Chicago’s West Town
I have fallen in love with a new area in the city that still is within close proximity to Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast. Simply known as West Town, this area incorporates two Chicago neighborhoods-Bucktown and Wicker Park. And right at the crossroads of these two neighborhoods, sits The Robey Hotel. Formerly known as the Northwest Tower, this art deco swoon of a building now houses 69 rooms, a cafe, a second-floor lounge and bar area, a rooftop lounge (open all year!) and the Cabana Club, which hosts a rooftop pool. The hotel employees make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality in this urban, Americana setting. Their website is beautiful and goes into much more detail about the hotel itself and the surrounding neighborhood but just to name a few of my favorites in the area, here you go:
Where to Go:
Explore: the Victorian homes and tree lined streets of Wicker Park
Cocktails: The Violet Hour
Dinner: Etta
Brunch: Hot Chocolate
Coffee: Fairgrounds
Sweets: Stan’s Donuts
Shop: Penelope’s
Visit: Myopic Books
If you are spending longer in the city and are set out for more exploring, the Robey is within very close proximity of the subway (Blue Line) and also a straight shot down North Ave which puts you right in Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast.
Cafe Robey
Chicago Weekend Packing List
The key to packing efficiently for any destination is to think of your wardrobe as a capsule. In other words, all your essential packing pieces should be able to mix and match and have the versatility to be worn day and night. Another key is sticking to a color scheme that should have neutrals as your base. Let’s start thinking about this on a smaller scale (but more to come in this series!) by putting together a capsule for a weekend in the city.
Statement Top:
If you are heading to the city for the weekend, the highlight is usually going out to a fun restaurant for dinner! Absolutely pack a statement top that embraces a current trend like this polka dot one!
Button Down:
A button-down can be worn on its own or layered underneath a sweater and is perfect for lunching and shopping or worn at night with statement shoes.
Casual Sweater:
If you are heading down to the hotel lobby for breakfast or need to add an extra layer over a button-down or white tee, having a cozy yet stylish sweater is perfect for this.
White tee:
Perfect for lounging or layering.
Denim:
A weekend and packing staple! I think the boyfriend style is the most versatile being perfect for both day and night (always size down in a boyfriend style).
Statement Shoe:
Similar to the statement top, pack a great shoe that is on trend. I am currently having a love affair with anything translucent!
Scarf:
Besides keeping warm, a scarf makes any look more chic!
Walking Shoe:
Of course, you already know my love for sneakers and that is absolutely an option, but I love the idea of a loafer too. These white ones are a nice update to a traditional one. The key here is comfort for walking around.
Crossbody Bag:
The most comfortable style to be caring around all day and this one is good for carrying your necessities and a bottle of water. It is also transitions well into night.
Thanks for stopping by!
L, M
Photos: Jules Kennedy
Love your new format. Well done. I want to go to Stans with you