“Eventually, I think Chicago will be the most beautiful great city left in the world.” Frank Llyod Wright

My first memories about Chicago are not very important, only knowing that I have always enjoyed the city is what matters to me. I feel more connected to the city of Chicago than anything else, and I plan on moving there after I graduate.

When I was younger, my mom and dad and I would stay in Chicago and explore downtown, mainly the Magnificent Mile. My mom and I loved going to Water Tower Place, a large mall with stores such as The Sharper Image, Lacoste, and Bebe. The mall is located next to the towering John Hancock building. We would also meander to Bloomingdales which is also located within another mall with stores like J.Crew and United Colors of Benetton. While my mom and I mainly browsed the store, it was so much fun shopping in stores that we did not have at home.

Lately, I have been traveling to Chicago primarily with friends. My friend Kaitlin and I are great shopping buddies and we have started to drift away from the very heart of the city and explore all the surrounding neighborhoods. While we still like checking out everything in Anthropoligie and Urban Outfitters, we make a point to face our fears, jump on the EL ,and see where it takes us.

Before school, we traveled around Lincoln Park. This neighborhood is eclectic, hip, and full of boutiques carrying one-of-a-kind treasures. It is so much fun to find something hand-crafted and basically made just for you. I have a feeling that the more I travel to Chicago, the more I will learn about all of its secret shops waiting for me to discover!

TOP 5 Places to see in Lincoln Park:

1. Build a Bear? take that idea, upgrade it, and you've got 1154 Lill. It is a store where you can create your own purse. You chose the fabric and accessories, and they make it for you on the spot. Or, if you need a purse but can't travel to Lincoln Park, they offer the same service on their website:http://www.1154lill.com/shopourbags/

2. A favorite place to shop and check out the latest fashion in shoe apparel is Lori'Shoes, The Sole of Chicago. Most of the shoes are reasonably priced, and more importantly, very unique. http://www.lorisshoes.com/

3. Betsey Johnson is one crazy lady, but her eccentric style is what she is known for. Her store in Lincoln Park matches her quirky personality as it showcases her clothing, jewelry, and accessories. http://www.betseyjohnson.com/

4.Art Effect is a store in which I could spend hours in, just looking at jewelry alone. The store offers a wide selection of unique and hand-crafted necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Also, the store carries hip and flatting tops, pants, and jackets that are perfect accents for a night out downtown Chicago. Check out the site, it's worth it! http://www.arteffectchicago.com/

5. Finally, the only store that does not have a website that I enjoy going to whenever I am in Lincoln Park is Out of the West. It has very cool denim, Western tops, and a huge selection of cowboy boots. My friend Kaitlin purchased a red trench coat from the store, and I am still jealous of how cute it is! The store is decorated in chic western style, and be sure to pet the store's dog...though I forgot the poor thing's name!