3xploring unseen urban spaces: St. Stephen's Church

STICK TO THE CODE: “TAKE NOTHING BUT PHOTOS AND LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS”

… and that’s exactly what I did.

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The entrance 0_0

I have no idea where to look at this from -_-

congrats! you’ve found the stairs

the dome (*_*) … but at night

the rest place of st. stephen’s organ

translation by kentaro: shibaraku —> “for a while”

final checkpoint :)

Chicago Chocolate Crawl

Although Valentine’s Day has passed, there’s always an occasion to do something fun with your significant other, your friends, or just by yourself! I’m a chocoholic, so this year for the holiday I decided to create a “chocolate crawl,” consisting of a walk to different chocolate stores downtown. I’m sharing this with you all because—excuse the ego—I’m kind of proud of myself for this idea and want everyone else to do it. Make it a thing. Name it the “Nadya Chocolate Tour” or something, idk.

Stop #1: L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates

If you’re driving, this is where you are going to want to park – everything else is within walking distance from here! L.A. Burdick is the absolute cutest and prettiest store. Everything is neatly displayed and boxed and the service is amazing. They have an area just for chocolates and then another area for fudge. The store really lives up to its name – you can tell that each piece of chocolate is delicately handmade with the utmost care. The variety in flavor is also astounding, you won’t be disappointed. They even have seasonal chocolates shaped like penguins and mice! Just look at how cute they are! This is a great first stop to get in the chocolate-y vibe.

 Stop #2: Venchi Chocolate Chicago at Eataly

Head just a block east and you’ll arrive at the infamous Eataly. When you step into Eataly, you can become pretty overwhelmed with the amount of food there. Most people go for their selection of handmade pasta, sauces, or wine, but the chocolate bar shouldn’t go overlooked – arranged in satisfying little cubes, this stop includes tasty chocolates of all kinds. They even have chocolate baskets for those who are indecisive! Overall, if you want a taste of what Italy can offer you in the realm of chocolates, this is your place.

 Stop #3: ROYCE Chocolate

Walk another block east and one block south to arrive at ROYCE. Located on the third floor of The Shops at North Bridge on the Magnificent Mile, this shop differs from the other two in that most of its chocolates are not in an open display but rather in perfectly designed boxes. I almost mistook it for a jewelry store before stepping in, as every box is displayed in a brightly lit case on the wall. After the more “typical” chocolates you’ve just tasted, this is where you’re going to want to branch out. Personally, I bought Matcha Bar Chocolate which was heavenly. I never even knew such chocolate existed, but boy, am I glad I tried it.

 Stop #4: Ghirardelli Chocolate

Obviously, we had to save the most iconic store for last. Walk a block south and you’ll arrive at the queen of all chocolate stores. They have an assortment of chocolates where you can either buy by the pound or try to stuff everything you can into one $20 box (which I did). They also have cute merch you can check out. And, if you’re somehow all chocolated-out, they have ice cream and milkshakes as well!

You’ve made it to the end of your tour! I hope you all try this out, it’s a fun thing to do especially in COVID times because you are only in the stores for a little while and then can eat the chocolate safely outdoors. Happy chocolate binging!

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Missing Te'Amo? Here's an Easy Recipe for Mango Bubble Tea.

I’m usually a frequent visitor to Te’Amo. It’s one of my favorite study spots on campus—I’ve spent a great number of afternoons memorizing Russian verbs and finishing essays while happily drinking Mango Green Tea with Bubbles.

So it came as no surprise that I quickly began to crave bubble tea while quarantining in Columbus, OH. And while lucky Chicago residents can still order boba deliveries via Grubhub, I realized that I would have to make my own bubble tea in order to satisfy my cravings. As such, attached below is my easy recipe for making mango bubble tea from home!

The Recipe (Serves 3-4)

Ingredients and Supplies—all of which are available via Amazon delivery:

• *2 Bags of Rishi Organic Jasmine Green Tea

• *Le Sirop de Monin Mango Syrup, added to taste

• 1 Cup WuFuYuan Tapioca Pearl (Black Sugar Flavor)

• Cane Sugar, also added to taste

• 3-4 Bubble Tea Straws

• *Feel free to substitute different teas and fruit syrups. Also feel free to add milk to your bubble tea. Mango bubble tea has always just been my favorite, so I ordered mango syrup first. However, the Le Sirop de Monin brand alone sells numerous fruit syrups via Amazon - from raspberry, peach, and strawberry, to more exotic flavors like blood orange and desert pear.

#1) Brew the iced tea. Boil a 32 oz. pitcher of hot water, and add 2 bags of Rishi Jasmine Green Tea. Let steep for 3 minutes. Add about 2 Tb of sugar, to taste. Let the tea cool for a few minutes, and then place in the fridge.

#2) Make the tapioca pearls. Start by boiling 10 cups of water in a large pot. Once the water comes to a boil, slowly add 1 cup of tapioca pearls and stir. Once the bubbles start floating to the surface, cover the pot and cook the bubbles for 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Next, turn off the stove and let the bubbles simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes (allowing the bubbles to soften, to preference).

Let the tapioca pearls cool. Remove the bubbles from the pot, and let them sit in cool water for about 20 seconds. Then place the bubbles in a dry bowl and add sugar.

#3) Mix the iced tea, bubbles, and mango syrup to taste. Enjoy!

The Finished Product

The Finished Product

The Finished Product

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When Practice Exposes the Dangers of Theory: The Murder that Inspired Hitchcock's "Rope"

“That’s great in practice, but does it work in theory?”

And so might have begun the heinous plot of two UChicagos students in 1924. Nathan Freudenthal Leopold Jr. and Richard Albert Loeb became friends when they went to school together at the University of Chicago. As the child of a very wealthy Jewish family, Leopold had an IQ of 210 and spoke his first word when he was four months old. He graduated from UChicago with academic distinction, and he planned to attend Harvard Law. Similarly, Loeb was the son of the former president of Sears, Roebuck & Company. At the age of 17, he made history as the youngest graduate from the University of Michigan. As such, both men grew up in very wealthy, educated families on Chicago’s South Side. Both men were known for their “intelligence.” And both were obsessed with crime.

