KCC_KC Magazine April 2026

Hospitality's newest eatery shines Page 26

Editorʼs NOTE

Fashion.

From artistic expression to functionality and tactile comfort, fashion and style define much more of the world around us than we may know or appreciate. Even sports have their uniforms down to a science. Fashion is part of history, culture and social interaction. In this issue of Kane County Magazine, we explore modern style and the interaction our community has with the fashion industry. For those who still work from home, or have experienced the transition from pandemic work attire to now, look into our feature blending the merits of sweatpants and structure (page 20). Is the world looking a little gray nowadays to you, too? Starting on page 8, we’ve included a peek inside two very lively boutiques celebrating colorfully rich style. We’ve focused a little more on functionality as well, detailing the balance between practical use and style in menswear (page 18), and a bag that just might be the answer to all your accoutrement challenges (page 25).

Aside from fashion and style, we've included a few other features hot off the press. Don't miss a closer look at BG Hospitality’s new Fire + Wine location (page 26), sure to be another favorite hot spot in the area. Make sure to mark your calendars for various fashion-coded events and family-friendly festivities as well (page 14 and 34).

This month, we have the distinct honor to include a very special section focusing on influential women in the community. From self-care and healing to connection and joy, these women are defining what it means to be paragons of service and success (pages 43-45).

We hope you enjoy and, as always, we thank you for reading!

Kelley White, Editor

on the COVER

Seapeak Style in Batavia is a new and bold boutique full of color and positivity. Check out more on page 8! Photo by April Duda Photography.

Next month: Explore the area's arts and entertainment scene in the May issue of Kane County Magazine.

PUBLISHER

Kane County Chronicle & Northwest Herald Laura Shaw 630-709-4497

lshaw@shawmedia.com

EDITOR Kelley White kwhite@shawmedia.com

DESIGNER

Julie Barichello 815-431-4072 jbarichello@shawmedia.com

SENIOR MARKETING SPECIALIST

Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Tricia Walter 630-345-0066 twalter@shawmedia.com

CORRESPONDENTS

Yanira Garcia Andel, Jonathan Bilyk, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Grace Rosati and Chris Walker

This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

• Prime Rib Beef

• Whole Beef Tenderloins

• Crown Roast of Pork with Stuffing

• Rack of Lamb

• Boar’s Head Honey Baked Ham (Sliced, Tied & Glazed)

Butcher ~ Deli ~ Catering

• USDA Leg of Lamb Whole or Boned & Tied

• Chateaubriand

• Boneless Rib Eye Roast

• Smoked Easter Polish Kielbasa

• Italian Beef in Gravy Geneva, IL

• Boneless Rolled Pork Loin Roast

• Bone-In Whole Hams 10-14 lb avg.

• Fresh Homemade Polish

Meat & Cheese Lasagna

Veggie Lasagna • Mostaccioli

Easter Special: Homemade Calzones & Easter Pies

• Colossal Cooked Shrimp

INSIDE

FASHION & STYLE

7 KOMAL’S PASSION LEATHER

Batavia artisan offers affordable luxury

crafted with care

8 MAKE YOUR STATEMENT

Find the perfect outfit, accessories & confident style at two bold boutiques

14 FASHION NEWS & EVENTS

5 Runway experiences close to home

16 FASHION AROUND TOWN

Put these unique boutiques on the itinerary

18 STYLE WITH PURPOSE

Menswear trends focus on function and necessity

20 FROM SWEATS TO STRUCTURE

Fashion's post-pandemic reset

24 CULTIVATING FASHION

Farmers markets bring on the style

25 BUILT FOR BUSY DAYS

Geneva women design functional, stylish tote

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & DINING

26 FIRE + WINE

BG Hospitality's newest eatery shines

30 A MESSAGE OF KINDNESS

A city conversation opens up in St. Charles

32 ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Jen Schroeder takes on mythology and legend in her sculptural works

34 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Don’t miss fun and festivities around town

35 GRAB A BOOKMARK

Add these titles to your shelf this month

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE

36 JOYFULLY REAL

From sidelines to self-checkouts, these fashion trends are versatile and ready

38 CHORUS FROGS, BALD EAGLES & BEYOND

Spring wildlife thrives in St. Charles’ parks

40 THE BEST SUPERPOWER

A parent’s lack of ‘coolness’ can be the extraordinary

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

43 BETH PERTL

Elements Massage owner fine tunes care and service

44 AMY YEHOSHUA

Helping clients heal at the root with acupuncture

44 AMI CHRISTIANSON

Bringing joy to brides

45 KATHERINE BANKS

Building clean homes and community connections

BUSINESS & CIVIC

46 4 POWER OF ATTORNEY

MISTAKES

Learn more from My Advisor & Planner

Passion Leather

Batavia leathersmith offers affordable luxury, crafted with care

By Chris Walker | Photos provided by Komal Chaudhari

Batavia resident Komal Chaudhari was on a path to becoming a physical therapist when her passion for leather art took her in a different direction.

Today, she’s helping folks throughout the Kane County area, as well as all over the world, discover a wide variety of handcrafted premium leather bags and accessories at Komal’s Passion Leather, 1550 Beach St., Batavia. Her seemingly endless assortment of leather goods features timeless designs and exceptional craftsmanship while remaining affordable, which is something that’s important to her and her customers.

While her products have been available online at passionleather.com for years, she now has a retail shop in Batavia as well.

“We have been online for all these years and we created a little retail space where you can come and shop as well,” she said. “That just happened in January and we’d like people to know that we’re here.”

Messenger and shoulder bags, briefcases, totes, backpacks, sports duffel bags, travel duffel bags, makeup kit bags, toiletry bags and journals are some of the many leather items available at Komal’s Passion Leather.

“I’m originally from India but I moved to Chicago

because my husband was here,” she said. “The artisans in India were getting paid well for their beautiful leather, but the bags were being sold here for a lot of money. My idea was that these bags are often sold for $400 and prices like that, so how can we provide these bags that are not that expensive, but provide those leather bags at an affordable price?”

While working a part-time job in finance in 2012, Chaudhari began selling leather products through Etsy, the global online marketplace that focuses on such goods. After gaining some attention there, she began selling items through Amazon.

“I was doing all of it, and my mother-in-law and

husband would help on weekends while I was working for Bank of America,” she said. “I grew from a garage in 2017 and moved to Batavia and finally got a lease on a space in West Chicago. And from there word grew and in 2022 we bought space in Batavia. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce has been so supportive of our brand, so we opened a pop-up store in the warehouse to let people know that our brand is here in the Tri-Cities."

Although initially headed toward a career of helping others get back on their feet, Chaudhari is helping people in a much different way, but one that has been equally fulfilling.

“A lot of times people will send me cards online or handwritten cards,” she said. “They write things like ‘We never thought we could buy such a good bag for my son’s graduation for him to use in college,’” she said. “They’re surprised to learn that they don’t have to spend $200 to $300 for genuine leather goods that last for years. It makes me happy to hear they are happy with the products and what they’re spending for them.”

And while she loves the products she sells, she also loves the community she calls home.

“I live in Batavia with my whole family and my brother-inlaw and all the kids go to school in Batavia,” she said. “We like the area and definitely want to grow here.”

Grace Schultz, owner of Seapeak Style in Batavia, sells a variety of graphic tees and shirts plus accessories to help clients build a wardrobe of statement pieces.

Find the perfect outfit, accessories & confident style at these two boutiques

By Grace

|

STATEMENT MAKE your

STATEMENT

THE PYNK BYRD

Your style is what makes you YOU, so why not stand out from the crowd? At The Pynk Byrd, you can give your wardrobe an edge and find something classic, funky and fun!

Originally from Arkansas, owner Robyn Krueger has brought a taste of Southern charm with her to Geneva. When you first walk through the doors of this boutique, the first thing you’ll notice is how vibrant it is. The racks are full of bright colors, fun patterns and unique fabrics. Krueger meticulously chooses each brand herself, and she also creates her own one-of-a-kind pieces. That is the true essence of Pynk Byrd: It doesn't follow trends, it sets them.

While finding statement pieces can be daunting, Krueger highlights the importance of trying something new.

“My number one rule is you have to feel awesome in it. I think a lot of women today suppress what they really like because they're nervous about how people are going to respond. But I always tell them that even if it’s outside of their comfort zone, you won’t know until you give it a try.”

And of course, you can always make a fashion statement that is true to you.

“If somebody's more neutral, just a hint of color or a unique texture or pattern can give you an extra pop without it completely changing the personality of your outfit,” says Krueger. “For somebody who’s bolder and willing to try something, we encourage mixing and matching patterns and prints, or even fun accessories, like a chunky necklace, a scarf, a headband or even just a fun pair of earrings.”

When it comes to staple pieces that everyone should have in their closet, Krueger’s answer was far from surprising.

