One Year

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

Can you believe it’s July?! One year ago today, I was boarding my one-way flight from New York to Chicago, so anxious for what the future held. Hindsight’s always 20/20, but I wish I could have told myself to chill the F out. Reflecting on the past year, it’s been a pretty good one! Lots of ups, definitely some downs, but a lot more good days than bad. Who knows what will happen in the futureย or where I’ll end up next, but I’m definitely enjoying the ride.

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

Chicago has it’s pros and cons, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m probably pretty harsh when it comes to the comparison game. You know I love a good analogy, but it’s kind of like New York is that “perfect guy” who is so good-looking, funny, charming, dresses well, has a great family, job, apartment, etc. He’s literally perfect except the little issues you like to forget… he’s a pathological liar and cheats on you over and over again. Chicago is the nice guy that’s almost, like, too nice, but he’s a really great, well-rounded, down-to-Earth guy. Mr. Perfect broke up with you (kicked your ass to the curb one day after work) and now you’ve somehow found yourself dating Mr. Nice Guy for a whole year now. (One of those rebound things that just kind of lasted… You know?) It’s all goodย and you really can’t complain. But Mr. Nice Guy just ISN’T Mr. Perfect, and he never will be. (Which is both good and bad!) Butย you’re always going to be comparing Mr. Nice Guy to Mr. Perfect. Does that make sense?

Bottom line: I’m actually pretty happy here for now. Do I know if I’ll marry Mr. Nice Guy? No fucking clue. My guess is probably not, but it’s fun for right now. Will I ever get back together with Mr. Perfect? If he goes through counseling and finally gets his shit together and proposes with a big ass ring, I’d consider it. Maybe we’d get back together for a few years and break up again, who knows. I’ll admit that I fantasize about that often! But I can’t forget how Mr. Nice Guyย treats me so well. In a perfect world, it would be okay to just date both of them at the same time. I have to remember there are plenty of other fish in the sea, too!

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

How’s that for some cryptic messaging?! I feel like I could go on and on with the analogies, but it’s after 2:30am and I need to get some sleep before my meetings in the morning. I do get a lot of questions about life post New York, what I like/don’t like about Chicago, if I miss New York, if I want to move back, how the transition has been, where else I would move, etc. So if that’s something you want me to chat about on the blog, let me know! If you’re interested, I’ll take a bit more time to write something worth reading, instead of my cryptic code with analogies at two o’clock in the morning. And if you have any specific questions, leave them in the comments, shoot me an email, or find me on social media. Happy to honestly answer!

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

Whoa, sorry to get so deep on a Friday. On a holiday weekend, no less! But I’ve seen July 1 creeping up on the calendar, and I just felt compelled to say something publishing this post.ย I hope you all have such an amazing long weekend with friends and family! Enjoy some time soaking up theย sun (with SPF, of course) and I’ll see you back here next week. Lots of fun postsย planed for the blog this month!ย xo

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

The skyline andย having a beach so close to the city are definitely both on the “pro” list for Chicago! This grassy little knoll between Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach is kind of my happy place here. It’s a pretty easy walk from my apartment and there’s just something about the water and this view that instantly relaxes me. A great spot to go for a picnic, to read on a blanket, or just to clear your head.

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

Get the Look…

Old Navy Gingham Top
Old Navy Gingham Shorts (sold out, similar here, here,ย & here)
Mar y Sol Straw Tote (sold out, similar here)
Turkish Towels
Celine Sunglasses
Old Navy Sandalsย (similar here &ย here)
Minnie & Emma Phone Case

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

More gingham favorites…

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

Bows & Sequins wearing a gingham short set having a picnic at North Avenue Beach with the Chicago Skyline in the background.

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Leave a Comment

21 Comments

  1. 7.1.16

    I have followed you this year and it has been so fun and I love all your blog posts and your cute, feminine and chic style! Looking forward to see and read more! <3

    http://sequinsinpink.blogspot.com

  2. 7.1.16
    Jenn Lake said:

    So glad that you chose Mr. Nice Guy! Have a great weekend ahead, lady!

  3. 7.1.16

    Yes to talking more about how the transition has been, where else you see yourself thriving, etc. I’m in a bit of a transition right now myself (I live in Kansas City…so, Mr. Nice’s Guys younger brother who is even more reserved and polite?) and I feel sort of at a place where if I don’t start doing the things I long to do now, I might not ever do them. Anywho, sorry for the deep thoughts on Friday! Have a great Fourth of July!