Loeb was typically lazy, but he spent an inordinate amount of his time reading crime novels. Meanwhile, Leopold dreamed of becoming one of Frederick Nietzsche’s “Übermensch.” Leopold honestly believed in, and internalized, Nietzsche’s theory that society possesses some “superior” men - or Ubermenschen - who are somehow above the dictates of society. In other words, Leopold believed that he was entitled to rebel against the normal constraints of morality. He believed that he could, and should, act “beyond good and evil.”

A quip from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1948 movie, “Rope.”

Leopold soon convinced Loeb that he too was an Ubermensch. They began committing vandalism and theft. But, they believed that they deserved more media attention than they were receiving. And so they decided to commit the “perfect crime” - as a trophy to their “superior” intellects. And in 1924, Leopold and Loeb kidnapped and murdered a 14-year-old boy, named Robert “Bobby” Franks. Leopold and Loeb convinced Franks to get in their car, as he was walking to school. And they murdered him with a chisel.

Eight days later, Leopold and Loeb were put into custody. They were sentenced to life in prison, plus 99 years for murder and kidnapping. And it turned out that they were neither supermen, nor were they infallible. They were not above the law, as they professed. They were not untouchable. And their heinous, unthinkable crime was not a trophy; instead, it became the representation of three lost lives. Leopold and Loeb atrociously ended the life of Franks, and they also threw their own lives away.

And I will not include pictures of Leopold and Loeb. Nor will I include graphic details of the crime they committed. Such details can be easily obtained from other sources, and that is not the purpose of this article. Nor is the purpose of this article to somehow glorify or romanticize Franks’ murder. On the contrary, I hesitated in writing this article, because I did not want to give Leopold and Loeb any satisfaction of media attention - even after their deaths.

Instead, I wrote this article because the story of Franks’ murder is important. While I’d argue that only a true sociopath could commit Leopold and Loeb’s crime, it is nonetheless worthwhile to emphasize the danger in believing - even momentarily - that any man is somehow above the constraints of morality or the law.

Harvard student and murderer, Brandon Shaw (played by John Dall), converses with his former headmaster (James Stewart).

And Alfred Hitchcock likely shared an opinion similar to mine. 24 years after Leopold and Loeb’s crime, Hitchcock released the movie “Rope.” The movie tells the story of two Harvard students, who decide to kill a classmate and host a dinner party, literally over his dead body (the murder victim is placed in a trunk, upon which the innocent dinner guests dish their food). These Harvard students aim to prove that they are Ubermenschen. And they think that they’ve finally committed the perfect crime. However, as is characteristic of Hitchcock’s films, justice soon catches up with the murderers. And, just as in real life, it soon turns out that they are not nearly as untouchable as they once believed.

And while the movie is psychologically disturbing and sad, it is also highly intelligent. In just 80 minutes, Hitchcock powerfully indicts any man - murderer or otherwise - who thinks that he is somehow above morality or the law. And while Leopold and Loeb are luckily no longer present on the University of Chicago’s campus, their crime is a relevant reminder that the ideas of famed philosophers, even twisted and misinterpreted as they may be, matter. And they have consequences far beyond Harper or the Seminary Coop. After all, during Spring Quarter every year, UChicago students in Classics of Social and Political Thought read Nietzsche. And we are not the only college students to do so. And while it’s easy to sometimes get lost in the theory of a text, it’s worth noting that the abstract theories we discuss have consequences - far beyond campus’s quads. And sometimes it takes the memory of murder, to remind us.

A Scene from "Rope" : The Murderers Quarrel

A Scene from "Rope" : Setting the Table

Click here, for thumbnail image source.

Get to Know the Photographer: Grace Peguese

Grace Peguese is a third-year Public Policy major and, more importantly (sorry, UChicago), a photographer who drives a bright red 1997 Saab 900. It doesn’t have a name, but it’s so amazing it might not need one. 

As we wandered 57th Street, Dorchester, Kenwood, 58th, we started chatting, and I asked her how she got into photography. “My mom gave me my first camera,” she said, smiling, “she was kind of the family photographer.” Grace is from Michigan, and when her extended family gathered at her grandmother’s house, as they often did, her mom would move from group to group with her camera. “She’s really incredible at capturing moments.

I think that’s what all photographers are trying to do, really – capture moments.”

When she first started taking photos with a DSLR, Grace’s main focus was architecture. She still loves the beauty in buildings – as we passed a rounded, neutral-pink toned house, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a few shots in front of it – and since her junior year of high school Grace has had a freelance photography business. Her true passion, though, lies in street photography. “I don’t usually include people’s faces,” she told me as we stood in line for coffee at the Med Bakery. She doesn’t feel comfortable sharing her subjects’ identities in that way, especially if the viewer has no way of getting to know them. 

Every now and then we stopped in front of a house, fence, or set of stairs that caught Grace’s eye, and she gave me an idea of her vision for the location. We would shoot for a few moments, adjusting levels, poses, exposure, focus, and then she would click through the photos to see which had turned out well. When she was satisfied, we continued. 

Working with her was effortless. She is easy to talk to and flexible, and she welcomed my input on shots, even when it was silly (case in point: I wanted to throw leaves up over my head, and she snapped some photos as they floated down around me). 

On our way back to her car, we talked about the more technical aspects of her photography. She said that she doesn’t consciously think about the composition of her photos – the way she frames her subjects is instinctive. I told her that seemed like a pretty rare gift, but she brushed off the praise.

Grace has some advice for aspiring photographers, too:

“one of the most important things is finding and trusting your own style. It can be really easy as a young creative to try to imitate others you look up to, but I think it’s more sustainable in the long term (and also healthier for you) if you trust in your work without comparing it to that of others.”

She says that though some aspects of photography come naturally to her, it’s important for new photographers to learn the basics “like composition, lighting, how to use manual functions.” If you don’t get a solid grounding in those, “it doesn’t really matter if you have the most expensive camera and the most expensive lenses, or if you have a starter camera.”

I had one final question as we rounded the corner back to her car. “Is your mom proud of your work?” She smiled, and I saw how much the woman who inspired her love of photography means to her. “Yes,” she replied. “She is.”