“I think every woman needs something pink, of course. I love pink. I also think that everyone should own a good blazer, a fun pair of earrings and a tulle skirt.”

Pynk Byrd is a labor of love that not only reflects Krueger’s own style, but also her values.

“The whole idea of Pynk Byrd is that we don't care about things like age, background or size. We want every single person that walks through our door to have an exceptional experience and to leave feeling confident. Because life’s too short to wear boring clothes.”

SEAPEAK STYLE

A stop into Batavia’s Wilson Street Mercantile would not be complete without perusing the fantastic graphic goodies that Seapeak Style has to offer. Taking inspiration from both the mountains and the beach, this boutique has everything for your next fashion adventure.

Owner Grace Schultz first started her business in college, fusing her passions of graphic design and pop culture into an opportunity for style. Seapeak first debuted on the Batavia Boardwalk back in 2024, and it has since become a staple in Batavia’s retail district. Drawing on her love for her favorite TV shows, books and Gen Z/millennial fashion trends, Schultz’s designs typically appeal to the younger crowd of Kane County.

“I always say that I don't want to sell anything that I wouldn't like,” says Schultz. “I also just like positive things that bring happiness because I want people to feel joy when they walk into my business.”

But fashion doesn’t have any age restrictions, especially when it comes to accessories. Schultz keeps her store stocked with all the latest styles of jewelry. Gold is all the rage right now, so if you’re looking to stay on trend, Seapeak has you covered.

“We have these little huggie heart earrings that I feel like [are] a good staple.”

Or, if you’re looking to enhance your headwear, they have countless trucker hat options that can help show off your personality, from Taylor Swiftinspired graphics to relatable phrases perfect for coffee lovers.

Speaking of, your clothes don’t have to be the only thing that shows who you are. Make your daily coffee run more exciting with one of Seapeak’s best-selling coffee koozies.

“They’re sleeves to go over your Starbucks or Dunkin’ coffee cups, and we get all sorts of patterns for those,” says Schultz. “I had bought a coffee koozie from a different vendor years ago and I feel like I can't ever drink coffee without it anymore!” Plus, add a little more flair to your morning commute with their fun car coasters.

Finally, we can’t forget their section entirely dedicated to books. “Anything inspired by books seems to fly off the shelves,” says Schultz. Under the label ‘The Book Nook’ on their website, you can shop for all sorts of clothing and accessories, from bookmarks to stickers.

Dive into the world of Seapeak Style today and find a new accessory tailored just for you!

FASHION News & Events

5 RUNWAY EXPERIENCES CLOSE TO HOME

The Pink Runway Fashion Show

April 19

Come out to The Rustic Fox, 570 S. Schmale Rd., Carol Stream from 2 to 6 p.m. for an unforgettable afternoon of style and the latest spring trends. Models will hit the runway wearing the must-have looks of the season, showcasing a couple dozen curated outfits that will be available for purchase that day! Plus, all featured looks will be 10% off the regular price. Guests will receive personalized styling tips from boutique owners who will assist in finding pieces that best fit your lifestyle. There will be cocktails and soft drinks to sip, sweet treats to indulge in and a raffle to win a beautifully curated gift basket. This intimate event is limited to just 100 tickets. A private shopping experience follows the show until 6 p.m. www.therusticfoxhome.com

Style Thief Fashion Show

April 24

Join renowned stylist Erin Stoll at 7:30 p.m. for a stylish and interactive evening of fashion tips, real-time makeovers and engaging conversations

about identity and personal style. This show at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, is part of the 2025–2026 Performing Season and qualifies for group discounts so bring your family and friends. www.exploreelginarea.com

Chicago Fashion Show and Miss Royalty Pageant

May 2

Get yourself dressed up — the dressier the better — and make the drive into the city to 4055 W. Parker Ave., Chicago for this show featuring Model Icon, a revolutionary, luxury brand aimed to showcase art in its truest form. The event will showcase several styles of clothing and accessories while making sure that everyone is represented on the runway. Model Icon celebrates diversity and inclusivity with several sui generis designers scheduled to grace the runway. This is a familyoriented event and guests will see a variety of fashions and confident models of all sizes, heights, ages and ethnicities. 5 to 10 p.m. www.facebook.com/modeliconinc.

OYAA AIR: Paradise Island Fashion Exhibition

May 3

Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago from 6:30-11 p.m. and you’ll be transported to Paradise Island, a Caribbean-themed fashion adventure that blends luxury, creativity and culture with an immersive runway experience. There will be live fashion, interactive moments and tropical vibes you can’t afford to miss. www.garfieldconservatory.org

The Fashion Mosaic

July (date to be announced)

The second edition of this groundbreaking runway experience celebrates local businesses, designers and artists in the greater Aurora area. This community-driven fashion show highlights the area’s creative talent through an evening of style, culture and collaboration. www.thefashmosaic.com

Fashion around town

Paula's Couture Consignment

At Paula’s, fashion is more than clothing — it’s confidence, creativity, and self-expression. Located in the heart of Batavia, this beloved boutique curates a thoughtfully styled mix of on-trend pieces, timeless staples, and standout accessories you didn’t know you needed (but absolutely do). From elevated everyday looks to bold statement finds, every rack is filled with personality. Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe or hunting for that one perfect piece, Paula’s makes fashion feel fun, approachable, and uniquely you. Stop in, get styled, and rediscover the joy of getting dressed.

4 1/2 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-425-3196 | www.paulascoutureconsignment.com

House of 423

Award-winning boutique House of 423 blends timeless style with a refined, modern edge. Founder Sarah Whitt curates elevated wardrobe staples, premium denim, and clean luxury beauty with Formless Beauty by Jenny McCarthy. The boutique’s exclusive candle scents, Reinvented and Elevated, reflect its signature spirit — confident, sophisticated and intentional. Whether refreshing your closet or redefining your glow, House of 423 offers more than shopping — it delivers a thoughtfully curated style experience in downtown Geneva.

219 W. State St. 630-423-1664 | Houseof423.com

Black Sheep Threads & Shreds

Black Sheep Threads & Shreds is a boutique featuring clothing, handcrafted jewelry and fun gifts that reflect an edgy, artistic, music-infused aesthetic rooted in the rock 'n' roll genre. We celebrate the spirit of non-conformity and embrace personal expression and individuality. Our curated collection includes statement pieces and accessories that resonate with performers in the local music scene and are stage-ready, but also items that appeal to individuals seeking to infuse their corporate or casual wardrobes with a rockin’ vibe that can be worn at a concert, out on the town or in everyday life. Available brands include TrippNYC, Wornstar, RockRoll-n-Soul, Vocal and more!

Inside The Berry House | 227 S. 3rd St., Suite 106, Geneva www.facebook.com/BlackSheepThreadsandShreds

Anew Consignment

Anew is a luxury boutique located in downtown Geneva that specializes in modern women’s fashion and is revamping what consignment means. Anew focuses on providing women in the area with a way to freshen up their wardrobe without paying “new” prices every season and gives a new life to clothing that no longer suits your style or needs. We also appeal to the lady looking to add a little luxury to her life with our constantly changing stock of designer bags and accessories, ranging from Louis Vuitton to Chanel to Gucci. Anew has something great for every guest that stops by!

27 W. State St., Geneva 630-262-0944 | www.anewwaytoshop.com

STYLE

PURPOSE WITH

Menswear trends focus on function & necessity

By Chris Walker

Men have more options for a wallet than ever before.

The traditional bifold remains popular, but there are a variety of other options ranging from credit card and money clip wallets to smart and RFID-blocking and magnetic wallets and more.

“With digital you don’t need to carry all your credit cards,” says Dave Herda, founder of Stitch

Switch Men’s Consignment in Geneva, the only menswear-specific consignment shop in Illinois. “A lot of pop-up wallets are made out of metal and some come with a small clip for cash. There’s definitely a trend toward thinner wallets.”

A lot of things are in style in men’s wallets today, including how much you’re going to have to take out of your wallet to purchase it. Today, cost and affordability are trending more than ever when purchasing wallets and other accessories, shoes, and menswear.

“To be honest, the biggest thing people are wanting is value, and that’s becoming a much bigger factor over any trend or anything,” says Steve Quinn, owner of Motto in Geneva. “Just getting the best bang for the buck and for everybody in all demographics, even wealthier, I’m noticing that a lot more customers are a little more price conscious. The big trend is beyond a style, it’s value and getting more for your money.”

Men shop out of necessity for particular occasions rather than shop just to shop.

“I would also say people are more intentional about buying something,” Quinn says. “They want to buy it for a particular reason, like a vacation. A cool, short-sleeve or rain jacket or something like that, in terms of functional pieces, for a function.”

Quinn also notes that many of his customers are gravitating toward clothing made with natural fibers.

