There's so much to do, eat, and see. For the most part, it's exciting, energetic, but in a breezy and carefree Midwest way quite opposite of New York. I can easily jet downtown to Michigan Ave. or State Street on my lunch break via public transit (okay, fine, not jet -- but crawl at a glacial pace). Downtown is a great area to run errands, window shop, take a brisk stroll, whatever. All the major stores and boutiques that I *swoon for* are just steps away from the office. I am aware this is also a dangerous thing, so that is why I typically confine myself to dining al desko in the downstairs dungeon that is my office.
Today I was contemplating a "Welcome to Chicago" gift for The Fella's aunt and uncle who are in town this weekend. My biggest decision was whether to get Garrett's Popcorn or Frangos*. I couldn't make up my mind, but headed downtown anyway because they're both conveniently located near one another.
Along the way, I got sidetracked at a totally random farmer's market smack in Daley Plaza, the hub of city politics and government offices. Six ears of Mirai sweet corn for $4, four Chicago-style bagels for $2.50, a large basket of Michigan green beans for $2, and free samples of Wisconsin cheese and granola. Done.
{ Daley Plaza farmer's market }
Then Anthropologie in Block 37 screamed at me to come inside. The window mannequins were practically calling my name. I intended to just pop in to find something for an upcoming "Urban Photo Shoot" that The Fella and I are going to do (more about this later), courtesy of our friend, Haseeb, who isn't a photographer but dabbles in taking awesome pix, anyway. Needless to say, I love Anthropologie, and left with a luxe cream-colored, faux fur cardigan that I'm thinking of for the photo shoot, and two white and cream blouses from the sale rack for a steal. Done and done.
{ ivories, peachy creams, and whites }
Leaving Anthro, I followed the buttery scent about a block away. That's how I made my decision between Garrett's and Frangos. One whiff, and it was decided – definitely Garrett's! Done. (For realz, this time.)
And that's the story of my life: ambling off the beaten path, distracted by shiny, pretty things.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
* Frango Mints are the famed chocolate truffles that were exclusive to Marshall Fields, a historic department store icon in Chicago, but is now produced and distributed through Macy's when they bought out MF.
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