I’ve been dying to tell you all the news, Alfred and I are moving to Chicago on March 15th! We signed a lease on a little studio in the Gold Coast and are over the moon excited. I fell in love with the Windy City during several visits last year (the architecture, the pizza, the people!) and know we’ll be so happy there. When I left New York for California last fall I thought it would be temporary (I was heartbroken and launching the new business and well, sometimes you just need to read some Oprah and have a good cry to your mom…), but I’ve since decided that though I miss New York dearly, I’m ready for a new city and new adventure.
My grandparents met as students at the University of Chicago in the 1930s and often recounted fond memories of the Midwest. I’ve already begun pinning away decorating inspiration for my new digs and making a list of future adventures (touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio, my first Cubs game, my 29th birthday dinner at Girl & the Goat…). There’s so much I want to see and do, I apologize for my inevitably overzealous instagram feed in advance.
If you’re a Chicagoan or have any tips I hope you’ll say hello. I’m eager to meet my Midwestern readers and learn more about my new city. Thank you as always for your excitement, kindness, and support. Here’s to making brave decisions in 2015! xx Katie
(photo: Chicago 7:28 a.m. by Juergen Buergin)
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Yay! How exciting. Chicago can’t wait to welcome you! When I moved here two year ago, the city and people of Chicago were so welcoming and it made me feel at home instantly. Plus, now you get unlimited trips to Jayson. Win-win!
Wishing you both much happiness in your new adventure!!!
Marjie
http://www.keatonrow.com/marjoriegelfand
Abby – Thank you! I’m so excited! I’ve never been to Jayson Home, can you believe it?!
Marje – You are too sweet! Thank you so much!
Yay! Chicago is excited to have you! Such a great city and you’ll be moving here right at the end of winter when the city gets great again! :)
How exciting! I’m moving back to Chicago next month after a few years in Toronto (also spurred by heartbreak). I’ve been repinning all of your dream home pins so I have a feeling our apartments will be twins. I used to live in the Gold Coast and it’s beyond beautiful. Being right next to the Lake Michigan running path made me actually want to exercise, which is crucial when you live too close to 3rd Coast and their amazing scones.
I’m moving to West Town, about 3 blocks from the best gelato in the city at Black Dog, so if you ever need a gelato buddy I’m your gal.
Amandalyn – Thank you! I just got my first pair of snow boots so I’m actually praying for a little late-March snow (I’ve missed having a white winter)! Fingers crossed ;)
Claire – So glad you said hi! I will shoot you an email…I am big on gelato! xx
I already mentioned this on insta but congrats, Katie, and welcome! You will have such a great time and summer will be just around the corner once you arrive!
As a local Chicagoan I’d be happy to help if you need anything. I also have a very nice, very affordable (and handsome to boot) mover if you need one!
Best of luck.
I’m very, very jealous. I grew up in an Indiana suburb of Chicago and would love to go back, but we’re tied to NYC for now because of my husband’s career. Chicago is so beautiful and does so many things well. Living by the lakefront would be a dream. Congratulations on your move!
Congratulations Katie! So excited for you and I wish you the best of luck in Chicago. Unfortunately heart break happens to the best of us but I’m positive you and Alfred are moving on to bigger and better in Chicago!
How exciting!! We’ll have to grab dinner, coffee, drinks…something once you’re settled in! Good luck with the move and welcome to the middle west! xo
Sounds so exciting!
My boyfriend currently lives in Streeterville and I’m planning to make the move out there from NYC in about a year. I can’t wait to follow all your adventures in the Windy City and I think it’ll really help gear me up to move there too!
-E
How very exciting! very best of all Katie, to you and lovely Alfred!
Wow, congrats!! I have never been to Chicago but I have been thinking about it a lot, it just feels like it is…in the air these days, you know? Like maybe the universe is trying to tell me something? I saw a great job opportunity and a great apartment listing in the same day, and it just made me go, hmmmm….
Best of luck to you and Alfred — can’t wait to see your Chicago pad!
You will LOVE Chicago. The Midwest is just lovely. We chatted with you a few weekends ago on the phone (friend of Fallon’s). And I am there many times a year, so most definitely will need to meet you! Good luck with the move and welcome to the Midwest!
I haven’t commented in this space for quite a while, but I just wanted to pipe in and wish you a hearty CONGRATULATIONS!!!! on your next life move. Change can be such an invigorating (and necessary) thing. Best of luck to you!
Kathryn – Oh my lord, a handsome mover. Don’t let me near him! haha. Thank you so much for the welcome. I am saving your email address! xx
Colleen – Thank you! Say hello to NY for me. I’m so excited to be living by the water – the new place even has a little view of the lake (pinch me!).
Karen – Awww thanks. Means so much. Onward and upward, right? :)
Kristin – Definitely! I can’t wait to meet you! xx
Erin – So cool! I’ll be just north of him. Say hi to NY for me :)
Helena – Thanks love! xo
Alison – I think you’re right about Chicago! I have a great feeling about it and everyone thinks of it so fondly. So many awesome people doing cool things there — excited to meet them! Thanks for saying hello!