  4. 7.1.16
    Andrea said:

    Jess, I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again, you are one of the most unique and genuine bloggers out there and that’s what makes your blog so freaking special; aside from your beautiful clothes, your content and the soul of this blog is what makes B&S amazing. I absolutely loved this posts and its analogies at 3am; please, yes to more NYC vs. CHI! & congrats on your 1 year anniversary with Mr. Nice! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. 7.1.16
    Krista said:

    I would love love to hear your full detailed thoughts on the comparison! I lived in both places, and sort of feel like you do. It’s always fun to compare ex’s….I mean cities ๐Ÿ™‚

    Have a great 4th! Love that outfit for the 4th babe.
    xoxo
    Krista
    http://www.hundredblog.com

  6. 7.1.16
    Natali said:

    Happy 1 year anniversary to you! I would love to visit Chicago someday… Moving can be scary and very unpredictable but things always happen for a reason and sometimes, we discover so much beauty and uniqueness in some completely unexpected places. ๐Ÿ™‚

    http://lartoffashion.com

  7. 7.1.16
    Sofie said:

    I’d love to see a full comparison…what you love about both cities, what you hate, etc. A comparison of weather, cost of living, making new friends, dating, and transportation would be awesome. Have you ever considered moving to the west coast?

  8. 7.1.16
    Olivia said:

    Love your blog!

    I’m interning in Chi this summer and am debating the move after I graduate. It would be so great if you could post about the pros and cons of living in Chi, especially right out of college.

    Happy 4th!

  9. 7.1.16
    Bets said:

    You were the very first blogger I ever followed. I was introduced to your blog when you did the feature for C Wonder wearing the orange quilted riding coat (I ended up buying it in purple!). I instantly connected with your blog and identified with you. It changed my mornings. I’d look forward to waking up and reading your posts with my coffee.
    Im sure you have had a lot going on plus travel, but the blog felt different over the past year and the posts seemed less frequent.. until now. It’s like Jess is back. Please keep these real, candid and genuine posts coming. You look so great too! Have a happy and safe holiday!

  10. 7.2.16
    Marisa M said:

    I moved to a new city almost a year ago as well. It’s hard to compare what you have and what you had! But you look fabulous in that gingham outfit and Chicago is a great city. Congratulations on your “one year”!

    https://thefashionablephysician.wordpress.com

  11. 7.2.16
    rosie said:

    I can not believe it’s been a year I just started following you on snapchat I think the day you moved in.

    Life is just Rosie

  12. 7.2.16
    Jo said:

    If you would like my opinion. One should never go back. Keep moving forwards. And do not rush headlong into anything.
    Pretty little outfit, by the way.
    Jo x

  13. 7.4.16
    Monika said:

    Lovely! This view is everything.

    Love,
    http://www.thestyleventure.com

  14. 7.4.16
    Maggie said:

    Haha! I love your analogy. I definitely prefer Mr. Nice Guy to Mr. Perfect personally, but hey, he’s not for everyone! ๐Ÿ™‚

    http://www.maggiealamode.com

  15. 7.5.16
    Katie said:

    NYC and I consciously uncoupled 4 years ago (after almost 8 years together) and it is still confusing! It will always be my first love, but we are better off as friends. I get it!

  16. 7.5.16
    Victoria said:

    Love the gingham outfit!! Also, so glad to hear that you’ve had a great year living in Chicago! Chicago is a great city and I plan on visiting again soon. Hopefully while I’m there I can stop at the Saved by the Bell pop-up restaurant ‘the Max’! ๐Ÿ™‚
    http://www.victorialauren.com

  17. 7.6.16
    Maggie said:

    This post made me smile ๐Ÿ™‚ I know exactly the feeling you are describing. It is so easy to forget all of the negatives when you are removed from them- but usually wherever life takes you is exactly where you should be ๐Ÿ™‚ Happy one year!

    -Maggie http://www.thatgirlmags.com

  18. 7.12.16

    Love this post! As I moved from Florida to Chicago just 6 months ago but I love it here! Everyone is a lot nicer. I wold love to hear why you moved from NY to Chicago. And the NY vs. Chicago

    Dianasnotes.com

  19. 7.12.16
    Maria Fernanda said:

    definetely would like to know more about nyc vs chicago. How your transition was and where do yo feel the most comfortable.

  20. 7.23.16
    Krys said:

    I’m in NYC now and am thinking about moving back to Chitown. Would love to hear your perspective on both!

  21. 8.13.16
    Emily Piskulick said:

    this is such a cute combo! xo

    http://www.dearserendipity.com/