A Girl's Guide to Chicago

by Kelly Russell

  Michigan Avenue looks extra beautiful this evening. I don’t want the evening to be over just yet. I want to stay here in this moment and enjoy being out in the city.

  “Jillian, I can’t thank you enough for inviting me. Tonight was so much fun.”

  “I’m so glad you had fun. That’s basically how those events go. Although it’s not every day you get to meet the designer. So, this was a great first one for you to go to.”

  “Well, I really loved every minute. It’s still pretty early so do you want to grab another drink somewhere?”

  “Sure. Let’s go to this place in my neighborhood called Le Colonial. They have a lychee martini that is amazing and you will love.”

  “I’ve never had a lychee martini. I’m sure these are not like the cheap martini’s at SoPo.”

  “No, they are not. If you like martini’s, you will love these.”

  “Okay. Let’s go there then.” I stop for a moment. As quickly as I can, I switch out of my heels into a pair of flats I have in my purse.

  “I learned this little tip from Kourtney, and it has changed my life.”

  “Ha! That is a really good tip.”

  I love the Gold Coast neighborhood. The white building of Le Colonial looks like someone’s elegant mansion. The first floor has plenty of smaller white linen tables. It’s a little busy as late diners are still enjoying their evening. We head upstairs to a quaint little bar. It is empty, so we take a seat on the stools at the bar.

  “Hello, what can I get you, girls?”

  “We are going to have two lychee martinis.”

  “Oh, excellent choice. They are the best.”

  “Yep. I’ve had a few here before, but my friend has never been here. I told her they are amazing.”

  “Well, welcome.”

  A few minutes later, she places two lychee martinis in front of us. “Cheers ladies. Enjoy!” The martinis are almost clear with a piece of lychee on the side of the glass.

  “So, Jillian. What is lychee anyway?”

  “It’s a tropical sweet fruit.”

  “Oh.”

  I take a sip. My martini is sweet but not too sweet and very refreshing.

  “Oh. This is so good!”

  “Isn’t it? It’s one of my favorite drinks.”

  I could easily have a few of these lychee martinis. We take our time and enjoy our drink but decide one martini is enough for tonight. We thank our bartender, pay the tab, and head outside to catch a cab.

  While in the cab on the way home, I am dazzled by this experience and grinning from ear to ear. I replay the night in my head. Somehow, I must have my own fashion blog. I love the combination of fashion and writing, so I just need to figure out how to make this happen. I wonder if Vin would be able to help me?

  Sixteen

  I couldn’t be more excited! Spring is here and in full swing. Every day has been beautiful. Chicagoans are either in full baseball mode watching the Cubs or sitting out on café patios enjoying the sunshine and a cocktail or two. I, however, am in full blog-research mode. I have spent days looking at blog themes, studying my favorite blogs, and setting up Google alerts for all things Chicago. I casually tell Vin over lunch about my idea for my blog and ask how hard it would be to set up a WordPress blog. I’m hoping he can give me some direction.

  “You just want a WordPress blog? That’s not too complicated to do especially if the theme is simple enough. I could probably do it for you in a few hours. Have you picked out a theme you like?”

  “Really? You would do that? Yeah, I’m choosing between two free themes I really like.”

  “What are you going to blog about?”

  “Fashion and Chicago stuff. I just want to write about whatever I like.”

  “Just make sure you have a clear direction for your blog and be as niche as you can. Fashion is very broad.”

  “I think I’m just going to write a few posts and see what direction I want to go.”

  “Well, decide on a theme, the colors, and a name. If you are free to meet on Saturday, I can help you set up everything.”

  “Really? You would do all that for me?”

  “Yep, it’s no problem.”

  “Wow, thank you so much. I really appreciate all your help.”

  I had no idea he would offer to help me. I thought he would guide me in the right direction or suggest someone who would be able to help me. This is seriously so nice of him especially since he is busy running the agency.

