COUNTRY VS. TOWN: ALISON ORTALE

Whether it’s a vacation to a new destination, Lollapalooza in the city, or simply soaking up a sunset on Bangs Lake, Alison Ortale, her husband, Anthony, and three boys, Parker (8), Cooper (6), and Crew (3), live life like one non-stop adventure. But all of them will say that planting their roots in Barrington has been their best adventure yet. After careers in wedding planning and bridal styling at Vera Wang, Ortale and her family moved to Barrington five years ago. Since then, she has wasted no time fully immersing herself in the community. From her role in Barrington Junior Women’s Club, to volunteering every chance she gets at her son’s school, to creating the most fun balloon installations for her clients through her company, Ali’s Balloon Biz.

Mantra? Why not me? Meaning I am deserving of everything that interests and excites me Best grooming tip? Keeping up with haircare and skin appointments regularly. And when in doubt, never underestimate the power of a self tan Guilty pleasure? I’m wracking my brain but I don’t think I have one! I’m pretty confident in everything I love

Favorite foods? Cold seafood, miso cod, and fish tacos Music you love? Pop punk and a lot of Post Malone Best advice ever given to you? You get to do this. I love applying that to workouts but it puts so many situations into perspective Best advice you’ve given? Let them say no. There is no harm in asking for what you want

Earliest memory? Biking around my neighborhood to my friends’ houses. Watching my kids do that now is a dream come true Before bed, you? Relax on the couch with my husband, Bravo shows, a glass of sauvignon blanc What’s on your bookshelf? My TBR grows longer by the day. I am typically reading one physical book and listening to another at all times. Reading has become a huge part of my life

You can’t live without? My family and my best friends Love to escape to? Mexico with my boys. I absolutely love traveling with them Advice you would give to your younger self? Keep being authentically yourself. It’s going to lead you right to where you’re meant to be

WHEN IN COUNTRY

Your style is? Either a lululemon matching set or a party dress. There is not much in between for me Can’t leave the house without? An iced coffee, a Stanley, and honestly I’m rarely seen without my 3-year-old. We’re a package deal Transportation? Nissan Pathfinder Driving music? I am a masterful passenger seat DJ Place to eat? gigi’s Wine Bar & Bistro for a girls night, The Greggory for date night, and Neoteca for happy hour Shop? The Pepper Pot and Good Company for my favorite handbag of the season. I love Suburban Stitches for personalized baby gifts Best thing about country? The amazing community, our elementary school, and being a part of the Barrington Junior Women’s Club. I’ve met some of my favorite people since joining Worst thing about country? The trains of course The perfect day is? A Pilates reformer workout led by Katie at Kerri’s Pilates, an afternoon on Bangs Lake with my husband and our boys, and either a date night out or I am currently loving a girls’ night with wine and chit chats over a game of mahjong

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? More is more is more. I love getting dressed for a night out Can’t leave the house without? A cute bag and Summer Fridays Lip Balm Transportation? Uber and walking Driving music? Anything super upbeat. I love driving into the city listening to DJs like The Chainsmokers and Zedd Place to eat? RPM Seafood and Sushi-San Shop? I love bopping around Oak Street Best thing about town? The energy Worst thing about town? The traffic The perfect day is? We love bringing our kids to the city to visit our best friends, go to Cubs games, and explore the museums. Sans kids, my perfect day is a fabulous dinner in a fun outfit, an outdoor concert at The Salt Shed, and a nightcap at our favorite bar, Lone Wolf