“A lot of customers are looking for companies that are 100% cotton or linen or wool or have more natural fibers in their clothing,” he says. “And a lot of companies are responding to that. Vendors are using more natural fibers

and customers are looking for that. They’ll say, ‘Is this polyester? I don’t want that, I want cotton or linen.’”

Johnny collar casual knit polos – the ones without buttons – continue to be popular.

“They were introduced last year and kind of carried over,” Quinn says. “They’re a big thing right now.”

Herda says comfort is key, especially with footwear.

“Now a lot of shoe manufacturers are making dress shoes, like wingtips, and they have rubber soles that are more similar to gym shoes,” Herda says. “The casual dress shoes they are producing today look dressy but wear and feel like gym shoes now. After COVID, people got used to wearing pajamas and staying out of the office. Once they went back, they learned they wanted comfort.”

Uniqueness also continues to sell.

“People come into my shop for something that’s unique, that you can’t get at Target or Kohl’s,” Quinn says. “A lot of customers come to me for something cool and unique, but price is definitely on the list.”

SWEATS

STRUCTURE from

Fashion's PostPandemic Reset

By Jonathan Bilyk

From the perspectives of David Herda and Kathryn Quinn, it’s still very much about comfort. But now, with a bit more “polish.” And a lot less “skinny.”

Since COVID-19 arrived with its raft of societal changes in 2020, perhaps few areas of life have remained more altered than fashion.

Herda, owner of Stitch Switch, a higher-end men’s clothing consignment shop in Geneva, and Quinn, a longtime fashion designer and owner of Flourish, a women’s fashion boutique, also in downtown Geneva, say the sudden onset of mass work-from-home arrangements fundamentally altered the way Americans dress themselves.

The use of traditional office attire plunged during that period, as many people “only needed to worry about looking good from the waist up” for online Zoom meetings, Quinn said.

Herda noted that in menswear, the tie has apparently gone the way of the dinosaur.

“I can’t say I’m particularly sad about that, either,” he added with a laugh.

But in recent years, as life has increasingly rediscovered many of its former patterns — and a growing number of people have returned to the office — the idea of comfort has evolved, modified by what the clothing sellers describe as a need to look more “put together.”

Largely gone, they say, are the hastily thrown-together hodgepodge outfits, dominated by gray sweats and other similarly bland, though admittedly comfortable, clothing.

Now, they say, there’s a desire among a growing number of people for a more “tailored” look, one that better balances the goals of style, function and, of course, comfort.

Trending: Natural fabrics, more color and embellishments, looser fits

STRUCTURE to

ATHLEISURE

During the pandemic years, the burgeoning concept of athleisure rocketed into prominence.

Characterized by its commitment to versatility and comfort above all, the athleisure concept employed a number of instantly recognizable staples: hoodies, T-shirts, tank tops or sports bras on top; sweatpants, joggers and leggings, with trainers or similar sneakers on the bottom, all working together to allow those sporting the fit to move easily about life, whether at the gym, a day at the park or just moving about town running errands.

But in recent years, a growing return to the nearly forgotten settings of the past, including the office and other more formal, face-to-face interactions, has spurred a demand for a new way of styling the athleisure look.

For women, in particular, this has led to a stronger commitment to layering. For instance, rather than just throwing on a pair of leggings and a hoodie, more women are tying outfits together from the base up.

Starting with a lightweight base layer, like a tank top or short-sleeve T-shirt, they can add a long-sleeve shirt, cropped hoodie or sweater to complement highwaisted leggings or joggers. Over the top, depending on the season, perhaps a windbreaker, bomber or denim jacket, or in the colder months, a puffer coat or longer overcoat.

Quinn noted many women in her shop are opting

to pair leggings with a boxy, ribbed-knit cardigan or other oversized sweater, and perhaps a trench coat to complete the look.

“Trench coats are super popular in 2026,” Quinn said. “Short or long, it doesn’t matter.”

No matter the outfit combo, Quinn said, the key is choosing a fit that is “right for you,” and not just matching a look pushed by the fashion industry.

“Everybody’s body is different,” Quinn said. “That’s the challenge, and that’s the fun.”

On the men’s side, Herda said men have benefited from both relaxed dress codes, which allow a more casual look in both business and recreational settings, as well as an apparel industry that has responded with products designed to encourage athleisure, but “with a little more polish.”

He said men can look for pants, shirts and suits made from “performance fabrics,” synthetic blends that offer breathability, durability, flexibility and comfort, “but have a more tailored look.”

He noted clothiers including Vuori and Lululemon, particularly, offer a range of “performance pants,” which offer the comfort and feel of athletic wear combined with a look and fit that can make them acceptable for going out or for business casual environments, when properly styled and paired with a button-down long- or short-sleeve shirt, and perhaps a wool, cotton or linen blazer.

Herda said a pair of “dress sneakers” — shoes that resemble traditional dress shoes above, but are soled like a sneaker — would complete the business casual athleisure ensemble.

Herda said such performance wear can also be complemented by a hoodie or sweater, depending on the occasion and setting, and dress sneakers can be swapped out for the classic crisp, generally white sneakers otherwise known as “court shoes.”

But Herda said the key is making certain the athleisure ensemble is complementary and “put together.”

BUSINESS WEAR

On the flip side, both Quinn and Herda said there is also a growing demand among women and men for a return to a more traditional look, featuring natural fabrics, more color and what Quinn called “a bit of embellishment,” through traditional patterns.

Both noted that the age of tight shirts and pants — with the exception of leggings for women — has ended, a development both local retailers said they welcomed.

“Skinny jeans, skinny anything, really, has gone byebye,” Quinn said.

On the women’s side, Quinn said demand continues to build for barrel-legged denim jeans — “and without rips,” she added. While typically dark wash, jeans

in alternative colors are growing in popularity once again, particularly in a shade she described as “mocha brown,” as well as pants featuring embroidered florals and other patterns.

She said many women are also on the hunt for “statement” volume midi skirts, featuring flowing fabric with gathers and a hemline typically hitting near mid-calf, as well as maxi skirts.

But Quinn said the greatest demand continues to be for tops that allow women to be comfortable, look professional and still express themselves through color and embellishments, like traditional floral patterns and, most recently, polka dots.

“Polka dots are so big this year, in all different colors and different sizes of dots, on sweaters, windbreakers, dresses, skirts, you name it,” Quinn said. “It’s timeless in a way. But everything comes back around, even if it is slightly different each time.”

That is what Herda said he is seeing

on the men’s side of the fashion spectrum, too.

Herda said a growing number of men, particularly those “on the cusp of fashion,” are “reverting back to traditional, classic pieces” more common in decades past, including “the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s.”

He said this doesn’t mean anyone is clamoring for the return of the business suit and tie. But Herda said it has manifested in the form of men looking for high-quality vintage jeans, wool slacks or chinos and khaki pants, all properly fitted with a “nice taper,” paired with colorful long-sleeve button-down shirts, patterned shortsleeve collared shirts or a “nice polo,” and perhaps topped off by a V-neck sweater or the currently super-popular quarter zip.

While dress sneakers or even court shoes remain acceptable in many office settings, Herda said a growing number of men are seeking more refined footwear, including classic dress shoes with the resoleable

Goodyear welt or leather Chelsea or chukka boots.

Many men, he said, are also taking the business dress ensemble a step further, completing the look with a wool or cotton blazer and a pocket square.

“I think the tie is dead,” Herda said. “And it’s being replaced in many settings by pocket squares.”

Herda recommended blazers in classic colors such as navy or black, though he said there is also a growing demand for more colorful jackets, including jackets boasting plaid, houndstooth or herringbone patterns.

And the pocket squares, he said, provide that splash of color that caps off the fit.

“People these days, I feel like, want to be taken more seriously,” Herda said. “And they know that improving your appearance can be where that begins.” And it never hurts, he said, to hear someone add: “You look good.”

FASHION Cultivating

[ Farmers markets bring on the style ]

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

Chicago resident Valeska Giron is the first to admit that when her husband suggested they bring their business out to Batavia, she had more than a few doubts and questions.

“I had no idea where Batavia was. I am a Chicago girl,” Giron said.

After a successful run at the Berwyn Shops: A Homegrown Project, her husband, Manuel Giron, wanted to apply for the Batavia Boardwalk Shops. Giron wasn’t sold on the idea. To try and persuade her, he set up a date in Batavia.

Giron quickly saw the spark in the community, the way residents and retailers shared a passion for Batavia and agreed to apply for the 2025 season of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, an incubator program to help entrepreneurs grow their business and management skills.

“It was a big deal for us. It was a new opportunity,” Giron said.

It may not have been easy, or a short commute, but it brought their street fashion, Guatemalan roasted coffee and their handmade items to the community, expanding their reach.

From Batavia Boardwalk Shops to farmers markets and artisan shows, budding designers are finding creative ways to share their passion for fashion.

