Posts from travel (39)

There were so many responses to my Chicago Picks survey that I'm continuing the series for another week. This town is pretty awesome, and there's really no end to the amazing places to visit & things to do!

Who better to start of week 2 than our very own L? For those of you who know her really well, these picks are so "Laura"... It made me smile just to see what she included on her list & made me miss her being here in Chicago with me!

Maybe they'll make you smile, too ::

1. FAVORITE SHOP/BOUTIQUE? (gift, clothing, design, etc.)

GREER Chicago :: 1657 N. Wells Street, Lincoln Park
A beautifully edited selection of hard-to-find stationery and designers.

(note :: don't miss the Chicago Picks of GREER's owner, Chandra, here!)

2. FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP/CAF??

Argo Tea :: (14) Chicago area locations
Click on "Caf?s" on the site to find the tea shop nearest you.
Earl Grey Vanilla Cr?me!

3. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Southport Grocery :: 3552 N. Southport Avenue, Lakeview
Breakfast is my favorite meal, and Southport Grocery's bread pudding pancakes are out-of-this-world amazing.

4. FAVORITE BAKERY, SWEET SHOP or ICE CREAM PARLOR?

Vosges :: (3) Chicago locations - click here for a list of other locations.
I haven't tried this yet, but next time I'm in town I am going to attend a wine and chocolate "experiential tasting" event at the Lincoln Park boutique.

5. FAVORITE "TOURIST-Y" DESTINATION? (that non-tourists love)

Signature Room at the 95th :: 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Downtown
Atop the Hancock Center, you can take in incredible views of the city and lakefront - and have drinks! (Much better than the Sears Tower*.)

*more on that later ;)

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

Jayson Home & Garden :: 1885 N. Clybourn Avenue, Lincoln Park/DePaul
A simply beautiful shop and place to go for home decor ideas.

Great picks, L! She and I definitely share a love of Earl Grey Vanilla Cr?mes from Argo ...and just the mention of Vosges makes me think of when Laura used to live here.

That last image is just a little sneak peek of something L's been working on... I'll let her explain further when the time is right! ;)

bottom image c/o Neapolitan.
all other images are from the respective company's website or yelp* Chicago.

Our next list of favs comes from one of OrangeBeautiful's favorite vendors, Green Paper Company... If you're an invitations designer or a retail boutique and you need some lovely paper stock & envelopes, you must get in touch with GPC (do that here). They've seriously redefined what it means to be green in the stationery industry...

Here are just some of their local favorites ::

1. FAVORITE SHOP/BOUTIQUE? (gift, clothing, design, etc.)

A New Leaf :: (3) Locations
1645 N. Wells (shop) & 1818 N. Wells (event space), Lincoln Park and
312 S. Dearborn, South Loop

Primarily a florist and event space - most people don't know about the fabulosity that exists as you ramble through this space. I mostly go there for inspiration or to clear my head. The flowers are spread throughout the main level with all sorts of antiquities, vintage furniture and little finds. Go downstairs and find a treasure trove of ribbon, candles, buttons all organized by color hue. The more you walk around this place, the more you find. Don't miss the courtyard and the back coach house.

2. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Lula Caf? :: 2537 N. Kedzie Boulevard, Logan Square

Hands down my favorite restaurant in the city - and Chicago is a great food town. Truly a hidden gem in Logan Square, although it seems the word is out now... that hasn't changed the quality of food or how unpretentious and attentive the fabulous staff is. The menu focuses on seasonal and local foods. The owners have relationships with farmers and the green city market alike. For the kind of meal that you will get at Lula, it's really a steal. We prefer dinner, but they also serve brunch, breakfast, and lunch...

3. FAVORITE BAKERY, SWEET SHOP or ICE CREAM PARLOR?

Sweet Mandy B's :: 1208 W. Webster, Lincoln Park/DePaul

Those old timey treats and huge cookies get us every time!

4. FAVORITE "TOURIST-Y" DESTINATION? (that non-tourists love)

Wendella Sightseeing Boats :: 400 N. Michigan Avenue

(This is) an activity enjoyed best in the summer. I just adore it, and jump at the chance when anyone comes in from out of town and says, "I heard that river architectural tour is great."
I particularly like the lake and river combo because it takes you out on the lake to see the stunning views of the north and south shores. You get a bit of history, but it's not overwhelming as the guide takes some breaks and just lets you enjoy the view. It's really the best of both worlds, and with a cold beverage from the lower deck's snack bar. You are in marine heaven for a lovely 90 minutes.

