Festival Style (Sans Festival)

Lollapalooza was this weekend in Chicago and although I didn’t go, I’m still embracing some festival fashion trends. Namely, wearing a flower crown for no apparent reason other than to feel like a woodland princess. I made this crown with Crowning Event and even though I didn’t truly have anywhere to wear it, I just had to show it off! You might remember I DIYed a flower crown with Crowning Event before. It was such a fun, creative event that I jumped at the chance to do it again. This time, I had the chance to get my creativity flowing with rosé at J9 Wine Bar. I loved visiting the bar for the first time and catching up with the owner of Crowning Events, Allison, on how it’s going selling the best Chicago flower crowns.

I loved hearing how people use Crowning Event to enjoy flower crowns in Chicago. There are the obvious orders from people who need one crown for a bride-to-be or expecting mother, but then they can also reserve Allison for whole DIY workshops at parties. Allison said from her experience something like a creative workshop is a great icebreaker for women in bridal or bachelorette parties who may not know each other. Start with an activity like this on Friday night to get everyone loosened up over small talk and wine. As someone who loves crafts and beautiful accessories, I couldn’t agree more!

I thought I should share the comical back story to these photos. As light and airy I wanted them to look, taking them certainly didn’t feel that way. Steve and I never take blog photos in the morning, but to snap my crown while it was still fresh that was necessary. Only, I didn’t quite tell him that. I asked if he’d take some photos of the crown on our way to work (we walk in the same direction). When we were halfway to work we stopped on a side street for photos and I pulled out my camera, much to his surprise. Not only was he not happy and taking a full on “shoot,” I had unknowingly parked us in one of the busy areas in the West Loop. We were a block from the Google headquarters and people just kept coming and coming to walk down the sidewalk. Although I’d strategically stopped next to construction that closed off the sidewalk so people had to cross the street, they didn’t seem to see that until after they cut between Steve and me taking photos. We were the ones blocking the sidewalk, so we patiently waited as everyone walked past then tried to snap some quick photos when we were in the clear. On top of it all, Steve kept telling me to smile wider or open my eyes because I looked as if I was still half asleep!  I loved how the few good photos did turn out, but that’s just a reminder to me why I don’t do photos in the morning.

J9 Wine Bar in Lincoln Park

I loved where the Crowning Event was held. J9 Wine Bar in Lincoln Park is near the Halsted/Armitage intersection. It’s so cute and inviting inside; I told the manager it felt like a coffee shop turned wine bar. I love how they describe themselves, too, “a gem for grown ups.” I mean, doesn’t that sound like the perfect place for girls’ night or date night sans kids?

Cheers to a fun GNO activity that produces a gorgeous accessory for the next day. Next time, I’ll be sure to make real plans that are acceptable to wear my flower crown.