ICYMI: Kate Moss + Cara Delevingne= Perfection

Six months after Cara Delevingne posted a sneak-peak clip from a shoot with Kate Moss on Instagram, we finally get to see the results. And let me just say, the wait was well worth it. These British beauties posed together for Burberry’s new fragrance ‘My Burberry’ wearing the signature Burberry trench coats (sometimes on, sometimes off) and minimal makeup. They are not only seen giving fierce faces, which one may expect from a photo shoot like this, but laughing and smiling like old friends hanging out too. So what do you think?

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To me, these pictures are perfection; not only for the chemistry that Cara and Kate seem to have together, and not because it’s Cara and Kate (even though they both are perfection to begin with), but for the fact that both of these women are extremely well known and represent two generations of model “celebrities.” Now don’t get me wrong, Kate is still going strong and is arguably one of the most well known models ever. I’m not saying that her career was from another generation, however she defined a generation of models before Cara did. Cara is a newer face in the industry that has broken the barrier into celebrity model status.

With their rebel attitudes and quirky personalities, Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne embody the fact that models can have a voice and be their own person. For so long, I felt as though models in the industry were portrayed as human dolls who had no personalities. They were simply manipulated and critiqued soley based on their bodies. And of course, image is a HUGE part of a model’s job, but when you add the personality, a model becomes an idol, public figure and voice in the fashion industry. Instead of a brand defining a model and using them as a prop, models are starting to act as a persona that give brands a dimension that previously didn’t exist.

People are drawn to familiarity. For instance, my mom will pick out a movie to watch solely based on if she knows the stars or not. I’ve heard many times, “Let’s watch this one! I love so-and-so.” This concept applies to the fashion industry as well. If someone knows Cara Delevingne, whether they like her or not, and see her modeling for DKNY or Burberry, those ads will grab their attention. If Kate Moss is the new face of a brand, her status alone will draw people in.

Models like Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Karlie Kloss, Jourdan Dunn and Kate Upton all have a massive following on social media. People follow them on Twitter because they are interested in what they have to say. They want to see pictures of the places they visit on Instagram, and so on. Because of social media, we get a glimpse into their world and what they do off-duty. We learn about these models as people who have their own lives instead of brainless mannequins that don’t do anything but sit in front of a camera and look pretty.

I believe that these photos for the ‘My Burberry’ perfume will make people want to buy this fragrance and give it recognition. Yes, it’s Burberry. Yes i’m aware that the name alone will sell the fragrance, but there’s no denying Cara and Kate are the main focus in these photos. Did you notice how Cara’s tattoos aren’t edited out? It’s these small details that make Cara part of who she is; an individual. The fact that these two model powerhouses shot a campaign together was news in itself. It is empowering that these beautiful, successful women represent the modern fashion model. A women who knows what she likes, has opinions and isn’t afraid to let the world know who she is.

***All photos from http://www.vogue.co.uk***

Much Love xoxo,

Michala

What to Wear Now: Metallics

Metallic
This trend needs no introduction, because you can see it from a mile away! It is shiny, pretty, edgy and stunning. Metallic tones can be found in almost any form of clothing, makeup and accessories, allowing it to easily be incorporated into endless looks. So this fall, when the cold weather hits, don’t let your style get dull. Lighten it up with metallics that will let you shine like the sun all season long.
  • Pair a metallic top with dark bottoms or those new gold leggings with a dark top. They will contrast each other and create a bolder look.
  • When wearing metallic makeup on the eyes, keep the lips simple by applying a nude lipstick or sheer gloss.
  • If you are rocking metallic accessories, let the pieces take center stage by pairing them with a simple outfit that isn’t too flashy.
  • And if you are feeling super adventurous and want to rock metallic everything? Girl do your thing and shine like the diva you are. Who am I to stop you?
Shine on dolls and much love xoxo,
Michala

Sweatshirts hoody
cyfashionc.com

TeeTrend print sweatshirt
$120 – yoox.com

Chanel activewear
therealreal.com

Verali platform sandals
$75 – theiconic.com.au

Fendi brown purse
mytheresa.com

Aldo bracelet
aldoshoes.com

Metallic nail polish
mamasarollingstone.com

My Favorites: Jimmy Choo ‘Ava’ Clutch

So if you haven’t already seen Jimmy Choo’s updated Ava clutch, you probably should. The first time I laid eyes on it was innocently scrolling through Instagram, when BAM! Love at first sight. The clutch is fall perfection, with its wild animal prints, fur and metallic trim and small size. Just look at these beauties!

