Sheridan Road, September 2025 by JWC Media

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Airoom Knows Kitchens

SEE HOW THE OTHER HALF ( OF YOU ) LIVES

Discover the world of Six Senses—where every stay is a journey of well-being, sustainability, and connection to place. From romantic suites, overwater bungalows, or your own wine lodge in a vineyard setting, celebrate the grand gatherings and quiet moments in spaces that transcend and amplify every encounter. Explore this hotel and how IHG One Rewards can elevate every Six Senses travel experience.

To learn more, contact your luxury travel professional or visit sixsenses.com

Six Senses Crans-Montana sixsenses.com

We Design & Build Luxury Custom Homes

Discover 5-star living within your own home

At Michael Bennett Homes, 5-star living means crafting a home that’s uniquely yours. With over 67 years of experience, we combine expert design and craftsmanship to deliver custom homes tailored to your lifestyle. Our in-house team guides you through a seamless, turn-key process—from concept to completion—ensuring your vision is brought to life with conﬁdence and ease.

Crafting a 5-star living home takes more than great ideas—it requires passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Our team blends creative vision with meticulous craftsmanship, collaborating with industry experts to deliver homes that exceed expectations. Our dedication to superior outcomes ensures your new home will stand the test of time and be cherished for years to come.

White Gold and Diamond Convertible Necklace SOLD FOR $23,040

Art Deco, Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring SOLD FOR $35,200

Rolex, Ref. 16610LV Stainless Steel ‘Submariner’ ‘Flat 4’ ‘Kermit’ SOLD FOR $25,600

Summer of ®

There’s nothing quite like summertime in Chicago—a season that transforms the city into a vibrant playground of endless possibilities. Whether you’re unrolling a blanket for Movies in the Park, flowing through Yoga on the Beach, or cruising on a nighttime boat ride with the skyline glittering in the distance, every moment feels cinematic. Summer in Chicago isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling.

WE LOVE YOU CHICAGO

SEPTEMBER 2025

FEATURES

DRESS REHEARSAL

Opulent interiors become the backdrop for fall’s most striking looks—classic, romantic, and unapologetically bold. Each ensemble invites you to embrace the season’s most inspired designs.

THE ENERGY CURATOR

DJ Megan Taylor creates events that resonate, inspire, and stir the soul.

FASHION FORWARD!

Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel bring their eye for style to Plaza del Lago, opening a new storefront for SPACE 519.

FROM THE RUNWAY TO THE

Once a fashion photographer, Owen Deutsch now turns his lens to birds—using his art to inspire awe and advocate for conservation.

Aubrey White Day wearing Gabriela Hearst top and pant, Chloé belt, Adrienne Landau hat, and Schutz heel. AJ Neu wearing Akris sweater, Tom Ford pant, Bottega Veneta boot. Neiman Marcus Northbrook. Room designed by Forward Fruit. This look appears in Dress Rehearsal Photography by Emil Sinanagic, styling by Theresa DeMaria, hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest.

Aubrey wearing Alexander McQueen silk dress, Fogal tights, and Cult Gaia handbag. AJ wearing Kiton red checked sport coat and red dress shirt, Brunello Cucinelli white pant. Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Room designed by White Couch Design.

Founder & Publisher

Editor-in-Chief

J.W. CONATSER

DUSTIN O’REGAN

Associate Publisher

Editor-in-Chief

DUSTIN O’REGAN

JENNIFER STURGEON

DUSTIN O’REGAN

Executive Director of Operations

Associate Publisher

KEMMIE RYAN

JENNIFER STURGEON

KEMMIE RYAN

Executive Director of Operations

KEMMIE RYAN

Contributing Editors

Executive Director of Operations

Contributing Editors

MORGAN HOGERTY, MEGAN WEISBERG

Associate Publisher JENNIFER STURGEON

Style Director

Contributing Editors

Style Editor

Style Director

THERESA DEMARIA

MORGAN HOGERTY, MEGAN WEISBERG

ALLISON MELONE

THERESA DEMARIA

Style Director

Social Media Director

Style Editor

Contributing Writers

Style Editor

Social Media Director

Contributing Writers

Art Director

Production Manager

Senior Graphic Designer

Art Director

Production Manager

Graphic Designer

Senior Graphic Designer

REDDING WORTH

THERESA DEMARIA

ALLISON MELONE

REDDING WORTH

THOMAS CONNORS, CHLOE CUCINOTTA, BILL MCLEAN, MONICA KASS ROGERS, ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER, SHANNON SHARPE

JORDAN WILLIAMS

THOMAS CONNORS, MONICA KASS ROGERS, JOE ROSENTHAL, LAURA LAYFER TREITMAN

THOMAS CONNORS, ALESSIA GIRARDIN, MONICA KASS ROGERS, ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER, SHANNON

JORDAN WILLIAMS

NATALIE PHILLIPS

SHARPE

AMIN QUTTEINEH

NATALIE PHILLIPS

JORDAN WILLIAMS

ABDON LOERA, SAM SUAREZ

AMIN QUTTEINEH

LINDA LEWIS

Graphic Designer

Production Manager/ Graphic Designer

Contributing Photographers

ABDON LOERA, SAM SUAREZ

Contributing

Senior Graphic Designer

Photographers

Contributing Illustrator

Graphic Designer

Advertising Sales

Contributing Photographers

Contributing Illustrator

Advertising Sales

Intern

Administrative Assistant Advisory Council

Administrative Assistant

Contributing Illustrator

Advisory Council

Advertising Sales

Administrative Assistant Advisory Council

AMIN QUTTEINEH

JAMES GUSTIN, IAN MCLEOD, MARIA PONCE, MAGGIE RIFE, MONICA KASS ROGERS, KATRINA WITTKAMP

ROBERT RISKO

ABDON LOERA, SAM SUAREZ

MARIA PONCE, MAGGIE RIFE, MONICA KASS ROGERS, EMIL SINANAGIC, KATRINA WITTKAMP

GRETCHEN BARNARD

ROBERT RISKO

MARIA PONCE, MONICA KASS ROGERS, KATRINA WITTKAMP

ANJA AZDEJKOVIC

GRETCHEN BARNARD

UMA LYNCH

ANJA AZDEJKOVIC

ROBERT RISKO

GRETCHEN BARNARD

ANJA AZDEJKOVIC

RAHEELA ANWAR, EILEEN BENNIN, RENEE CROWN, JEFFREY EISERMAN, MAUREEN GRINNELL, MORGAN HOGERTY, DANA HUGHES, JOYCE

RAHEELA ANWAR, EILEEN BENNIN, RENEE CROWN, JEFFREY EISERMAN, MAUREEN GRINNELL, MORGAN HOGERTY, DANA HUGHES, JOYCE BRUCE JIARAS, JILL KATZ, LEXIE KNOX, YOANNA KULAS, ARTHUR MILLER, MEREDITH MITCHELL, SANDRA CASPARRIELLO, RONI MOORE NEUMANN, IBBY PINSKY, MONIQUE WATTS, AND REDDING WORTH

BRUCE JIARAS, JILL KATZ, LEXIE KNOX, YOANNA KULAS, ARTHUR MILLER, MEREDITH MITCHELL, SANDRA CASPARRIELLO, RONI

In Loving Memory of LINDA LEWIS

MOORE NEUMANN, IBBY PINSKY, MONIQUE WATTS, AND REDDING WORTH

JWC 2012 - 2025

How to reach Sheridan Road

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Sheridan Road is published 10 times annually by JWC Media.

JWC Media accepts freelance contributions; however, there is no guarantee that unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or graphics will be returned. All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by JWC Media. Sheridan Road may not be reproduced in whole or in part, including but not limited to advertisements and articles, without written permission from the publisher. Sheridan Road assumes no responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed by contributing writers, editors, or advertisers. However, comments or corrections or di ering opinions are welcomed. e publisher reserves the right to edit and place all editorials and ads. © 2024 JWC Media

EDITOR’S NOTE

THIS MONTH I WILL BE

READING e River We Remember by William Kent Krueger, the 14th-annual Lake Forest Reads selection

ATTENDING

Bagpipes and Bon re on September 28

LOVING

Being transported to Capri with every spray of Dolce & Gabbana’s Capri in Love

CELEBRATING

Welcome to our September issue. As much as I cherish the golden days of summer, there’s something irresistible about the shift into fall. e air turns crisp, and everything feels full of possibility. It’s a season of reinvention—and the perfect backdrop for fashion at its nest.

We kick o the season with a dazzling fashion shoot set inside the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse. Gorgeous garments take center stage against opulent interiors, blending style and sophistication in every frame.

Art & Artist shines a light on Paige Spearin, a former Lilly Pulitzer designer whose joyful illustrations feature everything from tennis-playing bunnies to dapper alligators. Collector’s Corner turns to the world of auctions with highlights from Freeman’s | Hindman’s Zack Wirsum, SVP, Head of Department, Post War & Contemporary Art. September also marks the nal ourish of farmers market season. Our Recipe o ers a warm vegetarian pho—a comforting farewell to sunny Saturdays spent shopping for local produce. If you’re craving a getaway, First Class takes you to Rome, where I chased a Caravaggio exhibition and even glimpsed Pope Leo XIV— both high notes on a trip rich with art and history. A stay at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi delivers timeless luxury in the heart of the Eternal City.

My daughter’s 21st birthday

Our second feature celebrates DJ Megan Taylor. Megan and I met at the Jo rey Gala, and I knew instantly that her energy and vibe were just the right t for this issue. She brings an exciting, electric pulse to everything she does. Next up is a spotlight on everyone’s favorite boutique—SPACE 519. e North Shore is o cially in luck: Chicago’s chicest concept store has opened an outpost in Wilmette’s buzzing Plaza del Lago. If you haven’t been, go. en, from runways to the skies, we feature fashion photographer turned bird enthusiast Owen Deutsch, whose newest book, Birds of the Tropical Andes—written in collaboration with Michael Parr, president of the American Bird Conservancy—supports conservation. His work reminds us that beauty—like style— takes many forms.

Back on the North Shore, our Home Tour explores a Wilmette estate, which was originally one of two twin houses built by a father for his daughters. And in Parting Words, we pro le renowned poet and native son Edward Hirsch, whose sharp, funny, and deeply felt new book captures a childhood shaped by grit, grief, and the erce poetry of family life. Wishing you a festive, fashionable, and inspiring fall.

DUSTIN O’REGAN Editor-in-Chief dustin@jwcmedia.com

Follow Sheridan Road on Instagram: @sheridanrdmag

A rendering of SPACE 519’s new space at Plaza del Lago in Wilmette. Art by Nichole McCoy

Hermès Watch, Hermès Chicago, 312787-8175. Find other fall items fresh o the runway in this month’s Fashion feature.

AGENDA

SAVE the DATE

Sheridan Road provides the North Shore’s comprehensive social calendar.

EDITED BY UMA LYNCH

THROUGH SPRING 2027

VIVID CREATURES

WHERE: e Morton Arboretum

Vivid Creatures, an outdoor art exhibition at e Morton Arboretum, is an invitation to wonder at and be inspired by the many connections of the natural world. Amid towering trees and sweeping green vistas, ve giant, colorful animal sculptures can be found. Guests of all ages will delight in colorful sculptures modeled after animals native to northern Illinois. Each creature is depicted in vibrantly painted, largerthan-life sculptures up to 22 feet tall. mortonarb.org

SEPTEMBER 2 – 30

PISTEVO EXHIBITION

WHERE: Vivid Art Gallery, Winnetka Winnetka artist Patricia Markos Dolan exhibits current works titled ∏ιστευω Pistevo “believe” —a chapter of her Pelagos “in nite sea” series inspired by the Aegean Sea, fused with the majesty of Lake Michigan. Pistevo is a philosophical metaphor re ecting on the belief in the universal journey of life. e diverse palette presents a message of subtlety and strength, exuding passion with an immersion of senses, as each piece speaks with an in nity of spirit. Exhibit reception is September 5. patriciamdolan.com, vividartgallery.net/events

THROUGH SEP 21

PATTERNED BY NATURE

WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden e Chicago Botanic Garden

invites visitors to expand their imagination through nature-inspired art and planted gardens featuring dynamic patterns. Highlights include the art installations Future by Raquel Rodrigo and Noticing by Kristin Webb. chicagobotanic.org/ patterns

SEPTEMBER 13

MARCH FOURTH

IMPACT SOIRÉE

WHERE: RPM Events, Chicago

Make history at the inaugural March Fourth Soirée—a powerful evening uniting Chicago’s changemakers in a nonpartisan movement to help end mass shootings in America. Enjoy craft cocktails, elevated bites, and live music while standing with those whose lives have been forever changed and fueling a bold, uni ed mission for a safer country. Proceeds bene t March Fourth’s educational arm. wemarchfourth.org

SEPTEMBER 13

PAWS CHICAGO 5K WALK/ RUN FOR THEIR LIVES

WHERE: Montrose Harbor

In addition to raising funds for homeless pets, the PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for eir Lives is more fun than a Kong full of peanut butter. Dogs and their people enjoy a beautiful stroll along Lake Michigan, followed by a fullout party with dog agility courses, live ra es, entertainment, treats, and tons of surprises. All proceeds help move PAWS’ No Kill mission forward, bene ting homeless pets across Chicagoland. pawschicago.org/5k

SEPTEMBER 13

HARVEST BENEFIT DINNER

WHERE: Elawa Farm, Lake Forest Revel in the nal days of summer at the Harvest Dinner where guests will enjoy a true farm-to-table feast on the beautiful grounds of Elawa Farm. is annual bene t raises funds for Elawa Farm Foundation’s accessible education and food access initiatives. elawafarm.org/ annual-fundraisers

SEPTEMBER 13 – 14

HIGHLAND PARK

VINTAGE SHINDIG

WHERE: Highland Park Community House & e Art Center Highland Park e Randolph Street Market Festival brings its signature “mecca of cool” vibe to Highland Park for a special ree-in-One shopping experience. Featuring more than 75 vendors, visitors can explore vintage fashion, records, lm, antiques, art, and more—all while enjoying a live DJ and festive cocktails. randolphstreetmarket.com

