Who wore it well and wonderfully at Neiman Marcus for the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club Spring Report fashion show.
WHO WORE IT WELL, WONDERFULLY, AND WHERE
Style
COUNTRY VS. TOWN: AMITY COMISKEY
AMITY COMISKEY grew up in a small town in central Illinois called LaSalle-Peru. She describes it as a town straight out of a John Cougar Mellencamp song. “We were within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants just like Hinsdale. The differences would be that instead of the adorable Vintage Charm we had a five & dime called Jupiter and instead of Nabuki sushi we had the diner counter inside Woolworth’s,” She says, adding, “My sisters and I spent every penny we had on cassette tapes, Wet n’ Wild makeup we weren’t allowed to have yet, and milkshakes at Woolworth’s counter. It was an amazing way to grow up and just like the Mellencamp lyrics say, ‘I had myself a ball in a small town.’”
When she and her husband, Kerry, were ready to make the move from the city, Hinsdale was the only place on their list. Kerry loved the Norman Rockwell feel of the Village and Amity was drawn to how active the community is. They set down roots and became a family of three. “Like most women I admire in our community, I do wear many hats. When I am not busy with work, my son William’s sports, or volunteering, you can find me on Instagram hopefully traveling somewhere. My grandmother instilled in me very early on to make the most of life and see as much of the world as I can,” Amity says.
Mantra? I am in charge of how I feel and today I choose happiness.On your reading stack? Taylor Jenkins Reid and Colleen Hoover are always on my nightstand. What organizations do you support? We have so many amazing organizations in our area and we are so very blessed to be able to do some good for so many. Hephzibah House in Oak Park forever has a piece of my heart. I will always support Hinsdale Infant Welfare Society, Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club, Hinsdale Historical Society, Wellness House, Together at Peace, and Hinsdale Community Services. What’s your signature entertaining style? Gathering my friends and family just makes me happy. The menu and occasion is insignificant to me, it’s the people and the laughter I adore most. I am a sucker for a beautiful tablescape and will usually put more time and effort into the decor than menu planning. What has surprised you about living in this area? What an inspiring sense of community we have here in Hinsdale. If someone is in need or sick or suffered a loss in their family, this community rallies to make sure you feel that you are not alone and you have people who care about you and your family. Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? My husband and I like to start most days walking to town. My son joins us when he is not in school, and they throw a football through the streets the whole way. Music you love? There wasn’t a better decade for music than the 80’s… throw on a little Billie Jean or Material Girl and I will be wanting to Dance with Somebody just like Whitney. Favorite spring traditions? Now that spring has sprung you will find us on the golf course most days. Kerry and William play, I walk along. I enjoy playing but I am a far better spectator. What advice would you give to your younger self? LET IT GO! The cares of what other people think of you, the stress, the thoughts of ‘am I good enough’, leave it all in the rear-view mirror and don’t look back. Instead embrace each year you are given that makes you wiser, find your people, respect them, and love them fiercely.
WHEN IN THE COUNTRY
What’s your go-to outfit? My “uniform” these days is jeans, especially by Mother, my fave tank tops from Target and a J.Crew blazer. I’ll add a belt if I’m feeling fancy. Where is your favorite place to walk? My favorite walk is up and around Robbins Park and through the Robbins Historic District neighborhood but our most frequent walks are to town for coffee or quick errands. Can’t leave the house without? My sunnies! If there is such a thing as your eyes being allergic to the sun I have it. Where do they know you by name? Café La Fortuna, but Angela is so great with all her customers, she probably knows each one by name. Favorite memories of living in the area? Of course, the day my son was born is my most treasured memory and that happened here at the Hinsdale Hospital. As for other events I would say we have enjoyed all the festivities Hinsdale has to offer. IWS’s Tablescapes sets the stage for spring events, The Kitchen Walk is always a great way to kick off Mother’s Day Weekend, Uniquely Thursday’s is uniquely special, the Fourth of July parade makes you so proud to be an American, The Wine Walk is a great display of our fantastic businesses, and the Christmas Walk is like a fairytale or maybe its more like a holiday movie on the Hallmark Channel. I love them all. If an ad agency asked you to write a commercial for your town, what would you say? “Welcome to Pleasantville” population “always room for one more.”
WHEN IN TOWN
What is your favorite walking route? 100% the River Front, they did a great job updating that entire area. It is great people watching, dining, cocktailing, or walking. What’s in your bag? My Burt’s Bee’s chapstick, pretty sure I am addicted. My phone is in my hand because it is actually a camera and rarely a phone these days. View that never gets old? Our fantastic skyline from a boat on Lake Michigan. Best quick bite or hidden gem? I am more for the ambience than the grub so I will always pick a place with a view in the city. Back to the Riverfront, my faves from the past year were RPM Italian, Pizzeria Portofino, RPM Seafood, Beatnik, London House, and City Winery. Do you have a favorite museum? A trip to the Art Institute on Wednesday followed by the “music in the park” in Millenium Park is a fantastic way to be a tourist in our own city. What is your favorite movie filmed or set in Chicago? #saveferris
SHORE VS. CITY: CAT HARDY
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, as a young girl CAT HARDY often visited her aunt in Chicago. While her mother drove along Sheridan Road, Hardy, nose pressed against the car window, dreamed of living in the picturesque towns passing by. Fast forward a few decades and here she is! Hardy and her husband moved to Winnetka 13 years ago when she was pregnant with their son; four years later, they welcomed their daughter. Hardy feels fortunate to have found such a wonderful town to call home and to have made such meaningful friendships. This grateful gal steps away from mom and friend duties, to share her shore and city favorites with Sheridan Road.
