Hinsdale Living, January 2026

FOREVER STARTS HERE

AIROOM KNOWS KITCHENS

winter in hinsdale

DR. ANDREINA KARMANCHANDI

C ERTIFIED DR. STEPHANIE BOLLOW

DR. MAGGIE RIZZO

DR. MIRA ALBERT

• National Spokeswoman AAPD

• Board Examiner ABPD

• Nationally recognized pediatric experts • Lurie doctors

• Bright & whimsical practice

• Mothers who understand

C ERTIFIED DR. ALEXA PULLI

DR. PETER D. GELDNER

THE GELDNER CENTER PLASTIC SURGERY & MED SPA

Go from ordinary to extraordinary with today’s advanced cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures from The Geldner Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa. Experience a whole new way to feel about yourself and gain a new outlook on life. Dr. Peter Geldner is a nationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. He has performed surgery on thousands of satisfied patients over the past 33 years and has demonstrated the highest level of expertise in his field. The Geldner Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa is committed to maximizing each patient’s aesthetic goals while providing a personalized experience.

Dr. Geldner is past president of the Chicago Society of Plastic Surgeons and is considered one of the leading plastic surgeons in the Midwest. He is a perennial fixture on “best of” lists, both regionally and nationally. Dr. Geldner has been named a “Top Doctor“ by U.S. News and World Report, Castle Connolly, the Consumers’ Research Council of America, RealSelf, and Chicago magazine. When the media wants an expert, they talk to Dr. Geldner. He has shared his expertise on ABC, NBC, WGN, Fox Business, Fox News, the Learning Channel, Web MD Radio Live, and many other media outlets.

The Geldner Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa’s Chicago and western suburb locations feature nonsurgical treatments like CoolSculpting, Emsculpt Neo, Emtone, and Emface. Emface is a revolution in facial treatments. By admitting both synchronized RF and HIFES energies, it simultaneoulsy affects the skin and muscles. The end result is fewer wrinkles. Best of all, Emface treats the full face in only 20 minutes.

The Geldner Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa also has licensed nurse injectors in both locations to meet your injectable needs as well as licensed medical aestheticians specializing in chemical peels, photo facials, laser therapy treatment, Ultherapy, Morpheus, Moxi, laser hair reduction, PRX facials, microneedling, skin care regimens, and more. We now offer infusion therapy to help with fatigue, anxiety, dehydration, anti-aging and more.

Together, Dr. Geldner and The Geldner Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa staff can help you achieve the look you desire with the personalized care you deserve so you have the confidence to live life to the fullest.

At Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness,

we combine world-class regenerative treatments and science-backed wellness to help you look – and feel – your absolute best in 2026. Led by Dr. Jessie Cheung, board-certifed dermatologist, national trainer, and clinical researcher, our team brings unparalleled expertise and a personalized approach to every transformation.

In-Home Care You Can Rely On

There is a reason why Home Helpers® Home Care of Hinsdale consistently ranks No. 1 in Illinois for caregiving and client satisfaction. We sat down with owner Brian Davis to find out what he looks for in his sta and why compassionate care is so important.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Founded more than two decades years ago to serve Hinsdale and the Western Suburbs, Home Helpers® Home Care provides in-home care for those who need it—when it’s a senior seeking to age in place gracefully, an individual with a disability or illness, or someone who’s recovering from injury or surgery. Owner Brian Davis says the quality of their team of more than 100 compassionate caregivers and o!ce sta ff is the secret to their success. And for many clients, that can be a game changer. We sat down with him recently to find out more.

Your Home Helpers team is rated No. 1 in Illinois for caregiving and client satisfaction. What do you look for when hiring new caregivers or o ce sta and what is your vetting process?

At Home Helpers of Hinsdale, we have built a strong reputation over our 20-year history and are fortunate to attract great people. We have one of the longest tenured teams in home care. For example, Fran has been with us for 19 years! Our employees are skilled and genuinely caring, humble, and mission driven. Every employee must reflect our core values: Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence. We carefully screen caregivers: background checks, drug tests, reference checks, and a detailed interview. All caregivers receive ongoing training, supervision, and support. We offer above-market pay and benefits, along with a generous recognition program dubbed CareCoin.

Our o!ce sta ff (located on Ogden just west of York) take tremendous pride in recruiting, training, and retaining compassionate caregivers. We excel at successfully matching clients and caregivers. While we have great client survey scores, our caregiver marks are even higher!

be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.” at is so true! Human beings are here to support and nurture and help one another through this beautiful and complicated world.

Beyond caring for seniors or those with long-term disabilities, in what other scenarios does Home Helpers assist patients and their loved ones? What are the range of options available?

In-home care typically falls into three categories:

1. Companion & Everyday Support—Help with meals, light housekeeping, errands, transportation, and companionship.

2. Personal Care—Hands-on support with bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility.

3. Specialized Support—Tailored care for Alzheimer’s and dementia, chronic conditions, stroke recovery, or situations requiring 24-hour assistance.

Care plans range from a few hours a day up to 24/7 care.

The term “care giver” is often misunderstood. What does it mean to you?

e

first thing that comes to mind is a quote from former First Lady Rosalynn Carter: “I like to say that there are only four kinds of people in the world—those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will

Your caregivers often become part of the families they assist. How does their presence help ease stress for a client’s loved ones and create more options for quality time? is Google review answers this better than I could:

“Our family is so grateful for Home Helpers Home Care of Hinsdale. ey provided care to our mom for 6-1/2 years - starting when she needed just a few hours of help each day for shopping, errands, laundry, etc. to the end of her life when she needed 24/7 help with everything. anks to Home Helpers, our mom was blessed to live her life as she wanted to, in the comfort of her beloved home.”Susan S, verified client.

