While there have definitely been a few times I’ve longed for New York over the last week, I’m kind of surprised by how happy I’ve been in Chicago so far. It’s only been one week and it still feels like I’m on a trip in a lot of weird ways, but I’ve been enjoying it none the less. I’ve always known that Chicago is a friendly city, but I think I forgot just how friendly. After living in NYC for three years, the vibe is unbelievably different in Chicago. I’ve had more conversations with strangers in the last week than my entire time in New York — I’m not exaggerating! I’ve been exchanging numbers with friends of friends and making plans to hang out again. I’ve met people living in my building, I’ve been saying Please & Thank You more, and I’ve even been smiling at strangers on the street. And it feels good to be so friendly! I guess the saying is proving to be true.. Happiness is contagious!
Spending Fourth of July weekend in Chicago was so much fun. Great friends both old and new, late nights, sunshine, brunches, cookouts, paddle boarding, boats, fireworks, you name it… We did it all this weekend! No matter the occasion, I was rocking the red, white, and blue.
I only had one suitcase of clothes with me when I got to Chicago, and it was filled with warm-weather dresses, shorts, and tank tops. In true Chicago fashion, the weather wasn’t cooperating when I first landed last week. It was only 60 degrees for the first two days of July! I wasn’t prepared for the cool days and chilly nights so I made a pit stop at Express on Michigan Avenue, which is a quick walk from my new apartment.
I picked up these girlfriend jeans because I know I’ll get so much wear out of them this summer! Instead of your typically baggy boyfriend jeans fit, these have a little bit of a slimmer cut that make them a lot more feminine and really versatile. I dressed them up with this blazer for a dinner with friends and I know I’ll throw them on with a classic striped tee for evenings by the water or on my rooftop.
The fit and fabric of this navy blazer is perfect, too. I love how it has a little bit of stretch and a longer length! The striped lining is an added bonus that will definitely pair with most of my wardrobe year round.
Hope you had a happy Fourth of July and are finally getting back into the swing of things! Definitely took me a day.. or two.
Express Destroyed Girlfriend Jeans
Express Navy Blazer (Shop Similar Here)
Express Layered Lace Topย (Shop Similar Here)
Express Ankle-Strap Sandals
Michael Kors Watch
Coach Sunglasses
Ralph Lauren Bucket Bag
Photos taken by Hallie Wilson
A special Thank You to Express for partnering on this post!
Love the lace top and blazer combo!
TOPS
http://www.theonlinepersonalshopper.com
Glad to read that you’ve been liking Chicago so far. I’ve never been there but would def. love to visit it in the future. I like your outfit very much, it’s spot on elegant and casual!
http://lartoffashion.com
I visited Chicago for Memorial Day weekend and fell in love. One of the things I loved more is that people (compared to New Yorkers) are so much nicer. If it wasn’t for the harsh winters I would probably make the move there! Lol.
I love your outfit. It’s the perfect combo of girly and casual and that’s totally up my alley. Btw, that bag is go die for!
Such a great look! Love the combination of elegant pieces with boyfriend jeans! So chic!
Love that top! Glad you’re liking Chicago!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Loving your effortless, preppy chic look!
Red Reticule
Love those jeans! I’m glad to hear Chicago is treating you well. I can tell reading your blog will definitely want to make me take a trip there.
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
Cute patriotic look!
emmastyleguide.blogspot.com
I love the sandals and bucket bag combo! Very cute.
http://ladiesandcroissants.blogspot.fr/
Loving those kitten heels! Express always has such great staples. You look great! xx
Audrey Adair | http://www.happilyaudrey (formerly Key Gypsy)
I had never heard of girlfriend jeans before, but I like them! I’ve been pretty hesitant about the baggy fit of boyfriend jeans, so these might be a good compromise! And love those sandals!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
Chicago looks like a lovely and cool town! I love your girlfriend jeans, the wash is just perfect!
http://sequinsinpink.blogspot.com
Really digging the fit of those girlfriend jeans โ they look awesome on you!
A red, white, and blue combo that’s perfectly done and doesn’t feel 4th of July at all, well done!
Josh | The Kentucky Gent
http://thekentuckygent.com
I love the top!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
After seeing your outfit, I totally have to check out Express.
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
YAY for Chicago pics!!
This is such a beautiful look! I’m so glad Chicago is reinvigorating you. Cheers to happiness!
Happy Wednesday ๐
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud
What a great blazer!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Welcome to Chicago!! Glad the city is treating you well and I hope it warms up for the both of us!! I’m ready for hot and sunny summer days not these chilly days!!
Chicago is such a friendly and amazing city, I’m sure you will quickly fall in love! I am consonantly surprised by how many people will hold the door for me, stop the elevator door or smile when I walk by!
Sarah
http://www.thekissingboothblog.com
LOVE those jeans! Such a gorgeous outfit!
Madison Martine
http://www.madisonmartine.com
Love this look! I like the idea of girlfriend jeans because I always feel weird wearing pants that are so baggy. Glad you’re enjoying Chicago!
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com/
I really like your outfit. Looks amazing.
Diary of Elegance
http://diaryofelegance.blogspot.ca/
So great to see you in Chicago! Hopefully it will warm up by this weekend:)
Wishes & Reality
This outfit is perfect! It looks spot-on summery without being overly patriotic. ๐ I love love love those strappy red sandals, and the fit of the girlfriend jeans is so flattering! Hope you had a fun Fourth.
Love this classy, preppy look! The lace is gorgeous especially paired with a blazer. And I’m glad you’re enjoying Chicago!
-Kate
http://katekoutures.blogspot.com/
I love this outfit, your sandals are my favorite!
Blonde in Cashmere
As a Chicago native (and current resident), welcome back! I’m surprised that YOU’RE surprised by how friendly people are. That’s the way we’ve always been, girl! Hope to run into you on the street someday where I will definitely say hi!
First off I would like to say terrific blog! I had a quick question which I’d
like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know
how you center yourself and clear your thoughts
prior to writing. I have had trouble clearing my mind in getting my
ideas out there. I truly do take pleasure in writing
but it just seems like the first 10 to 15
minutes are usually lost just trying to figure out how to
begin. Any recommendations or hints? Many thanks!