Seems high time I mention that we’re taking La Coquette on the road--I’ll live in Chicago,* city that I heart, for two months this winter to work as Associate Editor for Chicago magazine’s fashion supplement, Chicago Fashion. I hope you all are on board for the ride. I’ll bring the Doritos and Tootsie Pops.
Date of departure in two weeks time (yee gads, I know), but not to worry folks, the ticket is round trip.
*I bought the Lonely Planet Chicago guide at Village Voice bookstore the other day. I have a story idea that involves handbags and needed to be reminded what it means to live in the Ukrainian Village versus Lakeview verses Hyde Park. But first, I was reminded what it means to live in Chicago: "The quintessential Midwesternness of the natives--cheerful, hard-working, and a little conservative..." I shut the book and thought, So pretty much THE OPPOSITE of France. (Oh, don't give me that look. You see, this is my reward for being both French and American--I can perpetuate stereotypes both coming and going!)
I bet that I cry the first time someone smiles and bags my groceries. Not that there's anything particularly Midwestern about that, but I've already wept in anticipation of Cheerios and Conan O'Brian--it doesn't take much.
Wow, that's such great news! Good luck with everything..it's very inspiring!!
Posted by: Medina | 28 October 2005 at 03:20 PM
I came across your blog and noticed that you're moving to Chicago for two months. I have to disagree about Chicago being conservative. I think the city is an island in a sea of conservatives (if you leave the city limits and head out to the 'burbs and beyond) :) Good lucky from an uncheerful liberal Chicagoan. ;)
Posted by: Heather | 28 October 2005 at 03:36 PM
OO-la-la. Bonne chance. Tu vas geler.
Posted by: Stu "El Inglés" Harris | 28 October 2005 at 03:52 PM
I'll be curious to see how it goes. It's not like you're finally making it to the 'big city' and leaving the farm behind. Let's just hope it doesn't feel the other way around! If you go to Cupcakes, please write about it. I'd like to know if it's worth checking out if I'm ever there.
Posted by: Megan | 28 October 2005 at 03:58 PM
Chicago is NOT conservative! The rest of the midwest, maybe, but not here in Chicago.
Posted by: Dana | 28 October 2005 at 04:00 PM
Tu parles, Stu! Je viens de Floride! *nervous laughter* Yeah, I've already almost died from a Chicago winter. At least now I have a proper doudoune.
Megan, oooh what's Cupcakes?
Posted by: Coquette | 28 October 2005 at 04:01 PM
Chicago is not as "midwestern" as they say. I've grown up in the midwest, and Chicagoans are NOT typical midwesterners. The one thing I noticed the most about the city is that people honk at eachother A LOT. You don't get that in Des Moines or even Kansas City (my hometown). Don't get me wrong, I really liked Chicago, but it's not all polite and folksy as you might think. It's a city.
By the way, you must go to Garrett's Popcorn while you are there and eat at the Billy Goat, made famous by Saturday Night Live's "Cheeseburger, no fries, chips!" sketch.
Posted by: Courtney | 28 October 2005 at 04:26 PM
bring some crepes here and choc mousse, i can't find them in chicago's grocery stores.
Posted by: vera | 28 October 2005 at 04:27 PM
Chicago is not as "midwestern" as they say. I've grown up in the midwest, and Chicagoans are NOT typical midwesterners. The one thing I noticed the most about the city is that people honk at eachother A LOT. You don't get that in Des Moines or even Kansas City (my hometown). Don't get me wrong, I really liked Chicago, but it's not all polite and folksy as you might think. It's a city.
By the way, you must go to Garrett's Popcorn while you are there and eat at the Billy Goat, made famous by Saturday Night Live's "Cheeseburger, no fries, chips!" sketch.
Posted by: Courtney | 28 October 2005 at 04:29 PM
Coquette,
Cupcakes is this!
http://www.cupcakesacrossamerica.com/
A delicious new bakery that only sells cupcakes. Totally addicting!
And like the other posters said, Chicago is a blue oasis in a sea of red conservativism. Don't believe Lonely Planet!
