...Back to the Coffee Shop!

As mentioned in my previous post, The Coffee Shop Mission, a few months back, I now have a couple of more places to add to the list!

One new favorite spot my sister-in-law Tracey and I recently visited, was the Harvest Moon Kitchen & Marketplace. Very mom and pop like, this place opened it's doors last year and is a great addition to our quaint, little Valley Village neighborhood. They serve gourmet coffee, plenty of healthy and organic food dishes, as well as some pretty tasty pastries. Oh, and did I mention they also have pastry happy hour on Fridays?

Harvest Moon

Another coffee shop I would also like to mention is M Street Coffee Bar & Art Gallery in Sherman Oaks, who were named best coffee shop in Los Angeles by LA's Hot List for 2013. M Street boasts some awesome artwork by local artists, making the vibe so pleasant and inspiring, and exuding a sense of community. Watching all of the patrons sip their coffee and clickety clack away on their laptops, gives the impression of some serious creative juices flowing by. I just imagine a new movie script being developed, or some unique business venture being created. Hopefully these thoughts are not terribly misguided. That would be awkward.

M Street Latte Art

-Emily

Spring 2014

'nuff said.

San Jose Del Cabo

This last weekend, Brian and I decided to be spontaneous; we booked a flight out to Los Cabos, Mexico on Friday afternoon, and jetsetted there Saturday morning, arriving just in time for a glistening sunset at Hotel El Ganzo Design Boutique in San Jose del Cabo. Being my first time in Cabo, I expected cheesy clubs, inebriated folks yelling out "cabo wabo!" on the street corners, and colorful umbrella's in every cocktail. Boy was I wrong! Or perhaps I was right, and we just happened to avoid that region, known as Cabo San Lucas. Because let me tell you, San Jose del Cabo is so adorably artsy and modern and not cheesy at all! My parents had chosen Hotel El Ganzo to celebrate my dad's 70th jubilee. And being all spontaneous, we decided to go surprise them. It worked.

Our 3 day adventure included: a private beach (private because we happened to be the only people there) accessed via water taxi across the marina, dips into the Sea of Cortez, an organic farm on deserted sand dunes, strolls through the downtown arts district, tamarind cocktails (the hotel's welcome drink, choice of tequila or rum...welcome indeed), underground recording studios, lots of tequila, and so much inspiring design (and not because of said tequila). I spent the last morning wandering the hotel with my ipad, making sure I documented every single artsy crevice for a serious pinterest-a-thon, coming soon. (I really need a new camera).

Los Cabos Marina and Hotel El Ganzo. Images found on Pinterest.

El Ganzo Resident Artists. Photoshop Altering and Collaging by Me. 

El Ganzo Library. Photoshop Altering and Collaging by Me.

Vintage Bikes, etc. Photos by Me. 

Various Art Installations. Photos by Me.

Macchiato Love. The Infamous Bird. And, The End.

-Emily

Tight Legged Layering

The Layering of the Tights - My all time FAVORITE Fall fashion tradition is about to commence. Living in Los Angeles, this usually comes a bit late. But better late than never right?

Many people have their staples, and God knows I've experimented with many different looks, every time wondering, "Is this going to be 'The Emily?'" From my couple year stint with the hot pink highlights, nicely mixing in with my naturally brown hair (sexual chocolate, we called it), to black nail polish on my toes for what seemed like a decade. I have definitely tried many things. But my layered tights' look just keeps me coming back for more.

Upon perusing my childhood photo albums a few years back, I noticed that I was almost always wearing tights. So I asked my mom, "Mom, why did you dress me in tights ALL the time?" Her answer: "...Because you refused to go outside any other way." Seems logical.

Now a days, I like to push it a step further. Why not layer up some tights and create your own unique design? With the southern california weather turning a bit more permissible, here are my favorite combinations.

Left: Magenta tights, layered under floral black lace tights.
Right: Opaque bright blue tights, layered under white fishnet bow tights.

Left: Opaque floral tights, layered under black small scaled fishnets.
Right: Black sweater tights, layered under lacy nude tights.

Left: Grey knit tights, layered under thigh high pale pink socks.
Right: Mini black, white and grey chevron patterned tights, layered under lacy brown fishnets. 

All Hallow's Eve

The bewitching hour is approaching and the year long question remains...WHAT in the world am I going to be for Halloween THIS year?

