Green Mock Suede Dress | Chicago’s AKIRA (similar here and here)
Green Suede Boots | Sergio Rossi
Only children have a way of getting lost in their heads. I know this because I am an only child. This tendency can lead to social disaster, and often it does.
At a party this past weekend, I got into a lively discussion with an old friend. She was filling me in on the happenings of her life since we last spoke, about five years ago. Since then she’s had a baby boy, he’s the cutest, and everything he does is IG worthy — well, Snapchat worthy. Her family is happy, healthy, and hearing her talk about them made me reflect on how, in this moment, my family too is healthy and happy. It won’t always be like this, of course. Soon we’ll be compelled to care for aging parents and personal ailments, and while I’m meditating on such somber realities I notice she’s stopped speaking. She’s looking at me, smiling, anticipating. I have no idea what cue I’m clumsily fumbling, so I smile back. She smiles harder. At this point an intelligent conversationalist would simply ask “what was that?” I am not an intelligent conversationalist.
Sharks, KFC chicken, sitting on a wet seat while riding the green line; nothing frightens me more than awkward silences.
I look down at my shoes, back up at my old friend. (Her attention span is excellent, by the way. I wonder if that’s a byproduct of new motherhood. I think on this possibility for a few more seconds.) I then mutter something about how good it was catching up before walking to the other side of the room where the people I see all the time have already gathered. My anxiety slowly melts away and I vow to never catch up with anyone ever again. Because exits are hard.
I have a point.
After this morning’s commute, I am convinced Old Man Winter must be an only child. While we were enjoying our hot chocolate, free ice skating, cozy coats, and soups, winter was thinking, “Everyone loves me now. But it won’t always be like this, of course.” Now we’re looking into his face, waiting on him to either snow or exit gracefully. For a moment, it seemed he got the hint. A few days ago it was sunny, warm. Today it’s obvious, however, that no, no he didn’t get the hint and he has no idea what to do next.
I understand completely.
What to Wear in Chicago this Week
Spring arrives in just six days, but don’t toss your boots and parkas yet. Have on hand a few layerables for when the weather drops to thirty-something. Rain boots are also a smart item to have on standby. Until it pours, I’ll be wearing my favorite green suede boots and sneakers, partnered with jeans and dresses. During the showers, parkas and rain boots. Here are a few more ideas.
