SHORE VS. CITY: OLIVIA METZGER

Wilmette’s OLIVIA METZGER is a mother of four boys, a therapist, and the creative behind the Instagram account @livviejane where she shares snapshots of domestic life. Metzger grew up in Chicago’s East Lakeview neighborhood and has had a passion for photography, writing, and art from an early age. When her first son was born in 2014, she began documenting their adventures on Instagram. As Instagram evolved into a commercial platform, @livviejane adapted as well, partnering mainly with small, sustainable, women-owned businesses that offer kids’ clothing and home goods. Her beloved account highlights the importance of presence, of slowing down, of intention, and finding beauty and meaning in our everyday lives. Metzger takes a moment from curating content to share her city and shore faves with Sheridan Road.

What’s on the horizon? Our annual family trip to Orcas Island in the Pacific Northwest Mantra? I have a few but a longtime favorite is “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” This old adage from William Morris has always helped me keep things simple and aesthetically pleasing Best grooming tip? Invest in high-quality skin care. I love Dr. Barbara Sturm Guilty pleasure? Listening to Taylor Swift Favorite foods? You can’t beat pasta from scratch with a simple tomato sauce and fresh grated Parmesan cheese Music you love? Gregory Alan Isakov, Lumineers, and Caamp Best advice ever given to you? Mistakes are how we learn Best advice you’ve given? Pause before you react Earliest memory? Finger painting in preschool When you wake up, you? Meditate—that’s my goal anyway. In this season of life, it doesn’t always happen so even five minutes is a win Before bed, you? Read What’s on your bookshelf? Anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid or Elin Hildebrand, The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies and Hiyoko Imai, and so many home design books You can’t live without? My morning cup of coffee and of course, my family Love to escape to? Pilates + Coffee in Roscoe Village Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t be so hard on yourself and wear sunscreen

ON THE SHORE

Your style is? Jenni Kayne sweaters Can’t leave the house without? Making the bed Transportation? A double stroller along with multiple scooters and bikes Driving music? Anything from the ‘90s that reminds me of growing up Place to eat? At home when my husband cooks Shop? Heritage Trail Mercantile for vintage homewares Best thing about the Shore? The sense of community Worst thing about the Shore? Park District activity sign-up day The perfect day is? Walking to Hewn for coffee and pastries, playground hopping on our way back home, a quiet afternoon reading, and hosting friends for homemade pizza

IN THE CITY

Your style is? Same uniform but with edgier shoes Can’t leave the house without? My water bottle, sunglasses, and earbuds Transportation? Electric Volvo Driving music? Podcasts for the drive into the city—goop and Interior Collective are my go-tos Place to eat? Marisol at MCA Shop? Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery Best thing about the City? My parents still live in our childhood home Worst thing about the City? Parking, ugh The perfect day is? The Art Institute and lunch