How does Home Helpers work with prospective clients to create a plan that’s right for their needs?

We offer a free, one-hour assessment to help families develop a tailored care plan. You can learn more by visiting us online at homehelpershomecare.com/Hinsdale or calling 630-323-7231.

Endodontists

Tooth Pain?

Ask your dentist about being referred to an Endodontist. We save teeth!

Nervous?

We have several ways to help you deal with the anxiety of dental treatment.

Technology?

We have all the latest – lasers, CBCT, microscopes, digital imaging.

Visit our website for more details on how you can benefit from being treated by a board certified expert.

“We just installed all new windows at our house and we love them! Before we made our decision we went to the manufacturer’s plant to see how the windows were made. We were concerned at first because Russ’s price was more than half of his competitor’s quoted price. After our tour we were very comfortable with our decision. Installation day was quick and painless. Our house was left in great condition. I highly recommend this company!”

Caitlin Jecklin, philanthropist and creator of the popular Once Upon a Dollhouse platform, photographed in her home wearing a dress by Self Portrait from Neiman Marcus Oakbrook Center.

Photography by James Gustin

Produced by Theresa DeMaria

Styling by Kristin Lopez

Hair and Makeup by Catherine Vasiliki Artistry

Guests attended Wellness House Ball on October 18, 2025, at the Acqua Blu in Chicago.

Photography by Ian McLeod

50 // ELEVATED EASE

Designer Diana Wagenbach reshaped a Hinsdale home into a haven of quiet sophistication.

56 // A MODERN-DAY

FAIRY TALE

From Oak Brook ballerina to entrepreneur, Caitlin Jecklin builds a brand on a mix of softness and strength.

62 //

ZERO TO 30 WITH SMASHING SPEED

Three decades after the release of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, the Smashing Pumpkins’ genre-defying masterpiece still resonates with fans old and new— and Billy Corgan continues to defy musical conventions.

Editor-in-Chief

MICHELLE CROWE

Contributing Editors ERIN DONALDSON

GABRIELA GARCIA

DUSTIN O’REGAN

ALLISON MELONE

SHERRY THOMAS

MEGAN WEISBERG

Contributing Writers TRICIA DESPRES

JANIS MVK

SHANNON SHARPE

Senior Fashion Editor THERESA DEMARIA

Production Manager DIANE IKO

Advertising Account NATALIE PHILLIPS

Manager and Designer

Graphic Designers ABDON LOERA

SAM SUAREZ

MIMI LEE

Contributing Photographers JAMES GUSTIN

IAN MCLEOD

EMIL SINANAGIC

ROBIN SUBAR

MARIA PONCE BERRE

KATRINA WITTKAMP

Administrative Assistant LAUREN ROSENBAUM

Advertising Sales JENNIFER STURGEON

HOW TO REACH

Hinsdale Living Magazine

Advertising inquiries: INFO@JWCMEDIA.COM 630-200-9027

General inquiries: 847-926-0911

Editorial inquiries: 630-270-7991

Editorial email: MICHELLECROWE@JWCMEDIA.COM

On the web: JWCMEDIA.COM

Mailing Address: 671 ACADEMY DRIVE

NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS 60062

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy New Year! We are delighted to be kicking o! 2026 with a gorgeous issue filled with interesting people and beautiful places.

Many of you will be thrilled to see our cover star, Caitlin Jecklin, founder of the Once Upon a Dollhouse empire. Caitlin brings sparkle wherever she goes, all the while building an aspirational business and family.

If you think 2026 arrived quickly, you might be amazed to learn it’s been 30 years since the release of Mellon Collie and the In nite Sadness, the Smashing Pumpkins’ genre-defying masterpiece. Billy Corgan continues to defy musical expectations. We have insights in Zero to 30 with Smashing Speed.

Artist Shirley Yang Crutchfield is featured in Country Vs. Town. Shirley is one of the most dynamic, accomplished women to move to our area in the last few years.

Just as the winter is at its most chilling, Journeys takes us to Maui for a dose of virtual sunshine.

One of our favorite interior designers, Diana Wagenbach, treats us to a tour of a recent project in Elevated Ease

We have a peek inside the hottest new spot to shop, Lillie Alexander. After decades of wishing for a location nearby, now we have one.

Our Publisher’s Profile catches up with professionals at Home Helpers, who set a new standard of care.

And of course, Living + Giving is packed with the social events that raise money and build community. Enjoy the beautiful photographs and recaps of the hard work and dedication so many people put into these afternoons and evenings.

I wish you luck and love in the new year. May your blessings overflow.

Gratefully,

MICHELLE CROWE Editor-in-Chief michelle@jwcmedia.com

TAKING THE HARD OUT OF HEALTHY.

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Talk of the Town

Hinsdale Living’s guide to the area’s people, places, and things that you must know about

A STAR IS BORN

January 29 – March 1

UNNECESSARY FARCE

WHERE: McAninch Arts Center

At College Of DuPage

A pair of inept police officers set up a sting operation to trap an embezzling mayor meeting his female accountant… in a pair of matching hotel rooms, what could go wrong? Confusion fills the stage with doors slamming, clothes flying, and bagpipes bleating, all of which adds up to an over-the-top tale of mix-ups. By Paul Slade Smith. Directed by Kurt Naebig atthemac.org

January 28 – February 1 DISCOVER® BOATING CHICAGO BOAT SHOW

WHERE: Donald E. Stephenson Convention Center, Rosemont e iconic Chicago boat event, the largest of its kind, is always a fun weekend featuring hundreds of boat companies showing

