Mari-Rose McManus exhibits an interesting resume that includes WBEZ reporter, WBBM producer, Department of Cultural Affairs event planner, floor trader, and Assistant State’s Attorney. Currently a divorce attorney/chic boutique owner (exhibit), the multi-talented Wilmette resident shares her faves and raves in the city and on the shore.
Mari-Rose McManus. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR
What’s on the horizon? Launching the boutique’s beach/pool cover-up designs based on ’50s and ’60s cabana suits
Mantra? Keep it in perspective. Problems are insignificant in the scheme of things
Best Grooming tip? Lip Smacker
Guilty pleasure? ’70s television—Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Charlie’s Angels
Favorite foods? Pepperoni pizza and marshmallows
Music you love? Disco and old rock ‘n’ roll. My husband and I are swing dancers so I love swing and rockabilly music
Best advice ever given to you? From dad when I was deciding between two jobs: “Take money out of it, which one do you want to do?” From mom: “Offer it up”
Best advice you’ve given? Don’t make decisions based on fear
Earliest memory? Playing mass with my siblings—with homemade hosts
When you wake up, you…? I don’t set an alarm, so I check to see how late I am
Before bed, you…? Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
What’s on your bookshelf? Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach
You can’t live without? My husband and son
Love to escape to? Hawaii
Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t be afraid of everyone—they’re all afraid too
ON THE SHORE
Your style is…? Casual
Can’t leave the house without? Kleenex and my planner (I still write everything out)
Transportation? BMW Z4 or walking
Driving music? Classic Hawaiian
Place to eat? Napolita or Nick’s in Wilmette
Shop? Mostly at exhibit, but Chalk and Heritage Trail too
Best thing about the shore? Beach
Worst thing about the shore? Property taxes
The Perfect day is…? Walk down to the beach with margaritas after the high sun is gone and stay till sundown
IN THE CITY
Your style is…? I’m all buttoned up for court
Can’t leave the house without? My workbag
Transportation? BMW Z4
Driving music? Old music on my playlist, but WDCB relaxes me
Place to eat? Bistro Campagne or Miku Sushi in my old hood
Shop? Broadway Antique Mall and Edgewater Antique Mall
Best thing about the city? The Green Mill in uptown
Worst thing about the city? Traffic, potholes, and parking
The perfect day is…? Lakefront run and a coffee at Heritage General Store. Then the Chicago Symphony