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Even though I would love to have an Ava Clutch of my own, I can’t shell out the $1500 it would cost me. But no worries! If you don’t have that kind of money laying around either (totally jealous if you do), then here are some cute clutches for fall that won’t break the bank.

Inge Christopher Corsica Box Clutch:

shopping shopping-1
$180 at http://www.shopbop.com

Mixed Studs Box Clutch:


shopping-2
$17.95 at http://www.dailylook.com

ASOS Fringed Tassle Box Clutch Bag:

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$58.04 at http://www.asos.com

Je t’aime Paris Perfume Box Clutch:

Je-taime-Paris-Perfume-Box-Clutch-PPC3071-black-PPC3071BK Je-taime-Paris-Perfume-Box-Clutch-PPC3071-clear-PPC3071CR Je-taime-Paris-Perfume-Box-Clutch-PPC3071-black-PPC3071BK-2

$48.00 at http://www.gliks.com

So moral of the story? It doesn’t matter if you spend $1500 or $20, there is a pretty damn cool clutch out there to rock this fall. Happy shopping dolls!

***all images acquired from mytheresa.com, Jimmy Choo’s official instagram (@jimmychooltd), styloko.com, shopbop.com, dailylook.com, asos.com and gliks.com***

Much Love xoxo,

Michala

 

 

Liebster Award Tag

liebsterblogaward

Hey guys, so I was nominated by Kate’s Catwalk to do the Liebster Award Tag! I am still very new to the blogging community and already love sharing my passion for fashion and beauty with all of you. So without further ado, here we go…

The rules:

1. You have to answer the eleven questions created by the person who tagged you.

2. Pick between 5-11 bloggers to nominate. They need to have under 200 followers.

3. Compile a new list of 11 questions

4. You can’t nominate the person who tagged you.

4. Tell everyone that you’ve tagged, that they were nominated

Kate’s Questions:

1. Where do you get fashion inspiration from?

My biggest source for inspiration is street style. It’s raw and authentic and let’s me see trends in a whole new perspective!

2. Your favorite fashion designer?

I am obsessed with Zuair Murad. PERFECTION.

3. What are your beauty essentials that you always carry with you?

Chapstick. Lotion. Kleenex.

4. What is your dream career?

I think being a style editor for a magazine would be amazing. Writing and fashion are my favs 🙂

5.  What is your favorite current trend?

High-Waisted shorts! I love how they make my legs look longer and can literally be worn with anything.

6. Favorite high street store?

Forever 21. They have so many fun pieces for any kind of style.

7. If you could only have one item of make-up what would it be?

Mascara!

8. Who is your fashion icon?

Because I can never just choose one; Rihanna for my edgy side and Blake Lively for my more casual/girly side.

9. What do you love the most about blogging?

Having an outlet to write and meet people who love what i do. Even in the short time i’ve been blogging, i feel like I’m a part of a community.

10. Favorite movie of all time?

“Stop trying to make fetch happen. It’s not going to happen.” (Mean Girls)

11. Favorite city  you have visited and why?

Chicago! It’s the biggest city i’ve been too and I love its atmosphere.

My Questions:

  1. What is the most unusual thing in your handbag?
  2. How would you describe your style?
  3. What city would you live in for a year if you could go anywhere in the world?
  4. Spring/Summer style or Fall/Winter style?
  5. What is the one trend you’re excited to try this fall?
  6. What is your favorite color to wear and why?
  7. What is your favorite place to online shop?
  8. If you could only use makeup from one brand which one would you choose?
  9. Heels or Flats?
  10. If you could attend any fashion show for NYFW, which one would it be?
  11. What’s your favorite pattern to wear?

