Family Weekend in Chicago

Plaid Pumps, Plaid Clutch, Sweater (I’m wearing a size medium), Necklace and Bracelet c/o Charming Charlie / Rag & Bone Jeans (Black/Light Blue/Dark Blue) / J.Crew Coat (Also available here. Love this one and this one, too. Factory version here.)

Happy Weekend, All! The Larkin Fam has been having such a great time in Chicago. It feels like it’s been ages since we had a weekend all to ourselves here, and we’ve definitely been enjoying it. :) Did I tell you that we’re reserving one weekend per month for our little family? No plans whatsoever; just family fun! Here’s what we’ve been up to:

Last night, we headed downtown to soak up the holiday magic. I wore the outfit you see in these photos: so much holiday plaid from Charming Charlie. :) I actually hit up the store (at The Shops at North Bridge in Chicago) a couple of weeks ago for most of what I’m wearing, but I couldn’t help but stop by again, since we were in the area. I picked up these plaid pumps for only $35… insane, right?! And the deals on the clutch, sweater, necklace and bracelet were amazing, too. So nice to have a place to find great, affordable holiday attire and jewelry. (Use code “HOL1060” to take $10 off your purchase of $60+. Valid now through 12/6/16 at charmingcharlie.com and Charming Charlie stores.) After our stroll, we grabbed dinner at Star of Siam, our favorite Thai place in the city. It was really nice to have a chance to catch up, just the ~~two~~ three of us.

This morning, we went out to brunch at White Oak Tavern on Webster. SO GOOD. If you’re looking for a great brunch spot for the next time you’re in Chicago, go here. We had the monkey bread, cinnamon roll, French toast, and chicken and waffles, and everything was amazing. (I know. Ridiculous. We took most of it home.) And the coffee. Best coffee I think I’ve ever had?! Emma was also such a darling. She worn her flannel Christmas dress, and was all smiles the whole time.

During the day, we got our Christmas tree at a nearby church. It was such a magical experience, and I took a ton of photos to share with you guys early next week. The “tree farm” gave us a bunch of evergreen sprigs for free as we left, so we decorated the whole house with them. The place is a mess, but it sure smells great!

Tonight, we’re headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo to see the “Zoo Lights.” When we were there last year, we witnessed a proposal, and it was pretty much the cutest thing ever. Mitch is telling me not to get my hopes up; it probably won’t happen again. ;) But I know it’s going to be just as magical as last year, as this time, we have Emma. (I love how we’ve been trying to do all the holiday activities with her and she’s only four months old and has no idea what’s going on, haha. Still so fun, though.)

Tomorrow, we’re grabbing bagels at a new place on Lincoln, and then we’re going to the Gold Coast to admire all the holiday decor.