Shift Dress with BLACK & WHITE TWEED-SUEDE cardigan

Bon soir everyone! 

My last day in Chicago was cool and cloudy so I tacked on some black stockings, which actually did make a world of a difference in keeping me warm!

Here is a lovely little garden area we came across on the intersection of 

S. Michigan Ave and E. Jackson Dr.

The sunlight flitting through the trees made it quite a peachy spot for people to sit down and eat a nice, outdoor lunch.

There was also a fountain nearby, which in my opinion didn't blow me away with it's amazing sculptures and whatnot 

but nonetheless, the sound of running water is always a nice addition to any scenery.

I was actually awakened by my hunger this morning so you can imagine how famished I was after walking around for an hour, trying to pick the perfect place to eat my last brunch in Chicago.

When I woke up, I had already had a brunch place in mind that was pretty close to the location of my hotel...but after walking up and down the same block for ten minutes, I discovered on my iphone that the restaurant had relocated to a different part of the city!!

Now, I think we can all agree that after we pass a certain point of hunger, we end up with a horrendously poor judgment of taste

and so I wanted to make sure this wouldn't be the case for me!!!

Luckily, I ended up having THE most clean, hearty, fresh and savory breakfast of

Apple and Blueberry Dutch Pancake

and a bowl of 

Red Quinoa Porridge with Dried Strawberry Coconut Almond Crunch which, might I add, was displayed on a beautiful, thin, stone slab with some fresh cinnamon.

I actually didn't think too much of this fountain while walking to the Shedd Aquarium...

until it spouted like a geyser!!

The line for the aquarium was quite long

but my travel buddy and had I a solid hour for chit-chat~

And seeing this amazingly talented, blind sea lion and teeny jellies was worth it~

By the time we came out of the aquarium, we were starving and decided to take the water taxi back into the heart of Chicago for a dinner of Chicago's best deep dish pizza!!!!

The atmosphere of Pizano's was super local and cozy, which I think made me enjoy my pizza that much more and although I forgot the name of this side cup of pickled vegetables, they added such a kick to the meal!!

I just poured a little bit of the spiced jalapeno/pepper/carrot medley onto each bite....

I don't think I'm going to dip my pizza in ranch or BBQ sauce anymore. Pickled veggies all the way!!

Thank you for reading and I hope you have a lovely Wednesday!!

Outfit:

Dress: Rhyme and Echo

Cardigan: Maje

Bag: Chloe (Purchase Similar Here)

Shoes: French Sole (Purchase Here)

Accessories: Miriam Merenfeld

Two-tone BLUE SEQUINS w/ Black & White TROUSERS

Bon aprés-midi everyone!

I hope you had a lovely weekend!

Here is one of many small clips of my next-to-last day in Chicago~ I'm in front of the bean here, trying to look as warm as possible.

Chicago really is the windy city. 

On this particular day, it wasn't the temperature that made it cold, but the blustering wind.

I had planned to wear a breezy pair of silk shorts but after sticking my arm out the window, I opted for a pair of trousers and a heavy, metallic, cropped top. 

This top is truly one of the loveliest additions to my "weighty" collection. 

There's something about heavy clothing that intrigues me. 

The hundreds of metallic sequins made me feel like I had strapped on a metal plate of armor; it made the top feel very regal and meticulously made. 

Not too far from the bean are a variety of ceramic pig sculptures made by artist Jun Kaneko.

I must admit, these pigs looked a bit sinister and tranced 

but once I saw those pouty bellies and gaped smiles, they became rather cute.

I decided to make this taking-pictures-next-to-pigs experience a bit more colorful and awkward before going to brunch.

Here is my appetizer: a chunky monkey frappucchino made of fresh bananas, coconut milk, coconut flakes and a bit o'chocolate!

Yes, this made it very difficult to save room for my actual meal...

Regardless, I was able to eat every last bite of my multi-grain fig walnut pancakes!

After brunch, I was off to the Art Institute of Chicago when I happened upon this tropical bus station!

Waiting under a tiki hut for the bus? Yeah I would!!!

This exhibit runs through September so I highly recommend those who find themselves in Chicago to go see it! It was worth every penny and has changed the way I perceive fashion in so many ways! 

I have certainly developed a new-found appreciation for the history and underlying meanings of each designer and individuals' fashion. 

I will cover much of what I've learned from this exhibit in a series of different future posts with commentary from a dear friend who studies Art History here at the University of Michigan and graciously gave me brief summaries of each Historical Period in Art whilst accompanying me on this exhibit!