Last year, my friends and I dressed up as the Saved By The Bell gang. Other memorable costumes include - 2005, the year I was "Trouble"; 2007, when my costume was "Risky Business" to some, a la Tom Cruise; and 1989, when I was dutifully collecting candy (that my parents would then not allow me to eat since they were of course laced with poison...), as none other than "Punky Brewster." Of course, I also can't forget 2004, the year I discovered the real definition of A Slutty Halloween (I was a late bloomer), and went as a "Bondage Girl." James Bond girls needn't have applied.

Different as can be, what these costumes did have in common though were one very important thing: The craft of the handmade! As fun as it is to go to all of the Halloween stores, it's usually just for collecting ideas. But after an incident a few years ago, where an amazing idea was not recorded and then forgotten forever, I began recording any and all costume ideas that came to mind throughout the year, and now I have too many to choose from. I stand by my handmade costume philosophy, but I now cannot decide which one to go with!

Help?

Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds"

An escaped mental patient, or 10

A Matryoshka Doll

Blah-zay, Blah-zay

Upon starting this blog, I made a promise to myself that I would post something worthy at the very least once a week. Since then I have (pretty much) held myself to that promise. Until, I failed. You see, between working on my reschooling career, upholding a small business venture I call my brainchild, AND maintaining a social life along with family cuddle time, I have just fallen waaay behind and it is unacceptable! I couldn't even imagine trying to raise a real child amidst all this (sorry mom). Other excitements that have kept this blog idle include, but are not limited to: a new baby niece, a stop over in my lovely hometown of San Francisco last weekend, a few side gigs (can't have the hubby do all the work now, although he does do a great job), and well, just life. 

Fast forward to this afternoon, and a nasty feeling of the blah-zay's suddenly came over me. Sure, lack of sleep and a certain monthly visitor weren't helping. But I realized the real culprit was really my lack of writing! So, here I am back in full force. And I've decided I should finally address why this blog is titled what it is: No Heels (Maven).

Ok so I've been around now for 30 years, and for about a good 15-16 of them I was uuusually the shortest one amongst my peers. For some reason however, I seldom felt the need or want to wear heels. Then I grew slightly taller, and I turned the ripe 'ol age of party, drinking and the sought after "adult" going out. Yet still, no sign of heels. My (tall) sisters made fun of me, my mom told me to get a pair (of heels), and my going out friends always gave my choice of "clubbing" shoes, that juuust-a-little-too-long-of-a-stare, with not-enough-dialogue look. And I just didn't understand it. My shoes were definitely cute AND fashion forward, so just because they lacked that extra block of hardware in the back, they were all of a sudden not good enough?

A few years later, when the next big wardrobe decision would be for that coveted job interview, I had a discussion with my bestie and found what she had to say quite interesting. She felt that when she wore heels, especially in the work place, she was taken more seriously. Outside of the work place, she felt doors opened for her, quite literally. I decided to test this theory, hoping to gain clarity. What I found was, how could I be taken seriously while when wearing these alleged heels, I found myself wobbling around, and thus less focused and less confident? It's definitely no secret that I am not the most agile of people, often times falling UP the stairs. But really, how could a single piece of accessory meant solely for the soles, the last place ones eyes fall after they meet yours, and originally designed to protect and comfort your main mode of transportation (your feet), be THAT significant in the way others perceived you? I mean it's not like I was wearing Crocs or Birkenstocks *shudders*. These were well thought out, stylish pieces of wearable art for the feet.

Although I find plenty of amazingly gorgeous heels quite often, and on occasion I will wear them (i.e. my wedding, though I seriously contemplated wearing some ballet flats and "had some sense talked into me" by my mom), I find just as many amazingly gorgeous flats. And as I continue to push the "boundaries" of the flat, I refuse to believe that wearing heels is going to make someone notice me more. After all, my husband fell for me as I tripped my way across a cliff in the middle east in the ugliest of sneakers, which were properly disposed of shortly after.

Lucky for me, these days we have celebrities like Zooey Deschanel, whose character on "New Girl" is always wearing the most adorable flats. If it were me, I'de wear those babies to the most glamorous red carpet event, and still look awesome. Just sayin.

Alexa Chung, Reese Witherspoon and Zooey Deschanel

My favorite Jeffrey Campbell's

RIP white leather boots

Topshop Unique Spring 2014 RTW

Love love LOVE this! 'Nuff said. Visit fashionmention.com for a closer look. 

