KELLY YATES: COUNTRY VS. TOWN

KELLY YATES grew up in Western Springs with her twin sister and two younger brothers. Her mom was an oncology nurse at Hinsdale Hospital for more than 30 years and her dad a steel salesman. It was a safe and happy life filled with sports, neighbors, friends, and family. Kelly always knew she wanted to raise her own family in the Western Suburbs to provide a similar childhood.

After attending undergrad at University of Illinois and Loyola Law School—where she met her husband while they were both studying in Rome, Kelly joined the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. She spent just under eight years there.

Kelly lives in Clarendon Hills with her husband, their daughters Emma and Olivia, and their beloved dog Charlie. It’s exactly the sort of busy, fun-filled, and meaningful life she imagined.

The family are active members of Notre Dame parish and love their Blackhawk Heights neighborhood, where walking the dog on a nice evening can turn into a two hour party as they stop to talk with neighbors and friends, the kids play together, and cocktails being offered.

Kelly became a member of the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society (CHIW) in 2018 and has managed its social media since 2019. From 2020-2021, she oversaw the social media efforts of eight local Infant Welfare Society auxiliary chapters. Kelly volunteers at Notre Dame Parish School, serving as a member of the Parent Teacher Guild and managing the school’s social media.

These volunteer social media experiences, as well as the Instagram page she manages with her daughters gave this entrepreneur the tools to start Kelly Social LLC. Kelly has worked with brands big and small including Target, the Honest Company and Kellogg’s and loves giving back, helping small businesses find their social media voice. @kelly.social

Mantra? “Out of a closed mouth comes nothing.” This gem of advice was given to me by my fabulous Grandmother, “Q”, as we called her. She taught us to speak up for what we believe in and I have taken these words to heart and live by them. On your reading stack? I have always loved to read and am currently in two book clubs – one with old friends, the other new friends. We are currently reading Maame by Jessica George and The Personal Librarian by Victoria Christopher Murray. Favorite workout? My constant is my Peloton, and my new favorite is Burn Boot Camp in Westmont. It’s efficient, motivating, convenient, and great community. Guilty pleasure? Anything glutenfree from Sweet Ali’s in Hinsdale – everything there is so delicious! Early memory? My twin sister and I had been playing travel volleyball for several years until one day in seventh grade our coach told us that our height challenges would make playing time difficult. On that day, my Father took us straight to the tennis courts and told us that we’d be better off playing a sport where it didn’t matter how tall we were. We went on to play all four years in High School at Lyons Township. We learned that when one door closes, another one opens. Music you love? Pop is probably one of my favorite genres – One Republic, Meghan Trainor, Harry Styles, and Coldplay are a few of my favorites. Classical piano music is great to wind down to at night. Advice you would give to your younger self? You are strong enough to make it through a lot more than you think you can.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Classic, preppy and casual. I love colors and fun patterns. My regular daily wardrobe alternates between athletic leisure wear and jeans with a cute top. Stylish sneakers and knotted hedbands are my go-to accessories. Place to celebrate? Il Mio Best quick bite? Village Gourmet. Their soups, salads and sandwiches are delicious. They are one of the few local restaurants that serve gluten-free sandwiches and they also bake gluten-free treats. Best hidden gem? My not so hidden gem is English Garden, they have the most gorgeous flower arrangements. It’s such a treat to receive their flowers. Favorite festival or special event? Notre Dame Parish’s Mardi Gras Gala and Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society Benefit: two fabulous, fun events that I look forward to all year long. Best thing about the country? The friends we’ve made in Clarendon Hills. Worst thing about the country? Skunks, if you have a dog.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Dresses with heels – I’m so glad platforms are back! Place to celebrate? One of my all time favorite spots is the patio at Piccolo Sogno. Best hidden gem? Tufano’s Vernon Park Tavern in Little Italy. It’s casual, with a fun atmosphere and some of the best Italian food I’ve ever eaten. Favorite festival or special event? Concerts on the lawn at Millenium Park Shop? The Magnificent Mile is such a treat. We love Saks Fifth Avenue for me, and Lola and the Boys for my girls. Best thing about town? The beauty, including the beaches, Millennium Park, the flowers and landscaping, plus the delicious restaurants, arts and culture. Worst thing about town? Traffic, parking and unfortunately the rising crime over the past several years.