Chicago Hot Spot: The Renegade Craft Fair

I was so close to not attending this because it is about a 45 minute trek on public transportation, but I forced myself to go and headed over to Wicker Park to check out the Renegade Craft Fair.  And it was soooooo worth the trip!  If I hadn't put myself on a budget before I got there, I would have left the fair totally broke.  They had the most amazing things for sale from posters, to greeting cards, to jewelry to vintage goodies.  It was one of the best Sunday afternoons I've spent in a while. 

I did walk away with this beauty (mine is bright blue!) from Larken Design and I've already worn it twice since Sunday.

Some of the other sellers and pieces that I gawked over, and have now bookmarked on my computer to "buy later," include:

Strawberry Luna's Owl Prints

Zerobird's Chicago El Pillows

I also loved Colette Paperie's greeting cards, they were so clever!  I purchased one for my sister, but shhhh don't tell, it's not in the mail yet!

Via her Etsy Shop

I also got to see the amazing blogger from A Beautiful Mess, who was there selling gorgeous goodies from her shop Red Velvet, as well as many other sellers whose items I have seen, and drooled over, on Etsy before.  It was amazing seeing all of this in person!  It was such a great fair and I already cannot wait until next year

Chicago Hot Spot: Unabridged Bookstore

My absolute favorite bookstore in the city has to be Unabridged Books.  It's never too crowded and it's always quiet which makes book browsing much more enjoyable.  They also post hand-written notes on some of their favorite books, giving you mini-reviews and recommendations on books right in front of you!  I've actually bought a few books from them just based on those reviews and their "staff favorites."  But the best part of this book store is the sale room.  They have tons of books on sale all the time and for as low as $5.  It's such a great deal, and they are good books!  I just bought Paris in Mind from them over the weekend (on sale!) and I can't wait to dive into it.

Photo via Indie Bound

I highly recommend stopping in this adorable bookstore.  They also give you a bookmark with each book purchased so you can start reading on the way home.  AND there's a delicious gelato shop a few doors down, which is an added bonus!

Chicago Hot Spot: Pret a Manger

I was SO excited when Pret a Manger opened in Chicago last year, but unfortunately it's not all that close to my office so I often forget about it.  I know I talk about it a lot, but I haven't actually gotten to eat it in a while.  But when I was out running errands on my lunch break today, I spotted those red and white stars from afar and ran towards them as fast as the crowded sidewalks would allow.  Their baguette sandwiches are to die for.  And although the smart side of my brain told me to get the mini baguette, I sprung for the big size complete with a side of potato chips.  Quite an indulgent lunch, but worth every calorie.

My ham and cheese baguette.  No, I don't share.

Chicago Hot Spot: Broadway Antique Market

This past weekend I decided to hop on the Broadway bus and head north to check out the Broadway Antique Market.  There's nothing I like better than a good thrift store, and antique stores are almost like designer thrift stores.  You can find upscale treasures that are in great condition.  This place was way bigger than I was expecting and had SO many things I wanted!  Including about 30 different globes in all sizes and colors.  It took everything I had not to buy each and every one of them.  I absolutely love globes and I only own two which is far from being considered a "collection" so obviously I need more, right?  I also had to resist all the gorgeous CathrineHolm dishes they had in store.  I am determined to own a set of these mixing bowls someday, but it didn't seem right to spend $50 on just one, so I'm holding out.  Overall, it was a great store, and a lot of fun to look around! I will definitely be back.

CathrineHolm dishes.  Image via Bohemian Vintage.

Chicago Hot Spot: The Doughnut Vault

Chicago has a new little treasure this year that is absolutely worth trying if you haven't already.  The line may be around the block each morning, but it is definitely worth the wait.  The Doughnut Vault is literally a little hole in the wall and serves some of the best doughnuts I've had each morning until they run out.  The flavors are so different from the norm and oh-so delicious!   You must try it out!