TRENDING: CABANA CHIC 

SCHUYLER SWEENEY SARAN is bringing a splash of island glamour to Chicago as co-chair of the 2026 Summer Soirée, hosted by Northwestern Memorial Hospital Woman’s Board. She joins a dynamic team of co-chairs from the city and North Shore, including Winnetka’s Courtney Grimes and Lake Forest’s Katie Hale. Set for May 29 at Saddle & Cycle Club, this year’s “Cabana Club” theme will transport guests to the pink sand beaches of Harbour Island. Striped cabanas, Goombay Smashes, and the lively sounds of calypso will set the tone for one of the season’s most anticipated evenings. The festive affair raises critical funds to support the programs and services of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Saran, who grew up in Winnetka and attended New Trier High School, has lived downtown since returning from New York City eight years ago. A longtime executive at Citadel and a member of the Woman’s Board for more than a year, she is currently balancing life as mom to a 9-month-old son with planning duties for the high-profile fête. Here, Saran shares how she stays current while managing it all.

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ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“Pacis, bottles, and Tubby Todd Bath Co. products, oh wait, this is about books! I have a small stack of those, too. I just finished Strangers, Belle Burden’s memoir about the shocking end of her marriage. Born into a complicated, prominent family, her story is revealing in a way that makes it hard to put down. There’s an intimate look at betrayal and abandonment, but also a fascinating glimpse into a rarified world of access and recognizable names. What stayed with me most was her resilience—the way she reflects, takes risks, and ultimately rebuilds her life. On a similar note of reinvention, I recently started Little One by Olivia Muenter. It follows Catherine, a young woman coming to terms with her upbringing inside an infamous cult. I’m only beginning to scratch the surface of her mysterious childhood—and I truly have no idea where it’s headed.”

ON HER MOBILE

“I love following interior designers, fashion girlies, and artists for visual inspiration (and, let’s be honest, shopping ideas). I’m currently planning both the Summer Soirée and a first birthday party, so my feed has been very busy. For the Cabana Club-themed soirée, my co-chairs and I have taken decor cues from @lulu_dk’s incredible shell-art masterpieces. @paigespearinstudio helped us set the tone through our printed materials. I adore a good tablescape and may very well be @mrsalice’s biggest fan—her sense of whimsy is exactly the energy this big first birthday party needs.”

IN HER EARBUDS

“Despite working in finance, I live vicariously through fashion insiders. I listen to Every Outfit for the hosts’ hilarious rapport and Fashion People for the behind-the-scenes industry chatter. For pop culture, I toggle between Pop Apologists for cheeky commentary and Culture Study for a more thoughtful, analytical take. And because I gravitate toward ‘stressful’ prestige dramas (basically anything on HBO), I love the deep dives on The Prestige TV Podcast. The analysis and alternative theories make obsessing over a show even more fun.”