AGENDA

February 6

FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY

WHERE: McCormick Place

First Look for Charity stands as one of Chicago's greatest one-day fundraisers, regularly generating nearly $3 million for 18 area nonprofits. Guests can direct the proceeds of their ticket purchase to any or all of the 18 charitable organizations that benefit from this extraordinary night. Held at McCormick place the evening before the Chicago auto show opens, it is anticipated by socialites and car buffs alike. Enjoy drinks, elegant hors d'oeuvres, and desserts while being the first to explore the nation’s largest auto show. chicagoautoshow.com/ rst-look-for-charity

February 7 HEARTFEST

WHERE: Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook

Brian and Bridget O'Meara were inspired by their son, Liam, to start the Mend a

their newest boats in cold January. is annual fun, sunny respite has been held in Chicago for more than 80 years. chicagoboatshow.com

Heart Foundation in 2007. He lives today because of the many heart babies that came before him and the great medical minds and compassionate caregivers who reconfigured his heart to function with a single ventricle. In support of all children born with congenital heart defects and medical practitioners and researchers who

advance congenital heart defect research, the Mend a Heart Foundation supports initiatives that extend and enrich the lives of heart kids. is year’s Heartfest is a tailgate in honor of heart kids living longer and making their college dreams a reality. Sport your favorite college gear to party like it's game day with an open bar, buffet dinner, live music, auction, ra$es, and more. mendaheart.org

February 15 CAMERATA CHICAGO VALENTINE’S ROMANCE

WHERE: Union Church of Hinsdale

Enjoy an afternoon with the wonderful violinist Yi-Jia Susanne Hou on Valentines Day Weekend serenading you with romances for violin and orchestra by Beethoven and love inspired works by Kreisler. Conducted by Maestro Drostan Hall, Camerata Chicago will also delight you with the celebrated Hungarian Dances by Brahms and the famous Intermezzo from the opera Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni. Winner of three international competitions Yi-Jia Susanne Hou has travelled the world soloing with great orchestras including e London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic and Camerata Chicago. cameratachicago.org

Empowered Health

REGENERATIVE ORTHOPEDICS + TECHNOLOGY + WELLNESS

At SmartLife Medicine, under the guidance of Matthew Vogt, MD, we deliver the latest in regenerative orthopedic medicine, advanced technologies, and physician-directed wellness care. When pain or injury occurs, we help you recover quickly, stay strong, and return to the activities that matter to you. We treat the young athlete, the weekend warrior, the endurance-focused, and those centered on maintaining long-term performance and health.

Our approach focuses on:

• Evidence-based regenerative treatments that support the body’s repair systems

• Targeted diagnostics and new technologies to diagnose and treat the root causes of pain

• Personalized care plans designed to improve health, strength, performance, and a safe return to activity

12 Salt Creek Lane, STE 300 Hinsdale, IL 60521

smartlifemedicine.com

630.922.5071

DRINKING CHOCOLATE

With Hotel Chocolat now open at Oakbrook Center, adding the benefits of drinking chocolate to your 2026 wellness routine is easy and delicious. ese hot and cold drinking chocolates are imagined and crafted by skilled chocolatiers for the company’s proprietary Velvetiser. is device whips up the smoothest, most indulgent sips around. Hotel Chocolat, 69 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-908-2581

THE BUZZ

THE HAMPTONS: FOOD, FAMILY, AND HISTORY

Back in print, Ricky and Ralph Lauren’s family beach home inspires 100-plus recipes, décor ideas, and timeless seaside style. rizzoli.com

BY

DOGUE STYLE

e stretch fleece pullover from Gold Paw Series is perfect for the pup who is part finance bro. is buttery fleece pullover is functional, stylish, and simple to put on your pup. No need to fuss with Velcro, buckles, or zippers. e flexible, stretchy fabric has a snug fit that easily moves with your dog while keeping them cocooned in warmth. Find one for every member of the pack at Two Bostons, 535 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge, 630-581-5726

COUNTRY VS. TOWN

SHIRLEY YANG CRUTCHFIELD

grew up in the Bay Area, with a big stretch of her childhood spent in Taiwan from second through eighth grade. She was an only child for 12 years before her younger sister and brother came along, which definitely shaped her outlook on life. Shirley’s family traveled often between the U.S., Europe, and Asia, giving her an ease of moving between different cultures. Whilst she always loved drawing, she didn’t see a creative career as a real option at the time. Instead, she studied engineering at the University of Southern California, expecting to take a more traditional career path.

Shirley spent her early career in media and tech, working at companies including Fox, Amazon, and NBCUniversal. “Those experiences eventually led me to start my own tech company. I sold that company shortly after having my first child. Those years were busy, challenging, and hands-on,” she says.

Now she is an artist who paints iconic women in 24K gold. “I work from my home studio in Hinsdale, and travel for my exhibitions and live-gilding events. My days are a mix of studio time, family time, and building my art business,” she says.

EDITED BY MICHELLE CROWE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

Do you have a mantra? “ !is too shall pass” On your reading stack? I am obsessed with Greek myths and the Trojan War: e Lost Books of the Odyssey by Zachary Mason and Mythica by Emily Hauser are favorites. What organizations do you support? We like to support non-profits in the realm of education and the arts. I am currently serving as a Board member for Salt Creek Ballet.

COUNTRY VS. TOWN

WHEN IN COUNTRY

What’s your go-to out t? When the weather is warm, I love to wear dresses. When it’s cold, I love statement coats and leather gloves. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? My phone! Where do they know you by name? Red E Mas, Hinsdale Wine Shop, !e Fruit Store, !e Framemakers in Westmont. Describe your perfect day? A productive morning either working on my paintings or securing partnerships, lunch with a friend at Toni’s, a nice 60-minute massage, mini nap, time with the family.

