Style

GAME CHANGER

New Items to Elevate your Skin Care Game.

26 The Newest Launch From Dr. Barbara Sturm, Everything Eye Patches — The newest launch from Dr. Barbara Sturm, Everything Eye Patches, *drsturm.com*

26 Dr. Barbara Sturm, Everything Eye Patches, Drsturm.com — The newest launch from Dr. Barbara Sturm, Everything Eye Patches, *drsturm.com*

COUNTRY VS. TOWN: NAMUUN DIGANGI

Namuun Digangi was born and raised in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, a beautiful place with vast stretches of open grassland and mountains and a rich history shaped by its nomadic lifestyle. Mongolians are most known for Chinggis Khan, the great warrior, who consolidated tribes into unified Mongolia and extended his empire across the world. Mongolian queens played an important role in shaping history as well. As the queen’s opinions were always respected by the khan (king), her positions were called “Queen Mind.” Digangi’s background and birthplace have taught her to be adaptive to any environment (nomadic) and to be a strong woman with wisdom (Queen Mind).

In her early childhood, Digangi lived in Mongolia and Germany. In 2010, she immigrated to the United States to reunite with her parents. From childhood, Digangi has always wanted to serve others and make a positive impact on the world. A devotee of yoga and meditation since 2017, she now serves at AMCC Mongolian Church as a Sunday School teacher and runs the NUDN Women’s Club, a nonprofit Mongolian women’s organization. In 2021, Digangi married the love of her life, James Digangi, and they have a beautiful 3-year-old daughter, Vienna, and a toy-sized Maltese.

30 Khbaa In Alice + Olivia Blazer And Shorts, Neimanmarcus.com — Digangi in alice + olivia blazer and shorts, *neimanmarcus.com*

Mantra? The light in me honors the light in you (namaste). Best grooming tip? Once a month I do a facial, a full-body massage, a fresh mani-pedi, and a hair trim and color. Guilty pleasure? Waking up at 4 a.m. to drink coffee in my garage while doing Instagram Live talking about what’s on my mind. Favorite foods? A good burger is always a great idea, and one from gigi’s Wine Bar & Bistro never disappoints. Music you love? So many songs and genres but I love any French or Mongolian song. I taught myself the French language so I could sing along to my favorite French songs. Best advice ever given to you? “Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.” – Jim Morrison Best advice you’ve given? Do everything from your heart to the fullest. No one may notice or appreciate it, but God is watching you. Earliest memory? I was probably 5 or 6, playing with my cousin Aagii at a beach in Germany collecting seashells. She passed away in 2021, so this memory of growing up with her, like a sister, will always be important to me. Before bed, you? I recently took off my braces and use nighttime retainers, so I spend lots of time on my teeth to make sure they are shiny and healthy. A night skin care routine is a must, and a foot mask and hand lotion. What’s on your bookshelf? Bookshelves are made for books, and I have many books piled up. From the Bible to Tibetan prayer books, psychology to health, self-love to life. You can’t live without? I can’t live without myself. I believe that if you take care of yourself and love yourself you can take care of and love others wholeheartedly. Love to escape to? Solo trip to downtown Chicago. Advice you would give to your younger self? You are the product of love, so love has always been within you.

