As William Wordsworth wisely quoted,
“A lake carries you into recesses of feeling
otherwise impenetrable.”

So on the off chance of an editorial opportunity around the corner of the gigantic Lake Michigan, I momentarily wondered about Chicago’s Polar Vortex winters. But not when housed in the W Lakeshore, renovated to a sexy vibe that is in direct juxtaposition with the calm of the waters. And thankfully so.

With a penthouse suite (they call it Marvelous Suite) in the Starwood crown of the lake, I had unprecedented views of sunrises and sunsets from the ocean-like lake. With a separate bedroom, living room, and one and a half bathrooms, this was more than a fashion editorial destination. A sumptuous invitation to party, I made sure that the mornings and nights of Chicago were as fulfilling as they could ever be, filled with urban energy overlooking nothing but a silent, glittering lake.

While the shadow of the W fell on the beachy zone and an outpost of the Pier, the backdrop was that of Chicago’s magnificent architecture. And ideal point to be, especially when the winter weather was severely delayed, leaving buckets of sunshine and warmth for travelers and locals to savor.

The first look was a floral one, with Delhi based shirts from streetstyle designers to juxtapose against the globular lighting fixtures and glitzy mirrors. With orange being a fantastic fall color, the artistic flowers beckoned of a dinner I was soon to have at a Michelin staple of the city.

The next day, as an ode to my travels, Topman came to the rescue with slim jersey pink sweats and an oversized tank. Comfortable and matching with my Delsey luggage, in a delayed transit hue of orchid from yesteryear’s trends, I loved the combination with formal Milanese loafers. Giorgio Brutini loafers came handy with classic Ray Ban aviators to watch the yachts float by.

Which brings me to the view of the suite: for from far, far above, it was hard to tell if I was seeing ducks or yachts. In dense quantities full of fit Chicagoans lounging the last days of sun away. Who says you need beaches when you’ve got a lake?

The lake was almost oceanic in that sense, with a beachfront allowing sunbathers to play. Steps from the W’s mirror spanked entrance, walkable in flip flops and swim trunks via an artsy underpass, it was almost like the hotel has its own beachfront property, visible from the room view too.

After celebrating the 5am nightlife and sashaying back into the lobby, it was time to leave one of my favorite culinary cities after a swanky affair with its most iconic location. Glamorous lobbies and blue and purple lined hallways included, adding to the mystique.

I plunged myself into an Arka Clothing scissor legs tank with sunglasses to hide my nightly stories in. Little did I know, I was also bidding adieu to one of the warmest fall seasons in the city, so sleevelessness was not be seen for a while.

And thus ended a final sunset, a final footstep, and a luscious, short trip to a favorite city. Till next time, W Hotels!

As they say,
Your eyes will show you my face,
But it’s your mind that will tell you my story.