Saturday, October 6, 2012

Chicago Trip

Hi, everyone!  My hubby and I just got back from a 5 day get-away to Chicago.  Because it's only about an hour flight for us and we love the city so much, we try to get there at least once a year.  For those of you that live near Chicago, I'm jealous!!  I could easily live there!  We just stopped here for a random pic...the courtyard behind us was gorgeous!

We did TONS of walking, and came across so many cute shops.  I was impressed with many of the storefronts we saw.  This is a little shop called Posh, right downtown.  Such a fun farmhouse vignette!


This was a Ralph Lauren store on Michigan Ave...the display of children's clothes and fall accents were adorable! (Kind of hard to see, but note the vintage trophy cups and ribbons-love!)


This is the coolest clothing and accessories store called All Saints. Their store windows were filled with vintage sewing machines...


 And check out the hundreds more inside!  What a statement!


One of our favorite things to do is to try new restaurants, and of course Chicago has tons of good eats!  Here we are in one of Rick Bayless's famous restaurants.  We heard that you need reservations months in advance, but when we showed up they managed to squeeze us into the 'chef's table.' (Sorry about the hazy photo.) I must say the margaritas were outstanding! :)


Here are some shots of the area close to our hotel.  We had beautiful views and gorgeous fall weather!


But my MOST favorite thing to do each time we visit Chicago is to attend the Randolph Flea Market!  It's not a huge flea, but it's always filled with so many fun and unusual vintage goodies!


 You can't really get the full effect from this picture, but this booth had tons of great stuff, some of which I purchased!  (We just noticed that the way my hubby took this pic, it almost looks like my head is on top of the mannequin's body-ha!  :)


I wish I would've gotten some better pics of the market, but I was in full shopping mode! 
There were SO many things that I would've loved to buy, but since we flew and I didn't want to pay high shipping prices, I just brought a few select things home.  Next time I'll share them with you!  Until then, have a fantastic day!
I'm linking to these wonderful parties:
                                                 My 1929 Charmer
                                                 i should be mopping the floor
                                                 Debbiedoos 
                                                 Alderberry Hill
                                                 Boogieboard Cottage
                                                 Knick of Time
                                                 Coastal Charm
                                                 Jennifer Rizzo
                                                 The Ivy Cottage Blog
                                                 Katherine's Corner

39 comments:

  1. Looks like you and hubby had a wonderful time! Thanks for some of the cute shop pictures...and they do have country vignettes in the city!! I was surprised to see that...too SWEET! Those antique sewing machines pics of that business...well, that was AWESOME! Have to show my Hubby that...you and your hubby are a BEAUTIFUL COUPLE! Be Blessed! From one sweetie to another~~~Roxie

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  2. Oh and I forgot.....when I saw the mannequins body and the ladies head...I laughed(this was before I read your comment about it!!)Didn't know it was you..,Hey , he's CREATIVE! Roxie

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  3. wow! those sewing machines are awesome!!!!! I have been to Chicago once...for a teacher conference...

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  4. what a fun trip!! wow, that RL window and the sewing machine window is incredible!! I've never been to Chicago, but would love to go!

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    1. Debra,
      Like I told Susan if you ever come to Chicago please let me know and I would love to show you some of the cute shops around where we live. We have some great vintage shops.
      Kris

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  5. Susan looks like a beautiful day.We are about an hour from the city! We don't get there often enough.I have not been to that restaurant yet.We have our favorites and can never branch out to try new ones LOL! Oh posh is such a great store isn't it.I just discovered that one on our last trip!
    xx
    Anne

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  6. looks like so much fun! i haven't been to chicago in quite some time! i ended up in the audience at the jerry springer show the last time i was there!! LOL!!! that sewing machine display is remarkable!!

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  7. Hello! Thank you for visiting my blog and for following. I love Chicage, I am from Milwaukee although I have moved to the East Coast now. I visit Chicago at least 2 times a year to see family and friends.

    The next time you go I will give you a list of some fabulous IL blogger stores!

    Have a great day, Elizabeth

    P.S. Check out my other blog, Pine Cones and Acorns

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  8. So inspiring! I would love to visit one day! And I agree - the shop with all of the sewing machines is absolutely show-stopping!

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  9. Your pics of Chicago are fantastic! I've never been, but my oldest son has. Looks like you had a great time. Good thing you went this time of year instead of later. I've heard they get very bad winters! Can't wait to see what you bought.

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  10. Thank you for taking me with you on this trip. Just love your pics! And also love the suitcases!

