(Outfit Above: À La Mode Coat, Windy City Dress, Tights for Every Occasion in Ski Lodge, Academia Flats, Style Thesis Bag)

Prepare to be swept away by the wonders of the Windy City. Home of the deep dish pizza and modern improv theater, you better believe that ‘Chi-town’ doesn’t need to resort to chicanery to impress the ‘white sox’ off you. So, strap on those imagination caps and get ready for a journey to Chicago!

1. More cheese please! In your continuing quest to brie-ng more deliciousness into your life, you’ll want to stop at the Caputo Cheese Market. This cheesy wonderland has an unending selection of imported and domestic dairy goods, all priced for guilt-free consumption. If a sea of cheese makes your stomach rumble, don’t worry, the market’s deli has scrumptious sandwiches to sate the waves of your hunger.

2. Whether or not you’re an architectural maven, you’ll want to skip over to the Oak Park section of Chicago to take in the vicinity’s frankly fabulous Frank Lloyd Wright houses. With twenty-five Wright masterpieces to admire, his own home included, a stroll around these streets will cantilever even the most cantankerous of spirits with unending currents of amazement.  You can find a map of Wright’s Oak Park oeuvres right here.

3. Hosted in the basement of an American Legion hall, word has it that Rory Lake’s Karaoke Dreams is Chicago’s (or possibly the world’s) best karaoke experience. A homestyle-type affair with a wildly good song list and Rory himself fueling the party, these karaoke events have it all. You want pool? Check. You want a diverse crowd? Check. You want part of your expenditures to be donated to charity, and you want to have a heck of a good time doing it? Check and check.

4. Not sure how you might finagle this, but when you’re in Chicago, you’ll definitely want to find the Puppet Bike. Stationed on the back of a huge tricycle, this colorfully painted, six foot, roving puppet theater makes everyone who sees it bubble with delight. With a host of poignantly cute puppets and the tinker of playful music, the Puppet Bike might as well have “Smile” as its middle name.

5. Soon to set its cheerful cogs into motion, Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is a festive bit of fun no matter what your holiday traditions hold. So what if you can’t make it to Germany for the holidays? This market will make you feel like you’re in Berlin (minus the worry of understanding German, of course). From booths of tsotchkes to mugs of hot, spiced wine to lively musical performances, this market’s warm atmosphere will make you forget the cold.

So, all you Chicagoans, there’s been plenty left unsaid here. Tell us what else to see in your fair city!

Or, have you visited Chicago and have a story about your trip?

(Image Above: MakeMyStay.com.au)

(Outfit Above: The Perth Dress, Butterfly Effect Necklace, Band on the Run Shades in Metallics, The Kidman Boots, The Outback Bag)

It’s time to bring some exposure to one of the most isolated cities on Earth – Perth, Western Australia. If you think that a metropolis whose nearest urban neighbor is over 1,000 miles away is bereft of vibrancy and vitality, guess again. Perth proffers plenty of pleasantries, so let’s dive in for a spin Down Under, and see what on Earth there is to do in Perth!

1. Get in touch with your inner animal at Perth’s Caversham Wildlife Park. Whether you’re more of a kangaroo or a potoroo, you’ll have a blast whiling away time with the wildlife at this delightful destination. Feed some ‘roos, become acquainted with the koalas, take a walk in the bush – you can sate all your nature necessities at Caversham. Don’t forget to brown bag a lunch so you can picnic in the surrounding Whiteman Park.

2. Seeing the Quokkas is reason enough to go to Rottnest Island. As one of the sole homes to this odd little critter, Rottnest is only a short boat ride away from Perth. There, you can marvel at the stunning blue of the Indian ocean, or, better yet, go diving in these waters with an eye to spot one of the many shipwrecks scattered on the island’s reefs!

3. How about an eatery where you set the cost of your meal? Hard to believe, but Annalakshmi is such a place. This scrumptious, buffet-style restaurant, with its curries, pilafs, teas, coffees, and more is good for the body and for the soul. Proceeds from this largely volunteer-run restaurant go to a non-profit which aids Asian charities.

4. Dappled with old charm, Fremantle is only a short hop from Perth’s city center. Still a working port, Fremantle boasts plenty of attractions. Spend the morning on one of the lovely beaches. When the sun gets too hot to handle, poke into the Fremantle markets, located in an old Victorian building. Or become acquainted with the area’s history by following one of the many walking trail maps available on Fremantle’s Visitor Center site!

