JWC Media
a luxury lifestyle website that delivers a colorful and passionate telling of neighboring events, fashion, beauty, finance, and the pursuit of leisure.
By Morgan Hogerty
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Ellie Ander photographed at Heima Design House wearing Carolina Herrera, Neiman Marcus
When ELLIE ANDER was just 12 years old, she lost her young mother to breast cancer. A few decades later and after years of following breast cancer surveillance measures, Ander learned of her BRCA1 gene mutation. This gene mutation increases the lifetime chance of breast cancer by up to 72 percent. Ander swiftly made a very personal decision to undergo a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, thereby greatly decreasing her risk for breast cancer. She is committed to providing information about breast health to her high-risk friends, family members, and acquaintances and connecting them with helpful local organizations. The co-founder of Chicago North Shore Moms, a resource site dedicated to giving moms the gift of time, she uses this platform to remind fellow moms about the importance of regular breast surveillance, including monthly self-exams and routine mammograms. This busy Highland Park mom of three briefly stepped away from her advocacy and laptop to share her city and shore favorites with Sheridan Road.
What’s on the horizon? Two middle school kids … send help Mantra? You’ve got this Best grooming tip? Laser hair removal Guilty pleasure? Watching reality TV whilst eating Red Vines and popcorn … together Favorite foods? Salad with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and freshly baked French baguette Music you love? ‘90s East Coast hip hop Best advice ever given to you? Don’t be afraid to fail Best advice you’ve given? We can do hard things Earliest memory? Baking with my mom When you wake up, you? Check my calendar Before bed, you? Watch an easy show with my hubby What’s on your bookshelf? The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel You can’t live without? Chocolate, alone time, family Love to escape to? Any ocean beach town Advice you would give to your younger self? Start meditation now
Your style is? Jeans, tunic, and ankle boots Can’t leave the house without? Oversized zipper hoodie because I’m always cold Transportation? Minivan Driving music? Whatever my kids want to hear Place to eat? Longitud315, Libertad, Hangar Two, Brunch Factory, Bright Bowls Shop? Randoons, Kameo Vintage, Lori’s Shoes, Style Shack Best thing about the Shore? Biking trails, beaches, Ravinia Festival … I could go on and on Worst thing about the Shore? Lack of diverse cuisine The perfect day is? Reading a book at Rosewood Beach and a brisk walk through the Botanic Garden
Your style is? Jeans, a chic blouse, and wedge booties Can’t leave the house without? A cute jacket Transportation? The Metra Driving music? Podcasts Place to eat? Tre Kronor Restaurant for breakfast, Piece, Hopleaf Bar, Spacca Napoli Pizzeria, Demera Ethiopian restaurant Shop? Bucktown boutiques Best thing about the City? The energy Worst thing about the City? Traffic The perfect day is? A quick trip to The Art Institute followed by lunch at Miss Ricky’s and a stroll along Michigan Avenue