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

MERZ Apothecary :: 4716 N. Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Square &
inside Macy's, 111 N. State Street, First Floor, Downtown

Another Lincoln Square fave, and another spot that I can't leave without a little something. A collection of hard to find imported, local, organic, and homeopathic health and body products. In business for over 130 years. You can really get lost in here.

Thanks SO much to the awesome folks over at Green Paper Co. for taking the time to send us their picks!

Be sure to check out GPC's eco-delicious goods online at On Paper and browse all of their available products (and more info on their environmental M.O.) on the GPC blog!

There've been so many responses to our Chicago Picks survey, that'll be extending this series into next week!!! Stay tuned!

top & bottom images c/o green paper company.
all other images are from the respective company's website or yelp* Chicago.

I'm super-excited about this next "picker" - it's Chandra Greer, the owner of GREER (a long-time favorite around here!)... simply based on the fabulous things that Chandra stocks in her shop, you just know she'll have great Chicago picks. Enjoy! ::

1. FAVORITE SHOP/BOUTIQUE? (gift, clothing, design, etc.)

P.O.S.H. Chicago :: 613 N. State Street, Near North Side
They have the most extensive, well-curated, and tasteful selection of vintage home accessories I've seen in any city.

2. FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP/CAF??

Metropolis Coffee :: 1039 W. Granville Avenue, Edgewater
Incredible coffee and "real" atmosphere. Excellent service, comfortable environment.

3. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Sixteen at Trump International Hotel & Tower ::
401 N Wabash Ave, 16th Fl. the Loop, Downtown
Fabulous room, incredible food, and the best outdoor terrace in Chicago.

4. FAVORITE BAKERY, SWEET SHOP or ICE CREAM PARLOR?

Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Caf? :: 1114 W. Belmont Avenue, Lakeview
Great attention to detail and quality, wonderful little lunches... and they'll make just about any custom cake you desire.

5. FAVORITE "TOURIST-Y" DESTINATION? (that non-tourists love)

Kayak Chicago :: 1501 N Magnolia Avenue, Noble Square
A very atypical way to see Chicago with exposure to sites, views and neighborhoods few tourists get to see.

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

Whole Foods | Lincoln Park :: 1550 N. Kingsbury Street, Lincoln Park
The new store is an out-of-town foodies' delight and a complete spectacle. I can't imagine there's a grocery store like this anywhere else in the world.

Thanks so much to Chandra for her great picks! And, because GREER always has the most awesome stuff, it only seems appropriate to finish up this post with some Chicago-style picks from Chandra's shop!

clockwise from top left :: City Walks Chicago Deck, $14.95; Eat.Shop.Chicago 2nd Ed., $14.95 (GREER is featured on pg. 117!); My Kind Of Town letterpress card, $6.00 by a.favorite; and Wrigley Field card, $4.25 by Scarlet Bloom. All available at GREER Chicago!

top image by Rob Howard for O Magazine.
bottom image c/o GREER Chicago
all other images are from the respective company's website or yelp* Chicago.

After trying to put this post together, I've come to the realization that there are really just too many awesome places to shop, eat, visit in Chicago for anyone to really have a favorite anything. I have tried to narrow my picks down, but it wasn't easy ::

1. FAVORITE SHOP/BOUTIQUE? (gift, clothing, design, etc.)

Traipse Shoes :: 4341 N. Lincoln Avenue, North Center
As a connoisseur of shoes, this place is like my crack... I've somehow managed to only have three pairs of amazing shoes from here (2 pairs of CYDWOQs and a pair of CAMPER boots), but, trust me, if I had more cash, I'd be buying up shoes from here in bulk...

2. FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP/CAF??

Chicago Bagel Authority (aka CBA) :: 953 W. Armitage Avenue, Lincoln Park/DePaul

I'm gonna put this place under the "coffee shop/caf?" category, mostly, because - if made to choose - I'd take one of these steamed bagel sandwiches every day over my normal daily cup of Joe. Vegetarians have much to choose from here... I'd go for the La Dolce. And those of you who believe bacon should be an ingredient in pretty much everything, you're gonna want a Five-O...
this is must-visit for tourists and non-tourists alike!

3. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Caf? 28 :: 1800 W. Irving Park Road, North Center
This is my absolute #1 favorite restaurant in the entire city...
and I have just three words for you :: Honey. Jalapeno. Porkchops.