Want to see more of Grace’s work? Check out her website and Instagram (@gpeg_photography)!

5 Ways to Spend Summer in Chicago

Whether you’re excited to spend summer in Chicago or if you’re a little bummed to not be going home, you have the great opportunity to explore parts of the city you didn’t get to during the busy school year. So for those of you staying here this summer, I’ve compiled a list of fun things to do in the city (but you’re a quick Google search from tons more!).

Lollapalooza (Aug.1-4)

A Summer festival staple, Lollapalooza is one the most exciting events to hit Chicago this summer. Boasting a four-day long circuit in Grant Park with acts like Childish Gambino, the Chainsmokers and Ariana Grande, we can guarantee that Lollapalooza will rock your summer to the fullest. Click here to get tickets

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Pitchfork (July 19-21)

Another major music fest, Pitchfork features a three-day lineup of stars from Rico Nasty to Charli XCX. The event - hosted annually in Union Park also features an excellent records sale and a huge array of food and art from across the country. Click here to get tickets

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Chicago Food Truck Festival (June 22-23)

If you’re a bit of a foodie, you’ll definitely want to check out Chicago’s Food Truck fest between 1800 & 1600 S Wabash Ave. It’s exactly what it sounds like, and an awesome way to spend the day with a fellow foodie friend. (Also available: vegan food festival on June 22)

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Chicago Craft Beer Festival (July 20-21)

For the beer connoisseurs out there, Chicago’s Craft Beer Festival is your playground. Featuring over 70 different varieties of craft beer from across the US, with great music and company on the side, the Craft Beer Fest will definitely be something to cheer you up this summer.

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Taste of Chicago (July 10-14)

Advertised as the world’s largest food festival, Taste of Chicago is a Summer must to experience this year. Not only does it present five days of mouth watering delectables, but its reputation has attracted the reception of huge musical acts. The best recipe for an amazing summer is always good food and good music.

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Chicago Summer '19 Music Festival Roundup

Classes are over in a month, rejoice! What better way is there to ring in summer break than splurging on music festival tickets? A fixture of the Chicago summer calendar, music festival season draws in countless acts across all manner of genres. Into EDM and/or Country? Or maybe you’re a devoted fan of Chicago Blues? You’re bound to find something you like either way. Keep scrolling for some of the major festivals coming to town this summer.

Spring Awakening

June 7-9, Poplar Creek

If you’re looking for non-stop EDM to get you through the end of the quarter (yike), Spring Awakening has everything from small house acts to top 40 regulars like Zedd, Galantis and DJ Snake. Get your tickets here.

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Chicago Blues Festival

June 7-9, Millennium Park

Chicago has long-been a haven for Blues artists, and this annual festival is a fixture in the city’s music scene. The full 2019 schedule has yet to be announced, but admission is free and previous lineups included locally and nationally acclaimed artists such as Corey Dennison Band, Mississippi Heat with Billy Flynn and Giles Corey, Selwyn Birchwood and Mavis Staples.

Country LakeShake

June 21-23, Huntington Bank Pavilion

LakeShake is celebrating five years in business this summer with major Country music headliners Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Lauren Alaina, Keith Urban, Brett Young, Luke Bryan and more. Get tickets here.

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Ruido Fest

June 21-23, Union Park

Lovers of Latin music should swing by Ruido Fest for performances by Los Tigres Del Norte, Hombres G and Enanitos Verdes, among others. Offering over a dozen food vendors, swing by for an incredible culinary experience as well. Get your tickets here.

Windy City Smokeout

July 12-14, United Center

Windy City Smokeout is an annual mecca for fans of country music, BBQ and craft beer. Headliners this year include Chris Young, Old Dominion and Cole Swindell. Get your tickets here.

Pitchfork

July 19-21, Union Park

Swing by Pitchfork if you’re looking for something low-key and you’re not trying to break the bank at Lolla. Typically drawing acts from the R&B, Hip Hop and Indie world, Pitchfork also boasts a great arts and crafts market where you can peruse band posters designed by local artists, vintage clothing, vinyls and more. Headliners this year include HAIM, Mavis Staples, The Isley Brothers, Belle & Sebastian, Robyn and Charli XCX. Get tickets here.

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Lollapalooza

August 1-4, Grant Park

The crown jewel of Chicago’s music festival scene, Lolla is hard to miss. This year’s lineup includes appearances from Coachella headliners Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino and Tame Impala, in addition to Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes, Flume, The Chainsmokers and J Balvin. Keep scrolling through the lineup and you’re bound to end up out of breath. Get tickets here.

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North Coast Music Festival

August 30-September 1, Northerly Island

The perfect way to wrap up a Chicago summer, North Coast offers an array of musical acts that span musical genres and conventions. Past lineups have included Miguel, DJ Snake, Jamiroquai, Odesza, Bassnectar and Vulfpeck. Stayed tuned for more updates.

Chicago Jazz Festival

August 23-September 1

Hosted at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and other venues around town, the weeklong Chicago Jazz Fest lineup features Dianne Reeves, Ramsey Lewis, Obert Davis and Kurt Elling among an impressive roster of musicians and ensembles and admission is free! Read more about the event here.

Riot Fest

September 13-15, Douglas Park

Specializing in punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop acts, Riot Fest also features carnival rides and exciting sideshow performers. Presale tickets are available now and the lineup is soon to be announced. Last year’s headliners included Weezer, Beck, Young the Giant, Run the Jewels and Incubus.

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Your Guide to a Chicago-Style St. Paddy's Day

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Buckle in, because St. Patrick’s Day isn’t far away. On March 16, Chicago will celebrate the holiday with the annual river dye, parades, and of course, endless bar crawls. Maybe you’re looking for an excuse to let loose next Saturday or just want to have a fun start to your finals week (because let’s be real, it’s not like you’re actually studying for that Metrics final…)

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Wrigleyville

A bar crawl in Wrigleyville, a youthful and lively neighborhood, is definitely going to be a hotspot for the weekend. Organized as the Chicago Shamrock Crawl, the event starts at 8am (because the early bird gets the beer??) and ends around 2pm. $30 will get you a wristband for $5 beers at bars such as Casey Moran's, Country Club, Deuce's, HVAC, John Barleycorn, Merkle's, Moe's Cantina, Nola, Old Crow, Roadhouse 66, Sandlot, Stretch, and many more. It also includes a pre-party ticket for a free drink at Public House! As required of the best events, a t-shirt is included in your package. Find out more here.

