Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

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The heat, the pools, the festivals… July is probably one of the most active time in Chicago before the holiday season craze hits! But you know how things goes: you have too many options and you end up missing out on the real good ones. Well, lucky you, because here comes our monthly activity and specials list covering all the best happenings this month. So, if you’re looking for things to do this July in Chicago for families, friends, a romantic date, or some time to yourself, better bookmark this list right now!

Indulge On Some Fried Chicken

There’s hot girl summer but then there’s National Fried Chicken Day. And as much as we know we sounds like Ursula from Little Mermaid right now… Embrace your desire, guys. From classic recipe to the firey Nashville Hot to the unique Korean fired chicken shops, Chicago does not shy away from guilt pleasure. If you haven’t check out our list of best fried chicken in Chicago. We challenge you to try a place you haven’t been to!

435 Michigan Ave Suite G, Chicago, IL 60611

Have you checked out the amazing Museum of Ice Cream? If not, July is a perfect time! With national ice cream day right around the corner, MOIC is announcing the first-ever sprinkle pool plus free ice cream on National Ice Cream Day (July 17). If you can’t make it, we still highly recommend you pay them a visit during the month of July, especially knowing how miserably hot it’s going to be!

233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Partnering with both local and internationally-known artists and creatives, the new Color Factory was designed specifically for Chicago and takes guests on a unique, dynamic, and colorful journey. Collaborating with local and international artists, the beloved destination immerses Chicagoans in art and color with experiences that engage all the senses including 15 new installations and exciting artist partnerships across over 25,000 square feet, all closely tied to Chicago’s roots and culture.

Check Out the New Murals at Pinstripes

435 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611

Pinstripes is celebrating the official start of summer and its reopening to visitors and locals with the unveiling of “Chicago Looks Good on You,” a series of oil paintings by Chicago-based artist Paul Brourman that reimagines Chicago icons reproduced to soar 16 feet high on the facade of Pinstripes River East building.

Large-scale portraits of people “wearing” Chicago icons will be unveiled street-side and these portraits portray fictional people “wearing” Chicago icons such as the Buckingham Fountain, the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier, and Cloud Gate (the Bean).

Celebrate Bastille Day

French food lovers, where are y’all at!? It’s Bastille Day! Enjoy delicious delicious bouillabaisse, bourguignon, cassoulet, and other classic French dishes from brunch to dinner. Don’t forget to finish off with some delicious madeleines or a perfectly caramelized creme brulee. Not sure where to go? Well, try our Chciago Bastille Day dining guide!

Treat Yourself to Some Caviars

July is truly the month for foodies. After Bastille Day, there comes caviar day. And frankly, we love ourselves some caviars whenever the heavy heat gets to us, because nothing is better than some salty, tasty caviars paired with a dry riesling. While caviars can be quite a celebration, it’s important that you treat yourself to luxury once in a while. You’ve earned it with hard work!

Image Credit: Dolci Amori

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Dolci Amori

2010 west pierce, Chicago, IL 60622

Bringing Chicagoans the experience of a traditional Italian Pasticceria, Dolci Amori, is proud to announce the opening of its first brick and mortar location in the beloved Wicker Park neighborhood. With a menu developed by a renowned team from Italy, Dolci Amori prides itself in providing guests with only the freshest ingredients, the sweetest indulgences, and a true Italian experience.

Featuring sweet items that are as beautiful as they are tasty, selections include Bombolone, the Italian version of a doughnut, as well as other authentic specialties such as Cornetti Ischitani, Crostata, Biscotti, Zeppole, and much more. For those craving something savory, guests can expect a variety of salads, Neapolitan street food like arancini, pizzette, and frittatine.

Check Out Marvin’s Segnatore Sandwich

954 W Fulton Market St, Chicago, IL 60607

Marvin’s Food & Fuel, the corner neighborhood joint in Fulton Market, has partnered with Segnatore, the 8-month-old hotspot in Humboldt Park, for its July Sandwich Series campaign. Throughout July, Marvin’s will feature The Cadillac, an original sandwich recipe from Chef Matt Troost of Segnatore.

