California Nights

This past weekend was a gorgeous one here in Chicago and we were determined to take full advantage. So when we heard about a block party involving bottomless half-pours of wine and vintage shopping, we were all over it!
California Nights is a monthly neighborhood gathering in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.  A place to meet the neighbors, shop vintage, check out pop up shops and galleries, drink a lil wine, and listen to some good tunes!  For you locals, California Nights is Humboldt Park's answer to Pilsen's 2nd Fridays.








We started out the evening at Humboldt House where we fawned over the most amazing kilim rugs, crystal bolo ties, and beautiful wall hanging weavings.  We handed over $5 to Claire, the super sweet and oh so stylish owner, and in return she gave us a plastic cup filled with a splash of Pinot Grigio and emblazoned with the California Nights logo (our ticket to the bottomless half-pours we mentioned earlier).  We could have called it a night right then and there and been happy girls but we had a whole block of rad shops to check out.  So on to the next stop, a pop up shop hosted by The Arborist.





More amazing vintage, more more bolo ties (Lauren was in heaven!), and another glass of wine.  From the pop up shop, we wandered next door to Vintage Quest.  Aptly named, this little shop is something like a cross between a roadside flea market and the contents of the curio cabinet in your totally eccentric, and slightly hoarder-ish, great Aunt's house. Oh, and they were blaring Nirvana. So basically, its an amazing place.  We scoured boxes of old buttons and pins, tried on vintage top hats, and scored a few sweet records.  And of course we filled up our cups again.

Finally we staggered strolled over to Meadowlark.  Owners Wendi and Kelly have curated the most perfect selection of vintage pieces that not only feel modern but are actually affordable.  Plus the space is beautiful in its simplicity.  We have a serious crush on this store!

(Ps. Wondering what on earth is going on with those shockingly loud and colorfully cool leggings peeking out from the corner in the last image? Those yoga pants are the creative brain child of The Little Volcano and our friend, Dead Meat Design. They're sure to make your down-ward facing dog ten times more fun! Get your hands on a pair here.)

What a completely awesome time we had.  Thanks, California Nights!  We're counting down the days until the next one, May 17th.  See you there?

California Nights happens every 3rd Saturday between 5pm and 9pm on California Avenue between Division and Augusta.