30 Namuunkhabaa 13 — Namuun Digangi wearing her own beautiful Deel, a traditional Mongolian dress.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Suede Funkette Platform UGG slippers, Alo leggings and puffy jacket, with Versace sunglasses. Can’t leave the house without? Car key, wallet, sunglasses, and lipstick. Transportation? I love driving my car, a Lincoln Aviator. Driving music? Vendredi sur Mer’s “La Femme a la Peau Bleue” (I love French songs so much). Place to eat? Za Za’s Tavola Italiana in Lake Barrington is our favorite place to go for Italian food and live music. This restaurant holds so many memories. It’s where my husband proposed to me, where we had our baby shower, and where we celebrated my daughter’s first and second birthday party. This year, we will be celebrating her third birthday party there again. Shop? I love shopping at G&G Boutique in Barrington, and I volunteer for them on WTWW as a model. Barrington Flower Shop and Angelina are also my favorite boutiques for gifts and flowers. Best thing about country? The quietness, nature, the animals, and the crisp fresh air. Worst thing about country? The commute when stuck in traffic. Everything seems far but I love driving. The perfect day is? Clear blue sky with sunshine and seeing deer and fox casually walking in my backyard.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? I love prints, patterns, bright colors, and statement jewelry. I dress to express myself and usually get a lot of compliments for being stylish and unique. Can’t leave the house without? My purse, which has every single essential item I need. Transportation? Metra, so I don’t get stuck in traffic. Driving music? “Vienna” by Billy Joel Place to eat? For coffee and sweets, I love Ambrosia (anything French style has my heart). For dinner, gigi’s Wine & Bistro’s fresh, French-kissed oysters are hands down the best! Shop? I love antique/vintage shops. One of my favorites is The Pink Geranium & Co. Best thing about town? Everything is within walking distance, and the people here are so nice. It’s a great community. Worst thing about town? The traffic jam at Main Street is like living in the city. The perfect day is? When I have a quiet morning to myself beginning with hot yoga at Y6 Yoga in Barrington followed by a detox green juice from Nekter Juice.

COUNTRY LOVES: KRISTINA BARNETT

Nearly six years ago, KRISTINA BARNETT (originally from Crystal Lake) and her husband (hailing from Grosse Pointe, Michigan) moved from Chicago to Barrington. After growing up in larger suburbs that had a small-town feel and a strong sense of community, they were thrilled to find the best parts of both their hometowns in Barrington.

Following her graduation from the University of Illinois, Barnett created and ran a successful healthy cooking blog that earned her a spot in Cooking Light magazine and various other publications. From there, Barnett worked for a dietician and media personality assisting with television segments and recipe creation for major networks. She then transitioned into full-time marketing, working in experiential marketing software with some of the largest food, beverage, and online retailers. After having her son, Barnett took a break from her career to focus on her young children (5-year-old Lily and 3-year-old Ethan) and her community.

24 Barnett Wearing Model's Own — Kristina Barnett wearing model’s own.

KRISTINA LOVES

Gadget: My Vitamix, I use it daily for smoothies and love it for soups and spreads too. Scent: Viktor& Rolf ’s Flowerbomb Barrington spot: Cook Street Coffee. They make the best oat milk latte. And I love Region and Hampton Social for dinner. Hostess gift to receive: Ambrosia baked goods for the next morning. Gift to give: Anything cozy. Favorites are Cozy Earth loungewear and Barefoot Dreams socks.

24 Barnett In Ralph Lauren Purple Label Gold Dress, Neimanmarcuys.com — Kristina Barnett in Ralph Lauren Purple Label gold dress, *neimanmarcus.com*

What actress would play you in a movie? Rachel McAdams is my forever favorite actress. She’s always so grounded, and I love that she prioritizes herself and her family. And the original Mean Girls is amazing. Who from history would you want to travel with? Lucille Ball! She was so funny, a gifted entrepreneur, a pioneer for women (the list could go on and on), and she told the best stories. Where do you look for inspiration? I love taking a long walk while chatting on the phone with one of my close family members or friends. Favorite book? My 2024 resolution is to read more books and not just watch the movie of the book on Netflix, haha! I wish I made more time to read! One of my forever favorites is The Goldfinch but I also love a good beach read by Jennifer Weiner or Elin Hilderbrand. Most beloved cookbook? My Ina Garten collection is a weeknight staple. I have her champagne vinaigrette and roasted vegetable orzo recipes on repeat, and they are family favorites (minus the 3-year-old). I know I’m supposed to choose only one favorite, but The SoNo Company Baking Cookbook by John Barricelli is an essential. Best dinner party hack? Plan your meal around dishes you can make the day before. I always chop up any salad, charcuterie, or ingredients ahead of time and bag them in my refrigerator. What’s in your bag right now? My favorite Kiehl’s Lip Balm, CHANEL Rouge Coco Flash Lipstick in 82, sunglasses, wallet, and two Hot Wheels cars.

