Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing store that is a relatively new clothing option to the American market. I've been getting clothes from Uniqlo for several years when I was living in New York and now I am thrilled to have a location open in Chicago this past October. Uniqlo is known for offering everyday casual pieces of clothing that are affordable and well-made. They offer lots of basic styles for casual wardrobes with lots of colors and patterns.
To celebrate the store opening, the second largest location in the US, the store offered several promotional CTA 'train takeovers' inside the Loop downtown. For free admission, people could schedule a half hour time slot to get promotional goodies and treats to celebrate the store opening. I was lucky to go with my colleague Caroline and we snagged ourselves some sushi candy, saw professional covert dancers break into dance with a live DJ, and we were able to literally bounce around the Loop for a very fun experience.
Since the opening of the store I've been several times to pick up some jeans, a sweater, and check out the great view from their third floor Starbucks. Uniqlo is a great addition to Chicago and I'm very happy it came to town.
Heading directly west from Chicago's downtown Loop, there is an outstanding garden oasis called the Garfield Park Conservatory. Having arrived in Chicago during the middle of winter the Conservatory was a welcomed retreat away from the cold. The conservatory is comprised of several large glass atriums filled with an abundant variety of plants, trees, and flowers. Several unique features to the conservatory at Garfield Park included a special atrium for children and a 'show' atrium filled with hanging inverted yellow umbrellas and special blooming plants featured by the Conservatory. For a suggested donation for $5 for adults a visit to the Conservatory was definitely worth it and I hope to go back very soon.