SEPTEMBER 13 – 14

HIGHWOOD ARTS, CRAFTS, AND DRAFTS

WHERE: Highwood

Experience the vibrant energy of Highwood Arts, Crafts, and Drafts a brand new art festival in the heart of Highwood! Enjoy a perfect fall day lled with stunning original artwork from artists around the world. amdurproductions.com/event/ highwood-arts-crafts-and-drafts/

SEPTEMBER 17

NORTH SHORE COOKS’ TOUR

WHERE: Several North Shore Homes

For the 54th year, hundreds of guests will enjoy this showcase of the North Shore’s most prestigious houses. e tour will feature houses with eye-catching architecture and inspiring interiors. e tour is a project of the Auxiliary of the Woman’s Board of RUSH University Medical Center, which supports the medical center’s outstanding patient care, research, and community outreach initiatives in the diverse communities that RUSH serves. nscookstour.org

SEPTEMBER 18 – 28 CARMEN

WHERE: Lyric Opera House

From Liam Scarlett, the choreographer of the critically acclaimed Frankenstein, the Jo rey presents Carmen, a tale of love, betrayal, and de ance set within the gritty con nes of a cigarette factory in 1930s Spain. With striking designs by Jon Bausor and Scarlett’s signature focus on evocative storytelling, Carmen transforms the stage into a tempest of desire and destruction, revealing the timeless story of a woman who dares to live on her own terms. jo rey.org

SEPTEMBER 18

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE LOAD: A CONVERSATION WITH LORI SUGARMAN LI WHERE: Suite Escape, Lake Forest Suite Escape hosts lunch and a fresh take on parenting with Lori Sugarman Li, who’s changing how we think about the mental and physical load at home. Hear her story,

from marketing strategist to parenting advocate, and get a sneak peek at her upcoming workshop that’s turning heads and shifting mindsets. lfsuite-escape.com/events

SEPTEMBER 18

WOMEN’S BOARD SOIRÉE

WHERE: Bryn Mawr Country Club, Lincolnwood

Join the Women’s Board of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center for an evening with great friends, handcrafted cocktails, fabulous food, the famous signature donut wall, and special entertainment. Proceeds support the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s award-winning exhibits, educational outreach, school eld trips, and special projects. ilholocaustmuseum.org

SEPTEMBER 19 – 21

CHICAGO EXHIBITION WEEKEND

is fall, EarlyWork, the membership-based group for cultural cultivation and emergent collectors, will present the third annual edition of Chicago Exhibition Weekend (CXW). CXW will mobilize more than 60 galleries, museums, and creative spaces across the city, shining a bright light on Chicago’s cultural landscape and forward-thinking artistic spirit. CXW 2025’s participants span the gamut of the city’s artistic and cultural o erings, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Renaissance Society, and the 6th Chicago Architecture Biennial. Participating galleries and institutions have timed exhibitions to coincide with this weekend and will o er openings, extended hours, and special public programming. chicagoexhibitionweekend.com

SEPTEMBER 20

CHICAGO WALK

WHERE: Montrose Harbor

e Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) Walk unites all impacted by pulmonary brosis and idiopathic pulmonary

AGENDA

brosis and provides a special opportunity to raise funds, build awareness, and make a meaningful impact on those a ected by the disease. e PFF Walk-Chicago o ers both a one and a two-mile walk. After the walk, participants are invited to stay for a celebration with family-friendly activities and light refreshments. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the PFF as it works toward a cure for pulmonary brosis! p walk.org

SEPTEMBER 20 – 21

AMERICAN DAHLIA

SOCIETY NATIONAL SHOW

WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden

Step into a dazzling celebration of color and form at the 58th annual American Dahlia Society National Show. is vibrant event showcases thousands of dahlias—from petite mignon singles to show-stopping giants—grown by top growers and hybridizers from across the

country. e show is one of the biggest in the Midwest and is presented by the Central States Dahlia Society, renowned for hosting the rst-ever International Dahlia Exhibition at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. centralstatesdahliasociety.com/ 2025-public

SEPTEMBER 22

PAWS FORE A CAUSE

WHERE: Shoreacres, Lake Blu is exclusive outing o ers sponsors and players a meaningful experience at Shoreacres, one of the top 55 courses in America, while supporting Paws for Patrick’s mission to improve mental health through the emotional support of animals. pawsforpatrick.org/golf2025

SEPTEMBER 25

DREAM BIG: JODI NORGAARD’S STORY

Suite Escape, Lake Forest Grab a cup of co ee and join

Suite Escape for an inspiring morning with Jodi Norgaard, founder of Go! Go! Sports Girls. What started as one bold idea to reimagine the doll aisle grew into a national movement to empower young girls with con dence, strength, and creativity. Hear how Norgaard turned purpose into action and sparked lasting change. lfsuite-escape.com/events

SEPTEMBER 26

ART OF CARING

WHERE: Knollwood Club, Lake Forest

Join hands with old and new friends to celebrate the bounty of fall and ensure those most in need in Lake County are lifted up. e Women’s Board of Catholic Charities, Lake County hosts the 33rd annual fundraiser to support the lifegiving and critical work underway in Lake County. catholiccharities.net

AGENDA

Lake Forest Open Lands’ Bagpipes & Bonﬁre September 28

SEPTEMBER 27

IGNITING CURES

WHERE: Loft 21, Lincolnshire e Illinois Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation presents Igniting Cures, a powerful evening of purpose and celebration to support the millions of Americans living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Proceeds benet the Foundation’s mission to cure IBD and enhance the quality of life for those a ected. onecau.se/ilignitingcures2025

SEPTEMBER 28

BAGPIPES & BONFIRE

WHERE: Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve

Lake Forest Open Lands’ (LFOLA) annual fundraiser is like no other and is not to be missed. Proceeds from the event support LFOLA’s mission to connect all to nature through outreach and land preservation. Join an evening of celebration, gathered around a grand bon re after skydivers swoop down at sunset. lfola.org/ bagpipes-bon re/

OCTOBER 3 – 5

THE ANNUAL GREAT HIGHWOOD PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

WHERE: Downtown Highwood e Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival and Skeletons on

Display is the biggest outdoor celebration on Chicago’s North Shore featuring all-you-cancarve pumpkins, nightly lightings of pumpkin- lled walls, carnival rides, costume contests, trick or treating, live music and entertainment, hundreds of skeleton displays, food and beverage vendors, and so much more! celebratehighwood.org/

OCTOBER 4

PURPLE TIE BALL

WHERE: Westin Hotel, Rosemont

Raise a glass to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month and celebrate the survivors who are hopeful, free, and thriving. is year’s 25th annual Purple Tie Ball transports guests to an Enchanted Garden. ere will be a cocktail reception, dinner, program, dancing, live auction, ra e prizes, and inspired surprises. wingsprogram.com

OCTOBER 4

TEDXWILMETTE

ANNUAL EVENT

WHERE: Wilmette Community Recreation Center

Join TEDxWilmette for an afternoon of bold ideas and inspiring stories. is year’s theme, #ActuallyYouCan, celebrates resilience and determination. Six dynamic women,

Annie Aggens, Kayce Ataiyero, Gizelle Clemens, Amber Johnson, Ph.D., Tara May, and Stacey Woehrle, will share how they have turned challenges into opportunities. tedxwilmette.com

OCTOBER 11

STEWS & BREWS

WHERE: Port Clinton Square and Central Avenue Stews & Brews returns to Downtown Highland Park for a fourth season! is HP-exclusive event combines two Midwestern favorites: comfort foods and beverages. Stay cozy with re pits, heaters, hearty food, and great live music. e evening culminates with a People’s Choice competition for the favorite Stew and Brew. enjoyhighlandpark.com

OCTOBER 12

ARTISTS OF THE MIDWEST

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Join art educator Debra Levie as she explores Artists of the Midwest and their importance in the world of art. is program is in support of Lake Forest Reads title e River We Remember by William Kent Krueger. lfreads.org

OCTOBER 16

AN EVENING TO CELEBRATE

WHERE: eater on the Lake Partake in an evening to cele-

brate 40 years of impact in the ght against breast cancer with e Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation. e Fall Benet honors the organization’s founders. lynnsage.org

OCTOBER 16

LENS & LIGHT

WHERE: Northmoor Country Club, Highland Park e GPF Foundation’s signature fundraising event supports the organization’s mission to advance education, promote appropriate treatment, and raise awareness about the dangers of recreational drug use. e organization’s eighth annual event, Lens & Light – An Evening of Illumination, will feature remarks from Lake Forest native and Academy Award–nominated lmmaker Diane Quon. gp oundation.org

OCTOBER 18

HOUSE IN THE WOOD GALA

WHERE: Halim Time & Glass Museum

e North Shore Board of the Northwestern Settlement hosts an evening of celebration and philanthropy, featuring cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and dancing. All proceeds benet House In the Wood Camp. northshoreboard.org

OCTOBER 30

ANTIQUES + MODERNISM PREVIEW PARTY

WHERE: Community House, Winnetka

You won’t want to miss the opening night preview party for the Midwest’s most well-respected combined antiques and modernism show. e spectacular evening allows guests a rst look at the exquisite home furnishings, accessories, artwork, clothing, jewelry, and more before the three-day show opens to the public from October 31 to November 2. All proceeds bene t the Community House in Winnetka. thewinnetkashow.com

SO MUCH GROWS HERE

SCIENCE URBAN AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

Negaunee Institute Windy City Harvest Regenstein School

Join us in our mission to grow more than plants as a member, donor, or visitor.

One of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County

LIGHT IT UP

Betsy Jane, a new wellness company based in Wilmette, recently launched its Core Collection line of clean and consciously sourced candles. Inspired by family, nature, and the serenity of Chicago’s North Shore, the Core Collection is available year-round and includes ve unique fragrances: Northshore, Sheridan, Coast, Banyan, and Rose. e 12-ounce, double-wick candles o er unique combinations to enchant the senses, providing a clean, slow burn and a beautiful aroma that envelops your space. ey are hand-poured in small batches and can be purchased online at shopbetsyjane.com Betsy Jane creates beautiful, safe products that inspire moments of peace and awaken a sense of joy. Founded by Kate Khurana, a mom of two, Betsy Jane’s high-quality products represent the intersection of wellness and home, elevating daily life. For more information, follow @shopbetsyjane on Instagram or visit shopbetsyjane.com.

XOMD

Fall in love with your skin—literally. Inspired by the radiant e ects of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone released when we’re in love, XOMD Skin is the brainchild of renowned aesthetic experts Dr. Sabrina Fabi and Dr. Steven Dayan. Combining decades of clinical insight with cutting-edge research into the science of attraction, they developed the proprietary OX Factor™—a powerful blend of phytopeptides, phospholipids, and jasmine extract that mimics oxytocin’s mood-boosting, glow-inducing e ects. e line includes a Detox Cleanser to gently purify and prep the skin, an Intoxicate Serum to target tone and texture while uplifting the spirit, and an Arouse Moisturizer to hydrate, smooth, and visibly enhance radiance. Dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and formulated without parabens, sulfates, or fragrances, XOMD is more than skincare—it’s chemistry. For more information, visit xomdskin.com.

THE PERFECT LOAF

Ballerina Farm, the Northern Utah farmstead founded by Daniel and Hannah Neeleman, has captivated millions across Instagram and TikTok with its blend of rural charm and artisanal living. Now, the family-run operation is inviting home bakers to share in their passion for traditional bread-making with the Ballerina Farm Sourdough Kit. After baking hundreds—if not thousands—of loaves, Hannah Neeleman has carefully selected and designed each item in the kit to elevate the sourdough experience from start to nish. e set includes a Sourdough Recipe Booklet featuring detailed instructions and stepby-step photography, two Wicker Proo ng Baskets to support the dough as it rises, a Sourdough Spatula for mixing, a Bench Scraper for shaping and transferring, and Ballerina Farm’s signature Dehydrated Willa Sourdough Starter, the same starter used in the couple’s own kitchen. To complement the kit, Ballerina Farm also o ers a range of specialty tools and ingredients, including Weck Jars for storing starter, Bread Lames for scoring decorative patterns, High Protein Farm Flour—Hannah’s preferred choice for achieving an airy crumb—and Coarse Grey French Salt for perfectly seasoned loaves. For more information, visit ballerinafarm.com.

Where Conﬁdence Begins

Whether it’s a subtle refresh or a full transformation, Dr. Jeremy Warner and Dr. Krishna Patel deliver refined results for face and body. Start your journey today!

Master Injector

At Warner Aesthetic & Reconstructive Institute, Dr. Jeremy Warner performs expertotoplasty to reshape and reposition the ears for a more balanced, natural appearance.

Warner Institute is proud to announce the addition of master injector, Mellisa Feldman With years of experience in aesthetic injections and advanced training alongside top injectors around the globe, Mellisa brings exceptional skill and artistry to every treatment.

This quick, outpatient procedure can correct prominent or asymmetrical ears—boosting confidence at any age. Known for his precision and eye for aesthetics, Dr. Warner delivers subtle, long-lasting results with minimal downtime. Whether for a child or adult, otoplasty can make alasting difference..

Known for her keen eye for beauty and passion for her craft, Mellisa’s work speaks for itself—natural, refined, and always tailored to each client’s unique features. We’re excited for you to meet her and experience the talent she brings to our practice.

KRISHNA PATEL,

is month’s edit embraces the richness of fall—think supple suede, sculptural gold, and deep, decadent brown.

WANDLER HORTENSIA BAG lilliealexanderboutique.com

EDITED BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

VERONICA BEARD LUPITA DRESS lilliealexanderboutique.com

ULLA JOHNSIN ALBIA ALPACA SWEATER lilliealexanderboutique.com

NILI LOTAN SUSANNAH SUEDE JACKET lilliealexanderboutique.com

L’OBJET KÉRYLOS EAU DE PARFUM l-objet.com

BY PARIAH STACK RING lilliealexanderboutique.com.