  Our original intent for lunch was to discuss the team achieving its goal. We are due for another company outing. Since it’s baseball season, and pretty much everyone in the office is a die-hard Cubs fan. James and Vin decide it would be fun to take the team to a baseball game but not at the stadium. It worked out best to buy tickets for one of the rooftops, which also included unlimited food and drinks.

  “So, anyway, I looked up a few Cub games. Next Friday, there is a game at 1:05. I think the team will love to go. It’s such a fun idea for a team outing.”

  “You are going to get everyone rooftop tickets?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay. When we get back from lunch, go ahead and get those tickets.”

  “Okay, will do.”

  I book tickets for the entire office as soon as I get back to the office. I send James and Vin an instant message to tell them everything is taken care of.

  Before I left work, James asked me if I wanted to meet him at SoPo tonight, but I can’t. I’m spending this evening finalizing my blog theme and the colors, and I need to decide on a name. I have written down a few names that I like. I want something personal and something that is related to fashion. In my notebook of scribbled names, one name keeps coming back to me that is quirky and fun: My Posh Jeans. Victoria Beckham is hands-down my favorite celebrity and style icon. I loved the Spice Girls when I was growing up. Posh was Victoria Beckham’s nickname, and it’s still pretty much her nickname today. I had purchased a pair of her jeans, and I had the chance to meet her at Saks that same day. It was a major highlight of my life and a very memorable experience. I feel my style is casual and chic like hers and somehow the name just fits.

  As I sat on the couch eating pizza, the rest of my vision for my blog just came to life. I’ve chosen a name for my blog, and now I need a theme. I look over the two that I like. The one I keep going back to is simple, mostly white, and positions the logo at the top. It seems the best look for My Posh Jeans. Check that off my list. I take a few more bites of my pizza.

  I look over my list. I’m down to two colors, blue and purple. I love blue, but purple seems right for fashion. I don’t want my blog too pinkish-purple, so I Google “purple color” in the image search. I take some more bites of my pizza as I look through different shades of purple. I stop at one I like. I look at the name. Royal purple. Of course, it’s perfect. I recheck my notes. Wow, I did it! I sit back on the couch feeling super excited. I have completed everything on my list, and now I can’t wait for tomorrow morning.

  “So, David, I’m going to a coffee shop called Intelligentsia Coffee on Broadway. Vin is going to help me set up my blog.”

  My brother is standing there in the living room smiling at me with his arms crossed. “Okay, have fun.”

  I roll my eyes at him. I don’t care what he thinks. I’m so appreciative that Vin is going to help me get my blog up and running. It’s generous of him to take the time, especially on a Saturday.

  I walk over to Intelligentsia. I have a bounce in my step. It’s a beautiful May day. I’m so excited to work on my blog. I head down Broadway, and I am loving the walk. Broadway is lined with fun restaurants, bars, and little shops. This is my first time going to Intelligentsia. It’s a modern-style coffee shop with plenty of tables. I choose a table in the front and take a seat. I look around to see if Vin is already here. He’s not yet. I go over all my notes, and he strolls in about ten minutes later.

  He greets me with a little hug. “Hey, sorry I’m late. I was looking for parking
. It seems like everyone is out today.”

  “That’s okay. I just got here.”

  “Wait. Is that your laptop? Oh, Kelly.” I look down at my clunky, outdated giant of a laptop that I’ve had since college.

  “If you are going to have a great blog, you are going to need a better laptop, especially if you are going to be writing out of your apartment. You don’t want to be carrying that thing around all the time.”

  “I know. I will get a new one sometime. I don’t have much cash for one right now.” I sigh to myself. Another thing to add to the credit card. “Okay, well let me get you a coffee. It’s the least I can do for you helping me today. What do you like?”

  “Thanks. I’ll have a cappuccino.”

  “Okay. I’ll be right back.”

  I order a vanilla latte for myself and a cappuccino for Vin. I bring our coffees to our table. I sit back in my seat and take a sip of coffee. It’s sweet from the vanilla, but the coffee is smooth and delicious.

  “Like it?”

  “Hmm, I do. It’s really good.”

