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The Golden Girl

Chicago Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

February 24, 2016

West Loop Daytime Date

Red J.Crew Chateau Parka in Chicago's West Loop

On me: Red Parka: J.Crew Chateau Parka (Under $200!) also comes in tan // Jeans: Madewell (obsessed with them–really. They run true to size) also similar here, and budget friendly version here // Striped Tee: J.Crew (comes in several colors! Also love this similar t-shirt version) // Sunnies: Ray Ban // Booties: c/o Sole Society Chris booties (nearly sold out) but identical here, and I also love these from Rebecca Minkoff, and these Vince combo booties/sandals! // Tote: J.Crew Uptown tote (currently only available in black) but love this similar red tote. 





On Neal: Jacket: Barbour Tinford Quilted Jacket, also comes in red (nearly identical here, similar here in navy and also love this quilted vest) // Jeans: Old, similar here // Watch: Shinola, also love this classic white-faced version // Shoes: Cole Haan, similar here (splurge), and here (budget). 

 

One of our favorite things to do on a Saturday or Sunday is roam around our neighborhood–the West Loop!  The typical weekend routine starts with me going to Yoga (CorePower–if you haven’t tried it, it’s awesome! I love their C2 classes), Neal going to the gym, and then we come back, shower, and then head out for a late brunch or an afternoon of exploring the neighborhood. 




The West Loop is essentially a hub of Chicago’s most amazing restaurants, with plenty of patios just itching to open when given the slightest uptick in temperatures. A couple of my favorite spots? Parlor Pizza, Nellcote, Kaiser Tiger and RM Champagne definitely top the list. (Just in case you were wondering, they’re also fabulous in NON patio weather!) 

This time of year is probably the hardest time for me in terms of getting dressed everyday. I cannot bring myself to put on my puffer coat, but it’s pretty tough to weather 40 degrees in a spring parka. This past weekend gave us some drop dead gorgeous weather, but let’s be honest, it was still COLD in comparison with the rest of the U.S. 

So what’s a girl to do when she wants to act like it’s spring even though it feels like winter? Here are a couple of my go-to winter to spring weapons: 

A great transitional coat: Go with a coat that still has some weight to it. I just picked up this red Chateau Parka from J.Crew (it runs really narrow in the armpits–weird, I know, so size up. I’m wearing a 4 and I’m usually a 2 in coats!) and while it’s meant for spring, it’s much heavier than your standard spring trench! It’s made of canvas, which is effective for blocking the wind and keeping warmth in. 

Great layering tees: I just picked up this adorable striped top at J.Crew, which is perfect for layering. What you can’t see though, is this tank layered underneath it (hehe–sneaky). If you get too hot, you can take it off and stuff it in your purse. I’m serious–I do it all the time. 

Zippo Hand Warmers: Zippo recently sent Neal and I some of their hand warmers to try out, and I’m not even kidding–these are the BEST THINGS EVER. They come in two different sizes, and fit right in your pocket to keep you warm and toasty for up to twelve hours at a time. To activate them, you pour in Zippo lighter fluid, and then light them with a lighter to heat them up. Then, pop them in their little warming bags, and into your pocket (or gloves, or boots, or wherever!) These would be amazing for ski trips too! 

The larger version is perfect for the large coat pockets of my parka, and Neal loves the smaller ones for the breast pockets of his new Barbour coat (I just got him this one for his birthday!) He also wanted to make sure I told you that they are going to be “really awesome for Bears and Northwestern games in the fall.” 

(P.S. if you purchase now through 2/29, you can get $5 off with code “GETHEATED”)

Neutral, transitional booties: Because it’s still too chilly for open toes, transitional booties are a must-have in my book. They’re not too “wintery” and the lighter, neutral hue pairs really well with springy items as well as winter ones. (I also love this version!) 

J.Crew Red Chateau Parka–Chicago Fashion Blogger, The Golden Girl Men's Transitional Style, Quilted Barbour JacketJ.Crew Red Chateau Parka + Zippo Handwarmers for extra warmth! Men's quilted Barbour Jacket Red JCrew Chateau Parka, Madewell Jeans, Neutral Booties–Chicago Fashion Blogger, The Golden Girl How to keep warm in transitional weather Chicago Fashion Blogger–The Golden Girl–Red J.Crew Chateau Parka Men's Shinola Watch Zippo Lighter, perfect for keeping warm in chilly Chicago!Street Style–Classic red J.Crew Chateau Parka– Chicago Fashion Blog, The Golden Girl

What are your transitional tips to staying warm in spring?

 





Thank you for Zippo for sponsoring this post. As always, opinions are 100% my own! 

Filed Under: Chicago, Outfits, Style

Reader Interactions

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Comments

  1. Mary Kate says

    February 24, 2016 at 7:22 am

    I love this- the West Loop has some amazing places for sure!

    Mary Kate
    http://www.mynewchicagolife.com

    Reply
  2. Jess Zimlich says

    February 24, 2016 at 8:18 am

    Does not leaving my couch count as a tip? 😉 Kidding…kind of. I’ve been thinking of getting this trench in tan! The inside is too perfect. Also, RM Champagne looks like my kind of spot for the next time I’m in town!

    26 and Not Counting

    Reply
  3. Natalie @ Natalie Was Here says

    February 24, 2016 at 9:37 am

    OMG I’d never heard of Zippo but now I’m kicking myself for not thinking of this idea first…my hands are ALWAYS freezing. Genius!

    xo,
    Natalie | Natalie Was Here

    Reply
  4. Kelly in the City says

    February 24, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    YAY for the red parka, and for Zippo: seriously a life-saver. 🙂

    And NEAL: YOU STUD!!

    Kelly | Kelly in the City

    Reply
  5. Shaheen Khan | Lows to Luxe says

    February 24, 2016 at 1:08 pm

    LOVE this outfit and am going to try the Zippo! I always buy the disposable warmers but they never work and get cold so quickly – this is perfect!

    Shaheen | Lows to Luxe

    Reply
  6. Maggie says

    February 24, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    I really like your red coat! I have a parka from northface that I actually find really cute! I never thought I would say that ha ha 🙂
    -Maggie http://www.thatgirlmags.com

    Reply
  7. Jen says

    February 24, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    Sounds like the perfect weekend! I recently moved to the west loop and am obsessed with the neighborhood. I’ve been meaning to drag myself out on the weekends to corepower. LOVE their sculpt classes 🙂

    Jen
    http://www.comfortably-chic.com

    Reply
  8. Coachella says

    May 31, 2018 at 3:42 am

    I am totally in neon red coat! The color of red is simply amazing! love the way you style it with simple day clothes, but I think this coat gonna look great with LBD! I also made a post about red coats, check it: http://standoutlook.com/street-style-how-to-wear-red-coats-in-2018/

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. A Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Your Ultimate Packing List  says:
    February 26, 2016 at 7:35 am

    […] thing, a wool coat is a great alternative that will also keep you warm. (This parka I wore here is another good […]

    Reply
  2. Getting Dressed - says:
    June 23, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    […] Jess Keys – Golden Girl Blog History in High Heels Classy Girls Wear Pearls – Forever my #1 style inspiration Kelly in the City Hilary Rushford […]

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