Deciding what to wear to work or a night out has never been more comfortable. Wedge sneakers that add a little height and a lot of flair are a popular way to replace those uncomfortable heels that we torture ourselves with in the name of fashion. In particular, white high top sneakers are a juxtaposition to that sexy high end dress that you would normally pair with stilettos. Drawing your eyes to it’s clean white shell and sculpted just above the ankle, this is a hip and trendy fashion statement that you wouldn’t be able to make with your stiletto heels.Fancy that!
Try the White Crocodile Pattern Casual Shoes onChoies.comwhich has additional zippers and chrome accents. A more casual option is Isabel Marant which can be purchased on Net-A-Porter.
Crosses, especially with accessories have always been a hot trend. Remember Madonna in the 80’s? However, crosses have emerged as a mainstream trademark and not a religious statement anymore. They are the new repetitive pattern on any clothing whether it be pants, shorts or even a large print on a fancy blouse you can wear to work. It is transforming into a necessary detail in statement pieces. Students, working professionals and night crawlers all bare this mark as if unaware of it’s religious significance. This white blouse with two huge studded crosses is already sold out online at Fashion Coolture Shop. However, the t-shirt with the big cross print sells at Coosy.es, which also provides international shipping. Crossing over has never been this subtle or worked for so many styles.
With daisy dukes making a comeback, shorts are getter shorter and pockets are often seen dangling underneath the shorts. This look is popular with teens particularly at summer music festivals where the heat is too much to bare. Or is it? With different variations of jean shorts becoming a huge summer trend (e.g. boyfriend jeans, damaged, torn and of course tight short shorts), this is the new take on summer jean shorts.
To achieve this look, you can roll up your shorts even shorter or tear them to purposely reveal your pockets. Often, the exposed pockets are bedazzled incase you needed further proof on whether this look was intentional. So there you have it, this is a fresh take on an old look! I smell an arts and crafts project. Sources: http://lookbook.nu/look/2341147-Better-Days http://lookbook.nu/look/3930302-Black-Crochet http://lookbook.nu/look/3924788-Plaid-Shirt http://lookbook.nu/look/2616993-Red-knit
All in all, Chicago was very similar to New York but smaller. Here are my top places to go. Colours below represent locations close in proximity.
Shopping
Magnificent Mile (although touristy) is worth checking out. My favourite store was obviously Top Shop (which is a stand alone store just like New York, 830 Michigan Ave.)!
Wicker Park reminds me of the east village or the brooklyn of New York. A little more vintage and hipster there's cute shops and patio restaurants. I would just walk down N. Milwaukee Ave or if you have extra time Damen and Diversey (which we didn't get a chance to do).
Food
We didn't get a chance to do this but it's worth finding a place with traditional deep dish pizza! There's a few restaurants close to top shop.
Grand Electric is copied after a restaurant called big star (mexican food) in wicker park. Great patio and very yellow - can't miss it. There's a great brunch place called the Bongo Room - beware to make reservations or go early there's usually a line.
Nightlife
On your first night you should walk along Hubbard St. (also known as River North, C on the map below) for late dinner or bars (I would consider this their entertainment district) for young working professionals. Check our Paris for amazing food (there's also a club upstairs) or Hub 51 is you want to spend more and maybe do some celeb spotting (you never know)!
I would check out an after hours bar called Violet Hour in Wicker Park. Great decor and interesting drink choices.
Check out Drumbar Rooftop and flirt with the bouncer to get up. Apparently, there was supposed to be a party with Florence and the machine djing at lollapalooza but they didn't get their dj license in time?? The crowd reminds me of a little of the Thompson in Toronto.
For some 80's & 90's dancing I would check out The Hangge Uppe, go early to avoid the line but it moves pretty quick. Go on a Saturday remember there's 2-3 rooms with different music!
Attractions/Photo Ops Close to N. Michigan Ave there's a mirror thing called cloud gate and close to that there's a fountain and a moving image of a person on it (kids swim here during the day and it glows at night) really cool to check out.