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River North

If you’re more about partying in the city, $20 can get you into the River North’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl, and the list of bars participating is enough to make you want to pick this one. From 8am to noon, bars like AceBounce, Celeste, Hubbard Inn, Point and Feather, Theory, and Tunnel will give you free admission and exclusive drink deals. Watch the river turn green and enjoy the live music, bagpipers, and stilt walkers. Rumor has it, even leprechauns will be present! More info here.

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Lincoln Park

Maybe River North is a little too much for you and you have a burning desire to mingle with DePaul students. Look no further, because the Lincoln Avenue bars will be open as early as 8am so you can enjoy festivities such as party packages, green beer, and corned beef stations. While not necessarily as organized as the previous locations, Lincoln Park has numerous bars offering their own unique deals for the holiday. Read more here to find out what’s best for you.

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Eat Well and Support the Community at Inspiration Kitchens

Hungry? Tired of Hyde Park? Head over to Garfield Park's Inspiration Kitchens for a cheap and delicious meal. While you're indulging in dishes from fried green tomatoes to stuffed Chinese bing bread, you'll be supporting a restaurant whose main mission is to uplift struggling Chicago residents.

Inspiration Kitchens' first priority is to provide dignified programming to Chicagoans coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, supporting residents who are homeless, living in poverty, or leaving the criminal justice system. The kitchen runs a free 12-week training program where people can earn their food handler and sanitation manager certificates and receive job placement assistance. Their kitchen is staffed by trainees and graduates of the program.

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Inspiration Kitchens serves brunch and lunch Wednesday through Sunday and their space is beautiful; wood paneled with exposed brick, sunlit, minimalist and comfortable.

The menu boasts a diverse range of dishes, from American Southern classics like spicy gumbo and shrimp po boys, to house original fusion dishes, like Korean chicken wings on a savory scallion and bean sprout waffle, to classic New American, with fried brussel sprouts and homemade granola with warm chai milk.

Each dish I tried was delicious and presented beautifully. With such a varied menu and affordable prices (dishes range from $2-$14), Inspiration Kitchens is the place to be for an affordable, mouth-watering change of pace from Hyde Park, all while supporting local Chicagoans looking to build a better future!

Chicken & Waffles

Fried Green Tomatos

Shrimp & Grits

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Check out their website and menu here

Follow their Instagram (for tasty food pics) here

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Upcoming Exhibits in Chicago this Spring

Looking to expand your horizons and venture out into the city this Spring? Check out one or more of the many exhibits, lectures and programming coming to the city’s acclaimed cultural and artistic institutions.

The Hyde Park Art Center focuses on engaging the community with its variety of program types. Its exhibition Health Club focuses on the ways civic spaces can interact with humans wellness. Two Hot Mess Yoga sessions will be hosted on February 27 and March 13. Additional, Super Sunday on March 31 contains a variety of activities that includes exhibition receptions.

The Chicago Cultural center has robust programming that focuses on current and past movements in Chicago and many of its exhibitions and programs ask for input from the community. For Chicago Theater Week, it asks visitors to stick flags of Chicago theater resources into a giant map on the wall. Its current exhibition is about black artists and their role in Chicago’s consumer culture.

The MCA’s latest exhibition will be opening soon. Big Camera/Little Camera explores how changes in scale play with a sense of triviality. It opened February 23rd and admission is free with a UCID.

Finally, the Art Institute provides a variety of Gallery Talks, where visitors will be guided for an hour through collections in a gallery. While some are general, like the Gallery Talk on Highlights of the Art Institute, others explore specific themes, like Light/Dark/Ugly/Beautiful, which discusses works of art that push the boundary between the tragic and the luminous.

Talks are free with museum admission. Personally, I’d attend the talk on Modern Wing Highlights to gain some perspective on Modernism and why Modern pieces are valued. On the 21st, there will also be a lecture called Art, Illusion, and Control in the Roman Villa presented by the Classical Art Society. Lea K. Cline, associate professor of art history at Illinois State University, will discuss a Roman villa from a slave’s perspective.

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Restaurant Week at The Hampton Social

If you’re somewhat into the food scene in Chicago, you may have heard of Restaurant Week. An annual celebration of the restaurants in Chicago, Restaurant Week offers prix-fixe menus that highlight some of the best items on the menu at a relatively lower prices.

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This year, I decided to commit myself to a more thorough investigation of Chicago’s restaurant scene as a last hurrah. The first restaurant I wanted to feature was The Hampton Social. If you’re at all active on Instagram, you’ve probably seen every basic girl plaster the iconic “Rosé All Day” neon sign across their feeds, glorifying their frosé, and munching on avocado toast.

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In all its glory, The Hampton Social is a nautical-themed, super East-Coast vibey place that has two locations in Chicago. I highly recommend the one in River North–you’ll get the gram-worthy experience and occasionally some great live music.

The Restaurant Week menu was divided into three categories: brunch, lunch, and dinner. Of course, I chose the winter lunch to celebrate the long-gone misery of Winter Quarter Midterms.

Even though the selection of dishes weren’t crazy extensive for the courses, I still had trouble trying to pick which items would be best for me. But (spoiler alert) literally everything was good.

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I’ve been to The Hampton Social a couple of times, and I would say that the Restaurant Week menu was definitely a good deal. The portion sizes are as big as they normally are (which you definitely cannot say for all participating restaurants) and the range of exploration of the menu is great too.

A few dishes I highly recommend if you decide to go yourself are the clam chowder, beach bowl, and (not on the restaurant week menu) the shrimp tacos. I’d probably steer clear from the oysters though. They’re a little too briny for my liking and definitely not as special as other places in the area.

