MAKENZEY MAE
Inspiring women to create and explore in everyday life.
Hi, I’m Makenzey Mae! I am a lifestyle blogger and creator based in Chicago.
I love to create through photography and styling my daily outfits. As a city girl, I enjoy exploring Chicago through coffee shops and strolling through new areas, as well as traveling across the country.
I hope to inspire women to do the same - to express their own creativity, and to cultivate curiosity through exploring no matter how crazy life gets.
Here you’ll read - and see - about my newest coffee shop obsession, my love for Chicago and California, and fashion tips and outfit inspiration.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.
MAKENZEY MAE
Lifestyle Blogger & Photographer
The Blog
From the days of dressing Polly Pockets, to working at Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue, fashion has always been an interest of mine. I love the creativity, the newness, the boldness of experimentation. Ultimately there are no rules.
On the blog, I share my personal fashion tips, outfit inspiration, and brands I love.
“People are flocking to this trend for good reason. It’s chic, minimalistic, and you can easily put your own spin on it…”
“Styling a blazer can also be really simple, like throwing one on over a tshirt and jeans…”
“I live for a good jacket. It’s my favorite piece when puting together an outfit (that and blazers)…”
“I’ve already worn these postpartum jeans so many times around the house, on our walks, and for different errands. I love that I feel like a normal human being again…”
“I decided to do a color series because color pairings can be intimidating, and blacks and neutrals are easy defaults.”
“I decided to do a color series because color pairings can be intimidating, and blacks and neutrals are easy defaults.”
I’m proud to say I’ve been a Chicago resident for 10 years and counting. This city is full of life, gritty, and intensely beautiful. It may not be the biggest, but it sure is unique. (We all know it’s the best.)
I love sharing my favorite coffee shops, restaurants, and things to do in Chicago. If you want to know how to have a good time here, you’ve come to the right place!
“…As a person who is very into aesthetics and creativity, this hotel has it all. I mean all. Gorgeous artwork in the lobby, a clear and well executed art deco vibe, gorgeous light fixtures in every room, and…”
“not only is the flavor and gritty texture unique, but also the way in which they make it. They put the grounds and water in a gold cup, and then place the cup into a bag of sand and move it around…”
“If you’re looking for a unique art experience that’s not only fun, but will actually produce art you’ll want to keep, I highly recommend Shot of Art…”
“This dark, underground bar is accessible through an alley strung with lights. Once you find the right door and descend the stairs, you’re transported to a tropical bar with smoking drinks in oceanic drinkware…”
“I don’t usually restaurant repeat, but I would definitely come back to Lardon. It’s an intimate restaurant, so it’s perfect for a date or a cozy gathering of friends…”
“Chicago is knows for it’s amazing food. From deep dish to signature cocktails, this city excellently executes all different kinds of dishes and cuisines…”
“Hyde Park is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Chicago. My husband and I love to have breakfast there and walk around, taking in the gorgeous architecture and all the trees…”
“If enchanting cafes tucked behind bookstores and surrounded by trees is your thing, then you’re going to want to check out Plein Air Cafe in Hyde Park…”
I love to travel. So much so I have basically booked flights for other people. Like, you don’t even know.
I love documenting the new places I experience - the food, the architecture, the nature. And don’t get me started on travel research! I share my tips on how to do that, as well as my own experiences and recommendations.
“His dad suggested we make the trek out to Yosemite, so we packed up the car, drove 6 hours, spent the night, and drove back the next day…”
“Laguna Beach is my favorite town in Orange County. It’s charming, has cute shops and restaurants, and the beach is stunningly gorgeous…”
“There’s just something about sipping coffee in a beautiful place surrounded by trees with Spanish moss. It all felt very romantic…”
“We also got to drive down to Carmel on a small stretch of the famous 17 mile drive. It was stunning…”
“We enjoyed our coffee and breakfast on the open air patio by a trickling fountain, surrounded by the spanish-style architecture and strung lights with ivy. It is absolutely gorgeous here…”
“Pictures of the meadow filled with poppies with a background of mountains was what got me interested in coming to the garden in the first place…”
“For me, planning a trip is almost as exciting as going on the trip itself - almost… I love to research for my trips so I can maximize on having fun…”
“Philadelphia is a historically rich, culturally diverse city with amazing things to do…”
“Either way, these pieces are versatile and guaranteed to keep up with the ever-changing weather…”