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!