Posted by: Katie | 28 October 2005 at 04:31 PM
It really depends on what you're comparing to Chicago. DuPage County versus Chicago, Chicago is liberal. The East Village versus Chicago, Chicago is conservative. From the Lonely Planet's perspective, however, it just shouldn't have felt right to call the natives of the Daley machine "a little conservative."
But I certainly wouldn't be worrying about the politics while you're here. Worry about the winter. (I see you've already got it in mind.)
Looks like we'll be passing in the airport.
Posted by: DDJ | 28 October 2005 at 04:56 PM
WARNING: it took me almost six months to (re)adjust to US living. luckily you'll only be in the states for two months-not enough time to assimilate and just long enough to get a dose of americana without experiencing heavy french withdrawal.
gook luck and congrats.
Posted by: sarai | 28 October 2005 at 05:00 PM
you are coming to town just when it gets cold...the sort of cold that could push you over the edge. If you need any pointers or advice about living in Chicago, shoot me an email.
Welcome to town..
Posted by: chris | 28 October 2005 at 05:30 PM
the Lonely Planet called Chicago 'conservative'? Chicago is anything but...
Posted by: chris | 28 October 2005 at 05:31 PM
I see you loving Chicago. But don't you cancel that round-trip ticket because nobody does American in Paris quite the way you do. :)
Posted by: La Dauphine | 28 October 2005 at 05:32 PM
Dearest Coquette,
You know how we do in Chicago! Didn't I read that you studied in Evanston? Something about North Face jackets? I am excited to hear that you're coming back to our fair city. Are you going to be working at the Tribune building? I cannot remember where Chicago magazine's offices are located. I would love to take you out to lunch and introduce you to some good people who can make your stay cozy. Please feel free to contact me! Be prepared- I'll be wearing the brown North Face jacket! BUSTED! ;)
Emily
Posted by: Emily | 28 October 2005 at 05:34 PM
nice blogs !
Posted by: Kayaa | 28 October 2005 at 06:04 PM
Sounds exciting. Just in time for the freezing cold!
And frankly, I feel a lot more comfortable with you in Chicago than Paris for another reason: they force you to wear your helmet when you're on your bicycle!
Welcome to America.
Posted by: Neil | 28 October 2005 at 07:25 PM
Chicago is very un-conservative!!
I love Chicago and my lover's in Chicago!!!!!!
Happy for ya. ;)
Posted by: April | 28 October 2005 at 07:47 PM
As someone who has made the transition from living in the 14e to Chicago again, I can say that Hyde Park is about as close to Paris as you can find in Chicago, minus the efficient metro. The Med bakery makes surprisingly good baguettes, though I got quite sick of them in Paris, as they were all I could afford to eat for dinner for months. Gothic looking buildings and nice green spaces, with a bit more crime thrown in for excitement, I guess. But I do enjoy having someone else stuff my groceries in my ll bean bag here....
One thing: Bistro Margot sells crab cakes as an "entree" (As in appetizer, erg!) and translates them as "gateaux de crabe" or some such nonsense. Your frustration level will skyrocket, as I'm sure it does everytime you come home. Moral of the story: eat a lot before you move to chitown.
Emily (a different one than above... why does everyone have my name?)
Posted by: Emily | 28 October 2005 at 08:04 PM
Include me in your emails if you want/need current info on food and dining (or anything else) in Chicago. Born and bred liberal Chicagoan!
mar.
Posted by: mar | 28 October 2005 at 09:22 PM
Congrats! How exciting!
I say, you really should make a trip out to LA while you're in the States..
Posted by: Gloria | 28 October 2005 at 10:19 PM
So on board! De-lurking to say that, as someone who enjoys this blog and as a Chicagoan, I'm much anticipating your entries on Chicago.
And you'll be here for December (which I bet I don't need to tell you is one of the city's best months, despite the weather)!
Posted by: Lexi | 28 October 2005 at 10:54 PM
"MY KIND OF TOWN...CHI-CA-GO IS!"
For two months you can replace pain au chocolat with Garretts popcorn and your french bubbly with some good 'ol beer.