 I am nominating some awesome blogs I just started following:

THE BOON REPORT

Sober Chic

Megzys.net

Red Lips and Plastic

Chloe Turner

Much Love xoxo,

Michala

What To Wear Now: Graphic Tops

Graphic Tops
My favorite thing about fashion is that you can express yourself and show your personality without saying a word. That’s why this trend is right up my ally. Graphic tees, tanks and sweatshirts are an easy way to show the world what you’re all about! Like taking selfies (who doesn’t)? Get a shirt to prove it. In the mood to say, “Fuck everything?” There’s a t-shirt for that too.
Its versatility makes wearing any graphic top a cinch. You can dress them up by adding a blazer or cardigan, a skirt and some killer heels. Or dress them down by wearing any graphic top with jeans and your favorite boots or sandals.  And better yet? You can wear them year round! So get sassy. Get bold. And get yourself some graphic tops ASAP.

Much Love xoxo,
Michala

Givenchy black cotton t shirt
$495 – harveynichols.com

Zoe Karssen hooded top
$145 – jades24.com

French Connection white long sleeve top
usa.frenchconnection.com

Scotch Soda red top
scotch-soda.com

Lipsy print crop top
$51 – lipsy.co.uk

Boohoo t shirt
boohoo.com

T shirt
etsy.com

Pink tee
$6.67 – terranovastyle.com

Logo t shirt
truffleshuffle.co.uk

My Favorites: Skin Care Routine

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Knowing how to take care of your skin can be a pain. One website will tell you one thing and then another will contradict it. From multiple Google searches, YouTube videos, magazine articles and drugstore hunting, I’ve come to the conclusion there are three major steps every girl needs in here routine for beautiful skin.

STEP 1: Cleanse

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Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser: $11.99 at CVS

Precision Beauty Exfoliating Face Brush: $4.00 at TjMaxx

Cleansing is important, because it gives you a clean slate to work with. Meaning, it cleans makeup, pollution, dirt and other unknowns from your face that have built up throughout the day or during the night. A beauty cult favorite is the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. They also make a version for sensitive skin! After using this once, i was in love. The texture wasn’t harsh like scrubs and it smells amazing. I liked that it was simply a facial cleanser and not some special cleanser specifically for teens with lots of “exclusive ingredients” and crazy claims. Right on the bottle it says, “Every Age. Every Stage. Every Day.” How can you go wrong with that? When i went to go buy this cleanser for the first time, I found out just how popular it really is. The first store was completely out of it and the second had only a few bottles left.

I use this cleanser day and night by putting a small pump onto my Precision Beauty Brush and buffing it into my skin. The bristles on this brush are extremely soft, but i feel as though they are more effective than my hands alone.

STEP 2: Tone

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Lumene Finland Radiant Touch Refreshing Toner: $10.99 at CVS

Toning your skin after cleansing is a vital step that many people skip. Cleaning your face can mess up the skins’ natural pH balance and dry it out. Even if you have oily skin, like me, your skin needs moisture! Toner is like the reset button for the skin, restoring it and tightening pores. I use the Lumene Finland Radiant Touch Refreshing Toner. I like this one, because it doesn’t burn like some i’ve tried in the past and has a yummy citrus scent. It also claims to have a “detoxifying effect.” Regardless, toning can pick up stray makeup or particles that a cleanser can leave behind and is important to prep your skin for moisturizer.

