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| Michele of Hello Lovely Studio |
Today I’m partnering with Mercedes-Benz
to share my version of Chicago.
Find my #MBSociallyDriven story on IG right here.
If you have followed Hello Lovely for a stretch,
you already know some of my ChiTown
favorites…and if you’re designfreaky
like moi and have a day to spend in Chicago,
here are 5 Lovely Ideas to Take For a Spin.
1.
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| Waldorf Astoria Chicago (11 East Walton) |
I’m partial to The Waldorf Astoria Chicago,
a timeless and tranquil design lover’s
dream hotel… with architecture by
Lucien Lagrange, interiors by
Lisa Simeone and Gina Deary,
and luxury accommodations.
The Waldorf’s interiors take their cue from 1920s Parisian fashion including a Coco Chanel inspired sunburst chandelier in the lobby, kick-pleated drapes (riffing on Christian Dior), Greek busts, and a vibrant green painting near the reception desk.
Outside, the Waldorf Chicago’s cobblestone
motor court features a gorgeous fountain and
antique light fixtures against a limestone façade…
it all adds up to a memorable first impression
when you arrive!
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| My photo – the breathtaking lobby of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago |
It’s such a special place for occasions (anniversaries, girlfriend
getaways, birthdays), and I always make time for the spa
which offers top-notch massage and
an incredibly relaxing saline pool.
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| My photo – Spa swimming pool at Waldorf Astoria Chicago |
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| My photo – wearing a vintage 60s ivory lace wedding gown in a guest room at Waldorf Astoria Chicago |
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| My photo – hotel room at Waldorf Astoria Chicago |
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| A summer girlfriend weekend at Waldorf Astoria Chicago (my photo) |
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| Room service breakfast at Waldorf Astoria Chicago (my photo) |
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| Photos on the balcony are a must! (my photo) |
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| What Camp Hello Lovely feels like. (my photo) |
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| A taste of Paris! (my photo) |
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| I can’t get enough of the geometry! (my photo) |
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| My partner in crime and lovely (also, couldn’t she be an Ambassador for BANGS?) (my photo) |
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| Photo ops from every angle. (my photo) |
Since Chicagoans DEMAND good food,
you’ll find it everywhere.
For fancy, James Beard award-winner Michael Mina
is opening Margeaux within Waldorf Chicago
in May and Petit Margeaux in April.
For informal fare, I cannot go too long
without my Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza fix…
there’s a location just a 3-minute
walk from the Waldorf at 1120 N. State.
Two joints where service and prices are friendly include
Pegasus (130 S. Halsted) and Wishbone (1001 W. Washington Blvd.)…
order the shrimp and grits at Wishbone!
For cocktails, we recently had an amazing cousin reunion
at the Ritz Carlton’s rooftop lounge and bar Deca,
where the food and wine were memorable.
2.
Go to the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave.)
to see modern art in every possible medium by artists of
local and international renown…expect off-beat,
experimental, and provocative exhibitions,
programs, and collections.
In another post, I shared the experience of seeing
DAVID BOWIE IS
at the museum, and what a thrill that was.
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| My photo – David Bowie exhibit at MCA Chicago |
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| Goofing with giant Bowie photographs |
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| My photo – David Bowie songs archived on the museum’s steps |
3.
Keep it simple…head to The Mart!
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| The Mart – The Merchandise Mart in Chicago |
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| My photo – I snapped this outside a window in The Mart (my photo) |
My favorite annual events at The Mart
are Dream Home Chicago,
(a showhouse for charity, featuring work
from local interior designers) and Design Chicago.
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| A tablescape by Michael Del Piero in Dream Home Chicago in The Mart (my photo) |
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| Bar cart and Francine Turk nude in Hunter Kaiser space at Dream Home Chicago (my photo) |
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| Hunter Kaiser tablescape at Dream Home Chicago (my photo) |
Within the Mart, visit the Design Center and Luxe Home.
Upcoming events include:
Business of Design Lecture Series (March 22, 2017)
One of a Kind Show+Sale (April 28-30, 2017)
If you’re a fan of the interiors spotlighted on Hello Lovely,
you are likely an admirer of the work of
Chicago designer Michael Del Piero.
Visit her fabulous shop (428 N.Wolcott)
while in the Windy City
4.
Take an Architectural Tour in a Wendella Boat
with your friends…sip champagne, make friends on board,
learn about the buildings, and score gorgeous photos.
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| My kind of town. (my photo) |
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| Sisters who can’t stop snapping. |
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| My photo – Boat ride in Chicago (my photo) |
5.
flâ·neur
fläˈnər/
noun
- an idler or lounger.
We don’t have to travel to Paris to get our
flaneur on! Stroll the streets of Chicago
with no particular destination in mind,
soaking up the sights and sounds of
Midwest urban splendor.
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| My photo – Chicago |
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| My photo – Chicago |
I’d love to hear about YOUR favorites in your city.
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| My photo – Chicago |
Your Turn.
If you live in or plan to visit NYC, LA, Chicago,
Austin, Miami, or Denver, Mercedes-Benz invites you
to share your city in a simple artful way on Instagram.
BTW, are you following @hellolovelystudio?
It’s Super easy!
Create a quick (but lovely) animated album of 5 of your best geotagged photos and upload it to Instagram.
Then, share your album on your feed with the hashtag #MBsociallydriven—and your photos could be featured on the Mercedes-Benz website!
Ready to rediscover your city?
Woohoo!
p.s.
Have a Chicago favorite to share?
Peace to you right where you are.
~michele
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| PIN ME to save for later! |
Love this post, right down to the vintage wedding gown! I want to sign up for Camp Hello LLovely!!
xo
Holly
You're in like flynn, mama!
Rocking that vintage wedding gown!!! And you ladies are having too much fun 🙂 Can I crash your party? xoxo
Thanks, friend…you are also in (but you are in like Finn, the Scandinavian version). Be prepared for laughter…we are dangerous together!