What’s your signature entertaining style? Private chef, house music, and lots of wine. Co ee or tea? Both! Country or dance music? Dance. Favorite winter tradition or activity? Escaping to Carmel.

WHEN IN TOWN

What’s in your bag? Phone, wallet, small makeup bag, sunblock, Apple earbuds, kids’ socks. Describe your perfect day? Brunch in the Gold Coast, walk along the lake, meetings downtown by the river, dinner somewhere chic. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Ciccio Mio Do you have a favorite museum? All of them are so great! e kids especially enjoy the Museum of Science and Industry.

BEST DRESSED

WHO WORE IT WELL, WONDERFULLY, AND WHERE

Who wore it well and wonderfully at the Wellness House Ball: Timeless

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

HO‘OMAHA

The Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea Maui Provides A Vacation Dreams Are Made Of.

Alegend whispers that the Hawaiian Islands were gifts from the gods to the people of Hawai‘i, with Pele, the goddess of fire, transforming her fire into volcanoes to create the islands. It is also said that Maui, a Polynesian demigod, pulled the islands from the ocean using a magical fishhook. Seemingly floating in a cerulean blue sea more than 2,200 miles from any continent, the incredible beauty of the Hawaiian islands inspires a belief in these supernatural tales. As the northernmost group of the Polynesian islands, the Hawaiian islands formed 65 million years ago and are the third corner of the Polynesian triangle (the other two being New Zealand and Easter Island).

e entrance of the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui’s Wailea frames perfectly the glistening vast ocean and palm trees swaying in a gentle, warm breeze. Hawai’i’s only all-suite and villa oceanfront resort, the Fairmont Kea Lani is Maui’s

premier choice for rest and relaxation.

Each two-story villa offers 1,800 (or more) square feet, a fullyequipped kitchen, dining area, and cozy living room to watch movies after a day spent in the sun outside. Luxuriate in the deep soaking tubs, unpack at leisure in one of the many walk-in closets, and take advantage of the private laundry facilities and pack light—a true luxury. Order e Villa BBQ Experience for a private barbeque on the villa’s airy patio while watching the sun set over Polo Beach. Or enjoy a casual meal of to-go salads, poke bowls, and pizza from the on-site Makana Market + Café, as the kids splash in the private plunge pool.

A few steps from the villas is Pilina, Maui’s newest bar and lounge, an open-air, oceanfront bar and sushi restaurant with unobstructed views of the sun setting over Lāna i on the horizon. Connecting Hawai‘i’s culture with cuisine the restaurant uses the freshest ingredients focusing on ‘āina (from the land) and makai (toward the sea). Dishes range from A5 Wagyu sliders, to the most delicious, and fresh-from-the sea sushi one has ever tasted

JOURNEYS

(presented with local edible flowers and seaweed), to a hot rock where guests cook a simple piece of protein tableside. Paired with signature cocktails like the smoky, citrusy Aloha, Vaqueros, featuring the Hawai’i-made Waikulu Smoke Pepa Agave Spirit and rimmed in black Hawaiian lava salt, it makes for a transformative culinary experience.

An abundant breakfast buffet nourishes guests each morning with a wide array of classics (pancakes, eggs, hash browns) and local delights (poke, pineapple bread, and the island’s specialty of banana bread made from Hawaiian bananas; smaller and sweeter than found stateside).

In the evening, guests can indulge at Kō, the award-winning signature restaurant of Fairmont Kea Lani, recently reopened after a renovation under the creative direction of Executive Chef Matt Dela Cruz. Inspired by generations of Hawai‘i’s sugarcane plantation era, the menu celebrates the island’s multicultural culinary heritage with dishes rooted in Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese traditions. With open-air seating and warm Wailea breezes, dining at Kō is both a connection to Hawai‘i’s past and a taste of its vibrant present.

e Fairmont Kea Lani offers its guests a vast menu of adventure experiences. Take a complimentary shuttle a short distance to the Wailea Golf Club, where Fairmont Kea Lani guests can play at three 18-hole championship golf courses and enjoy the

award-winning full-service tennis club. Explore the property’s Hale Kukuna, the resort’s “house of enlightenment,” to explore Hawai’ian culture and learn about the island’s traditions through lei making, hula, ‘ukulele, and more.

Stroll to the beach and play in the ocean with boogie boards, snorkel equipment, or stand-up paddling. Arise early and participate in e ala e, when the Hawaiian people call to the sun to rise from the ocean to the sky. An unforgettable experience is a traditional Polynesian canoe outrigger ride at sunrise—paddling in the Pacific in the shadow of Haleakalā (Maui’s dormant volcano) as the sun rises above its majestic crest. Canoers are invited to dive into the Pacific and snorkel in the clear morning waters, hopefully spotting a turtle or two. For a broader snorkel experience, guests can take a boat to Molokini—a crescent-shaped volcanic crater peeking above the Pacific Ocean that is home to the clearest waters in all of Hawai‘i and 250 species of fish. ere, an abundance of wildlife can be viewed in an otherworldly environment.

On the famed road to Hana–a journey, not a destination–pull off the side of the road into the aptly named Garden of Eden Arboretum, where Steven Spielberg shot the opening scenes of Jurassic Park, for an adventurous afternoon in an extraordinary setting. A highlight is Maui’s only waterfall rappelling tour, where experts from Rappel Maui carefully guide you down cascading waterfalls. While no skill is required, it will test your mental bravery. After completing this adrenaline-pumping

Neverending views throughout the resort.