MACH & MACH PUFFY HEART RING 95 SUEDE MULES mytheresa.com

ULLA JOHNSON ALBIE MAXI DRESS lilliealexanderboutique.com

SHORE CITY

LEEN GUNDOGDU is the founder and designer of KIVANCI, a luxury fashion brand known for bold custom designs and one-of-a-kind ready-towear pieces. With a multicultural background and a strong foundation in business and hospitality, Gundogdu brings a unique perspective to design. Featured in People magazine and on WGN News, her pieces embody individuality, conﬁdence, and creative expression. Through KIVANCI, she’s passionate about turning dreams into reality, one statement-making look at a time. Gundogdu steps away from fabric samples to share her shore and city favorites with Sheridan Road

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

Mantra? “Wear your attitude.” It’s the heart of everything I create Best grooming tip? Condence is the best glow-up—but a touch of highlighter and a signature scent never hurt Guilty pleasure? Croissants at midnight and watching fashion documentaries on repeat Favorite foods? Italian and seafood Music you love? Classical, French, and empowering runway beats Best advice ever given to you? Don’t wait for the right time, create it Best advice you’ve given? Don’t wait for the right time. Take the leap, take the risk—it’s how you grow Earliest memory? Twirling in dresses as a little girl and matching every out t with a hat When you wake up, you? Set intentions, drink water, and scroll through design inspiration with co ee in hand Before bed, you? Check my kids’ rooms, light a candle, and jot down ideas in my notebook What’s on your bookshelf? Design anthologies, poetry, and fashion business books You

can’t live without? My sketchbook, my kids, and Turkish co ee Love to escape to? e Aegean coast—peaceful, stylish, and soul-refreshing Advice you would give to your younger self? Keep going. Your uniqueness will be your greatest asset

ON THE SHORE IN THE CITY

Your style is? E ortless elegance—clean lines, statement jewelry, and a signature bag Can’t leave the house without? Sunglasses, lipstick, and sketchbook Transportation? Car Driving music? Old-school hits with modern remixes Place to eat? Sophia Steak or Convito Café Shop? Local boutiques with curated designer pieces Best thing about the Shore? e community and the calm energy Worst thing about the Shore? e pace can be a little too quiet sometimes The perfect day is? Morning co ee by the lake, designing from my studio, lunch with my daughters, and sunset walks

Your style is? Bold, edgy, and runway ready Can’t leave the house without? Statement accessories Transportation? Uber or a black SUV when it’s fashion week Driving music? French music Place to eat? Aba or Girl & e Goat Shop? Neiman Marcus or local fashion-forward concept stores Best thing about the City? e diversity and inspiration everywhere Worst thing about the City? Parking The perfect day is? A fashion shoot in the West Loop, late brunch with creatives, and watching the city lights from a rooftop lounge

Convito Café

Leen Gundogdu founder of KIVANCI

Naxos, Greece

CAHILL OWNERS

BRANDON DELFINO & CHRIS MCNELLY

MASTERFUL DETAILS

CHICAGO WINDOW GUYS

Local window fabricator and installer helps homeowners see clear beneﬁts.

QCHICAGO WINDOW GUYS

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHICAGO WINDOW GUYS

Customized window and door solutions that go above and beyond.

WORDS BY JANIS MVK / PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHICAGO WINDOW GUYS

uality windows not only provide the scenic views, structural integrity and curb appeal that every homeowner wants, but also play a crucial role in a home’s energy eﬃciency and value. Replacing old, outdated windows, can increase a home’s energy eﬃciency by as much as 30 percent, reducing drafts, and eliminating leaks and mold.

TWith his manufacturing plant right here in Chicago and decades of experience replacing windows throughout the city and suburbs, Russell Armstrong, owner of Chicago Window Guys (CWG), knows the territory well. After thousands of window installations, Armstrong and his team understand the width and breadth of customer needs.

hroughout the greater Chicago area, where architectural beauty meets extreme weather challenges, homeowners turn to Chicago Window Guys for reliable window and door solutions. Founded more than a decade ago by Russ Armstrong, the company has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, energy-eﬃcient products and exceptional service at competitive prices.

to Chicago,” he quips, “but we can sure keep it from coming into your home!”

Energy eﬃciency is a cornerstone of their oﬀerings. In a city known for its harsh winters and hot summers, Chicago Window Guys provides solutions that enhance home comfort and reduce energy costs. With countless design possibilities and colors, their design team is ready to tailor products to each client’s unique style.

All CWG windows are custom measured, and custom made. at includes everything from custom bow and bay windows to garden and projection windows. Expert installation is key. Says Armstong, “You can have the most expensive window in the world, but if it’s not installed correctly, you are back to square one. at’s why it’s so important to use a company that doesn’t rely on sub-contracted labor.”

“We oﬀer the best product, with the best installation at the best price, guaranteed!” says Armstong. “We do this through attention to detail, a transparent sales process, and attentive customer service. Plus, every aspect of our windows is manufactured right here,” adds Armstrong, “which lowers our overhead and ensures we get windows installed on time and at a much lower cost than our competition without sacriﬁcing quality.”

Chicago Window Guys’ dedication to personalized service sets them apart from others in the industry. From the initial consultation to the final installation, the team ensures that each project aligns with the homeowner’s vision and needs. ey offer a wide array of products, including double-hung windows, casement windows, bay windows, and custom designs, all handcrafted in the USA with high-performance materials. “Our windows feature fully customizable hardware recessed into the frame for a modern appearance and state-of-the-art functionality,” says Armstrong. “We offer countless design possibilities and colors, and our design team is ready to take notes on everything you need. Whether you want to add more natural light into your home with brand new skylights or invest in residential security products, our team of experts can deliver exactly what you need.”

As well, CWG oﬀers a price-match guarantee and a lifetime warranty on all parts and labor, including glass breakage—unique beneﬁts in this industry. “We don’t play the “Buy one - get one free” sales game, which is simply a sales ploy,” Armstrong explains. “Our prices are always lower, for a much better product and installation.”

CWG’s signature windows include the latest energy efficient technology including, Argon/Krypton gas fill, three coats of low-E silver, foam filled frames, and a non-metal spacing system to ensure windows will never get seal failure. “We build a barrier to keep your energy in and the elements out,” Armstrong sums: “We can’t keep the polar vortex from coming

CWG is one of the few companies in the Chicago area that uses its own crew, he adds. “So, we know exactly who is going to be in your home installing your windows to get the job done right, with no pointing ﬁngers.”

e company’s service area spans the entire Chicago region, including suburbs like Arlington Heights, Naperville, and Evanston. eir comprehensive approach encompasses sales, installation, and post-installation support, ensuring a seamless experience for homeowners.

As well, owner Armstrong makes all sales calls personally eliminating three-hour sales presentations, sales commissions, and high pressure “buy now” sales tactics.

eir doors range from elegant French styles to robust modern steel entry options, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences and security requirements. “We offer a large selection of colors, styles, and high-quality materials for exterior doors for your home,” says Armstrong. “Our team of knowledgeable experts will help you select the best door for your home. Whether it’s fiberglass doors, a collection of patio doors, wood entry doors for an elegant touch, fiberglass entry doors for enhanced security, or composite entry doors for improved energy efficiency, we provide tailored solutions to match every preference and requirement.”

“ roughout the years, we have built a solid reputation,” Armstrong concludes, “with happy customers who refer their friends and family, and don’t just become customers, but friends. If you are in the market for windows, we would welcome the opportunity to give you a free estimate and earn your business.”

Chicago Window Guys is committed to quality, honesty, and prioritizing customers. With years of experience, they help homeowners ﬁnd the right windows and doors, whether for better energy eﬃciency or a fresh look. By working directly with the owner and keeping everything local—no subcontractors—they deliver top-notch products and expert installations at up to half the cost of big national brands. Better quality, better service, and a better warranty, all at a price that’s hard to beat.

Chicago Window Guys, 847-512-3472, chicagowindowguy.com, @chicagowindowguys.

For more information, call Russ directly at 847-302-9171, or visit chicagowindowguys.com.

Russ Armstrong

MODERN COUNSEL

THE DIVORCE TRANSFORMATION: A NEW BEGINNING

Divorce is increasingly recognized not as a failure but as an opportunity for personal growth, emotional healing, and a fresh start toward a more ful lling life.

WORDS BY SHANA VITEK / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

Divorce is often portrayed as a painful and tumultuous experience, conjuring images of courtroom battles, heartbreak, and starting over from scratch. For generations, divorce was seen as a failure, a life event whispered about in hushed tones. But as society has evolved, so too has our understanding of relationships. We no longer see lifelong commitment as the only marker of success. Instead, there’s growing recognition that a marriage that ends doesn’t have to be a failed marriage. It can be a chapter that that taught lessons, created memories, and concluded when the relationship no longer served the best interest of the family.

Divorce can also be a powerful catalyst for transformation and renewal. One of the most profound changes that can occur through divorce is personal growth. Many people ﬁnd that leaving an unhappy or toxic marriage allows them to rediscover their passions, interests, and self-worth. Over time, individuals develop a stronger sense of independence and conﬁdence. ey may take up new hobbies, pursue career advancements, or reconnect with friends and family members who had been sidelined during their marriage. e process can also lead to a greater awareness of personal boundaries and emotional needs, setting the stage for healthier relationships in the future.

For those who endured conﬂict or emotional neglect in their marriage, divorce can be a path to emotional well-being. Staying in an unhappy relationship can take a toll on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression. By choosing to end a marriage that no longer serves them, individuals can reclaim their happiness and peace of mind.

A significant concern for many divorcing couples is the impact on their children. While it is natural to worry about the effects of divorce on kids, remaining in a high-conflict or unhealthy marriage can often be more damaging in the long run. Children who grow up in households filled with tension, arguments, or emotional neglect may experience anxiety and insecurity. In contrast, when parents choose to separate and create stable, peaceful environments, children can thrive.

Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but many resources are available to help individuals through the process. Consulting a divorce attorney or mediator can provide an understanding of the process options and ensure a fair and informed legal process. Financial advisors can help individuals plan for ﬁnancial stability post-divorce. Support groups, both online and in-person, oﬀer a sense of connection with others going through similar experiences. erapy and self-care practices can further aid in healing, ultimately allowing individuals to emerge from the divorce stronger and more resilient. By utilizing these resources, individuals

can ﬁnd the guidance and support they need to make the divorce process a transformative experience.

Ultimately, divorce should not be seen as the end, but rather as a new beginning. It oﬀers a chance to cultivate a life that is healthier, happier, and more authentic. rough self-discovery, emotional healing, and renewed purpose, both individuals and their children can emerge stronger and more prepared for the future. By embracing the opportunities that divorce presents, individuals can transform their lives in ways they never thought possible.

For more information, visit beermannlaw.com and follow @shanavitek on Instagram.

Shana Vitek

FASHION & BEAUTY

LIVING AND DRESSING WELL

THE FALL EDIT

Whether it’s supple leather, plush knits, or rich lip colors, our fall previews deliver all the reasons to embrace the new season.

Ulla Johnson, Albia Alpaca Knit Sweater, lilliealexanderboutique.com

FASHION FALL PREVIEW

EDITED BY ALLISON MELONE

BEAUTY

EDITED BY ALLISON MELONE

01 Hermès Rouge Brilliant Silky Lipstick, Hermès Chicago, 312-787-8175 02 Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Mascara, Nordstrom Old Orchard, 847-677-2121

03 Hermès Vanity Case, Hermès Chicago, 312-787-8175 04 Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lips Healthy Glow Nectar Oil, charlottetilbury.com 05 Peter omas Roth FirmX Instant Temporary Eye Tightener, peterthomasroth.com 06 Dolce&Gabbana Beauty Ceramide Cream, dolcegabbana.com 07 Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint, Nordstrom Old Orchard, 847-677-2121 08 Hourglass Veil Setting Powder and Brush, Nordstrom Old Orchard, 847-6772121 09 Bobbi Brown Easy Neutrals Eye Palette, Nordstrom Old Orchard, 847-677-2121 10 Dolce&Gabbana Beauty Ca eine Eye Patches, dolcegabbana.com 11 CELINE Hand Cream, Celine Chicago, 312-248-9177 12 Goop Highlighter Stick, shopbop.com 13 tarte cosmetics smolderEYES shadow liner, tarte.com

CULTURE & ARTS

THE NORTH SHORE’S MOST CREATIVE PURSUITS

WHIMSY & WONDER

An illustrator’s enchanting world and a philanthropist’s hard work on a heartfelt gala celebrate creativity, compassion, and the joy of giving back.

An alligator illustration by artist Paige Spearin

FROM PRINTS TO PICTURE BOOKS, MURALS, AND MAHJONG

A former Lilly Pulitzer artist begins a new chapter with a children’s book and creative endeavors ranging from murals to mahjong.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAGGIE RIFE

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

ILLUSTRATIONS BY PAIGE SPEARIN

Paige Spearin with the mural she painted for SPACE 519’s The Lago Room at Plaza del Lago

ART & ARTIST

The magic of Paige Spearin’s fanciful paintings is how they draw you in. ere is an immediacy to each one that transforms you from viewer into active participant. Gazing at an image of rambunctious bunnies bouncing high upon their beds, it feels as if you’ve just opened the door to their room. Images of Spearin’s skating rinks, cocktail bars, or holiday living rooms make you feel as if you are there, cold nipping at your nose, cocktail in hand.

e experience is akin to the joy one feels ipping through the pages of Ludwig Bemelmans’ beloved Madeline stories—illustrations that Spearin adored as a child. “I love the Madeline books!” says Spearin, adding that when living in New York, e Carlyle’s Bemelmans Bar was a huge inspiration.

In fact, the Bemelmans connection is especially apropos right now. Spearin, famed for her 16 years as a textile artist for Lilly Pulitzer, left that position in November to blaze her own trail.

Like Bemelmans, who adorned the walls at his namesake bar with paintings of his character Madeline and her cohorts in New York’s Central Park, Spearin just completed a mural at Plaza del Lago’s SPACE 519 in Wilmette. at mural features depictions of iconic North Shore spots including the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Home Alone house, Ravinia Festival, and the Deer Path Inn. Also, like Bemelmans, Spearin prefers to paint with India ink, watercolors, and gouache.

But the closest association to the erstwhile illustrator? “I’m writing and illustrating my own children’s book!” Spearin excitedly shares. “It’s the project I am most excited about right now.”

While Spearin’s publisher and theme are still hush-hush, the book will certainly include whimsical animal friends with characters somewhat inspired by her two little boys. “I painted a lot of animals in my prints for Lilly Pulitzer,” Spearin explains. “Bunnies, tigers, gira es, frogs, and so many more. I started doing even more of the animals after having my boys. Over time, the

Bartender print 6 x 8 inches

Dunmore Bar print 8 x 10 inches

Bunny Boys print 8 x 9 inches

ART & ARTIST

Gator Dad print 8 x 10 inches

ART & ARTIST

characters slowly evolved to have more personality and to wear clothes. Now I nd it entertaining to paint them in fancy beds and luxurious settings.”

