Jonathan Adler Tote (c/o) / J.Crew Factory Pants (So comfy and flattering–cotton/spandex fabric and a side zip! I’m wearing them in navy, but they also come in black and maroon) / Armed and Readi Pave Bracelet (c/o) / Fornash Elephant Bangle (c/o Fornash) / Franco Sarto Sandals (Old, similar here) / Kate Spade Sunnies (Old, newer styles here) / Lilly Pulitzer Top (Old, similar here and here – original inspiration here) / Kate Spade Necklace (On sale, but also available here) / J.Crew Pearl Earrings / Michael Kors Watch
After 12 hours in an overpacked Prius, I safely arrived in Chicago around 11 p.m. last night. Phew. Coming home after a wonderful trip is difficult, but I also love putzing around the apartment once I return. I kind of see my home in a whole new light, and appreciate parts of it that used to bother me. (Like the gray molding I so used to hate. Oh, you wonderful gray molding! You’re mine!) So I’m devoting today to full-out putzing. I’m unpacking, cleaning, organizing, responding to emails, catching up on blog stuff, paying bills, and editing photos from my travels–all the stuff that fell to the wayside while I was on the East Coast.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was getting back to New York. (How predictable am I?!) I was there pretty briefly, but it was just what I needed. It’s funny–the moment I came out of the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, my eyes welled up. While I’ve definitely been falling in love with Chicago this summer, I also never know where I’m going, don’t have a lot of friends, and don’t have very many memories tied to the Windy City. Of course, I know that all of these things will come in time. But there’s no place like home, you know? It’s so easy and comforting. (Okay. I’m stopping, haha.)
Staying organized is something I’m not the best at while traveling, as I’m quite the overpacker. I’m constantly losing my cell phone, sunglasses, car keys, hotel key card and makeup. Normally, the item I’m looking for is just buried underneath tons of crap at the bottom of my tote bag, but I almost always have a full-blown panic attack before I realize that. The East/West Tote, though, is brilliant–it has easily accessible labeled pockets, making it next to impossible for me to lose those important things!


Genius. I also love that there are a ton of different varieties of the bag:
One / Two (My current favorite!) / Three / Four / Five / Six
Anyway, my tote Mitch and I had a really nice visit. ;) We spent some time with my parents in Midtown, and then walked around the East Village and the Lower East Side. Later, we met up with friends at the Rusty Knot, one of our favorite establishments in the West Village, and had–perhaps–too much fun. (It was so great to see you guys… Love you!) We eventually crashed at Shawn’s in Stuyvesant Town, which was a tad bit emotional, as he moved to a new apartment a few days later. So many of our friends resided there over the years, so it was hard to see it go! (It was like the Friends apartment!)
Photos below!
Looks like we switched places, I’m back in NY after leaving Chicago! I don’t know how you do that car ride so often, I think I would go crazy!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
Ahhhh! I am so sad we missed each other. One of these days, we’re going to meet IRL and it will be fabulous. ;) xoxo
Gorgeous photos and I love that tote! I’m a Chicago blogger girl too:)
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
Ahh! You are?! I didn’t realize that!! #happiness
gorgeous photos! I love the JA bag so much!!
http://www.rcsoatl.com
These are some beautiful photos of the city! And such cute totes! My favorite would have to be number 1. I also love your look! Very pretty lace top with the dainty bow necklace.
Lauren xo
Sophisticated In Style
Thanks so much, Lauren– you’re such a sweetheart!
Those pockets are genius and your top is darling!
Sarah
Sweet Spontaneity
Oh Kelly! This post must made me tear up a little. I totally hear you! Every time I go back to see my family in the Midwest I walk through the airport and feel so empty, yet so happy to have seen the ones I love the most.
Anyway, love the totes for JA and yes that’s a great idea with allocating pockets for all the important things in life (sunnies, keys and iPhone). Love your adorable parents! The first thing I thought about when you were moving to Chicago…was your momma. That’s the toughest things about moving away from home. I’m sure they enjoyed having you home.
Ok, I’ll stop writing a novel in your comment section.
xo, Olivia
http://www.thecorporatecatwalk.blogspot.com
Olivia–Thank you! It really means a lot to me that someone else understands. That’s exactly how I feel. I love my new home, but it’s hard to be away… And sometimes even harder to go back.
And yes–being away from Mom is super difficult. We talk constantly, though, and always have. She’s coming out here in October or November, and I’m probably going to go back a couple of times between that, haha. I’m lucky–she was really supportive of the move. I think it takes an incredible mother to realize what’s best for her daughter and son-in-law… even if it means we’re far apart. Love her.
Thanks, girl. I appreciate it so much.
ALSO- You looked AMAZING in your wedding photos. I’m so incredibly happy for you! Congratulations!! I’ve been stalking your blog! :)
what a fun post! I am dying over the cute camel tote! so dang cute!!!!!!
kelseybang.com
Those bags are so cute! It’s great to see a NYC post again although I love following your new adventures in Chicago!:)
xo Tia | http://www.bigcitytyro.com
Tia,
Thank you! Sigh–I’ll go back soon to take more pics, hehe :)
Oh my gosh these totes– couldn’t pick a favorite if I tried! And what GORG photos of sweet NYC– you captured it just beautifully.
I totally know the feeling of saying goodbye to a “Friends”-like apartment… the one I lived in is finally vacant from anyone in my group of friends after being passed around for about 5 years!
xx, Emily
shell chic’d
Emily–ahhh! Yes! Exactly. I kind of can’t believe that no one we know lives there anymore. It’s like that old Barenaked Ladies Song… “The Old Apartment.” ;) xoxo
That’s the cutest picture of your parents! Give them a squeeze for me!!