Amanda Bonnell, owner of Chicago’s Belle Vie Bridal Couture, is the woman every engaged girl hopes to meet. She is fun, savvy, and has a knack for finding the perfect dress for every bride’s special day. Here are Bonnell’s faves from the shore and the city.
Amanda Bonnell, Belle Vie Bridal Couture. PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROBIN SUBAR
What’s on the horizon?
Scouring the globe for unique talent to add to our rare international collection
Mantra?
You get what you believe in
Best grooming tip?
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, lashes from Salon O-65, and Mixed Co.’s hair moisture gloss
Guilty pleasure?
Staycations at the Peninsula with in-room massages
Favorite foods?
Luigi’s Italian Ice, kale salad, and macaroons
Music you love?
In our family, we have a designated “song of the month” so it varies from Meghan Trainer to Justin Timberlake, depending on who picks
Best advice ever given to you?
“That was meant to happen, go with it” from my mom and “Don’t give up and always do the right thing even if it’s hard” from my dad
Best advice you’ve given?
Depends on situation-the majority of my role as a mom and mentor puts me in the position of giving advice daily so my best would be to be thankful for the good and the bad—especially the bad because the bad is what shapes you
Earliest memory?
Being shy, and being thrown in a snow bank
When you wake up, you…?
Think of the ones I love and am thankful for them
Before bed, you..?
Plan my next day
What’s on your bookshelf ?
Pictures of my kids, The Skimm tells me everything else I need to know
You can’t live without?
STUDIO III workouts—they shape my mindset for the day from the adrenaline rush I get on the Peloton, the mental and physical endurance achieved from the interval classes, to the intentions I set in the yoga studio
Love to escape to?
Shutters in Santa Monica and Eden Rock in St. Barths
Advice you would give to your younger self ?
Learn to speak your mind, even when it’s unpopular; stand up for yourself and what you believe in—don’t be afraid to be great, as long as you appreciate who helped get you there along the way
ON THE SHORE
Your style is..?
Athleisure chic
Can’t leave the house without?
iPhone, packet of Spark, and lots of snacks
Transportation?
Mercedes SUV
Driving music?
Van Morrison
Place to eat?
Guildhall
Shop?
neapolitan collection
Best thing about the Shore?
Play dates with my best friends at Indian Hill Park
Worst thing about the Shore?
Not having Instacart—how do people live without it??
The perfect day is…?
Bagels on the beach, followed by paddleboarding on Kenilworth Beach, and a night at Ravinia
IN THE CITY
Your style is..?
My own—easy elegance: Dior knits, pearl studs, and Hermès bangles
Can’t leave the house without?
iPhone and packet of Spark
Transportation?
Uber Black Car
Driving music?
Our “song of the month” songs
Place to eat?
Pelago Ristorante
Shop?
VMR, Lester Lampert, and boots at Barney’s are the best
Best thing about the City?
Sunday afternoons at Montgomery Park, followed by outdoor dinner at Erie Café
Worst thing about the City?
The worst and the best is the energy—the hustle and bustle drives me and exhausts me if I don’t make time for the Shore
The perfect day is…?
Morning jog on the lake, afternoon helicopter tour, and an evening at the theater or a sports event
