stubborn, and tumultuous Ciara Brady on the Daytime Emmy-winning soap opera Days of Our Lives. Joining the cast as the daughter of power couple Bo and Hope (Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso), Konefal not only had to deal with the pressure of being a part of soaps’ popular couples, she also had to figure out how to navigate a crash course of working on a daytime soap, an experience she cites as “acting boot camp.” “At first, it kind of scared me. But then I realized it was kind of a blessing, because it allowed me to be as authentic as possible,” she says. “You don’t have time to structure your monologues a certain way and have them come out the same way over and over. You get
one take, sometimes you don’t even get a rehearsal, and whatever happens, happens. If you mess up then it’s a part of the scene, and a lot of the time we’ll improv if we’re feeling brave.” Konefal shares an example: a recent scene where Ciara kisses her forbidden lover (and former serial killer) Ben Weston (Robert Scott Wilson) for the first time. “Now, it’s the iconic helmet drop,” she says, referring to the moment when Ciara drops her motorcycle helmet as the couple locks lips. “But that’s something that wasn’t scripted. That was just something that I added and they ended up really liking it and they added a shot specifically for that movement.” Although Konefal has only lived the actor’s life for a few years, it’s easy to see how confident she is about her craft. Curious, I ask her what advice she would give to people who are trying to make it in the industry, knowing how passionate she was about making it. Her answer is as self-assured as she is. “Don’t conform to society, and stay true to who you really are,” she says. “I know Los Angeles can be tricky because you feel like they’re cattle calling you and they want a brunette girl with green eyes or whatever, but they want to see specific things in you that make you special. It may be hard to come to terms with, but once you realize you should be unapologetically yourself, it’ll be so much easier. Have fun, first and foremost. The worst that can happen is you don’t get it and go home and continue living a fabulous life.” That semblance of a fabulous life is one that Konefal feels lucky to have. As a child, she used to ballroom dance, but these days, she spends her time kickboxing, painting, and volunteering for environmental conservation organizations. When she wants to be social, she surrounds herself with friends and family—and her dog, a miniature schnauzer named Lola, who Konefal claims is “a walking teddy bear.” If you ask her what her acting goals are, she’ll bring you up to the clouds with her aspirations by telling you that her dream is to play Angelina Jolie’s daughter “in some way, shape, or form…maybe in some badass film where we’re CIA agents or something.” She wants her roles in the future to be the roles of strong and powerful woman, the kind that will help Hollywood strengthen its visibility. But as much as Konefal aims for the stars, she’ll always be a girl with down-to-earth roots. “I’d like to play a dramatic coming-of-age movie set in Brooklyn,” she says, sounding both thoughtful and inspired. “I have kind of personal stories and stories my friends went through that would be pretty great to put in a movie. Something gritty set in New York would be really fun.”
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