They’ve got the immeasurable magnetism, the spectacular senses of humor and the never-aging faces and bods that scream for small-screen time. But hair-pulling and social climbing are not on the agenda. No, these ladies are all about sass and class—and they’ve let us inside their drop-dead homes to prove it.

Juggling kids, hubbies, major philanthropies and, yes, full-time jobs, our ladies who lunch (and a bunch more) are opening up about their dapper dwellings and enviable lifestyles. From Whitney Lasky’s Cinderella story to Lynn McMahan’s rock-’n’-roll bedroom, these ladies are living large. And to that we say: Bravo!

AGE: “As old as my hair and as old as my teeth… which in my case makes me very young!” HOMETOWN: Chicago. MARITAL STATUS: “Today I would say pretty good. I have only thought about severing the brakes on my husband’s Mercedes two times. Of course it’s only about noon.” CHILDREN: Two boys, Blake Reis and William Brett. PROFESSION: “I wear many different hats in terms of my philanthropic endeavors. A lady did ask me yesterday morning at Bravco if I was a ‘professional.’ I told her, ‘If I were would I be awake right now?’ Guess I had too many apothecarian products in my basket.”

Where do you live and why does it appeal to you?
We live in the Gold Coast. Living here was a dream for me and my husband, Jerry. History is to be found in every graystone, brownstone and alley.

Describe your design aesthetic.
I love the 1940s Hollywood style and the décor of Dorothy Draper with a bit of Paris and Indochina. My sensibility for treasures has taken me to many an antique market, flea market and garage sale worldwide. Plus I love eBay! And there’s no way I could have made my house a home without the help of interior designer Blaine Johnson. She’s had to give me the “no more sparkles” lecture many times.

What was the inspiration for your home?
When I walked in and saw this tremendous skylight I thought of Cinderella and knew I had to live here. Blaine and I designed the central chandelier based on the hoop I envisioned would be under Cinderella’s ball gown. David Iatesta executed the design, and it’s perfect.

Why is your home important to you?
This is my stage! One of the very cool things I learned when I converted to Judaism is that as a woman, your home is your temple. You have a great deal of power in your temple.

If you were on a reality show which one would it be?
Desperate Housewives of Chicago if there was such a show!

What is your greatest extravagance?
I love great handbags and shoes. If you ask my husband he’ll tell you I am willing to spend money on everything and everyone (oops, thinking about tire-slashing now).

Favorite charitable causes?
Joffrey Ballet—Clara’s Nutcracker Tea Party was conceived by me with my friend Shawna Owen; The Chicago Academy for the Arts—I am cochairing A Taste for the Arts at the Merchandise Mart next February; Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation; Fashion School of The Art Institute of Chicago; Costume Council of the Chicago Historical Society; the Apparel Industry Board Foundation; High Jump; The Cinderella Project in Los Angeles and Chicago; YMCA and Jewish United Fund.

What would you most like to be remembered for?
Giving back, being true to what I believe in and the occasional ball gown.

Hair by Renee Feldman for Studio 110. Makeup by Earl Nicols. Dress by Sam Kori George.

AGE: 39. HOMETOWN: Cole Camp, Missouri. MARITAL STATUS: “I’ve been married for 14 years to my best friend, Mike McGrath.” CHILDREN: “None of my own, but my husband has three boys from a previous marriage.” PETS: Two schnoodles (schnauzerpoodle mix). PROFESSION: Director of customer relations at McGrath Imports.

Describe your design aesthetic.
Paul Tanis decorated both our Chicago homes. When we purchased our unit in the Palmolive Building, we realized the importance of staying true to the Art Deco feel, but we also wanted it to reflect our taste, which tends to be a little more traditional.

What is your most treasured possession?
My first answer would be my husband and my two schnoodles. But I also have been very fortunate to travel the world with our business, and we buy a keepsake on every trip—from a hand-painted box from Russia to paintings and artifacts from Africa, Asia and Europe.