STEP 3: Moisturize

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Loreal Revitalift Day Cream w/ SPF 18: $17.49 at CVS

Loreal Revitalift Night Cream: $17.49 at CVS

Loreal Revitalift Eye Cream: $17.49 at CVS

With so many moisturizers out there, i was confused on what kind i should use. Even though the thought of having one moisturizer for day and night seemed ideal, i didn’t feel like it’d be as effective as using different ones for day and night. Some moisturizes i’ve tried are very heavy and hard to layer under makeup for daytime wear. On the other hand, there are moisturizers that are light and perfect for the day, but aren’t thick enough for night. I had also heard that when you hit your twenties, eye cream needs to become part of your beauty regimen. So i figured the easiest way to get these three products and have them work together well was to buy a whole line.

Safe to say i almost had a heart attack walking down the beauty isle and seeing the prices of eye creams and special day and night creams, but i was set on giving them a shot. I settled on the Loreal Revitalift line, not only because i’ve heard good things about it, but because it was on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

After cleansing and toning in the morning, i apply the eye cream under my eyes and on my lids. The texture is light and serum-like, which is ideal for the delicate skin around the eyes. I then apply the day cream (white container) all over my face and neck. For nighttime, I do the same steps, but swap the day cream for night cream (blue container). There is a huge difference in the textures of the day and night creams. Although they are both soft and very hydrating, the night cream is significantly “heavier” and more thick.

Because I haven’t used any other brands of creams i don’t have anything to compare this with. The Loreal Revitalift line is what i was looking for and what i expected from a product of this kind. So far this regimen has been working well for my skin and i feel good about taking care of it. The golden rule can apply to skin too right? So be good to your skin girlies and it will be good back.

Much Love xoxo,

Michala

My Favorites: Drugstore Foundation

IMG_0587 IMG_0589Finding your holy-grail foundation is never easy. Especially when it’s from the drugstore where options are limitless and there isn’t a professional to help match you. What brand? What shade? Liquid? Mineral? Pressed? What kind is right for my skin type? It can be overwhelming to find your perfect fit.

For me, my preferences changed as much as my skin did. I was in love with mineral foundation for a long time. The first foundation i ever used was BareMinerals Mineral Foundation that i got as a gift. When it ran out, I switched to Loreal True Match Naturale Gentle Mineral Makeup, because i refused to spend the $40 for BareMinerals, even though I loved it. (I was only in high school, okay.) With my super oily and acne prone skin, mineral foundation was the longest lasting and had good coverage. But as I got into college, I didn’t like the super matte finish anymore. I didn’t like the grainy texture and wanted something with a dewier, lighter finish. So I tried Neutrogena Skin Clearing liquid foundation, thinking it would give me the more natural look I desired and also help my acne prone skin. But to my disappointment, that wasn’t the case at all. Although i loved what my skin looked like immediately after applying the foundation, a couple hours into the day, my face was an oil slick and the makeup was literally “sliding off my face.” I tried applying powder and blotting throughout the day, but that made it even worse and more “cakey” looking. I needed a perfect in-between; not too matte, but not too dewy. I literally felt like this product didn’t exist and went back to mineral foundation. I figured i would rather look completely matte, then have my face shine like a disco ball.

Then one day, my life changed. Okay, maybe i’m being a little dramatic, but i found exactly what i was looking for in Maybelline’s Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation. The first time i put it on, i literally fell in love. I applied it by putting a few small dots on my fingers and then blotting them onto my skin. With this product, a little really does go a long way. (I have had my bottle for a few months and am still only half-way through it.) I then rubbed it into my skin and watched as the foundation blended so well i thought i was dreaming. It not only had great coverage without having to build up multiple layers, but the creamy consistency didn’t emphasize every bump, pore or crevasse in my face. It glided over dry and oily patches, giving me an airbrushed finish (just like it promised). The best part? It lasted all day!

I have used my Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation with and without primer. I have applied it with a blending sponge, stippling brush and my fingers. I have worn it with no other makeup and with a full face of makeup. Every single time, i have been impressed. Because it’s inexpensive, widely available and gets the job done, it has quickly became favorite, every day foundation.