For designer Kelsey Rankin, bringing her fashion and jewelry designs to local markets is as much about connecting with her customers as it is sharing what she loves and her very special inspiration behind her shop. Rankin was inspired to open her shop after the death of a close friend, Julie Berls. The two had been friends since grade school and it was Berls that first taught her how to craft and create macramé, something they did for fun back in school.

Berls died in a car accident in 2011. Prior to her death, Berls had studied to become a teacher.

“She was a natural born teacher,” Rankin said. “I wanted to carry on her spirit and her memory.”

Out of her grief for the sudden loss of her friend, she returned to the crafting they had enjoyed as school friends. It was a creative outlet, and a way to honor her friend’s memory.

Rankin started selling her items through an online shop with Etsy in 2012 before starting to visit a few pop-up markets and festivals that led to a chance to be part of a Renaissance Faire. She created Hemp Club Jewelry, featuring handmade pieces and natural stones. She also created Boho Earth Headbands for her handcrafted flower crowns.

When the Tri-City resident learned about the Artisan Collective in Batavia she said yes. The Artisan Collective is a special event on the third Saturday of the month in collaboration with the weekly farmers market and coordinated by Batavia Main Street. Rankin said she’s met incredible people, helping create custom flower crowns for brides and flower girls and she enjoys connecting over the jewelry as well.

“I like to see what people are drawn to, whether it’s the color or the energy [of the stones],” Rankin said. “I’ve built a following and I meet new people all the time.”

For the Girons, the connection to the community inspired a few local Batavia designs to their fashion. While they have completed their residency at the Batavia Boardwalk, the couple is excited to have space inside Red Hive Market and the Wilson Street Mercantile in downtown Batavia so customers can still find their coffee, candles, handcrafted items and street fashion with a Batavia twist.

“We fell in love with Batavia and we can’t leave them,” Giron said.

BUILT FOR BUSY DAYS

Geneva women design functional, stylish tote

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

There’s the daytime bag for running errands, the work bag to carry a laptop and the tote to haul snacks and water bottles to practices, but the dream is a bag that can be all those things and still look cute.

With that inspiration, a pair of Geneva women went beyond talk and built the ultimate tote that combines function and fashion, wrapped up in the name Grandir.

“We were trying to find a name for us and it occurred to me, ‘we’re going to start small, with one small bag and go on from there,’” said Kate Klimek, adding the word’s French origins also reflect her. “I’m also a bit of a Francophile.”

Klimek and Sarah Wustefeld have been friends since their oldest daughters found each other in preschool. There for each other through preschool and after-school activities, the duo lamented they wanted a better tote bag to navigate their life on the go, but it had to look pretty too.

Wustefeld, who had some experience in sourcing and a friend in fashion, decided she couldn’t let the idea sit on the shelf.

“When someone has an excellent

idea it shouldn’t be left behind. It should be brought to life,” Wustefeld said.

In May 2025, the duo saw their first sample and after making a few changes they had the updated sample by late June. They utilized Kickstarter to help launch their first sales. Additionally, the duo have relied on social media postings to spread the word and their website to take orders, but both admit it’s often while they’re out and about in the community they get stopped and asked about it the most.

“It’s been wonderful,” Klimek said.

Before creating their tote, they often found themselves using multiple ways to haul everything they needed to their children’s soccer practice, dance classes and tumbling classes using a wine tote bag to carry water bottles, their own purse or crossbody bag for their wallet and keys, and another bag for laptop or work items.

They have designed the Grandir tote as a bag that can do all of those items, with a pocket to carry a laptop, dividers to make it easy to carry sports bottles and water bottles and a fabric that is easy to clean if water, coffee or crumbs

spill inside. Made from heavy-duty woven nylon, Klimek said she’s even tossed hers in the washing machine on the gentle cycle.

“It’s really a utility tote, but we wanted it to feel feminine and be able to look put together even if I didn’t feel put together,” Wustefeld said. “You still want to feel pretty and feel classy.”

The Geneva women have been embraced by local retailers who’ve offered to carry the bags in-store. Shoppers can see the bags in person at Bee Coco Candle in downtown Geneva.

“When you get it in people’s hands and people see it and they just get it. It’s so fantastic,” Wustefeld said.

And while they designed it for their busy mom life, they are excited to see how it’s been embraced by women looking for a better way to carry work items, using it as a tote for the gym or just running everyday errands with a place to keep everything.

The excitement over the first bag and style has the duo working on more designs for the future. In the meantime, they feel a sense of love and pride when their oldest daughters, now in third grade, spy someone using their bag.

FIRE+WINE

HEATS UP THE ST. CHARLES DINING

FIRE+WINE

BG Hospitality Group's new restaurant elevates dining

By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos by Locked In Photography

For nearly 15 years, BG Hospitality Group has brought people together around plates of wood-fired pizza, pasta and Pan-Asian delights. Their latest restaurant, fire+wine in St. Charles, brings the company full circle as their first restaurant was fire+wine’s first location in downtown Glen Ellyn.

The restaurant is like a rustic Italian trattoria where wood-fired cooking meets elevated comfort. Their latest location is in Fox Haven Square – a new 70,000-square-foot, family-oriented lifestyle development located at Main Street and Kirk Road in St. Charles that’s opening this spring.

The focal point of Fox Haven Square is a central plaza that will feature community gatherings, like concerts in the summer. And guests at fire+wine will have a front-row seat to those events from the restaurant’s four seasons room.

Since Fox Haven Square is a new development, BG Hospitality Group experienced more creative license with this new restaurant.

“This is our first time designing a building and concept with new construction. This new facility will let us do things to elevate the dining experience,” says Brian Goewey, president BG Hospitality Group. “It’s going to be a great addition to the east side of St. Charles.”

One of those unique features will be an outdoor bar in the aforementioned four seasons room.

“It will be neat for guests to experience the four seasons of Chicagoland from this space,” Goewey says.

The new fire+wine location also will feature more indoor and outdoor space compared to other restaurants in BG Hospitality’s portfolio.

“My favorite thing about the new location is the openness of the restaurant, especially all the windows facing the outdoor piazza,” Goewey says. “Every location we do features something different.”

What isn’t changing is the essence of fire+wine. The restaurant’s ambiance blends comfort and class with an easygoing, fun vibe that makes guests feel right at home. The menu is based in part on things guests have requested through the years.

“I’m always chatting with the guests to see what we’re doing well today and what we can do better tomorrow,” Goewey says.

“fire+wine [is] a unique concept with really good food options and a great wine value,” he adds.

When you stop by, Goewey recommends trying the vodka pasta. This dish of eight-finger cavatelli pasta is nestled in a spicy tomato cream sauce and topped with prosciutto.

MORE DINING

In addition to Fire+Wine, here’s a look at BG Hospitality Group’s other restaurants in the Tri-Cities area.

Livia Italian Eatery

Geneva

Livia Italian Eatery blends comfort with elegance. The menu features Northern Italian cuisine with housemade pastas, fresh greens and flatbreads. House specialties include handcut steaks and New Zealand lamb chops.

moto imōto

St. Charles

When you’re looking for something different, moto imōto delivers with its Pan-Asian cuisine. Drawing from Japanese, Thai, Korean and Chinese influences, the menu features a variety of signature and classic rolls, poke bowl and moto classics like Korean fried chicken.

Gia Mia

Geneva and St. Charles

In addition to its wood-fired pizzas, Gia Mia’s menu includes fresh mozzarella made in-house and handcrafted small plates. Chef-curated pastas and award-winning salads known for their bold flavors and fresh combinations round out the menu.

Ella’s Italian Pub

Geneva

The signature Roman-style pizza at Ella’s Italian Pub is hand-crafted using a 72-hour fermentation process and a double-bake method that delivers a light, crispy, craveworthy crust. The creative Italian pub-style street food is paired with an extensive wine list. Settle in the lounge/bar area where you can watch live sports while enjoying a slice of the delicious Ella’s pie topped with a house cheese blend, zucchini, mozzarella, ricotta, hot honey and mint.

Diners can’t go wrong trying one of the signature pizzas or handcrafted pastas. The globally inspired menu includes Harry’s Beef Carpaccio “just like in Venice, Italy” and the Scottish Salmon served with spinach, fingerling potatoes and capers in a lemon butter sauce and 10-year balsamic. Whatever you order, the menu pairs bold, approachable flavors with a curated wine list and inventive cocktails.

“It fulfills all your sensations,” Goewey says. You can taste your way through fire+wine’s pastas on Mondays when pasta dishes are half off. Settle in for a seafood delight with the lobster fra diavolo featuring shrimp and lobster over pennoni pasta. Or get in your daily serving of vegetables with the vegetables and asiago gnocchi served with broccolini, cauliflower, carrots, peppers and brussels sprouts.