Besides her boys, Spearin’s subjects are also inspired by everyday life on Chicago’s North Shore and her travels. She spends summers in Northern Michigan, so that region plays a signi cant role in her work. She’s also inspired by her travels to Florida, the Bahamas, Italy, Portugal, and France.

“My settings are often a mix of places,” explains Spearin. “And lately, I’ve been playing tennis, paddle, and golf, so that’s also appearing more in my work.”

Looking back, Spearin says she dreamed of being an artist, even as a little girl. “It’s kind of funny how similar my interests were when I was 5,” she says. “I loved to paint and draw and dress up, and I still love those things. Also, I have a lot of creative women in my family and was always inspired by the way they dressed, decorated rooms, prepared meals, and hosted parties. I notice and care about those little details. Now, a lot of those little touches appear in my work.”

In addition to working on her forthcoming children’s book, Spearin has been collaborating with Winnetka artist Sunny Esler of Tigre de Tartán on mahjong and home accessories—most recently a holiday-themed mahjong mat that takes inspiration from favorite New York places. She continues to design wedding invitations and has several stationery collections with Dogwood Hill. She also just illustrated a cookbook, e Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook by Meridith Hayden. And, making her art available as needlepoint canvases, she recently entered an exclusive collaboration with Jessica Chaney of Lycette Designs.

Looking ahead, “I may go back to textiles again one day,” says Spearin, “but for now, I’m enjoying collaborating and producing art under my own name. People often ask me what it takes to get better at your artwork. Really, it’s a mix of just painting a lot every day but also taking time to get out and see the world. Wander through a museum, go to a beautiful bar or restaurant, and notice what people are wearing! It all slips into your work.”

For more information about Spearin’s art, visit paigespearin.com. For more information about Spearin’s collaboration with Sunny Esler, visit tigredetartan.com, and for Spearin’s needlepoint canvases, visit lycettedesigns.com.

Gelato Bunnies 9 x 11 inches

Paige Spearin x Tigre de Tartán Gaming Mat, Mahj and Martinis RL Restaurant print 12 x 14 inches

MEREL MINUTE

FIVE COSTLY MISTAKES HIGH-NET-WORTH INDIVIDUALS MAKE DURING DIVORCE

WORDS BY JONATHAN MEREL

, FOUNDER & MANAGING PRINCIPAL, MEREL FAMILY LAW PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

Divorce is difficult for everyone, but for high-networth individuals, the stakes are significantly higher—and so are the risks. After more than 20 years practicing family law and representing thousands of clients, I’ve seen firsthand how even small missteps during the divorce process can lead to massive financial and emotional fallout. If you’ve spent years building wealth, protecting that legacy requires more than good intentions. It requires strategy, clarity, and a deep understanding of where highnet-worth divorces tend to go wrong.

Here are ﬁve of the most common mistakes I see—and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping a Prenuptial Agreement

Too often, I hear, “We don’t need a prenup—we trust each other.” But prenups aren’t about mistrust; they’re about clarity and protection. Without one, divorces involving signiﬁcant assets become far more complex, expensive, and contentious. A well-

drafted prenuptial agreement sets expectations and oﬀers both parties peace of mind, should the marriage end.

It’s not about predicting failure. It’s about ensuring that your ﬁnances, your business interests, and your future are protected from unnecessary risk.

2. Blurring the Line Between Business and Personal Finances

Many successful entrepreneurs inadvertently entangle their personal and business ﬁnances—maybe a spouse helps with start-up costs, joins payroll, or contributes informally to the company. ese actions, even if casual or well-intentioned, can result in a spouse gaining a legal claim to part of the business.

To avoid this, keep all business matters clearly documented and legally distinct. Ownership structures, compensation agreements, and clear paper trails are essential. In a divorce, ambiguity only beneﬁts the opposing party.

3. Relying on Verbal Agreements

Verbal promises like “You can keep the house” or “ e retirement accounts are yours” may feel suﬃcient in the moment. But during divorce proceedings, the court relies on what is documented, not what was said.

Without written agreements, those informal arrangements can unravel quickly. I’ve seen many cases where one party believed there was an understanding, only to face a costly legal battle when the other party changed their mind. Put everything in writing, ideally in court orders, early and often.

4. Overlooking Privacy and Reputation Risks

In high-net-worth divorces, reputational damage is an often-overlooked danger. Without proper protections in place, personal communications, ﬁnancial records, and business dealings can become part of the public court ﬁle.

I advise clients to establish conﬁdentiality agreements, nondisclosure provisions, and even social media boundaries early on. In today’s digital age, reputation is currency—and privacy is power.

5. Underestimating Lifestyle Expectations

Courts don’t just look at what you earn; they look at how you’ve lived. If you and your spouse have enjoyed private schools, international travel, luxury real estate, or a particular lifestyle, those standards can inﬂuence support obligations after divorce.

Failing to understand or prepare for this can lead to long-term ﬁnancial commitments that come as a shock. e best defense is awareness—know what the law considers, and plan accordingly.

Final

Thoughts

A high net worth doesn’t protect you from the emotional and ﬁnancial challenges of divorce. In fact, it often complicates them. But with thoughtful planning and a clear-eyed strategy, you can protect what you’ve built and move forward with conﬁdence.

At Merel Family Law, we’ve helped thousands of clients navigate complex divorce matters with discretion, compassion, and a commitment to results. It’s not just about what you have—it’s about how you protect it.

Merel Family Law is located at 440 W Randolph Avenue, 5th Floor, in Chicago; 595 Elm Place, Suite 225, in Highland Park; and 40 E Hinsdale Road, Suite 202, in Hinsdale. For more information, call 312-408-7000, visit merelfamilylaw.com, and follow @merelfamilylaw on social media.

Jonathan Merel

ESTEBAN VICENTE, MASTER OF COLLAGE

WORDS BY ZACK WIRSUM, FREEMAN’S | HINDMAN SVP, HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, POST WAR & CONTEMPORARY ART. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FREEMAN’S | HINDMAN

Esteban Vicente was among the few artists who carried the DNA of European modernism directly into the heart of American Abstract Expressionism. Born in Segovia in 1903 and trained in Madrid, Vicente arrived in New York in the 1930s, bringing with him a nuanced understanding of color, structure, and surface. As one of the rst-generation New York School painters, he occupied a quieter but no less essential position in the movement. We were honored to o er two exceptional collage works by Vicente in our May Post War & Contemporary Art sale: Composition (1957), a cool-toned, contemplative jewel of subtle force that sold for $108,450; and Untitled (1957), its warmer counterpart, buzzing with soft tans, grays, and a touch of delicate blue, which sold for $64,000. ough more modest in scale, each stood as a testament to Vicente’s sophisticated material sensitivity.

In the midst of Abstract Expressionism’s rise, Vicente stood shoulder-to-shoulder with some of its most notable gures. He was a core member of the New York School, a group of pioneering artists, and counted Franz Kline, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Barnett Newman as colleagues and friends. A voting member of the Club, formed as a meeting place by a group of artists after their favored hangout banned smoking, and, for a time, a studio-mate of Willem de Kooning, Vicente moved within the center of postwar American art while maintaining a distinct voice.

is individuality is realized in Composition. In contrast to the gestural movement so often associated with Abstract Expressionism, Vicente arranges ripped paper fragments—layered with oil, charcoal, and gouache—into a work that feels somewhat calculated and architectural. In a palette of ash, ivory, and burnt umber, with a single pulse of deep ultramarine anchoring the lower half, the surface evokes a weathered wall or remembered landscape.

Composition came from the highly esteemed collection of Lydia Winston Malbin, a visionary collector best known for her engagement with the Italian Futurists. Her holdings, however, extended far beyond a single movement, encompassing artists whose practices reshaped modernism across the Atlantic, and her acquisition of Vicente’s collage places him rmly within that narrative.

Like Composition, Untitled shares Vicente’s language of torn planes and quiet balance but with a softened palette, providing a thoughtful counterpoint. A depth of tan dominates the surface, layered with ashen grays and soft blues. Where Composition leans cool, Untitled elicits warmth. Together, the two works operate as tonal variations. As Vicente said himself, “Any one of my paintings is part of a sequence, part of a total … Each painting is solved in its own way, yet the continuation, the process, envelops all of them.”

Untitled comes from an equally distinguished American lineage. First handled by the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York, it later entered the collection of Chicago dealer and collector Bud C. Holland, before nding its way to the owner who put the piece up for auction. Its trajectory speaks to the enduring resonance of Vicente’s practice within both private and institutional circles.

Freeman’s | Hindman’s next Post War & Contemporary Art auction will be held September 25 at its Chicago saleroom, hindmanauctions.com.

Esteban

CARRYING IT FORWARD

SUSAN HOLLENDER grew up in the city, surrounded by a diverse community; her neighbors were from immigrant, middle-class families, and her classmates took long bus rides to attend her elementary school. Grateful for the education she received, she made a promise early on—to support organizations that expand access to childhood experiences and education; opportunities no child should be denied because of economic hardship. at promise has guided her ever since. Over the years, she has served on numerous boards and contributed to organizations that share her mission. One of her proudest moments? Watching a mentee graduate from Vanderbilt University Law School and go on to become an attorney at a prominent national rm. When several friends introduced her to the North Shore Board of the Northwestern Settlement (NUSH), she didn’t hesitate. Inspired by the group’s extraordinary women and their shared passion, Hollender quickly got involved. Today, she serves as one of the chairs of the upcoming House In the Wood Gala, taking place October 18. e annual fundraiser supports the Delavan, Wisconsin-based summer camp, which provides children from Chicago’s most economically challenged neighborhoods the chance to experience life-changing outdoor adventures and discover the joys of nature and friendship. Hollender is also a member of Pitch Your Peers, where she successfully advocated for NUSH and secured funding for the gala. By day, she leads growth at a national law rm. By night and on weekends, she’s often cheering on her sons from the sidelines.

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“Magnesium butter, readers, lavender oil, dark chocolate, and gadgets that I’ve taken away from my boys, i.e., AirPods, chargers, etc. It changes daily.”

ON HER MOBILE

“I love to follow sites associated with my hobbies—architecture, cooking, fashion, and landscaping. For work, I like to follow national business and political outlets. I also enjoy sites related to middle age self-care—my current journey.”

IN HER EARBUDS

“My escape for mindless distraction is podcasts including: SmartLess, Betrayal, and e Mel Robbins Podcast. For music my go-tos are ‘90s pop, R&B/reggae/soul, and whatever is on my 10 and 12-year-olds’ playlists.”

Susan Hollender wearing Janet Mandel

STYLISH READS

THE STORIES BEHIND THE STYLE

is season’s most anticipated books explore three legends of the fashion world.

WORDS BY UMA LYNCH

It Girl: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin by Marisa Meltzer

Most people know the Hermés Birkin bag–a leather symbol of status, femininity, and timeless glamour. But few truly know the woman who inspired it. In It Girl: e Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin, Marisa Meltzer explores the life of Jane Birkin, the British-born actress and singer whose e ortless elegance and artistic spirit made her a cultural touchstone. e biography traces her early years in 1960s London, her creative rise, and her beloved status in France, painting a nuanced portrait of the icon behind the icon. Meltzer brings new depth to Birkin’s public and private lives, showing how she transcended her muse status to become a lasting gure in fashion and culture. Her legacy, far beyond a namesake handbag, is one of artistic curiosity, independence, and what would come to be known as the epitome of “French girl style.”

We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade by Elyce Arons

Kate Spade’s sudden passing sent shockwaves through the fashion world, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape modern style. In this deeply personal memoir, Elyce Arons, Spade’s college roommate and the co-founder of their brand, recounts the story of their friendship, creativity, and entrepreneurial journey. Set against the glamorous and gritty backdrop of 1990s New York, the biography o ers a glimpse into their early years: working day jobs, making handbags at night, and building a company fueled by vision and sisterhood. Arons captures the emotional and professional complexities of their bond and celebrates Spade’s enduring in uence, not only as a designer but as a woman with humor, heart, and an unmistakable point of view.

They All Came to Barneys: A Personal History of the World’s Greatest Store by Gene Pressman

Barneys New York is more than just a store. It is a cultural institution and a stage for the fashion world’s most legendary names. In his rst memoir, Gene Pressman, Barneys’ longtime co-CEO and creative director, shares the story of how his family’s discount shop on Seventh Avenue survived three generations and grew into a luxury powerhouse that de ned taste and style across decades. From the rise of ready-to-wear in the 1960s to the glamour of the disco era, the devastation of the AIDS epidemic, and the global fashion boom of the 1990s, Pressman recounts the highs, lows, and reinventions that shaped Barneys’ legacy. Filled with stories of fashion legends like Azzedine Alaïa, Georgio Armani, and Anna Wintour, this is more than a retail history–it’s a rsthand account of a singular era in fashion, told by one of its most in uential leaders.

Invest with Intention

Sustainable investng empowers you to achieve fnancial success while contributng to a more equitable, environmentally responsible world. Our ESG (Environmental, Social, & Governance) strategies support both your fnancial goals and commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re planning for retrement or managing a trust, our sustainable investment optons integrate seamlessly into all types of portolios. Work with one of our Chartered SRI Counselors™ to create a personalized plan that makes a positve impact — for the planet, and your future

Wealth Management

Portolio constructon and risk management

Retirement

Your most important fnancial milestone

Estate Strategy

Leave the legacy you want

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Wealth-building strategies for professionals

Sustainable 401(k)

Empowering Plan Sponsors and Partcipants with Responsible Investment Optons

TRAVEL & CUISINE

FIRST CLASS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES AND DINING

Rome’s Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel exterior view

A ROMAN REVERIE W

Eager to catch a glimpse of the new pope—and lured by a Caravaggio exhibition—my daughter and I set o to explore the Eternal City.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

ith last spring’s excitement surrounding the appointment of the rst U.S.-born pope— and especially as Pope Leo XIV hails from Chicago—my daughter and I were inspired to visit Rome. Adding to the inspiration was the blockbuster Caravaggio exhibition at the Palazzo Barberini—I’ve long adored the work of this brilliant, if tempestuous, genius. So, in May, we said addio to the North Shore and buongiorno to Rome!