I've seen Coquette happy as a clam in Chicago before and I know I can expect the same the second time around. Thank goodness for already owning a puffy black (and tres chic) parka!
Chicago or bust...as a Midwestern fish out of water in storm torn FLorida, I am TRES jealous!
Posted by: Kathleen | 28 October 2005 at 11:15 PM
Have fun in Chicago! Coming back to the states is always weird. Let us know what you think...
Posted by: juliana | 28 October 2005 at 11:39 PM
A city with Barneys is a good city indeed. Coffee and pastries may not be up to euro-par, but you will not lack for pretty shoes.
Posted by: Molly | 29 October 2005 at 12:27 AM
Hey, Coquette (or Flirty Fashion Hottie as they will now call you in Chicago -- they don't put up with pretense in Illinois):
I know you are popular, but did you see how crazy it is in Chicago when they heard you were moving there?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mjparnell/56967638/
Posted by: Neil | 29 October 2005 at 12:33 AM
good luck, coquette! chicago will be interesting although it's cold as hell in the winter. i spent last winter there as well for film stuff and i was freezing my ass off the entire time. so bring lots of warm coats and ear muffs and gloves that won't turn into icicles at first snow.
i didn't take much time to readjust - i spent two years in africa and then just came back to ny. trust me, conan and reruns of the best, the best, jerry! made it really easy. ;-) now we have all these new shows too and going away next year for paris means i'll have to leave them behind. *tear* oh well, i'd exchange a little csi for a little hot french action any time. haha. j/k. ok, maybe not really. lots of luck and i look forward to reading about chicago --tsop
Posted by: tsop | 29 October 2005 at 01:02 AM
I love Chicago! Have fun!
Posted by: Flare | 29 October 2005 at 01:44 AM
I cried hysterically at the Chicago O'hare international airport baggage claim upon arriving back from France. The trigger? Hearing my name pronounced with a midwestern twang for the first time in over a year when my passport was stamped with a friendly 'welcome back Lauren Poulin'
Posted by: Lauren | 29 October 2005 at 02:16 AM
I'm considering posting to this blog ...
Okay, I've decided to post because I've been to chicago. Had a beer at the train station and almost got mugged. Is that how you spell mugged? The people seemed very friendly. Different atmosphere then los angeles, everyone doesn't think they are a movie star ...
your truly,
concerned citizen of the world
fashion~ Beep Beep
Posted by: Wiley | 29 October 2005 at 02:49 AM
Chicago has the best-ever pizza and Cheesecake Factory. Plus it's close to me. Have fun, Coquette!
Posted by: Asian Leprechaun | 29 October 2005 at 12:56 PM
Chicago has the best-ever pizza, mint chocolates, and Cheesecake Factory. Plus it's close to me. Good city.
Have fun, Coquette!
Posted by: Asian Leprechaun | 29 October 2005 at 12:57 PM
wave hello to my old apartment 1400 North Lakeshore drive please. *sigh* While I love London, I miss my home!!!!
Have a blast!
Posted by: island girl | 29 October 2005 at 02:10 PM
Mon cherie, Je m'espère que vous visiterez mon extérieur juste de librairie de Chicago, et permets de vous porter au déjeuner. Peut-être vous pouvez me donner des commentaires sur un de mes caractères qui se déplace d'Amérique à Paris à la fin du siècle. Alors que diriez-vous de voir Noël s'allume ensemble ?
