The windy city in pictures

Waiting in line for deep dish pizza at Gino’s East.
Enjoying a photo op at “The Bean” in Millennium Park.
Margaritas a la Rick Bayless at Frontera Grill…
followed by a late night ride on the ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
Waking up to a sunny day…
and a White Sox game at Comiskey Park.
Dinner at Art Smith’s Table 52 — orecchiette and a slice of Hummingbird Cake.
Last stop of the night: The Publican for Belgian beers.
Farewell Chicago! Thanks for a lovely weekend! xo

Krysten Ritter for Banana Republic

It was late. 

I was feeding my online shopping addiction at BananaRepublic.com. What a great surprise to find actress Krysten Ritter featured on the homepage, modeling this adorably polished outfit for fall. I love her khaki skirt and navy jacket combination, not to mention her playful stroll! In the mood to mimic Krysten’s style? Tonight, for one night only, Banana hosts their signature “After 5 Style Event” with a 30 percent discount for cardholders on any purchase of $100 or more.  

Oh fall fashion. You make me happier than you’ll ever know.

The weekend is here!

My dear readers, what do you have planned for the weekend? I’m off to Chicago tonight for two and a half days of food, fun and catching up with friends. Any tips for exciting adventures in the Windy City? The last time I was in Chicago, it was February (and negative degrees) so for trip #2, I have some exploring to do!

Before I go, take a peek at a few happy posts from around the web to get your weekend started right:

Pink Parasols as cocktail accessories.
DIY pillow shams from Design Sponge. (You should know I’m on the hunt for my own pillow shams — after reading this, maybe I should just make them myself?)
New (and artfully designed) roll-on cologne from Diptyque. I agree with Julie Earle-Levine, I want to try L’Eau.

Photographer Thomas Marlow’s paint-happy engagement shoot. 

(Photo by Eric Tenin via ParisDailyPhoto.com)

Ode to popsicles

A Raspberry Basil Ice Pop from People’s Pops.

Maybe it’s because they make me feel like a kid again, but as August gets hotter and hotter, all I want is a bite of this cold, sugary treat. People’s Pops has been my recent flavor of choice. With stands at the Brooklyn Flea, Chelsea Market, even the High Line, they are “popping” up everywhere my summer travels seem to take me.

Can’t try the real thing? Edy’s now offers a tasty alternative — Pomegranate  and Acai Blueberry Fruit Bars. Yum!
(Photo by Peyotetheatre via Flickr)