Tuckernuck Reversible Poncho c/o (Also love this one, this one and this one. See other ponchos and capes from Tuckernuck below!) / Hudson Jeans / Joie Booties c/o / Tuckernuck Ruffled Top c/o (And how cute is this one and this one?!) / Pearl Earrings (Also wear these on the reg to fancy events! Super light!) / Monica Vinader Bracelet c/o
Emma’s wearing: Onesie
Now that Mitch and I have been living in Chicago for over two years (#omg), we’ve been getting the itch to venture out of the city and explore the surrounding towns. A few weeks ago, we spent some time in Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth and Evanston, and had a ball. It was so lovely that we decided we needed to do something similar at least one more time before the holidays. After asking around, the general consensus was that Barrington and Barrington Hills shouldn’t be missed… so this past weekend, we made the trip out.
Oh. My. Goodness.
I took a ton of photos, which I’ll definitely be sharing over the next couple of weeks! But, like, WHAT?! Granted, the pics in this post were taken in Barrington, not Barrington Hills, where that behemoth lives. (And there were many modest houses we found in the Hills, too!) But we really couldn’t get over how gorgeous the homes were in both areas. One of our favorite things to do while we’re exploring new places is use Zillow, Trulia and Redfin–you know, just for fun. ;) I fell in love with this one, and Mitch liked this one. This house was out of this world, too!
Oh, hey. While we’re on the subject, do you guys have any suggestions of good day trips from Chicago? We’d love to build our list!
In other news, hello best poncho ever. It’s reversible: plaid on one side and houndstooth on the other, and it’s perfectly cozy for these lovely fall days we’ve been graced with this season. Remember a few months ago when I said I wasn’t into clothes anymore? Scratch that. Totally back into ’em, haha. I blame you, Tuckernuck!
Favorite ponchos:
But really: Tuckernuck’s collection this season is unbelievable. I’ve fallen head over heels with pretty much everything on the retailer’s site, and I often find myself copying the outfits that the models wear. (Hey: why reinvent the wheel, am I right?!) I also love how Tuckernuck’s pieces are simple yet make a statement. As a new mom, I do NOT have time to accessorize in the morning. But when I throw on a gorgeous ruffled top, a pair of jeans and a poncho, I look polished and pulled-together. It’s nothing short of a miracle, considering how hectic my mornings can get. ;)
Favorite ruffled tops:
Speaking of frantic mornings:
Yesterday, I spent the morning frantically trying to meet some crazy deadlines… and then the afternoon and evening were spent Jess working on our Winter Guide. We’re SO excited about it! (Here’s last year’s, if you didn’t catch it.) Today, though, I’m taking the day off, and strolling around the hood with Emma… and then voting with Mitch when he gets home from work.
GET OUT AND VOTE!
Okay. Off to bed. Why do I start my blog posts every night at 1 a.m.?!
Shop the post:
Tuckernuck Reversible Poncho c/o (Also love this one, this one and this one. See other ponchos and capes from Tuckernuck below!) / Hudson Jeans / Joie Booties c/o / Tuckernuck Ruffled Top c/o (And how cute is this one and this one?!) / Pearl Earrings (Also wear these on the reg to fancy events! Super light!) / Monica Vinader Bracelet c/o
Emma’s wearing: Onesie
Love love love the poncho! Emma is so adorable!!
xo elle // https://splashofpreppy.com
Thank you, Elle! She’s my world. ;)
If we, all your reader, pool our money maybe we could buy one of those homes. Vacation home for Kelly’s readers! Think of the parties we will have!
Hahaha LOVE IT. Yes, it might take a lot of readers, but imagine the parties we’d have!! ;)
Well I am sure you know of going to Lake Geneva for a day or the weekend. There is also going to the South west part of Michigan and into the South Bend area of Indiana.
If you feel like going to Galena as well but that is about a three hour drive west of Chicago.
You went to places that I am about almost on a daily bit. Try further north along the North Shore–Northbrook, Highland Park and Lake Forest. Going West too to areas like Oak Brook and Hindsdale and Naperville.
Maureen, thank you! Mitch and I went to Lake Geneva last winter but it was freezing! We need to get back… maybe this spring when it’s a bit warmer! :)
My brother went to ND so I’ve been to South Bend many times, but what towns do you like in Southwest Michigan?!
Also adding Galena, Northbrook, Highland Park and Lake Forest to the list! Thank you!!
That poncho is SO cute! Barrington looks picture perfect…I haven’t been out there yet, but I love exploring the few Chicago suburbs that I have!
xo
Olivia
PrepEssentials
Me toooo! It was so pretty — I highly recommend visiting while the leaves are still colorful! Loved it. :)
Long Grove is a fun day out too!
Added to list! Also: love your “screen name.” Missing ACK like crazy!
I’m loving these family photos and those fall colors!
Love the duality of the poncho!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
That Tuckernuck top is the best–I’ve had mine on repeat for the last few weeks!
I’m going to second Maureen’s comment about Naperville–when I lived in Wheaton, there was this little place in Naperville called Cookie Dough Creations that was my favorite place to stop by if I was in need of a pick-me-up! Their downtown area is just the cutest.
Oh FUN! Thank you, Katie! I actually have some fuzzy memories of Naperville from when I was a child; my cousins lived there for a few years when my uncle was transferred to Chicago! Adding it to the list. :)
And “Cookie Dough Creations”? Yes — I’m sold! Haha!
