10 Minutes with Danielle: My Chicago Photo Diary Part 1

Earlier this month I headed over to the Windy City thanks to Merz Pharmaceuticals to have a special dinner to chat about in-office procedures available to women of color with Chicago-based dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jackson. Dr. Jackson answered our questions about things like fillers, laser therapy, and of course the ever bothersome dark spots. I’ll fill you in soon about some things you need to know about aging as a woman of color because while for the most part black doesn’t crack, we can still do some things to preserve our youthful appearances ;)

At Tavern at the Park with Dr. Brooke Jackson

What I Wore: I loved this outfit because when I close my jacket you have no clue I’m wearing a crop top—it’s like party and business all in one look…lol.

Top: H&M | Skirt: ASOS | Jacket: (similar) ASOS | Shoes: Via Spiga (they were surprisingly really comfortable on me, too)

Plus 3-4% cash back easily on purchases at Bloomingdale’s and ASOS by using eBates

After dinner drinks at Three Dots and a Dash—omg the drinks there are SO good and they played tons of 90s music

Because it was my second time in this wonderful city, I decided I needed to really photo document my visit so I brought along my photographer friend Nas of Nasilele Photography to capture some cool shots. She took most of the pics you’ll see in this series of posts but I also threw in some I took myself (you’ll definitely be able to tell the difference…lol)

We stayed at the lovely Silversmith Hotel on S. Wabash Ave in a gorgeous suite. The hotel is walking distance from tons of Chicago attractions like Millennium Park and other gorgeous site-seeing spots. As a matter of fact, the area of Chicago we stayed in was extremely walkable and we found ourselves walking tons (especially to help counter some of the delicious Chicago food we ate) but when we needed to get somewhere fast, cabs were in abundance and pretty affordable, too. I normally rent a car when I travel to other American cities, but you definitely don’t need one if you’re staying downtown in Chicago.

Shoes left to right: Via Spiga | Zara | Zara

A few of the beauty products I brought with me: Kilian Playing with the Devil | Chanel Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder | Illamasqua Excite Blusher | Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation | NARS 413 BLKR blush | Murad Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15 | Guerlain 4-Seasons Terracotta Bronzing Powder | Dior Airflash Matte Touch

For the first day of site seeing, we got to Cloud Gate aka “The Bean” pretty early so we could get some shots with not so many people in them. We aimed for getting there at 7 A.M. but see the way the drinks were set up at Three Dots and a Dash—we needed a little more sleep…lol. So we got there around 8-ish which was still pretty good.

We ran into this trio while taking pics—one guy was from France and another from Miami (or at least I think I remember one of them saying Miami…lol) and we took turns taking pics of each other. Always great to run into fun people.

Tee: Old Navy | Necklace: Kilian Perfumed Silk Tassel Necklace (OMG talk about the best of both worlds—WEARING fine fragrance! Inside the little gold compartment is a replaceable perfume solid) | Bag: Clare V | Jeans (old) | Shoes: Via Spiga | Leather Bracelet: Coach | Rings: Forever 21 and H&M | Sunglasses: Celine (or here) | Lips: MAC Ruby Woo

I also need to sing the praises of the Vanity Fair Beauty Back Back Smoother bra I’m wearing. I’m currently a 38DDD and typically will roll my eyes HARD when bras in my size aren’t pretty (I’m way too young and fun for sad bras) and while this one isn’t ugly, it can be a bit matronly-looking. BUT the way it holds me up, smooths, and slightly minimizes makes it the perfect choice for wearing under t-shirts and tanks thus greatly making up for its looks. It’s my new fave everyday bra and I’m wearing it every pic in this post.

LOVED this fountain so of course I had to take a “dip.”

Then over to the Field Museum and Soldier Field.

The Chicago Theatre

On the Skydeck Ledge

Partaking in iconic Chicago foods like Garretts Popcorn and Giordano’s deep dish pizza. You definitely need to plan ahead if you’re watching your diet especially when traveling. I made sure to eat as many salads and veggies as I could and chose wisely when I decided to indulge (as good as Garrett Popcorn is, a small bag even eaten over a few days is WAY too many Weight Watchers points so you have to really make sure you stay on track for other meals). I also made sure to walk a lot to counter some of the extra calories. The point is to not deprive yourself while you’re traveling, but to be very conscious of everything you eat and do. A handful of Garrett popcorn can have as many points as a filling meal so you learn to make smart choices.

But that’s it for now! Stay tuned for more pics from my trip :)

Check out Part 2!