5. Ostensibly, an event for kids and their families, you too will be captivated by the AWESOME festival. Just the name of it makes it sound good. Taking place at the end of November, this arts festival features everything from the nonsensical installation world of Llamaland to performances of Parkour.

So, all you Aussies and Oz-lovers, put in your two cents. Tell us what there is of worth in Perth!

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than taking a break from city life, getting in your car, and driving off into the countryside. If you’re in need of a destination during this impromptu journey, set your sights on Assateague Island. Home to a herd of wild horses enthralling enough to drag anyone away from their house–The Rolling Stones included–Assateague Island is a great place to spend a few relaxed days without having to pony up piles of money. And since, in the words of Dan Eldon, “The Journey is the Destination,” this week’s Travel Bug has a slight “road trip” twist. So, settle in to the passenger seat, and see where these words take you.

1. En route, satisfy your midday hunger at the Wildflower Cafe in Easton, Maryland. Choose from a tantalizing list of fresh, healthy, hands-down-delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads on this lunch’s cafe’s ever-changing menu. If the weather’s nice, nab a seat at their airy patio, full of verdant plants and rustic red brick. After lunch, wander the town’s historic center, and admire the quaint architecture of the adorable old houses.

2. When you arrive in Assateague, pitch a tent in the State Park Campgrounds. (Reservations are available online.) Camping doesn’t get cozier than a plot of sand in this little Eden. The bathhouses have flush toilets and hot showers, and the sand makes for a comfy camping ground. When you’re all set up, walk over the neighboring dunes, and spend some time on the beach!

3. Up in the morning with the golden sun, there’s nothing better to do than take a walk. Head out of the campground’s entrance, and take the short trek out to the island’s entryway bridge. Assateague’s famed wild horses are easy to spot in the marshlands you’ll pass, and the footpath alongside the high bridge offers a breathtaking view of the landscape.

4. After you’ve got your breath of fresh air, hop in the car and follow the bucolically beautiful drive to Chincoteague. Poke around the picturesque town’s small shops before heading over the bridge to Assateague’s nature reserve, accessible only from Chincoteague. Climb the candy-striped lighthouse if it’s open, or just enjoy a stroll through one of the park’s pretty paths.

5. Once you’ve got your fill of the outdoors, motor on over to Ocean City. Full of beachy Americana and kitsch, a stroll on the ‘OC’ boardwalk will provide a great daytime diversion, whether you’re hoping to fly kites on the shore or snack on scads of saltwater taffy.

Been to any of these places yourself? Share your experience!

(Image Above: All Heart Necklace, Simplici-tee in Calm, Alhambra Pants, Nobel Style Prize Flats in Bronze, Out of Africa Bag)

For a trip that will let you grab life by the golden horns, why not go to Istanbul? The world’s fifth largest city proper, Istanbul straddles the Asia-Europe border, a bevy of spices and sights and shops. With a river that tenaciously remains a spectacular shade of teal and a host of hills to give the cityscape intrigue, this city is pretty and sure to pique everyone’s interest.

1. Step off the beaten path and catch a ferry to the Buyukada. A popular summertime destination for Turks, this island boasts a wonderful display of romantically dejected, ever-beautiful architecture. No cars are allowed on the island, so you can explore this region’s roads in peace. Most stunning perhaps, are the island’s trees, which blown about by the wind, seem to have stepped out of a VanGogh painting.

2. Often overlooked, Rüstem Paşa Camii is one of Istanbul’s most impressive mosques. Often less crowded due to its slightly hidden entrance, Rüstem Paşa is brimming with incredible examples of Iznik tiling. Almost completely covered in the ornate blue arabesques of this type of tile, Rüstem Paşa is dazzling, even after a day full of touring more famous mosques.

3. One of the best places to go for traditional Turkish fare, Çiya Sofrasi in the Kadiköy district is just what food should be – inexpensive and delicious! With a huge variety of dishes to choose from, this cafeteria-style eatery is a find. Whether you’re hungry for some karniyarik or some kofte, Çiya Sofrasi has delights to satisfy every type of taste.

