Trip Guide: Chicago!

It's been a hot minute since I was in Chicago, but I needed my time to grieve (Norman, I love you)! Chicago is one of my top cities to visit in the world and I'm so tempted to pack up my things and move there tomorrow...but I still have to conquer Denver first. I put together a little list of some of my travel tips for the Windy City and I hope you use them to have a great trip!

Trip Guide: Chicago, IL

Public Transportation is Your BFF

Chicago has public transport down to a science (take a hint DENVER) and honestly there is no easier way to travel around the city. You can get an all-day train pass for $10 and take any of the colorfully-named lines to all different neighborhoods. You can even take the train straight from O'Hare airport which saves you taxi money to your hotel. If you know you'll be trying to hit a number of different spots around the city I'd really suggest getting an all-day pass so you don't have to keep buying a ticket each time!

Cheesie's is God Sent

Grilled cheese is my favorite meal to order when I'm out because no matter how many times I make it at home, I never make it as good as someone else. Cheesie's is the place to go for not only amazing cheap drinks (my aesthetic), but an entire menu of kooky and delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. When we went I ordered the Balboa (yes only I would order a Philly-style sandwich in Chicago) which was the grilled cheese of the month with tons of cheese, steak, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and chipotle mayo! SO FREAKING DELICIOUS I DIE! Check out their website and drool over the menu with me.

Balboa Grilled Cheese (with a bite missing) from Cheesie's

Navy Pier Allows Public Intoxication

There's nothing I love more than walking around with margaritas (nothing), and at Navy Pier it's allowed. Grab a drink from Margaritaville and enjoy the rides, the people, and the gorgeous views of the city skyline. It's a Chicago staple and there are so many things to do you won't be bored. Just make sure to wear walking shoes!

Sugar Factory is Touristy but Fun

I was never able to go in Vegas, but as soon as I saw there was a Sugar Factory in Chicago I dragged my BFF there for a signature drink. Let it be known that this place is so full of itself -- literally on every television they are self-promoting themselves to a tee. But, the food and drinks are amazing and worth all the hype. Never have I seen a drink smoke but I was so into it. Everything is candy themed and you can get drunk while sipping on a LOLLIPOP COCKTAIL. Nothing better.

A smoking Lollipop Cocktail from Sugar Factory

That's all my advice for now, but I'm sure I'll be back there soon and then I'll have even more tips pour vous! Let me know in the comments below if you have any favorite places in Chicago!




Until next time my loves x.

Fall 2015 Must Haves

Like practically every girl on the planet, I am in love with autumn.  The leaves changing, the smell of cinnamon, pumpkin spice everything...I live for it. There's also something about fall fashion that makes me happy. Cashmere sweaters, plaid scarves, forest green satchels -- it doesn't get much better. Plus the color palette of dark jewel tones mixed with neutrals is gorgeous and compliments everyone's skin tone.  Sometimes this radical change in clothing can be overwhelming but don't you fret! I created a little guide for you all on what I believe to be the must-haves of the season, so feel free to take a look and shop till you drop!

Fall 2015 Must Haves

1) Moto Jacket -- I'm a huge fan of biker jackets and how they make any outfit that much cooler. This green suede jacket is not only made of one of my favorite cooler temperature materials, but the emerald green will give every look a pop of color.  Try it with ripped skinny jeans and heeled booties for a classy yet badass approach.

2) Signature Purse -- You can rock a Kate Spade no matter what the season but especially come fall. She has the quirky bags that will make your night out with the girls a blast (comme ça), but she also has amazing basic bags in a variety of colors that are perfect for your signature fall purse. This one in burgundy is gorgeous and would look amazing with any outfit.

3) Comfy Sweater -- Nothing better than that time of year wear comfy clothes make a come-back. I practically live in sweaters during the cooler month, and my closet is full of a variety of colors and patterns. I like this Zara sweater (BUMMER that it's sold out!) because for whatever reason (maybe my constant watching of Breakfast at Tiffany's) I've been in love with orange. It reminds me of pumpkins but in a cute, cozy way.

