Nature Walk

Do you have a place where you can completely unplug?

Lately I’ve been turning to nature. Say what?! I know. Big city girl goes all crazy. Do you ever struggle with tuning everything out?

My most recent escape (and the coolest things in Illinois) is the Prairie Path – an abandoned rail line route turned into a path. Larry and I frequent here. I also keep hearing about Starved Rock – consists of 21 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, restaurants and a lodge. Supposedly you don’t even feel like you’re in Illinois and its only 1.5 hours away from Chicago.

Kelly and I recently stopped by Graue Mill right off Salt Creek in Oakbrook. The trails stretch for hundreds of miles throughout the Chicagoland area and and this Mill used to be part of the Underground Railroad!

I brought a warm blanket (a wedding gift from my grandma’s wedding) and took my new orange Hush Puppies for a spin – a comfortable and cute replacement for sneakers. Aren’t they adorable for fall? There is this secret built in wedge, that elongates your legs and gives us shorties some height.

I just love how therapeutic the wilderness is and it’s the only place I can completely check out. No TV’s, social media, few people and fresh air. I’ve found myself brainstorming my best ideas here too. Sometimes I grab a coffee and take Larry for a walk – such a treat for both of us! I never feel like going, but once I do, I am ten times more productive and leave with a clear mind.

Replicate the Look:

Equipment Cecil Cashmere Sweater || Equipment Signature Slim Blouse || Blanket (vintage) || J.Crew Skirt {old but want this one so bad!} || Cyra Catelyn Hush Puppies in Burnt Orange c/o || Kate Spade crystal earrings {old but similar here} || 3.1 Phillip Lim Medium Pashli Satchel || Alex + Ani Bracelets || Black & White Bangles from Classic Remix || Socks {old}

If you haven’t checked out in a while, I highly recommend escaping the hustle and bustle once in awhile. The Lakeshore Path, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park Zoo, the Morton Aboretum and any of the beaches are all wonderful places. But tell me, what do you do when you need to get away? How do you hit the re-start button? I’d love to know!

A huge thank you to Kelly for snapping these photos! Be sure to check out her blog, Just Browsing.