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A Blast from the Past: Interpol at Chicago Theatre

On February 8, New York based band Interpol came to town for a night at the Chicago Theatre, much to the delight of former Living and Travel Editor Emilia, who kindly bought us both tickets to the show. We haven’t been to a concert together since October for Brockhampton, and June previously for Depeche Mode (we do love a good boy band), so it was high time for us to yet again brave the crowds of fans and go rock out for a night.

Having grown up in the aughts and had all my pivotal developmental milestones when bands like The Killers and The Strokes reigned supreme over the hearts of us moody kids, Interpol’s crowd was remarkably comprised of people of all ages. The show was exactly as my pre-teenaged self would have hoped, with the suited band performing a mix of their most popular songs and their newer songs following an opener by Sunflower Bean.

Energy remained high throughout their two hour set, with plenty of chances to hear Interpol’s greatest hits while taking in the the beauty of the classic landmark that is Chicago Theatre. Their setlist never fails to disappoint, especially with “Obstacle 1” in the encore.

As far as the venue goes, it’s safe to say it never hurts to arrive just in time to grab an organic vodka Red Bull before the show starts and take some mirror pics in front of the chintzy red velvet couch on the second floor mezzanine. The concert ended around eleven, giving Emilia and me plenty of time to grab some post-concert bubbly at Cindy’s Rooftop.

In the mean time, give their most recent album, Marauder, and their latest single “Fine Mess” a listen.

All photos courtesy of Joe Ruffalo, including featured image.

Winter-Friendly Things to Do in Chicago This Week

As you probably already know, winter is in full swing here in Chicago, which means your desire to step foot outside has probably plummeted. If you’re anything like me, you’ve done all you can to avoid the outdoors (so a very special thank you to UberEats for feeding me and supporting me in these trying times), but being stuck indoors for an entire season can still be pretty difficult. So in an attempt to convince some of you that the outdoors don’t have to be boycotted in the winter, I have found some fun winter-friendly activities that Chicago has to offer.

wndr museum

For those of you that haven’t heard of the wndr museum, it’s Chicago’s most Instagrammable museum. With exhibits like the Infinity Mirror room, its definitely worth buying a ticket (still available for January and February!)

Concerts

Enjoying live music shouldn’t have to wait until the summer, take advantage of the Chicago music scene year round! Some exciting upcoming concerts include: Travis Scott: Astroworld, Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road, Cher: Here we Go Again Tour, Panic! At the Disco, and Gryffin.

Food Halls

Food Halls are basically just indoor markets filled with food, so you really can’t go wrong. Some of the best ones in Chicago include the Chicago French Market, Eataly, Revival Food Hall, and Foodlife. With multiple vendors all in one location, there’s definitely something for everyone.

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The Chicago Mayoral Election and the Future of Local Politics

Post midterm elections, it can be easy to let local politics slip our mind. However, as residents of Chicago, it's important to stay engaged, especially in such a tumultuous political time for the city.

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This February, we will elect a new mayor of Chicago: one of the most important, pivotal elections for the city in recent years. With the current mayor, Rahm Emanuel, deciding to not seek a second term, a slew of new candidates, many of them from untraditional backgrounds, have thrown their hat into the ring.

As Rahm leaves the mayor's office, Chicago is left with many unresolved issues. And without an incumbent or front-runner candidate in the race, this election has truly shifted its focus to the issues, rather than personal politics.

Many of the issues at the forefront of this election–such as equity and improvement in Chicago Public Schools, police violence, gentrification, segregation, immigration reform, and economic inequality–have been viewed as shortcomings of Rahm Emanuel's mayorship. As voters begin to consider other candidates for the position, comparisons will undoubtedly be drawn between their platforms and Emanuel’s legacy.

Personally, I am so excited by the candidates in this race. Many of them are women, many are people of color, and many have histories as activists and advocates for progressive change. There are also candidates of more traditional backgrounds, many of them coming from families with a history in Chicago politics.

With such pressing issues at stake, be sure to read up on the candidates, and of course, VOTE!!

Here is a list of the current candidates running, however this could definitely change over the coming months. Keep an eye out for updates!

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Lolla Aftershows You Need to Know About

After the party it's the afterparty! Swing by one of the more than 55 shows happening post-Lollapalooza insanity. Included below are some of the highlights, but you can peruse the official list of aftershow acts coming to Chi-town here. Act fast though, most of the shows are sold out or are selling out fast!

Wednesday, August 1st

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TYCHO - Concord Music Hall - 8pm

CHVRCHES W/ SASHA SLOAN - Metro - 8pm

FRANZ FERDINAND - Park West - 8pm

LANY W/ HARRY HUDSON - Bottom Lounge - 6pm

 

Thursday, August 2nd

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THE NATIONAL W/ ALEX LAHEY - Metro - 10pm

THE WOMBATS W/ FUTURE FEATS - Lincoln Hall - 10pm

JUNGLE W/ SUPERORGANISM - Park West - 10pm

GALANTIS - PRYSM - 10pm

 

Friday, August 3rd

Dua Lipa, image via

DUA LIPA W/ BUDDY - The Vic Theatre - 10pm 

CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN W/ YUNGBLUD - House of Blues - 10pm

BROCKHAMPTON W/ ROMIL - Concord Music Hall - 10pm

GOLDLINK - Lincoln Hall - 10pm

 

Saturday, August 4th

The Vaccines, image via

WALK THE MOON W/ PALE MOVES - Concord Music Hall - 10pm

THE VACCINES W/ THE REGRETTES - Schubas - 10pm

CIGARETTES AFTER SEX - Lincoln Hall - 10pm

PLAYBOI CARTI - PRYSM - 10pm

 

Gucci Mane, image via

Sunday, August 5th

GUCCI MANE W/ CHROMEO - PRYSM - 10pm

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Chicago Summer Concert and Festival Schedule

This summer, catch some of the biggest acts and most buzzed-about up and comers in the music world. Whether their headlining festivals or performing at the best venues around town, there's plenty worth seeing no matter what genre, vibe or venue you gravitate towards.

