The three looks utilized clothing that Aviva already had.  The first outfit pairs a light blue suede jacket over an olive green button down shirt with J-Brand jeans.  She sports a western belt and malachite stone bracelet.  Gold clogs add a little dazzle.  In the center photo, Aviva wears a 1970′s kimono sleeve blouse from Afghanistan, which is artistic and decorative and dressed down by jeans.  The third look was the most portable and will be packed for Switzerland: a black tropical wool blazer, giving a conservative business feel to the lilac silk tunic over jeans –  feminine, yet professional/ academic attire.

Aviva had lovely clothes to choose from, which are for the most part “bridge” price points.  She felt comfortable and confident in these looks that she calls “professional looks with jeans.”

If you are planning to go to Chicago, specifically to the north side, Lincoln Park area, in walking distance of Lake Michigan, you will want to be sure to bring casual, sports/beach clothes with you. The overall look was flip flops and sneakers with mostly jogging clothes.   Just remember casual and sportif!

Overall, I didn’t see any designer clothes walking around on Clark Street in Chicago.   To stroll or go to Lake Michigan comfortable, casual clothes and a few sun dresses will serve you well.  There was one great cantaloupe colored silk chiffon sleeveless dress with heels that walked by at night.  Fantastic!

Looking forward to more pictures back in Manhattan or where my travels take me. Stay tuned.

Arguments are strong on both sides: a gentleman I talked with on the street who was wearing Armani sunglasses that he considered unique suggested that I buy on-line. He said make sure you get a prescription and you submit it on-line. He said if you cut out the middle man, you save a fortune. All brands can be found on-line as well. You can google Marchon, who is the manufacturer of many popular brands. Look under most popular glasses and find your pick.

I, personally, went to a retailer. I mentioned that I could have bought my glasses on line and saved. My retailer, Cohen Optical, on 25th and 7th Avenue, seemed horrified. My consultant Elana, said “would you have your appendix removed on-line?” She emphasized that consultants go to school to learn to measure placement of progressive lenses for example. At Purdy Optical on 52nd and Madison all of the sales staff are opticians.

Further, if the glasses snap or break, retailers offer a manufacturer’s warrantee. I checked the price of my Gucci sunglasses with the Gucci on-line store. The on-line store prices was $295. I paid $200 at Cohen Optical (discounted due to buying $700 glasses as well).

The idea of buying on-line at a discount is appealing. I just wonder if the old adage – you get what you pay for – applies here.

Price aside, most popular sunglasses I saw on the street were Fendi, Ray Ban, bright colored sunglasses in yellow, pink and, this year, clear frames are popular. Featured here are Strikers (up top), Gucci (in middle) and a generic no brand glass (below).

Enjoy the sun!

Some people are wearing both.

Even shoes have a striped motif.  Or perhaps you prefer Burberry stripes.

Two hats are better than one!

Wide-brimmed hat provides extra “air conditioning.”