JOURNEYS

excursion, stop to explore the shops in Paia, dine at Mama’s Fish House (make a reservation), or Paia’s Fish Market for a more casual alternative. Just a short distance away is Ho’okipa Beach. Stop here to spy more turtles and catch a glimpse of Jaws, a legendary surf break akin to California’s famous Mavericks.

In ancient Hawai‘i, well-being was achieved by honoring the deep connection between nature, people, and spirit. After a day spent pushing one’s limits or relaxing in a private cabana at one of the Fairmont Kea Lani’s three pools, guests can experience the award-winning Fairmont Spa, offering locally-inspired treatments to restore your mana (energy). A guest favorite is the lomi lomi massage, which uses long rhythmic strokes to ease muscle tension, release blockages, and leave guests with a sense of calm and peace.

At times, the afternoon trade winds can pick up, reminding visitors of the greater world and nature which these majestical islands are a part of. Should the winds, or a gentle rain, drive you inside, head to your villa to watch on-demand movies and play games, exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness center, or watch the

storm pass from Pilina with a drink in hand.

With so many options to choose from at the Fairmont Kea Lani, the only question that remains is “How quickly will you book your visit?”

For more information and to book your vacation, visit fairmont-kealani.com.

DESIGN

ELEVATED EASE

Designer Diana Wagenbach reshapes a Hinsdale home into a haven of quiet sophistication.

WORDS BY SHANNON SHARPE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN MCDONALD / STYLED BY CATE RAGAN

Susan and Ryan Laurenti never planned to completely renovate their Hinsdale home. ey’d done some minor updates after purchasing it— modernizing the kitchen, updating the primary bedroom and bathroom—and they were just looking to do another small change. e couple envisioned transforming the unused attic space above their garage into a dedicated office and workout room. An architect had already begun exploring how the upper level could be reconfigured when Susan reached out to designer Diana Wagenbach for her input.

e Wagenbach walked the home, she sensed the attic wasn’t an isolated issue. e house had odd transitions, blocked circulation and generous square footage that was underutilized. “ ere was so much wasted space upstairs,” she says. “Fixing one area without looking at the rest wasn’t going to give them the outcome they wanted.” ankfully, the Laurentis were open to Wagenbach’s rethinking of the whole home, which

included aligning its volumes, smoothing its flow and refining the staircase.

Besides the structural changes, Wagenbach considered how to bring in Susan’s interior leanings—“I love a Southern grandma’s style,” Susan laughs—while bringing a sophisticated atmosphere to the home. “She wanted the style to feel more elevated,” the designer says. Instead of leaning into bright tones or busy motifs, Wagenbach translated those preferences into muted colors, tailored silhouettes and layers of texture—an interpretation that brought the personality Susan loved into a more modern, quietly sophisticated expression.

e dining room didn’t require a dramatic overhaul—the Laurentis already had a beautiful table and a light fixture worth keeping—but Wagenbach refined the space so it worked the way the family lives. Susan often takes work calls at the table, and their oldest son regularly spreads out his school projects, so comfort mattered as much as aesthetics. “I'm a big believer dining room chairs have to be comfortable,” Wagenbach says. “And for them to

DESIGN

Symmetrical staircase

be comfortable, they have to be upholstered.” is guided her choice of Rowe dining chairs in a performance fabric. that now soften the room for everyday use. She also layered in artwork that brings warmth without overwhelming the space: a painting by Chelsea Feld anchors one wall, while nine smaller works—created in collaboration between Wagenbach and local artist Maureen Claffey—adds subtle texture and color on the adjacent wall.

e true core of the home though is the family room and the adjacent kitchen—the latter that, with its relatively recent refresh and charming cobalt blue cabinetry, Diana barely had to touch besides cosmetic changes. She coated the island in that same shade of ble, updating plumbing fixtures, replaced the hood and brought in a chandelier from Lucent Lightshop and Palcek counter stools.

e family room, however, presented a challenge. “It was completely open,” says Wagenbach. “It was really hard room for them to furnish.” Wagenbach gave it structure. She rebuilt the firebox, added walls to define the volume and designed custom built-in on either side of the fireplace. Fabrication company Iron + Easel then created suspended steel shelves for the buit-ins that off set some awkward windows. With the architecture settled, the furnishings fell into place: a deep Hooker Furniture sectional and lounge chair, a Delray cocktail table and easy textural layers.

DESIGN

Adjacent to the family, the music room needed a di fferent kind of intention. e original space lacked direction—neither a sitting room nor a true performance space. Wagenbach introduced Hooker Furniture wool chairs in a deeper, moodier tone, giving the room weight and definition, while subtle blues in the Jaipur Living rug and artwork carry the thread of color from the kitchen.

Upstairs, the primary suite became the clearest expression

of the home’s new sensibility. Wagenbach rethought the entire space, reconfiguring the bathroom and adding glamour with a Michaelangelo stone, putting a new closet behind it and making the bedroom more compact. “it sounds counterintuitive to make a bedroom smaller,” she admits. “But it actually made it more functional.” She designed the space around an upholstered Moss Home bed, a simple, streamlined piece that allowed the subdued palette to unfold in soft gradations. A serene sitting area, furnished with Hooker Furniture swivel chairs and a matching ottoman, makes for a cozy reading nook.

Secondary spaces, such as the laundry room and mudroom, were equally well considered. e two were located in same space and it wasn’t functioning for the family, so Wagenbach redesigned the mudroom with storage for bags, shoes, and the sons’ sports gear out of sight. e laundry room was relocated upstairs, where marble-andporcelain floors make washing and sorting clothes an elevated experience. Nearby both sons’ rooms got a refresh along with their shared bathroom.