Lifestyles of the Rich and Stupid

So I know this blog is strictly a lifestyle writing platform, and I typically stick to only sharing stories about fashion, travel and food. But I very recently dealt with an issue I feel is still part of every woman's (and man's for that matter) daily life, and the choices that come with it. Thus, being a very real lifestyle piece.

Most working women these days don't realize that they do have a voice when it comes to injustices in the work place. And I don't know about other markets, but in LA, you better watch your back. Because behind every closed glass door, and behind every coffee cup corner, there is one (or 5) very classless Grapefruits. Yes, I said Grapefruits. Because instead of bringing myself down to a level of the profanity that is very much at the tip of my tongue, I would much prefer to speak in produce, namely Grapefruits, which always seem to leave a nasty bitter taste in my mouth. I've always hated Grapefruits. And in this metaphoric situation, I have never disliked them so much.

In my adult working life, specific to the LA region, I have experienced many injustices over the last few years. Experiences you wouldn't even believe. And I really do plan on writing a book one day detailing all of my workplace exploits and escapades. I think it's going to be a good one. In this particular situation however, I finally got retribution. Alas, the mother of all Grapefruits was faced with her wrong doings, and lost! Which means I WON. And like Jason Bateman's Prius driving character in Horrible Bosses, I don't win a lot. And not because I am not a worthy opponent, but because the one thing I hate more than Grapefruits, is having to face them. In my head I know I am confident and ready to go, but once I open my mouth, it's like a different person has taken over and I just don't pack the punch I need to. Not to mention, I am probably the least intimidating person I've ever met.

Digressing for a moment though, up until 3 years ago, I seemed to always have a male boss. So I said to my 3 years' ago self, "It's time to work for a woman again, damn it!" After all the years of progress women have made in this working world, who better to look up to than a strong female leader? Ones who (seemingly) make their own fortune, and (also seemingly) move mountains to get where they need to. Boy, was I wrong. And I will never understand it. How a female leader, who should be proud of her "followers" and set them up for success, and evoke a team effort of support, would actually scheme and lie and cheat her hard working employees out of that same success. Because seemingly, the road through that mountain she moved, had other people in it's way. And instead of continued progress, she's paved a way for new Grapefruitlets to follow in her grotesquely overpriced Loubouton footsteps.

But the moment I took action, and stood up for myself, I actually won. Let this be a lesson in work place ethics: if you work hard, are fair in your practices and human in your approach, you should make sure you get everything you deserve. And if someone shuts you down, call the Labor Commission on their Grapefruit asses, and win.

Ta ta for now!

This Grapefruit is no good.
Image from www.my-healthy-food-coach.com

The Coffee Shop Mission

So my Sissy-in-Law Tracey and I have been on a mission. We are attempting to dine (and by dine I mean an Iced Cappuccino and chocolate croissant for me, and a Chai Tea Latte and fruit pastry for her), at as many different coffee shops in Los Angeles as possible. Although it will take some time, we are at an advantage; you see, we look to these coffee shops for our weekly business meetings. We have a venture of sorts, currently available for viewing (and hopefully enjoyment) at www.fashionbackwardsla.com, and need a distraction free and inspirational environment to have important discussions. And after we are done catching up on our personal lives, we get down to business =).

Coffee Shops are synonymous with that artsy, motivating, inspiring and "we are gonna make it!" mindset. So, we started out at our favorite spot on Tujunga Ave in Toluca Lake, Aroma Coffee and Tea Co. But as much as we LOVE Aroma, they don't have Wi-Fi! And as our business meetings become more and more involved, Wi-Fi is really a must. There's only so much our 3G smart phones can handle. So after a few weeks of Aroma, we decided to move on to Marie et Cie in Studio City. Filled with a homey Parisian charm, Marie's was a great next stop. But after another couple of weeks, we started getting restless, and alas, The Coffee Shop Mission was born!