The menu changes three times a year to reflect what’s fresh and in season. There’s also the Weekly Chef’s Playground featuring a different special of the day throughout the month. Recent specials at the Glen Ellyn location included crab-stuffed flounder, apricot and prosciutto toast, and a prix fixe menu for select holidays as well as lasagna on Sundays. Weekend brunch is served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Lunch specials are available on Fridays.

The steak board, served Fridays through Sundays, features your choice of New York strip steak, ribeye and a filet trio. Choose from béarnaise, red wine veal demi and peppercorn sauces to pair with your steak. Complement the meal with a shareable side such as whipped potatoes or seasonal roasted vegetables and a glass of fine wine.

Many popular dishes can be found on the menu

year-round, like the ricotta + honeycomb – toast topped with ricotta, wildflower honeycomb and extra virgin olive oil.

Another popular favorite, the grilled romaine salad, has been on the menu since day one. The salad features romaine lettuce, tomato, leeks, pancetta and gorgonzola tossed with a creamy parmesan dressing.

The curated wine list reflects a fixed price point with rare blends not found at other restaurants. A great way to try these is during Wine on Wednesdays when bottle-only wine selections under $100 are half off.

“My favorite wines come from the Tuscan region. They pair really well with all our food,” Goewey says.

Bringing people together through food and atmosphere is the goal behind each of BG Hospitality Group’s restaurants. Many of the restaurants under BG Hospitality Group are Italianinspired restaurants, like fire+wine, rooted in simplicity, quality ingredients and the joy of sharing a meal.

One of those Italian restaurants is Gia Mia, which is known for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas.

Compared to Gia Mia, “fire+wine has more of the feel of a traditional Italian trattoria,” explains Goewey.

A Message of

Kindness

A ST. CHARLES ORDINANCE CHANGE COULD IMPACT THE FUTURE OF MURALS

By

Catherine Tilly’s “Blue Eyes and Butterflies” mural in downtown St. Charles serves as a constant reminder to always be kind.

The kind of paint and materials, the message being conveyed, and the appropriateness for the community and architecture are just some of the many considerations weighed during the lengthy process of designing a mural and bringing it to life.

Tilly was commissioned by the Maffia family in collaboration with the St. Charles Arts Council and the nonprofit Kendall’s Kindness to create the “Blue Eyes and Butterflies” mural in 2024. She worked closely with Doug Kimber who owns the building.

“I always do my research and use materials designed for a space,” Tilly said. “That includes surface prep, types of paint and stain, as well as protective and anti-graffiti coatings.”

The mural, which was unveiled in October 2024, has inspired countless visitors to carry forward the message of being kind.

The ordinance amendment for painting/staining masonry surfaces in St. Charles recently went to the planning and development committee with all but one voting in favor of the amendment. The ordinance is not automatically restricting anyone from painting but instead requires the property owner to take out a Certificate of Appropriateness to come before the Commission for a review.

Some buildings may receive a “no” to painting or get a suggestion of staining, but buildings that are already painted may get a “yes" to keep painting. The ordinance also discusses changing masonry surfaces such as the removal of paint to come before the Commission since that could be a damaging process.

“Everybody is worried about how paint impacts masonry, but no one has reached out to the artists,” Tilly said. “The historic building where this particular mural is located has been painted for decades, and housed a beautiful mural for more than 20 years. When it was time to repair and repaint, Doug Kimber, the building owner, wanted to provide that space for a new mural for the community. With the new ordinance in place, we never would have been able to paint something like this.”

Tilly has been painting for more than 30 years, and works closely with building owners, patrons and municipalities to ensure that the appropriate materials are used for each space, inside and out. She hopes that the community understands that paint, and painted murals, are a part of the history of Fox River Valley communities.

Tilly said most muralists in St. Charles have used proper materials in their creations, but agrees that working with professionals is important.

“I know many of the artists who paint locally, and we have all been at this a very long time and know how to paint all kinds of surfaces,” she said. “Most artists who are doing this, and have done this, are

Artist Catherine Tilly works on the Kendall's Kindness mural in September 2024 on the east side of Smitty’s sandwich shop in downtown St. Charles.

already adhering to all those protocols and Sue (McDowell with the St. Charles Arts Council and St. Charles Business Alliance) works as a wonderful liaison. Whenever I’ve had questions about the type of anti-graffiti coating she’s on top of it. There are a lot of safeguards in place.”

But one safeguard that’s not in place is assuring these talented muralists aren’t dissuaded from producing future work in the city because of a new ordinance.

“My fear is that you will start to see digital panels and wraps being used, because those will check the boxes of the new ordinance,” Tilly said. “They can be created by non-artists, but in reality, they are far from the historic accuracy and beauty of hand-painted artwork. Walldogging (painting signs and art on buildings) is a rich part of Chicagoland history. We’re just following in their footsteps.”

McDowell said these are professional muralists and artists who make their living creating murals all over the country.

“They not only use proper paints and materials, but have to submit a list of materials,” she said. “We just have to work together to make everyone happy, and it can be done. Public art is beautiful for the community and it’s important to all of us and our historic buildings. Thank heavens we have Hotel Baker and the Arcada Theatre. We have so much more than many communities in the western suburbs but we have to all work together.” It starts by being kind.

Artist

OF THE MONTH

Jen Schroeder

The Tri-Cities are booming with arts and artists — perhaps nowhere more vibrantly than Batavia’s Water Street Studios, which hosts events, galleries and up to 25 artists in residence. Each month, Kane County Magazine and Water Street Studios are partnering to highlight artists and their work.

Sculptural artist Jen Schroeder grew up in the suburbs of Chicago with a love for the fantastical, devouring books and adventures as much as she could.

“My favorite stories involved fairies, princesses, monsters, sleuths, explorers, heroes and animals of all sorts, real and mythological,” she says. “When I was young I imagined that I would become a veterinarian, a detective and a ballerina, but I never grew out of my love of stories.”

The empathy Schroeder developed through her readership drove her to pursue a career in helping others. After earning her B.S. in psychology in 1992, Schroeder went on to earn a Master's of Social Work and a Master's in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Illinois.

“Life and work intervened and I would rediscover my interest in ceramics again many years later in the incredible ceramics program at Waubonsie Community College, where I remained for the next six years as a student,” she says.

As of November 2025, Schroeder is a resident artist at Water Street Studios alongside her colleague Sarah Reeves — also a sculptural artist.

“My artwork today thrives on stories and narrative primarily from the female perspective,” she says of her current artwork. “I continue to be fascinated by mystery and mythology, and how these evolve and transform in the present, bringing modern relevance to ancient legends and historic themes. My sculptural work is also frequently inspired by human experience and relationships, my own and that of others. The ability to integrate mixed media into my

clay sculptures feels essential to fully expressing my three-dimensional visions with texture and detail.”

Her nurtured love for mythology and history informed her tiki work in 2020, a time period where Schroeder became interested in marrying narrative and sculpture to craft functional pieces.

“Tiki has a rich history of bringing together narrative, mythology, and color, making it perfectly situated for me to add my sculptural interpretations and create something really unique and fun that is appreciated within that community of collectors,” she says.

Schroeder counts her first mixed media sculptures created in 2022 at Waubonsie Community College as some of her most challenging, yet rewarding, projects.

“It taught me a lot about planning the stages of my work in advance and how to start bringing in

different elements successfully,” she says. “My series was entitled ‘Hidden’ and each piece portrayed something invisible to an outside observer, but that would be a shared common experience among many. My piece entitled ‘Hidden: Anxiety’ was actually chosen as a Finalist in the 2023 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference at WCC, so it was also my first time being selected in a juried competition and exhibiting.”

Now, Schroeder has completed a new piece inspired by legendary mythology entitled “Goddess Reclaimed.”

“[It] concerns a re-narration of shameful or misogynistic mythologies of female deities or heroines,” she says. “Medusa was my first inspiration, as her narrative has emerged repeatedly as the subject of my work. She is a mixed media sculpture of ceramic, metal, wire and found objects.” In 2026, Schroeder hopes to finish the “Goddess Reclaimed” series and exhibit them in a gallery. “I am also excited about developing greater metalworking skills through an intensive in-person class at Chicago Industrial Arts & Design and integrating that into my sculptural work,” she says.

Schroeder’s curiosity and deep appreciation for culture, creating and history is rooted in the way she looks at the influence of art on community and the possibilities that lay in wait.

“I think art transforms spaces into experiences and brings people together in community to enjoy those experiences,” she says. “It’s so important to realize that we never know where the next great artist or art is going to emerge and we lose out when we don’t support keeping art accessible and introducing it to everyone at every age.”

