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Chic in Chicago

by habituallychic

10 . 03 . 11
Perhaps I should have announced my trip to Chicago before Morocco since my visit to the Windy City is coming up next week.  I will be in Chicago to celebrate the grand opening of Ian Schrager’s new Public Hotel and I’m excited to dine in the famous Pump Room and see the sights.  I am also looking forward to meeting Alessandra Branca whose fabulous office is pictured here and seeing her store Branca. I also can’t wait to catch up with my friend Laurie Reynolds who got married, moved to Chicago and is now working for Alessandra. No trip would be complete without a little shopping and the famous clothing store Ikram and Jayson Home & Garden are both at the top of my list.  May also have to scope out the vintage furniture at Wright Auction House and take some photos of Millennium Park.  I arrive on Columbus Day and might be tempted to jump on a parade float and sing Danke Schoen a la Ferris Bueller but I’ll try to control myself.  If you have any tips or suggestions for Chicago, please feel free to send them my way.

Photos by John Bessler for Traditional Home

12 Comments
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  1. Foodie October 3, 2011 | 7:34 pm

    I visited Chicago last weekend and had dinner in the new Pump Room. It is so chic! I think you’ll love it. Looking forward to seeing what you think. Enjoy your trip!

  2. ddoc950 October 3, 2011 | 7:45 pm

    Yes! Do visit Branca! It’s the most chic little shop in Chicago! You will also love RL (Ralph’s only restaurant) The tiny bar with fireplace is delightful. No need to go to Water Tower. (ugh!) The shops at 900 N. Michigan is are more your style. If you find yourself needing some carbs….the Belgian Bake Shop on Walton is to die for….think White Chocolate Bread! Enjoy your visit!

  3. ABC October 3, 2011 | 8:18 pm

    No tips for the Chi-Town trip (never been), so sorry 🙁 But I am IN LOVE with that bar table (cart?) below the inspiration board in one of the photos of this fabulous office! Have a great trip, and thanks, as always, for the lovely post!

    XOXOXO
    ABC

  4. Kerry October 3, 2011 | 8:27 pm

    Love Ms. Branca so much that I plan to create a version of her office in my library.

  5. Casa di Pietra October 4, 2011 | 12:53 pm

    If you can get a peek at the private Casino Club, that place is really an unusual piece of time-traveling chic interior decor. I’d love to see a post about it, if they permit these things.

  6. MJH Design Arts October 4, 2011 | 2:44 pm

    I’m a bit jealous. I love all that Alessandra Branca creates–that amazing red. Have fun. Mary

  7. Maureen Sullivan Stemberg, Interiors October 4, 2011 | 2:46 pm

    Chicago, is a designers dream!! It truly is a hidden gem.
    I love the windy city.

  8. With love... October 4, 2011 | 2:51 pm

    Exquisite details.
    Love all the colours.

    Have a beautiful day.

  9. mar tenas i bastida October 5, 2011 | 1:09 pm

    Eat at Balsan at the Elysian. Or at Henri on Michigan Ave, across the Millenium Park. Both places are as beautiful and inspirational as your blog. Not to say delicious. Maybe I bump into you :-). Enjoy Chic town!

  10. Jennifer October 5, 2011 | 2:57 pm

    So glad to hear your visiting my hometown. If you’re near Millennium Park you must stop inside The Chicago Culture Center (Randolph and Michigan Ave). It is one of the most spectacular public buildings anywhere — covered in ornamental tile and marble inside and has the world’s largest Tiffany dome. If you haven’t overdosed on beautiful architecture after that take a boat tour run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. I second the RL suggestion for dining but don’t miss the Doughnut Vault!

  11. mrs. richard watson October 5, 2011 | 3:46 pm

    enjoy my hometown! rl is my favorite place for lunch. we’re having fantastic weather so lunch on the balcony at fred’s (barney’s) would be delightful. avec is my favorite dinner. i also want to sway you to visit chalk in evanston (full disclosure, i work there for clothes as i love the store so much). think chris benz, veronica beard, isabel marant, balenciaga, nina ricci, greg lauren, the row and much more. too bad you won’t be here on the 20th, we’re having cocktails to celebrate stationery sets that chris benz illustrated exclusively for us to benefit marwen (a fantastic arts program) and a veronica beard trunk show. i know you love them both! maybe you’ll come back? it would be great to meet you at chalk! best, suzy

  12. Joseph the Butler October 7, 2011 | 9:16 pm

    Just around the corner from Branca’s design office is Astor Street–four (?) short blocks of amazing residential architecture. And the public street-scaping is unrivaled anywhere. A visual treat, and it’s FREE!

    On Tuesday the MCA has a great farmer’s market until 1pm–just a five minute walk from RL. The Sol Lewitt in the garden is worth the price of admission.

    And a walk through Lincoln Park to the Conservatory or the Zoo is a great activity, especially if the weather holds. Return along the lakefront for a great view of the skyline.

    Marina City along the River is very cool, especially if you can garner access to the roof for a view at sunset. The gold gleaming Carbine building is stunning.

    Although completely touristy, the Cloud Gate, Luire Garden and the bridge to the Modern Wing of the Art Museum are not to be missed. As is the frivolity and sheer pleasure of the Crown Fountain. (You can skip Buckingham Fountain).

    And be sure to have the donuts in the Pump Room, everyday you’re there. So delicious. Oh the pleasure to be able to order hot ones from room service!