So once a week (sometimes more) we begin to visit a different Cafe, with Wi-Fi locations taking precedence of course. Besides the above mentioned Cafe's, we have since been to Le Pain Quotidien in Studio City. They boast multiple Los Angeles locations and can also be found world wide. With a very cute and modern interior, and a decent breakfast/lunch menu, they also offer some tasty in-house baked fresh bread, and of course Coffee. This past weekend, we also stopped into Buttercelli in Sherman Oaks. I don't think they have Wi-Fi, but for this Sunday afternoon's unpreparedness, it was quite alright. All pertinent info was properly scribbled on a bakery napkin as I devoured my affogato. Just a note about Buttercellii...they have an extensive selection of organic, gluten free, sugar free, vegan and paleo cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pastries, danish's, and well, you name it. So what's left to eat you ask right? My thoughts exactly. However, the everything-free blondie sample the friendly barista man gave us to taste was absolutely ah-mazing. They also offer individual ice cream portions by a Haagen-Dazs acquired organic company that I really should have written down. AND, they also brew their own organic coffee. I think I am definitely going to have to sneak in a visit back here while on this crazy coffee shop mission.

Updates to come!

Copyright Tatyana Scherbanova

www.freepresshouston.com

www.ralucatudorphotography.wordpress.com

Shopping 101

Labor day is upon us, which clearly means one thing: no, you can still wear white. In fact, it's encouraged. What it means is...shopping season is upon us! This is probably the biggest shopping time of the year. Think about it...we have back to school, followed by Halloween, and then all of the holiday parties, holiday gifts, all ending with the perfect New Years' Eve attire.

With all of this money spending (or DIYing) approaching, a good way to not get overwhelmed is to make a sort of plan. I found this great little cheat sheet in Glamour a while back and I want to share it with all. We may have missed the mark for the first half of the year, but think of this as a way to get ahead for next year. With all of the fall/winter shopping coming up, hold off on a few things that will be much more budget-friendly for you if saved for future shopping.

August - Best time to buy sleepwear, belts and shoes. Check out Nasty Gal's Shoe Cult, which just launched today.

September - Jeans and Handbags.

October - Swimwear.

November & December - Get that last minute holiday shopping done!

January - Shorts, dress shirts, T-shirts and jewelry.

February - Suits and skirts. Although I did find the most adorable mini skirt at Free People yesterday for a slammin' 70% off! It happens.

March - Intimates, outerwear and coats.

April - Dress pants.

May - Sunnies.

June - Take a break...

July - Sweaters. You might actually throw it on with all of the AC madness everywhere you go. Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is a great place to start!

Google Images

My Fashion Hero Installation Begins With...

The Man Repeller.

I first read about Leandra Medine in a mid 2012 issue of Glamour. Immediately intrigued, I tore out the article and added it to my "file" of "interesting fashion individuals to keep an eye out for." Since then, I have read countless more articles and mentions of The Man Repeller blog, and now brand collaboration (launching earlier this year).

Man Repeller / Man Repelling definition reads as the following on the self titled blog:

man·re·pell·er1  [mahn-ree-peller]

–noun

outfitting oneself in a sartorially offensive mode that may result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls (see: human repelling), shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.

I think this idea is just pure genius. And although the idea behind man repelling was not recently invented (how many times have your heard in fashion that girls don't dress for guys, they dress for other girls?), I think the way this idea has been portrayed is definitely original. I myself am always trying to explain to my husband that just because it is not completely trendy, and just because everyone in our laid back Los Angeles part of town is not quite wearing it, AND just because it does not elude to the most sexually provocative thoughts of the opposite sex (or same for that matter), DOES NOT mean one should not wear it.

I dress for myself and no one else. When I go shopping, I can tell you with much conviction that my very last thought is what the boys (or girls) outside of my fitting room are going to think. However, if my shopping endeavors are solely for a not-so-quiet evening in with my husband, then I can say with even more conviction that I will be purchasing some unmentionables with him in mind, for sure. But, that would be the only time =).

With that being said, I name Leandra of The Man Repeller my first fashion hero in an on going installation. I think she is amazing, and not particularly because of the obscure TYPES of fashions she may highlight, but because of that fact that she DOES highlight them, even when other's don't understand. Her first book, "Man Repeller: Seeking Love. Finding Overalls" will be released 9/10/13. Pre-order yours today. I did.

Originality Please

OK, is it just me or are everyone and their moms wearing T-strap sandals these days? I mean seriously, I just don't get the wow factor, not even on a comfort level. There are so many other cute sandal styles out there, yet everywhere I look the T-strap is there, following me on my quest for new summer sandals. And I'm sorry to say, but an overly exposed foot is just not that cute. You might as well just go all the way and stroll around town barefoot like my "different" neighbor next door (please don't). Not to mention, EVERYONE is wearing them, so why oh why would you not opt for another cute, comfy and ORIGINAL style? Mind boggling. OK fine, it's not that serious. BUT still. OK, how about this: I issue you a challenge, that the next pair of sandals you purchase be something other than a T-strap. I believe in you. And go!

