Gals' Guide

Another Zara is Coming to Chicago! State & Randolph at Block 37

Happy Hump Day,

It was a rumor and now confirmed: Zara will open their third Chicagoland location at the still under construction Block 37 development at State & Randolph. Let's recap the first two shall we?

1. Old Orchard Mall - Opens in September (Skokie)
2. Location on Michigan Avenue - Opens TBD, there is some real estate drama with the building

Just Confirmed:
Location at State & Randolph - Opening next Spring, 12,000 sq ft, two floors.

I'm uber excited about the location on State Street. Why? I live on State St., due south, about a half mile away. Yippee!

Jury Duty Day 1

Hi Ladies,

It's the 11th and I'm off to report in to the jury duty summons I received awhile back. As always, I'll be writing about my experiences, but you can get updates in real time via Twitter.

Small Town Gal to City Gal:Tips on Staying Level Headed in the City

I grew up in Northwest Indiana,about an hour from Chicago. Pretty much everyone knew everyone in the town I lived in,and people basically live a simple life. Not that people were not driving Mercedes Benz around and it was in the middle of nowhere,but I can definitely say it is a lot more "quieter" than the city. Pretty low key.

Most of you gal's have probably moved to Chicago from small towns such as the one I came from. Perhaps you have visited the city a few times and fell in love with it like I did,which is why I am living in the city today.

Jury Duty

Yours truly received a summons to report for Jury Duty in mid August.

I always said that the day I received a Jury Duty notice from Cook County, I knew I was an official 'Chicagoan'. Well, that day has come. 

Stay tuned for how that goes when I serve my time in August!

Walking Home at Night Pepper Spray and Eyes Like a Hawk

I decided to shoot this video as I walked home from last week's SPECTACULAR Summerdance/Boban Markovic fest. I'm working on that video montage as well. As you'll see, my shiny face is a clear indicator that I had a blast.

Check out the video below for a much needed reminder about walking home by your lonesome.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Buy Your Fall Wardrobe at a Discount

This is how it works.  You shop at Nordstrom now for your fall wardrobe, the stuff is on early bird sale through August 3, then goes back to the higher price on August 4.

List of Starbucks Stores Closing See If Your 'Hood is Included

Hi Gang,

Here is the complete list from Starbucks corporate as to what stores will be closing.

In Chicago, the following locations will be saying buh-bye:

• 2475 N Lincoln
• 2454 N. Ashland
• 1140 Commercial Court
• 2347 W. 95th Street
• 3350 W. Roosevelt Rd
• 1753 E 95 Street

By the looks of the Chicago stores, not that much of a hit. Two Lakeview/ Lincoln Park stores and the others are on the far South or West sides.

Moving to a Different Neighborhood this Summer? The Good, the Bad, and the Sad.

While Chicago is known for architectural feats—some buildings rising as high as 100 stories, its history and culture is comprised of other stories. Sordid politics, sports, the Second City, the Polish community, and of course, Lake Michigan. But whether we came to the Windy City for football, its comedy scene, writing, or advertising, our stories continue with apartments in the rich neighborhoods west of the lake; not necessarily at the top of the Hancock (although I wouldn’t mind a condo there either). We tend to live in neighborhoods like Lakeview, West Loop, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Wrigleyville, etc, and, unless you are from the Midwest, chances are, you did not grow-up spending your Summers dotting the shores of the North Beach. So, when your lease is up this summer, do not feel anxiety for not being the master of all-things-Chicago. But, do educate yourself about where you will move to next.