The sandwich, $16, is prepared with Mortadella, truffle-taleggio “cheez whiz”, chunky Castelvetrano olive relish, red onion, arugula, and pepperoncini and served on warm ciabatta roll. Proceeds from the July Sandwich Series will be donated to Planned Parenthood, a non-profit selected by Chef Matt.

Lakefront green

Friends of Prentice Board member Kenna from Sona Fitness will lead a relaxing yet energizing yoga class that will get your whole body moving and your mind feeling good. Lifeway Kefir will be providing yoga mats, water bottles, and some fun products. All levels welcome and all proceeds will go directly to Friends of Prentice, funding women’s health research.

Friends of Prentice works in partnership with Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital to fund innovative and leading-edge research and clinical initiatives that benefit the lives of women and infants in our community and across the globe.

1825 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Long due for a sporty friend gathering but it’s too hot to go outside? Then, why not come ram into each other at Whirlyball? This year’s summer series features exclusive packages that combine games, food, and drinks for any size party ranging from $20/$45 per person. Guests can also enjoy half-price games on Tuesdays throughout July!

Not into whirlyball that much? They also have laser tag and bowling to choose from!

Image Credit: BTN Big K

Runners and fans celebrate their favorite Big Ten team and dress up in their favorite school colors and compete for their Big Ten teams in the 10K race and the 5K run/walk. The race will start and end at Soldier Field. After the race, the BTN Big 10K Post-Race Tailgate will be held near Soldier Field immediately following the finish of the 10K and 5K events from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Post-Race Tailgate features music, food, and beverages, as well as fun tailgate-inspired games like a football toss and corn hole.

100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Experience some of the world’s most spectacular masterpieces in a completely reimagined way as they come to life at Louvre Fantastique: The Exhibition opening to the public Friday, July 15 and running through October, with a VIP Opening Night Soiree on Thursday, July 14 with tickets available for purchase here.

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Curated by the Art Institute of Chicago’s Gloria Groom and Caitlin Haskell, with the Tate Modern’s Achim Borchardt-Hume and Natalia Sidlina, the exhibition features an astounding 90 oil paintings and 40 watercolors acquired from public and private collections, and it’s the first major Cézanne retrospective in the U.S. in more than a quarter-century. It’s the first exhibition on Cézanne organized by the Art Institute in more than 70 years.

Small businesses along Damen Avenue

Ravenswood community comes together for the 4th Annual ‘Malt Row on Damen’ craft beer stroll on Wednesday, July 27, from 5:30-8:30 pm. The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) partners together with Malt Row breweries and distilleries to give Chicagoans a taste of what Malt Row has to offer while visiting local shops and restaurants along Damen Avenue!

Fun fact: all the beer produced at Malt Row on Damen comes from within 1 mile of the event!

Image Credit: Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza is a 4-Day music festival happening July 28-31, 2022 at historic Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, USA. We may have made plenty of fun about its lineup this year, we won’t judge you if you are going! After all, those loving the more classic bands probably would have a blast at the festival.

BTW, if you haven’t had enough fun at the festival, TAO Chicago will also be hosting a fantastic MGK afterparty with a show, bites, and drinks! Get your tickets here!

Vintage Shopping at Long Grove

The annual Vintage Days festival will return to historic downtown Long Grove the weekend of Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7. Organized by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, this throw-back celebration bridges yesterday with today, featuring all things vintage, reclaimed, hand-made, upcycled, antique, and repurposed in an open-air marketplace.

Featured Image: Venteux

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Chicago’s mural culture is known across the states, and the city never fails to involve local artists in large projects, like the recently opened Color Factory. Well, if you haven’t noticed, there have been some incredible mural revelations, one of the being the window paintings at Pinstripes (435 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611), titled “Chicago Looks Good On You.”

These large-scale portraits of fictional individuals literally wear Chicago icons such as the Buckingham Fountain, the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier and Cloud Gate (the Bean), providing a fun and engaging way to learn about Chicago’s landmarks, while prompting the community to rethink about the relationship between an ordinary Chicagoan and the city’s culture. Today, we are fortunate enough to bring Chicago-based artist Paul Brourman, the creator behind “Chicago Looks Good On You” for an exclusive interview on the thoughts and process behind this new project.