My Shade: Classic Ivory (Light 2)

Price: $7.19-$9.49 at most Drugstores

Glass Pump Bottle: 1FL OZ. 30ml

Much Love xoxo,

Michala

What to Wear Now: Pop Of Red

Rebel
One of this summer’s most popular colors is just as hot as the sizzling weather; Red! It screams sexy, confident, spontaneous and fun. It can make a bold statement and add a little spice to any outfit. Whether it be a red lip for brunch or red sunglasses at the beach, a pop of this vibrant color is all you’ll need to stand out and make a statement.
Personally, I like wearing neutral colors, which can come off as boring sometimes. But by adding a pop of color, my whole look can be transformed from boring to beau-ti-ful. Just like the perfect statement necklace with your LBD, or that killer bag you bought last weekend, a punch of color could be the perfect finishing touch to any ensemble.
Try pairing an all black and white outfit with your pop of red. The neutral look will make the red stand out even more, making you look like a million bucks. So easy right?
Much Love xoxo,
Michala

Cc top
etsy.com

Short red skirt
$975 – austique.co.uk

Stretch skinny jeans
$17 – oliverbonas.com

Annabel ingall handbag
renttherunway.com

Necklace
$21 – punkypins.co.uk

NYX lipstick
nastygal.com

Is Chicago Really That Great?

To say Chicago was everything I expected would be an understatement. I’ve never been to a city larger than Grand Rapids or Detroit in my twenty-year life and I have always dreamed of going to one. I imagined what it would look like and that everyone there would be fabulous. I imagined they were all living amazing lives, where they would wake up in the morning and get a coffee on their way to a glamorous city job in one of the high-rises and have a cute little apartment and go to swanky bars and restaurants every night. While some people probably do that stuff, there is so much more to the city than that.

My mom, a family friend, Cindy, and her daughter, Emily and I left mid-Michigan for Michigan City on Thursday afternoon. I was so excited because the fact that I was going to Chicago finally felt real. I couldn’t wait to see if Chicago was everything I had imagined it would be. Although, when I thought of a big city, I also thought about New York. I mean, for a self proclaimed Fashionista like myself, that seems to be the ideal; the Holy Grail city. The place everyone wants to be and work and live. So I wondered if Chicago would be like what I imagined New York to be like. If that even makes sense.

That night, we all went to the cutest Mexican restaurant ever. We were on the lookout for an outdoor patio to sit at and it was the first one we came across. I mean to be honest, we are all Mexican food freaks, so it was the perfect fit. After stuffing ourselves with chips, tacos and burritos, we made our way to Lake Michigan. Even though it was freezing, we walked the beach and relaxed before we headed into the city tomorrow.

The next morning we took the train from Michigan City to Chicago. It was an hour and a half ride and I was just enjoying looking out the window. Watching the cities change and zoom by was exciting to me for no other reason than that my surroundings weren’t filled with trucks and dirt roads. I have recently felt so trapped in my pretty typical, boring, small-town life. I mean, besides work, I don’t have any other responsibilities. Being summer and all, school isn’t a worry. And although I always have great plans to spend my free time doing something fantastic, I always end up watching endless YouTube videos and TV shows, wishing I was living someone else’s more interesting life.

After getting off the train to the underground station at Millennium Park, my excitement was at an all time high as people rushed around me. Most of them were probably visiting for the day or going to work. A few had suitcases like us. After taking a much needed bathroom break, we ascended the stairs onto the downtown Chicago streets. I was immediately met with skyscrapers that I had only seen in movies and music playing from some street performers. I immediately fell in love. There was just so much to look at and as we made our way to the Hyatt Regency where we were staying, I tried to take in as much as possible. I just loved that the atmosphere was electric and full of life.

Settling into our hotel was easy and our view was partly of the city and partly of the water around Navy Pier. We were only on the eleventh floor, but because I had never been higher, I didn’t mind. We didn’t have any specific plans, so we simply walked around. I wanted to go down every street and see what was there. I loved that there were huge clothing stores and small shops right next to each other. There were restaurants I’ve never heard of before and ones I had. There was quite literally a Walgreens on every corner and buildings I didn’t know what was inside.

