Northface, Uggs, and Hunter Boots Conspiracy

Recently, Chicago was hit with a "massive" snowstorm. Now, while I don't mean to sound like some uppity been-there-done-that kinda gal, I am going to have to say "been there done that", to all you wimpy Chicagoans. 10-14 inches is typical snowfall in Minnesota and I love it. Sadly, Minnesota's plows have adapted to this annual snow dump, and I rarely got the taste of this foreign concept called a "snow day", so seeing the city freak out over this pleasant powdering had me chuckling a little inside.

However, I wasn't laughing for long.

In Minnesota we survive our winters by using common sense equipment. Ski jacket, so we can go sledding/nordic skiing/dog walking and stay warm and dry; heavy, water-proof boots so our toes won't freeze off in one of the above mentioned activities; and any glove/hat/mitten/scarf with hometown 3M Thinsulate technology to keep our fingers warm but not sausage-like. While there were noted brands, such as Columbia, Northface, and Patagonia, there was no real stigma attached to any of the brand names: if it was warm, you wear it. Plus there is always a Target brand version of these items and they are almost always inevitably bought.
Then I came to Chicago.

I came to this city because I wanted to be the city girl. I had visions of myself prancing down Michigan in a perfect outfit, laughing smile forever on my face, cheeks rosy from the excitement of the hustle and bustle, welcoming the Windy City with an open joyful heart and a Mary Tyler Moore-style hat toss. However, nowadays you're more likely to see me in my Northface ski jacket from 8th grade bent over and stomping up North Sheridan, my cheeks ruddy and my mascara running from the brutal bully wind.

Then I step onto the el and see some 20-something working girl in a slouchy muslin hat, purple peacoat, patterned dress, gray tights and forest green Hunter boots, and I just want to ask her: "How do I become you?!" It appears something I still have yet to learn in Chicago is how to maintain the warmth, while not looking like I just returned from an expedition to Antartica.

Here I can name off the winter-wear brands by heart: Ugg, Hunter, Northface. Either you have one of these logos on somewhere throughout your ensemble, or you can quickly be labeled as un-hip and un-Chicago based on the style of your winter wear. While all of these brands make high quality, functional pieces of clothing, they are extremely expensive especially for a college student who recently downsized from two minimum wage jobs to one. However, I still find myself slipping into an envious gaze whenever I see those green Hunters with the little cream colored sock folded over the top. I know I can get the same boots on Target.com, but I want the rugged glamour that comes with the "Hunter" name outlined in a red and black box.

Now are these brands necessary for looking cute and staying warm in the city? No, of course not. But does seeing them everywhere sure tempt me? Yes. It sometimes just feels like the young and hip of Chicago seem to be a part of some secret community where their membership comes with a Northface parka, Ugg boots, and thick dark rimmed glasses. However, maybe its just my perspective. To everyone else, they see these brands as dependable, easy to access, and worth the extra cost for quality. This of course is the logical explanation...

I'll still be looking out for that secret community.