Country Vs. Town
By Elaine Doremus
By Elaine Doremus
Yvette Klobuchar lives in the Wynstone community of North Barrington with her husband, Lou, and their beloved dogs, Gracie and Ray. Now that their children are grown, Klobuchar and her husband look forward to enjoying as much time together as possible sharing new experiences, spending quality time with friends and their growing family, and continuing to support charities and causes that are close to their hearts. After enjoying a beautiful 25-year partnership with her mother, Mira, designing custom-made clothing and wedding gowns, they sold Mira Couture. Mother and daughter continue to be involved by supporting the talented current owner, Julie Mersine. Klobuchar is excited about honoring Mira Couture’s 50th anniversary in May at its magnificent new Walton Street location.
Mantra? I will, I can, I must, I believe.
Best grooming tip? Smile! A big smile instantly contours your cheekbones, makes your skin glow, and eyes sparkle.
Guilty pleasure? Lipstick. I have a full drawer of various brands of lipsticks that are all pretty much the same shade of pale pink.
Favorite foods? The food I’m eating when I’m with my favorite people. If they happen to like caviar or chocolate, all the better!
Music you love? Growing up, music was the air I breathed. My dad, Dan, always played music in the house. At 90, he still listens daily. I love the sentimental songs that played during the most important moments of my life by Elton John, Aerosmith, Stevie Wonder, and Earth, Wind & Fire. They warm my heart.
Best advice ever given to you? Train your mind to remember the good because what you remember will determine what kind of life you are going to live.
Best advice you’ve given? You can’t change what you’re willing to tolerate.
Earliest memory? At age three, I recall teaching my sweet Polish-speaking grandmother the English alphabet with supersized flashcards and a pointer. I was determined to teach her even though I hardly spoke a lick of English. I figured we could learn to speak the English language together. Luckily, one of us did!
When you wake up, you? Thank God for the gift of this wonderful day.
Before bed, you? Kiss my husband goodnight, tell him that I love him, and pray for the health and the happiness of our family and friends. I give thanks to our loved ones in heaven for imparting their love and wisdom, which carries us forward.
What’s on your bookshelf? I’ve always had a love for reading and treasure my fashion illustration books. I just finished reading some remarkable books, including The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Educated by Tara Westover, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, With All Due Respect by Nikki R. Haley, and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
You can’t live without? Faith.
Love to escape to? I don’t always have to travel to get away. I love to write. A few years ago my son, Alec, encouraged me to complete a novel that I worked on for over 11 years titled, Brides Unveiled. This past Christmas, he gifted me a keyboard and online piano lessons to help me to relearn the piano. When I do get away with my husband, I’d say anywhere in Italy or French Polynesia is just magical.
Advice you would give your younger self? Stop worrying so much about everything. Focus on the possibilities, not the problems.
WHEN IN THE COUNTRY
Your style is? Ever changing. Being a creative person, my love for fashion inspires me to design fresh new looks. I want my clothing to reflect the person I am today and to gracefully embrace change as I mature, or “perfect” (as my mother is always quick to say).
Can’t leave the house without? Saying goodbye to the dogs and turning on the TV for them to watch while I’m away.
Transportation? A white sporty car.
Driving music? Alicia Keys, Above & Beyond, Cage the Elephant, Michael Bublé, and lots of ’80s music.
Place to eat? D&J Bistro, Zaza’s, PL8, Franco’s Pescheria, Francesca’s, and Zin Gastropub. Love these places!
Shop? I enjoy shopping at locally owned businesses.
Best thing about the Country? It’s home. And home is where beautiful memories are created.
Worst thing about the Country? It’s not walking distance to Napa, California, where my son lives.
The perfect day is? Spending time working in the vegetable garden that my husband and son built. Most early mornings, the dogs and I visit the garden to pick fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for pressed juice. Later in the day, we go back to select the perfect vegetables for dinner. My little helpers are great at sniffing out what’s “ripe for the pickin’.”
WHEN IN TOWN
Your style is? My style remains the same whether I’m in the country or in the city. I like to dress for the occasion, not the location.
Can’t leave the house without? The perfect coat, wrap, or leather jacket that compliments my outfit.
Transportation? Power walking. Luckily, there’s no shortage of transportation in the city if my legs give out.
Driving music? For my drive downtown, I listen to upbeat music by Bruno Mars, Arctic Monkeys, and The Strokes. For the long ride home, I prefer listening to audiobooks.
Shop? I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but I don’t really love to shop. A huge problem for women with busy schedules is feeling pressed to find the perfect dress for a special occasion. I feel fortunate that I’m able to design my clothing at Mira Couture and I also love designing that special outfit for my clients and friends. It’s the most gratifying feeling to see tears of joy, not tears of frustration.
Place to eat? What’s not to love at Oriole, Monteverde, and Tzuco? But my absolute favorite spot is Mom’s kitchen. No need for a reservation. All are welcome!
Best thing about town? I have never seen a more beautiful skyline.
Worst thing about town? No complaints. Chicago’s the greatest town, representing endless adventure, and I’m lucky to have the city within driving distance from my home.
The perfect day is? When the stock market is closed or calm and we can put aside the to-do list long enough for Lou and I to run off on a spontaneous romantic adventure to anywhere and everywhere.
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