For more information on the artist of the month, head to waterstreetstudios.org or the studio’s social media pages.

u Santa Fe is NFS: Ceramic mixed media sculpture, wall-mounted; 16x16x10

v Tiki Mermaid Bowl: Ceramic sculpted scorpion bowl; $100

w Tiki Skull: Wood-fired stoneware; $65 x Mommy Monster: Wood-fired stoneware, porcelain and mixed media sculpture mounted on wood; 17x25x16, $550

y Goddess Reclaimed: Medusa: Ceramic mixed media sculpture, wall-mounted; 27x25x20; $1,200

APRIL 2026

Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

"Ride the Cyclone" at Copley Theatre in Aurora starting at 1 p.m.

Buying a Home: The Basics at St. Charles Public Library, starting at 7 p.m.

Home Improvements at the Kavanagh Gallery in St. Charles from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Karaoke at The Dive Bar in Elgin, starting at 8 p.m.

Tax Day

Geneva French Market in Geneva, starting at 9 a.m.

KCDW Salute to Unions from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Riverlands Brewing Company

Celebrate Earth Day and do your part to keep the planet happy!

April Fool's Day! Remember to be kind 1 30

International Children's Book Day

Every 2nd & 4th at Geneva's EvenFlow Music & Spirits from 8:30-11 p.m.

First Friday Gallery

Opening for Downtown Aurora galleries from 6-9 p.m.

Live Music on the All-Weather Patio at Preservation in Geneva, starting at 6 p.m.

Maddy Smith Stand Up Comedy at The Comedy Vault in Batavia, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Risking It All - The Signers of the Declaration of Independence by Gail Borden Public Library from 7-9 p.m. *event is virtual — sign up online

Live Music on the All-Weather Patio at Preservation in Geneva, starting at 6 p.m.

"Harriet" at Arcada Theatre, starting at 2 p.m. *event is ticketed

Catch a showing of "CTE Presents: Disney's Descendants: The Musical" at Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin *various times Plant Sale Spring & Summer at Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn at 9 a.m.

Grab a

FOR CHILDREN:

Reading never goes out of fashion! Here are two recommendations for your April reading list.

“Peter and the Starcatchers” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson In the magical adventure “Peter and the Starcatchers,” authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson take on the origins of one of literature’s most recognizable figures. It serves as somewhat of a prequel while exploring how a seemingly regular boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan. At the beginning of the novel, Peter is one of several orphaned boys being transported by ship from England to a distant land ruled by a tyrannical king. Peter eventually meets Molly Aster, a young girl who is secretly part of a group known as the Starcatchers. Their mission is to protect a mysterious substance known as “starstuff,” magical particles fallen from the sky that would be disastrous in the wrong hands. With suspense, magic and pirates as the backdrop, Peter and his band of friends face an enormous struggle to protect the starstuff while they battle against Black Stache, the pirate who would eventually become the villainous Captain Hook. Throughout the novel, Barry and Pearson blend humor, suspense, found-family dynamics and incredible world-building to create a fast-paced adventure. For fans of classic high-stakes fantasy and dynamic storytelling, the novel provides an unforgettable journey through what Barry and Pearson imagine as the early days of a character whose story has been told with reverence through generations.

FOR ADULTS:

“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller

“The Song of Achilles” is a sweeping epic steeped in myth and lore. Author Madeline Miller reimagines one of the most enduring tales from Greek mythology with an intimate and tenderly emotional bond at the center of a legendary war. Drawing from the events of “The Iliad,” the story serves as both a retelling and a deep-cut reframing of the relationship between two of mythology’s most iconic figures — Achilles and Patroclus. At the beginning of the novel, Patroclus, established as an awkward and exiled young prince, is sent to live in the kingdom of Phthia, where he meets Achilles, a “golden boy” pre-destined to be a legend. At first, their friendship is tenuous and a little unsure, with Patroclus forming a quiet devotion to Achilles’ heroic figure. Their friendship would gradually deepen into a profound and abiding love. As the boys grow into young men, their lives become increasingly complicated, entangled with prophecy, fate and the expectations placed upon Achilles as the son of a goddess. Culminating with the Trojan War, the novel arrives at its third act with Patroclus and Achilles drawn into a devastating conflict with tragic consequences and a sacrifice that will break your heart. This lyrical novel will change you in the best ways and stay with you long after you turn the final page.

By Yanira Garcia Andel

or years, fashion trends trickled down from the runways of New York Fashion Week or the impossibly chic streets of Paris, offering inspiration for lives that looked far more glamorous than most of ours. But in 2026, style has shifted in the best possible way. It’s less fantasy, more functionality — and, thankfully, a lot more fun.

Because here in Kane County, real life includes airport security lines, folding chairs on the sidelines, surprise rain showers and a calendar that fills up before you finish your morning coffee. The good news? This year’s trends are designed for exactly that.

n VACATION

MAIN CHARACTER, NO MATTER THE DESTINATION

Vacation style has officially moved beyond the predictable neutral linen set. In 2026, it’s about personality. Matching terry cloth separates in bold shades, retro-inspired crochet polos, printed boxer-style shorts and oversized sheer button-downs worn over swimsuits are leading the charge. The airport outfit has also received a promotion: wide-leg striped trousers, soft knits in sorbet tones and coordinated travel sets that feel polished enough for a gate-side dinner. It’s relaxed, but intentional. Effortless, but photographed-ready.

n SIDELINES

THE SUBURBAN RUNWAY

Kids’ sporting events may not come with paparazzi, but the style stakes have quietly risen. The oversized hoodie has been replaced with what can only be described as “refined off-duty.” Think barrel-leg denim paired with rugby shirts, track pants styled with structured blazers, and vintageinspired windbreakers layered over monochromatic sets. Add statement sneakers and a colorful baseball cap, and suddenly you’re not just spectating — you’re participating in the season’s most relatable runway albeit with a lukewarm coffee in hand.

Comfort still matters (you are, after all, sitting on metal bleachers), but it’s comfort with intention.

n EVERYDAY LIFE

THE DROP-OFF TO DINNER PIPELINE

For the unpredictable rhythm of suburban life, 2026 trends embrace versatility with personality. Poplin maxi skirts styled with graphic tees. Mixed-wash denim-on-denim. Sporty dresses with contrast piping. Lightweight utility jumpsuits that look equally appropriate in a meeting or the produce aisle.

Color has re-entered the conversation in a meaningful way: tomato red, butter yellow, cobalt blue — often combined in unexpected, moodboosting pairings. Texture plays a supporting role with mesh layers, quilted fabrics, glossy rain boots, and playful resin jewelry are showing up in places previously reserved for anonymity, like PTO meetings or the self-checkout line.

Because in 2026, style isn’t about dressing for the life you wish you had — it’s about looking put together while asking, “Wait, which kid is on the orange team again?”

And that, arguably, is the most aspirational trend of all.

& Beyond CHORUS FROGS, BALD EAGLES

Spring wildlife thrives in St. Charles parks

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

by St. Charles Park District and Getty Images

Taking a springtime stroll through the trails in St. Charles offers moments of serenity and great wildlife sightings, like catching an egret fishing for its lunch or listening to a serenade from chorus frogs.

Within the St. Charles Park District community, it’s possible to visit wetlands, woods and prairies all in a short drive, or visit all three habitats at the Hickory Knolls Natural Area, explained Chris Gingrich, Assistant Superintendent of Outdoor Education for the St. Charles Park District.

“For a wetland habitat you can visit Ferson Creek Fen or Otter Creek Bend Wetland Park, or if you want more of a woodland habitat there’s Delnor Woods Park,” Gingrich said. “If you hike through Hickory Knolls you can experience all three.”

Beyond the sports fields, camps and classes, the park district’s dedicated naturalist team oversees the care of more than 400 acres of natural areas. Their multi-year efforts show in the number of wildlife that one can discover onsite, including birds, reptiles, and mammals.

“For example, amphibians are considered an indicator of the quality of a wetland habitat because they’re very sensitive to negative

changes in their habitat,” Gingrich said.

Naturalists have diligently worked on restorations in the natural areas, removing invasive species and helping restore native plantings.

“When the native plant communities are healthy and thriving, you support insects and other wildlife, all the way up the food chain,” Gingrich said.

This time of year when the spring peepers and chorus frogs emerge and begin their mating calls, a visit to the wetlands at Otter Creek includes a loud musical serenade from these small creatures.

“I love to go stand in the open space and take it all in,” Gingrich said, adding it is hard to see the frogs, but visitors can use their

ears to locate the small amphibians. “One of my favorite areas for hearing the frogs is the trail between what we call the pothole wetlands at Hickory Knolls Natural Area.”

Knowing where to go to see frogs, birds and beavers is even easier thanks to the educational webpage - stcnature. org/natural-areas. It features a listing of popular areas with descriptions on wetlands, woods and prairies and the wildlife one often finds in the areas. Additionally, there’s signage along the trails to enhance visitor experiences, Gingrich said.

