While lakefront homes in the heart of Harbor Country can start at $1.6 million and easily top $4 million, “you can buy something wonderful a few blocks or short bike ride away from the beach for much less,” says Lowrie. Case in point is her listing at 409 Sanders in Michiana Shores, Ind. (above) for $479,000. It’s situated just south of the state line, but an unofficial part of Harbor Country. The new 1,600-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom stucco charmer was constructed with vintage materials that give it significant architectural cachet, such as recycled barn plank flooring and post-and-beam ceilings. But it also sports all the assets of a luxury pad, with a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, a gracious screened porch and radiant heat for year-round use (call 312-925-2121).

Want to mingle with Chicago bigwigs? Broker Donna Iwamoto is selling this four-bed, two-bath, totally renovated 1929 English Cotswold-style home in the gated community of Grand Beach (above), where the Daley family and other big name Chicagoans have weekend cottages, for $798,000 (call 312-925-2165). For a home that’s easier on the budget, consider a 2,600-square-foot, four-bed, 3.5-bath contemporary Colonial with a tennis court, outdoor spa and acre of land in Harbert for $399,000 (call Prudential Rubloff broker Rob Gow, 269-469-8740) or a 1,969-square-foot, three-bed, three-bath classic cottage in New Buffalo for $364,000 (call Prudential Rubloff broker Betty Biernacki, 269-470-7832).

When the sun is shining, break out a lightweight, beautifully constructed Pangean glider, made in Vietnam out of wood and duck canvas for Byer of Maine. Chairs come in solid green or volcano stripes, $79.95; Byerofmaine.com

Story by Lisa Skolnik

I’ve put my foot in my mouth so many times trying to keep up in conversations where I didn’t have the slightest clue or interest in what people were talking about. Most people think they have to answer, “I know exactly what you are talking about,” to questions when they are out of their safety zone or are with strangers in a social environment.

A perfect example for how I’ve felt in these situations was when I would watch a Dennis Miller special with friends. I had absolutly no idea what he was talking about, or what political figure he was referring to, but I found myself laughing and nodding, hoping to blend in with the people around me who were laughing hysterically. By doing this, I realized I missed a great opportunity to learn and ask questions rather than pretending I know things I don’t.

Sometimes at those awkward dinners we often put pressure on ourselves to talk and fill space, rather than just listen and be ourselves — or we end up with nothing to say because we are stuck in our own heads.

Next time, try and enjoy the experience. What’s the worst that can happen? Somebody you didn’t know before will judge you or dislike you? That doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough for them … maybe it means they were not good enough for you.Maybe you’ll find out you have a lot in common with someone you wouldn’t expect to, or maybe you will learn that you can have a nice time at a social event even if it isn’t  your social circle.

And, if all else fails — order more wine!

“We design clothing that real women can and want to wear,” explains LOFT Fashion Director Alia Ahmed-Yahia, who oversees styling, PR and editorial content for the brand. “I’ve always been a strong believer that you don’t have to have a lot of money to have great style. It’s so important to balance inspiration with reality.”

Ahmed-Yahia knows this delicate balance firsthand: Though she spent her early career styling celebrities in haute couture as an editor at Vanity Fair and Elle, she grew up sharing clothes with her six siblings in Wisconsin. “If we wanted to buy something, we had to work for it,” she says. “I learned to be very creative with my look on a budget.”

Fortunately, Chicago was just two hours away from the burgeoning trendsetter’s hometown, and her style evolved over the years with the help of the city’s fashion scene. “A few times a year, we’d drive down to Michigan Avenue for the day,” she says. “It was like shopping heaven for me.”

It’s clear that LOFT’s higher-ups agree: The two-story, 6,000-square-foot Michigan Avenue store outwardly reflects the brand’s appreciation for the city. Ceiling-skimming photographs of Chicago landmarks like the Thompson Center and Marina Towers line the walls of the dressing rooms and the shop receives regular shipments of the brand’s most fashion-forward pieces — which often won’t make it into the other four Chicago-area locations.

