When I heard there was a little doughnut shop in Chicago that had over an hour wait in the mornings, I was instantly intrigued. Like most proud Americans, my love for doughnuts dates back to my childhood. But the truth is, I’ve never had artisanal doughnuts. The extent of my doughnut knowledge comes from Krispy Kreme when the hot light is on. So not once do I ever remember having to wait more than 10 minutes for a doughnut.

Continue reading The doughnut worth a wake up call // Chicago at Shades of Pinck.

Lets be honest, we are all constantly searching for perfect places to take those perfect photos that will make everyone else envious of our experiences!

Whats the trick? Find the most beautiful part of the city and get to it during the magic hour (sunrise or sunset). I know Chicago has The Bean, Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, and the Chicago Theatre…but if you ask me, the most beautiful thing about Chicago is its skyline!

Continue reading Where to snap those post worthy skyline shots // Chicago at Shades of Pinck.

Have you ever wanted to try a prestigious Michelin starred restaurant, but didn’t want to pay the hefty price tag that comes with it? If so, your best option is to try to get in for lunch! Although it will still be way more expensive than a Chick-fil-a sandwich combo, it can end up being only a fraction of the cost of a traditional tasting menu.

While in Chicago, I found two great lunch options that have both been awarded one Michelin star:

1.

Continue reading “I’ll take a Michelin star (or 2) for lunch, please…” // Chicago at Shades of Pinck.

Azeeza Khan is creating quite the name for herself in the fashion world. Since leaving corporate America in 2012 (she was the Advertising Creative Director at BP Oil), her brand has already hit several major milestones.

For starters, her designs were picked up to be sold by Barney’s New York earlier this year. They even featured her gowns in their Oscar-themed window displays on Madison Avenue in New York City this past February. 

Continue reading The local designer brand that’s blowing up // Chicago at Shades of Pinck.

I never schedule hair appointments while on vacation. It takes way too long and I’d much rather spend that time exploring the city. However, sometimes a situation will arise and you are forced to take the appropriate measures to have it fixed .

The good news is, if that situation occurs (or if your hair is just in need of a little refreshing) while you’re in Chicago there is a fabulous salon located on the oh so luxurious Michigan Avenue that can help you in very little time.

Continue reading In need of a quick beauty fix? This salon has it all. // Chicago at Shades of Pinck.

The Chicago skyline has a particular sparkle when you’re looking out on it from up above. It shines brightest on two occasions: when the sun sets and the great lake reflects onto it, and after dark when each room in every skyscraper plays a note on the musical sheet of twinkles.

Coincidentally enough, I found a great spot to enjoy drinks during both times of day.

Where to go for Happy Hour:

The Dec Rooftop Bar + Lounge @ The Ritz Carlton

A rooftop is the perfect place to enjoy a Chicago summer sunset.

Continue reading Drinks, above the city // Chicago at Shades of Pinck.

This week, I’m going to try something a little new (so your feedback is greatly appreciated–comment below OR megan@shadesofpinck.com)! I tried starting this about three weeks ago, but then the madness from the DNC interrupted it, so it failed. I’m going to guide you through a city, “the Pinck way”, meaning I’ll share everything from my favorite restaurants and hotels, to must-do actives and must-visit parts of town throughout the span of one week.

First up: Chitown… and I’ll start with my favorite part of the city! 

Continue reading Start of Chicago series + bow heels // Chicago at Shades of Pinck.

A great view, a list of pretty much any type of wine/liquor you can think of, and great music….what more could you want on a summer day?

If you plan on visiting the Riverwalk, make sure you make time to stop into City Winery!

Not to be confused with their actual restaurant location on West Randolph, this City Winery is pretty much just the bar version located on the Riverwalk and is only open during the summer.

Continue reading The Riverwalk bar worth stopping into // Chicago at Shades of Pinck.