Kayla – You ladies have to come visit. We can have a slumber party in my studio, hah! Hope all is well in Kansas City :) xx
Joanna – That’s a familiar name ;) Great to hear from you and THANK YOU for your well wishes. I’m a bit nervous, it’s a big change! Hope you’re well! xx
Katie, Congrats on your plans to move to Chicago! You will absolutely love it here, I promise. I had to share a few of my favorite spots with you: Volo (wine bar in Roscoe Village, Tango Sur (Brazilian steakhouse on Southport, Gather (Amazing restaurant in Lincoln Square, Bowtruss Coffee (multiple locations), and Scofflaws (intimate bar in Logan Square). I could go on and on :)
Best of luck with your move!
Monica
We need to catch up! Chicago is fun but very cold in the winter. Great restaurants and bars.
Best of luck to you Katie! They’re lucky to have you! xoxo
Good for you! Sometimes a fresh start is exactly what you need.
Hi Katie,
SUCH a fan of yours. Live in Omaha, but my in-laws are in Chicago. It’s a great city and you’re going to love it. Please be sure to check out my sister-in-law’s boutique in Logan.
Rocky + Luella: http://www.rockyandluella.com/
Monica – Thank you for all these great recs! Can’t wait to check them out. Added to my list!
Suzy – I miss you! So overdue for a catch-up. Will shoot you an email! xx
Stephanie – You’re so sweet! Thank you!
Jen – Cheers to that! It’s a bit daunting, but that probably means I’m making the right choice :)
Erin – You’re so kind! I will definitely drop by your sister-in-law’s shop, it looks awesome. Glad you said hi!
Congrats! I recently moved to Chicago and I love it so far. The winter is a bit rough but other than that it’s great. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures!
xo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Congrats on moving to Chicago. My husband and I moved here almost 2 years ago from Austin, Texas. We love Chicago. It has been a fantastic move. People, activities, food are the best.
Congratulations! We absolutely love Chicago. I would recommend going to the symphony as much as possible. They are one of the best in the world and their brass section! You’ll cry at their perfection.
YAY! Can relate to this new start in so many ways. We’ll have so much to talk about over brunch, drinks, and puppy play-dates. See you soon!
I bet it puts you closer to Paris. Where you belong ;)
Stopped by – on the run – to wish you all the best!!!
Be happy, Pretty Elegant Lady!
Yours,
Teresa
This is awesome! You will love Chicago! Plus, you are coming in March, so hopefully most of the winter will be over…
Congrats on the move! I’ve been in Chicago now for five years, and somehow I have a feeling that seeing your posts about the city are going to make me fall in love with it all over :) (I will admit that I’ve been feeling a bit lackluster about it as of late, but it’s probably just the cold) Definitely check out The Gage (gastro pub that used to be a hat factory), Acanto (just next door- charming Italian spot), and Eleven City Diner in the South Loop. Yeah, I um, eat a lot. Hahah.
so excited for you, katie! wishing you lots of luck and happiness on your new adventure! and i can’t wait for the influx of instagrams!
The Gold Coast is a lovely place! You have the lake and Lincoln Park right in your reach, which my dog loves too! I never get sick of the neighborhood, with all of it’s architecture to soak in. Make sure you hit Lou Malnati’s right in the neighborhood (and often)! The best local stationary/card shop is fairly close by too, Greer. I could spend hours there. And Judy Maxwell on Wells is always fun to pop in and see what’s new. Ugh, you are going to love it here. Welcome to Chicago (soon) and go Cubs go!
What exciting news! I’m looking forward to keeping up with your Midwestern adventures!
I know you will be happy in your new city, because you bring so much joy, brains and great energy to everything you do! Cheers to brave decisions, and to you!
Congrats on your move! I currently live in Bloomington, IN and visit Chicago often… so much to see and eat. Cheers!
GO girl! Cannot wait to see you conquer next!
Welcome to Chicago! I’ve been a reader for years and so excited for you to be a part of our amazing City! If you ever need a brunch/vintage shop/floralshop/whatever friend… let me know!
Dear Katie. I’ve been following your site and your magazine for years and love your style. Congratulations on the upcoming move to Chicago. I live in Oak Park and work downtown and would be happy to be a tour guide whenever you need. Lots of fun things to do and see in Chicago. Spring is the ideal time to come to Chicago when the 3 feet of snow have melted!! So many places to lunch outside, grab a Cosmo and find some beautiful antique jewelry!
Katie! I want to be friends with you! I’m a longtime reader and local gal. Hope to run into you at the Coq D’or for a cocktail at the Drake one night! xo!
Congratulations on the move! Chicago is a great place to live so open your eyes, because there are a lot of things to see! All the best, Man With Van Merton Ltd.