Today I’m teaming up with Piperlime to share my favorite spots around Chicago! I’ve lived in the city for six years and I’m still exploring new areas, finding little local gems, and asking friends for new recommendations. It’s such a great city; full of Midwest charm, a beautiful lake front, charming neighborhoods, clean streets, tons of parks, and good people. I feel so fortunate to call this beautiful city my home, especially during the summer months when the city comes alive.

One of my favorite morning routines is venturing to the West Loop on my way downtown for a latte or iced coffee from La Colombe. I tend to be a coffee snob and their coffee is the best I’ve had in the city, not to mention their shop is cute as can be! It’s the perfect way to start the day.

This Greylin romper {which is sadly no longer available, but I love this romper!} is the perfect daytime outfit and can easily transition to night with an easy black blazer. I paired it with the comfiest Joie sandals and the most feminine Kate Spade bag. I adore the bamboo detail!

   If you make your way downtown and are looking for a good lunch spot, I love dining outside at Le Colonial. Their decor makes you feel like you’re in Paris and the menu is filled with delicious French-Vietnamese dishes. I highly recommend the Goi Cuon and the Goi Atiso. The setting is perfect for a romantic date night, too!

Oak Street is one of my favorite blocks to shop in the city. It is lined in the prettiest oak trees, flower pots, benches, delicious restaurants, and high-end boutiques.

I live in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago which is just a few miles north of the river and Michigan Avenue. I love the quiet residential streets, green parks, the Lincoln Park Zoo, gorgeous brownstones, and it’s just a quick walk to the lake shore. On Saturdays, Dave and I love to pack a little picnic and hang in the park with our pup, Webster. My favorite spot is in front of the Lincoln Park Conservatory. It is filled with colorful flowers, gorgeous fountains, and is steps away from the zoo. Such a peaceful place to spend the afternoon!

I love the fun print of this Sincerely Jules tee, and decided to dress it up a bit with a pretty white skirt {I’ve been obsessed with all white ensembles lately}. My Super sunglasses have been on serious repeat and make a fun statement for summer.

On hot summer days, Jeni’s ice cream on Southport is a must. Their flavors are to.die.for. I’m partial to a scoop of Brambleberry Crisp and a scoop of The Milkiest Chocolate in the World in a sugar cone {the best combo!}, but all of their flavors are amazing. The decor at Jeni’s is adorable but if you decide to grab ice cream and go, you have to walk up and down the Southport Corridor! It’s filled with adorable shops, wine bars, nail salons, and bakeries.

You can check out my interview with Piperlime and shop my picks here. I am also taking over Piperlime’s instagram account today {@piperlime}, so make sure to follow along for more photos of my Chicago City Guide!

Shop the post

Outfit 1: Greylin Romper  //  Joie Sandals  //  Kate Spade Handbag – c/o Piperlime

Outfit 2: Sincerely Jules Tee  //  French Connection Skirt  //  Loeffler Randall Sandals  //  Super Sunglasses – c/o Piperlime

…and more favorites from Piperlime…

All photos by Heather Talbert.