OurNeighbor Fashionistas from Northbrook eyeing Mother’s Day break

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a “fashionista” is a designer, promoter or follower of the latest fashions.

But if you ask Northbrook’s Jill Carlisle or Meg Caplis – a “fashionista” is someone who carries herself with confidence regardless of her body shape or size.  

“Our favorite fashion advice: Put on your spanks, embrace who you are and don’t fall off your heels!’”

The two have developed a loyal client base after 11 years representing the www.Etcetera.com clothing line with six trunk shows per year.

First a home-based business, their trunk shows moved to a boutique setting, when Carlisle opened her La De Da! downtown Northbrook gift store in 2005. Since then, La De Da!’s black, white, hot pink and neon green “French grille” interior décor has hosted trunk shows.

“The Etcetera line offers beautiful clothing for women of all ages,” said Carlisle. “The line is known for its fabulous fabrics and details that offer a classic look with a fashionable twist.”

A one-stop shopping environment contrasts department store dressing rooms – a process saving clients time who can try on at least 20 pieces in a half hour.       

“We often update a prior year’s purchase to create a new look and allow the customer to continue to maximize her investment,” said Carlisle.

“Our goal for our clients is to build your wardrobe with investment pieces that are versatile and timeless.” 

And with the first day of summer next month on June 21 – it’s already time to fall back into autumn as La De Da! unveils its fall line trunk show Tuesday through May 18.

But first things are first for Northbrook’s first ladies of fashion – Mother’s Day is this weekend and time stops all too briefly Sunday.

“Mother’s Day is one of my favorite holidays because it celebrates one of the greatest joys in my life,” said Carlisle, who grew up in Northbrook, returning here in 1989.

Carlisle’s husband Barry Ramsay was also raised in Northbrook.  Her two children, Janie, 20, and Charlie, 18, give their mother much-appreciated advice.

“Janie and Charlie have taught me so much about myself,” said Carlisle. “My perfect Mother’s Day usually begins with breakfast in bed served by Janie and Charlie – we all sit on my bed together and life is just perfect!”

“My day is usually filled with simple activities such as bike riding or walking uptown – being together with our family is the main goal.

“My favorite gifts have always been the hand made treasures Janie and Charlie have given me,” said Carlisle. “They are both quite creative and thoughtful – I am a very lucky mom.”

Meg Caplis, raised in St. Louis, has four children, Tom, 21, Molly, 20, Annie, 16 and Maddie, 12. Her husband Jim was raised in Northbrook.

“My perfect Mother’s Day gift is spending the day with my husband and children,” said Caplis, who moved to Northbrook in 1987. 

“Mother’s Day is always the day when we get all of our flowers and spend the day planting – seeing the results at the end of the day is always gratifying.”

“Sometimes into the fall, I can look back and remember the day we spent together,” she said.

“Another favorite part of Mother’s Day is when Jim and the kids make me dinner – it is so nice to be able to sit on the patio, look at the flowers we planted that day and relax with everyone,” said Caplis.

“Needless to say, there are no fancy outfits involved for me on Mother’s Day!”

Spoken like a fashionista – Caplis likely looks the part even when relaxing in the privacy of her backyard.

But once Mother’s Day is over – it’s back to serving deserving others with the same fashionable smiles clients have come to love.

Each season (spring, summer, fall and holidays), both partners become jet setters, putting on trendy travel wear to attend New York fashion previews. Only 20 sellers in the country are invited to attend exclusive Etcetera fashion shows complete with models.

And when the two return to Northbrook, they bring with them a chic perspective for their one-on-one appointments with each client. 

But both fashionistas hold dear a few of their favorite things.

“The ease of summer dressing is my personal favorite,” said Caplis. “I love the look of cute sandals, a fun skirt and casual top.”    

“I have a definite weakness for coats,” admits Carlisle. “They are by far my favorite fashion item.”

To make an appointment, call (847) 562-1170 or e-mail MyConsultant@Etcetera.com.