STAY

e Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, an opulent 19th-century marble palace overlooking Piazza della Repubblica, served as our home base. Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word meaning “without end,” the luxury hotel group Anantara promises unforgettable journeys rooted in local culture, beauty, and a sense of movement—and its Roman outpost more than delivered.

A member of e Leading Hotels of the World, Palazzo Naiadi is steeped in a history dating back to the splendor of ancient Rome. e neoclassical palace overlooks the grand Fountain of the Naiads and sits directly atop the ancient Diocletian Baths—a vast thermal complex built between 298 and 306 AD that once

Anantara Palazzo Naiadi hotel facade

FIRST CLASS

served as a social hub for Romans. From the hotel’s lower level, glass oors reveal the baths’ preserved foundations, pools, and mosaics, o ering a glimpse into the city’s layered past. e building’s stately facade provides a dramatic welcome, and inside, guests are greeted by a soaring white stucco lobby lined with colonnades and crowned by a glittering Murano glass chandelier. Modern touches, including a striking piece by famed Italian artist Mario Sironi, blend seamlessly with the hotel’s classic elegance.

With 232 rooms, the property o ers a full suite of luxury amenities: the Michelin-worthy restaurant INEO, an indulgent Anantara Spa, and a tness center out tted with cutting-edge Technogym equipment. Its panoramic rooftop terrace—one of the largest in central Rome—is home to SEEN by Olivier Bar, where cocktails and sunsets are equally unforgettable. An in nity pool completes the rooftop experience, perfect for a post-sightseeing dip.

Our suite situated just above the piazza, o ered an elegant retreat at the day’s end with its high ceilings and a glorious crown molding—possibly the most ornate I’ve ever seen. Striped wallpaper, sumptuous bedding, and opulent décor created a regal atmosphere. e enormous marble bathroom felt indulgent, and the Aqua di Parma products added an aromatic element. Our view of the Fountain of the Naiads and the bustling square captivated us, and each night before bed, we’d throw open the windows and people-watch to our hearts’ content. When we weren’t marveling at the splendor of our suite, we were indulging in unforgettable experiences across Rome—starting, of course, with the food.

Anantara Palazzo Naiadi lobby side room

Bernini sculpture of Persephone and Pluto in Villa Borghese

FIRST CLASS

DINE

An absolute highlight of our stay was dining at INEO, the hotel’s ne dining restaurant. Its name, from the Latin meaning “to enter” or “to begin,” captures the philosophy of Executive Chef Heros De Agostinis, who brings together the avors and aromas from the many lands that have shaped his decades-long culinary journey. e ambiance is intimate and elegant; 1960s-style lamps designed by Gae Aulenti cast a warm glow over the rich leather and velvet seating. Every course was a revelation—artfully presented and infused with heritage and innovation. e six-piece amuse-bouche (each bite beautifully balanced on an individual pedestal) set the tone for what would be a seven-course culinary extravaganza. e evening began with Veal Sweetbread in Amal Lemon, Artichokes and Green Shiso and Blue n Tuna Panzanella; then “Tribute to the Master” Cacio and Pepper Spaghetti with Raw Prawns and Lime for the rst course; then Muhammara Ravioli with Seafood and Chef’s Baharat for the second; then a divine Black Cod with Lime and Curry, Basil and Zucchini Flowers for the main. To top it all o was a decadent dessert of Strawberry, Rhubarb, Vanilla, and Cardamom. e expert sommelier paired each course with aromatic, delicious wine.

SEE

As part of our papal adventure, we were fortunate to witness a historic moment—catching Pope Leo XIV’s rst Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square. Standing in the heart of Rome, surrounded by thousands of well-wishers, was a moment we won’t soon forget.

On your visit, be sure to take advantage of two memorable excursions arranged by Anantara. “Secrets of the Vatican” o ered exclusive access to closed-o areas of the Vatican Museums, led by a passionate art historian who brought Renaissance masterpieces to life and revealed hidden papal histories.

For a lighter (and faster!) pace, “Rome by Vespa” was thrilling. Seated in a classic sidecar with our informative and capable guide at the wheel, we zipped around the city visiting landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and

INEO restaurant in Anantara Palazzo Naiadi

INEO’s decadent Raspberry and Rhubarb dessert with sou e

A view toward St. Peter’s Basilica over the River Tiber

Photograph by fotoVoyager

FIRST CLASS

the panoramic Janiculum Hill, along with vibrant neighborhoods including Trastevere, Testaccio, and Rione Monti.

One of my favorite places in Rome is the Galleria Borghese, containing a treasure trove of works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Titian. Bernini’s sculptures have always been a particular favorite (Apollo and Daphne, e Abduction of Persephone)—his ability to carve softness and motion into marble is nothing short of miraculous. Even the villa’s ceilings and oors are works of art.

Don’t miss the Galleria’s recently reopened Giardino dell’Uccelliera. Lemon trees and owering plants ank the path to a beautiful aviary adorned with baroque ourishes and rooftop statuary. e garden is not easy to nd, so be sure to ask one of the security guards to reveal its entrance. Note: be sure to purchase your tickets for the Galleria Borghese well in advance—although I bought our tickets weeks ahead of the trip, many of the days and times were already booked.

After the art immersion, we took a break to absorb Rome. A lovely spot to soak in the city is along the Tiber River, under the shade of the stately plane trees that line Via Lungotevere. e tree’s multi-colored bark and expansive canopies are more beautiful than the name might suggest. With St. Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo in the distance, we watched as the locals

strolled along the banks of the gently owing river.

Of course, no trip to Rome is complete without seeing the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. If you’re a history bu , I highly recommend a guided tour—there is always something new to learn. For a bird’s-eye view of the area, head to the terrace atop the Victor Emmanuel II Monument.

Just next door to the monument is the Capitoline Museums—the oldest public museums in the world, dating back to 1471—o ering an extraordinary collection of ancient sculpture and Renaissance masterpieces. e museums border the stunning Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century.

For poetry lovers, a stop at the Keats-Shelley House located next to the Spanish Steps is a must. e museum is dedicated to the Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley and contains a collection of memorabilia, letters, manuscripts, and even a death mask.

To cap o the trip, we were thrilled and fortunate to catch the blockbuster Caravaggio exhibition at Palazzo Barberini, a breathtaking survey of the artist’s work, including rare pieces from private collections. His dramatic lighting and emotional realism never cease to amaze me.

ough our trip was brief, it left a lasting impression. We set out to experience the city through the lens of a pivotal papal moment and the unveiling of a beloved artist’s work. What we found was a vibrant city and living museum, where every street, building, and piazza echo with centuries of history. From religious moments in St. Peter’s Square to awe-inspiring masterpieces, Rome reminded us that history is something you feel, see, and live.

Arrivederci and buon viaggio!

For more information visit anantara.com/en/palazzo-naiadi-rom, ineorestaurant.com, galleriaborghese.it, ksh.roma.it, palazzo-barberini.com.

Capitoline Museums

Photograph by Deejpilot

Photograph by Beto

Caravaggio exhibition at Palazzo Barberini. Photography by Alberto Novelli and Alessio Panunzi

Vespa in Piazza della Repubblica

SKINNY SOUP

(VEGETARIAN PHO)

WORDS, STYLING, AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOOD EDITOR MONICA KASS ROGERS

Icall this delightful bowl “skinny soup” because, full of fresh vegetables, fragrant broth, and rice noodles, it is lling without being high in calories.

Free of gluten, wheat, dairy, and fat, the soup cooks up in less than half an hour. To make it, you’ll use a good qual-

ity gluten-free vegetable stock with aromatics and spices (ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, and clove) added to deepen the avor and scent. As the broth simmers, add fresh prepared veggies and a handful of rice noodles. Simmer until softened, and nish with an herb, bean sprout, red pepper, and lime garnish.

RECIPE

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

For the broth

• 6 cups gluten-free vegetable stock

• 2 garlic cloves, peels discarded, thinly sliced

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peel discarded, thinly sliced

• 2 small cinnamon sticks

• 2 star anise

• 2 cloves

• 1 tablespoon wheat-and gluten-free soy sauce or tamari

• 1 ka r lime leaf OR 1 bay leaf

• 1 small white onion, halved and slivered

For the veg & noodles

• 3 small carrots, peels and tops discarded, cut into thin julienne strips

• 1, 150-gram package of white shimeji mushrooms, broken into small pieces

• 4 scallions, ends trimmed, sliced thin

• 1 handful of rice noodles (about 6 ounces)

For garnish

• 1 cup very fresh mung bean sprouts

• 1/2 cup fresh ai basil leaves

• Small bunch fresh mint

• Small bunch cilantro

• 2 limes, cut into wedges

• 1 sweet or spicy red pepper, seeded and cored, diced

METHOD

Make stock

In a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat, add vegetable stock, garlic, ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, onion, and soy. Heat to boiling. Immediately reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 20 minutes. Pluck out and discard the cinnamon sticks, ginger, star anise, and cloves, leaving the onion and garlic.

Add veggies and noodles

Add carrots and simmer for 4 minutes until tender. Add mushrooms, scallions, and rice noodles. Simmer another minute or two until noodles are soft.

Serve

Ladle soup into serving bowls, dividing noodles, onion, mushrooms, and carrots equally. Add bean sprouts, basil, mint, and cilantro to each bowl. Serve with chopped red pepper and wedges of lime at the table.

POMEGRANATE LEMON ZEST COOLER

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TWISTED ALCHEMY

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ounces Twisted Alchemy Pomegranate Juice

• 1 ounce Twisted Alchemy Lemon Sour

• 1 ounce vodka

• 1 ounce club soda

• Lemon twist and pomegranate seeds for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add Twisted Alchemy Pomegranate Juice, Twisted Alchemy Lemon Sour, and vodka to the shaker. Shake well until chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled highball glass lled with ice. Top o with club soda. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.

847.650.9093

HOUSE & HOME

A JAZZ AGE

CLASSIC REIMAGINED

Park & Oak brings new life to a storied Wilmette manor.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PARK & OAK

HOME TOUR

Architect George Maher designed dozens of ne homes throughout his career in the early 20th century, elding all kinds of special requests from clients who wanted things

“just so.” One of his most unusual commissions was the twin houses he and his son

Philip designed for Helen Bichl and Dorothy Schager in Wilmette, the daughters of German immigrant Wendelin Seng, a wildly successful pioneer in the manufacturing of hardware for mass-produced furniture.

Built in 1923 and executed in an Italianate style (Philip had traveled extensively in Europe and took the lead on this project), the impressive residences—which the sisters shared with their husbands, who worked in the family business—face each other across a formal garden. When new, the property sported matching tennis courts, a pool, and an underground tunnel connecting the two homes. Renee DiSanto and Christina Samatas, co-founders of the Glen Ellyn-based interior design rm Park & Oak, have just given one of these grande dames a freshening up, infusing the stately interiors with a contemporary liveliness that partners perfectly with the home’s original charm.

e home—now on only its third owners—had been well-maintained over the years, so when DiSanto and Samatas came onboard, they were able to devote their attention to aesthetics, sourcing the best materials, furnishings, and nishes to enhance and enliven the interiors. “ e clients had just recently moved in, and while the house had great bones, the style didn’t truly re ect the character of the home,” says DiSanto. “So, we worked to create interiors that also spoke more directly to the young family. is required small tweaks here and there, including updating the tile in the kitchen, transforming an old telephone closet into a study nook, refreshing paint colors, and swapping light xtures.”

A family of ve, the clients were determined to live in every inch of the spacious house. “ ey wanted each space to have a de ned purpose and functionality, including the formal dining room,” says Samatas, “which for this family is the heart of the home. roughout the house, the team used the clients’ existing items—revived or reupholstered—along with new pieces to give the rooms a more bespoke feel. “ e homeowners gave us the creative freedom to pursue what we felt would be the best t for their family and the overall aesthetic,” shares DiSanto.

Exterior

Foyer

HOME TOUR

e richly paneled foyer, which opens to the second oor, makes for an impressive introduction to the home. Adorned with pilasters and home to a grand staircase with a sun-splashed landing, the Park & Oak team set the space simply with a round table in a charcoal nish and a pair of upholstered ottomans in a sand-colored fabric atop an earth-tone Persian rug. e living room—graced with a handsome black mantel and a decorative frieze beneath the crown molding—is a relaxed a air, as evidenced by an inviting leather daybed and a pair of easy chairs covered in a warm plaid. e play of past and present is evident in the dining room, where contemporary art hangs on walls covered in a traditional scenic wallpaper depicting a lush landscape, while the contemporary chandelier dangles above a table whose walnut hue is quintessential old school dining room. In the sunroom (one of those wonderful features of older homes), the generous seating—which includes an English roll arm sofa trimmed dramatically with tassels—is gathered around a skirted ottoman, creating the perfect setting for lounging and memorable conversations. In this same convivial spirit, DiSanto and Samatas used occasional tables in a variety of shapes and materials, from brass and faux Shagreen to teak and concrete, to create gathering spots throughout the house.

With its ornamented ceilings, extensive millwork, and arched French doors, this Maher-designed home is very much of its time. But thanks to Park & Oak’s respectful, yet far from reverential approach, the Roaring Twenties-aura that pervades the home seems anything but dated. Loosened up but not unbuttoned, this home is like a good host who knows how to make a guest feel like a friend.

For more information, visit parkandoak.com.

Sunroom with sister house visible through windows

Powder room

AFTER TWO DECADES IN REAL ESTATE

and over $400 million in closed transactions*, consistently selling clients' properties faster and for more money means that Brandie delivers results, from the listing to the closing table. Indeed, as the real estate expert on HGTV's top-rated shows, "Designed to Sell" in Chicago, "Hidden Potential," as well as "Property Envy" on Bravo, Brandie's expertise in design and staging complements her real estate know-how, bringing a unique blend of talent, energy and client focus not only to TV but to her daily work helping buyers and sellers ﬁnd success.

With expertise in both Illinois and Wisconsin, Brandie adeptly serves a broad range of clients but especially loves opening doors to homeowners who want to plant roots where Brandie personally calls home and raises her own family.

