Visions of Vogue

Jenna Colgrove in an ASOS striped white peplum top in Downtown Los Angeles.

Goodbye Los Angeles, Hello…

Jenna Colgrove in an ASOS striped white peplum top in Downtown Los Angeles.

It’s true! After over 10 years of living in the City of Angels, I’m saying goodbye! These past 7 days have been a complete whirlwind. So many emotions have run through me! After signing a job offer, there were moments of pure joy followed immediately by panic (and still joy). How are we going to move our lives 2,000 miles cross-country in just 3 weeks?

Let’s rewind. For those that don’t know our story, Matt and I met in Las Vegas 5 years ago (here’s his side of the story). Yeah, we did like Usher and found love in the club or something like that. Matt lived in Chicago at the time and I was here in Los Angeles. We spent the first 6 months texting all day like tweens. At some point, Matt made a deal with me. If I’d be his plus one to a wedding, he’d return the favor. I accepted in some sassy way but really, I was thinking “am I actually going to spend 2 weekends with some strange guy I talked to in a club for a few hours?” I was. And it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Yes, we only talked.

Fast forward to the first weekend. After 5 minutes of re-meeting, Matt told me he got a new job, was moving to Los Angeles, and asked me to be his girlfriend. He goes big. I’m sure you can figure out how the story goes from there! During our time in LA, we’ve gotten to know each other extremely well. We’ve gotten engaged and married. We’ve shared so many laughs, created unforgettable memories, and grown together with the help of those surrounding us. But it’s time for a change!

Matt and I have been contemplating a move for about a year. Los Angeles has been great to us. The weather is always perfect and there are things to do all the time. From culture to the beach to the abundance of juice bars, there is a long list of things we love about living here. We have been blessed to have a great network of friends in the city (and a few recent additions) which makes this next step so much harder. That said, there are also things I won’t miss. Traffic and I are besties right now! While change can be scary, I’m 100% overjoyed to see what the future holds.

So, where to? I know you’ve all probably been scanning this post for the answer. Chicago!!! That’s right, this California girl is moving to the Midwest 2 months before winter! Why Chicago? Every time we’ve visited Chicago, we’ve felt a little more alive and a little more like us. Over the years, Matt has felt more strongly about being closer to his family and friends. I’ve always wanted to live in a true metropolitan city (if you’ve been to LA, you know what I mean) plus I thrive on challenges. Midwesterners are some of the kindest and most sincere people I’ve met. I’m thrilled to spend the next few years getting to know more of them too! We are so grateful for the strong foundation we have in Illinois already and know that this makes the transition so much easier.

So, what does this mean for Visions of Vogue? Variety. I’m eager to explore different scenery and work on exciting new partnerships. Instead of wearing shorts in December, I’ll be wearing seasonally appropriate items that are relevant to you! Here are some of my fall and winter outfits so far. You’ll still get the best parts of the blog but they’ll be reinvigorated, revamped, and improved. I’m working on being a little more real and personal too beginning with this post. If you haven’t seen my reaction to a field of corn or the snow, I promise it is thoroughly entertaining or so I’ve been told. Everything is only going to get better! In the meantime, you can follow along with life here and get some insight into a man’s mind with posts from Matt here!

While it’s tough to leave, this is truly for the best. We are beyond thrilled for this next stage of life! My heart races every time I think about it – although I can’t figure out if it’s out of happiness or from the fear of navigating this logistical nightmare.

Now I’m turning over the sharing to you! I’m taking all tips you have about life in the Midwest! What are the best boots to own? Where are the trendy spots in Chicago? How many coats is too many coats? And how cold does it really get?

In honor of the city we’ve called home for the last 4 years, I’m sharing some of my favorite photos we’ve shot lately (and they’re shoppable)! How’s that for a Monday!

Jenna Colgrove wearing a black lace up dress with cognac booties by Vince Camuto.

Jenna Colgrove in a pastel blue wrap midi dress by ASOS.

Jenna Colgrove in an long sleeved ASOS Smock Dress in navy lace.

Visions of Vogue in a white tiered bell sleeve top with the Sole Society Ravin tote bag.

Jenna Colgrove in the Sanctuary Chantel Slit Sleeve Off the Shoulder Top in Los Angeles.

Jenna Colgrove wearing the Sole Society Ferries Open Toe Bootie and a green sweater.

Jenna Colgrove wearing an ASOS cold shoulder tunic in burgundy.

Jenna Colgrove wearing a Dreamers Cowl neck sweater and Vince Camuto Katleen booties.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I am so excited for you, girlfriend! This is major! I’ve never been to Chicago and have always wanted to go! Now I can go visit you ;)

    So excited to see what’s next for you guys and to see how your blog grows and evolves.

    xo Steph
    A Sparkle Factor

    Reply

  4. I think its more exciting to move to a new town because its like you have been given a fresh chance on life. More like God pressed a Refresh button on your life. You get to meet new people, you get a new job, you get to create new memories. I hope you enjoy it, all the best.

    https://deffinatlyshaz.co.zw/

    Reply

  6. I’m so excited for you! Chicago is my second favorite City in the US (followed by LA, of course!). We fly through Chicago all the time to visit Alan’s family in Michigan, so I will definitely be seeing you soon. Where are you working? Have you found a cute place yet? Eeeekk! So exciting! xx

    Reply

    • Yayyy!! I’m working right in downtown and living in River North! We have a place but everything has been virtual so I’ll keep you posted on if it’s actually cute hahaha

      Reply

    • That is so sweet Paula! Thank you so much! It is definitely a unique one but that’s so us!