4) Booties -- If you don't own a pair of booties please stop reading immediately and go buy a pair. All I wear in the fall is booties. I do love some tall riding boots, but booties are just so simple and classy and, if you find the right kind, super comfortable. I like these because a nude color will match anything and is versatile. But if you're daring like moi then totally buy a pair of leopard booties...okay now I have to buy a pair of leopard booties.

5) Plaid Skirt -- Think school-girl chic. A plaid skirt with basic tights would be a staple in Blair Waldorf's wardrobe, so why shouldn't it be in yours? A skirt and tights in general is a fall staple for me, but the plaid pattern adds just the right amount of prep. Plus this one is under $20 so don't be stingy.

6) Plain Scarf -- I know by now you probably have a vast collection of scarves (still lusting over an Alexander McQueen but don't mind me), but do you have some in basic colors? While I love to add a pop to any outfit, sometimes a simple scarf in black or white is all I need to pull an outfit together. These are the kind of scarves you wouldn't mind losing at a football game or farmer's market because they are easy to replace.



What are your fall must-haves? Any piece of clothing you can't live without? Let me know in the comments below!


Until next time my loves x.

August Favorites!

Summer is officially over! It's bizarre that for the first time in my life, I don't have to go back to school (I'll work on that MBA after a nice break). Class-free aside, there is still a TON I have to do this Fall! Moving, working...and oh yeah PARIS. That being said, August was one of the best months I had in a long time (love you forever, Norman) and I'm excited to share my favorites with you!

August Favorites

Music Favorites

Downtown by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Eric Nally -- It's safe to say I've watched this music video 400 times. Macklemore never ceases to be absolutely hilarious, and Eric Nally reminds me of what I imagine Harry Styles to be in 10 years (love you, boo). The chorus is catchy as Hell and trust me, you'll be singing it to yourself without even realizing it. Watch the amazing video here.

Can't Feel My Face by The Weeknd -- Every time this song comes on the radio I start jamming. He sounds like Michael Jackson via Dirty Diana and it makes my heart happy. I don't understand how someone could hear this song and not want to immediately buy it on iTunes. Take a listen here.

Shopping Favorites

Macbook Pro -- I am officially a Macontish babe! My lovely PC bit the dust this month, but that is fine with me because I finally got the laptop of my dreams! Never has it been so much easier for me to do things, and look pretty damn cool while I do it. I can't believe how light this computer is and it's not even an Air. The smaller screen and different operating system took some getting used to but I guarantee I will never go back to PC again. Plus can you say accessory shopping?!

Book Favorites

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll -- Holy SHIT (pardon mon français) this book was intense! I was hooked from the minute I started it and finished it in 3 days. The story is about Ani FaNelli and the point of view changes from 28 year-old her and 14 year-old her. There is all this talk about a big "event" that happened in her past but you never suspect what actually happens and it's SO FREAKING GOOD! I recommend this to everyone I know and would suggest you download this to your Nook or Kindle ASAP.

Food Favorites

Truffle Oil -- If I'm at a restaurant and something has truffle oil there's a 90% chance I will order that item because I'm addicted. Truffle fries, truffle pizza, truffle grilled cheese...literally you can put truffles on anything and I will devour it in minutes. Now I want truffle fries and margaritas...

Alouete Cheese Spread -- I'm not the biggest fan of cheese (unless it is melty and gooey then gimme) but I picked this up at the store the other day and let me tell you, put this on a baguette and you are set for life. It's like if cream cheese and Babybel had a child and it's so yummy. I bought the Everything Bagel one and may have eaten the whole thing in one sitting (oops)?





What were your August favorites? Any beauty recommendations since for the first time ever I had none? Let me know in the comments below!




Until next time my loves x.