Interview: Kyle Anderson, Senior ELLE Editor

Photo courtesy of Kyle Anderson

Kyle Anderson is the senior accessories editor at ELLE magazine and avid reader of ChicagoStreetStyle.com. He sent me a lovely email after I posted this photo of Saree and her Celine tote bag. It was a huge compliment to hear such nice feedback from someone like him!

Kyle also runs a really cool Tumblr, Appointment With Kyle, where he posts photos of amazing accessories and visits to designer showrooms. He was gracious enough to allow me to interview him about his life, the fashion world, and of course accessories!

 1. What handbag does every Chicago girl need for Fall 2011? 

There are a few favorites that all of the girls are obsessed with this season. All of the ELLE girls and fashion obsessed girls love Celine, Proenza and Alexander Wang. Although I really do love them I always recommend girls to buy a black Birkin or a black patent quilted Chanel bag. Not the jumbo but the 2.55 style. They go with everything. Day, night, drinks, dinners, everyone loves these bags. I think the chanel 2.55 could even be great at night if u have to go out after work. IF you think about it, the IT girls from the 50s, 60s, 70s had these bags and the “it girls” of 2011 are still carrying them. Look at Olivia Palermo. Shes always has her Birkin in hand. Gorgeous! Its an investment but you would be able to carry it for the next 50 years day in and day out.

2. When you’re in Chicago, where are your favorite places to shop/eat/hang out?

I actually love hanging out in Lake Forest. I think its one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world. It is like a movie set of the perfect American city. I was so lucky to have lived there. I could walk and jog for hours and hours listening to my music and taking in all of the beautiful coastline, forests, houses, gardens and the people are extremely friendly everyone you meet on the street says hello. Everyone. I can remember going to Old Orchard Mall or Northbrook court with my friends on Friday nights after school or on Saturdays. One of my best friends lived nearby in Kennilworth and we she would pick me up and we would shop till we drop. Literally. It was so much fun. We still talk about it even today a decade later. I love Neiman Marcus at NBCourt and Old orchard is BEAUTIFUL. In downtown Chicago I remember loving going to Chanel with my best friend and looking at all of the accessories. We also used to go to Marshall Fields in both Lake Forest and also in downtown chicago. IT was a thrill. I remember at that time thinking WOW so much fashion. Amazing!!

3. What accessories do you wear every day?

I wear my Rolex everyday. It was a gift for my 30th Birthday. I love it and I never take it off. I personally don’t like to wear jewelry. Maybe some funky boots or a cool bag but no jewelry. It just doesn’t suit me.

4. What is your favorite accessory in your closet? 

I have a big collection of Gucci bags and they are everything from mild to wild. Crazy embroidered and beaded ones to studs and grommets. Logos, non logos, everything. I Love Gucci, for me. I also have an amazing Prada bag with huge nuts and bolts on it. I love bags with a lot of metal hardware. I do have one necklace that I love its a chrome hearts silver necklace with diamonds. It wear it once in a while but I love it and love looking at it more than it actually ends up getting worn. I also love these three canvas tote bags I bought 10 years ago when I moved to NYC from Hermes. They no longer produce that style but I still wear them every summer. They go with everything. People always come up to me and say I love that Hermes tote!

5. Through becoming a street-style photographer I’ve really learned the importance of accessorizing in making or breaking a look. What items should every girl own at least one of?

An expensive black bag. Hermes or Chanel. Its worth the investment. A great pair of high heels, Giuseppe Zanotti, pointy high heel Manolos, or a strappy Jimmy Choo. In black. You will wear them a million times. Nothing trendy!!

A Louis Vuitton wallet. They last forever. 4 years after wearing it they look brand new.

An expensive watch. Cartier, Rolex or Bulgari. You only need one. You don’t need 10 watches invest in one good one and wear it until you die. Because it never will.


6. What accessory(ies) are worth dropping serious cash on?

Hermes bags
Chanel bags
Rolex watch
Cartier watch
Cartier panther head ring
Bulgari watch
Azzedine Alaia belt
Pointy high heel Manolos in black
Strappy high heel Jimmy Choos without crystals in leather

Buy them! And enjoy them! Wear them to death!

Make sure to follow Kyle on Twitter, @KyleEditor

And on his Tumblr, Appointment with Kyle.