Hi everyone! I hope you are all well and having a great July so far. I know it’s been a while since I’ve said hello on here but being honest, every Summer around this time I always tend to take a quick break. When you work for yourself, it’s a very hard thing to do, but for me, family ALWAYS comes first. Right after my trip to Chicago (which I can’t wait to tell you all about) we more or less flew straight to Ireland for a family wedding & I’m not joking when I say, I’ve barely had a minute to sit down to my laptop since we got home. My family from all around the world came home at the same time and we all had the absolute best time catching up. As a result though, my blog & videos were put on hold for a little while but I knew you’d all understand :)

But after the best little break, I’m back today with a quick Chicago round-up and I’ll have a brand new video over on my Youtube channel tomorrow. Unfortunatley, it won’t be a Chicago video as I lost all my footage :( :( Still can’t believe it but these thing happen I guess. So instead, I’ll share all the photos & recommendations here on the blog.  It was my first time in Chicago and I honestly enjoyed it so much – being there for 4th of July was definitely a treat. It had been on my list for quiet a while and it definitely didn’t disappoint. We had a total of 5 days there so we really got to relax and just eat and drink our way through the city while still fitting in all the touristy bits which I loved! Below I have shared some of my must-see spots, along with my outfit details from the trip…

First up, the hotel! We stayed in The Thompson Chicago for 5 nights and I can honestly say, not one of us wanted to leave, haha! I’m a fussy one when it comes to hotels (you’ve probably already guessed by now) so I always love to do lots of research on the best ones before I visit a new city. After looking online & already staying at a Thompson Hotel in New York (video here), I knew that the Thompson Chicago would be the one. The location was a huge plus but then the interiors totally one me over.  Everything down to the insanely comfy beds to the friendly doorman make this hotel a an absolute winner & one I would 110% recommend if you’re visiting Chicago. Oh and be sure to try it’s restaurant – ‘Nico’ – too….SO good!!

Now onto to the outfits which you’ll already have seen a sneak peek of on my Instagram (@retroflame). Chicago is a very laid back city, so I kept it quite comfy & casual with all my outfits. It was also quite warm there too – so I packed accordingly. Below are some photos and all the details are listed under the photos.

OUTFIT 1:

Nobody’s Child Dress (Similar HERE & HERE) // Loaffler Randal Sandals

OUTFIT 2:

Boohoo Bikini // Celine Sunglasses

OUTFIT 3:

Revolve Jumpsuit // ASOS Heels (Similar HERE)

OUTFIT 4:

Moon River Playsuit (Similar HERE & HERE) // ASOS Hat // Modo Sunglasses (Similar HERE)

OUTFIT 5:

Never Full Dresses Top (Similar HERE) //ASOS Shorts (Similar HERE) // ASOS Hat

Like every trip I go one, I seem to always find a way to eat & drink my way through the city…& this time was no different! Below were some favourites…

MY FAVOURITE FOOD/ DRINK SPOTS:

1.  Cindy’s Rooftop

2. London House Rooftop

3. Nico’s

4. RPM Steak House (An amazing experience)

5. Carmines

6. Giordano’s

7. Restoration Hardware Cafe (Divine!)

….& finally, here were my top 5 touristy things to do:

TOP TOURIST SPOTS:

1. The Bean

2. Architecture Boat Tour

3. Cocktails on the 95th floor of The John Hancock Building

4. Willis Tower (Glass View)

5. A stroll along the River Walk

All in all it was such an amazing trip and definitely a 4th of July to remember. If you haven’t been, add it to your list. In the meantime be sure to keep up with my Irish adventures over on my Instagram (@retroflame) & Snapchat (@Retroflame1) – I will be announcing some exciting giveaways tomorrow.

Enjoy the rest of your week!
x Erika