Neo Con Extravaganza

Now on to the real reason I was in Chicago. I've actually made it to yuppie status just within a year of graduating from art school, and I was on my very first, ultra grown up business trip. Every year in Chicago there is a big contract (contract=hospitality, schools, office, healthcare, etc.) furniture fair called NeoCon. I fully understand that the name is a little strange, I know. The furniture isn't too avant garde because a designer cannot really push the envelope too far when one is designing office conference pieces. It was still worthy of note to see what people are thinking about for classrooms, etc because I don't usually think of those spaces as, well, "designed."


A pond in the office?

Chicago Police Jogging

I was walking through Pilsen to the Pink line to get to work and I was about to cross the street when I realized it would take a few minute. I am assuming that these are the newest cadets taking a test of sorts to prove they are up to snuff enough to be part of the elite Chicago Police Force!


Those cute little vests are the best part.

Chicago Scenes

These kids knocked the cap of the fire hydrant and played all day on the block I was staying on, flooding the whole street. While I can't imagine a bigger waste of water, they did have a good time.
The entrance to my old apt in the West Loop. (sigh)
And then I turned into a tourist, the nostalgia took hold.
Blue Line Stop.

And finally, a good dog. I had to sneak this photo in.

Chicago Nostalgia part one

Me and Caroline went thrift and consignment shopping up and down Milwaukee only to end up at Niche, the very expensive shoe store. Caroline bought some amazing shoes, and I sat grumpy with a budget.
This is Snew, the resident cat in Coale's residence. He (Coale, not the cat) lives in this little part of town right behind the Blue Line when it comes back above ground. Because the subway is blocking many streets from continuing on to the other side the area he lives in is wonderfully secluded and completely charming enclave.
The very first thing I said when I walked into his apartment was "Woah! You have an Eames rocker?! Is that real?"
"I thought it was from IKEA," was Coale's response. I checked, it is a real Eames, and Coale's roommate Ricky confirmed it. Over all the space was decorated really nicely, the color palate, the old furniture. I could do without a massive TV, but I still enjoyed the space.
My first time sitting in an Eames rocker.Spencer lives in the coolest loft ever with some crazy large furniture. I have a love for massive furniture, which is unfortunate because I live in New York and everything is small. Spencer's apt can host it all.

I found this little ditty on the coffee table (made of two doors). I still can't decide if I'm in love or repulsed.

Send me off

I just got back from Chicago to attend NeoCon. I was greeted by my Chicago friends and an overwhelming amount of contract furniture at the overwhelming Merchandise Mart. Going back in time to Saturday, the first hot day of NYC (not the last to be sure) I met some lovely ladies and a gent for brunch at the Corner Shop.
The Corner Shop (on the corner of Broadway and Bleeker) is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in the city. Try the Portobella Burger, you'll cry it's so good. It was a great way to say good by to my city, and to Ankura who was returning to San Fransisco the same day.

Good Eye

Can you tell whats wrong in this photo?Hint: Dot your I's and cross your T's.

Soho Art plus a good friend

My amazing friend, James, who is roomies with Arturo Vega, Ramones graphic artist, had a collaborative art show at a space in Soho, for one night only. The band Matt and Kim played some jamz and there was alot of free wine.
I don't believe James was that thrilled about the free wine. I told him there was no way he was a sell out, an opportunist at best.