Summer Plans | Girls Overnight Trip to Chicago

Chicago Skyline [taken by Chris Smith]

After not going anywhere last summer, I'm really looking forward to this summer when I get to go up to Chicago with my sister, Gaby, our friend Grace, and possibly some other girlfriends from Church. Yes, it is going to be a girls weekend trip up to Chicago -- which is going to be fun especially since I've never done this before [gone on a trip with friends that is].

cupofjo.com

Indiana Dunes -- we are looking forward to hanging out at the beach. I'm also looking forward to wearing my newest Lime Ricki swimsuit at the beach, especially since I haven't needed to wear one in over a year. 

I have visited the Dunes once, and that was last Labor Day with my family -- we hiked the "Three Dunes Challenge", lay out on the beach for a bit, skipped rocks on the lake, and I read a little bit of my Agatha Christie (which is my favorite thing to do on a beach, crazy huh?). 

Art Museum -- We all love art, so stopping by at the art museum is a possible option for us to do. There is something really inspiring about studying the masters of the past like: Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, to inspire one to do some art. Or is that just us? 

Shopping -- Another thing I'm excited for is being able to visit the big city shops like: Zara and TopShop that are located in Chicago [something we don't have in Indiana]. There will also be bigger versions of H&M, Forever 21, etc... 

I really want to try out some of TopShop's makeup while I'm there, so perhaps I'll pick up one of their lipsticks, highlighters, or blushes. Do y'all have any recommendations? Also what is your favorite TopShop lipstick color?

What are YOUR must visits in Chicago?

Girls Weekend Packing List by bramblewoodfashion

I have a tendency to overpack when it comes to trips, so I'm going to try and keep it simple and basic hence I create a collage to help me focus and limit stuff. You see, I am the type of person who easily changes their mind about what they want they wear, I also like to be prepared for anything that may come up.

For the drive up to Chicago I'm thinking about wearing: shorts, loose tee, bathing suit, and sandals [if I can find a pair] -- perfect for the summer heat and the beach. The dress would be for when we go out to eat for dinner [also the jean jacket to layer on top, in case it gets chilly at night]. Depending on the weather, I would wear either jeans or shorts for our second, and final day of our trip -- which would be filled with shopping and visiting the sites.

To help cut costs for the trip, we are all driving together in one car, packing a picnic lunch for the first day, sharing one hotel room, and splitting costs when ever possible to help keep the trip super cheap. Since we are hoping to have five-six of us girls on the trip, that means we get to split costs between us all. 

If splitting costs aren't always a option for you when traveling this summer, consider using the Discover it Miles card for your travel needs as cardmembers can redeem miles at any amount for cash, or as a statement credit toward their travel purchases, including commercial airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, commuter transportation and taxicabs. Also miles never expire and you receive 1.5x miles for every dollar spent on purchases.

What are your plans for this summer? Any fun trips planned?

~Ashley, xx

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.