Snowmaggedon. Snowpacalypse. Thundersnow. Yes, friends, I lived through the great Blizzard of 2011. Of course the 3rd largest blizzard in the HISTORY of the city had to happen while I lived here (wait, why did I move from L.A. ?) Usually I laugh off weather-related hype but this time I stocked up on supplies at Target, Trader Joes and Dominick's (our grocery store) and made sure not to leave the apartment for 24 hours, thus avoiding the 50 mph winds and whiteout conditions.
The next day (Wednesday), the majority of the city had a Snow Day from work or school including me and my roommate. We made a yummy brunch of pumpkin waffles and bacon then ventured out into the nearly 2 feet of snow. That's my roommate Adeline above jumping in the snow!
Surprisingly it wasn't too cold so we managed to slog through the neighborhood and take lots of photos to document our journey. While most businesses were closed for the day (Chicago Public Schools got its first Snow Day in 12 years!), thankfully Star Lounge coffee shop was open so I could snag a much needed latte.As we meandered through the drifts we saw a couple on a sled being pulled by a jeep, adults making snow angels and kids in the middle of a giant snowball fight. Activity was divided into two camps: recreational play and those taking pictures of the snow OR those actually doing work like shoveling out their cars, walks or alleys. Thankfully we didn't have to touch a shovel or plow.
I took off my coat for a few moments to take a photo of my Snow Day Outfit. Details below:1970s wool plaid skirt-- Village Thrift Store, Chicago
J Crew Nordic Sweater-- Salvation Army Thrift Store, Chicago
Red Isotoner Gloves & Plaid Cashmere Scarf-- Thrifted
Red Wool Beret--Christmas Gift from Mom
1950s Fox Fur "Snow Princess" Coat-- Unique Thrift, Chicago
My roommate's car surprisingly survived the blizzard unscathed and with only a few flakes on the roof, unlike these unlucky vehicles that got buried under snow drifts.
Some of the sidewalks had been plowed already but giant banks of snow were left on either side of the walks.
We pretended like we discovered a new, chilly element named snow.
There was barely anyone driving so we could stand in the middle of the street and take photos.
Even more photos of The 2011 Chicago Blizzard at Time Out Chicago, Chicagoist and The Chicago Tribune. Two fashionable Chicago bloggers also posted their photos of the Snowpacalypse too, visit Archives Chicago and Sartoriography!