    Hugs, Pietrik

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  11. Looks like a fantastic trip, Susan, especially with those beautiful blue skies! We used to live in Wheaton and loved going into Chicago. It is a great city. Anxious to see your goodies you brought home.
    Oh, and great pictures of you and hubby!
    Mary Alice

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  12. Oh man it would be hard to take it all home on a flight! I love that old sewing machine place ... I saw one exactly like that in Brighton, UK when I was there in the spring. Didn't realize there were more? It was so cool! I've been dying to try Rick's restaurant ... love his cookbooks!

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  13. Oh, thank you for the visit! I am so excited about your blog-Love the pictures and inspiration!!

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  14. Looks like you had the most amazing time in Chicago. Never been there but I would definitely love to. great pics. love all those sewing machines.
    thank you for sharing.
    rita

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  15. Hi Susan,
    OMG you were in my neck of the woods. I live in a small lake town north of Chicago. I wish I knew you were coming I would have shown you around some of the great vintage shops around where I live. We love the city too and with only being a half hour out from the city it is an easy trip. Next time you come let me know and I would be glad to show you some cute shops. Glad to hear you had a great visit.
    Kris

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  16. Susan,

    We used to live in Northwest Indiana about an hour from downtown Chicago and would make monthly trips downtown and other areas of the city. It's a wonderful city with so much to offer...I loved going there. Since we moved out west we haven't been back to the Windy City...I sure miss it! :)

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  17. Oh what fun! I want to go spend a weekend in chicago with my hubby sometime but he always says it's too expensive there!
    hey i've been meaning to tell you - if you find a dress form like yours for a good price let me know - i really need one to use for some of my sewing projects. i'd like a size 10 or 11 i think. too big and it won't work for some of the stuff i've made.

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  18. I'm embarrassed to say I've never been to Chicago! It's on my bucket list...hopefully we can squeeze a trip in soon. Looks like such a blast. Love that flea market...what fun!! Thanks for sharing your trip!!

    {HUGS},
    kristi

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  19. Everything in these photo's is so fun! LOVE the sewing machines.... The market... Everything.....!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  20. I can see why you like to go to Chicago love the photo's.
    Denise

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  21. I found one of those vintage clothes baskets for $4 at a yardsale a few weeks ago. Love your blog. I'm your newest follower. Come check out my blog when you have a minute at http://sister-number-5.blogspot.com

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  22. I love taking a trip on someone else's dime. Thanks for the fun via your camera. Looks like you two enjoyed some sweet moments together. Thanks for sharing them with us!
    Liz

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  23. I've always wanted to go to Chicago looks like there is so much to do, loved the fleamarket you were lucky enough to go to!
    I've been all over your blog and love it, I'm your newest follower, pinterest too! Liked you on FB also, thanks so much for stopping by and following me just love it!

    Rondell♥

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  24. I used to live in Oak Park. I left my heart in Chicago when I left.

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  25. Looks like tons of fun...Chicago is about an hour flight from us too :) Laurel

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  26. I wasn't sure why you liked Chicago, but seeing the photos, I can see why. So many lovelies, looks like you had fun.

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  27. I love Chicago and would love to go back there again. Love the display window with the little white drop-leaf table! Thanks for your kind encouragement on my small house survival post. :)

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  28. Glad you had a good trip. I got to spend 4 weeks in Chicago during July and August. I did a lot of exploring in the small towns. Did not get to go to any flea markets though - Bummer!

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  29. Looks like you had a great trip to Chicago and glad you enjoyed it so. I live less than 40 minutes from Chicago, and the city is just a great place. Here's something funny, I never heard of the Randolph Street Flea Market? How not I say? Love the display window with the drop leaf table, and I just bought one at a garage sale. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!

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  30. Sounds like a great trip! My sister and I went to Chicago a few years ago. Seeing your photos has made me want to go again soon. Thanks for sharing and for following The Altered Past. I'm a new follower to Must Love Junk! BTW, I really do love junk ;)

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  31. Thanks for visiting my blog and following. I am following yours now too. I grew up in Oak Park and did not realiize how awesome Chicago was. But it was a "few" years ago and it has changed quite a bit. But even back then there were great restaurants!

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  32. I am so glad our son and his wife live in downtown Chicago. We will be visiting them in a week - so excited. We love to walk around since they live so close to everything. Looks like you had a great time!

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  33. You had me at your header! Thanks for leaving a sweet comment on my blog and for following! I'm following back. Lucky you to get to do thrifting in Chicago. I'm a country girl, scared to death of the city so I'd be a little terrified! I love your bowling pin vignette with the little red wagon.

    Have a great week!
    Deborah

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  34. Glad you had such a great time in the Windy City. I live in one of the far northwest suburbs. Funny thing is, we rarely make it into the City, especially to do any shopping! I've never even been to the flea mkt or the stores and restaurant you mentioned, lol.

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  35. The sewing machines! I would be in sewing machine heaven. I've never seen anything like that!

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