Of course, creating an office space for Susan couldn’t be forgotten, as that was the original goal. With the reconfigured layout on the second floor, Wagenbach created a work oasis, with a custom built-in standing desk and storage that keeps everything out of site. Wagenbach reshaped each room with purpose, making the spaces calm, functional, and aligned with how the family lives. What started as an attic project became a much broader transformation. As Susan says, “It’s better than I could ever have imagined it could look.”

Studio W Interiors, 102 South Washington Street, Hinsdale, studiowinteriors.com, @studiow_chicago

DESIGN

A Modern-Day

Fairytale

From Oak Brook Ballerina to Hinsdale Entrepreneur, Once Upon a Dollhouse’s Caitlin Jecklin Builds a Brand on a Mix of Softness and Strength

WORDS BY TRICIA DESPRES

Once upon a time, Caitlin Jecklin was a ballerina.

“I loved everything girly,” she says of her Oak Brook upbringing from the “pink sitting room” of her home. “I would go shopping with my mom and she would always make me do a fashion show once we got home.”

But as gentle and demure as she seemed, there was always another side to her. “My mom always called me the rose in between two thorns – who were in fact my brothers,” laughs Jecklin, who attended Notre Dame School in Clarendon Hills as a child. “I always have been able to hold my own.”

It’s a juxtaposition that now lives at the heart of Once Upon a Dollhouse –– the whimsical, modernday fairytale brand she created to celebrate both softness and strengths as much as beauty and backbones. “It’s not all about what I have and about material possessions,” says Jecklin. “I identify as a doll, but also, I identify my audience as dolls too. It is an inclusive environment. We’re all in this club together.”

Indeed, a sense of nostalgia is woven directly into the brand’s name –– Once Upon a Dollhouse –– an idea that originally came from the people and pieces of Jecklin’s past. “My grandmothers would both call people ‘dolls’ as a compliment,” remembers Jecklin, a longtime member of Butterfield Country Club. “I also had a condo downtown when I first got started filled with my grandmother’s reupholstered furniture, and my friends started calling my condo the Dollhouse.”

Since launching Once Upon a Dollhouse in 2016, Jecklin has grown her online community to more than 200,000 followers, fueled by robust website

content covering topics such as fashion, beauty, wellness, travel, and philanthropy. Along the way, she has also secured a slew of impressive brand partnerships, further solidifying the Dollhouse as both a lifestyle and a business.

But perhaps, more importantly, Jecklin says that Once Upon a Dollhouse has allowed her the chance to pursue an interest she has had for a lifetime.

“I always wanted to be a writer,” she says. “I always wanted to work for a fashion magazine. I eventually transitioned from writing to public relations to being an influencer myself –– so having my own blog where I could create my own writing style and talk about fashion and those fun things that I’m passionate about is a dream come true.”

It is in this blog that Jecklin has not only written about the beauty that seems to surround her, but also the weeds that tend to grow through the cracks of the most beautiful lives.

“I like to romanticize certain things in life, but the fact is that we all deal with different hardships, no matter what it is,” says Jecklin. “You can connect with your audience when you’re being so vulnerable.”

For Jecklin, it is often these hardships that have caused her to look and live life differently. “My dad battled cancer for several years, and he ended up passing away not from cancer, but from Covid, a few years ago,” says Jecklin. “He really taught me that there are so many wonderful moments in life, not only the big moments that should be celebrated and screamed from the mountaintops, but also the everyday moments that are just as special.”

Often, Jecklin says she is most acutely aware of these everyday moments when she is at home spending time with her and her husband’s four-year-old son Teddy.

“I always say that whoever marries him is so lucky,” chuckles Jecklin of her beloved little boy. “He is going to be the best husband, and it is important for me to teach him that women can be soft and nurturing, but they can also be go-getters and fierce and all of those great things as well.”

As Once Upon a Dollhouse has grown, so has Jecklin’s desire to invest in the community around her. “I’ve truly never felt more connected to a community,” she says. “Hinsdale and the surrounding suburbs are filled with driven, generous, stylish women who genuinely show up for one another. Whether it’s cheering each other on in business, supporting a charity gala, or simply sharing a recommendation, there’s this beautiful blend of ambition and heart. It has been the perfect place to raise my son and grow my brands.”

Indeed, giving back is foundational for Jecklin.

“ e moment I joined Hinsdale Junior Women’s Club, I truly felt a shift in myself where I could take my connections off screen to in-person connections with people as well,” she says. “Serving on the HJWC board has shown me firsthand the power of community impact. I’ve also supported other local organizations including IWS, Salt Creek Ballet, and Simply From the Heart. “I’m grateful to play even a small part in the good happening here”. ose in-person connections eventually led to the creation of Dollhouse Social, a sister company to Once Upon a Dollhouse where Jecklin works with large brands on full-scale social media management. Jecklin also recently launched a new facet of Dollhouse Social where she uses her expertise in PR marketing, social media marketing and influencer marketing to create a strategic social media roadmap specifically for small businesses.

“ is model focuses on creating a strategic social media roadmap, training their internal team, and providing ongoing check-ins rather than managing everything full-time,” explains Jecklin. “I’m also excited to share that I’ll be partnering with photographer Molly Grace in 2026 for branding sessions as part of this initiative.”

How does one woman do it all?

“I think that you have to pinpoint the things that make you happy and fuel you and keep you going,” says Jecklin. “I like to wake up when it’s dark outside. I actually meditate in the morning and then I get a ton of work done so I can be fully present with my son when I take him to school and start my day with him.”

And then she goes to the gym.

