The 10 Absolute Best Styles of Chicago Pizza, According to an Award-Winning Food Writer

Ask someone what they think of when they hear “Chicago style” pizza, and chances are their answer will be deep-dish. Not just a thick pizza, with a wide band of cornmeal-flecked dough containing a little butter and/or oil, but a gigantic, semi-trailer hubcab-sized disc, resembling an above ground, outdoor pool. They couldn’t be more wrong.

True, deep-dish pizza was created in Chicago in 1943, and its Frankenstein-like cousin – stuffed – came along 30 years later. But saying Chicagoans eat deep (or stuffed, with its top layer of dough covered in a lake of tomato sauce), is like saying New Yorkers only eat in Times Square. When you talk about the kind of pizza people who actually live in Chicago eat, the more accurate answer is tavern style, that is, a square-cut, thin and crispy pizza, with the sauce and cheese pushed all the way to the edge of the heel.

How do I know this? Because over the last two years, I’ve been eating more than my weight in pizza, researching my first book, Pizza City USA: 101 Reasons Why Chicago is America’s Greatest Pizza Town.

It began as a personal dare, leading me to a little more than 70 spots in the city and suburbs, of which only about 48 were recommendable. The second wave included another 100 or so pizzas, giving me enough material to recommend 101 in all. What I didn’t expect to find was how prevalent tavern style (aka bar pies, tavern pies and party cuts) were in my adopted hometown. I’ve lived here for 25 years, after enduring plenty of winters in Minnesota (home), Wisconsin (college), Michigan and Iowa (first jobs). But when I began eating my way around Chicago, calling up places anonymously, asking them what their specialty was, more often than not the answer was thin, and in Chicago, that usually means tavern style.

But I also discovered a myriad of other styles here, not unlike we’re seeing in other cities around the country. Yet unlike those one-offs in L.A. or New York, the pizza scene in Chicago is as hot as ever. There are a half dozen Detroit style versions here, plus Roman al taglio, Sicilian and a second wave of Neapolitan and artisan pies. Here are some of my favorites within each of the 10 distinct styles I found while researching my book:

TAVERN-STYLE

Chicago’s original, a product of Midwestern taverns and bars. Always square-cut, thin and crispy.

Favorite: Vito & Nick’s – Ashburn

DEEP-DISH

Made in an anodized steel pan about 2 inches high. Dough is pressed down into the oiled pan’s center, topped with slices of whole milk mozzarella, ingredients and then chunky sauce, finished with Pecorino Romano.

Favorite: Labriola – Mag Mile

NYC SLICE

We don’t have the slice culture New York does, but these floppy, oversized, wedge cut slices with occasional grease dripping toward the point do exist.

Favorite: Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe – Lincoln Square

STUFFED

Same architecture as deep: bottom crust, cheese, ingredients, but then a thinner layer of dough to cover them, followed by a lake of tomato sauce crowning the top.

Favorite: Suparossa – Portage Park

ARTISAN

Longer fermentation time, almost ciabatta-like in texture. Fancier toppings like soppressata and burrata.

Favorite: Pizzeria Bebu – Lincoln Park

NEAPOLITAN

Adheres to strict Italian standards with regard to tomatoes (San Marzano), flour (00), oven temperature (around 850 F) and cheese (fior di latte).

Favorite: Spacca Napoli – Lincoln Square

ROMAN

“Al taglio” or “by the cut” is focaccia-esque in the middle, crispy on the bottom, with a wide range of toppings. Cut with scissors, then weighed (you pay by the pound) and reheated to order.

Favorite: Bonci – Fulton Market

DETROIT

Similar to a Sicilian in origin; high-fat Wisconsin Brick cheese is pressed into the raw dough, all the way to the edge, which fills a deep, square or rectangular pan. Finished pies feature a burnished, charred upper rim of caramelized, crispy cheese, with a softer interior.

Favorite: Union Squared – Evanston

THIN

Standard issue, wedge-cut, with an exposed heel, slightly raised.

Favorite: Boiler Room – Logan Square 

SICILIAN

Made in a rectangular oiled pan where the dough is left to proof after sauce and cheese have been applied. Toppings go on just before baking. Resembles focaccia in texture and chew.

Favorite: D’Amato’s Bakery – Noble Square

 “Pizza City USA: 101 Reasons Why Chicago is America’s Greatest Pizza Town” is available now from Amazon.