4. You’ll read about the Grand Bazaar in any guidebook you pick up, but despite its touristic associations, this marketplace is a great place to wander. If you’re not bargaining for souvenirs, make sure you take the time to admire the covered bazaar’s architecture. A bizarre juxtaposition of history and materialism, the Grand Bazaar will dazzle your eyes for hours.

5. Try to catch a performance of the whirling dervishes at the Mevlevi Monastery. You’ll be enchanted by the wide circles of the dervishes’ garments as they float, borne upon the currents of movement. On your way out, make sure to take a look at the nearby cemetery. Each tombstone is unique, scrolled with Ottoman inscriptions, and certain gravestones are topped by a hat to demarcate the rank of the deceased.

Have you ever been to Istanbul? Share your thoughts!

(Background Image Above: Steve Dunwell for National Geographic)

(Outfit Above: How To Make An American Dress, Happy Feet T-Straps In Waverly, Deco To Go Bag, Sw-ean Pin, Sail Away Earrings)

If you’ve never been to Beantown, you’re missing out! Replete with universities, full of culture and monuments, Boston is revered as one of the United States’ most historic cities. So, next time you’re getting in your ‘cahr’ and taking the ‘pahrkway’ to some vacation destination, make it the Boston/Cambridge metropolis! And if you’re short on ideas of what to do, here’s a solution…

1. Like thrifting? Like Vintage? Like clothes? Then you can’t miss the Garment District. Despite its name, the Garment District is only a store. Oh, but what a store it is! Located in a funky pink and grey building, this two story establishment is a great place to find unique secondhand swag. The top floor is loaded with vintage and consignment, and the bottom floor is home to the store’s famous $1.50 a pound clothing emporium. Wade through the mountains of clothes, and see if you can’t find a fabulous bargain!

2. You enter a run-down-looking general store, filled with random knickknacks and bags of chips. You go to the Snapple machine in the corner. It magically slides aside to reveal, gasp, a swanky-looking shop! Affectionately called the “secret shoe store,” Bodega is a sight to see. Though you might not find anything among the menswear and Nike Dunks, you might find something for a friend. At the very least, you won’t want to miss seeing this surreal store!

3. Delicious doesn’t even begin to describe the Flour Bakery. Filled with buttery croissants, moist muffins, and savory sandwiches, the Flour Bakery is one of Boston’s best casual eateries. Go to the Farnsworth Street location so that you can get a great view of the harbor as you walk over the bridge from the South Station T stop.

4. Connecting Cambridge to Boston proper, the Mass Ave Bridge is a fun landmark. Crossing this bridge, you’ll be able to marvel at a noteworthy panorama of the city. If it’s nice out, you might even see a few sailboats out on the Charles. Be sure to look down when you walk, so you can measure your steps in Smoots, a measurement created when some MIT frat boys decided to use their friend as a ruler.

5. Far enough down River Street that you might think you’ve missed it, River Gods is a funky little local bar worth venturing to. Decorated with high-backed Gothic chairs, religious regalia, and hanging, colorful butterflies, River Gods is a mix of Renaissance meets 80s Madonna meets fairies. Be sure to look at their calendar to see if you can catch one of their nights of Guitar Hero or Wii competitions!

So, Bostonites and visitors, don’t keep us all in suspense; what are your favorite places in Boston?

Next up? Here’s a clue from They Might Be Giants: “Istanbul was Constantinople/Now it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople.” Was that clue to obvious?

(Background Image Above: Jeremy Horner/Corbis)

(Outfit Above: Twiggy Earrings, Trafalgar Square Dress, Cosmopolitan Cuff in Night Out, Brick Lane Bag in Grey, City Lights Ballet Flats)

In a sprawling city with so much to do, you might have to do some Sherlock-Holmes-style investigation to find cool places that aren’t over-run with tourists. If you’re not ‘f-Ealing’ up to such arduous sleuthing, this week’s Travel Bug is here save the day. Not to be ‘Tooting’ our own horns, but one read of this blog post will help you discover parts of London that will have you ‘Clap-ham-ing’ your hands in delight.

Take the following recommendations to heart, and your next trip to London won’t go down the tube.