Cindy and Emily had been to Chicago multiple times and wanted to eat at a rooftop restaurant they had been to before. It was a very hot day and if you know me, you know I don’t fare well in direct sunlight, unless I’m at the beach. The rooftop was crowded, but the environment was cool. I was appreciating that people were everywhere I went and I didn’t mind just observing them. After snatching a table with an umbrella for some much needed shade, we ordered. My mom and I split a chicken quesadilla and an avocado chicken sandwich. Oh ya, and the biggest piece of carrot cake I had ever seen. Some guy even came over to take a picture of it. Everything was delicious and my taste buds were in satisfied bliss.

Right after lunch, we walked more, coming across the largest Forever 21 I’d ever seen. I had wanted to save all the shopping for tomorrow, but I simply couldn’t resist. Walking in was so overwhelming. I aimlessly wandered around, gravitating to anything that caught my eye. Thankfully, I was too shocked at the size of the place to grab much to try on. I say thankfully, because the line for the dressing room was out the door. When I finally got to the front of the line to try on my one pair of shorts, I was in awe of the dozens upon dozens of fitting rooms. I know that’s such a silly thing to be impressed by, but I had never been in a dressing room so big. I probably should’ve waiting until the next day to shop like I had planned though, because as I left my room, I slipped and fell on one of the number plates they put outside your door. They were clear and because of the chaotic state of the store at the time, there were a couple scattered on the ground I never saw. So after bruising my knee and discovering the shorts I wanted were too big, I was ready to leave.

One thing I never imagined about Chicago was the street performers. That same day, we came across a man painted head to toe in silver. He danced anytime you put money in his bucket and I of course got my picture with him. The coolest experience with street performers was after my mom and I went to the top of the Marriott downtown. As we were walking back to the hotel, I spotted a circle of people surrounding something. A group of four or five guys were putting on a show. They would crack jokes, dance and do stunts and flips. One guy even flipped over 7 people at once!

I think that was one of my favorite things that happened the whole trip, simply because it was so unexpected. Something like that would never happen where I’m from. I loved that there was always something happening or something to do. Back at the hotel, my mom and I collapsed on the bed, with our feet aching. We all needed a break before going to Navy Pier later that night.

Navy Pier was very cool. I wouldn’t say it was my favorite part of the trip, but I liked how it was such a different environment than the downtown area. There were birds everywhere and we got to walk around part of the lake and see sail boats on our way there. A lot of the pier was under construction, much like the city, but I loved being by the water. We all got ice cream cones and sat on the boardwalk to eat. It was nice to sit and observe the people walking by. People watching is one of my favorite past times. On our way back down the pier, we stopped at a stain glass museum. It was truly beautiful and greatly unexpected. This is when I noticed how relaxed I was. I had not a stress in the world and I was so thankful that I was there.

That night we were all in bed pretty early. We were lying there, talking about our day and showing each other the pictures we had taken. I would also like to point out that the bed in our hotel was the comfiest thing I have ever slept on. I don’t think I had slept that good in a long time. My mom and I had decided to get up early the next morning to scope out a coffee shop. Even though it was super early I felt refreshed and ready to take on the day.

My mom and I didn’t even bother showering before getting our coffee. We may be addicted, not going to lie. We turned down a street right off of where our hotel was and came across exactly what we were looking for. Inside was small and cozy; something I had always imagined as a tucked away secret in any big city. We got our coffee and a small morning snack and continued walking the city, which is surprisingly quiet at 7:30 in the morning.

