Chicago.

As mentioned last week, I went to Chicago for 6 days to to attend GREENBUILD for work. I didn't have nearly enough time to do as much as I wanted, but I did manage to go to some places to eat that had been on my list as well as check out some readers recommendations. Thanks for those to e-mailed me and posted tips on my blog!

For food we checked out Hopleaf, Revolution Brewery, Yolk, and Xoco. I work with some extreme beer enthusiasts, so both Hopleaf and Revolution were group pleasers. Revolution had some of the best food I've ever had (hello bacon fat popcorn). Next visit I would like to go to Violet Hour and Blackbird. They sound pretty amazing.

On Tuesday we headed to Sprout Home to get flowers for our booth. Holy foliage! This place was a dream to walk through. So many great ideas, I really could have spent a long time in there. Another place that is on my list for next time too. OK. So now the fun part. Our company works closely with another company called Richlite. Every year Richlite throws a surprise party for the folks that work with them and this year it was a super secret and we all couldn't wait to see what was going to go down.

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About 30 of us were instructed to go into a big fancy party bus where we drove around drinking beer still having NO CLUE where we were going. Already run, right? The bus finally stops and we pull up next to Wrigley Field where apparently that had rented out the WHOLE stadium for just us. We were going to be announced on the speakers, play ball, and drink beer!! Unfortunately, it ended up falling through because some college football team needed it. They still put us on the sign for kicks though.

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So on the bus went. We still had no idea where we were going to end up and then things got even more interesting. They put blind folds on us and pulled the blinds on the bus! We drove around a bit longer then were instructed to get off the bus where we guided blind folded across streets, through some doors, past security (they took our bags) and up up up an elevator. By this time I figured we were going some place high.

Eventually we made it to the top and were told that were going to experience an adrenaline rush and if anyone wanted to opt out now would be the time. Pretty nerve racking!

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Still blindfolded we were lined up shoulder to shoulder and asked not to move until told. On the count of three we were told to take a large step forward and at the same time remove our blind folds. It was such a rush! I took off my blind fold and felt like I was in mid air.

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They rented out the whole 103rd floor of the Sears (now Willis) tower and had us step out onto the clear decks. It was absolutely amazing and I felt like a kid at Christmas. Apparently no one had ever had dinner or rented the place out before. For a few hours we had a dinner party and drinks admiring the view and feeling very special. Man, I work with some cool people.

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Even though I was in Chicago for almost a week it went by so fast. I definitely need to make a trip that doesn't involve work so I have more time to see the sights and hangout with some of you!

just for fun...

I saw a good amount of segway action while in Chicago. Is this normal? It made my night coming home from dinner one evening. Thought I would share....

chicago

Hello (envision me saying this like Heidi Klum). I'm back from Chicago! Although I was at market 9 hours a day I did manage to fall in love with this city. When I arrived Friday afternoon I had the whole day to myself so I immediately took a cab (which I realized after how easy the train is to use...) to Wicker Park and went to Penelope's. I tried on a million things including this, this, and this. BUT in the end I fell in LOVE with this simple BBW wool ballet dress. I really needed a black dress suitable for fall and winter and just couldn't let it go. I originally saw this over at Megans blog so it had been in the back of my mind lurking toward my frontal lobe the last week or so. It was spendy, but I know I will get a lot of bang for my buck. I also enjoyed a fabulous dinner with my friend Helen at Coast and stayed at the swanky Allegro hotel which I liked a lot. Here's a glimpse of my stay in Chicago:My new favorite purchase. Built By Wendy wool ballerina dress purchased at Penelope's. Hollah.
Our friends Deb and Amy flew in for a few days and crashed in our hotel. On Sunday night we went up to the Signature Lounge for a cocktail. Its on top of the John Hancock building. Apparently you can see 4 states from the top! This was one the highlights of the trip. It was so magical and beautiful. The picture above is of me by the window. All my pictures made us look like ghosts.

I discovered a new tasty treat: oysters! They were so yummy. We also indulged in lobster and Chicago's greasy pizza.

Andrea flew in Sunday morning for the show. Later that evening we went out for sangria pitchers.

And of course the majority of my time was spent buying clothes for late spring early summer. We picked up a few more lines including Andrew Marc's new dress line. It just debuted and I fell in love with this nude one. I'm really excited to get this in!The last day we had a few hours to kill before getting on the plane so Andrea and I went wedding dress shopping. She's getting married January 16th and has yet to get a dress! We stopped by Nicole Miller and she tried on the collection. This was my favorite, but she didn't like it as much.

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So that was my trip in a nutshell! I did find a vintage new years eve/holiday dress at Una Mae's. It needs to modified a bit, but I'm pretty excited about it. If I get my act together I will try to take a picture of it for you. Did you have a good weekend? I can't wait to catch up with you all.

away i go.

I'm off to Chicago folks. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and hope to be back early next week. Here are a few links for you to enjoy while I'm away....

Beautiful clothes and furniture (pictured above)

a fashion coloring book!

i want this shirt jacket.

I bought this last week and love it.

i wish i could make cupcakes look this good and pretty.

still need to see this. and buy the soundtrack. karen o!

this beautiful girl reminds me of an old friend i miss.

did you see this Oprah? makes me so thankful.

a new online boutique to check out (via commas and clauses)

and for those of us that watch crappy tv. really Jake?

and a question for you: what are your thoughts about wearing brown boots with black tights or clothes? just curious...

until next week friends!

dear me

I wish I could draw.

Via me melodia & you fail

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Tomorrow I head to the cities and then I'm off to Chicago for Stylemax. I still can't believe I'll be buying clothes for summer when there is snow falling outside my window. This will be my first trip EVER to Chicago. I'll be alone the first night, so I plan on wondering around the city and hopefully make my way to Division Street where I hear there's good shopping and food. I'm also meeting my new friend/rep Helen of Dear Creatures for Dinner. She lives in Chicago so I'm sure she will know a good place to dine. That's another highlight of being a buyer- I'm meeting some very cool people. Have you been to Chicago? Any recommendations?