Halter ($44.50), clutch ($39.50), necklaces ($39.50 each), bangle sets ($19.50 each) and sunglasses ($24.50), all at LOFT.

Right now, you’ll find a set of sequined shorts ($69.50) unique to the Michigan Avenue outpost, as well as tribal-print maxi dresses ($89.50), floral skorts ($49.50) and strapless jumpsuits ($89.50). “Who doesn’t want that when it’s 100 degrees?” says Ahmed-Yahia. “We’re making an amazing black version due out this month that’s basically a blank canvas — add a wider belt, jacket and heels and it’s office-appropriate.”

Upstairs, there’s a half-floor devoted entirely to petites, and near the door, there’s a veritable treasure trove of belts ($24.50 and up), beaded bangles and necklaces ($14.50 and up). “I’m loving our white summer bib necklace [$74.50]. It takes every look from good to crazy fabulous,” says Ahmed-Yahia.

Because of her penchant for dramatic pieces, Ahmed-Yahia appreciates LOFT’s focus on celebrating every woman’s individual style. “[LOFT] is about more than putting together looks for a woman,” she says. “We’re about dressing her for all of the moments that make up her life.”

670 N. Michigan; Loft.com

Story by Rachel Handler

A chic bag: Almost every trip necessitates the a compact and stylish weekend tote — and a built-in shoe compartment is just the cherry on top. The Kate Spade Saturday Weekender bag (pictured, above) has it all. Custom design your version to your liking with fun mix-and-match color choices, it has a space just for your shoes and a removable shoulder strap. $280, Saturday.com

A travel-sized beauty set: Don’t stress the small stuff. Keep a philosophy Happy Travels set on hand. The travel-sized products come packed in a cute, quart-sized bag, so you’ll be ready to go at the drop of a wide-brimmed summer hat. $32, Sephora, 520 N. Michigan, Sephora.com

A good read: A weekend away offers prime time to catch up on your reading list. The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes is at the top of ours. The much-lauded, suspenseful narrative — set in Chicago — weaves together the tale of a time-traveling serial killer, his victims and the would-be victim determined to track down the elusive murderer. $16.12, Barnes & Noble, 1130 N. State, Barnesandnoble.com

A vibrant scarf: Throw a brightly patterned square around your neck, pull back hair into a quick ponytail or fashion one into a headband — nothing adds effortless, versatile style quite as quickly as a colorful scarf. The tropical colors in this silk beauty from Diane von Furstenberg are perfect for summer. $122.50, Bloomingdales, 900 N. Michigan, Bloomingdales.com

Happy Trails!

— Leah Walters

If you really love someone and bond in a relationship, I think it’s important to talk about guidelines and goals. The moment you expect somebody to be something that they are not, resentment begins to build up. When talking with a marriage counselor after my divorce, she stated that resentment is one of main reasons people wind up divorcing. If there are too many years built up resenting one another, it’s incredibly difficult to erase those years.

So what causes resentment? Expectations do. Trying to live up to your partners “story” of how you should be, who you should be, is like having someone clip your wings.

Since I have come to fully adopt this way of thinking over the last few years, I can’t tell you how much more awesome dating has been. Whenever I have thought, “Why isn’t he doing this or that?” I laugh. I can certainly leave the relationship, but I don’t expect any guy to ever match a story of who I think they should be.

Can you imagine how freeing that is for both people in the relationship?

The only expectations we should ever have are the ones we put on ourselves. It not only helps you reach personal goals, but it allows your partner to be the person he or she was ultimately born to be.