4. FAVORITE "TOURIST-Y" DESTINATION? (that non-tourists love)

The Magnificent Mile :: Michigan Avenue, from the Chicago River to Oak Street
Okay, so as much as I hate pushing through all the bewildered tourists in their khaki shorts and horrible visors, I kinda can't get enough of walking up and down the Mag Mile... not for the shopping, but for the feeling of being immersed in a city. The buildings are amazing, the river is lovely, and there's just so much to look at. It just never gets old for me.

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

1154 Lill Studio :: 904 W. Armitage Avenue, Lincoln Park/DePaul
Having a handbag made to your specifications? What could be better?... Lill is one of my absolute favorites 1) because it's just an amazing business model, 2) it's the perfect collaboration between customer & company and 3) the bags are so damn cute! If you're just visiting the city, don't feel like this isn't something you can get in on - they'll ship your finished bag to you when it's complete!

Whew! I'm exhausted from editing down my favorites! Don't fear - there's much more to come... including L 's list, which includes some of my favorites that I left out here!

all photo images are from the respective company's website or yelp* Chicago.

Picker #3 is the one and only Jess Jones, from How About Orange... - Jess and I "met" through the internet via a mutual admiration of one another's blogs. Jess is a super-talented designer (she's been doing a lot of fabric designs, which I am totally jealous of), so I knew she'd have some great local favorites... & here they are! ::

1. FAVORITE SHOP/BOUTIQUE? (gift, clothing, design, etc.)

Hanger 18 :: 4726 N. Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Square
That's the store's owner, Tina Spinelle Dixon, standing outside her shop!

2. FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP/CAF??

Julius Meinl :: (2) locations @ 3601 N. Southport Avenue, Lakeview and
4363 N. Lincoln Avenue, North Center

3. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Geja's Caf? :: 340 W. Armitage Avenue, Lincoln Park

4. FAVORITE BAKERY, SWEET SHOP or ICE CREAM PARLOR?

Lovely Bakeshop :: 1130 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Noble Square

5. FAVORITE "TOURIST-Y" DESTINATION? (that non-tourists love)

Ferris Wheel on Navy Pier :: E. Illinois Street & the Lake, Downtown

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

Sprout Home :: 745 N. Damen Avenue, Ukranian Village

Thanks to Jess from How About Orange... for these great picks. I gotta get a ride in on that Ferris Wheel sometime this summer!

Oh, those are Jess's bags (and fabric designs!) in the pic above. Check out more on those on the blog, and browse Jess's Etsy shop here.

last image c/o How About Orange...
all other images are from the respective company's website or yelp* Chicago.

The second "picker" in my Chicago Picks series is none other than Jw of Sidedown Audio. I know, I know... I should already know what his favorites are, but I was actually kinda surprised by some of his choices (like the fact that he doesn't have a favorite restaurant... um, hello, Brasserie Jo anyone?)...
Anyhow, here are Josh's picks, and oh my, they're good ::

1. FAVORITE SHOP/BOUTIQUE? (gift, clothing, design, etc.)

rotofugi :: 1953-55 W. Chicago Avenue, Ukranian Village
Vinyl toys and fun crazy stuff galore!

2. FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP/CAF??

Pick Me Up :: 3408 N. Clark Street, Lakeview
Good food and interesting coffee drinks right around the Clark/Belmont area... and it's open 24 hours, for night owls.

3. FAVORITE BAKERY, SWEET SHOP or ICE CREAM PARLOR?

Margie's Candies :: (2) locations @ 1960 N. Western Avenue, Logan Square and 1813 W. Montrose Avenue, North Center
Awesome sundaes in old-fashioned clamshell dishes, tasty milkshakes and a retro parlor vibe that is completely authentic.

4. FAVORITE "TOURIST-Y" DESTINATION? (that non-tourists love)

Cloud Gate (aka "the Bean") :: Millenium Park
This is a tourist attraction that I could check out day after day.
It's an interesting piece of art; it's a great area for people watching,
and it gives you a whole new spin on the Chicago skyline.
Visit at dusk for a truly impressive view!

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

Schubas Tavern :: 3159 N. Southport Avenue, Lakeview
One of my favorite small Chicago music venues, Schubas usually has a great lineup of up-and-comers (as well as) well-known music acts.
Located at Southport, which is a great street for food & shopping.

Thanks so much to Jw, from Sidedown Audio for his picks!