GREAT INSPIRATIONS

Maureen Bennett’s life, so far, has been one of happy accidents and fateful encounters. Growing up in a close family in Peoria with two sisters and one brother, she might have never imagined that she’d someday end up living in Lake Forest happily married to a sweaty stranger she would meet at a Chicago 5K. “I am still very close with all of my siblings—they’re three of my best friends,” explains Bennett, adding that between the four of them, they now have 13 children ranging in age from 3 months old to 11. “But my mom is indirectly how I ended up in Lake Forest.” Her mother’s best friend and former college roommate is a long-time Lake Forester who raised her family here. “When my sister and I had our first babies in the city, she kept encouraging us to check out Lake Forest and introduced us to this town,” Bennett adds. “When we were ready to leave the city back in 2021, this was the only suburb where we looked for a home.” But even before all of that, she had a whole other life that would change her view on the world forever. After studying history at Northwestern University (running cross country for the first two of those years), she set her sights on law school. However, she also knew that time off to work and gain life experience would be valuable so in 2006, she moved to China for a year to teach English as a second language. “I gained so much knowledge and experience during that year,” she says. “I also learned how hard it can be to live in a foreign country, even when you have resources and an American passport.” She returned from China to attend law school at DePaul University, going on to work in commercial litigation and real estate law. Bennett also continued her love of running, a passion that would inadvertently lead her to her now-husband, Chris, during a 5K race in Grant Park in 2009. “We met after the race so we did not have our phones with us to exchange numbers and we were both sweaty and gross. I remember saying bye to him and hoping we’d figure out a way to find each other,” says Bennett. “Thankfully, we did. We got married in June 2012.” The happy couple now has three children and, upon the family friend’s recommendation, moved to Lake Forest almost three years ago. “This is such a generous and creative community,” she says. “There are so many ways to get involved and give back.” In addition to joining the Associate Board of the Lake Forest Open Lands Association, Bennett now serves on the board for the Allendale Shelter Club and Infant Welfare Society. This busy volunteer and mother was generous enough to take time out of her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things about town:

Favorite restaurant and what is your go-to order? Sophia Steak in Lake Forest, Miso Salmon. I also love to order Moll’s balls and muffins from MPowering Health. Books have you read recently that you highly recommend? The Five Principles of Parenting by Dr. Aliza Pressman. I really like the author. She has a podcast, Raising Good Humans, that I listen to regularly. Favorite podcasts? I listen to The Daily every morning. I also really like the Gabby Reece Show and Lipstick on the Rim, Molly Sims’ podcast. I listen to Raising Daughters every now and then. It’s quick and always gives me some inspiration specific to my girl. Best mom hack? Anything that saves me time. I love grocery delivery. I use shipt.com about five times per week. It delivers anything from Target in two hours. I also get Whole Foods delivery at least once a week. What is the North Shore’s most hidden gem? Northwestern University football games. Not really hidden, but underrated for how fun and easy they are with your family. Favorite gadget? My Vitamix blender for smoothies and soups every day. Favorite scent, either for wearing or home? I am not a big perfume person. For our home, I love any chance to open the windows and get fresh air. Your perfect spring day is? Playing outside with my kids. We love to jump on our trampoline and take a walk at Lake Forest Open Lands. Your perfect day in the city is? With my family, visiting the Field Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo, then heading to our old neighborhood, Logan Square, where we grab pizza at Paulie Gee’s, visit the farmer’s market, and have dinner at Lula Café. Best advice you’ve ever received or given? Smile. Also, “say what you mean, mean what you say, but don’t say it mean.” Next passport stamp will be? Costa Rica. Last thing you binged on TV? Break Point, the professional tennis documentary. Also, Bluey with my 5-year-old. Beauty products you can’t live without? Elta MD UV Clear, SPF 46.

LIGHTEN UP

Spring calls for a lightening up—from makeup to the contents of one’s purse. The key to fitting tried and true essentials into a slim spring bag is to downsize.