1. Going to Scooterworks Bar and Cafe feels so much like stepping into 1960’s-era Naples that their front door might be actually a time portal. The ideal place for a cappuccino that’s smooth, rich, and frothy – in short, perfect – Scooterworks is an eclectically pleasing mix of Vespa repair shop and cafe. Full of retro Vespa memorabilia, rickety tables and comfy chairs, this cafe will make your day.

2. Any place with a light up rubix-cube-like dance floor is a sure winner. So, put on your Trafalgar Square Dress and head to the Electricity Showrooms for a night of dancing in the hip Old Street section of town. The ground floor looks like a mix between a Victorian sitting room and funky town, and the dark basement dance area jives with old favorites and new hits. Always hopping, never stopping, this place has got ‘watt’ it takes to make your night bright.

3. The first thing to come to most people’s minds when you say “London Indian food” is Brick Lane. Though this street certainly has atmosphere and may be a great place to show off your Brick Lane Bag, the best Indian food is found elsewhere. Centrally located near Charing Cross Station, Strand Tandoori cooks up fabulous fare that’s packed with flavor. No matter what you order, you’re sure to be pleased.

4. If the heaven of cheese truly exists, it’s disguised under the name of Neals Yard Dairy. Packed high with enormous wheels of Cheddar, oozing blocks of Chabis and pungent towers of Stitchelton, this store will make any cheese-lover weak at the knees. With a bevy of workers happy to slice you off a sample of any cheese you even look at, you’ll try so many delicious cheeses that you’ll find it impossible to walk out without purchasing a bag full of delectable delights.

5. You may have heard of Bansky, but he’s not the only Englishman making street art. Head down to the Leake Street Tunnel off of the Lower Marsh, SE 1 for a glimpse of the city’s street art talent. Marked at its entry with the scrawl of: “Graffiti artists will not be persecuted beyond this point,” this tunnel is a ever-changing display of visual wonders. From the simple tag to the breathtaking masterpiece, artists from all over the city spend time marking their mark on these walls. No two days at this tunnel are the same, as one picture is layered over another, so be sure to check back often to see what’s new!

Next up is Boston, so put your red socks on under your traveling shoes!

Sweet and Sassy Style in Paris

(Image Above: Picnic In Paris Dress, Marie Antoinette Ring, French Vanilla Tights, Cocoa Beach Wedges, Deauville Leisure Journal)

Hyper-mega-top! That may be one way to describe Paris, a city so pretty it will make even the hardest heart melt like the inside of a fondant au chocolat. Though the best thing to do in Paris is fuel up with as many pastries as you can afford and spend every waking hour wandering on foot, discovering the unknown delights cached around every corner, there are a few sights you probably won’t want to miss. Let’s see what “to do’s” might make a dif-france during your journey!

Suivez-moi!

1. For a hearty and homey meal, head to Chez Gladines, a lively restaurant that serves tasty Basque food. Always bustling, expect a wait when you arrive. Inside, you and your friends will be seated at one of the red and white checked tablecloth-covered tables next to whichever complete stranger has seats available next to them. Portions are generous, and salads come served in enormous metal mixing bowls. You’ll be glad-ined to know that several great bars are just down the street on Rue Buttes Aux Cailles, great destinations for a post meal soirée.

2. If the buildings of Paris were to duke it out for the title of “Most Stunning,” it would be a long and arduous battle. A few wine bottles might be smashed, and a few tarte aux citrons might be thrown, but the Opéra Garnier would win. A veritable wonder, there’s only one word for the Garnier: indescribable. From the gilded gold statues and oxidized copper dome outside to the vibrant Chagall muraled ceiling inside, the Palais Garnier is a maze of amazing. Although tours are available, think about treating yourself to a show as a great way to see the building; it’s cheaper than you might think. Rush tickets for persons under 28 years of age are 15€ for ballet and 25€ for an opera.

3. When the night falls and the weather is nice, the Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge spanning the Seine, lights up with a hum of laughter, music and contented conversation. Thanks to its central location and great ambiance, locals flock to this bridge, picnics in hand to pass the night drinking wine, eating delectable food, playing guitar and enjoying the evening. Your Picnic In Paris Dress will be an apt and adorable item to wear!