Q (UrbanMatter): Welcome! So, how you’re feeling about the big unveiling. Still feeling the excitement? Tell us how it’s been!

A (Paul Brourman): Very excited. It’s been quite a week. It was incredible and was almost two years in the making. Between the development to presenting to the team to getting the approval and actually taking it up… originally, it was only going to be a one-window opportunity. And when I came back with the idea of using all the windows, they loved the idea so it became a much larger undertaking. I was thrilled.

Q: How exciting! Then, let’s start from the beginning — when did you come up with this idea? Was there a moment that made you want to create this project?

A: This was really in the context of the pandemic and all of the challenges Chicago was facing at the time. In late 2020, one of the marketing directors at Pinstripes saw a portrait of RBG I posted in memory of her passing. He then said it would be very cool if we could do something to celebrate Chicago during the times we’re in, because the idea was to remind people all the positive experiences they can have in Chicago.

I internalized that and took a long time to reflect upon my personal connections to Chicago and then developed this concept around the landmarks around the city and the role they played during that difficult time in providing a source of stability and kind of a reminder that as much as things might be changing around us at that given time, the landmarks remained the same and were still around us, giving us something to hang on to.

Q: Why not tell us a little more about your personal connection to Chicago, then? You’re clearly a local artist with a strong tie to the local scene, but give us more of your personal stories: how did you reach where you are today as an artist?

A: When I first moved to Chicago in 1988, there happened to be a show going on at the Art Institute featuring over 188 Monet’s oil paintings and I remember till this day. At that time, I was still an acrylic painter but always wanted to take on oil painting and pursue portrait painting. The only reason I hadn’t back then was because when I was 11, my grandmother got upset when I did a portrait of her in pencil and said “you made me look too overweight!” And that was the end of that.

I was inspired by the Monet show and decided to pursue [my passion for oil portraits]. I signed up for Sunday classes for painting, anatomy, and portrait work, and continued every Sunday for seven years during my [full-time] work in the advertising space. It’s become quite a passion for me.

Q: So how would you describe being a local artist in Chicago’s diverse and welcoming art scene? How would you say the impact the Chicago community has had on your career?

A: I love being part of the Chicago art community. I lived in Bucktown for 20 years. And that was where I was really pushed forward and found many inspirations from all the shows in Bucktown and Wicker Park area, as well as galleries downtown. All the art in Chicago is always a great source to pull energy from. So for me art was always the sideline pursuit, but it was still serious. Therefore, Chicago not only inspired me to pursue my art studies, but the culture itself and just being a part of that community has moved me forward so much.

For ten years, I was on the Public Trust Land Board and really gained a deeper understanding on what we really had in each neighborhood and the cultural diversity of those neighborhoods and how 606 cuts across the entire span… For me, that connection and experience all laddered up to this particular series which really represent Chicago and the vast range of people here and their unique part in the scene.

Q: Perfect! You basically told us your artist statement, good job! 😉 Now, we know mural is such a vital piece in Chicago’s culture. As an artist, what are your feelings about our mural culture and what it does to the community but also for those coming from other places?

A: I think they’re stunning. And the range of styles, expressiveness, and messaging that come through are so powerful. I made trips around city just touring the murals in different pockets. It’s truly a remarkable treasure Chicago has.

Q: Now, is there anything else you want to tell us about Chicago Looks Good On You?

Although this particular project is not physically painted, it is an installation about creating an impact with scale and to make a statement about the idea. So with the materials we used achieved an articulate replica of the texture of the original oil paintings after several months of work. The designer must ensure all details of the original come through in a high-resolution print, and then mold it around the window framing and Pinstripe’s entire structure at 16 feet high.

I was thrilled when I saw the result. The team at Pinstripes, the image group that worked with us are just phenomenal. This was really the first time my art was in a public context. As the installation became fully realized before the unveiling night, and already engaging with the passers-by… It was really exciting.

Q: Were there any hiccup moments?

A: Really, it was all about patience. With the pandemic putting dents on everyone’s plans, the ability to just keep our heads up and nose down and believe it’s gonna happen through these barriers was a big part of this project becoming real. I think, at any given point, the Pinstripes team and myself have all thought this was just too many challenges to work with. But we were driven to make this happen and everyone had that true excitement of making this real.

