Part Two // My Guide to Chicago’s Gold Coast + Tips for Small Space Living

Everlane T-Shirt // Everlane White Jeans (wearing a 27) // Steven Sandals // Joss & Main Storage Bench // Leather Pouf // Minted Artwork // West Elm Basket

Thanks for the positive feedback on Part One of my Gold Coast Guide! I wanted to share a few more favorite spots AND tips for small apartment living. Like I mentioned in part one, we looove our neighborhood and have sacrificed a larger space for low rent at the moment, since living below our means is important in order to continue to save for our future. So, we have been very thoughtful (and clever) with how we’ve utilized our space for a perfectly curated apartment.

Tips for Small Space Living:

Small Kitchen? Bring in extra counter space. // Our place has an updated kitchen, however the small footprint lacks counter space. We brought in a stainless-steel island (we bought ours from Bed, Beth & Beyond, but they appear to have the same one on Overstock and The Home Depot) and set up a permanent coffee bar. We keep our coffeemaker and mugs on the top and pretty dishware underneath.

Multi-use furniture // We were thoughtful about furniture purchases and made sure they could double as storage. Our tufted bench? Storage for winter boots, scarves, random work-out gear and dog toys. Our TV credenza? Storage for books, photos, stationary and gift wrap.

All the baskets // Lidded baskets hide extra blankets, hats and even cleaning supplies.

Gallery wall focal point // Putting up a large gallery wall makes our space feel bigger versus scattering artwork all over our place. It draws the eye to one spot with mixed and matched artwork from floor to ceiling.
 

Favorite Fitness Spots:

Exhale // The Gold Coast has plentyyy of options for a good sweat, but I would be remised if I didn’t mention Exhale (where I teach!) first. The studio + spa offers yoga, barre, HITT and floating meditation classes.

Flywheel // I think this is ‘technically’ in River North, but I feel in love with Flywheel when we moved to Chicago. It’s about a seven minute walk from our place and the ultimate fun, high-cardio hour of sweat and awesome music.

The Bar Method // Since I enjoy trying out different barre studios, I’ve been to The Bar Method a few times and love that the tiny movements leave me incredibly sore.

CorePower Yoga // I did my teacher training with CorePower back in Columbus, so I still love to pop in and take a heated class.

Yoga Six // Similar-ish to CorePower, great heated class options and you can get your first week for only $20!
 

 
For the Dog Lovers:

Washington Square Park // We are so lucky to live a few steps away from the park, which is the perfect place to take Potsie for a quick sprint or pee-pee (yep) break. There are always a ton of dogs around, so it’s also great to just walk through and smile from all the fur babies.

Groomies // If you’re moving to the Gold Coast with a pup, check our Groomies! They are the nicest and Potsie loves them for a quick bath or full groom.

Tails in the City // This swanky pet store (a bit overpriced, but so cute) is perfect to stop in for a special treat or new squeaky toy.