      Reply

  12. you’re going to love Chicago (i hope) as a born and raised Midwesterner who recently moved to SoCal, the transition has been rough. People are for sure nicer in the Midwest and you’re going to fall in LOVE with Lake Michigan (promise!). My recommendations would be a down parka that goes below your knees & some UGG waterproof snowboots (or Sorel, or anything – because cold and wet feet are the worst). Luckily its usually pretty gorgeous through early/later November. ENJOY!

    xo, Maddy
    https://cassidylou.com/

    Reply

    • Thank you so much for the thoughtful tips Maddy! Definitely helpful! I’ll def miss SoCal but I’m ready for a change!!

      Reply

  13. Girl I can’t believe you’re moving to Chicago!! This is a great city lo live in, even during winter! Hey, if I got used to it, you will too. Venezuela is way hotter than LA!
    Well, anyway I’m thrilled with this and I hope we get to meet soon! I know a lot of people, so if you ever want to meet, eat, brunch and just hang with other local bloggers I’ll be more than happy to help you with that! I know it can feel a little lonely to be in a new city.

    And about your questions:
    – What are the best boots to own? Uggs and Sorels
    – Where are the trendy spots in Chicago? There are so many! But make sure to check out the wicker park, lincoln park and west loop areas
    – How many coats is too many coats? I have more than 15 and will probably get a couple more this year hahaha
    – And how cold does it really get? Don’t want to be negative or discouraging with this one ;) Last year was 60 on Christmas! We are hoping for that to happen this year as well ;)

    Have a great week and good luck with the moving thing ok?
    I’m sure you guys will be as happy here as you were in LA. People here are way nicer ;)
    XO
    Aimara
    http://www.waysofstyle.com

    Reply

    • Thank you SO much Aimara!! I just saw your post this morning from Chicago and reminded myself that you live there! It will be so great to have friends in the city!! Can’t wait to meet you!

      Reply

  14. I can’t believe you are moving to my city! My favorite blogger! I can’t wait to see your winter outfits! Finally someone who can teach me how to stay stylish in the winter time and not only mad, sad and cold :P
    but Fall and Summers here are amazing! :)
    That is so exciting!!!!

    Reply

    • Hi Alicja!! I think you just made my day with your sweet comments!! Who knows, I might be taking tips from you though haha!!

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  15. Yay! You’re moving to my city!! Although everyone I know doesn’t want to stay here any more! lol!! You’ll LOVE it here! Welcome, future Chicagoan! Hope the move goes well!

    xo Mariam | The Petite Bijou

    Reply

    • Thank you so much girl!! We hear that a lot from our friends there too but there must be something keeping them there! I’m so excited for the snow!!

      Reply

  16. Wow! This is so exciting, yet I’m sure very nerve racking! It will be so much fun exploring a new city while finding great blog sites! I’ve been wanting to go to Chicago, so I might just have to come visit you! :) Excited to see how you blog develops in Chicago!

    xoxo,
    Bailey
    Here’s The Skinny

    Reply

    • Please do!! We will have plenty of space for guests too if you need a place to stay!!

      Reply

  21. I grew up in the northeast and lived for four years in the Midwest before moving south – you are going to love the seasons! It is seriously what I miss the most. To give another option, I’d recommend shearling lined LL.Bean boots. There’s a reason they sell out every year – they are comfortable, and more importantly, super warm! I have two pairs and am thinking about a third in the near future. Best of luck!

    Reply

  23. How exciting?!? Congrats on your big move! I’ve always wanted to pack up and move across the country–I’ve always found change so exciting! Maybe one day we’ll take a plunge and move away! Until then, I will be living vicariously through your season changing pictures and exciting new city!!

    xo,
    Laura
    Styled Adventures

    Reply

  30. I just moved back to Chicago! The winter is cold- but the hardest part is that it lasts so long! Make sure you get a long coat with a hood! I like to do the tall hunter boots with the fleece insert when it snows.
    If you guys are buying, the houses go quick! Get ready to be in a multiple offer situation! We ended up in River West but Lincoln Park/Wicker Park/Ukranian Village are all hot neighborhoods :) Feel free to reach out!

    Reply

    • You and me both girl!! I can’t explain it! I just love that city more than any other one!!

      Reply

  41. Hi Jenna,

    I love the olive cowl neck you have on in the stair step picture. Can you tell me the exact brand of the sweater? I have been looking for a sweater with a neck like this but haven’t had any luck, and the one from Nordstrom isn’t quite as stunning. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Camilla! It’s by Dreamers LA and is unfortunately sold out!! It was part of the NSale! Their website only is open to wholesalers too :(

      Reply

  44. Hi I know I’m late to the party but the dark brown tote you show with 3 outfits – What is the brand & style name? I don’t care that it is last years style – I LOVE it! :)
    (Shown with: white top with bell sleeves, green sweater w/ white jeans, & cowl neck sweater)

    Also interested in the brand & style of the lighter tobacco brown tote that is reminiscent of a bucket bag… shown with you in a blk dress sitting on steps.

    Links aren’t loading (due to age?) and I would love to know – Thank you!!

    Reply

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