What’s on the horizon? Celebrating our May birthdays and my husband’s 50th in August Mantra? The best is yet to come Best grooming tip? Dry shampoo before a workout Guilty pleasure? The Bachelor, Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, and now The Golden Bachelor Favorite foods? A really good steak, French fries, and Dutch apple pie Music you love? Hip hop from the late ‘90s—brings me back to my days at Ohio University when I thought I could dance Best advice ever given to you? Don’t judge a book by its cover Best advice you’ve given? Try not to worry. Worrying doesn’t make anything better or easier Earliest memory? Having croup as a 2-year-old and being in a tented crib in the hospital When you wake up, you? Check my phone—I need to work on that habit Before bed, you? Do Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, Mini Crossword, and Letter Boxed (all The New York Times games) with my son. Then endlessly scroll on Instagram What’s on your bookshelf? I typically read historical fiction about WWII. The Nightingale is a favorite You can’t live without? Curling iron and Mentos Wintergreen gum Love to escape to? The Amalfi Coast Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t perm your bangs
ON THE SHORE
Your style is? Casual, comfortable, and cute Can’t leave the house without? Putting on mascara Transportation? Bike or Volvo SUV Driving music? Lumineers Place to eat? We are staples at Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant … their margaritas have gotten me through motherhood Shop? BlackSheep in Glencoe and Valentina in Winnetka for gifts. For me, Nordstrom Rack is the mothership Best thing about the Shore? The people. I have made the most wonderful friends here Worst thing about the Shore? Kids not having enough free time to just be kids The perfect day is? Waking up for an early morning spin class at Studio SPIN followed by a walk with my family and dog, then a Gua Sha Facial at Sole + Luna, and a date night with my husband at Pomeroy, Mino’s, or Sophia Steak
IN THE CITY
Your style is? I try hard to be on-trend but often end up in an all-black ensemble Can’t leave the house without? My phone—my son likes to track me on Life360 Transportation? Metra or Uber Driving music? Jack Johnson, George Ezra Place to eat? Somerset in the Viceroy Chicago or if I want to relive my mid-twenties, Piece Brewery and Pizzeria in Bucktown Shop? All the great shops on Armitage Best thing about the City? The energy and the memories Worst thing about the City? The traffic The perfect day is? A bike ride on the lakefront first thing in the morning, brunch at The 3 Arts Club Café, shopping around Bucktown or Armitage, cocktails at the Violet Hour, dinner at Maple & Ash
GIFTS FOR MOM
MIX & MASK
Our favorite face masks.
IN HER HONOR
When Emily Krall moved away from her native Lake Forest to go to college and start her life, she always knew she’d find her way back to the area. “So many people share the same love of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff and it really adds to the welcoming nature of this extended community,” says Krall, who now lives in Lake Bluff with husband, Steven, and their children Charlie, age 5, and Caroline, age 3. “I have enjoyed seeing firsthand how the communities are so interconnected yet still different from each other.” The former Gatorade marketer says she was honored when the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Woman’s Board invited her to join them. “My mom, Susan Morrison, dedicated so much of her life to civic and charitable organizations,” she explains. “Northwestern Memorial Hospital has done so much for my family over the years and when the opportunity to join The Woman’s Board was presented, I knew I had to jump at the chance.” Krall, who will co-chair the organization’s inaugural Summer Soirée fundraiser with Bridget Tully Vrabel, Annie Hudson, and Emily Sturgess, says she is proud to be a part of such an important mission.
“The board just celebrated its 125th anniversary and we have done everything from bringing electricity to the hospital for the first time to committing millions of dollars to leading-edge research and patient care initiatives,” she says. “Sadly, I lost my mom in July of last year so following in her footsteps and giving back in this way is now more special than ever.” Titled “Anchors Aweigh,” the June 7 event at Saddle & Cycle Club in Chicago will feature cocktails, delicious bites, and dancing under the stars to the acclaimed yacht rock band, Anchor’s Away. “Proceeds from the event will help us continue our legacy of philanthropy and service and support our current $4.6 million pledge to fund comprehensive reproductive care across a woman’s lifetime,” adds Krall, who took time from her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things around town.
Favorite local place to stay in shape? Focused Results in Lake Bluff. Clothing designer/brand that never disappoints? Tuckernuck. Favorite restaurant in Lake Forest/Lake Bluff? Francesca’s. Favorite restaurant in Chicago? Bavette’s. Last TV show you binged and loved? Daisy Jones and the Six. What’s in your Airpods? Good Inside with Dr. Becky. Beauty products you can’t live without? IL Makiage Foundation. Favorite venue to attend or host a fundraising gala? Casino Club or Saddle & Cycle Club. Favorite place for a walk in Lake Forest/Lake Bluff? Anywhere near Forest Park Beach. What are you most looking forward to this spring? Playing golf! What is Lake Forest/Lake Bluff ’s best kept secret? The view at Walden Bluff ’s Edge Bridge. What’s on your 2024 bucket list? It was a family trip to Disney World, which we just took this winter. Favorite place you’ve traveled to recently? Aspen Athlete, living or dead, you’d most like to have dinner with? Billie Jean King. Favorite pastimes? Golf, tennis, squash, and skiing.