Posted by: Quillhill | 29 October 2005 at 03:08 PM
Woman! I am so happy to have you join me for a couple of months during my year of midwestern exile. It will be so wonderfully out of context to be here with a fellow Paris expat. So far I am fond of the changing leaves, the vienna dogs, the Caribbean hue of the lake, the way in which those antennas on the Sears Tower look like pointy purple ears at night, the delcious architecture and the amazing dolmas you can eat in Greek town. I am not so fond of the sadistic hours my program requires, the NU "fellowship of the dorks," the October nights that dip near the freezing mark or the annoying accents though. I can't wait for you to come take me exploring and show this newcomer some of the city's secrets. I am waiting for you love! This town won't know what hit it. ;)
Bises,
Rin
Posted by: Erin | 29 October 2005 at 11:25 PM
Hail yee Midwestern delurkers--I didn't know so many of you existed! We need to organize a night at bar for the gang, n'est pas? Thanks all for the nice, nice comments. It brought much smiling to my face to see knowing references to Frango mints and the like--I do know Chitown pretty well, btw. I lived there for a year before coming to Paris. A tres bientot on the "El"
Posted by: Coquette | 30 October 2005 at 11:16 AM
A meeting at a bar sounds good! I think you'll love to be back in Chi-towne. If you're feeling lonely whilst away you can contact the French American Chamber of Commerce! ;) I just went to a meeting there the other day. I think you'll love to see how the city has changed in the last 3 years. As you hear on the el..."This is Grand."
Posted by: Emily born in 1978 in Tinley Park, IL | 31 October 2005 at 02:19 AM
oh darling you will surely cry when they bag your groceries and when you realize that you can wear sweats to buy your groceries and NO ONE CARES! of course your tears will freeze in the frigid, frigid cold but the upside is how your eyes will sparkle!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 31 October 2005 at 02:20 AM
For some reasons I am sure Chicago IS a trendy place... maybe not as much as NY but far far more than most american cities.
Posted by: Miss Pink | 31 October 2005 at 03:13 AM
So you will be returning to Paris after 2 months right? Are you planning to do any travelling before returning to Paris?
Posted by: Harrods Girl | 31 October 2005 at 04:02 AM
Are you going to post from Chicago?
Posted by: J | 31 October 2005 at 04:17 AM
If you were going to the South, not only would that person smile and bag your groceries but they would also offer to carry them out of the store for you.
Posted by: Dagny | 31 October 2005 at 04:30 AM
um. . no, hyde park does NOT resemble paris. and I don't think the constant fear of getting mugged and raped is very exciting at all.
Posted by: Barneys Girl | 31 October 2005 at 05:11 AM
Hooray! Conan has been waiting for you to come back to our shores - and Jon Stewart, too.
What lovely news, and congrats. You shall still be Coquette, just in Chicago.
Posted by: samantha | 31 October 2005 at 05:20 AM
I'm sure you'll do up the Windy City in always-fabulous Coquette style. Sam and I would like you to know that our pre-work IM'ing this morning somehow devolved (no, Evolved!) into mutual admiration of your fabulous head of hair. Happy Halloween from the Left Coast.
Posted by: Marilyn | 31 October 2005 at 03:38 PM
don't know what kind of handbugs you're looking for, but my friend Cinnamon here in Chicago makes really cool ones. email me if you're interested and i'll give you the details.
and for commenter Megan - cupcakes is "OK" but i don't think it's that great. the frosting is really lightweight and sorta on the runnier side. if you are a serious frosting fan that is disappointing. also the flavoring is really light - the peanut butter is the only one i've had where the flavor really STOOD OUT the way i was expecting...
Posted by: carolyn | 31 October 2005 at 03:42 PM
You'll be here for the Lighting of State Street and the tree in Daley Plaza and the wonderful Walnut Room at Marshall Fields. Christmas is our best season. I'm so excited to have you here! I'd carry your groceries out for you!!
Posted by: Mica | 31 October 2005 at 05:09 PM
Yo Baby! So glad you are coming to the midwest.
Let me know when blog at the bar night is... I swear to you I will come from Omaha! DDJ - You would come from WI, right?
If you feel like exploring before you leave just shout. You at least have a place to stay in Omaha and I have a feeling one of your many Emily fans would be more than willing to put you up in Des Moines or KC.
Posted by: Sara | 31 October 2005 at 07:32 PM
Well, as someone born in India, and grown up in Iowa, with stops in Chicago, let me tell you: you have good taste to 'heart' chicago. Check out Devon Ave and the Indian jewelry stores: bling, like no other bling on the planet.
Posted by: MD | 31 October 2005 at 10:12 PM