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JUNE

6/1 - Depeche Mode - United Center

6/1 - 6/2 - Taylor Swift (with Camila Cabello and Charli XCX) - Soldier Field

6/3 - Bon Iver - Jay Pritzker Pavilion

6/5 - Post Malone (with 21 Savage) - Huntington Bank Pavilion

6/5 - Shawn Mendes - American Family Insurance Amphitheater

alt-J; image via

6/7 - alt-J - Huntington Bank Pavilion

6/8-6/10 - Chicago Blues Festival - Millennium Park (FREE)

6/8 - 6/10 - Spring Awakening Music Festival - Addams/Medill Park

6/15 - Top Dawg Entertainment: The Championship Tour (Kendrick Lamar with SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab Soul and Sir Lance Skiiiwalker) - Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

6/22 - 6/24 - Country LakeShake Festival - Huntington Bank Pavilion

Harry Style; image via

6/22 - 6/24 - Ruido Fest - Addams/Medill Park

6/23 - 6/24 - Mamby on the Beach - Oakwood Beach

6/29 - Halsey - American Family Insurance Amphitheater

6/30 - Harry Styles - United Center

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JULY

7/2 - Paramore (with Foster the People) - Huntington Bank Pavilion

7/6 - 7/7 - Radiohead - United Center

7/6 - 7/8 - West Fest - Chicago Ave between Wood St and Damen Ave

7/8 - Arcade Fire - American Family Insurance Amphitheater

7/13 - Imagine Dragons - Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

Paramore; image via

7/14 - Kesha and Macklemore - Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

7/17 - Panic! At The Disco - United Center

7/20 - 7/22 - Pitchfork Music Festival - Union Park

7/23 - Sylvan Esso - Riviera Theatre

Sylvan Esso; image via

7/27 - The Beach Boys - Ravinia Pavilion

7/27 - Animal Collective - Vic Theatre

7/28 - Chris Brown - Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

7/29 - 7/30 - Foo Fighters - Wrigley Field

7/31 - Charlie Puth - Huntington Bank Pavilion

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AUGUST

8/2 - 8/5 - Lollapalooza - Grant Park

8/3 - Shakira - United Center

8/10 - 8/11 - On The Run II: Beyoncé and Jay-Z - Soldier Field

8/13 - 8/14 - Smashing Pumpkins - United Center

8/15 - Sam Smith - United Center

8/18 - Beach House - The Chicago Theatre

Jay-Z and Beyoncé; image via

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SEPTEMBER

9/8 - Childish Gambino - United Center

9/8 - 5 Seconds of Summer - Aragon Ballroom

9/14 - Maroon 5 - United Center

9/23 - 9/24 - Leon Bridges - Aragon Ballroom

9/29 - Dark Star Orchestra - Vic Theatre

Childish Gambino; image via

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Feature image via

Quad Style: Cecília Resende Santos

Meet Cecília Resende Santos, a fourth-year Art History major focusing on 20th century architecture and urbanism. On campus, she's a part of Kitchen Sink. 

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“Fashion is a daily, non-consequential way of experimenting with aesthetic preferences and, if you will, projected versions of oneself.”

For this look, I am wearing a Worthington wool coat (thrifted), a Zara Basic ribbed mock neck long-sleeve shirt, a black lace top passed down from my mom (probably custom-made) and Uniqlo wool cropped wide-leg trousers.

How would you describe your personal style?

I came to think of my style as prioritizing shape–the geometry of the clothes and its relationship to the body–wearing often mono- or dichromatic outfits and primary colors. I almost never wear patterns. However, I have recently started thinking about texture, which can be very rich and appealing combined with form, for example, the pairing of a ribbed shirt with ribbed trousers, the embroidery-like texture of the top I inherited from my mom, or just the thickness of a fabric. Eventually, I want to find a way to reincorporate more color and patterns. And I tend to dress more put-together than I actually am.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

I gather fashion inspiration in a variety of ways, none of which are particularly intentional or conscious. I like looking at people on the street, observing people I know, and artists and professionals I admire, as well as occasionally going through Instagram and labels I know. The latter two often have very specific, well-defined and self-aware style, and it is interesting to observe them as statements and micro-verses from which to abstract principles and take inspiration. Ads in fashion and art magazines are also a source.

These earrings were maed by my stepmother’s mother, São Paulo-based jewelry designer Lia Barrella. 

Where do you like to shop?

Recently, I have mostly been shopping in thrift stores. Some of my favorite items come from thrift shops in Chicago and other cities. I tend to shop when I am traveling, as I walk in the city and perhaps to take something from a place (the black flowy trousers, for example, are from a thrift store in Brussels). Other favorites come from my mom or were made by my great-aunts–they are singular items made with great craft. But I have shopped for basics at Uniqlo, Everlane, sometimes Zara, and places with petite sizes.

I'm black ribbed flowy wide-leg trousers (thrifted), a Uniqlo white mock neck short-sleeve shirt and Miu Miu shoes (thrifted).

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

I wouldn’t wear much of the stuff I wore as recently as my first year of college, but I don’t really have regrets. I understand that my relationship to fashion, my taste and my self-perception have changed, and fashion choices reflect that.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My relationship to fashion has changed dramatically over time. Until I was maybe 14, I didn’t care at all about fashion–almost to the point of condemning it. Most schools in Brazil require uniforms, so this wasn’t a big part of the day-to-day in any case. After that, in high school, as uniforms were no longer required, my attitude to fashion began to change. I became mostly concerned with wearing something composed, but neutral, making no statements. It was only in the end of high school and in college, when I moved out of my parent’s house in early 2014, that I started experimenting with outfits and developing some sense of personal style.

In the past two years my style has stabilized somewhat to its current version, but what is interesting and entertaining about fashion is the possibility of experimenting, making new combinations with the items I already own, and rediscovering preferences (or challenging them) when looking through magazines or thrift-shopping.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is a daily, non-consequential way of experimenting with aesthetic preferences and, if you will, projected versions of oneself. For me, the considered thoughtlessness of it is part of a healthy diet of creativity, intellectuality, and amusement. And it has a real relationship with one’s self-confidence and perception of one’s own image – which I think can be harmful at times, but at other times can be very useful.

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All images courtesy of Angela Fung. Check out more of her photography here.

Quad Style: Keira Li

Meet Keira, a 4th year Art History major from China. She plans to study architecture after college, and her dream is to design a palace complex for dogs!

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How would you describe your personal style?