  “Good. It’s my favorite coffee in the city.”

  We install my theme, edit the blog, and change all the colors to make everything exactly my style. A few hours later, My Posh Jeans is up and running! It’s just how I imagined. My blog couldn’t be more perfect.

  “What do you think?”

  “It’s so great! I’m excited. I can’t wait to get home and set up everything else.”

  “Good. That part should be pretty easy for you.”

  “Thank you so much. I really owe you.”

  “It’s no problem. Honestly. I’ve been doing this stuff for years.”

  “So, are you hungry? As I was walking here, I saw this cute little brunch place across the street. Do you want to go check it out? It’s my treat for you helping me today.”

  “Okay, yeah, I’m pretty hungry.”

  We pack up our things and walk across the street to Mortar and Pestle. The host shows us to a little two-top table along the wall. I love rustic décor and lots of lacquered wood. Tiny flowers in little vases are on every table.

  “What do you think you are going to get? The biscuits with jam look really good.”

  “Yeah, I saw those too, and maybe some eggs?”

  “Same. Let’s order that.”

  We give the server our order, and she brings us some fresh coffee.

  “So, what are your plans for the rest of the day. I know I’m going home to work on my blog.”

  “Hmm, not sure. I might be meeting up with some friends.”

  Our food arrives. We agree that the biscuits are a smart choice. We finish off our quick brunch, and Vin offers to drop me off at my apartment, so I don’t have to carry my giant laptop all the way home.

  I spend the next few hours setting up my social media, navigating my blog, and creating an “About Me” page and “Contact” page. Now it’s time to write my first post. I stare at my screen. My mind is blank. What should my first post be about? I’m thinking. How do I start it? I look at my phone. I’ve been sitting here for twenty minutes. This is a lot harder than I thought. I look through some of my favorite blogs that I follow to get some inspiration. Their posts look so professional. They have beautiful images. They write about their outfits and the latest styles for spring. I do love fashion, but these bloggers seem to know so much more than me.

  Okay, don’t get down, I say to myself. You have come this far. You can totally do this. I’m sure other bloggers didn’t start out with gorgeous posts. I just need to write about me, who I am, and just be honest. Oh, wait! I got it! My first post should be about how I came up with the name for my blog, how I met Victoria Beckham and bought a pair of her jeans. That was a fun day, an interesting story, and it’s a perfect introduction post. I spent the next few hours writing my post and deciding out how to make it look just perfect.

  It’s early evening when I’m ready to hit publish. This is it. My first blog post. I’m excited and so proud of myself. Will anyone read it? I call Mum to ask her to read it, and I send her the link. I’m too excited not to tell someone.

  I share my first post on my Twitter account. I start following as many Chicagoans as I can find. I spend the rest of the night watching Sweet Home Alabama on the E! channel as I work on my social media and think up blog topics. It feels official. I could be a Chicago blogger.

  Seventeen

  I work on my blog every chance I get. I also spend a lot of time on social media. I love following my favorite bloggers and celebrities to see what they are up to. Some fellow Chicagoans and Chicago places are starting to follow me back. When I’m not writing, I’m reading everything I can about blogging and building up my social media following.

  Before I know it, it’s Friday. Cubs game day. We are leaving early from work so we can head up to Wrigleyville. The whole office is excited about the game. I’ve only been to one Cubs game in my life, and I have never been to a game on one of the rooftops. It sounds like a lot of fun. I also have an idea for a blog post. I’m going to write about how to dress for a Cubs game.

  We all leave the office around eleven and take the Red Line up to the Addison, which is also the “L” station stop for Wrigley Field. It’s a beautiful spring day, perfect weather for a baseball game. On the train, everyone is in a great mood. As we continue north, the Red Line is filling up with excited Cubs fans in their Cubs caps, shirts, jerseys or hoodies. The conversation is all about the Cubs and what they need to do this season to win the World Series. While we are on the train, I tell Jillian all about my blog.

  “Oh, that’s really cool! I had no idea you wanted to start one. You will have to show me.”

