A Summer Day in beautiful Chicago...

The Chicago River at the end of a beautiful summer day.

 I spent a lovely summer day in downtown Chicago.  I don't get downtown as much as I used to and to spend a day on a gorgeous summer day, it always renews my love affair with such a beautiful city.

The Chicago Farmers Market was at the Daley Center Plaza complete with the famous Picasso art sculpture.

We started the day at the Chicago Farmer's Market. A lovely al fresco assortment of both flowers, fresh produce, and various other products.  

Such pretty sunflowers!

Gorgeous bouquets of wild flowers!  Only $4.00.  

String beans, green beans galore!

Shopping on Michigan Avenue, this is the AMAZING Burberry remodel in which they are going to replicate the signature plaid on the building.  I cannot wait for this to be completed!

There is a a new TOMMY BAHAMA (LOVE) store opening on Michigan Avenue in Fall 2012.  This was the adorable advertisement in the windows of the new store.  We should all follow this sentiment, agree?

Then it was down to the piece de resistance - the Ralph Lauren Store - a true landmark on the famed Mag Mile.  I have been here before but I always take a deep breath upon entering - it is that gorgeous!

The other side of the store as it is on a corner.  The Summer Sale Event window was TOO adorable to not take a picture.

The foyer and grand staircase.  The first floor is completely dedicated to the London Olympic Games 2012.  It is awesome.  The Ralph Lauren Store Chicago is the largest Ralph Lauren store in the world.

The staircase is absolutely STUNNING and the rich woods and wainscoting are unbelievable.

The landing of the staircase on the way to the next floor is adorned with a gorgeous clock and amazing equestrian themed art.

Yes, this is the women's department upstairs.  Exquisite - would you expect anything less?

                                                      Women's shoes and jewelry.

A beautiful pair of saddles flank a doorway in the Women's clothing area.  Gorgeous!

The Women's London Olympic Collection room.  

The entrance to the Home section.  Breathtaking.  The larger portion of this floor was closed as they prepare for the Home Collection for Fall 2012.  So exciting.

Beautiful etched caraffe and leather embossed tray.  Wow!

These huge and stunning hurricanes were on the floor and were GORGEOUS.  Love the sand and shells!

Another beautiful tray and liqueur set.  Love the glasses!

In the Water Tower Place shopping center, one of the windows was a Chicago Skyline done in LEGOS!  Does it get any better than this?  Even Buckingham Fountain and the water.  So amazing!

 Such a lovely day in Chicago - "definitely my kind of town"!