In case you are wondering . . . I decided to 86 the shorts idea. After much deliberation and many kind words of encouragement, I concluded that I have too much jiggle in my walk (to go along with the giggle in my talk) to pull it off. I only saw myself standing still in the mirror. 

 A big THANK YOU to those who emailed a response. I loved hearing your opinions. I am so grateful!

 And here's the happy ending I was hoping for. If you will recall, those shorts were named City Shorts. I may not be wearing them but I will be living in the city very soon. After spending an extrarordinary weekend downtown with three of my dearest friends recently, I am convinced that it's where I want to live while I'm still healthy and young at heart.

Ohio Street Beach selfie by Donna and Diana

 I went to bed but they kept walking!

The beauty of the lakefront has always been a draw, but this year with all the new architecture, old landmark restorations, and the addition of Maggie Daly Park and gardens, the scenery is breathtaking. If you haven't spent time down there recently, you need to. And if you don't live nearby, you need to plan a visit. I would be more than happy to be your tour guide and my rates are very reasonable. Just buy me a cold drink at Castaways on the Beach at North Avenue. That's the only place on our must see list we missed. 

 Next time.

 Oh, and the many and varied dresses were so much fun to observe downtown, too! From beautiful maxi dresses to short smart little Jackie O daytime sheaths, the  fashion ran rampant. And from Millennium Park  . . . 

A view from the roof top restaurant Cindy's in the newly restored Chicago Athletic Association building. It's now the Athletic Hotel and it's spectacular!

 down to Lincoln Park, even as temperatures soared, everyone seemed relaxed, happy and did not complain about the heat (except for me, of course. I hate it when the humidity makes it next to impossible to look cool).

 Cafe North Pond in Lincoln Park

We were quite relaxed as we celebrated 40 years of friendship.

But, no question about it, the summer dress of the season is the maxi. On the beaches, in the parks and on the street, even Michigan Avenue, I saw very casual daytime looks and also more sophisticated evening looks. Maxis were everywhere; it's the dress of Summer 2015. And please note, one need not be tall to wear it well. We simply need to find the right style and cut for our shapes. (I would be happy to help you with that. Shopping for and dressing women is my forte.)  

Anthropologie

Ann Taylor

The Gap

If you go on-line, you can see a vast selection right now and most are on sale as the stores are in the midst of their end of the season clearance. 

 Whaat? The end of the season?  

No, Silly. We have two more months of summer. But shh! Don't tell the retailers . . . 

 Stay cool and a very happy summer to all!

Nancy