• Nationally recognized real estate expert, appearing on Today Show, CNN, and Fox Business News

• Multiple industry awards and recognitions

• 100% referral-based business, but ﬁrst-time clients always welcome

• Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)

• Accredited Staging Professional (ASP)

• 24/7 dedication to client response, service, and personal attention

• Bachelor of Arts, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

HOME STYLE

01 Samina Table Lamp, luluandgeorgia.com 02 Tillar Hand-Knotted Wool Rug by Jake Arnold, luluandgeorgia.com 03 Augusta Glass in Amethyst/ Hazel, theexpert.com 04 Marin Botanical Stoneware Salad Plate, Crate & Barrel, 847-674-6850 05 Native Trails Avalon 66 Bathtub in Terracotta, nativetrailshome.com 06 Laurel Canyon Layered End Table by Brigette Romanek, Crate & Barrel, 847-674-6850 07 Tonal Checkerboard Pillow, Crate & Barrel, 847-674-6850 08 Hattie Burl Console Table, Arhaus Old Orchard, 847-272-5424 09 Four Hands Bergen Desk Chair, fourhands.com 10 Deacon Leather Swivel Recliner, Arhaus Old Orchard, 847-272-5424

11 Antique Italian Gray Horse Sculpture, Mistral, patinacollection.com 12 Jonathan Adler Trocadero Side Table, Jonathan Adler Chicago, 312-2749920 13 Colette Hammered Brass Mini Table Lamp, Crate & Barrel, 847-674-6850 14 Odette Placemat, willamere.com 15 Marbera Gaia Table in White Onyx, troveobjectgallery.com 16 Beachwood Golden Calacatta Marble Table Lamp by Brigette Romanek, Crate & Barrel, 847-674-6850 17 eodore Alexander Rowan Club Chair, theodorealexander.com 18 East Fork Dinner Plate in Guava, eastfork.com

1330 SHERIDAN ROAD, HIGHLAND PARK

6 bed | 4.2 bath | Listed at $2,150,000

Move right in and expand your wings in this almost 5,000 square foot home plus over 2,000 additional square feet in the basement.

470 TURICUM ROAD, LAKE FOREST

5 bed | 4.2 bath | Listed at $2,350,000

Set on just under an acre, this stunning property features a resort-style backyard with a pool, hot tub and koi pond - an outdoor oasis that truly must be seen to be believed. Co-listed with Andra O’Neill

HOME DESIGN

BRAND NEW FABRICS, TRIMMINGS, AND MORE AT THE NORTH SHORE’S PREMIER DESTINATION FOR CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS AND UPHOLSTERY FABRICS— LOOMCRAFT TEXTILES

Known as the North Shore’s go-to source for performance fabrics and home décor projects for 35-plus years, Loomcraft Textiles has just completed a massive renovation and inventory addition to its Vernon Hills location (645 Lakeview Parkway). e refreshed showroom now oﬀers an even more inspiring environment for discovering fabric, drapery, and upholstery solutions—and features expanded oﬀerings backed by the best custom window and upholstery workroom in the region.

Many customers underestimate the time it takes to design and execute custom projects, often waiting until the last minute to start their orders. By beginning your shopping in the fall, you can avoid the holiday rush and guarantee that your home looks stunning when guests arrive! Imagine gathering with loved ones around a beautifully reupholstered sofa with fresh foam and feel, or enjoying a festive dinner surrounded by chairs that reﬂect your personal style. Loomcraft’s extensive selection of fabrics—from rich velvets to durable linens—oﬀer endless possibilities to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.

Drapery can play a vital role in enhancing your home’s aesthetic. Custom curtains and drapes add elegance and warmth, framing your windows beautifully and controlling light and privacy. With a variety of styles, colors, and patterns available, you can select drapery that complements your upholstery and overall décor. Whether you prefer flowing sheer fabrics for a soft, airy feel or heavier materials for a dramatic look, Loomcraft’s drapery services provide the perfect finishing touch to any room. Offering custom Roman shades and Pinnacle blinds, Loomcraft saves you money by getting great quality directly from the source.

WHAT’S NEW AT LOOMCRAFT TEXTILES?

• Stunning New Displays: Brand new inventory from the

nation’s top fabric and trimming companies.

• Smarter Displays: Redesigned for easier browsing, our new layouts help customers navigate a vast selection of timeless and trending fabrics.

Expanded Inventory: Now with even more luxurious options for upholstery, drapery, and outdoor performance fabrics to suit any project.

WHY CHOOSE LOOMCRAFT?

• World-Class Workroom & Leadtimes: Expert craftsmanship and a reputation for excellence in both fabric and shade treatments.

• Fast Turnarounds: Don’t wait months—Loomcraft’s team delivers quality work on a quick, reliable timeline.

• Unbeatable Prices: e best custom window treatment pricing on the North Shore, guaranteed.

REFRESH YOUR SPACE THIS SPRING:

• Custom Window Treatments: Let their experts guide you through textures, colors, and styles to elevate your windows with drapery panels, roman shades, sunshades, and more.

• Performance Fabrics for Reupholstery: Revive your indoor or outdoor furniture with durable, cleanable fabrics that are built to last.

• Custom Bedding: Design a serene, stylish bedroom retreat with made-to-order bedding tailored to your taste.

Loomcraft Textiles has proudly served the North Shore for over 35 years. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or call to schedule a personalized home appointment.

Loomcraft Textiles, 645 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills, 847-680-1119, vhstore@loomcraft.com.

DRESS REHEARSAL

OPULENT INTERIORS BECOME

FOR FALL’S MOST

CLASSIC, ROMANTIC, AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY

EACH ENSEMBLE INVITES YOU TO EMBRACE THE SEASON’S MOST

THE BACKDROP INSPIRED DESIGNS. STRIKING LOOKS— BOLD.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

PHOTOGRAPHY EMIL SINANAGIC

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

MODELING BY AUBREY WHITE DAY AND AJ NEU, SELECT MODEL MANAGEMENT

LOCATION: 2025 LAKE FOREST SHOWHOUSE

AJ wearing Mizzen+Main sport coat, Peter Millar shirt, Smith’s Men’s Store in Lake Forest, Nili Lotan faux fur, Lillie Alexander in Lake Forest. Aubrey wearing Nili Lotan, Lillie Alexander in Lake Forest. Room designed by Birkman Interiors.

Aubrey wearing silk Chloé dress and faux fur Gorski wrap, Neiman Marcus. AJ wearing Trueﬁtt & Hill dress shirt, Smathers & Branson jacket, Peter Millar pant, Smith’s Men’s Store in Lake Forest. Room designed by Rebel House.

Aubrey wearing eskandar, Neiman Marcus Northbrook.

AJ wearing Ralph Lauren Purple, Neiman Marcus Northbrook. Room designed by Anthony Michael Interiors.

AJ wearing Moncler shirt, pant, and sweater, Bottega Veneta boots, Neiman Marcus, Michigan Avenue. Aubrey wearing LAPOINTE beaded top, Chloé jacket, Saint Laurent skirt, Gorski hat, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Room designed by Cynthia McCullough Interiors.

AJ wearing Burberry, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Aubrey wearing Alexander McQueen dress with Gucci stockings, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Room designed by Studio W Interiors.

AJ wearing Marni shirt and pant, Bottega Veneta jacket and boot, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Aubrey wearing Chloé lace top and silk culottes, Schutz shoes, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Room designed by Kipling House Interiors.

Aubrey wearing Carolina Herrera silk blouse, Brunello Cucinelli pant, and Chanel necklace, Portolano gloves, Neiman Marcus.

AJ wearing Scott

Barber white tuxedo, Smith’s Men’s Store in Lake Forest. Room

designed by Randy Keller Design and Michael Del Piero Good Design.

Aubrey wearing Alexander McQueen silk dress, Fogal tights, and Cult Gaia handbag, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. AJ wearing Kiton red checked sport coat and red dress shirt, Brunello Cucinelli white pant, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Room designed by White Couch Design.

AJ wearing Saint Laurent glasses, OWhite shirt, ZEGNA pant, Burberry tie, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Aubrey wearing Bottega Veneta, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue.

Room designed by Amy Kartheiser Design.

Janet E. Boyle Founder and Principal

NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF HIGH NET-WORTH-DIVORCE

Divorce is a complex and emotionally charged process with significant financial and legal ramifications. The stakes are undeniably high, making it crucial for individuals to maintain clarity and a strategic approach throughout. High-net-worth divorce involves intricate asset divisions, complex tax implications, and often, the involvement of multiple professionals such as financial advisors, forensic accountants, private investigators and asset valuation experts.

CLARITY AND SUPPORT

Partnering with Family Law Solutions can provide the clarity and support needed to navigate this challenging terrain. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference our approach can make when the outcome is crucial.

PUBLISHER’S PROFILE

BEYOND THE BLOOMS

Chicago Botanic Garden grows community, science, and learning across the region.

WORDS BY JANIS MVK / PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

Spanning 385 acres of gardens, landscapes, and retreats, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a living museum with deep roots. Using art to connect people to nature, the Garden creates must-see and must-do experiences for visitors.

is summer’s exhibition, Patterned by Nature, brings together art and nature in an impressive and large-scale way. “We ﬁnd art enhances the people-plant connection,” says Gwen VanderBurg, Vice President, Marketing and Communications.

But its beauty extends throughout greater Chicago and beyond. “ e Garden helps build healthier communities through urban agriculture, oﬀers lifelong learning opportunities, leads pioneering plant conservation research, and showcases the beauty of horticulture,” says VanderBurg.

With three programs stemming from its mission, the Garden inspires the community to connect through the power of plants. One such program, Windy City Harvest, addresses food insecurity and creates career pathways on Chicago’s West and South sides through urban agriculture.

“By focusing on growing food, improving health, and creating job opportunities, we’re helping build strong, vibrant neighborhoods that thrive,” says Carmen Vergara, Vice President, Community Partnerships.

Windy City Harvest operates 10 urban farms across Chicago, growing and distributing over 200,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. rough programs like VeggieRx, over 3,000 individuals receive free produce boxes. In addition, the Farm on Ogden in North Lawndale combines farming, a produce market, nutrition education, and workforce development all in one space.

Another program leads cutting-edge plant science through the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action,

which works across ecosystems and continents to save rare species and restore landscapes.

“Our work at Neguanee Institute focuses on preventing extinctions, supporting resilient landscapes, and training the next generation of plant conservation leaders,” explains Kay Havens, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science.

e Institute’s Plants of Concern program tracks over 280 rare species at nearly 340 sites in the Midwest, while partnerships with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank amplify native seed production and the safeguarding of seeds.

“By working together, we can grow more seed from more species, helping restore diverse, healthy habitats that can better adapt to our changing climate,” says Havens.

e Regenstein School is another impactful program, oﬀering immersive learning experiences for all ages and experience levels. Its curriculum covers art, design, photography, wellness, and more, inviting people to connect with nature in meaningful, hands-on ways.

“ e School oﬀers workshops, programs, and events on everything from the life cycle of plants to painting and photography, butterﬂies to bonsai, and wilderness survival to yoga workouts in one of the largest blended indoor-outdoor learning environments in Chicagoland,” says Eileen Prendergast, Senior Director, Education.

With ﬁeld trips reaching 30,000 students annually, certiﬁcate programs, and professional development for 300 teachers each year, the Garden is nurturing lifelong learning.

From growing food to conserving plants and inspiring learners of all ages, the Chicago Botanic Garden is growing a better world. “ e Garden invites all to join in our mission to grow more than plants as a member, donor, or visitor,” says VanderBurg.

Chicago Botanic Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, 847-835-6801, chicagobotanic.org, @chicagobotanic.

Windy City Harvest Youth Farm participants at the Farm on Ogden in North Lawndale.

Conservation scientist Becky Barak, Ph.D. collecting data from experimental plots at the Garden for a lawn alternatives study.

THE ENERGY CURATOR

DJ Megan Taylor creates events that resonate, inspire, and stir the soul.

WORDS

BY JOE ROSENTHAL

Taylor performing at a private event in Chicago. Photography by Guri Gashi

As a teenager growing up in the small rural town of Princeton, Illinois, Megan Taylor absorbed the music business through osmosis. Her dad worked for a subsidiary of Sony Records, placing CDs and merchandise in local retail shops throughout the Midwest. As a result, Taylor was the bene ciary of an endless stream of promotional albums, which she would spirit away to her bedroom for listening sessions.

“When I was a kid, I always had access to music,” she says. “And I was always the friend that made the playlists.”

Later, while double majoring in math and art at DePaul University, Taylor was exposed to house music, which immediately caught her ear and moved her emotionally. “House music spoke to my soul. For me, it’s a language that the body knows. It’s the music that moves the body.”

Photography by Katrina Wittkamp, styling by Theresa DeMaria, hair & makeup by Leanna Ernest

After college, Taylor began her career as an intern at Fig Media Inc., a boutique rm that books creatives including DJs. e founders, James and Michele Gustin, had built an established company known for cultivating sophisticated DJs and pioneering talent in an uncharted eld. ey invited Taylor to join the team, mentored her, and gave her a long runway to emerge as a female DJ in a deeply male-dominated industry. eir guidance and support were–and continue to be–instrumental in her rise. ese foundational experiences set the stage for Taylor’s emergence as one of the most sought-after DJs in Chicago. Her work includes events for the Chicago Cubs (including their World Series party), the WNBA, CHANEL, Nike, and Vogue. Recently, she deejayed a global business event for more than 4,000 people at Navy Pier. Her work also takes her outside of Chicago, and across the world for private events.

To operate at this level, it takes more than a playlist of banger tracks. As with any art, it’s impossible to pick out the secret ingredients that lead to success. But Taylor’s approach goes well beyond a passion for “digging” (locating tracks and unique remixes) and an encyclopedic knowledge of the songs making an impact on a global level. She strives to understand the people she’s working with and playing for. She has a master’s degree in social emotional intelligence, and a lot of her work involves meeting with her clients, talking about the music they love, what moves them, and helping them create the right mood for whatever event they are organizing–whether it’s a corporate launch party, gala, wedding, or special birthday party.

“My goal is always to have it feel like an event you’ve never been to before,” she says. She takes pride in her ability to “paint a picture” with the music, to keep the crowd energized and engaged, and deliver events that will be remembered long after the lights come down and the dance oor is empty.