For bird watching, St. Charles is home to a variety of birds like the red-bellied woodpecker, Coopers Hawk and woodcocks. Some lucky visitors have seen a bald eagle at Ferson Creek Fen. There are those winged wonders that

migrate through the year and those that nest high up in the branches or along the water’s banks.

“A good pair of binoculars will help you see from a distance,” Gingrich said, adding that in the spring many nesting birds won’t want visitors getting too close.

In the wetland waters visitors can see green herons, blue herons, egrets as well as ducks. At Otter Creek there is a new, recently completed boardwalk that gives visitors a closer look out over the creek, Gingrich said.

The Hickory Knolls Natural Area encompasses more than 123 acres, adjacent to Hickory Knolls Discovery Center off Campton Hills Road. There are more than three miles of trails that travel through a diverse landscape including a glacial pothole wetland, woodlands and prairies. Visitors have been able to see an array of birds including the red-tailed hawk and even see a whitetail deer.

“Just remember to dress for the weather, it can be wet and even sloshy during the spring,” Gingrich said.

And early in the season is a great time to view the spring ephemerals, the first flowering blooms in the natural areas, which are an important food source for the early emerging insects. The St. Charles Park District invites residents to participate in the iNaturalist program through May 31 to help document sightings throughout the county. Details on the project can be found online at stcnature. org. Signs identifying ephemeral species are posted at Delnor Woods, but these flowers can be spotted in other parks as well.

For those ready to explore, the St. Charles Park District’s natural areas offer an opportunity to slow down, look a little closer and reconnect with the rhythms of the season. Each visit brings something new to experience. Visitors are encouraged to lace up their walking shoes, bring their curiosity and discover the beauty waiting right here in St. Charles.

Secret The

Best to the Superpower

A parent's lack of 'coolness' can be an extraordinary ability

If you are not a fan of the new hot fashion trend that is quarter zip sweaters, I may have some good news for you. And if you, like me, can't wait to pull one on, please accept my apologies.

See, it has to do with superpowers.

But I should probably back up a bit.

Whenever groups of parents get together — and especially parents with children at different stages of development — some interesting questions come up.

Some are mundane. Like: "How do I get this kid to eat anything other than

chicken nuggets?" Or: "Please tell me this [insert random annoying phase] will end soon?!"

But others can be thought-provoking. One of my favorites? "Don't you wish you could get to hold your baby again?"

Now, the answer to that question is: "It depends."

If you mean: Do I wish I could be granted a supernatural opportunity to have just a few minutes, in which my teenager would magically be 3 years old, climb up into my lap, give a snuggle, and say, "I wuv you, daddy," and then fell asleep and wake up with all reset?

Who wouldn't want that?

But if you mean: I must live with a pre-literate toddler with questionable bathroom skills and perhaps even less rationality, just to get the snuggles that still play in my memory?

Absolutely not.

Every stage of parenthood has its pros and cons. But having been through all of the stages of parenthood, short of the empty nest, I can say with confidence: Being a teen dad is among the best.

For me, there is nothing that can compare to the ability to engage your

kids on an intellectual level and actually partake in a true contest of wits, and watch your kids' capacity to reason, consider and debate grow before your eyes.

I wouldn't trade anything for this season, when we can share true conversations about questions and topics, from those deep and meaningful to those perhaps a bit silly, yet no less stimulating.

Questions like: What is the best superpower?

The answer to that question often depends on your season in life, background and particular procilivities. For instance, in 2025, survey firm YouGov asked Britons that question. The answers are telling in many ways.

Tops on the list? Invisibility. That was followed by by the ability to fly, teleportation, time travel and healing powers. And then came the ability to read minds or see the future.

I'm not entirely sure what we should extrapolate from that concerning our friends across the pond. But it certainly signals to me that Britons, like us, want to be left alone, want the chance to correct past mistakes, and they want to avoid traffic. That, and they are likely nosey as nobody's business, and a bit creepy.

For my kids, the answers have varied through the years, from the ability to summon unicorns or transform into mermaids, to more lately, the more grown-up desires for the ability to tell if someone is lying or to be in more than one place at one time.

But for me, the superpower I currently enjoy the most is one I have been blessed (or cursed) with for virtually my entire life:

Never being cool.

See, when you're a parent of teens, you get the non-creepy chance to

hang around in places occupied by other teens. This presents the golden opportunity afforded to few others, besides middle and high school teachers: The chance to induce eyerolls – or, even better, panicked expressions, accompanied by some semblance of the phrase: "No. Please don't."

Some parents might cringe at the thought of their teen children and their friends reacting this way.

I, on the other hand? Practically impervious to the sly slings of Gen Z and Gen Alpha disdain.

It wasn't always this way. Back in the days of yore, as a young man riding around on my dinosaur, loving many materials now at the heart of geek nostalgia, the quips from the cool kids could cut deep.

And few moments were more disheartening to younger me than those times when I would latch onto a fashion trend, only to have it slide into the "Out" category seemingly the very next day.

That ability to put a stake through the heart of promising fashion trends is one that has stayed with me to this day.

It's why, for instance, I fear my longtime love of the quarter zip sweater has already doomed the current rage surrounding the functional fashion choice to a lifespan more akin to a moth's.

But while an adolescent curse, this absolute lack of "drip," as the kids might say, is one that has well equipped me for the current stage.

After all, with no reputation to defend, it preserves swaths of bandwidth to just be dad, without shame or irony, and the volume to soak in the fleeting time we have with them still here at home, sharing conversations and arguments, laughter and tears, and yes, even that occasional, loving snuggle, with no other powers required.

n Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modern-day dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)

WOMEN

LEADING LADIES

A SERIES CELEBRATING WOMEN OF INFLUENCE IN KANE COUNTY

omen play an integral role in so many industries within the modern day economy. From healthcare and self-care businesses to home maintenance, bridal and more, we are honored to recognize the strength of our local women business owners and workers who continue to build on the foundation of Kane County’s most successful ventures. These women are innovators, advocates and community champions who shape Kane County in ways both bold and quietly profound. They do the hard stuff with style and poise. For the next few issues of Kane County Magazine, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about Women of Influence right here in our hometowns.

Owner BETH PERTL has refined care at Elements Massage

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

When it comes to the services available at Elements Massage, owner Beth Pertl is quick to explain the menu is just a starting point. Every service, from massages to facials, can be customized.

“We completely customize, whether the client is looking for rest and relaxation or addressing pain,” Pertl said.

Pertl said one of the factors that drew her to become a franchise owner of the Geneva location was the business’ dedication to customer service, from booking to services, including the ability to customize what’s best for the client.

“I love that they really put the customization first,” Pertl said.

Massages are more than a luxury. Studies show regular massages provide health benefits, including increased circulation, improved joint flexibility and helping the body recover from injuries and overuse. Some clients have reported relief from migraines after massages. Massages can also help trigger the release of endorphins.

Pertl first joined Elements Massage 10 years ago as the location manager. A former hairstylist who also worked in salon and spa management, she brings a wealth of customer service experience. When she had the opportunity to take ownership of the Geneva location, she said yes in 2023.

Today, in addition to the Geneva location, she also owns an Elements Massage location in Bannockburn.

Putting the customer first starts with the initial interaction, from the ease of booking an appointment to answering questions and helping guide customers through the menu of services.

At Elements Massage, that focus on the customer is why appointments are offered seven days a week, including evenings. The Geneva location is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The staff includes 22 massage therapists and three estheticians.

Among the massage therapists are certified prenatal therapists who understand the special needs of pregnant and postpartum women.

“We offer all types of massages and custom massages,” Pertl said.

The location also has space for couples massages. Pertl said the business can accommodate couples or best friends who want to make time for facials together.

In March, Elements Massage in Geneva will introduce stretch therapy to help customers improve flexibility. When combined with a massage, it can help warm up muscles and enhance the massage experience, Pertl said.

“One can stretch on their own, but with assistance they can gain a deeper stretch,” Pertl said.

Skin care services, including facials and chemical peels, can help restore skin health, repair sun damage and address problem areas. Elements Massage Skin Therapy treatments include therapeutic facials and skin enhancements designed to promote healthy skin. Skincare treatments can also be customized.

“For example, chemical peels are great in every season to remove the dead skin,” Pertl said.

Elements Massage in Geneva offers Wellness Memberships. These month-to-month plans are designed to help customers make self-care part of their wellness routine and address specific concerns, whether that’s relieving neck pain from sitting at a desk too long or seeking clearer skin through facials.

“It’s important to take an hour for yourself a month,” Pertl said.

WOMEN

AMY YEHOSHUA helps clients heal at the root with acupuncture

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos by April Duda Photography

Years of health problems without a clear answer led Amy Yehoshua to seek out acupuncture for her constant back pain while she was a college student, and she said the results changed the course of her life, leading to improved health and a career where today she helps others find health solutions through acupuncture.

