StyleRolanda EvelynBanana Republic, Michael Kors, ReportComment

chi-town vibes

StyleRolanda EvelynBanana Republic, Michael Kors, ReportComment
chi-town vibes

Sometime ago I promised you a Chicago post, and after having such a good time with goodwill [see what I did there?] and celebrating leave a little sparkle’s first birthday, I finally found the time to gush about Chicago to you. [Thanks for sticking with me!]

As many of you know, I took a trip to Chicago a couple of weeks ago and still can't stop talking about how much I love it there. The first time I visited Chicago was during my senior year at Penn, with a group of friends,  in the thick of winter-the third week of January to be exact [I know, what were we thinking?].

And while I definitively experienced the coldest cold I've ever experienced in my life [no joke], something about Chicago struck me, and I promised myself I'd return [in less frigid conditions, of course]. So when I had a long weekend to spare, Chicago was high on my list. And with Chicago being in the Midwest [aka the perfect meeting point spot for a New Yorker and fellow Cali resident] it automatically bumped the city up to number 1. And before you know it, my friend and I had our tickets booked and lists of the best places to eat [shoutout to Little Goat Diner in West Loop].

Shirt: Shein// Skirt: Banana Republic//Shoes: Report// Bag: Michael Kors

Luckily, the rain that was forecasted for the entire weekend never showed up, and the city was beaming with sunshine. So we spent our days strolling through the city, visiting museums, frequenting rooftop bars [you’ve got to try Cindy’s], and of course doing the quintessential stops like Millennium Park visits and drinks at the Signature Lounge (at the top of the Hancock Tower).

Taking sometime to reflect, I think what I like about Chicago is that it reminds me of New York [no shocker there]-only cleaner and cheaper, so different in all the right ways. And let’s be real, after living in San Francisco for almost 9 months, anywhere that’s cheaper [aka everywhere else] feels like heaven.

This was my second trip to Chicago in 2 years so I’m playing with the idea of making this is a yearly tradition- who wants to go with me next?

 Until next time, Chicago!

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StyleRolanda EvelynBanana Republic, Goodwill, INC, Forever 21, Steve Madden, Naked Zebra, Cape RobbinComment

great finds @ goodwill

When my friends at SF Goodwill reached out to me, I was a little pressed for time. Turns out, Goodwill has an e-commerce store [did you know? I certainly didn’t. I swear it’s their best kept secret.] I found some fabulous pieces [c’mon how regal is that skirt], and I mixed and matched them with some of the pieces already in my wardrobe.

StyleRolanda EvelynBanana Republic, Goodwill, INC, Forever 21, Steve Madden, Naked Zebra, Cape RobbinComment
great finds @ goodwill
StyleRolanda EvelynBanana RepublicComment

love is love

I don’t know if in the blogger book of rules I’m supposed to maintain my cool, but I’m going to have to break the rules for a hot second because 1) I couldn’t be happier to partner with one of my ALL TIME favorite brands and 2) for a cause that I hold dear to my heart.

1) The brand? Banana Republic

2) The cause? LGBTQ rights [even though I just really want to say love.]

StyleRolanda EvelynBanana RepublicComment
love is love
Life, StyleRolanda EvelynRent the Runway, Ronny Kobo, Banana Republic, MejuriComment

this is twenty seven

So while this birthday does look different--no big dinner at a fabulous restaurant with my closest group of girlfriends, no big party at my apartment, bringing all my friends from all parts of my life together, it doesn’t mean I’m any less loved. It just means we’ll have to ring in 28 with an even bigger bang!!

Life, StyleRolanda EvelynRent the Runway, Ronny Kobo, Banana Republic, MejuriComment
this is twenty seven