Though I prefer to rock jeans, t-shirts and canvas sneakers on most occasions, having subscribed to mens’ fashion magazines since I was in high school has almost ruined clothes for me. I think it’s kind of like what they say about film school: once you graduate, you’ll never be able to watch a movie the same way again. And though I don’t want to, there are things I can’t unsee on the street, like the guy wearing his suit pants so baggy they look like Hammer pants, the suit jacket sleeve that extends to someone’s knuckles or pleated khakis.

I see hipsters trying to be fashionable by matching their t-shirt or trim on their messenger bag to the rims of their bikes. And they love cutting a perfectly good pairs of jeans at the knees to make jorts. It was so refreshing when I ran across OUTLIER, which actually blends fashion and function seamlessly for urban cycling. They make great pants that work as well on your bike as they do in the office. These are clothes that will turn some heads when seen on the streets — and for once not in a bad way. Luckily for me I work freelance and can show up at my desk in my underwear. But it’s nice to know the clothes are out there if I need it.

Maybe it’s because the Blackhawks nearly made it to the Stanley Cup finals last year and sports pundits are predicting the Bears could make a run to the Super Bowl, but I’ve noticed a lot of girls wearing sports team T-shirts lately. And I’m not talking your oversize men’s or packing into a boy’s youth large size, but nicely printed shirts made specifically to fit women. Say what you want about the little black dress, but there’s nothing sexier than a girl who is confident going casual in a fitted t-shirt and jeans. It’s nice to see the ladies representing their hometown teams, even if some might not know what’s going on on the playing field.