The Lingerie Trend Sarah Jessica Parker Never Stopped Wearing

It’s hard not to instinctually think Carrie Bradshaw when you think Sarah Jessica Parker. While her Sex and the City character was exactly that—a character—there are undeniable similarities between the star and the TV persona… at least to us onlookers. During a roundtable discussion with SJP while on a trip to Verona, Italy, with the lingerie brand Intimissimi, I got an exclusive glimpse into the way Parker really feels about her intimate association with the role she played years ago.

“There’s sort of a fuzzy line between characters I’ve played and, obviously, primarily Carrie Bradshaw and myself. We’re very different. I always say we look alike, but basically, everything else is different,” explained Parker. Everything, that is, except for one very iconic lingerie trend that just so happens to be resurfacing: wearing lingerie as outerwear.

As the face of Intimissimi’s new campaign, Sarah Jessica Parker has recently experimented with and embraced a handful of fresh lingerie styles, but wearing lingerie as outerwear is apparently a trend she’s been following for years, both on her own and on camera as Carrie Bradshaw.

“I wouldn’t necessarily dress how Carrie Bradshaw would, but it was fun to be bold in this campaign,” she said, “especially on those streets because I do walk my kids to school on those streets, and I don’t typically wear pajamas slightly open when I’m walking my children to school, so it was kind of fun.”

When asked about her opinions on the overwhelming presence of the trend in Italy and the United States, Parker replied with this: “I’m so happy [this trend is back], because I never stopped wearing it. If there’s one thing that we did that overlapped with me and that character of Carrie—and Pat Field, who was our brilliant costume designer and is an extraordinarily creative mind, she too—we just did that. And she was so happy that that was something that I wanted to do, and I was so thrilled it was something she wanted to do. And so I’m liberated by it being back. For me, it never left, so I feel delighted. But, everybody has their own version of that, and everybody’s different, and everybody’s body is different, and everybody’s figure is different, and so people should do what they want.”

Ahead, go on to read a few more quotes from the style icon herself and to shop some Intimissimi products SJP wore during in the campaign.

“The item that’s been indispensable in my wardrobe is a black bra,” Parker said. “No joke.”

Next up, find out what the main differences are between American and Italian lingerie

The It Coat Fashion Girls Love Just Became a Celebrity Sensation

By now it’s the norm to see certain It pieces emerge all of a sudden, go viral on Instagram, and then quickly sell out. It’s a phenomenon we’ve seen time and again, most recently with a certain leopard print slip skirt. This time, though, it’s with an overcoat that the fashion crowd is unanimously sold on (with the Instagrams to prove it), we’re unanimously sold on (it’s found in nearly every outerwear roundup on Who What Wear), and now the celebrity world is too (keep reading).

The item in question is a fur and leather overcoat from Copenhagen-based brand Saks Potts and the first celebrity to give it their stamp of approval is none other than Cardi B. The artist stepped out recently in NYC for a Billboard event wearing a mint green version of the coat, a new shade from the designer’s fall collection, and proving that although she’s the first celeb to wear the brand’s ubiquitous coat, she certainly won’t be the last.

To how Cardi B wore her Saks Potts coat along with the all the fashion ‘grams and, of course, shopping, simply continue on below.

On Cardi B: Saks Potts Belted Long Fut Coat ($1538)

Prepare to see many more epic Saks Potts outerwear moments as we head into winter.

23 Picks the Average Girl Considers Cheap

I occasionally love crunching numbers (completely different brain stimulus than my daily creative pursuits!) and always love budget buys. Put the two together, and what do you have? A girl who’s very curious about how the average woman defines a cheap clothing item. So, I conducted my own (probably unscientific) study with the help of Google forms and our Who What Wear Insiders Facebook group members, who so kindly took my survey. I asked at what price point does an item become affordable across a handful of categories, and averaged all the entries together. The result is a peek into what we collectively consider “cheap.” Scroll down to see how it compares to your point of view and to shop some budget picks—below the outlined price caps, of course.