“I keep that scheduled in my calendar almost as a business meeting because that does give me energy to fuel me,” she explains. “I need those endorphins and that energy to keep me going through the day. And then from there, it’s back in to hustle mode.”

onceuponadollhouse.com, @onceuponadollhouse

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ZERO TO 30 with SMASHING SPEED

Three decades after the release of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, the Smashing Pumpkins’ genredefying masterpiece still resonates with fans old and new—and Billy Corgan continues to defy musical conventions.

WORDS BY JOE ROSENTHAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH CULTICE

When attempting to measure the greatness of a band, many metrics can be applied: chart positions held; number of hit singles; total albums sold; concert halls filled. But possibly the truest measure is a band’s longevity. e longer and more loudly their music resonates with generations of listeners, the greater the band. Using this standard, the Smashing Pumpkins have cemented their place in the pantheon of rock bands. is year marks the 30th anniversary of their classic double album Mellon Collie and the In nite Sadness, and the band is in the midst of a renaissance. A 13th studio album, Aghori Mhori Mei, was released to critical acclaim; the “Rock Invasion 2025” tour spanned Asia and, for the first time, the Middle East; and in November, a rock opera featuring orchestral interpretations of Mellon Collie songs was staged by Chicago’s Lyric Opera. In August, Smashing Pumpkins’ lead singer Billy Corgan underscored his cross-generational appeal when his surprise appearance at My Chemical Romance’s sold-out Soldier Field concert was met with rapturous applause—evidence of the group’s impact on legions of younger bands and fanbases ranging from Gen X to Gen Y to Gen Z.

When Mellon Collie and the In nite Sadness was released on October 23, 1995, it was, of course, a very different world. Bill Clinton was president, Friends was a new TV show, and the country was still reeling from the Oklahoma City bombing the spring before. In Chicago, Richard M. Daley was mayor, a summer heat wave had killed more than 700 people, and demolition was starting at Cabrini Green. Michael Jordan had returned to the Bulls in March, the Blackhawks had not won a Stanley Cup since 1961, the White Sox were a decade away from their next World Series victory, and the Cubs were still struggling with the Curse of the Billy Goat. e music industry was on the cusp of massive disruption (MP3 was entering the lexicon), and grunge was in decline after the suicide of Kurt Cobain, while pop-punk and Brit Pop were emerging, and the hip-hop and electronic music scenes surging.

It was into this environment that Corgan made his bold gamble with Mellon Collie. He wanted to

make his version of Pink Floyd’s e Wall or e Beatles’ White Album—a mythic, multi-album creative statement with darker undertones that avoid “repeating any formulas.” e band was coming off the massive success of Siamese Dream, and, as one might expect, the record label thought the move was risky at best and career suicide at worst.

“I had run my mouth and said that we were gonna do a double album,” Corgan recalls, “which the record company at the time was mortally against. e message was run up through the corporate structure, and I started getting tremendous pressure to back off the idea.”

ere were concerns about how to market the record, the quality of the songs, and the historical precedent of double albums selling less than single records. And Corgan laughs, he “never thought through the math,” because Mellon Collie was actually more like a triple album with 28 songs and a running time of over two hours.

In the end, though, Corgan had the political capital to pull it off, and Mellon Collie was a smash success, both critically and commercially. It debuted at No. 1, selling more than 10 million copies in the U.S. and garnering six Grammy nominations and two wins. Rolling Stone gave the album 4 out of 5 stars and placed it on its “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list. Ferocious tracks like “Zero,” “Muzzle,” and “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” sat alongside pop gems like “1979” and “Tonight, Tonight” and beautiful ballads like “ irty- ree,” “Stumbleine,” and the ethereal “Cupid De Locke.” It’s a sweeping, grandiose tapestry of blistering guitar, harps, and strings, with atmospheric washes of layered sound. Looking back on it, Corgan is filled with a combination of pride, gratitude, and surprise.

“My personal life was kind of

“The album has endured and Has such strength because It was the best that the Four of us were aligned— Not just musically, but Also personally.”

falling apart [at the time], and I’d made this momentous musical decision that we were gonna, you know, jump into the fire with both feet. Sink or swim,” he recalls. “So, it’s easy to talk about now because it worked. But at the time, it was incredibly stressful. We ended up working on the album a total of eight months from start to finish.”

While he was aware of the magnitude of what he was attempting and the pressures all around him, Corgan was hyper-focused.

“Maybe it’s a personality defect,” he says, “but when I’m on a mission, you kind of can’t take me off it. I can’t say my delusion is why it worked out, but my delusion is what kept me on course.”

Given its origin story and global acclaim, it’s not entirely surprising that the Lyric Opera of Chicago would want to take a crack at interpreting the epic work. While the sonic qualities that made the band famous—the crushing onslaught of distorted guitars and emotive vocals often screamed with fury—aren’t exactly found in refined symphony halls, Corgan is a musician’s musician. He did all the string arrangements on the original album, and his wicked guitar assault always masked complex arrangements and delicate melodies.

When he speaks of the Lyric’s presentation, his admiration is palpable. “[Conductor] James Lowe was amazing,” Corgan says. “He took every note I’ve had and really translated it beautifully. ere’s some stuff where I was like, ‘can we make this more Gershwinlike’—a little bit more American in Paris vibe here’—and he’s done a beautiful job of translating my songs into something that feels fresh and unique. It’s almost like a complete reinvestment in the architecture of the songs. It was a really beautiful and highly emotional experience for me to stand on that stage.”

It’s the kind of experience that inherently begs the question: what’s next for the Smashing Pumpkins? ree decades after Mellon Collie exploded onto the world stage, Corgan and the band show no signs of slowing down. And with the wind at their backs, why would they? In fact, Corgan has seen a resurgence in interest in live rock music globally, and he’s energized by the passion he sees in young fans out on the road.

