Photo by Max Herman of Time Out Chicago

When I was invited to the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel’s grand opening bash, it was a party I couldn’t refuse. My best friend Sarah [above] is the Human Resources director at a boutique luxury hotel in downtown Evanston. I invited her to come along for the ride since I knew she’d enjoy celebrating the local hospitality industry’s newest member. Chicago is home to the first Radisson Blu concept hotel in the USA, and people flew in from around the country and overseas to partake in the festivities.

The event also gave me a chance to wear my new Theyskens’ Theory chiffon shirt, which I wore over my new plum ACNE dress from Barneys. I knew people would overdress (and they did). Chicago ladies, you don’t need to wear a ballgown that looks like a prom dress to a hotel opening! I habitually underdress, because I think it’s way cooler than looking like you’re trying too hard. Or at least that’s what I’d like to think… While I was talking about this with Sarah she summed up my fashion sense in a few words;

“You know what Amy? You buy grungy looking pieces made of expensive fabrics so that you can always look like you don’t care, but you care way more than anyone else here. Let’s not fool yourself…”

BURN! Nah, I love it when my friends call me out because even I get sick of my own bullshit. She’s right too. I do love buying expensive pieces that don’t look expensive to the average American, ones that only trained eyes can instantly spot. It’s the ‘dog whistle’ signaling theory for all you sociology nerds. Oh, and let’s not even bring up the Margiela sneakers, because that’s case in point. Sarah wins!

We spent the evening alternating between mingling with other partygoers in the ballroom and hiding out in Filini Restaurant for some fresh air and delicious food. It was a great night bringing a personal friend along to one of these events for once so I could truly enjoy myself and not feel like I was working. I even got to meet one of my favorite food bloggers, Louisa Chu. Funny story, as it turns out she reads my blog too. “Wait a second, you wear the fluffy white coat, right?”

If I had a nickel for every time I heard that…

For more photos, visit Time Out Chicago’s website here.