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@debhoban

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Steven Stolman, designer, author and past president of Scalamandre, has an innate eye for what is elegant and well-designed. Steven is back in the game after 20 years and presented his latest collection in time for the holidays at the Chicago Woman’s Athletic Club. This relaunch was sponsored by the Costume Council of The Chicago History Museum and featured 10 lovely women wearing his designs in distinctly fresh ways.

A graduate of Parsons School of Design, he spent many years on Seventh Avenue before going out on his own with a collection of resortwear sold from his eponymous boutiques in locations such as Southampton and Palm Beach. His unique designs were cut from decorative fabrics traditionally used in interiors but it is his “silk taffeta ball skirt” that became a niche favorite among the fashionable set.

Reimagined, these gorgeous creations (with pockets) can be styled in a plethora of ways including with cashmere sweaters, simple white tees and men’s dress shirts. You decide.

I bought one of Steven’s swishy ball skirts this past summer from a collaboration he did with J McLaughlin. Sashaying about I was instantly transported to another time and place in my decidedly feminine ensemble. When paired with a button down shirt I channeled a modern day Katherine Hepburn.

If you are interested in a statement piece this holiday season that is sure to become a collector’s item visit Stevenstolman.com. (Last photo is by professional photographer Kate Cunningham) #ifeelpretty #taffetasilk #pockets #swish #ballskirts #sequins #chicagohistorymuseum #design #fashion #hesbackbaby #katherinehepburn #thirtiesfashionhistory #color #myway #stevenstolmanisfab taken in Woman's Athletic Club by @debhoban

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a year ago

Love spending time with these people. Sowing the seeds of love. #plantingseason #friendship #autumnrenewal by @debhoban

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4 days ago

“Do you want to go Vintage Shopping?” Let me think, okay be there in five. I would never pass up an opportunity to spend an afternoon with you but it is a good thing we don’t wear the same shoe size … I would have to break up with you over these Ferragamos. Forever in Fun. #vintageshopping #bestever #feathering #foreverwithyou taken in Northfield, Illinois by @debhoban

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15 days ago

Round Two. Set in the soaring lobby of The Peninsula Hotel, we partake in the British rooted tradition of afternoon tea. Champagne, rare tea offerings, a silver tower of sweet and savory delights, all served to the soft notes of a string quartet. It is here that we move past small talk, share emotional support, our personal stories, hopes and fears and genuine joy over individual successes. I am so very grateful for our continuing friendship and I look forward to our next adventure. Very pleased that Cathy’s delightful daughter Sammy could join in on the experience and witness what makes us tick. Until next time. #afternoontea #cheers #girlfriendsforlife taken in The Peninsula Chicago by @debhoban

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18 days ago

It’s that time of year “Friends and Family” where retailers offer deep dividends to get you in store and on line to fill your carts. This past weekend our pal Elizabeth flew in from sunny WPB, braving unpredictable Chicago weather, to participate in our own version of “Friends Who Become Family”, filling not only our carts but our hearts. Shopping Oak Street, lunch at LeColonial followed by dinner at Tres Dita. As an extra bonus we were hosted for cocktails by Cathy’s lovely daughter in law and family in their spectacular home in the sky. From this perch Elizabeth was treated to a “dry view” of our beautiful city. Enough of a morsel to entice her to return for another visit. Now that is a dividend I’m up for. #shoptillyoudrop #chicagolove #friendswhoarefamily #mykindoftown taken in Chicago, Illinois by @debhoban

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19 days ago

Ah, the thrill of the hunt for hidden treasure. There is nothing like unearthing that rare character driven piece that defines your style. Every autumn with coffee in hand we line up early for the annual Lake Forest Antique and Vintage Market where purveyors of the past artfully arrange their collected wares in hopes of a quick return. And believe me you need to be quick at this show. No sooner do you blink than the item is in someone else’s hands. My girlfriend and I had to be quite strategic in our pursuit of nostalgia occasionally running interference for each other! We were highly successful this year foraging through tables of antique jewelry, majolica, folk art, etc ., each scoring treasures that were not initially on our radar. Always a fun afternoon and I especially enjoy the “game day” recap that follows our yearly conquest! #vintagejewelry #antiquemarket #treasurehunter #friendsforever❤️ taken in Lake Forest, Illinois by @debhoban

