JACLYN MCNAMARA may have grown up in Lake Bluff, but she has certainly made Hinsdale her home. After spending many years in the city, she moved to the Madison school district four years ago with her husband Jeff (a Hinsdale Central alum), and their two children—Evan (3) and Harper (6 months). “My husband wanted to return to the Western Suburbs, while I wanted to head back to the North Shore. But in the end, Hinsdale won us over and we adore this incredible town,” she shares. After pursuing a degree in apparel merchandising at Indiana University and an MBA at DePaul University, McNamara navigated her way through marketing, design, and operations roles at menswear brand Mark Shale and European men’s footwear brand Austen Heller to her current Director of Marketing position for Revolution Dancewear. When the eCommerce guru isn’t managing her small family or leading marketing efforts at work, she enjoys golfing in Lake Geneva, entertaining, working out, and volunteering at her son’s preschool. In 2021, McNamara is excited to co-chair the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club’s underwriting team for its annual benefit. “We have over $1.2 million in grant requests and these charities need our help now more than ever,” she says. She shares some of her favorites in the country and on the town with us this month:

Mantra? Treat others how you would like to be treated. Best grooming tip? Shampoo twice before conditioning. Guilty pleasure? Bravo Real Housewives and McDonald’s fries—it’s nearly impossible to turn them down. Favorite foods? Dessert from Magnolia’s Bakery or Sweet Mandy B’s. Music you love? Everything—from classic rock to country to pop. I have to admit my favorite band is still Dave Matthews Band. Best advice ever given to you? My first boss always told me ‘Not all trends are good trends.’ I think this makes sense for not only fashion, but also for all aspects of life. Best advice you’ve given? Never ask anyone to do something you are not willing to do. Earliest memory? Sleeping over at my grandparent’s house and making blueberry pancakes. When you wake up, you? Grab a sweatshirt, head downstairs, and give my daughter Harper a bottle and cuddles on the couch before starting my workday. Before bed, you? Curl up next to my husband, tell him I love him, and zone out to whatever show is playing in the background. What’s on your bookshelf? I just started The Golden Hour, but my favorite books over the last year were either Daisy Jones & the Six or Where the Crawdads Sing. You can’t live without? My amazing family … and my down comforter, pillows, and Slip sleep mask. Love to escape to? The spa. It is the perfect way to relax and disconnect. Advice you would give to your younger self? Be present and enjoy the moment.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? I love nothing more than a pair of boyfriend jeans and a French tucked white vintage tee. Easily dress it up or down
with the right accessories, shoes, or even a blazer. Can’t leave the house without? My Oliver Peoples Sunglasses. Transportation? BMW 3 Series. Driving music? 101.9 Eric in the Morning on my way to work, and US 99.5 for everything else. Place to eat? Page’s for breakfast. For dinner we love to switch it up and try new places around the area. Next on our list is Walkers in Clarendon Hills. Shop? We seriously have some of the best boutiques ever! I love Marcus, Vintage Charm, and for my littles—My Sister Kate. Best thing about country? Nothing is better than walking the dog or playing with the kids outside and bumping into a friendly face and
having an impromptu playdate. Worst thing about country? Missing our friends and family that do not live in the area. The perfect
day is? After a morning Pilates session, we walk to town to get smoothies at The Fruit Store and croissants at Toni’s. On the walk home, the kids meet their cousins, Caroline, Connor, and Carson, at the park, and we end the night with dinner and drinks.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? I love combining menswear-inspired looks with a feminine twist. A cute top with a great tailored short or a blazer and leather cigarette pants. Can’t leave the house without? Sadly, a mask. But before COVID, my absolute favorite Trish McEvoy berry lip gloss. Transportation? I prefer to walk. Soundtrack? Pandora—skip the commercials and put it on shuffle. Place to eat? Cabra, Roister, or Aba for a fun night out, or Bonci Pizzeria for a quick bite. Shop? I love the little neighborhood shops from Lakeview to Bucktown. Best thing about town? The energy is great and there is always something new and fun to check out. Worst thing about town? The traffic and parking—it’s the worst of all time! The perfect day is? Give the kids a kiss goodbye and thank our parents for babysitting, then brunch followed by a trip to the Art Institute to check out their latest exhibit or a Cubs game, ending the day with happy hour and a date night on the town.