After the museum was a small snack at a restaurant that has received showers of praise for their pork dishes, and with reason!

I ordered a fried egg, pork belly sandwich with some calamari on the side and it just took me away!

Their rendition of calamari was phenomenal! I always thought I was a fried-calamari kind of person but oh no, no, not anymore. 

This fresh Calamari with Fregula, Radishes, Cucumbers & Pistachios all tossed in a tangy lime vinaigrette has brought me out of the dark-fried side.

Need I say more...

After my very first Purple Pig experience 

and before the day began coming to an end, I headed down to Navy Pier for some dessert and a show.

A vanilla filled churro and some cirque Shanghai was the perfect way to wrap the night up.

I apologize for the lack of pictures. There was no photography allowed during the show~

But I did manage to take a picture of the Navy Pier following the show.

It was so bustly and enchanting, with the light from the lanterns, ferris wheel and what not.

I think it's safe to say that there is nothing more satisfying than walking around a lively city all day then laying your tired, aching legs down on a fluffy bed of fresh sheets.

Posting my last day in Chicago tomorrow!! 

Hope everyone has had a busy, productive, pooped-you-out Monday!

Thank you for reading!!

Outfit:

Top: AllSaints

Bottom: Zara (Purchase Bottom Here)

Bag: Chloe (Purchase Similar Here)

Shoes: French Sole (Purchase Shoes Here)

Accessories: Pandora bracelet

Chicago in STELLA MCCARTNEY

Bon matin from Chicago everyone!

Yesterday was a rather busy day, and rainy might I add, so I apologize for the lack of outfit pictures.

I wore a grey Stella McCartney dress, cinched it in with a gold belt and paired it with my embellished camera bag and gold chain sandals.

I also slipped on my trusty Pandora bracelet, which many of my closest friends have contributed charms to. I suppose it's my small way of having them with me during my travels.

Although it was a little chilly. this simple yet beautiful cashmere dress pulled through.

The ruffles gave it some sass and shape while the cashmere kept my skin happy.

Cashmere is truly an investment piece: it keeps you warm during the cool of the day but also let's you breathe during the peak of a hot day.

My buddy and I ended up waltzing into a lovely sushi restaurant called "Friends Sushi." 

It was quite cozy and the sushi was fresh, delicious and far from overpriced.

Here are the two roll we ordered! 

The roll that's in focus was insanely spicy, which I should've seen coming given it's name, 

"Can you handle it?" 

In the center was salmon, chili oil, avocado, jalapenos, cilantro and spicy sauce, topped off with unagi, eel sauce, mango, red pepper flakes, and sriracha.

These cute eggroll-looking snackers are actually called Unagi Egg Rolls and filled with fried fresh water eel, avocado, carrot, cream cheese and served with a creamy mayo sauce.

They were pretty darn delicious!

Here are the contents of second roll, just because reading the description of food is cruel and tempting. Devil Tuna Roll: Spicy tuna, avocado, scallions, cream cheese, chili oil wrapped with   soy paper and topped with seared super white tuna, cilantro, hot sauce, ponzu sauce.

The white tuna had a texture that just melted in your mouth. Goodness, goodness!

Now that I'm salivating over here,

here is the Ghirardelli that I popped into maybe 2 hours after eating sushi.

I had intended to get dessert there until the woman greeting us at the door handed us a single sample of this Milk Chocolate with Double Fudge filling. 

How can you expect someone to buy dessert when you just handed them the perfect portion of dessert?!

Also, after looking at the menu, everything looked like heart attacks in a sundae bowl

except for this deliciously described Lemon Sorbet Sundae.

If I'm weak, I may go back for that tonight...

Right across the street from Ghirardelli was the Hershey store, which apparently has delicious chocolate cupcakes. 

I tried to snap a picture but it was too crowded in front of the cupcake window and I didn't have the heart to shout at the children in a "Get off my lawn!" tone.

The booths were quite interesting, though.

If only chocolates gave the same health benefits as broccoli....

I would have eaten that...

On another note,

In addition to the rain, I had my visa interview yesterday so I wasn't able to take as many photos but today is all adventure!!!

Have a lovely Saturday!

Thank you for taking the time to read!

Outfit:

Dress: Stella McCartney

Bag: Tory Burch

Accessories: Club Monaco belt, Pandora bracelet, Miriam Merenfeld necklace