Mostly streetwear/vintage. I wear a lot of black, and I don’t like clothes that are too colorful or extremely feminine. Usually when I run out of ideas for outfits I put on my favorite combination— black turtleneck sweater and jeans (aka the Steve Jobs look).

I'm wearing a white t-shirt from JNBY, Leather jacket from Genuine People, velvet pants from Genuine People, boots from Unif.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

’90s Hong Kong movies, my mom’s closet and Instagram!

Where do you like to shop?

I’m a fan of Vetements and Acne Studios. However, they are way too expensive for me to actually afford anything from them. In reality, most of my favorite pieces are from Unif, Opening Ceremony and Genuine People (those are still not cheap, but occasionally affordable). For bags and accessories, Building Block has a great collection of minimalist designs.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Yes. I once bought a black hoodie from Anti Social Social Club. The first time I wore it I came across two random people wearing the exact same hoodie. Absolutely didn’t like that!

I'm wearing a sweatshirt from Sandro, skirt from Aritzia, boots from Unif.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

I think that ultimately, our relationship to what we wear boils down to our relationship to our body. There was a time when I believed that the only way I could look fashionable was by wearing size 00/XXS clothes. I’ve always been naturally skinny, but during that time I somehow got super obsessed with getting the body shape of a runway model. Now when I look back it seemed ridiculous and I honestly didn’t look great because I lacked confidence in myself. Instead of changing ourselves to conform to a certain type of beauty standard or fashion style, it is more important to appreciate our individuality and choose clothing that best suits that. To look nice and confident we have to first accept and become comfortable in our own bodies.

Why is fashion important to you?

Because I care about how I look and I have to wear clothes!

“I think that ultimately, our relationship to what we wear boils down to our relationship to our body... To look nice and confident we have to first accept and become comfortable in our own bodies.”

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All images courtesy of Julia Attie. To view more of her photography, click here.

Interview Series: Andie Popova, Founder and CEO of Body Arrest

Welcome to MODA Interview Series, where we feature influencers and leaders in the fashion industry in the Chicago area and beyond to discuss their design inspirations, their creative backgrounds and what it means to be a self-starter in the fashion world today. 

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Meet Andie Popova, a recent UChicago grad originally from Houston, Texas. Last year, Andie launched her own startup, an underwear company called Body Arrest, with the hopes of redefining the industry and empowering women with her comfort-driven, health conscious products. In other words, she's making "underwear... for badass women!"

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First things first, tell us a little about yourself! What are some of the things you love and how did these passions inform your decision to start Body Arrest?

I really thought I'd be an actress until I was eighteen, which was when I decided to go to UChicago and quit my acting days forever! But... then I auditioned for Off-Off Campus, the oldest collegiate improv and sketch group in the country, and that's where I spent most of my time at UChicago... In addition to Off-Off, I also joined the Major Activities Board (MAB), which organizes the biggest entertainment events on campus including the annual music festival Summer Breeze. I've just always loved creating things and coming up with new ways to sell products, and I got the chance to use those skills on MAB as we came up with release tactics for all our events. As far as hobbies go, I write songs on the ukulele and make music videos to accompany those songs. I also consider myself an excellent beginner at salsa dancing, boxing, and hip hop! Emphasis on beginner!

“People want underwear that speaks with them, not for them–and that’s where Body Arrest comes in. ”

When and why did you decide to start Body Arrest?

So the very honest (and maybe slightly risqué, but hey, that would be very on brand) response to why I started Body Arrest begins with the fact that one day last spring I was coming out of the shower and choosing which underwear to put on. I was excited to see that my favorite pair–a purple cotton pair with two giant sea shells on the back–was ready to be worn! Then I reminded myself that a guy I was seeing was coming over, and so I immediately reached for a black, lacy thong instead. I literally stopped in my tracks and thought "wait a minute..."

What made the black lacy thong "sexier" to me–to anyone? Who made that a thing? And I realized that these huge, male-run women's underwear companies are spending millions of dollars a year on ads, products, and models that are meant to tell us what's supposed to be sexy. This seemed crazy to me in that moment, because I personally feel sexiest when I make a room full of people laugh. I feel sexiest when I get an awesome job offer or when I'm at the end of a good workout. I feel sexy in purple sea shell underwear because that's who I am: goofy, vibrant, and bold. I realized that the underwear industry as it stands today wasn't making me feel sexy for who I am. In fact, it was often telling me to be something or someone I'm just not. 

“... male-run women’s underwear companies are spending millions of dollars a year on ads, products, and models that are meant to tell us what’s supposed to be sexy.”

That's the moment I decided I wanted to make underwear that was just as vibrant, smart, and fun as the women around me. Sexiness shouldn't be about what you're wearing–it's about who you are. And your underwear should reflect who you are! I ran the idea by a couple friends, and it turned out other women felt the exact same way as I did. Athletes in particular complained of thongs being uncomfortable, and of the fabric not being breathable. It was settled: I would make underwear that was comfortable, colorful, and empowering. Underwear... for badass women. 

All Body Arrest underwear comes with one of a handful of cheeky slogans printed across the back meant to empower (and humor!) its wearer.

What gaps in the market does Body Arrest aim to solve?

People often ask me "so what makes Body Arrest underwear different?" In terms of the product itself, Body Arrest is extremely comfortable. The fabric is super-soft Bamboo Cotton, and there's no visible elastic to cause constrictions or anything like that. It's also the perfect medium between a bikini style underwear and cheeky style underwear, so you get good coverage with a flattering curve. But what sets Body Arrest apart are its designs on the back. These designs are made with soft heat transfer flocking and spell out phrases like "I'll laugh if it's funny" or "As shaven as I'd like" (the most outrageous one is "Smart girls fuck good"). I wanted to do away with the subordinate phrases like "Pick me" or "I'll be your number one varsity player" and bring phrases that could empower women, especially young women just starting their careers. 

“Sexiness shouldn’t be about what you’re wearing–it’s about who you are.”

More and more people are growing tired of big, name-brand underwear that caters to old ideals of feminism and sexiness. That's why you see so many indie labels launching their own underwear lines. I saw this moment in the industry, coinciding with the rise in women's rights awareness and "woke feminism," as the perfect opportunity to give the people what they want. People want underwear that speaks with them, not for them–and that's where Body Arrest comes in. 