One thing that I discovered about Chicago is that it’s a very healthy place. When my mom and I were getting coffee, most of the people we saw were running or carrying a yoga mat. The city also had lots of rental bikes. And when we went to the bean later in the day, there was a huge work out session going on at the park. It was something I never would’ve associated with any big city. A second thing was that everyone we ran into was so nice. You always hear of people in New York being closed off and not wanting to talk to anyone, so I just assumed Chicago would be the same way. But it is so different. Maybe everyone was kind because it’s in the Midwest? This openness sometimes went a little overboard. On our way to dinner later in the day, a women from Israel asked me if her texts made sense. English was her second language and she was texting some guy she had met online. No big deal right? Then as we left the hotel with her still chitchatting, she asked if I could take her picture. I still didn’t find this weird at all and took a shot. She ended up wanting a full blown photo-shoot because she didn’t think she looked young enough in any of the pictures. She even began asking my mom and I for advice on what she should say to this guy she was about to meet for the first time and if her outfit was sexy enough and what she should do when she had to leave in a week. Thank god she was headed somewhere else than we were and eventually left. Lastly, I noticed that every single building had a revolving door. I don’t think I had ever used one before going to Chicago and it felt weird to use a regular door after we left.

Finding our way back to the hotel after our morning jaunt, my mom and I took our showers and got ready for the day. I decided to wear significantly less makeup because it was so hot and quite the hassle to deal with. Today was our only full day in the city and I was ready to make the best of it.

Cindy, Emily, my mom and I started our day by walking to the fountain and Bean in the park. We had gone the day before, but wanted better pictures. After leaving the Bean and Millennium Park, we stopped at any stores or shops that peaked our interest. Our first destination was a Designer Shoe Warehouse. Shoes are my mom’s weakness. She and I both found a pair to buy. We then found a Nordstrom, a Nordstrom Rack, Barnes and Noble and a couple of malls. One store I was the most excited about was Akira. My friend Nicole told me I had to go there because it was only in Chicago. Let’s just say she was right. The moment I walked in, I saw a billion things I liked. They were playing Ciara and Destiny’s Child and one of the workers greeted me like, “Hey girl!” It was my kind of place for sure. I was pleasantly surprised that my mom even found something. She fell in love with this hand-beaded clutch. Although it was expensive for a purse she didn’t have any reason to wear, she couldn’t resist. And that’s okay. We both reasoned many times that day that, “We’re in Chicago! Buy it.” She even surprised me by buying a woven clutch I had my eye on to commemorate my first time in Chicago.

I also hit up the Burberry store. Not because I really wanted to buy anything, but because I’ve heard the employees judge you hardcore. So I waltzed in and went straight to the makeup, my weakness lately, and a man greeted me. He seemed very nice and I didn’t feel judged at all. I felt bad I didn’t buy anything, but that was my ‘care too much’ attitude coming out.

For lunch, we googled another rooftop restaurant. We had good luck with the first one, so why not try another? The one we came across was even better than the first in my opinion. It was covered and surrounded by water misters. Again, the food was fantastic. Probably the best burger I’ve ever had and paired with sweet potato fries, a personal favorite. We all chatted about our day and the trip so far. There was an apartment complex right across the street that we googled to see the price of. It was insanely expensive compared to what I’m used to. We then started discussing the possibility of me doing an internship there, which I was definitely not opposed too at all.

Lunch lasted awhile, but after being refueled, it was time to tackle the infamous Macy’s on State Street. I don’t even know how many levels there were, but it was a lot. Sadly, Emily wasn’t feeling up to it, so her and Cindy made their way back to the hotel as my mom and I explored. I loved the architecture of the store. Many buildings around the city had beautiful architecture that was unheard of around my hometown. Searching the clearance racks, I found a sweatshirt that was 75% off. It was one that you knew was expensive just by looking at it because it had thick, crisp fabric and zipper details. When I went to look at the tag however, it was completely cut off. My mom convinced me to try it on anyway, and after it fit, I had to find out the price. The clerk informed us they were discontinuing that designer from the store, so there wasn’t even a comparable item to look at for a price. She had to find a long sleeve shirt to ring up instead. To my surprise, the top ended up costing $9.99. How that’s even possible when it started at $138, I have no idea. But I didn’t want to say anything and have the clerk change her mind. So I bought the sweatshirt and walked away feeling as though I had stolen it.