4. The sweet, fresh taste of homemade mint tea is reason enough to visit the Mosquée de Paris, a fully functional mosque and eye-pleasing taste of North Africa right in the heart of Paris. Sit down in the breezy covered patio or on the plush cushions of the decadent tea room to enjoy a hot beverage as you write in your Deauville Leisure Journal. Be sure to buy a pastry or two from the glass case in the entryway to the tea room. Although not your typical decadent French affair of a delicacy, these North African sweets are equally as delicious.

5. If you’ve decided to take a day exploring by foot in your Cocoa Beach Wedges, take a detour by Julien Aurouze at 8 rue des Halles, 1st arrondissement. But be aware! This sight, unlike most in Paris, is not a pretty one. This exterminator shop may have nothing you’ll want to bring home as a gift for your family, but their window display, full of taxidermy from their successful exterminations, is insolite (unusual) beyond your greatest expectations.

Once you’ve channeled all this information into you head, hop with us on the chunnel as we go to London for our next Travel Bug!

(Image above courtesy of  Zaida Montañana on Wikipedia)

(Items above: Cynical Teen Glasses, Jade Tree Romper, Friendship Wedges, The Tokyo Tote, Kawaii Woodland Wallet, Ling Ling Pendant)

Did you know that Toyko and its environs compose the world’s most populous metropolitan region? Ōme, oh my! Pretty nifty, huh? Though you might get lost in translation when visiting, don’t let this deter you; Toyko has tons of terrific things up its sleeves. Let’s hop over to Honshū and see what’s cooking! (Or what’s raw if you prefer sushi).

Keep reading to find out what’s in store!

1.  If you’re a fan of thrifting, you’ll have a field day rambling through a sea of secondhand stuff at the Jingu Gaien Park Monthly Flea Market. Though hawkers of knock-off purses and silly souvenirs may swarm the city, only amateurs and everyday ‘Hiroshis’ can sell their wares here.  It’s like a city-wide yard sale, and you’ll have a blast filling your Tokyo Tote with fantastic finds.

2.  Devote an afternoon to Asakusa, a region of Toyko abounding with temples such as Sensōji and Asakusa Jinja. Enshrine yourself in one of the area’s many restaurants for a break from the bustle or hit tourist shopping head on in the Nakamise shopping arcade. Keep an eye out for special events such as the Sanja Matsuri Festival, a Shinto celebration with parades of portable shrines.

3. For a bonafide Japanese meal, mosey over to Tofuro, one of the best Izakaya around. Try to get a seat in the main room with a view of the Irori (open hearth). With daily specials that change according to the market catch and the chef’s whims and a staple menu of delights, you’re sure to have a marvelous meal at this entertaining eatery without emptying your Kawaii Woodland Wallet.

4. Touristy? Yes. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. The Toyko Great Cycling Tour is a wonderful way to see the city “en plein air.” Get a work out as you work out the ins and outs of the city with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. The fee includes bike rentals, boxed lunch, and a 1% donation to the One Percent for the Planet project. Your Jade Tree Romper, with its ultra comfy and cute design, will be the perfect outfit for this mobile activity. Book yourself a spot and get ‘ps-ycled’ for a tour-riffic time!

5. Do the words “hot springs” pique your interest? Mm-hmm. That’s what we thought. Great for a day trip out of the city, Ryokan Tamagoyu at Takayu Onsen is an ideal spa-ce for relaxation. Take this consul: furbish your travel-weary skin with these hot waters reputed for their curative qualities since the 17th century. Unlike many other onsen (hot springs) in the vicinity of Toyko, this location revels in the nature around it, capturing water from nearby sources and leaving the water at its natural, warm temperature.

Get ready to fly far for our next Travel Bug; we’re heading to Paris!

(Backdrop Image Above: Wikipedia User Chowells)

You shouldn’t need an ex-scouse to visit Liverpool, but in the happenstance that you do, this Travel Bug will have you marching on the Merseyside in no time.  The home of the first school for the blind, Merseybeat music, and the first lending library, modern day Liverpool is swimming with things to do.

Read on for ModCloth’s fab five suggestions!

1. Even if you’re not a big “football” fan, watching a Liverpool F.C. game is a no-miss experience.  The carousing crowd, boisterous with spirit and song, will fill everyone with excitement.  If the elusive, exclusive game tickets escape you, take aim on an easier goal – pay a visit to the museum at Anfield (the home  stadium) to sate your soccer fix.

