Dixie W. Albanese {Founder and Editor in Chief of BeUWeddings.com, Founder of BeUBrides and SquashU}

If you were an animal what would you be and why?
I would be a Dog because they are loving and friendly. {oh and it would be awesome to just lay around and sleep all day haha!}

Who is your favorite Music Artist?
Music is so inspirational to me. I don’t have a favorite. I have lifers which will continue to stay an inspiration in my life because of the experiences I have had, so far, while listening to them: Dave Matthews Band, the Beatles, the Doors and Bob Marley (because of Kevin), Coldplay and Jack Johnson. I currently listen to Pandora non-stop (Data usage is through the roof!) One of my newest favorite stations on Pandora and singer/songwriter band is Wild Belle. (Introduced to me by Rachy Rach)

Who are your style icons?
I love the natural beauty of 70?s style icon, Peggy Lipton, her feminine but tomboyish style – what’s not to love. She reminds me of my current obsession which is the singer from Wild Belle and Free People.

What is your favorite quote?
This is a hard one. I live by quotes so I don’t necessarily have a favorite. I have quotes that inspire me and quotes that help me to live in the moment. Some that I tell myself daily are: “Worrying solves Nothing.” “Good things come to those who wait.” “It is impossible to be perfect so don’t live to be.” “Live in the Moment.” “Always Be U.”

Who inspires you?
Inspirational People in my Life: Kevin and my Grandma Tybee and also my baby Tybee AND my dog family! I have Two Dogs. Charlee (Charlotte from Charlottes Web) She’s a 6lb. yorkie – my best friend, my confidant and my angel (but also sneakily devious-which makes her very funny too). Beacon is a Doberman, a goof ball, my guardian, my buddy – he loves life and shows me the way.

Favorite Color?
Green/Aqua and White. (All colors- I am obsessed with color and light).

Cassie Thibodeau {Managing Editor}

What movie do you wish you could live in?
The Wizard of Oz, my childhood favorite sans flying monkeys, or Sex in the City, the wardrobes, the bond of friendship, did I mention the clothes and shoes?!?! Or Harry Potter because who wouldn’t want to go to a magical school…this is a toughy!

Favorite Color?
This varies, in my home I love gray’s offset by a pop of yellow, in clothes I’m drawn to bright bold colors, and color that just makes me happy, purple.

Favorite Random Shop? P.O.S.H.  there is always a treasure to walk away with

What do you do in your free time?
I love hunting down misplaced treasures aka, antiquing. You can find me with my nose buried in a book, currently rereading The Great Gatsby for the
upcoming movie release. And I enjoy spending time playing with my dog, trying to find a toy he can’t destroy!

If you were an animal what would you be and why?
A horse, they’re strong, loyal and beautiful!

Merylin Moore (Merry Mer)
{Creative Director & Partnership Coordinator }

What movie do you wish you could live in?
Almost Famous.

What is your favorite Time of Day? Why?
Afternoons, when the sun is it’s brightest. It’s the Leo in me {we are ruled by the Sun!}

Do you have Pets? Describe.
My little gray cat, Paix Jude. Paix {pay} means “Peace” in French and Jude is inspired from The Beatles {Hey Jude, Paix Jude}. #crazycatlady.

What are your top 3 favorite Chicago shops and why?
Easy Rider {because it’s my best friend and I’s bohemian vintage boutique in Pilsen}, Pilsen Vintage & Thrift {quite thehidden gem!}, and Tilly Boutique. All of the above have unique one-of-a-kind pieces!

Who are your style icons? 
Marie Antoinette meets Gypsy Warrior,  Jimi Hendrix, Wildfox Couture, and Free People!

What is your favorite quote?
“Worrying Solves Nothing” –Stefan Sagmeister. I live by it.

Amleia Foster
{Weddings Editor & Copy Editor}

Who are your style icons?
Kate Middleton since she always gets it right. (I even have the Kate’s Style List app for my iPhone for all of her fashion updates.) Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Audrey Hepburn also had a timeless, classic style that still looks chic today. Coco Chanel was also way ahead of her time.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself enjoying my life with my family and friends in Chicago, and thriving as a successful massage therapist and writer. Ideally, I’ll have more time to travel as well. I miss the beach!

What is your favorite quote?
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” –Coco Chanel

What are your top 3 favorite Chicago shops and why?
I adore the J.Crew boutique at Old Orchard for their personalized service. They can always put together a spectacular outfit for any event in no time! A girl can never have enough stripes, cardis and ballet flats! I love Cleise Brazilian Day Spa in River North for exceptional quality skincare products. Macy’s on State St. is also a favorite since I fondly remember visiting the beautiful Christmas tree in the Walnut Room as a child back when it was Marshall Fields, and more recently study lunches and a little shopping with my classmates from Cortiva.

What movie do you wish you could live in?
I would love to live in The Great Gatsby. The fashion is absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to see it in May.

Beatris Striltschuk
{Style & Color Editor}

What is your favorite quote?
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is your favorite Time of Day? Why?
Definitely morning. It’s when I have the most energy and feel my best. Coffee and a morning run or yoga is usually on the agenda.

What do you do in your free time?
Snuggle with my son, Luca.

What is your favorite beverage?
Three way tie between homemade juice, a skim latte and a glass of sauvignon blanc.

What are your top 3 favorite Chicago shops and why?
Stitch for gifts and handbags, Sprout for all things organic baby, and Lululemon for workout clothes.

Who are your style icons?
Diane Kruger, Nicole Ritchie and Miranda Kerr

Jenn Lake
{ Public Relations }

Favorite Color?
Lilac (soft, feminine and elegant) and Cobalt Blue (bold, brilliant and memorable)

What is your favorite quote?
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” Audrey Hepburn

 What movie do you wish you could live in?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s