The Launch of The Scout Guide North Shore

How this vibrant community made its big debut

the beautiful cover in all its lilac and chartreuse glory

Back in 2019, a friend of mine was happily living in the city—Chicago, that is—and expecting her third child. Whenever I would sing the praises of the North Shore in an attempt to lure her out of the city, she would remind me that she planned to be buried in the backyard of their Bucktown home. But one extra child and a pandemic later, she called me in June of 2020 to say she was poking around North Shore neighborhoods and had succumbed to the subliminal suburban pressure.

Fast forward to the fall of 2020, and not only had they purchased a home on the North Shore—they bought my home. It was the most joyful housing transaction I’ve ever experienced.

But, it wasn’t just families flocking to the North Shore; many businesses made the move too. With a boom in new boutiques, real estate ventures, and restaurants, Chicago’s North Shore has been thriving since the big shutdown—so much so that The Scout Guide saw the need for a dedicated edition in addition to its Chicago issue.

Sophia Steak, Lake forest, opened in spring of ‘23

For those unfamiliar, The Scout Guide is a beautiful coffee-table publication designed to showcase exceptional, independently owned businesses across a range of categories. It connects readers to local purveyors through a thoughtfully curated guide, assembled by regional tastemakers in the biggest and most vibrant cities.

Just a few of the Scout Guide editions around the nation

This year, both Chicago and the North Shore were lucky to launch their own editions. I was honored to be part of the inaugural North Shore issue as a personal and event stylist. Appearing in its pages was thrilling, but celebrating the launch alongside the community’s best of the best was truly special. For the first time, I could meaningfully celebrate the business I started in 2016.

Here are some highlights from the launch party, which made me fall even deeper in love with our community.

Editor Allison Stecko, for whom I had the honor of styling for the event!

Devon Pearce of Pearce Weddings and Events, my social-event muse

my long-time and dear friend, Jena Radnay of @Properties

Rose Wormley of Ash Street Interiors, also a close friend and colleague

Kent Drake Photography captures all of the details

Check out The Scout Guide North Shore and its contributors.

Congratulations to Editor Allison Stecko and everyone who made this guide launch a huge success!