2. Okay, fess up! The first thing you thought of when you saw “Liverpool” was The Beatles.  And how could you not?  Located around the city, down many a long and winding road, you’ll find the childhood homes of the Fab Four.  Get caught up in nostalgia for the quintessential quartet by shrugging on your Rev-olution Jacket and paying a visit to these honorable houses.

3. Get in touch with your inner country girl with a day at Acorn Venture Farm.  From hiking to horseback riding and petting zoos to goat milking, you can while a full day away at this fair farm.  Though the farm is a tad off the beaten path, don’t use this an an excuse to chicken out.  These acres are well worth the visit.

4. Touristy, but terrifc, the Albert Docks were built in the mid 19th century for importing cargo.  Today, the docks are a great way to spend a day out of the car. Go see The Beatles Story museum while sporting your Psychedelia Jewelry Set, brush up on your contemporary art at the Tate Liverpool, or crawl on over to the brand-spanking new BugWorld Experience to up your in-sect-telligence.

5. Tucked away at the top of a mysterious staircase sits a hole in the wall eatery, called The Egg Cafe, that is a vegetarian’s delight. With mismatched crockery and delightful food (think scrumptious soups, tandoori mushrooms, and banana cake), this quirky little cafe is both unpretentious and charming.

Next up is Toyko.  Been there? Lived there? Let us know where “to go!”

(Image Above: Mala Strana Dress, Merchant of Venice Belt, Danish Pastry Sandals, Hundred Spires Earrings, Art Nouveau Necklace)

By Guest Blogger ModCloth gal Jen Giarrusso
Edited by Hannah

Since Prague opened its doors to the world after the Velvet Revolution in 1989, it has become the perfect mix of cosmopolitan and traditional elements.  Due to its large expatriate population, Prague a.k.a the City of a Hundred Spires (from whence comes the name of our  Hundred Spires Earrings) is infused with culture from all over the world.  Despite this worldly attitude, however, the city still holds fast to its charming heritage.  Here’s short list of what to do while browsing about Bohemia.

Read on to discover what Prague has to offer!

1. Prague has a bevy of vintage and thrift shopping options, but the town favorite is Bohemian Retro, a tiny shop in Žižkov chock full of treasures from Communist-era Czechoslovakia. The jewelry alone could occupy your entire afternoon, as well as the clothes, accessories and other quaint Czech bric-a-brac collected by the shop’s friendly British owner.

2. Thirsty? Go underground! Take a trip down U Sudu’s precarious stairways to enjoy a beer in the catacombs, and challenge the locals to a game of fotbalek (table football).  Feeling kind of blue instead? Stroll across Charles Bridge to Mala Strana for a drink at St Nicholas Pub. As you descend the stairs you’ll be accosted by the aroma of fresh-baked pizza and the throaty blues of Brad, a guitarist from Denver featured on Tuesday nights.

3. Tucked in a tiny square in the eclectic Žižkov, U Sadu is the best place to stop for a traditional and affordable Czech meal. Admire the antique decorations upstairs, or guzzle a Gambrinus and enjoy tunes from the jukebox downstairs. If you’re bold, try the Bohemian Trough – exactly what it sounds like and not for the weary. Don’t forget the side of potato pancakes!

4. The work of avant-garde Czech sculptor David Černý can be found throughout the city. Most notable is the pink tank in the Smichov district – the remnants of the controversial pink wash Černy gave in 1991 to a Soviet Tank, memorializing the Prague Uprising of 1968.  For a more historic glimpse of Prague’s art scene, head to the Mucha Museum, which revels in the Art Nouveau style, just like our Art Nouveau Necklace.

5.  No trip to Prague is complete without a day in Old Town. This region, also called Mala Strana, is the perfect place to wear the Mala Strana Dress.  Get your caffeine fix at Nespresso. Window-shop on ritzy Paris Street. Check out the astronomical clock in Old Town Square, then stop in the Museum of Communism for an eye-opening look at the Czech Republic’s past. To finish the excursion, take a paddle boat trip on the Vltava at dusk for an enchanting view of the city’s skyline.

Thanks to Jen for these fabulous recommendations.  Next time, we’re taking a yellow submarine over to Liverpool!  Be sure to show Liverpool love by letting us know where to go in this fair city!