RD's Obsessions

summer outfits, travel

My Chicago Summer Bucket List + Nordstrom Giveaway

Chicago Summer Bucket ListChicago Summer Bucket ListChicago Summer Bucket List
My Chicago Summer Bucket List

Dress: Free People ($98), can also find it here and here
Sandals: bought in Greece, similar here
Earrings: c/o Sugarfix by Baublebar ($12.99)

I was inspired to write about my Chicago Summer bucket list after reading Mara’s OC Summer list. It got me thinking about how much I love Chicago summer, and how excited I am that it now feels like summer (they are seriously the besttttttttt). Plus, I hope this helps some of you out there who are wondering what to do in Chicago. Lately, I’ve been getting more requests about Chicago recommendations. I will admit, this list doesn’t contain the major tourist spots, but hopefully when you do visit you can mix in some of these into your Chicago itinerary.

So without further ado, here is my Chicago summer bucket list!

Chicago Summer Bucket List

My Chicago Summer Bucket List

Go to Rooftop Restaurants

The best way to take advantage of Chicago’s amazing skyline is going on rooftops. Z Bar Chicago recently opened and I want to check it out. My other favorites are J. Parker and Cindy’s Rooftop (I’m sure you have seen this place all over Instagram!).

Have Brunch Along the Beach

I just love being along the lakefront! How many beaches do you know that have a skyline?! It’s so beautiful out there and more recently 2 new restaurants opened right along the lakefront: Shore Club and The Lakefront Restaurant. Both are amazing places and have different vibes. They offer brunch, which I think is a great way to start a weekend morning. I can easily just hang out at the beach right after!

Chicago Summer Bucket List

Go to the Farmer’s Market

I just love going to the farmer’s market. Even if I don’t have a particular item to shop for, I almost always walk away with fresh cut flowers and create a centerpiece bouquet for our dining table. There’s a farmer’s market in every neighborhood. You can check out the complete list of schedules here. My favorite is Green City Market. It is one of the largest and it is right in my neighborhood!

Movies in the Park

Something about watching movies outdoors makes it so special. We usually go to the parks right by our house, but Millennium Park is also a great option too. We either order a box of pizza while we watch the movie (with some wine of course!) or I create a picnic spread! Here is the full list of movie showings.

Chicago Riverwalk

I told you guys before, I love the Chicago Riverwalk! It is one of my favorite Chicago spots and I want to take full advantage of it this summer. Now that I have a little bit more bandwidth this summer, I have no excuse! The only thing that would make the riverwalk more perfect is if they added a few coffee shops. You know I love coffee shops!

Eat Outdoors

I don’t know why, but eating outdoors is so much more fun. Maybe because we can actually enjoy the weather? I don’t know, but I love it. And this is when a lot of restaurants come alive. It is so fun just walking around and seeing where I can eat outdoors. We are eating indoors 75% of the year, so I am taking full advantage of outdoor dining!

Chicago Summer Bucket List

One place I rarely go, but always love having lunch at, is the Art Institute of Chicago in their courtyard. The food is good and the courtyard is so peaceful and beautiful. It reminds me of Europe! These photos are taken right in front of the Art Institute.

This is my Chicago Summer bucket list. Do you guys have a summer bucket list? If so, what is on it?

This Free People Chambray Dress

I want to quickly mention this dress because so far it has been my favorite summer dress! I love the midi length and the dress has pockets! Dresses with pockets are always the best. Not sure if you can tell by the photos, but it has a more faded red color. The fabric is chambray so technically it is a red chambray dress. It is also very lightweight.

Chicago Summer Bucket List

Free People’s sizing can be odd, but for this dress it fits true to size. I was reading the reviews prior to making the purchase and a lot of them mentioned to size up and that there is a side boob issue. In my experience, sizing up (for me it was to a medium) made the fit too loose and caused more side boob. I exchanged to my usual size (size small), and it fits perfectly  and the top was not an issue. For some reason, wearing my true size eliminated the side boob everyone talks about in the reviews. For reference, I’m a 32C.

Nordstrom Giveaway

$1,000 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Giveaway featured by popular Houston fashion blogger, The Styled Fox

Now…it’s time for a fabulous giveaway!
I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers
to give YOU a chance to win:
a $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card, just in time to shop the Anniversary Sale!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter.
You’ll receive one entry per completion.
This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada only and runs until 7/9.
Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

Void where prohibited.
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which involves following, liking and subscribing to newsletter’s.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo RD

 

 

 

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Comments

  7. Kim says

    I want to join you on all your bucket list items because they sound so fun and I’ve never been to Chicago! I love this maxi dress also, the smocked bodice is so cute!

    xoxo,
    Kim

    Reply

  10. Mollie says

    So many great bucket list ideas! And I’m totally lusting after that dress – it’s gorgeous!

    xx Mollie

    Reply

  14. Ashley DTKAustin says

    Can I come with you on some of these bucket list things?!?! Sounds so fun! You look absolutely gorgeous too, btw!!

    Reply

  17. Mica says

    What a beautiful maxi dress! 🙂 I love the simplicity of a maxi dress and sandals in summer. I’ve never been to Chicago but your list makes me miss summer a little, winter here in Australia!

    Hope that you are having a lovely start to your week after a nice weekend 🙂

    Away From The Blue Blog

    Reply

  19. Kristina says

    I loved visiting last year for the TBSCon and hopefully can go back to do a little more exploring!

    Reply

  21. Stephanie says

    This sure sounds spectacular! I want to visit Chicago so badly! I hope you enjoy your summer to the fullest!

    Reply

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