Yehoshua provides her clients with attentive care, using her studies in traditional Chinese medicine as a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist at Sage Healing Collective in St. Charles. Yehoshua said too often Western medicine treats a symptom without delving deeper into the cause of the problem.

“Chinese medicine is so different,” Yehoshua explained. “We don’t treat the branch; we treat the root.”

The holistic treatment is what drove her to become a part of Sage Healing Collective in St. Charles. Led by Dr. Emily Loveland, Sage Healing Collective brings together practitioners who offer beauty, health, and wellness in one location. Guests can select from a large menu of services, from skin and body care to nutritional medicine and health treatments.

Acupuncture is a treatment that can help resolve a number of health issues, Yehoshua explained, from headaches and body pain to concerns with fertility, menopause, and even mental health–related issues.

“From anxiety to gastrointestinal and digestive issues, it really treats absolutely everything. It treats tennis elbow and high blood pressure,” Yehoshua said.

In acupuncture, she uses needles akin to a single blade of hair and said most of the time her clients don’t feel the needles enter the skin. Her treatments are as much about education as offering solutions, as she helps her clients understand how acupuncture works.

“Every treatment is different. Every body is different,” she said.

Treatment isn’t overnight. It takes time to help the body regain its balance and heal, but patience and taking the time to listen to clients and seek out the best solution are a part of the practice, which for some clients is a far different experience than in their physician’s office.

“When they leave here, they understand what is causing the imbalance and how we can try to fix it,” she said.

AMI CHRISTIANSON: Bringing joy to brides

Managing a business, mentoring rising professionals, and caring for her own clients would make

for a full calendar for Ami Christianson, but she still finds the best part of her day is when she can step in and help a bride prepare for her wedding day.

“That’s my favorite part. I enjoy the joy of working with a client. That is my happy place,” Christianson said.

With four decades in the hair-styling and beauty industry, she continues to evolve and find new ways to help her clients as they celebrate life’s milestones.

The Wisconsin native moved to the area to follow a corporate job, but it wasn’t long before she decided to follow her passion. She opened One Salon in Geneva in 2005, and in 2008 she moved to St. Charles.

Christianson is deeply committed to using clean beauty products, making it a priority for the health of her staff and her clients.

“This is something very near and dear to my heart,” Christianson said. “We want to keep the hair healthy for our client and for me and my team that are exposed to the products.”

Whether it’s using international products from countries with higher standards for ingredients or seeking out special product lines, such as her work as an educator and product tester for K18 Hair, Christianson strives to be a leader in the clean beauty movement.

Expanding to include bridal services for hair and makeup has been an area of tremendous growth for Christianson and her team. During the height of the wedding season, her team will tend to multiple bridal parties in a single day, she said. Her team averages more than 150 bookings a year for weddings.

Christianson said she loves how today’s bride is more savvy about products and embraces her team’s clean beauty offerings, including a five-ingredient mineral-based foundation.

“It’s beautiful and so natural looking,” she added.

Her team’s love for weddings has brought them to events big and small, celebrating weddings with one bride, two brides, and she even cared for a bride in her 80s.

“Love is love,” Christianson said. “It’s joyful to be a part of that day.”

KATHERINE BANKS builds clean homes and community connections

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

Professionalism is the highest priority for Katherine Banks, owner and founder of Best Day Cleaning, based in Geneva.

“In our core values, the first one is professionalism,” Banks explained.

Best Day Cleaning is named for that feeling of coming home to a clean home, Banks said. Her business provides high-quality, professional residential cleaning services, with options from weekly cleanings to deep cleaning services and move-in or moveout cleaning.

When Banks launched the cleaning service business more than two years ago, she designed it with her more than 20 years of corporate experience as an interior designer. She has brought her attention to detail into the cleaning business, from the products used to the accountability to the client.

Banks selected the best cleaning

products, safe for clients and staff, including eco-friendly cleaners such as EnvirOx, produced in Illinois, a product line without fragrances.

“We want to be as eco-friendly as possible, choosing products that are Green Seal Certified,” Banks said.

From the initial call or email to a postcleaning summary report, Banks strives to provide her clients with the best experience.

“We are sending a summary report with before-and-after pictures, letting clients know who was in the home, if there was a follow-up inspection, and offering clients a chance to discuss if there was anything we missed,” Banks said. “We want to make it easier for our clients to be respected, valued, supported and heard.”

She also places high value on professionalism with her staff, from ongoing training to mentorships.

“We treat our employees like clients,” Banks said.

When it comes to her fees, she said the prices are in line with other larger businesses, but clients can know they are supporting a small business that is active with local chambers and community events.

“It’s important to connect with other businesses in our area,” Banks said.

She also supports helping others, including support for Cleaning For a Reason, an organization that coordinates home cleaning services for cancer patients.

“We’re proud to be a part of that organization,” Banks said. “There’s no one that hasn’t been affected by cancer.”

Power of Attorney Mistakes We See 4

During an initial consultation with our private wealth management team, one of the key areas explored is the status of our future client’s estate planning documents. In addition to exploring wills and trusts, we also ask about any Power of Attorney (POA) documents that may be in place. We have seen POAs misunderstood or problematic in several scenarios.

Before we share the top four mistakes our team sees, let’s define some key terms:

What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A POA is a legal document that gives written authorization to an attorneyin-fact allowing him or her to act on a principal’s behalf. The POA document usually lists “powers” that the attorneyin-fact is allowed to exercise.

What is a principal? A principal is the person granting the authority. In the POA document, the principal names his or her attorney-in-fact; that is, the person whom they want to act on their behalf.

What is an attorney-in-fact (AIF)?

An AIF is the person to whom the principal has granted authority; that is, the person who may act on the principal’s behalf.

Are there different types of POAs?

Yes. There are four main types of POAs:

Limited

General

Durable

Springing.

When does a POA terminate?

The only POA that continues to allow the AIF to act once the principal is incapacitated is a Durable POA, of which a Springing POA is one. The authority granted to an AIF by Limited and General POA documents ceases once the principal becomes incapacitated. In all cases, an AIF’s authorization ceases when the principal dies.

With those definitions in mind, here are four common mistakes regarding POAs that our team has seen over the years:

1. NO POA IN PLACE.

Not having a POA properly executed is a problem. Sometimes we will meet with people who have a trust, or trusts, and think that their trustee is all that is needed. Unfortunately, the trustee only has authority over assets titled in trust, and often people have assets that are held outside of the trust. Should the client become incapacitated, without proper documents in place our team is likely unable to take instructions from another party on their investment accounts with us. This can be especially problematic if funds are needed to pay for medical expenses, etc.

2. POA NOT CURRENT.

It is not uncommon for someone to go through the exercise of executing a POA, or POAs, and then never reviewing. If the AIF named in the POA has died and the document did not name a successor, the principal can find themselves in a difficult spot, especially if they became incapacitated.

3. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHEN THE POA IS IN FORCE.

Some POAs are effective immediately, while others are springing and only become effective once an event occurs. For example, a Springing POA may be triggered by the principal’s confinement to a nursing home. We have talked with prospects who thought they had authority to act on behalf of a parent, for example, and did not realize that the POA had not given them that authority yet.

4. NOT WORKING WITH AN ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL TO CONSTRUCT THE POA.

We have seen this scenario more frequently over the past 10 years than prior. Whether people feel that they don’t have time to work with proper legal counsel, feel that they can save money by finding a document online and editing it themselves, or decide to reach out to counsel whose practice does not include estate planning, the end result can be problematic. One of life’s lessons is often that you get what you pay for. The potential to save a little money upfront can have disastrous consequences later when you really need the document to grant the intended authority.

n BE SMART

Although our team works with legal documents like POAs on a regular basis, we are not licensed attorneys and do not provide legal counsel. Instead, we work with your qualified advisors like your estate planning attorney to help assure your lifestyle and legacy. If your current advisors are not a complete resource, or if you are seeking another opinion, give our team a call. We’d be happy to help.

This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or plan provider. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Tom McCartney and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members.

Authored by Tom McCartney, founding principal of My Advisor & Planner and a wealth manager, RJFS. Pictured left to right with his team are co-founder and wealth manager Sharon Piet, Tom, and Michael Holevas, CFA, wealth manager. Any opinions are those of My Advisor & Planner and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Every investor’s situation is unique, and you should consider your investment objectives, risks and costs before making an investment. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. My Advisor & Planner is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Their office is at 107 S. 2nd Street, Geneva, IL 60134. Call 630-457-4068.

Your unique life, planned.

Understanding what people are passionate about is how we help them plan for what’s most important. Backed by sophisticated resources, a Raymond James financial advisor gets to know you and everything that makes your life uniquely complex. That’s Life Well Planned.