“ ere’s a youth movement going on where they want guitarbased music, and they don’t want it in a sentimental way,” he says. For the entire year, he says, the majority of his audiences have been under 25. Reflecting on the recent Bahrain show, he says that “outside of a song like ‘Bullet with Butterfly Wings,’ their biggest response was when we played total raw power rock. ey couldn’t get enough of that.” Asked about the reason for the youthful turn, he doesn’t hesitate with his reply, “I think it’s antidotal to the fake world that they’ve been handed.” As for the very real staying power of Mellon Collie, Corgan reasons that “the album has endured and has such strength because it was the best that the four of us were aligned—not just musically, but also personally. I think the records are really a testament to what the band was capable of when the band was aligned.”

Fortunately for fans of Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins, the stars were aligned as well, and the beauty of Mellon Collie has proved infinite indeed.

Visit Highland Park’s Madame ZuZu’s in person or go to madamezuzus. com for limited-edition Mellon Collie vinyl, box sets, and other exotic ephemera.

LIVING & GIVING

Lillie Alexander Grand Opening

Lillie Alexander celebrated the grand opening of its second location on November 25, welcoming Hinsdale shoppers into a beautifully curated new space at 8 West Hinsdale Avenue. Guests enjoyed an all-day holiday open house, personalized styling, and a first look at the boutique’s signature mix of modern, sophisticated fashion. e event marked an exciting new chapter for the beloved North Shore brand as it brings its warm, community-focused approach to the Western Suburbs. lilliealexanderboutique.com

Photography by Widia Viti

L IVING & GIVING

Wellness House Ball

e Wellness House Ball: Timeless brought together hundreds of guests for an unforgettable evening of elegance, generosity, and community in support of people living with cancer. Held Saturday, October. 18, at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago, the celebration marked a milestone year as Wellness House honored 35 years of hope, healing, and connection. e evening was one of the most successful fundraising events in the organization’s history, reflecting the extraordinary generosity of the Wellness House community. From the moment guests entered the jade and gold ballroom honoring the organization’s anniversary, the night radiated warmth, gratitude, and purpose. Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail reception, an exquisite dinner, a moving participant story, a heartfelt paddle raise, and dancing late into the night with the band Deja Vu. “It was a beautiful evening and a stunning show of support from our community,” said Lisa Kolavennu, CEO of Wellness House. “Every gift made that night ensures that when someone hears the words, ‘You have cancer,’ they’ll also hear, ‘And there’s a place that can help.’” e Ball was co-chaired by Angie and Wes Breton and Drs. Carrie and Vijay angamani. eir leadership, along with a dedicated committee, staff, and volunteers, made the milestone celebration truly Timeless. wellnesshouse.org

by Ian McLeod

LIVING & GIVING

LIVING & GIVING

69th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Show

Fashion and philanthropy were celebrated at the Children’s Service Board’s 69th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Show. Proceeds from the fashion show provide critical funds to complete the second year of the board’s $2M commitment to e Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Paired with the luncheon and fashion show that took place earlier in the week at e Drake, the 69th Gold Coast Fashion Show raised over $1.5M. One of the highlights of the evening occurred when Lurie Children’s patient Cece sweetly walked the stage with her big brother. e evening kicked off with a lively cocktail reception featuring food stations manned by some of Chicago’s most popular restaurants, including Fioretta, Le Colonial, and STK. Following the reception, guests were invited to a seated fashion runway presentation curated by the Children’s Service Board’s long-time partner and exclusive retail sponsor Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Csb.luriechildrens.org

Photography by Sean Su of Purple Photo Group

LIVING & GIVING

Giving is Rock Reveal

Members of Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) packed Eddie V’s with vibrant energy to reveal the theme of the April 25, 2026, Benefit. “Giving is Rock” will celebrate the bold, soulful energy of giving back. Benefit Committee Chairs Lina Survilaite, Lana Pitel, Bianca Clark, Ivana Brkic, and Jen Irman, along with the Executive Committee and every single member made this event special and that will surely carry through the HJWC year, culminating in the must-attend evening of the Spring social season. hjwc.us

by Ian McLeod

LIVING & GIVING

Hinsdale Wine Walk

e Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce orchestrated another fabulous Wine Walk in downtown Hinsdale. With 29 stops along the way, almost 1,000 participants enjoyed a sample of several varieties of wine along with small bites from the participating merchants. e event is so popular that high-powered attendees have been known to change travel plans to arrive back in town in time to attend. It’s not just a good time, either. e Wine Walk also raises money for local charities. is year HCS Family Services was the benefactor. hinsdalechamber.org

Photography by Ian McLeod

LIVING & GIVING

The Fashion Future

e real estate partners leading the redevelopment of e Field Building partnered with the newly launched nonprofit Chicago Fashion Vanguard (CFV) to unveil Chicago Fashion Reimagined—a multi-year initiative aimed at positioning Chicago’s Loop as a world-class fashion and cultural destination. e invitation-only event was hosted in e Chairman’s Room, the historic former headquarters of Marshall Field’s. e Field Building is one of the anchor properties in the City’s LaSalle Reimagined initiative, which seeks to transform landmark office towers into vibrant mixed-use environments. e CFV effort complements this vision, activating the corridor through high-profile fashion programming designed to re-energize the Loop. Guests also enjoyed looks from Christina Karin, GREVYI. NICZKA, St. Jaymes, Jayie Choe, and In Between Branches from the recent Why Not Petite’s show. Music was curated by DJ Andrew Emil. chicagofashionvanguard.org

Photography by Alex Callejo and Enrique Villalon

Inbody