Any home horror stories?
We put our last house on the market, and much to our surprise, the first person who walked through purchased it, leaving us homeless for 10 months. It’s difficult to find a temporary unit in the city that allows dogs and is aesthetically and geographically desirable. If we ever move again, I’ll make sure our new place is ready to move into before I put ours on the market.

What’s your favorite part of your home?
Our 2,000 square feet of outdoor space. It’s spectacular to live on the 22nd floor and have the ability to grill outdoors, practice on our putting green or roast marshmallows in our fire pit.

If you were on a reality show, which one would it be?
The Amazing Race! I would hope all my travels would give me an advantage.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Fresh flowers (orchids are my favorite) and great sheets from Neiman Marcus!

Favorite charitable causes?
I’m involved in the United Service Organizations, the American Cancer Society, Joffrey Ballet, PAWS and Brookfield Zoo. I’m excited to be chairing the USO Star-Spangled Salute Gala with my twin sister this fall.

Hair and makeup by Sara Saltanovitz/Artistsbytimothypriano.com. Dress by Ralph Lauren. Shoes by Blumarine.

AGE: 37. HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, New York. MARITAL STATUS: “Married to Bolaji, with whom I opened our first store 12 years ago.” CHILDREN: Daughter, Liberty, and son, King. PETS: “My daughter keeps begging for a Great Dane, but it will be a cold day in hell.” PROFESSION: Luxury retailer, owner of Trevian boutique at 1405 North Wells Street.

Where do you live and why does it appeal to you?
The Gold Coast. I walk, bike or taxi. Everything is within reach in a short time. I could never give up so much of my life to the freeway.

Describe your design aesthetic.
Each room you walk into makes you feel as if you went somewhere else. The carved swing from Rajasthan, a chandelier from Dubai and lots of Cappellini and B&B Italia are fused to create ancient and modern settings.

What is your most treasured possession and why?
My grandmother’s photo. It keeps her here with me, protecting me in spirit.

Why is your home important to you?
It is the only place where I’m not on life’s stage. Nobody is judging me. I’m able to build up what’s necessary to cope with the come-what-mays of the world.

Do you consider yourself a homebody?
I’m never home enough to have ever even asked myself that question.

Any home horror stories?
The day the swimming pool directly above flooded into my condo. Panic!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Dubai. It’s more modern than New York and it’s clean with no traffic or crime.

If you were on a reality show, which one would it be?
None of them. My life is a reality show.

What is your most marked characteristic or personality trait?
I don’t sugarcoat anything!

What is your greatest extravagance? And what are you unwilling to spend money on?
My Bang & Olufsen stereo was an extravagance, and I’ve never spent a dime on children’s furniture; it lasts all of 18 months.

Any regrets?
Yes, and I am making a public apology to Deb, Dennis, Donna and Jake. Please forgive me.

Makeup by Reggie Wells. On Trevian: Dress by Yohji Yamamoto. Shoes by Diego Dolcini. On Liberty: Dress by Angels by Roberto Cavalli. Hair accessories by Screaming Beauty. On King: Shirt and shorts by Puma.

AGE: 31. HOMETOWN: Highland Park. MARITAL STATUS: Married to David Lampert. CHILDREN: My husband and I welcomed our son, Theodore Michael, in June 2008. Prior to having my son, I became a stepmom and have had the opportunity to see firsthand how much joy children bring to their parents’ lives.” PETS: Three dogs: Bella, Katie and Lucy. PROFESSION: “I used to trade options for myself, but I am now in the process of starting a new business, an accessory line for people as well as their homes.”

Where do you live and why does it appeal to you?
I currently live in Northbrook in a two-story custom Colonial.

What are your favorite home designers and shops?
My favorite designers are Ralph Lauren, Versace, Pratesi and Clive Christian. My two favorite places to buy home accessories are Neiman Marcus and Chiaroscuro.