Hi Kelly,
I’ve been a long time fan and follower of your blog. I finally feel that I have to speak my mind about some things I’ve seen lately. First, I’m really disappointed that lately you seem to post a ton of sponsored post. It really makes it seem like you are being disingenuous to your brand. On top of this, these visits to the most expensive neighborhoods in Chicago are in real poor taste. I would be very surprised that a couple living on a teacher salary would be pining for a home in these areas. The average cost of a home comprising of the areas in the North Shore (Kenilworth, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, etc), Barrington, Hinsdale is $1 million. I doubt this is a realistic goal for many other teachers and blog readers and even if it was, it’s in poor taste. I’m really sorry if I am being harsh but I had to say it.
Hi Katie,
That’s okay! Thanks for speaking your mind; I say that in the most sincere way possible. :)
I’m so happy to address your concerns:
You’re right in that I’m doing a lot more sponsored content these days. The truth of the matter is that now that we have a baby, our expenses are higher. I’ve also had to drop a lot of my freelance gigs, as I can’t be in the field anymore since I’m at home, caring for Emma. This is why you’ve seen me taking on more blog-related work. Financially, for my family, I have to do it.
Right now, saving for Emma’s college education is at the forefront of our minds, and a lot of my blog earnings are going to that. Believe me: it’s not ideal, and I would MUCH rather not take on a ton of sponsorships, as working and mommying at the same time has been extremely challenging. (Slowly killing me, haha.) But I remind myself every day that I want everything in the world for Emma, and I’m doing this for a reason.
(To get into it a bit further, Chicago Public Schools didn’t accept my years of service in New York City. So even if I went back to teaching, I would actually be making less than what daycare would cost. It just doesn’t make sense for our family, and we feel very fortunate that this is another option for us right now.)
I totally understand where you’re coming from, though. It can certainly seem disingenuous, but I try really hard to only work with brands that I love, and intertwine my real life as well as stories into my posts, just as I’ve always done. Of course, I’ve messed up on a couple of occasions, and have learned from that. But I try really hard. (Usually on four or five hours of sleep!) My hope is that my voice still shines through. Yes, I might be wearing a poncho that a company gave me, but it’s still totally me. My stories, my life, my thoughts — Those are not sponsored. (And love, love, love that poncho! Tuckernuck has always been a favorite retailer of mine, so this piece–and the brand in general–is probably the most organic fit for me ever.)
As for visiting these neighborhoods, I might have to disagree. Mitch and I aren’t pining for a home out there; we just like going sightseeing. And while yes, Mitch is a teacher, he owns his own company and I am self-employed… and the two of us work very, very hard. While we intend on staying in our modest little house for our whole lives, as we absolutely adore it and feel so blessed to have it, we had the best time in Barrington! Would we want to live there? Probably not, as A) we’re so happy in Chicago B) we have no family ties there and C) there’s no way we could ever afford it. ;) That said, we had a really great trip and absolutely loved looking at the houses.
I’ve mentioned this on the blog many times, but Mitch and I live a very modest lifestyle. (Here’s a great example of how we live: http://bit.ly/2fAk7Vy) We have everything we could ever hope for and more: each other, Emma, our friends, our families, our home and our city. Day trips to the suburbs have been great for our little family, but that’s all they are. :) In no way are we suggesting that blog readers and other teachers should strive for multi-million dollar homes.
Please know that in NO way is any of this meant to be snarky. Thank you for weighing in, and I’ll be sure address your concerns in an upcoming post! I truly value your readership! And if I win the lottery anytime soon, I will DEFINITELY drop a lot of my partnerships. (With the exception of Tuckernuck. I love their team and collections, and will ALWAYS partner with them!) But until then, I’m going to have to keep “working,” even though it’s often a combination of work, fun and real life. I love this blog and the fact that it’s my own little space to share my life with my readers… but family and my little girl come first. <3
Well, Kelly won’t say it but I will Katie, how rude! I’m married to a teacher and I love looking at big huge homes, what’s wrong with that! Will I ever own one, not unless I win the lottery but it’s fun to dream! And, I am always ordering items off Kelly’s post (sorry Kelly, I’m really not a stalker), ha! If you don’t like what she posts then don’t read it, no one is forcing you. This is how bloggers make their money. Sorry, Kelly, but I adore your blog and you keep doing what you are doing….Peace!
Barrington looks so pretty! I am now inspired to take a trip :)
Katie | Willow + White
So cute – loving Emma’s smile!!! I absolutely adore all of the fun suburban trips you guys make – can’t wait for more! You should definitely add Oak Park and Elmhurst to the list – lots of beautiful, historic streets!
You guys are so cute! Love that poncho and I miss Emma!
This outfit is so cute and I seriously love all of those house- too bad I don’t have a few million dollars lying around haha!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
My p’s live in Barrington and LOVE visiting! Also, you’ve GOT to go to Lake Forrest and have lunch at Deer Path Inn. It feels like Kholer and Restoration Hardware had a baby. Also, if you ever come to Elmhurst, call a sister up!!!!
This looks like such a fun day!! One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is to take Oliver for a walk through the Gold Coast. The homes there are insane and so beautiful! It’s fun to daydream a bit, isn’t it?!
New Buffalo, MI and St. Joseph, MI are great day trips(only a couple hours away from downtown)! The surrounding small towns are also adorable to explore. Make sure to stop at http://www.harbertswedishbakery.com/ on Red Arrow Highway if you visit!