Lovely on its own or layered with a thin turtleneck underneath.
Cosmic star prints rule.
Our co-founder, Hillary Kerr, wears this easy dress all the time.
Market editor Nicole Akhtarzad currently has this Zara dress in her cart.
New season, new boots.
Feels like The Row.
Red patent! Color us intrigued.
Channel your inner Daria Morgendorffer in these.
Perfect for the low-heel lifestyle.
There’s something a little French about this top.
As cozy as it looks.
Bless a good bodysuit.
We recommend zooming in to see the texture on this blouse.
This baby bag comes in two other colors as well!
Croc everything, please.
This color is spot-on.
So deliciously early ’00s.
Yes, you will live in this all fall long.
The perfect way to dip your toe into the neon trend.
There are a lot of colorful cord suits out there this season, and this is our top pick.
L-l-l-leopard. 
These are kind of funky, and that only makes us like them more.
Another Who What Wear collection banger.

Next up, check out 47 epic under-$100 jewelry finds

We Gave Our Editors $100 at Zara—Here Are Their Picks

Poof! Imagine $100 at Zara drops into your lap. What would you buy? This is the question I posed to my fellow editors, and with our imaginary money, we all found different yet equally thrilling gems. Managing editor Michelle Scanga is leaning hard into the leopard pieces, which makes great sense given that they’re selling out fast. Senior news editor Erin Fitzpatrick took her fellow editor’s piece on the ’80s jewelry trend to heart and snagged a pair of colorful baubles. As for myself, I blew my entire budget on one standout piece: a rich chocolate brown slip that is styled to perfection with stirrup leggings (again with the ’80s) and minimalist sandals. After one of our editors wrote about the lingerie-style pieces hiding on the site, I knew I needed to get one for myself. Scroll on to see and shop all of our picks, knowing you can shop any editor’s wish list without spending over a Benjamin

“These shoes caught my eye right away with the unique heel shape and texture as well as the very ’00s square toe. I’m happy to spend the vast majority of my Benjamin Franklin on this and save the remaining $10 for taking these beauties out one night.”
“I’m really into this leopard-on-leopard look, so I plan to blow my entire $100 replicating the chic outfit. The cropped flare fit is right up my alley.”
“Told you I’m really going for it and re’creating this leopard-on-leopard look. I think what makes the looks especially cool is the different size in animal print.”
“This cream knit puts me slightly over the $100 budget, but I think it’s worth it and completes the look.”
“How pretty are these colors?”
“I can’t wait for the weather to cool down so I can try the corduroy trend, and this oversize version is my ideal budget buy.”
“First, I think I need this faux-leather dress. It looks so expensive and is the perfect canvas for fall layering and adding accessories.”
“Next, I’ll take this turtleneck to style under the dress. I purposely went with this nice navy-ish gray color because I think it’ll contrast the black nicely.”
“Lastly, with my remaining $20, I’d snag this scarf because I love the print and colors, and it’s the kind of thing that will always somehow come in handy.”
“If this feels as cozy as it looks, I’m sold.”
“I’m coveting this to wear with sweaters and heels, just like the model.”
“I just ordered this faux-fur jacket and will be styling it just like the model here—a nod to the ’90s with jeans, gold jewelry, and a chain-link belt.”
“Chain-link jewelry is having a bit of a moment, and this affordable version just nails it. I’ll be wearing it over ribbed knits and layered with longer pendants.”
“Zebra feels especially fresh to me right now, and with hints of neon in the print, you really can’t find any garment that’s more fall 2018 than this.”
“I love the look of a pair of statement jeans and an oversize sweatshirt. It reads cool, trendy, but not too try-hard.”
“I also am obsessed with anything leopard print. Besides the fact that this is one of fall’s biggest trends, I find that the leopard pieces I have in my closet are the items I’ve had the longest. Apparently the trend never really goes out of style.”

Next up, see how under-$50 Zara picks look IRL.

The Packing List Every Fashion Girl Should Check Before Traveling

Putting together a sun holiday packing list might sound tiresome, but for a stress-free vacay, you’ve got to do it. A tried-and-tested formula of interchangeable pieces that actually work (rather than remaining in a creased pile at the bottom of your case) and that you can simply pull together every time you go away will put the pleasure into packing.

There are so many decisions to make on what to put on your travel outfit checklist—from deciding which sandals to pack to the best accessories to take.

