Chicagoan Recs

Whether you’re cheering on the Cubs, showing your Sox pride, celebrating Pride Month, or repping the city’s iconic skyline, these Chicago-themed garden flags add a personal touch to your yard or balcony. Perfect for gifting or swapping out seasonally, these picks let you fly your Chicago love, literally.

Fall in Chicago means layering up in the morning, shedding a hoodie by lunch, and dodging lakefront wind gusts on the walk home. Whether you're headed to high school in Humboldt Park or starting your first year at UIC or DePaul, these fall fashion picks are built for the Windy City. I've pulled the best to help you stay stylish, warm, and ready for anything, whether it’s a surprise 75° day or the first chill of the season.

Fall is a wonderful season to plant native species in Chicago. The cooler weather helps roots establish before winter, so your garden bursts to life come spring. Whether you have a balcony, garden, or yard, these plants and essentials will get you ready for a vibrant outdoor space next year.

Starting school in the city? Whether you’re headed to Loyola, UIC, DePaul, Columbia, or beyond, your dorm room should be more than just four walls, t should feel like you. This list has everything you need to create a cozy, functional, and stylish space that shows off your Chicago pride. From smart storage solutions to local art and Windy City vibes, these picks are perfect for making a small space feel big on personality.

Whether you’re parked outside Soldier Field, hosting a backyard watch party, or just repping Da Bears in your living room, this Chicago-tailored tailgate kit has you covered. From portable grills to team gear and weather-proof seating, these must-haves will keep your pregame legendary. Don’t forget the hot sauce.

Chicago bungalows are full of warmth, character, and craftsmanship - and they deserve decor that honors that legacy. As a longtime Chicago resident passionate about historic architecture, I've curated this guide to help you furnish your bungalow with authentic Arts & Crafts and Prairie-style pieces. These picks are inspired by the Arts & Crafts and Prairie School movements that influenced so many of the city’s classic homes. Whether you're restoring your home or adding a modern twist to the traditional style, these pieces will help keep your bungalow feeling beautiful, intentional, and uniquely Chicago.

From pews in Chicago to the throne of St. Peter! Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first American (and first Chicagoan) to be elected pope. Whether you're marking the moment with reverence or pride, these unique souvenirs celebrate his journey, his city, and his new chapter in Rome. Grab a keepsake worthy of the Windy City’s first pontiff!

Whether the happy couple met in Chicago, got married here, or simply love the city, these wedding gifts bring a dose of hometown charm into their newlywed life. I’ve divided the gifts into themed sections to make choosing even easier, and there's a variety of price points for every budget!

Show off your love for the Windy City with stunning Chicago-themed wall art. Whether you're a lifelong resident, a former Chicagoan feeling nostalgic, or a fan of our skyline and culture, this curated list has something for every space and style. From iconic landmarks to neighborhood pride and local artist designs, explore artwork that celebrates Chicago’s architecture, sports, music, and spirit. Perfect for your home, office, or as a thoughtful gift!

In Chicago, when it’s finally porch weather, you go outside and soak up every second. Whether it’s a bungalow front stoop, a greystone balcony, or a city condo patio, your outdoor space deserves to be cozy, stylish, and weather-ready. This list has everything you need for long spring evenings, humid summer hangs, and crisp fall mornings. Think cozy, stylish, and Chicago-weather-proof!

Heading to Lollapalooza or another summer music festival in Chicago? Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned festie, this guide covers exactly what to pack, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time in the Windy City — all with links to the best gear and bookings to make your trip easier (and more fun).

Whether you're sipping cocktails in Wicker Park, brunching in West Loop, or enjoying skyline views in River North, these essentials will keep you cool, stylish, and patio-ready all season.

Create a pollinator-friendly, low-maintenance, and beautiful balcony garden using native Illinois plants that thrive in containers. Perfect for Chicagoans with limited space but big gardening dreams.

Bears Fans must haves for decorating your home with pride! From your man cave to your backyard, here are some unique items to show your Chicago Bears pride

Forget the generic and go for the unforgettable - these fabulous indie gift shops across Chicago are packed with charm, creativity, and local flavor. Whether you need a last-minute hostess gift, a Chicago-themed souvenir, or a little treat for yourself, these small shops deliver big character.

Chicago’s LGBTQ+ history is rich, resilient, and still unfolding. This list spotlights 15 cultural spaces, historic sites, events, and organizations that uplift and celebrate queer lives across the city, from North Side nightlife to South Side community powerhouses. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, these are must-know spaces that reflect Chicago’s diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community.

Chicago's rich musical heritage has given rise to legendary blues and soul artists whose influence resonates globally. This collection of some of my favorites showcases iconic albums that capture the essence of Chicago's vibrant music scene.

Chicago’s indie bookstore scene is a treasure trove for readers of all kinds. From feminist powerhouses to labyrinths of used books, these beloved spots offer more than just shelves - they’re hubs of culture, creativity, and community. Whether you're a literary fiction lover, a zine collector, or just someone who enjoys the smell of a good bookstore, here are the best independent bookstores in the city.

Do you love Da Bears, Da Bulls, Da Cubs, Da White Sox, Da Hawks, or any of our other local sports teams? Put these books on your to read list!

Think you know Chicago? Think again. From historic streets to vibrant corners you’ve yet to discover, these books take you deep into the stories, struggles, and celebrations that define the city’s neighborhoods. Grab a title, take a stroll through history, and meet the real Chicago - one block (and book!) at a time.

Chicago’s story is bigger than any one moment — it’s a tapestry of triumphs, struggles, and reinvention. This carefully curated list brings together the definitive books that capture the spirit and complexity of the city. Whether you're a history buff or just getting started, these are the must-reads.

Chicago is a city known for its rich history, diverse communities, and vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. In this list, we highlight 12 must-read LGBTQ+ books, each written by an author with ties to Chicago or set within the city’s iconic neighborhoods. From historical works to contemporary fiction, these books explore themes of love, identity, and activism, making them essential reads for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ literature and Chicago’s queer history.

Welcome baby to the city of big shoulders with these charming Chicago-themed board books! Whether you're a lifelong Chicagoan or just want to share your love of the city with the next generation, these sturdy little reads are perfect for introducing babies and toddlers to the sights, sounds, and spirit of Chicago. Great for baby showers, first birthdays, or building a Chi-town bookshelf!