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20 days ago

There is something about fall that makes us want to refine our wardrobe. Sometimes it’s a matter of adding strategic details to looks you already own. This year some of the season’s most interesting pieces look as if they could have been discovered in Grandma’s attic! Brocade, silk, jacquard and embroidery all lend themselves to a collected, storied look. In a nod to the art deco movement popularized a century ago we are seeing the return of fringe albeit in a new silhouette. And fall’s wild side isn’t going anywhere soon with the return of leopard print (is it ever out of fashion?) and luxurious faux fur. While most of you will wrinkle your nose at this one - I picked up on nude pantyhose. Once dated they are now a substitute as a deliberate polished choice. And my current obsession, antique brooches! Let’s get shopping. My thanks to @queencath810, Twin Orchard CC and Neiman Marcus for a delightful afternoon. #fallfashioninspo #ladiesluncheon #shoptillyoudrop taken in Long Grove, Illinois by @debhoban

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20 days ago

Repeat after me - “Summer is not over.” In a constant state of denial I remain woefully behind in my ability to properly transition from one season to the next. Closets to change out, clothing to recycle, gardens to put down, windows, gutters, carpets … the list is daunting. But at the top of my self induced stressors - an iPhone photo library with number fluctuations that rival both my blood pressure and the current stock market. My pavlovian triggers have resulted in a gratification compulsion beyond my control! I need to take scissors to the dopamine rope that has me ensnared in it’s digital loop. Mindful photography? …. Not sure I’m ready. This may take some serious commitment. So for now a mini detox. 49 pictures down, 92,187 to go. #icantstop #photocompulsion #dopaminedetox by @debhoban

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a month ago

The highlight of our weekend was a dinner party hosted by our dear Diana Rice. Diana is always instrumental in planning and curating our activities. This year she brought our group together with six other fascinating women for a meal in her lovely East Hampton home. The “guest chefs” were none other than her son Mason and his pal Christopher. This recently graduated, industrious duo got together to create an in home catering company that has prospered all summer. The food was divine and the company exquisite. Thank you, Diana for always bringing the magic. #dinnerwithfriends❤️ #magicsummer #behindthehedgerows taken in East Hampton, New York by @debhoban

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a month ago

7 years later and we are still rocking and rolling. Here on Shelter Island, we pay homage to our first meeting in Paris and the bond that ensued. We are a circle, a community, a flow. We come together every year with open hearts, sharing our secrets, our victories and our vulnerabilities. We bask in a friendship that has survived the make or break period in relationships. For better or worse, we are a consort. We began the weekend with a yoga session and astrological reading followed by dinner at the Shelter Island Yacht Club. We were regulars on the island ferry where we shopped vintage, flea markets and all manner of ready to wear in Sag Harbor and Amagansett. We stopped for cocktails at The Hedges in East Hampton, lunch in Westown, dinner at Sunset Beach and Léon on Shelter. We attended the most incredible dinner party in East Hampton (more to come) hosted by our friend Diana Rice. All in all we made the most of our three days and had time to plan our next rendezvous. I adore these women. #circleoffriends #posse #shelterisland #myheart taken in Shelter Island, New York by @debhoban

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a month ago

Round Two. Another unforgettable visit to my beautiful friend Lynn’s Bridgehampton home. I would be content to never leave the well manicured grounds and bask in her generous friendship. It is that perfect. If I wasn’t so sure of my great fortune I would be after a stroll around town. All greeted her with open arms and unabashedly heaped praise on this gracious lady. I am very lucky. #peoplewhocount👌 #asrealasitgets😘❤️❤️ #hamptonssummer taken in The Hamptons by @debhoban

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2 months ago

The summer of 2026 Chicago style has been plagued with some truly dramatic weather. Relentless storm cycles, micro bursts, downed trees and damaging hail. Add to that, hazy Canadian wildfire smoke, sudden pitch black darkened skies, wild temperature swings and swampy humidity. Due to travel and some personal mishaps I did not seed the garden of my dreams but I implemented a strong container garden scene earlier in the summer. Now that we are entering the dog days of summer I may just call it a day! #chicagogarden #summertimemadness #overandout taken in Arlington Heights, Illinois by @debhoban

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2 months ago