Stay tuned for L 's picks, as well as lists from Green Paper Company, the owner of GREER Chicago and many, many more!

top & bottom images c/o SIDEDOWN Audio
Cloud Gate photo by Jw
all other images are from the respective company's website or yelp* Chicago.

So, this week, I'll be doing a series of posts on Chicago. A SCOOP reader (Hi, Paula!) sent me a message last week asking if I could share some of my local favorites for her upcoming trip to the Windy City. And since I'm not one to keep all the fun to myself, I've invited several of my fellow Chicagoans to contribute their picks, too!

First "picker" will be Amber Favorite, local letterpress lady & owner/designer of a.favorite design... I just met Amber in person for the first time this weekend, at an open house at Starshaped Press, where I picked up one of her awesome 4-color letterpress! Chicago Retro Tee notes (shown above)...

Well, no more stalling, here are Amber's picks! ::

1. FAVORITE SHOP/BOUTIQUE? (gift, clothing, design, etc.)

Brownstone Antiques :: 5234 N. Clark Street, Andersonville
(They have) an amazing selection of antiques & vintage goods. Claustrophobes, do not attempt to shop here! Wall-to-wall & floor-to-ceiling goodness... all at affordable prices. They also offer inexpensive delivery. (My) most favorite neighborhood secret... almost considered not sharing this one!

2. FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP/CAF??

The Book Cellar :: 4736-38 N. Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Square
Not only can you get a great book but you can also enjoy coffee, tea or even a glass of wine.

3. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Caro Mio Italian Ristorante :: 1827 W. Wilson Avenue, Ravenswood
Delicious food, wonderful service, family owned & BYOB.

4. FAVORITE BAKERY, SWEET SHOP or ICE CREAM PARLOR?

Sweet Honeybee Bakery :: 1918 W. Montrose Avenue, North Center
4 words: brownie on a stick... bring a friend to help.

5. FAVORITE "TOURIST-Y" DESTINATION? (that non-tourists love)

Millennium Park :: N. Michigan Avenue & the Lake, Downtown
Gardens, sculpture, fountains, free music, beautiful skyline views... what more could a person want?

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

Uncle Fun :: 1338 W. Belmont Avenue, Lakeview
Great book selection, fun vintage toys & just a great energetic atmosphere!

Thanks so much to Amber, from a. favorite for her picks!

Stay tuned for more Chicago Picks posts all this week!

top & bottom images c/o a. favorite designs
all other images are from the respective company's website or yelp* Chicago.

As promised, here's a peek into a stationery boutique in Denver, CO that - if I lived there year-round - would be a constant shopping destination for me :: wordshop.

Not only does wordshop. carry OrangeBeautiful products ;) but its super-adorable to boot. I love the homey-yet-modern feel to the shop, and the two times I've met Jill (the owner) - once at NSS 2008, and then last week, at the store - she's looked so stylish!...

above :: goods from Girl of All Work and thomaspaul

Jw and I picked up goods from a couple different companies, but far-and-away, my new favorite finds were cards from Maginating with great illustrations and typesetting - and letterpress, of course!

If you live in the Denver area, or are traveling there any time soon, definitely give wordshop. a visit - and tell 'em that Emily from OrangeBeautiful (and the SCOOP) sent you!

images by Jw

I've got a ton of work to catch up on here at the studio, so my apologies for the sporadic posts this week. I have so much to share with you, not only from our trip* but from an amazing new magazine, a recent Indie Clothing Pledge purchase, OrangeBeautiful updates & much, much more!

*check back tomorrow for a peek into the lovely stationery boutique & OrangeBeautiful stockist, wordshop.

check out more pics in Jw's Flickr photostream

Since the wildlife in Chicago is limited to mostly alley cats & squirrels, it's no surprise that I found the animals in Denver most inspiring...

Here are just a few items that make me (already) nostalgic for my week away ::

1. letterpress Raccoon Birthday Card, from the Birthday Animal Collection at Egg Press, $22/set of 5.

2. letterpress Moose Peeking Notecard, from Linda & Harriett, $14.00/6pk.

3. letterpress Squirrel Journal, from delphine press, $9.00/each.

4. limited edition letterpress 11x14" Folk Bear Print, from dutch door press, $40.00/each (available in DDP's Etsy shop).

5. linocut block-printed Deer Towel, from artgoodies, $15.00/each (available at ELSEWARES).

6. letterpress Ski Lift Notecard, from DEE & LALA, $5.95/each... (not wildlife, but definitely Denver-inspired!)

I'm gonna have to keep looking for some elk-specific goods ;)