Chicago Weekend Fun!

I have been out walking on Michigan ave in Chicago and noticed all the spring shoes in the windows for Easter this year. Or at least I think they are for Easter. Why else would the shoe stores be showing strappy high heels and slingback shoes this time of year? Easter is usually a cloudy rainy cold holiday in Chicago. We don’t get a lot of that light green grass and tulips that the ads like to flaunt. The pastel dainty offerings at Nordstrom, Macy’s Pay Less Shoe Source, Target and Kohl’s seem completely out of context for one feezing wearing regardless of how painful they are. I remember how the white or pastel shoes bought for Easter got tossed to the back of the closet soon after Easter and never worn again. No matter that warm weather will come in a few months, they aren’t practical for daily wearing because they are usually too uncomfortable. It’s not that Easter isn’t important, it’s just that the Chicago weather makes spring clothing impossible.

I am not sure who decided that pastel hats, gloves and shoes would be worn on Easter as we celebrate with pagan themed eggs and bunny rabbits while it pours rain at 45 degrees outside. This year Easter falls even earlier than usual. It is March 30th rather than in April and right up against St. Patrick’s Day. I think that the whole pastel frilly Easter theme should be suspended for anyone who isn’t under the age of 7 in the name of more practical attire. I know we miss warm weather in Chicago this time of year, but wearing a dress that blows in the wind and freezes your legs off won’t bring the warm temperatures any faster. Neither will strappy sandals. I have gone to church too many times freezing cold just to look fancy enough to keep up with the Joneses. No more. Here is a guide to dressing sensibly for this Easter in Chicago.

1. Wear Pants. It’s just too cold to get your style on yet.

2. Wear sensible shoes, whatever nice ones you already own. No need to go out and spend money on new stuff you will only toss to the back of the closet when we are currently in a recession.

3. Hats optional. I actually really like hats, but not in the wind. No amount of hairpins will help.

4. Gloves? Only the woollen kind are really necessary.

5. Plan on the pastel being from the colored eggs and tablecloth rather than a whole new wardrobe.

6. If you want a bunny you can always put bunny ears on the cat.

7. Enjoy the chocolate eggs and jelly beans.

8. Forget the blackberry, cell phones and computer at home and enjoy a day with the family.