Who or what have been some of the most helpful resources for you as an entrepreneur trying to grow her business? 

I've been interning at the Polsky Exchange for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which has been a total game changer for me. Through Polsky, I've been able to meet dozens of other entrepreneurs from all kinds of industries who have talked me through their own mistakes and successes and taught me invaluable lessons. Because of Polsky, I was able to attend a Booth Startup Networking Night, where I met dozens of interested Booth students and other startup owners. It was honestly a magical night because it was the first time I felt like "okay, yes, I'm a founder of this company." I had been working on Body Arrest for almost a year, but answering these big questions about the company and pitching my concept over and over again really finalized the process for me.

What are some of the challenges you deal with as an entrepreneur? What are the most difficult aspects of running a start up? 

Okay, I have so much added respect for people starting apparel companies now because this shit is hard. I originally planned to launch by October 2017. It's currently May 2018, and we still haven't launched. They all told me it would take longer than expected, but I thought I could be smart and game the system to work quickly. What I learned is, I'm not smart enough to game any system–especially a system I knew nothing about.

“... after making mistakes and learning to be more discerning with who I trust, I’ve gained invaluable experiences that I’ll probably use for the rest of my life.”

I came into the apparel industry without knowing the difference between a plot and a marker, without knowing how to make a pattern, and without knowing the difference between a success and a scam. I wasted so much of my own money on products that weren't right because I wanted to rush things. I wanted to give up more times than I can count. I've literally sat and cried over underwear samples more times than would be okay to admit. But after making those mistakes and learning to be more discerning with who I trust, I've gained invaluable experiences that I'll probably use for the rest of my life. 

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of this journey? 

Like I said, there have been countless times I've wanted to give up. But every time someone messages me and says they've been waiting for a brand like this, or every time I hear of women getting screwed over (i.e. #MeToo, the wage gap, the list goes on) I pick myself up and keep creating. Some of the most rewarding moments for me have been when I see Body Arrest laptop stickers around campus on laptops of people I've never even met! I've had people message me from schools all over the country offering their support and help. It's extremely helpful to feel that support from other people, because entrepreneurship forces you to constantly question your own ideas.

How do you see Body Arrest evolving long-term as a brand? What are your hopes for the company’s future?

Not only do I want to see Body Arrest expand into other product lines like bralettes, pajamas, and condoms (Yeah, condoms! You heard that right!), but I also want Body Arrest to transform the way we see underwear. Sexiness and femininity should be based on what we think and what we do. And expanding on that, I want women to feel comfortable voicing what they want out of sex and shaping their own sex lives. Sex has for many centuries been all about men, but if the future is female, the future of sex can be female, too. 

“Sexiness and femininity should be based on what we think and what we do. And expanding on that, I want women to feel comfortable voicing what they want out of sex and shaping their own sex lives.”

Do you have plans to quit your day job one day and transition to Body Arrest full time?

I think I have a lot to learn about how a company is run, so this summer I'll be starting full time at a market research firm in New York City. I'm excited to use my experiences in market research to develop my personal business. I don't plan on transitioning to Body Arrest full time in the near future, since businesses like these usually take many years to become profitable. I'm just excited to keep learning and building my network as I move to a new city! 

Did UChicago’s competitive environment in any way inform your decision to start your own company or is this something you’ve always really wanted to do? 

I've always wanted to start my own company. Always always. When I was in 7th grade I started making duct-tape wallets, and my friends asked to buy them off me, so I started a small business. I'd make wallets, change up the designs, and sell them to students around school for a couple bucks each. It actually became very profitable! In high school, I was always starting clubs or organizing new events. I wrote a book about my experiences at an Alzheimer's facility and have organized artistic charity events for the Alzheimer's Association almost every year since publishing. That's basically just to emphasize the fact that any time someone tells me "you can't do that," I fight twice as hard to make it happen. Something in me gets excited by the challenge, and I think that's why entrepreneurship is so appealing to me. 

Do you have an tips for aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs on how to translate their ideas into reality? 

My biggest piece of advice is be patient. Don't rush into things and spend a lot of money upfront. Learn from the masters. Talk to everyone you know who is related to the field. Read Lean Startup–it's like the Bible of entrepreneurship. Take every networking opportunity and fake it until you make it!

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For more information about Body Arrest, check out the brand's official website, Instagram, Facebook and Kickstarter pages. 

To submit your own design and slogan ideas to Body Arrest, click here. For questions or contact information, click here.

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Where & Wear: Nellcôte

Nestled among the West Loop's trendiest restaurants like Au Cheval and Girl & the Goat, Nellcôte pulls off European opulence without being over-the-top.

Its namesake, the Villa Nellcôte chateau, was built on the Côte d'Azur in France and marked a new era of the Rolling Stones, when they recorded their innovative double album Exile on Main Street there in 1972. This fusion has continued in Chicago, with house-made cuisine influenced by European flavors, but completely sourced from the Midwest. 

The menu includes everything from venison tartare to pumpkin agnolotti pasta, with this author's personal favorites being the burrata and the sunny-side up egg pizza.

Adventurous foodies will be drawn to Nellcôte's selection of cocktails (including one that mixes cucumber-infused vodka with chile liqueur and red bell pepper syrup), while the beer-inclined can enjoy a curated selection of IPAs from around Chicago and the world.

Nellcôte's well-curated bar and prime Randolph Street location call for an outfit that can handle dinner, drinks, and a night out.

Velvet joggers, block heels, and a structured jacket tick all the boxes, balancing comfort with style. The options below have been inspired by the European minimalism that has become de rigueur stateside, with injections of detail that elevate the look. 

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Zara / Cushnie et Ochs / Missguided

 Joie / Gap / Vanessa Moe

Blank NYC / Parisian / Bagatelle

Aldo / Marc Fisher / & Other Stories

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If you're looking for an elegant, welcoming atmosphere with locally sourced but adventurous cuisine, stop searching and head to Nellcôte. Happy eating!

Address: 833 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

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All other images via; feature image via