My mom and I got back to the hotel for a quick break like the day before. We were all planning on going to get something to eat and then go to the John Hancock Building. Now if you don’t know, Chicago is nicknamed the windy city. I didn’t quite understand why until we started walking to find a restaurant. In a matter of minutes it went from being a calm, warm day, to so windy, I was running for cover. My mom made a beeline to the nearest restaurant, which was a seafood bar and grill type of place. None of us liked anything on the menu, so Cindy and my mom ordered a drink while it started pouring rain outside. We watched as people ducked under nearby awnings to try and stay dry. Even though we didn’t like the restaurant, we got there just in time to not get soaked.

After the rain and wind subsided, my mom and I walked to the John Hancock building as Cindy and Emily went to find food. I was actually getting quite nervous. I’m not a roller coaster person and for some reason I felt like I was waiting in line for a ride. As the elevator zoomed to the 94th floor, my ears popped many times, and excitement set in. We were going VERY high. As we walked off the elevator, the city spread out beneath us. We walked to every window and took in the view. It was beautiful. This is when it really set in that I was visiting such an amazing city. What I was seeing with my own eyes was exactly what I saw on screensavers and postcards. I could see navy pier, rooftop pools, and boats on the horizon. Everything just came into perspective as I noticed what a small part of Chicago I had actually been too. There was so much of the city that was left to explore another time. And guess what else? We even witnessed a proposal!

The John Hancock building had just recently put in a new feature called the tilt. You stood on a clear platform with seven other people and were tilted 30 degrees away from the building’s edge. It didn’t look so bad, so of course I tried it. Boy, are looks deceiving. It was scary at first! I felt like Spider Man propelling off the side of the building or something. But the experience was more than worth it. It was definitely something I will never forget.

Because we still hadn’t had any food since lunch, my mom and I went to a bar and restaurant connected to a nearby hotel. In Chicago, almost every hotel has at least one restaurant connected to it. It felt swanky and somewhere that a native to Chicago would go. Whether that’s true or not didn’t matter to me. It was the fact that in this moment, I was happy. Although my mom and I both agreed it would’ve been better if I was 21, enjoying a glass of wine with her. We ordered calamari and spinach artichoke dip, which I discovered I liked. Although the calamari didn’t compare to Palazzo di Bocce, I gobbled it up.

After sitting and talking for a while, we decided it was time to head back. We jumped into a taxi right outside the restaurant and took it back to the hotel. Riding in a taxi was something I had never done and was the last thing on my Chicago to do list. Our driver was foreign, but said he had been driving a taxi for nineteen years. The feeling of zooming through the city at night was amazing. Because we had walked everywhere, riding in a car was such a different experience.

Back at the hotel we greeted Cindy and Emily, who had been back for a few hours now, and told them about the things we did. Out of nowhere, we hear small booming noises coming from outside and look out our window to see fireworks. I don’t think we could’ve had a better view from our room as we watched them shoot off over the water in all their colorful glory. It was truly one of my favorite moments of the entire trip, because I felt as though the city was saying its goodbye to me. Given, I think there were fireworks every Saturday night, but I didn’t care. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

The morning came too fast and the last thing I wanted to do was leave. We packed up our stuff and rolled our suitcases back to the Millennium Park train station where we had been two short days ago. My mom and I stopped at the Starbucks for some morning fuel (sorry Biggby!) as Emily and Cindy went to Burger King. As we waited for our train, it still hadn’t set in that I was leaving this amazing place. We boarded and took the hour and a half train ride back to Michigan City. We then got back into the car and drove home.

I still didn’t feel like the trip should be over, but I was so content that I even got the chance to go. I loved every second of the weekend and it was as amazing as I had hoped. Chicago is truly a special place that I hope to visit many more times in my life. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get an internship there. Maybe I will live there. Maybe I won’t. That’s the crazy thing about life; you never know where it will take you. Regardless, I am happy I had the chance to finally experience a big city with people that I love. And my most important discovery? Finding out a small town girl like me can survive a big city.