In our opinion, it was something the city needed. We felt like this will let us shine a light on all the positives that Chicago still offers every day since every one of these icons is an experience we can have whether it’s the first or the twentieth time.

Q: Now that you’ve seen your art in a public environment, do you think you will continue to pursue this direction?

A: I’ve had gallery shows and exhibits in Chicago and other states, but this [public art experience] was really eye-opening. For me, this type of exposure in the public — the involvement is a big part of it and I definitely see this as where my art is going. Now I want to see not only the original paintings but these extensive replicas of works in other states. “Chicago Looks Good On You” really got me excited for what’s next.

Q: At the unveiling, you used AR technologies and allowed visitors to actually wear these icons just like the portraits. So, what is your take on being a traditional artist in this era filled with VR, AR, and even AI painting?

A: I’m a big believer in using the tool at the time if they’re relevant, but not for the sake of using them. When I’m in my studio, I’m often doing hacks to create ways to use technology to capture textures and effects, and just experimenting. Technology is very much part of our toolkit today. If you look at Da Vinci and all the ways he’d use whatever technologies he had back then to apply to his artistic practice — I believe if he had digital tools he’d be going absolutely nuts!

So, I feel that technology should be used with some caution so it’s truly playing a role and is relevant to what you’re creating and your practice, instead of just for the sake of it.

Featured Image: Pinstripes

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Have you ever found yourself shopping and wondered, “How was this shirt made?” or “Are the workers who made this jewelry paid a fair wage?” or “What are the conditions like for the employees who made this purse?” And finally, “do these businesses follow green practices?” Well… If you’re curious about eco-friendly fashion, then consider exploring some Chicago eco brands and shops: not only will you find beautiful, unique items but you also do a little good in the world when you buy from them. 

5247 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60640

The folks at this adorable Andersonville shop go the extra mile to curate a collection that does as little harm as possible: to people, communities, and the environment. Every product is made by skilled artisans from all across the globe. Stop by to check out their selection of fair trade, eco-friendly items today!

5112 N Ravenswood Ave Chicago, IL 60640

Who says you can’t merge modern vibrant style with ethical practices? This fair-trade shop offers a range of women’s clothing and accessories handmade by women from India and Nepal. Shop linen dresses, gold jewelry, and other lovely items. Plus you can score 10% off when you sign up for their emails.

4727 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625

Looking for sustainable, socially responsible clothing, jewelry, or home decor? Planet Access exclusively stocks items that tell stories – whether it’s focused on social good, highlighting a local Chicago artisan, or dedicated to eco-sustainability. The best part? All purchases made support Search, Inc., which empowers adults with disabilities to achieve their full potential.

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Founder Abby Alley believes fashion is more than just things. It represents the current moment in time, honors the past, and pushes toward what’s next. That’s why you’ll find handmade products designed by makers from Kenya and Tanzania. And, of course, each product drop features limited-edition pieces that maintain a modern yet classic feel.

843 W Armitage Ave Chicago, IL 60614

The journey to making better things in a better way is a long one, and the Allbirds team is just getting started. But as of today, they’ve created an entirely new category of shoes inspired by natural materials. They’re comfortable, simple, and made from wool fabric. Stop into this Lincoln Park location and try a pair.

2052 N Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60614

Attention Mamas of Lincoln Park! If you’ve been searching for organic baby clothing, look no further. Owner Monica Royer creates items with the softest, safest GOTS-certified organic fabrics, limited-edition prints, and mix-and-match essentials. Plus you can get 20% off when you sign up for their emails today.

Featured Image: Abby Alley

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Thanks to the convenient transit from Windy City’s center, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is always packed with people ready for a break from the treacherous winters or a getaway to visit their families across state lines. As we know, nobody can start a flight with an empty stomach. Thankfully, O’Hare has plenty of restaurants across its five terminals. So, park your suitcase at our favorite places to eat in O’Hare and get ready for whatever mayhem, delays, and type of flight is about to come your way.

Terminal 1, Concourse C, Gate C18 

If you pull up to O’Hare International Airport and are craving a big cheeseburger, the legendary Billy Goat Tavern will be your savior. This classic Chicago stop has locations all around the city, but did you know their delicious food is also available where you need it most: the airport?