  “I will. I know, I wanted to tell you, but I wanted to have it up and running first before I said anything.”

  “I will definitely start following you on social media.”

  “Thanks! I also might need you take a few photos of me today if you don’t mind. I want to write a post about dressing for a Cubs game.”

  “Oh. That’s a cute idea! I don’t mind.”

  The train doors open at Addison. The crowd scrambles off and down the stairs. It’s a mad rush to the bars for a few drinks before the game starts. Our group reaches the stadium and walks down Sheffield Avenue to what looks like a normal three-flat. We head inside, up the stairs, and into a giant room. It’s set up with tables and chairs and a large buffet full of all kinds of stadium food. They have hot dogs and hamburgers with every fixing you could imagine. There’s an ice cream machine with a setup of different toppings. I walk up another set of stairs to the rooftop. They’re about ten rows of stadium chairs. A few of the guys are already figuring out the best place to sit to watch the game.

  I look out to the baseball field. It’s definitely a cool view. The stadium is filling up, and they’re a few players warming up on the field. Wrigley Field has tons of energy, and although they have done a few updates to the stadium, it still has that old ballpark vibe including the famous ivy that is now filled in along the walls. I take a few photos on my iPhone and head back inside to grab some food. I fill my plate with a Chicago style hotdog and a handful of potato chips, then follow James, Vin, and Jillian back up to the rooftop.

  Today couldn’t be more perfect! I am with my friends and co-workers, eating a hotdog and chips, the sunshine is warm on my face, and I can hear all the sounds of a baseball game. The crack of the bat hitting a ball, the cheers in the crowd when the Cubs score, the echo of the game announcer, and the organ music that plays between innings. The Cubs are leading the game, and I can feel the energy emanating from the stadium. The whole afternoon is a blast, and I watched more of the game then I thought I would.

  It’s a great end to our company outing because the Cubs win! The crowd roars when the last run is scored, and that is when we slowly start to make our way out. James tells us he is meeting up with some friends at a place called Parson’s in the Logan Square neighborhood. I’ve never heard of Parson’s and I haven’t
been over to Logan Square yet. James tells me they have a huge backyard-style patio, amazing cocktails, and famous fried chicken. Since it’s still really nice out and it’s a new place for me to try, I tell him I will tag along.

  “I’m in too. I’ll just cab back to the Gold Coast later.”

  “Okay great. Vin?” Vin is looking down at his phone. James tries again.

  “Hello, Vin! What are you going to do?”

  “Oh, probably just head home and see what my friends are up to tonight.”

  “Okay. But did you hear us? Just so you know, you’re welcome to come with us to Parson’s if you want to go in that direction. My friends have an area on the patio, and we can join them.”

  “Okay, yeah, I’ll come.”

  Since Wrigleyville is crazy right now, and to make the most of the weather, we decide to walk away from the stadium and bars before we catch a cab over to Logan Square. We walk among the crowds as fans are heading to the bars around the stadium. Finally, after a few months of living in Chicago, I’ve come to enjoy walking around the city. With the right pair of shoes, of course.

  Vin, Jillian, and I are on the patio and pick up the menus to look over the food and cocktails.

  “What are you guys going to get?”

  “Probably just stick with beer or have a whiskey on the rocks.”

  “You don’t want one of their frozen cocktails? It’s the perfect day for one. What about you Jillian?”

  “Yeah I’m getting one. I’m getting the Negroni Slushy.”

  “I will too. Anything refreshing always looks good.”

  The waitress comes by and takes our order.

  “James, this place is really cool. I love the patio. It’s so fun. I’m so glad you guys got this great spot. Thanks for letting us join you.”

  “Yeah, of course.”

  I sip my frozen cocktail and take in everything that is around me. I feel a light breeze and the late afternoon sun on my body. I listen to the all the sounds: the chatter of the people around me, the music playing on the speakers, and the cheering from a game of ping pong happening, in one corner of the patio. The restaurant is filling up. It’s a happy start to the weekend.