Seeing Chicago Through My Daughter’s Eyes

My daughter recently moved back to Chicago, a city that she loves. Two weeks ago, I visited her there--I wanted to experience it the way she does each day and see things through her eyes.

She kept me busy—vintage shopping, the museum, comedy, the beach, riding the El, and lots of coffee shops that prepare it in every way that you can imagine.

We were able to take in so much of the city—especially the small neighborhoods like Edgewater, Uptown, Belmont, Lakeview, Lincoln Park and the Loop. I saw so many things in this vibrant city, and as we wandered through markets and resale shops, I started noticing several design trends appearing over and over again:

—Clothing that has been restyled or upcycled. I saw it at markets, street sales, and in vintage shops. Patchwork, denim, crochet trimmings, added pockets & metal are what’s popular. The skirt (below) was made from seven pairs of jeans.

—Vintage teak, Mid-Century Modern furniture is still highly collectible, and I saw lots of it in Chicago’s resale shops. It’s no wonder—most higher-quality teak is in tip-top condition—it always seems to age like a fine wine.

—Brutalist furniture and accessories have really become collectible and sought-after, and I saw it all over the city. 1960’s-era Brutalist items are bold with geometric forms and usually have minimal ornamentation. It creates a nice contrast to the curvy chairs and sofas popular today.

What I love about Chicago is that it feels lived in. Not every corner is polished. One block might contain a colorful public bench, a vintage shop, a mural, a busy restaurant, or someone struggling to get by. To me, Chicago feels like a city where people genuinely live, work, and create—not a place designed primarily for tourists.

One of my favorite things about Edgewater and most of the neighborhoods throughout Chicago is the welcoming, relaxed vibe everywhere. Comfy coffee shops and open-window cafes are everywhere—they seem to be screaming at everyone to slow down, stop, sit, and visit for a while.

These brightly painted sidewalk chairs on the main corridor in Edgewater seemed to be calling my name at every block. As I sat in one on my last day, watching people move through the neighborhood, I realized I had accomplished exactly what I came to do. For a few days, I had experienced Chicago through my daughter’s eyes—and I understood a little better why she loves it here. After lingering for a few quiet minutes and taking in the city around me, I headed off to meet her for an adventure along the beachfront.