Some cute non T-straps for inspiration...

From left to right: Alex Sandal by Free People, Rocio Sandal by Coclico, Strappy Flat Sandal by Maiden Lane, and your typical T-Strap Sandal by I Don't Really Care. 

A Different Take On #tbt

As I was cleaning and organizing my computer, I came across this essay I wrote almost 5 years ago for an entrance application to attend an awesome advertising school in Miami (MAS). Instead though, as life would have it, I was lead down an equally awesome path shortly after writing this (see preface). But in true Throwback Thursday fashion (no pun intended) (ok maybe a little), I felt this was a fitting piece of "literature" to share from my 2008 self. 

[...Fashion as wearable art; this statement has truly become my motto as of late. When people watch a fashion show and say, “who would actually wear that out?” they are really missing the artistic value of “that." One goes to a museum with no real purpose but to admire the art that is exhibited, perhaps to adapt and relate to the story behind a certain piece, or to invent your own spin on it entirely. That is how I tend to view fashion, and it has really become quite influential in understanding as well as developing my career goals. I look for ways to capture that art, internalize it, and then project it out in a way others may understand it as well.

I have always known that when I grew up I wanted to work in some sort of creative capacity, though not always confident in my technical skills. The different occupations I have held throughout the years have all somehow touched on the elements of fashion, expanding my knowledge of what I already loved. Retail for example, showed me the ins and outs of the business of fashion. The downside? Waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, just thinking about the holiday season and all it’s lovely sweaters chasing me. Moving forward, my job at the Academy of Art University’s fashion department was a very different experience. The educational approach used to guide the students to think more creatively definitely rubbed off on me as well. I gained the ability to view fashion as something spectacular, not just some fad or popularity contest of the “best dressed." So many things go into a fabulous piece of wearable art - color, texture, shape, fluidity, etc. People tend to view fashion as black or white and practical or impractical, but I believe that creativity is about risk taking. The perfect blend of colorful grey is where I thrive. The point where practicality and irrationality meet is what I would like to bring to the world. Fashion has opened up a new realm of ideas, influencing me in all my creative endeavors. It has helped me realize the direction in my career path that would help me to continue to grow, thus bringing me to apply to Miami Ad School. I see so many possibilities in tying in the visual aspects of fashion into my chosen field of art direction. Being able to express my passion through a different medium opens doors to further explore so many other avenues. From culture to economy, to politics and recreation, the market reach is definitely grand.

I have gone through different stages of fashionable acceptance. From not understanding it, to the teenage years of knowing it all, to just plain hating what fashion stood for in the media. I have now come to the most perfect comfort level because I appreciate fashion for what it is; the different audiences it needs to reach and why. And most importantly, the creative aspect behind it. Forget functionality…aesthetically speaking, fashion is art. Wearable art.]

2013 Update: I have currently been enrolled in a Graphic Design program for the last 7 months, and hope to acquire and utilize the same skills I talked about in 2008 to pursue a career in Fashion...in one facet or another. I love Fashion! =) 

Ojai

This post is a bit late, but it has been a busy week! So last weekend before the holiday, my husband and I drove up the coast to the little town of Ojai in the Santa Ynez Mountains to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary (woo hoo!). Just a short hour and a half drive from our Los Angeles home, and just 30 miles shy of Santa Barbara, sits the beautiful Ojai Valley Inn and Spa Resort.

Lush landscapes, herb gardens (lavender currently in season!) and ridiculously breathtaking views make this such a romantical destination. There are a million things to do here too, including golfing and some pretty intense spa treatments. However, with our complimentary room upgrade, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne (we brought), we didn't need to venture too far. Not to mention the adults only pool perfectly situated a stones throw away from our room, which by the way was not your typical building high rise type deal. Oh no, this was villa esque (is that a word? Well now it is ha), with our own little patio. I wish I had taken more photos!

Oh, and did I mention the s'mores bar? One of the garden patio's by the #2 best restaurant in all of Ojai,  Maravilla, has a whole set up for s'mores roasting from 6-9pm every night. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time =).