Guests then snacked on sliders, mac ‘n’ cheese and fries, catered by Jamie Thompson of Personal Touch Events, before watching a video montage of Katz that included his Bar Mitzvah ceremony, which took place outside of Jerusalem on top of Masada. Proud parents Jill and Howard Katz looked on from the “Counselor Lounge” with other adults as the kids hit the dance floor. “My Bar Mitzvah was a four-hour, non-stop party. I spent months developing the song list,” says Katz. Post-party, the Katz’s honored Hayden’s love for nature by planting the juniper and arborvitae trees that P.J. Acostal of Studio AG brought in to decorate the space.

Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos courtesy Jeff Schear

Allium

Indulge Dad with a bourbon treatment at The Spa at the Four Seasons (120 E. Delaware). The spiked services include a massage, hand or foot treatments, and end with a taste of Allium restaurant’s own single-barrel bourbon. Prices start at $45, call (312) 649-2340; Fourseasons.com/chicagofs

Raw juice junkies are jumping for Peeled Juice Bar’s new cold-pressed prickly pear juice. The micro-juicery, which has locations in Lincoln Park and Evanston, concocts a range of delicious, nutrient-packed drinks from ingredients like hibiscus and goji berries — so a glass a day just might keep the doctor away. $6-$7.50, 1571 N. Sheffield; Peeledchicago.com

Keep tresses intact with Veria Innerdosha Tame the Tangles leave-in detangler. The spray-in potion of aloe and herbal extracts smooths, conditions and adds volume. It’s a beach bag essential for reviving hair post-swim. $12; Amazon.com

Online clothier Indochino brings their Traveling Tailor experience to Chicago June 13-30, allowing dapper gents to work with their team of specialists to build stylish custom suits. Added bonus? Snag a free custom shirt and gift set with a suit purchase. 7 N. State;
Indochino.com

Paradise 4 Paws held a “Singles Yappy Hour” at Sidetrack to benefit Chicago House, hosted by our own Susanna Negovan.

Photos by Peter D. Wagner

“There’s been trouble for a long time and whispers of infidelity,” an insider said. “They can paint a rosy picture, but they have a seriously strained marriage.”

Kris has repeatedly said things are fine, but could she be planning a well-timed announcement?

“They lead separate lives. They need to pull the trigger and get the divorce over with,” the source added. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Kris announced their official split to garner publicity for her new show.”

Tori and Dean still strong

Tori Spelling has battled both breakup rumors and baby weight over the years, but she is on top of the world right now.

I caught up with the super-toned mother of four at The Palazzo and The Venetian Carnevale pop-up at Morels in Los Angeles. She was there with hubby Dean McDermott and filled me in on how she stays so fit and keeps her marriage intact.

“I cut out carbs and eat protein,” Tori said. “I’m at my pre-baby weight. It’s staying off because I’m so active with the kids and working full-time.”

Dean chimed in on their secret to a healthy marriage.

“You have to make time because time doesn’t find you,” Dean said. “We go to sushi once a week.”

Stargazing in Hollywood

Readers often ask me about the best places in LA for celebrity spotting. Last week, I ran into several stars — here’s where I found them:

Monday, I ran into Jonah Hill at West Hollywood’s Soul Cycle studio. Jonah refused to reveal his workout routine in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, but I can report that his fitness secret is spin class — and it’s paying off. He looked great. Later that night, I ran into Rande Gerber and Larry King at Craig’s in West Hollywood. Rande dined with two male friends, and Larry appeared to be with a business associate. Rande told me he’s been busy promoting his Casamigos Tequila with his best friend, George Clooney.

Thursday night, I saw Jeremy Renner at Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills while I was dining with the fabulous crew from Chicago’s Henson Consulting. Renner stopped at a few tables to mingle with other patrons. On Friday afternoon, a toned Brooke Burke hung out at Chin Chin restaurant, also in Beverly Hills, and on Sunday, Ryan Seacrest enjoyed brunch at West Hollywood’s Cecconi’s with two extremely good-looking male friends.

When you’re in town, drop by these Tinseltown hotspots any day of the week — you might spy a celeb!