“I really look at everything as energy,” she says. “ ere are some people who can see colors. I can see the energy of the song.”

To help her produce and shape that energy, Taylor seeks out places to nd a creative spark. Topping that list is Tulum, where she spent a lot of time during the pandemic after her business came to a complete stop. It’s a place to recharge, tap into the vibrant music culture, and open her ears to emerging music and trends.

“Mexico is a place where I feel vibrant, and it brings me into my heart. I have so much resonance there,” she says.

As it turned out, her business shutting down during COVID was a blessing in disguise. With live music events shuttered, Taylor got hired to run strategy for a book launch, which led to more engagements in creative strategy, producing retreats, and creating soundtracks for hotels and restaurants.

“I take corporate branding and translate that to music. Which is super fun,” she explains. Like the music itself, the pathways for Taylor just keep growing, morphing, and remixing. Whether she’s helping to launch a new product, perfecting a playlist for soonto-be newlyweds, or running a healing music retreat, Taylor’s focus is the same. Using the power of music and human connection to transport, uplift, and forge connections.

“It’s frequency and vibrations, and it’s all really healing,” she says.

Re ecting on one of her recent events, Taylor captured her mission perfectly: “You play music that represents everyone, and then they all dance to it on the dance oor and they acknowledge each other. It’s an amazing thing. Magical things can happen. at makes me happy.”

For playlists and more information, visit thisismegantaylor.com.

Taylor performing at a private event in Chicago.

Photography by Jeremy Bustos

Taylor performing at “I’m Not Dead” Launch Party in New York City. Photography by Marsha Lebedev Bernstein

Michael P. Fisherman Partner & Portfolio Manager

R. Zuckerman, CFA Partner & CEO

R. Schicker, CFA Partner & Portfolio Manager

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FASHION FORWARD!

Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel bring their eye for style to Plaza del Lago, opening a new storefront for SPACE 519.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS

PORTRAIT AND INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP

PORTRAIT STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Shopping should be an experience. Not a spectacle, not a show, but something special. And it’s about more than product; it’s about ambiance, attitude, anticipation. It’s an alchemy that’s not easy to achieve, but fashion retailers Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel have mastered the magic. eir SPACE 519 in Chicago has long been the destination choice for style-savvy shoppers seeking the perfect piece—and having a good time while doing it. at’s about to get a whole lot easier, with the debut of SPACE 519 at Wilmette’s newly refreshed Plaza del Lago.

“When we started SPACE 519, Jim and I had owned stores and been traveling and buying women’s designer clothing for almost a decade,” says Lawson. “On our European buying trips, we discovered so many things that excited us in categories like home, apothecary, and stationery and wanted to bring the idea of a small, curated department store to Chicago.” Known for sourcing the best from the likes of Jil Sander, KHAITE, Proenza Schouler, and om Browne, Lawson and Wetzel are now expanding their o erings, presenting hard-to- nd collections such as New York-based Partow and Milan’s SA SU PHI, importing the Fornasetti home collection, and debuting Dr. Few Skincare on the North Shore.

SPACE 519 at Plaza del Lago

SPACE 519 owners Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel in SPACE

519’s The Lunchroom

Métier Private Eye Handbag in Buttery Nappa Pomodoro.

Photography by Jack Webb

Model wearing KHAITE. Photography courtesy of SPACE 519

Model wearing Thom Browne. Photography courtesy of SPACE 519

Nak Armstrong jewels. Photography courtesy of SPACE 519

Lawson and Wetzel had been looking for a suitable North Shore location for years. Wetzel, born in Winnetka and raised in the northern suburbs, always had a fondness for Plaza del Lago, designed nearly a century ago by architect Edwin Hill Clark.

“When WS Development—the company behind the redevelopment of the property—approached us three years ago, we felt an instant connection,” says Lawson. “ eir vision was inspiring, and we love seeing a vintage space brought back to life.”

e couple has been utterly hands-on in creating the new space, devising the oor plan, adding windows and enlarging an existing skylight, and custom designing xtures and much of the furniture.

“We have a trademark style we call ‘happy modern,’ where clean lines are softened by mid-century nds and warm wood,” shares Wetzel, whose career includes stints as design manager at Henri Bendel and store director at Gucci in Chicago. “For this location, we collaborated with Winnetka-based Maggie Meiners on a statement art piece behind the cash wrap and with Paige Spearin on a North Shore-themed mural. at was an incredibly rewarding part of the process.”

Key to the SPACE 519 formula is the marriage of fashion and food and North Shore customers can look forward to multiple options here: e Lunchroom, a 50-seat all-day sit-down restaurant; e Lunchbox, for barista drinks, baked goods, and gourmet grab-and-go; and a new concept, e Lago Room, a stylish 40-seat European style café during the day and a chic spot for a late afternoon cocktail or early evening glass of wine. “We’ve been very inspired by the old school department stores like Marshall Field’s with its Walnut Room and Freds at Barneys,” relates Lawson. “We were inspired by places like Colette in Paris and 10 Corso Como in Milan, where operating a cafe makes a store even more of a destination. We added e Lunchroom downtown when we opened our current space on Chestnut Street in 2018, and our business has soared, largely because of the energy the cafe provides to the overall business. It is the secret sauce.”

“Some may come for the food and not shop; others may dine and grab stationery or a home item on their way out,” suggests Wetzel. “And we’ve seen many people come for a salad and leave with a new dress or pair of shoes. We really appreciate each and every customer and are truly excited to be a part of the North Shore community.”

For more information, visit space519.com.

SPACE

519 owners Wetzel and Lawson

The Lago Room

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“Susan walked us through every step of the home selling process with promptness and incredible e ciency, answered our questions, o ered great advice when it came to preparing and pricing our home, and kept us in the loop without overwhelming us. Thanks to her marketing skills and local expertise, our house sold quickly and for a price we were happy with. It was a pleasure working with her and we highly recommend Susan.” – EC, Highland Park

FROM THE RUNWAY TO THE RAINFOREST

Once a fashion photographer, Owen Deutsch now turns his lens to birds—using his art to inspire awe and advocate for conservation.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

Photographer Owen Deutsch.

Photography by Rona Talcott

As a fashion photographer, the models Owen Deutsch captured on lm were clothed in silks and satins. Today, as a bird photographer, his subjects are adorned with more exotic plumage.

Take, for example, the Sparkling Violetear featured in Birds of the Tropical Andes (Princeton University Press, 2025), Deutsch’s newest collaboration with American Bird Conservancy (ABC) president Michael Parr. e tiny creature is a shimmering jewel of a hummingbird covered in vibrantly iridescent blue and green feathers.

“ e image of the Sparkling Violetear is the perfect example of everything I love about bird photography,” says Deutsch: “ e composition, the lighting, the environment, the bird’s pose, and incredible detail. Pulling all this together in a beautiful photograph really moves me.”

But Deutsch’s passion doesn’t stop there. He’s equally fervent about bird conservation, using his photography to support the work of the ABC. One hundred percent of the royalties from his 2019 book with Parr, Bringing Back the Birds, have gone to support ABC’s bird conservation e orts throughout the Americas.

e same will be true of their Birds of the Tropical Andes, a stunning exploration of one of the world’s most iconic birding regions, that came out July 8.

Stretching 4,300 miles across much of the western part of South America, the Andes are the world’s longest continental mountain range and home to more than 1,700 bird species. Deutsch’s co ee table-sized book includes more than 260 photos, plus essays and text that explain birds’ relationships with the ecosystems that support them, examine threats to fragile environments (mining, deforestation, agricultural expansion, climate change), and discuss programs ABC has underway to help.

Deutsch says his shift from shooting for the art of it, to photographing with conservation in mind, happened after a birding trip to Hawaii. “I learned that Hawaii is the extinction capital of the world,” he recalls, “and that ABC had been instrumental in introducing preserves there to protect avian life from predators. As someone who loves the beauty of nature and is concerned about the enormity of what we’d lose if all these species were to disappear, my goal became trying to evoke people’s interest in conservation and supporting ABC’s work.”

Fashion photographer Owen Deutsch’s images from shoots in the 1970s

TOP: Swainson’s Thrush on page 199 LEFT: Purple-bibbed Whitetip on page 43 ABOVE: Plate-billed Mountain Toucan on page 17 OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Sparkling Violetear on page 2 OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM: Cover of Birds of the Tropical Andes by Owen Deutsch and Michael J Parr. Copyright © 2025. Reprinted by permission of Princeton University Press.

First introduced to bird photography in 2002 by a friend, Deutsch quickly became hooked, nding the pursuit of the birds in their natural environments both thrilling and beautiful. But despite his already impressive artistic skills, it took years for Deutsch to perfect his technique when photographing birds. “It takes patience and perseverance,” he explains. “I’ve spent years honing my craft, and I’m still guring it out! ere’s always something new to learn.”

At the beginning of his bird photography odyssey, Deutsch t photo sessions into the margins around his second career— renovating urban industrial warehouses into loft o ce spaces through his Loft Development Corporation. But after photographing birds for 10 years, Deutsch felt the time was right to sell o his real estate portfolio, allowing him to focus solely on bird photography.

us far, he has been to more than 30 countries and photographed over 2,000 species. In addition to featuring these images in books, Deutsch has created a website that is a treasure trove of avian knowledge. It includes not just photos of birds, but information about birding sites and lodges, as well as the taxonomy of each bird, and the sound of its birdsong. So, if you want to know more about the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, for example, it’s all there, from brilliant-hued images of the bird to its order, family, and genus. “I wanted my website to be a resource for a wide variety of viewers—a learning tool that’s user-friendly and engages everyone who uses it,” Deutsch explains.

“In my previous careers,” he sums, “I didn’t have much involvement in conservation. But as a bird photographer, I feel I can nally make a di erence for future generations.”

For more information, visit owendeutsch.com and abcbirds.org. To order Birds of the Tropical Andes, visit press.princeton.edu/books/ hardcover/9780691260686/birds-of-the-tropical-andes.

“It is my absolute pleasure to recommend Cory Albiani. Cory recently helped guide me through back to back buy/sell transactions, smoothly and successfully, in under 45 days. Cory is professional, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. It is easy to see that he truly cares about the clients with whom he is working. It is also easy to see that Cory has an incredible reputation among his peers who respect him and are pleased to learn when he is on the other side of their deals. Cory advocated for me throughout the entire process and helped me achieve incredible results in both deals. He is responsive, attentive, as friendly as can be, and he really knows this business inside and out. Cory made sure that there was no stone left unturned. He was there from the beginning to the end and everything in between on both deals and I never worried about a thing. Overall, Cory’s client service is ﬁrst class and I would recommend him to anyone!”

—Lizzy Garlovsky

LYNN SAGE BREAST CANCER SOIREÉ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIDIA VITI AND SHERI WHITKO

Charlie Mills and Jill Alberts Mills opened their home for an inspired evening in support of the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation. “Sip, Shop and Get Pierced,” which beneﬁted area breast cancer research and raised awareness across the North Shore, proved that fundraising can be both fun and impactful. With one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer, guests (many wearing pink) gathered with purpose and passion. e event also marked the lead-up to a powerful milestone—the foundation’s 40th anniversary on October 16, which would have been Lynn Sage’s 80th birthday. lynnsage.org

Jill Alberts Mills and Charlie Mills

Emily Perlberg, Erica Ayala, Jill Alberts Mills, Charlie Mills, Laura Sage, Julie Stankiewicz

Dustin O’Regan, Amy Kadens

Robin Goldberg, Melissa Cohen, Sunny Dubois, Dori Greenberg

Pieces from Jill Alberts Jewelry in Glencoe

LIVING & GIVING

Melissa Trandel, Roni Moore

Jill Alberts Mills, Erica Ayala

Lori Gupta, Emily Perlberg

Arlyn Goodman, Lili Ann Zisook, Laura Sage

Dr. Meg Moore, Eleanor Miz

Roni Moore and Melissa Trandel,

Dr. Meg Moore getting a piercing

Kirstin Chernawsky, Samatha Decker, Amy Kadens, Kristin Klein, Danielle Glisovich

Cheryl Taglia, Grith Funk, Alison Donnelly, Kirstin Chernawsky, Sunny Esler

LURIE CHILDREN’S DINNER ON THE BLUFF & PRO AM

OPHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

n June 22 and 23, the Founders’ Board of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago hosted the 65th Annual Dinner on the Blu ﬀ and Pro Am Golf Championship, presented by Wintrust. On the evening preceding the tournament, more than 560 guests gathered at Shoreacres in Lake Blu ﬀ to enjoy cocktails and dinner overlooking Lake Michigan. e tournament featured 55 foursomes of golfers, each paired with a pro, competing to be crowned the 65th Annual Pro Am’s newest winners. e two record-breaking, sold-out events were co-chaired by Abby Baine Dunn and Annie Barlow and raised more than $2.23 million for Lurie Children’s Heart Center. foundersboard. luriechildrens.org

Abby Baine Dunn, Annie Barlow

Dan Broderick, Lisa Berghorst, Debbie and Ted Berghorst

Bill O’Donnell, John O’Donnell

Shelley Patenaude, Mary Kate Daley, Abby Baine Dunn, Kim Vender Mo at

David Winlaw and Michelle Butler

LIVING & GIVING

Ed Wehmer

Nick and Janelle Foligno

Meredith and Mark Sullivan

Micah Materre, John O’Donnell

Bob and Mimi Murley

Clare Colnon and Barb Steinhauser,

Joe Shenton, Brandon Cruz, Sean Cunningham, Danny Dunn, Michael Callahan, Jamie Baisley

Je Yehle, Margie Stineman, Abby Baine Dunn, Annie Barlow, Stu Lansing

LIVING & GIVING

Gala Co-Chair Karen Morgan Holmberg, Ravinia

President and CEO Je rey P. Haydon, Women’s Board

Chair Susan Schmitt, and Gala Co-Chair Betsey Madden

RAVINIA GALA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAVINIA FESTIVAL

The Ravinia Festival’s annual fundraising gala, hosted by the Ravinia Women’s Board, was a dazzling success, raising funds to support the festival’s Reach Teach Play education programs, which serve more than 50,000 people across Chicagoland, ensuring that many area schools and communities have equitable access to music. e highlight of the evening was a captivating performance by Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra led by Marin Alsop. e night concluded with an elegant dinner, performances, and a paddle raise led by Alyssa Quinlan of Freeman’s | Hindman. ravinia.org

Alyssa Quinlan leads the night’s paddle raise to support Ravinia’s education programs.

