Proenza Schouler deer print top, c/o AllSaints leather jacket

Forever21 jeans, Margiela sneakers, c/o Ray-Bans, thrifted beanie

The personal style portion of this post seems so small compared to the statue, but this is a fashion blog, right? I knew I’d be doing more than just a blog photo-op so I just wore an everyday look. This fall, I’ve been living in jeans, sneakers, my AllSaints leather jacket, a long-sleeved tee and this beanie I thrifted in New York during Fashion Week. I mean, if there’s comfort food, what about comfort fashion? This is my sartorial version of chicken noodle soup; it always hits the right spot, no matter how I feel. Dressing up is fun, but sometimes being comfortable is even better.

When a friend and I decided on a whim to spend Sunday exploring the Southside I discovered just how awesome this side of the city can be. I’d been to Hyde Park several times before, but I’d never seen the humungous Statue of the Republic in Jackson Park. Look at how tiny I am next to this massive 65 feet tall statue! We were driving around aimlessly when I spotted it, and the decision was instant. My friend was equally impressed by this behemoth of monument, so we pulled over at the Jackson Park golf course and walked over. We both recognized it from the posters for the World’s Colombian Exposition of 1893 once we got closer. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a Chicago history nerd (duhhhhh).

It’s hard to imagine that just 56 years after Chicago was founded and 22 years after the city was burned to the ground, Chicago’s citizens hosted one of the most legendary World’s Fairs to ever exist. Fluorescent lights, PBR, spray paint and Hershey’s Chocolate were all direct results of the creativity and innovation nurtured at the World’s Colombian Exposition, not to mention hula dancing and the introduction of Eastern religions to American culture. Architecturally, the Chicago World’s Fair heralded the City Beautiful movement of neoclassical design. Although most of the marble buildings erected for the event were torn down soon after, this incredible bronze statue stands as a reminder of Chicago’s impact on the modern world.

via @ChiStreetStyle on Instagram

Pearl’s Place Restaurant, 3901 South Michigan Avenue, (773) 285-1700

We didn’t head past Roosevelt just to take photos, I wanted to experience the Southside too. I ate the greatest pot roast and yams of my life at Pearl’s Place in Bronzeville. I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to eat good food that felt homecooked in the best possible way. Later we went thrifting in Bridgeport, where I found a vintage 1980s Bill Blass coat in mint condition for only $15. Man, I have been on a winning streak when it comes to thrifting coats! Chicago is such a vast city, so it’s easy to stick to your own neighborhood. If you rarely venture outside your familiar work/home areas, try experiencing more of the city. There’s so much out there to see and do (much less eat!) in this city of 3 million people. And hey, if you’re looking for ideas, I HIGHLY recommend Pearl’s Place. You can’t go wrong!