In addition to burgers, Billy Goat Tavern also offers sandwiches featuring ribeye steak, grilled chicken, and corned beef. Whether you’re looking for a single, double, triple, or home-run style burger, Billy Goat Tavern is here to satisfy your cravings so you can jet-set to your next glamorous vacation (or your 1-hour flight to Des Moines, but who cares?).

Terminal 3, Concourse K, Gate K4

Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos – there are so many options to explore when you stop at Burrito Beach. When you have a long flight coming up, the last thing you want to do is step on the plane with an empty stomach, only to be left longing for snacks that may or may not be offered mid-flight. A trip to Burrito Beach while you wait for your boarding group to be called is just what you need. Being able to pick your base and then load your meal up with your favorite toppings like creamy goat cheese and black beans, spicy buffalo chicken, and tangy grilled vegetables is quite possibly one of the best ways to say bon-voyage to the city. 

Terminal 1, Concourse B, Gate B14 

Okay, let’s be honest. Is there anything more iconic than an airport Chili’s? No. That’s why at some point in your traveling life, it’s essential that you take a stop into Chili’s Too. Being one of the busiest airports in the world, it can only be assumed that the Chili’s Too at O’Hare is top-notch excellence. You might be thinking “I like Chili’s but I don’t think they have all the same offerings”, and you’d be wrong. Ice Cold Presidente Margaritas? Yup. Big Mouth Burgers? Absolutely. You truly cannot go wrong with a stop to Chili’s Too.

Image Credit: Manchu Wok

Terminal 3, Concourse H, Gate H5

People in airports tend to be one of three things: late, stressed, or hungover. In Chicago, we’re not unique to that, and if you’re walking around O’Hare scouring the terminals for some food to (hopefully) cure your hangover, look no further than Manchu Wok. With tons of Asian food choices like black pepper chicken, Shanghai noodles, and sweet and sour pork, any combination of entrees will be piled high in your dish ready to be devoured. So next time you book an “8 AM, but I think I’ll be fine to go out the night before” flight, you can do your thing knowing the delicious dishes of Manchu Wok have your back. 

Image Credit: Trip Advisor

Terminal 3, Concourse H, Gate H4

When looking for a more traditional sit-down restaurant before your flight, check out O’Brien’s at O’Hare International Airport. You know this restaurant from their location in Old Town and seasonally along the Riverwalk, and their O’Hare location certainly doesn’t disappoint. With menu options like Cesar salad with steak, the charbroiled black angus burger, and fresh deli sandwiches, your time to chill before takeoff will leave you stuffing your face with fresh food.

Terminal 2, Main Hall 

Sandwiches, salads, burgers, and breakfast. A quick trip to Summer House Santa Monica will meet your hunger needs no matter what time of the day. If you can think of the good vibes and beachy feel of Summer House on Halsted, just imagine the very same restaurant shrunk down a bit and dropped into one of the more stressful places you can think of. If you’re looking for a crisp, refreshing glass of rosé before a flight, this is also a great option. For those who might be concerned about missing your boarding time, Summer House Santa Monica also offers a selection of items in their grab & go case. 

Image Credit: Bubbles Wine Bar

Terminal 3, Concourse H, Gate H4

If you’re anything like me, then, the thought of being confined in a metal tube in the sky really won’t sit well with you. So, thank goodness you can always relax with a good glass of bubbly. If you’re looking to sip away your stress, Bubbles Wine Bar allows you to do it in style. With an expansive wine list featuring some popular options like Kim Crawford and Chateau St. Michele (a personal favorite), craft cocktails, and small plates to nibble on, Bubbles Wine Bar is an excellent choice to make a pit stop in the middle of O’Hare. 

Featured Image: O’Hare International Airport

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Kyle Davidson’s day as GM of the Chicago Blackhawks before and during Round 1 of the 2022 NHL Draft, can be summed up in one old clich?: the new guy on the block sells all his unwanteds in hopes of a fresh start and ends up quite literally getting robbed instead.

Following the Alex DeBrincat trade for the 7th and 39th overall picks in the 2022 Draft, the Blackhawks later sent Kirby Dach packing to draft host Montreal in exchange for the 13th pick in the draft.

