No style advice today. Instead I’m going to share with you some photos from my travels in Chicago (where I’m currently on holiday).
On our first day the weather wasn’t so great, so we took a walk up to the Chicago Cultural Centre and Public Library. Amazing building with lots of mosaic designed by Louis Tiffany (of the Tiffany Jewellery family), there is also one of his mosaic ceilings in the Macy’s, the blue one in the picture (used to be Marshall Fields departments store) downtown (look up in Chicago and there are so many architectural delights to see).
We took a walking tour and was introduced to a sculpture of Picasso’s wife (in the picture above), went up Trump Tower (that big glass building) to the 16th floor where there is a bar and braved the wind and rain on the balcony to take some photos (not for long though!).
Fortunately the weather improved some after our first day and we walked downtown to see The Bean (a shiny metal, that looks like glass, sculpture in Millenium Park), the Millenium centre, where there was a concert in progress, and of course Buckingham Fountain.
I was lucky enough to catch up with some wonderful women who are currently taking part in my Evolve Your Style challenge and we had lunch at Little Goat diner.
Turns out the apartment we’re staying at is 3 blocks from Harpo (Oprah’s) Studios. West Loop is a fantastic location to stay!
Just walking the streets of Chicago there are so many fascinating and beautiful buildings to see. My neck is sore from looking up all the time in awe!
We spent 1/2 a day at the Art Institute and saw the current Magritte exhibition as well as a number of other works of art. You could spend weeks in this gallery – there is just so much to see! From Mondrian to Rodin, Monet to Chagal.
Then an afternoon at the Field Museum where Sue (the largest T-Rex skeleton) lives. Plus a visit to the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower to see the views from one of the tallest buildings in the world (though sadly on a sunny day you can see into 4 states, but it was a bit cloudy for us).
We’ve also taken a trip to Oak Park on the dodgy Green “L” line to see the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio which was fascinating. A really interesting insight into his philosophy about design. Definitely worth the trip if you’re coming to Chicago.
Still another couple of days to enjoy here! We’re off to the Science and Industry Museum, Aquarium and maybe even an architectural river cruise today!
Dear Imogen, I forgot to recommend it to you before – if you had some spare time, think about going for a walk in the Lurie Garden – there is a world famous Salvia River by Piet Oudolf, almost a magical place to see. Whatever, have a great time!! 🙂
http://florafocus.wordpress.com/2013/06/08/the-lurie-gardens-iconic-salvia-river-is-in-its-full-stuning-glory/
We are flying back this morning so sadly have missed this! There is so much to see here!
I love Chicago so much…thanks for the memories…I cannot wait to go back. Hope your travels home are safe and care free!
Cool, what an inspiring post! Great photos, thank you for posting.
Imogen, you did an amazing job capturing the spirit and beauty of the city. I was a such a pleasure to meet you and the other ladies. After all the sights you have seen and the long plane ride, you may need a vacation after this trip!
It was absolutely my pleasure Lisa! It was a great holiday, though my feet are blistered from all the walking around your beautiful city, and my neck sore from looking up at all the brilliant architecture!
Fabulous photos, Imogen. Think I need to check Chicago out sometimes!
Definitely worth the trip Karen!
Wow! You did a lot in Chicago–one of my favorite cities in the world. I live only 3 hours from it and try to get over there 1-2 times a year. The Art Institute is a dream and my annual pilgrimage. But I love the many other things you listed here too…The Cultural Center, the other museums, the architectural boat tour, the old Marshall Field’s building (which on my last visit earlier this month, I discovered the Walnut Room restaurant–gorgeous!). So happy you loved it there!!