We’ve just got back from five fabulous days in Chicago where friends of ours got married beneath the stars at the Adler Planetarium. Magical wedding moments, delectable food, splendid architecture and spectacular shopping made for a great getaway and we enjoyed every moment.
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s most fashionable street and the place to be if you have shopping time to spare. The ultra wide boulevard is lined with exclusive designer shops like Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci that stand side by side more affordable chain stores like Guess, Mango, French Connection, Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and the Gap. Department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom were beautiful and well worth a browse (schedule and pocket permitting).
I had my favourites amongst the overwhelming choice of retailers along the Mile:
- The brand new 3-story-high Hugo Boss store was a highlight. I’m a true Boss fan when it comes to a modern, understated and perfectly tailored look for gents and the shopping experience here was sublime.
- French Canadian store Carriere specializes in unique career wear suiting and I loved the finish of these garments. Classic button down shirts and jackets with insanely funky design detailing tickled my fancy.
- With their keen prices, good old H&M seldom disappoints and remains the best place to get a cheap fashion fix.
Off the Mile along State Street is the most lavish Macy’s I’ve ever seen. Originally a Chicago department store called Marshall Field’s, the store takes up the entire block and reminds me of world renown Parisian department store Galleries Lafayette. The stores most unexpected interior feature is it’s pretty Tiffany Mosaic Dome. There is also an adorable doggie section that boasts a range of elaborate doggie day beds, one of which we nearly flew home with us.
My impression of Chicago is a positive one. Hot and humid weather conditions made dresses, city walk shorts, swing tops and peep-toed shoes an urban uniform amongst locals. Dress codes sizzled at night as glitzy, alluring mini dresses matched with the highest of heels became standard evening attire. I saw a high style quotient in the short time that I was there and enjoyed taking in the view.
The Magnificent Mile.