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The first time I tried on a pair of Crocs, I was in study hall. This kid named Marlin slid them off and told me I had to give them a go. Marlin wasn’t known for his sartorial choices. He liked to wear thick white socks with flip-flops; the thong wedged into the cotton between his toes. But curiosity got the best of me, so I slid the Crocs on. The sweat left over from Marlin’s bare feet lubricated the plastic against my own skin, and I felt nothing but repulsion. It was a no for me. But it turns out Marlin was just ahead of the times.

Now, more than ten years after I graduated from high school, I think Crocs are the coolest. I have multiple pairs, and I pine for more. And I am not alone in this. These days Crocs show up in paparazzi photos of Post Malone and on Balenciaga runways. Since the genesis of Crocs in 2001, the wearers of these clunky plastic clogs have shifted from clueless vacation dads to TikTok fashion girlies. What used to be corny is cool—and what’s cool to people is always arbitrary. All I want right now are big comfy shoes that look like cartoons.

Once, I had a friend with a Wrangler explain the “Jeep wave” to me—a two-finger salute that Jeep drivers share when they pass each other by. My buddy was embarrassed by Jeep culture, and pretended to never see the bros gesturing through their wide front windows. I’ve found a similar camaraderie among Crocs wearers, but I am not ashamed at all. When I am wearing Crocs, and I compliment a stranger who is wearing Crocs, we simply have the time of our lives. We talk about the pairs we have, the pairs we want, the sort of innate goofiness that accompanies wearing shoes that are objectively pretty ugly.

It’s funny how owning certain things promotes this sense of community. Do PT Cruiser pilots have an arcane handshake? Do Converse wearers share secret glances? (I’ll never know—my feet are too wide for Converse.) To me, it seems like joining the Crocs club comes with a special kind of energy. Conversations with fellow Crocs freaks take place in the narrow valley between being in on the joke and not making a joke at all.

The tiny charms that plug into the holes in Crocs are called “Jibbitz.” We have not yet licensed a backwards “R” Chicago Reader charm, though it would be cute. Credit: Megan Kirby

And if our conversation lasts long enough, I get to ask if they’ve been to the Crocs shop on State Street: a smorgasbord of options, in every color you could ever name. The single storefront contains enough plastic to ensure the death of our planet, and my god, I need that lime green pair in the window. They also offer an obscene amount of Jibbitz (which are the charms that one can plug into a Crocs’s holes). Weed leaves and Diet Coke cans and a little propeller cap where the propeller actually spins—you name it, they’ve got a Jibbitz version of it. Whenever I hear someone say “Jibbitz” out loud, I feel like I should call the police.

I am not breaking brave new ground by declaring that Crocs are cool. They’ve been en vogue for a while, and I’m just riding that wave. But I feel inspired by their evolution, because the shoe itself never actually changed. It’s like the Ugly Duckling stayed homely but got way better at personal branding. It makes me think about the rapid movement of the trend cycles. One minute, you’re at the top, and the next, you’re in the gutter. Seeing the shift in public response to this one pair of absurd plastic clogs makes me see how pointless it is to try and keep up anyway. Better to focus on your own style, and cherry-pick the trends when they fit.

When I was in my 20s, I liked to try to be the coolest girl in the room. I don’t regret doing this. Sure, it could feel a little shallow, but it was very fun. It was also a ton of work to keep track of what other people thought was fashionable, and measure myself against those judgments. Now that I’m firmly in my 30s, I can see that being cool doesn’t have to be a competition. Lately, it feels more like a little game I play by myself. Crocs are in right now. Maybe in a few years, they’ll be on the outs. But I don’t feel trapped by these cycles anymore. I’d rather pick the fashions that fit my body and my style, and trust that if I think they’re hip, others can be convinced.

I just bought a pair of giant, white, orthopedic New Balances. They are decidedly corny, but I am at a point in my life where it’s necessary to launch arch support into the trend cycle. The other day, a man in his mid-60s got on the bus wearing the exact same shoes as me. We didn’t exchange any secret handshakes or covert nods, but I think we both knew: we’re just ahead of the zeitgeist.  

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