“My parents said I would bring about peace and change through music,” says 38-year-old Chicago native Josephine Lee, who took her first piano, violin, and voice lessons at age three. At 22, fresh out of Northwestern’s graduate school, Lee began to fulfill that prophecy, starting her celebrated career with the Chicago Children’s Choir. She immediately improved the performance level of the Chicago Public Schools students she trained, and within a year she was named the choir’s youngest-ever artistic director. And she’s almost certainly its most stylish. The Lincoln Park condo she shares with her husband, Kevin McConkey (CEO of a marketing company), and their two children is a chic, minimalist oasis where she can fully unwind. Here are some of her favorite things.
Two Penny Blue Blazer
($330, 3738 N. Southport Ave.)
“Gives me a clean, sharp profile.”
Vintage Rolex Watch
“A family heirloom.”
Azeeza Scarf
($795, azeezaonline.com)
“I can go highbrow or lowbrow with it.”
Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Dahlia
($50, 66 E. Oak St.)
“I just throw this on and feel glamorous.”
Ingo Maurer Chandelier
($1,980, ylighting.com)
“Our home is up on the 42nd floor, and this represents the birds outside the windows.”
Jonathan Adler Vase
($98, 676 N. Wabash Ave.)
“I love all the boobies.”
Isabel Marant Boots
($810, barneys.com)
“These keep my feet warm during Chiberian winters.”
Kawai Grand Piano
“I like the richness and depth of the tone.”
Binauric Speaker and Recorder
($249, binauric.com)
“It can record and play music, and the 3D aspect is brilliant.”