How to spend a girl's day out at Roosevelt Collection Shops in Chicago

I cannot believe it is going to be Christmas in just a few days. This time of the year gets really crazy and it gets really tricky to balance work, working out, holiday shopping and spending time with friends before we head off to our different families for the holidays. Wouldn’t it be perfect if we could somehow simultaneously do all of that at the same place. Well, that’s exactly what my friend, Zina and I did last weekend at Roosevelt Collection Shops. I’m going to share with you the perfect way to spend some quality time with your best girl pals all in the same location.

Urban Oasis

Nestled in Chicago’s South loop is one of my favorite urban oasis for all things shopping, working out and yes, for the movies. From restaurants and coffee shops, to household name retailers and fitness studios, the thoughtfully curated shopping and lifestyle center houses a mix of all your favorite things.

Roosevelt Collection Shops is very easy to get to and I love the fact that it has it’s own parking. If you live in Chicago, you know what a gem that is! Hint, you get the first 90mins free when you visit any of the shops! We started the day with coffee {tea for me} at Bridgeport Coffee, after which we hit the stores to check off some names on our Christmas list. Naturally, I shopped for myself and snagged this amazing red coat from Banana Republic at almost 50% off, then decided to walk out of the store in it!

Cue happy dance!

Shop Till you Drop!

Roosevelt Collection Shops has such a perfect mix of retailers, think major fashion retailers like Victoria’s Secret/Pink, Loft, H&M, Banana Republic, Francesca’s and many more, so it was a great way to get most of my shopping done in no time. RCS also gets huge bonus points for housing home improvement stores like Z Gallerie and The Container store. If you know anything about me, I have an obsession with home decor. I have been known to occasionally spend hours at this particular Z Gallerie redecorating my entire apartment in my head.

Zina and I had a little snow on our little girls day, which was perfect! We got to experience the snow without being out in it for too long or freezing, thanks to the convenience of having everything within a few feet of each other.

Dinner & Drinks

We shopped until we worked up an appetite and headed for an early dinner and drinks at one of my faves, Nando’s Peri- Peri which was perfect because Zina and I always bond over our love for anything remotely African. I am originally Nigerian, and Zina has been to more African Countries than anyone I know. So Nando’s was the perfect place for us, and we utterly adored the decor and African paintings in the space. The food was amazing, naturally and had the perfect atmosphere for two friends catching up on each others lives. However, if this isn’t your scene, be sure to try Mago Grill & Cantina or Pork Chop.

Popcorn and Movies

My absolute favorite part of Roosevelt Collection Shops is the Showplace Icon Theatre. It is one of my favorite hiding places in the city because I absolutely love the movies. The Lobby Lounge on the second floor is gorgeous and theatrical. I mean, how adorable is that mini car! Overlooking a spectacular view of the city, it creates an intimate atmosphere even perfect for a date night. The movie theaters have the recliner seats that we all so love and I positively obsessed with their popcorn! Extra butter please!!!

Whether you’re grabbing dinner and a movie, taking a boutique fitness class, eating lunch at the center’s scenic rooftop area or shopping from an assortment of national and local retailers, Roosevelt Collection Shops has everything you need for a fun night out or relaxing day in the city. To enjoy the city views, walk out onto the patio and relax on one of the park benches or have a popcorn fight like this goof-ball over here! Hope you get to stop by and experience it!