Wicker Park

To put it simply, it hasn't really sunk in yet that I live in Chicago now. I live in Chicago. Chicago. See? Still don't believe it. However, whenever me and some friends simply hop on the train and head downtown every weekend or whenever we feel like it, maybe even on a weekday if we're feelin' crazy, realization of reality strikes me in the chest a little bit. I get as close as I'll probably be for a few more months to fully believing this is my life.  Granted, it has only been 3 weeks since making the drastic switch and embarking on my new adventure in the city, so cut me some slack.

The main thing about moving to Chicago that I was ecstatic about was exploring new and diverse districts within the city. And that expectation has certainly not let me down so far. It's absolutely insane to me how around every corner, let alone every district, it seems to be completely polar opposite from the previous one. Not just the architecture or function of the area, but everything.  The people, the culture, the languages, the energy. I can't walk down the street, or around my campus, without hearing a mixture of countless different languages swirling around me. It's almost like every 20 feet you walk in Chicago, you've walked 20 feet into a different country. It's BOMB.

Getting back to exploring different areas of Chicago I have written down on my list... I've checked off a few hidden treasures, Lincoln Park being one of my favorites, along with independent cafe's, restaurants, shops and boutiques. This past weekend, I went to Wicker Park with one of my best friends, Katie (I know, I almost don't believe the irony of my best friend back home and one of my new best friends here both being named Katie). I was successful in checking off many places from my OCD checklist on my phone. We went to Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading Post, Kokorokoko Vintage, and Jeni's Ice Cream, just to name a few. ALL NEW EXPERIENCES FOR ME. Buffalo Exchange treated me well, VERY WELL, scoring a suede skirt and a tan Loft jacket, both for under $20. CAN I GET A HOLLA AT YO GIRL.

 We found a cool wall, so we of course had to take photos. Looking at them after, I've realized I match the wall. Even cooler.
What I Wore:
Forever 21 top
Topshop pants
Unknown shoes

Look at this stunner!!!

 Aaaaaand look at T H I S stunner!! I mean just wow. I don't know how to fully get it across to you in the way that Jeni's deserves, the magnificent magic that took place in my mouth. Hands down, without a doubt, the greatest ice cream I've had. After stealthily taste testing 6 out of their 12 flavors, I decided on brown butter almond brittle and salty caramel. Just heaven.on.earth.

To even more adventures and discoveries and happiest in the near future! Hear, Hear!