My Offline Life, Summer 2015

It’s been a minute since we’ve talked about things that stem from beyond fashion, hasn’t it?

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Not that that’s a bad thing, but way back in the day, I used to do monthly Instagram recaps — and I really loved them. Scary how quickly time passes, no?

Most notably, it’s hard to believe I’ve been in Chicago for a bit over a month now. Or rather, it’s one of those instances where it feels like yesterday and also a million years ago all at the same time. At any rate, here’s what’s been keeping me busy lately (as seen through the lens of my Instagram).

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Giveaway: Win a bottle of Tru Blooms eau de parfum ($65 value)

Certain city odors can intoxicate the senses (and, Chicagoans, I’m not talking about the Red Line late-night).

This fall, local perfume company Tru Fragrance decided to bottle the city’s essence in an exclusive, limited edition scent, called Tru Blooms Chicago. I had the pleasure of testing it out, and in a nutshell, it’s fresh, light and youthful, and can be worn year-round.

The scent is built around three floral notes – violet, lavender and rose – extracted from flowers planted in more than 22 plots across the city. I actually walked by one just last week on my way home from work (pictured below).

Given it’s exclusivity, this one’s a must-have. Perfume hoarder (*raises hand*) or not — and regardless of your roots — here’s a chance for you to bottle up the city’s essence and win this limited edition parfum. ($65 value)

It’s super simple to enter and you’ve got four chances to win, just…

a Rafflecopter giveaway
For more info, check out Tru Bloom perfume online or in select local outlets, like Art Effect ($18 for a 15 ml roll-on; $65 for a 100 ml bottle).

*Fine print: Winner will be chosen randomly; please comply with the entry above for your chance to win. Any questions? Leave ’em in the comments! Giveaway ends Sunday 11.15 at midnight. Good luck!

Chicago Spotlight: Comfort Me Boutique

A few weeks ago, I stopped by the Lincoln Park-based boutique Comfort Me in Chicago. A friend introduced me to the family owned brick-and-motor and I instantly fell in love with its clever detailing and charming atmosphere.

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As the name implies, comfort and style go hand-in-hand here. Which a heavy focus on Chicago- and other US-based designers, Comfort Me reminds me of a bit of Anthropologie — in a good way: Artful displays, vintage furniture, a retail vibe are akin to hanging with your girlfriends; and, of course, an impressive array denim designers, layer-worthy threads, floaty dresses and loads of statement jewelry. (Hello, gift options!)

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comfort me chicagoAlyssa DIY’d this!

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Co-owners and sisters Alyssa and Bethany mingle Midwest charm with a fierce sense of fashion. Alyssa and I took a shopping break to model a few of our favorite finds from the store’s winter and spring collections:

bella dahl blouse, laurel denise bracelet

inspire bracelet

nous savons, niki jean, fluxus,

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maxi dress

Alyssa in a Fotoula Lambros sweater, Nous Savons necklace, Nicki Jean jewelry, David Kahn jeans, layered fLuXuS tanks. My first look: Ya LA crocheted top, Bella Dahl blouse (liked it so much I bought it!), Laurel Denise cuff, vintage bracelet; second look: KLD Signature dress, my own Nine West shoes

Comfort Me has quickly become a landing spot of mine whenever I’m in the ‘hood; it’s definitely worth the trip, even if it’s just to meet handsome Harley, pictured above. Better yet, shop Comfort Me in-store and mention this post to receive 20% off your entire purchase through the end of March.

If you don’t live in Chicago, stay tuned; the girls are in talks of launching an e-commerce site so you can shop the brands you see here. Just what you need, right? Another online shopping addiction. If you do, however; stop in on Wednesday, March 28. The girl are hosting a Pyar & Co. trunk show, so you can shop, sip, eat and socialize. Hope to see you if you’re in the area! {RSVP here}