What was the inspiration for your home?
My good friends Michele and Phil Farley taught me how to create an elegant and comfortable environment for living and entertaining. Debbie Jarol recently gave me a tour of her exquisite home and showed me how to incorporate the finest of everything into your everyday lifestyle. My nana and mom both have mastered the art of setting a beautiful table, and I always try to make my dining room table and buffet look as lovely as theirs.

Any home horror stories?
I used to live downtown in a lovely condo building with a not-so-lovely neighbor, who filed a few complaints against my dog. When I received the third complaint I asked for the dates of the so-called “barking disturbances,” and it turns out that my puppy and I were at my house in Lake Geneva when my neighbor was supposedly being bothered.

What would you most like to change about your home?
I would love to do a white Clive Christian kitchen with Waterford chandeliers.

If you were on a reality show, which one would it be?
I would like to be part of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and work with the design team to create a dream home for an appreciative family.

Favorite charitable causes?
I am involved with the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation—I’ve cochaired the 2008 Play for the Cure Golf Outing , I chaired the auction for the 2009 Be My Valentine Family Event and will chair the purse auction at the 2009 fall benefit luncheon this October; After School Matters; United Service Organizations; High Jump; Lookingglass Theatre Company; Shalva and the Myra Rubenstein Weis Health Resource Center.

What is your greatest extravagance?
I have been collecting cowboy boots for 10 years. I also love purses, but I don’t use them as much since I had Teddy: It’s more about the diaper bags!

Makeup by Ruthie Greensphan. On Julie: Dress by Escada. On Theodore: Vest, shirt and pants by Nautica. Bow tie by Vineyard Vines. On Bella: Dress by Little Lily.

AGE: “Age is a state of mind. At this moment I feel about 32—tomorrow could be a different story completely.” HOMETOWN: St. Charles. MARITAL STATUS: Married to Dr. John McMahan of Northwestern Nasal & Sinus Center. CHILDREN: “We have a combined family of my children, Paul and Nicole, and my stepchildren, Trevor and Ryan.” PETS: “My daughter Nicole’s dog, Ella, whom I doggie-sit often.” PROFESSION: “I own a green-real-estatedevelopment company.”

Where do you live and why does it appeal to you?
I have lived or worked in the Gold Coast most of my adult life. There is something so comfortable and familiar about it even though it changes with each year. This neighborhood has a strong sense of community. I love participating in the Dearborn Garden Walk every year.

What is your favorite room in your house and why?
I love the family room/dining area for its large French doors that look out to the garden. The gardens are a big reason we bought this home, and we spend a substantial amount of time enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Another favorite room is the rock-’n’-roll bedroom. I framed the original albums from my teenage years—the Stones’ Sticky Fingers album, Bowie, Led Zeppelin and many more. They bring back fond memories.

Most treasured possession?
I have a very creative family, and they have given me the most wonderful gifts. My daughter, Nicole, is a very talented photographer who compiled a photo album for me and wrote special notes in her own calligraphy. My stepson Trevor and his wife, Amelia— who are film directors—wrote and illustrated a book for me. And my husband, John, writes the most romantic notes and poems, which I save in a beautifully bound book.

What was the inspiration for your home?
A Parisian home we visited while on a trip to France. We have the updated version of that look but kept many of the classic elements. Our favorite sofa is modeled after Coco Chanel’s. It’s very cushy and everyone wants to sit there during a party.

What would you most like to change about your home?
I wish there was room for a separate workout area. I guess it’s called the East Bank Club.

If you were on a reality show, which one would it be?
The Amazing Race or The Apprentice.

Favorite charitable causes?
The Service Club of Chicago, the Gene Siskel Film Center, the Chicago Academy for the Arts, and the English-Speaking Union.

What is your greatest achievement?
I got married and had children when I was very young, and then I was divorced. Being a single mom and career woman living on a shoestring budget wasn’t easy, but it builds character and strength.

Hair and makeup by Ashley Bourdon/Artistsbytimothypriano.com. Bustier by Original Cult. Leggings by See You Monday. Shoes by Dolce & Gabbana.

BY Kate Templin
PHOTOGRAPHS BY Katrina Wittkamp