Reach Teach Play alum Wanye Williams returns to play with the CSO.

Kelli O’Hara and Sutton Foster enter the Gala tent to a standing ovation.

Devi Koya, Prianka Koya

Sutton Foster

LIVING & GIVING

FASHION NIGHT OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE CURIO

Hosted by Cortez Smith of Showtime’s e Chi, e Curio’s 3rd annual “Fashion’s Night Out” took place at ROOF on theWit . e live model installation of 10 MGMT models featured ﬁve Chicago-based rising stars of sustainable design: ALL WE REMEMBER; ANNABO; Dripped in INC; OATH; and Presley Baldwin. e sold-out event was attended by a variety of Chicago fashion industry leaders and tastemakers, along with many fashion enthusiasts who were treated to tasty cocktails from Tequila 1349, accompanied by the sounds of DJ Andrew Emil, and a parting gift of a “Chicago Fashion” custom candle from WIXS on Northwood. curioexperience.com

Designer Presley Baldwin and her models

Emma Hauschild, Sasha Hirshberg

Khrystyna Polek, Lilia Dziuba

Cortez Smith

Janet Dimgba, Brooke Christensen, Ellie Kate

Tia Bat, Ugi Sazdovski

Dripped in INC Models

Haley Guzzo, Henry Jones

LIVING & GIVING

ZOO BALL

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LINCOLN PARK ZOO

More than 600 philanthropists, wildlife enthusiasts, and animal advocates gathered at Lincoln Park Zoo for the 48th annual Zoo Ball. Hosted by the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, the “Serpentine Soirée” themed evening raised a record breaking $1.8 million, making it the highest grossing Zoo Ball in the event’s history. Funds raised support Lincoln Park Zoo’s animal care, welfare, conservation, learning programs, and the 49-acre campus. lpzoo.org

Event chairs Colleen Mansell and Trish Giannoulias at the podium

guests on the dance ﬂoor

Mary MacGregor, Colleen Mansell, Trish Giannoulias, Megan Ross, Fran Edwardson

Colleen and Eric Mansell

Maggie Speaks

LIVING & GIVING

MASQUERADE

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY WIDIA VITI

Citadel eatre hosted “Masquerade,” a festive affair at Barrington’s Sanfilippo Estate, which is renowned for its magnificent collection of restored antique music machines, phonographs, arcade and gambling machines, chandeliers, art glass, the world’s largest theater pipe organ, and more. A formal gourmet dinner and an auction were enjoyed in the Eden Palais Carousel Pavilion, home to street and tower clocks, steam engines, and the world’s most spectacular European salon carousel, all displayed within a breathtaking French Second Empire setting. citadeltheatre.org

Ellen and Scott Phelps, founders of Citadel Theatre

Loan Riedel, Dr. Linda Salmon, Lori Lennon

Ed Kling, Diane Tang

Shelly Norton

Amy Barcroft Murphy

Nadine and Kirk Shepard

Citadel Theatre students with Ellen and Scott Phelps

Nandan Shah and Jennifer McGregor

LIVING & GIVING

2025 Beach Party Co-Chairs

PAWS BEACH PARTY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE DEMOS PHOTOGRAPHY, EVAN COBB PHOTOGRAPHY, SYD AND THE CITY, AND NICK ROBBINS

Dressed in Hawaiian shirts, ﬂoral sundresses, and leis— and that’s just the canine guests—PAWS Chicago’s 22nd Annual Beach Party brought hundreds of pet lovers to Oﬀshore Rooftop at Navy Pier to raise lifesaving funds for homeless pets. e event, which grossed over $400,000, will help the city’s largest No Kill humane organization continue its mission to end the needless euthanasia of cats and dogs and provide critical care for homeless and at-risk pets. Guests enjoyed a lively evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a spirited live auction—plus portraits by a pet artist, an aura photo booth, and ice cream treats for both people and pups, courtesy of Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream and Koko’s Kitchen. pawschicago.org

Heather Zimmerman and Janet Mandell with adoptable pet Eugene

Marisol Vega with dogs Paco and Muneca

Barbara Rinella, Julie Anastos

Judy and Howard Tullman, Virginia Follmer-Stafman

Archie

Birdie

Daenerys

Snoopy

LIVING & GIVING

SNEAK PEEK

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY WIDIA VITI

On a magical summer evening, guests gathered at e Art Center Highland Park for an exclusive preview of Sheridan Road’s August issue. e Elkins Gallery, transformed by Arlene Byster’s contemplative solo exhibition Reclaiming Me, provided an inspiring backdrop for the celebration. Glasses were raised to an issue honoring the remarkable men and women of the North Shore, as guests sipped craft cocktails courtesy of Twisted Alchemy and Inspiro Tequila and sampled light bites from Redding Worth. e evening brimmed with laughter, connection, and conversation—an unforgettable tribute to the creativity and talent that deﬁne the North Shore.

Robin Aren, Vicki Reece

Cassie Mancuso Carver, Jessica Margot

Denise Knouse, Lexie Knox

Amy Bluhm, Arlene Byster

Je rey and Anna Assenmacher

Kate Holland, Pim Alley

Twisted Alchemy’s cofounder Kim Holstein and her daughter Dani

Cristi Finkel, Jamie Klein, Marlene Saltzberg, Arlene Byster

Megan Weisberg, Arlene Byster, Dustin O’Regan

RWORDS BY STEVEN

BLOCH, M.D.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA

KASS ROGERS

everse abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper abdomen, typically above the navel. is procedure is usually performed on individuals who have experienced signiﬁcant weight loss, aging and sagging of the upper abdomen skin. It is indicated when the lower abdomen is in good shape and does not require skin tightening or muscle repair which is done as part of a full abdominoplasty. e procedure is usually performed on women where you can hide the scar under the breasts. e reverse abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction to decrease the volume of the upper abdomen and create a more sculptured appearance. Another advantage of this procedure is that it avoids a scar around the navel. e reverse abdominoplasty can be combined with breast surgery such as a breast lift or mastopexy and incorporate the scar under the breast as part of the surgery.

I have found this operation to be an excellent option for the patient who has had a previous abdominoplasty and the lower abdomen is tight but the upper abdomen still has some laxity or sagging from weight loss or aging. Recovery time can vary from several weeks to months since it involves not only a skin and fat reduction but a tightening of the underlying abdominal fascia.

If you are considering this procedure the next step is to consult with an experienced Plastic Surgeon.

Bloch

PUBLISHER’S PROFILE

BONE HEALTH, OSTEOPOROSIS, AND OSTEOPENIA

WORDS BY CHIRAG PATEL, M.D., CEO, HANSA MEDICAL GROUPE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

As we all age through life, our bodies evolve and change. One aspect is our bone health, its steady deterioration, complications from reduced bone health, and the treatments currently available. Osteoporosis, which literally means porous bone, is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. As bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly increased. e loss of bone occurs silently and progressively. Often there are no symptoms until the ﬁrst fracture occurs.

Osteopenia is considered the beginning of bone density loss. When osteopenia worsens to a measurable point, it changes to osteoporosis. Our bones are the densest at around 30 years of age. About 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 34 million are at risk. 1 of 3 women and 1 in 5 men aged 50 and older will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. ose that are diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis are typically over 50 years of age or older. Younger patients with bone thinning usually have a genetic predisposition or are taking medication with bone density loss as a side eﬀect. Other risk factors include gender, ethnicity, age, body size, diet, lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Osteoporosis is diagnosed by a bone density scan, which is typically performed in primary care oﬃces or hospital radiology departments. A certain T-score will determine if your bones are normal for your age, has osteopenia, or worsened to osteoporosis. It is important to screen for this condition, as it is preventable and treatable, reducing future fracture risk.

ings to prevent osteoporosis include a healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D supplement, maintaining a healthy body weight—BMI greater than 19, regular weight bearing exercise, and avoiding habits like smoking and heavy drinking.

Older adults are at highest risk of osteoporosis, with nearly 75 percent of hip, spine and wrist fractures occurring in people aged 65 years old or over. Other preventive techniques for seniors include fall prevention precautions, consistent weight bearing exercise, and keeping vitamin D levels within the normal range.

Medications used for treatment include Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, zoledronic acid), Raloxifene and bazedoxifene, Teriparatide and abaloparatide, Denosumab, Romozumab, and Menopausal Hormone erapy (MHT)*

Ask your primary care physician about ordering a DEXA scan to determine your bone health, as it should be part of any 50 and older patient’s medical screening.

Hansa Medical Groupe has oﬃces at 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300, in Skokie, and in Chicago, 847-920-0902m hansamedicalgroupe.com,

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Cricket is an absolute gem of a REALTOR®—and a total force of nature. From our very ﬁrst meeting, she was warm, personable, and genuinely invested in helping us through every step of the selling process. She didn’t just go the extra mile—she practically jumped through ﬂaming hoops for us.

-Winnetka Seller

Cricket’s deep knowledge of the North Shore market and her incredible attention to detail made what could’ve been a stressful process feel smooth and manageable. Thanks to her hard work and strategic insight, we sold our home quickly and for more than we expected. We’re beyond grateful and couldn’t recommend her more highly. -Winnetka Seller

PARTING WORDS

A POET’S REFLECTIONS

Edward Hirsch crafts memories of familial and suburban life into a funny elegy to growing up in Skokie.

WORDS BY LAURA LAYFER TREITMAN / ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO

Edward Hirsch’s most recent book, My Childhood in Pieces: A Skokie Elegy, A Stand-Up Comedy brings the New York-based award-winning poet, proli c author, and since 2003, President of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, back home to the people and the place where he grew up. It’s a memoir written unlike any other; individually titled stanzas, each a short story or “microburst” as Hirsch calls it, read like pictures of painted prose in a family photo album. e method is as unconventional as his coming-of-age, both then and now, for here he emerges again with a new accolade to add to his illustrious career credits: comedian.

At Grinnell College, he was an all-star athlete who played football and baseball and majored in English. From there he went on to a Ph.D. in folklore at the University of Pennsylvania and professorships at Wayne State University and the University of Houston. Over the course of his career, Hirsch has received numerous honors, including a MacArthur Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and published more than a dozen books of and about poetry, including Gabriel: A Poem, for his son, and How to Read a Poem: And Fall in Love with Poetry, which became a national bestseller.

Early on, he was captivated by poetry and writing gave him a respite from the highs and lows of youth. It was also a bond that he shared with his late grandfather. “After my grandfather’s funeral, I wandered down to the basement and picked an anthology o the shelf. I found a poem called Spellbound. I fell under its spell. e author’s name was not included. I decided my grandfather must have written it. ere was something he was trying to tell me.” A few years later, when Hirsch studied English poetry and re-read the same work, he learned the author was in fact Emily Brontë. Of the revelation, he recalls,

“I was spellbound all over again, but I was also confused. Who was trying to reach me?”

Born just a year apart, Hirsch and his sister Arlene were “thick as thieves” as kids. In the dedication of the book to “Lenie,” her nickname, Hirsch writes, “We lived through everything together. We share a sense of humor and a history. She remembers our childhood as traumatic. I prefer to recall it otherwise. Her way was more expensive. It required psychoanalysis.” From their high school sweetheart parents’ early marriage, subsequent divorce, and custody battle that followed, to remarriages, new last names, and new siblings, it was an upbringing lled with multi-generational characters and often mass chaos. eir family was part of the great migration from the city to the suburbs happening across America in the late 1950s/early 60s, and more speci cally, those looking to create a Jewish community and culture post-World War II. e establishment of a town called Skokie o ered such an opportunity. While some of the old local haunts will be most familiar to baby boomers—New York Bagel and Bialy on Touhy Avenue, Jack’s Restaurant, the Purple Hotel, and the building of the Edens Expressway to accommodate a Mad Men-era commute—Hirsch’s re ections are universal and inspiring for adults of all ages to look back and smile.

He says that he always wanted to write something funny. “I think that my parents would really like the style I chose, their quips and jokes, and the fact that I actually listened to them!” he laughs, “But it’s a mixed bag, for me it was liberating, and I hope it will trigger a lot of people’s childhood memories.”

For more information, visit edwardhirsch.com Copies of My Childhood in Pieces (Alfred A. Knopf) are available for purchase at both e Book Stall in Winnetka and e Lake Forest Book Store.

Sheridan Road, September 2025

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AGENDA

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SO MUCH GROWS HERE

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QCHICAGO WINDOW GUYS

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHICAGO WINDOW GUYS

Customized window and door solutions that go above and beyond.

WORDS BY JANIS MVK / PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHICAGO WINDOW GUYS

MODERN COUNSEL

THE DIVORCE TRANSFORMATION: A NEW BEGINNING

FASHION & BEAUTY

LIVING AND DRESSING WELL

THE FALL EDIT

FASHION FALL PREVIEW

BEAUTY

CULTURE & ARTS

THE NORTH SHORE’S MOST CREATIVE PURSUITS

WHIMSY & WONDER

FROM PRINTS TO PICTURE BOOKS, MURALS, AND MAHJONG

ART & ARTIST

ART & ARTIST

ART & ARTIST

MEREL MINUTE

FIVE COSTLY MISTAKES HIGH-NET-WORTH INDIVIDUALS MAKE DURING DIVORCE

Final

ESTEBAN VICENTE, MASTER OF COLLAGE

TRENDING

CARRYING IT FORWARD

STYLISH READS

THE STORIES BEHIND THE STYLE

Invest with Intention

TRAVEL & CUISINE

A ROMAN REVERIE W

STAY

FIRST CLASS

FIRST CLASS

DINE

SEE

FIRST CLASS

SKINNY SOUP

(VEGETARIAN PHO)

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

POMEGRANATE LEMON ZEST COOLER

HOUSE & HOME

A JAZZ AGE

CLASSIC REIMAGINED

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PARK & OAK

HOME TOUR

HOME TOUR

AFTER TWO DECADES IN REAL ESTATE

HOME STYLE

1330 SHERIDAN ROAD, HIGHLAND PARK