Herb Garden Pool 

Our "Villa-Esque" Room 

I apologize for the half eaten presentation, as only about half way through this goodness did I realize the need to document. The most amazing salad, consisting of pressed watermelon (apparently that's a thing), heirloom tomatoes (grown on-site), burrata (I substituted for parmesan), pistachio pesto, blood orange (TDF!), and vanilla honey with a balsamic reduction. OH-MY-GOD, my mouth had a flavor party like never before. (Please keep the dirty jokes to a minimum.)  

         

My Mind On A Tuesday

One day I will visit this place. What place you ask? The place of the five villages. Or as the Italian's know it, Cinque Terre.

The moment my then boyfriend (now husband) began planning our Italian adventure of 2010, I did what any anticipatory traveller would do. I went down to the bookstore and well, bought a book! As great as the internet is for all kinds of research, there is just something about having a physical piece of literature, with tangible pages to leaf through. Although our itinerary was amazing, and we had the time of our lives travelling from Rome to Florence to Venice, I couldn't help but peek back to page 374 (or something like that) of my Fodor's: Essential Italy, and stare at the wonderfully color punched city of Cinque Terre, IT.

Situated on the Italian Riviera, the city of Cinque Terre is composed of five villages known as Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Visually striking, with a familiarity of equal parts Santorini cliffs and rustic gondola filled Venice, this city of five slopes down a cliff almost plunging into the Mediterranean. And although it is said to be a tourist destination of sorts, it seems to me that it is quite overlooked beyond the "staple" towns to visit. Most people I have spoken with have never even heard of it. Perhaps because it's main attraction isn't a monument erected in 1752 by this conqueror or that warrior, nor is it this museum or that cathedral. But in fact, it's main attraction is simply it's beautiful landscape.

I can't wait to go back to Italy one day and further explore these parts unknown! (Totally not referencing Anthony Bourdain or anything...).

Fashion Hero #1

I am absolutely IN LOVE with this Alice + Olivia Resort Collection for 2014! So naturally, I had to do some digging on how it came about. Inspired by the English countryside, Stacey Bendet takes the pretty little boarding school girl and transforms her into a tailored, yet fun and flirty fashionista. The visual designer in me especially loves the set this was shot on. 

Now I can't just post something for the sheer purpose of pleasuring the eye. So I did some research on the designer behind this fabulous summer collection. Turns out, Stacey didn't go to some fancy fashion school and major in design, but in fact had a completely different career path in international relations from your normal U of (insert state) school. After realizing her studies weren't exactly where her heart was, she started her own creative business. With my own career struggles since graduating college, I find this quite admirable and inspirational. 

You know what?! I am going to start my own fashion hero's sub section. Decided. RIGHT NOW. 

New Summer Shoes

Some would say those Tom's are last season. But really, how can comfort, alongside helping out a kid, really go out of style? Especially when there are so many new adorable styles available for this summer! Below are a few of my favorites.

New Summer Shoes by noheelsmaven featuring graduation shoes

TOMS ballerina pumps
nordstrom.com

TOMS slipon shoes
nordstrom.com

TOMS graduation shoes
nordstrom.com

TOMS Pink Washed Stripe Women's Cordones
toms.com

Chicago

Four days, two suburbs and a birthday celebration later, I can check off another place on my travel list. And besides the unexpected temperature drop, our holiday weekend in Chicago proved to be one to remember, filled with new sights and adventures. 

Architecture. Old Town. Gold Coast. Lincoln Park. Rivers. Lakes. Heights. Vienna. Beef. Deep Dish. Pizza. Windy. City. Girls. And Goats. The Girl & the Goat to be exact...

Hosting us was the wonderful Sofitel hotel in the middle of downtown Chicago. Normally I am not the biggest fan of hotel restaurants, as they tend to be overpriced and not nearly as good as the local spots. However, Cafe Des Architectes had an amazing breakfast, with complimentary warm pastries delivered to your table by the friendly staff, along with your daily dose of news, in French to boot. 

Right across the way and open only two days (lucky us!) was Argo Tea, both an architectural splendor (this particular location was constructed to look like a green house - see first photo in third group below) and delicious tea shop. Highly recommended! All food and tourist attractions aside, what my husband and I enjoy most on our travels is to just wander and get lost in a new city. And that's exactly what we did.