This is for travelling in serious style.
No more bits of paper knocking around in the bottom of your bag.
Block out all unnecessary noise with these headphones.
These will go with everything.
Keep track of your stuff with a leather luggage tag. 
Keep harmful rays out of your face while still looking chic.
Be the envy of everyone else on the beach.
How clever is this bit of kit?
While you might be travelling to a warmer climate, it does get cold on the plane, so you’ll want something to wrap up in when you’re feeling the chill. A silk version can double up as a warm and chic accessory.
When you want to add a bit of color to your outfit, all you need to do is tie a silk scarf around your neck. This can double up as a choker, too. 
Of course, you need swimwear. And yes, you definitely need two types. One for sunbathing and one for if you fancy a proper swim.
You always need a bikini in your bag too.
Wear these when you need to change up your outfit for the evening.
Perhaps the most useful item in your luggage—a cosmetic case for every type of holiday and situation.
Go for a fun clutch for nights out. 
This is the ultimate holiday bag.
While there may be heat where you’re going, there’s no denying that some places get downright chilly in the evening. Pack a leather jacket and throw it over your shoulders when there’s a breeze.
For obvious reasons, you’re going to need a couple of T-shirts. Stick to two colours—preferably muted tones like black, white, navy, grey or stripes. You can then wear these under a jumpsuit, with a slip dress or with flowy trousers.
Long sleeves are great for cooler nights or colder destinations.
Save this top for when you want to show off your outfit.
Just add heels and jeans and you’re good to go.
This is your true multitasker. Want to wear a dress on your night out? Wear a slip dress. Want to go sightseeing? Wear a slip dress over a T-shirt. There is seriously nothing this item can’t do (except for the actual packing, of course).
The only miniskirt you need right now.
The perfect pair of white jeans.
These are a classic for a reason. These sneakers will look good for a day in the city or at the beach. Pack a pair of classic Converse for walking. And don’t forget socks. 
These Tevas are so comfortable and can surely take you from the hotel pool to the beach.
With jeans, skirts or dresses – you’ll get so much wear out of these.
Chic and practical.
Easy to wear by the pool yet chic enough for a night out. Opening Image: @rouje. This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Bella Hadid Just Wore Your New Favorite Rainy-Day Outfit

Leave it to Bella Hadid to find a way to make a rainy-day outfit look chic. The model was photographed out and about in Paris yesterday, and though it wasn’t actually rainy at the time she was spotted, she wore what we’re certain will be your new go-to ensemble when you are, in fact, caught in a downpour. 

The base of her look? A pair of loose-fitting jeans, a white Chanel tank top (with the brand’s logo emblazoned on the front), and a pair of crisp white sneakers. But that’s not all. The model completed her rainy-day outfit by adding in two water-resistant pieces—a transparent trench coat and a matching bucket hat by Chrome Hearts.

So, the next time you’re faced with a rainy day and just don’t know how to deal with it, channel Bella Hadid and throw on a rain or tench coat (and a matching bucket hat, if you dare) for a look that’s equal parts cool and practical. Ready to see it for yourself? Read on to see Bella Hadid’s rainy-day outfit and then shop some of our favorite raincoats on the market right now.

On Bella Hadid: Chrome Hearts raincoat and bucket hat; Off-White x Nike Air Presto sneakers

Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner Just Had the Best Matching Moment in Paris

We may have just found the best BFF matching moment of the week—and it stars none other than model duo Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. 

The two were spotted in Paris earlier this week, both wearing dresses rendered in one of spring 2019’s It colors: Fiesta, an orangey red that is both eye-catching and mood-boosting at the same time. And once you see Jenner and Hadid sporting the powerful, attention-grabbing shade, we’re certain you’ll be convinced to scoop up a few Fiesta-hued pieces as well.

Hadid sported a mid-length, long-sleeve dress by Emilio Pucci that featured a Peter Pan collar and a button-down front. She accessorized her outfit with a Dorateymur handbag and a pair of Emilio Pucci sandals. Jenner, on the other hand, opted for a one-shoulder, crystal-beaded dress by Alexandre Vauthier, grounding her nighttime look with Yeezy PVC sandals.

Now, read on to see the best matching moment of the week, and then shop a few of our favorite orange-hued pieces for fall.

On Bella Hadid: Emilio Pucci dress and shoes; Dorateymur handbag. On Kendall Jenner: Alexandre Vauthier dress; Yeezy PVC sandals

Next up, shop the $29 ASOS top Bella Hadid wore during New York Fashion Week.