Archive for July, 2011

My Response to the GQ Article on The Feast

July 21, 2011 | Featured in the Media, Special Features

Jeff from The MidweSTYLE

After GQ released their list of America’s Worst-Dressed Cities the Twittersphere erupted in outrage at Chicago’s ranking. “How dare they?! That’s ridiculous! That article is so wack!” (I think I tweeted the last one). Listed the 4th worst out of 50, the authors wrote:

Chicagoans like to hedge descriptions of their style with, “It’s not New York, and it’s not LA…” It’s self-conscious Midwestern. Lucky for them, harsh 11 ½-month winters serve to excuse a look that screams third-coast-insecurity: The Parka Pierogi. Ingredients: Blown-out Nikes; torn cargoes; favorite novelty T-shirt; Bears/Bulls/Blackhawks hoodie—all wrapped up in a totally nondescript parka. Are those things municipal-issue?—Robert Fischer

It’s clear from the mocking tone that the editors had only one purpose for this article – to garner attention for GQ by angering people. Sadly, it works. It’s one of the cheapest ploys in media, and only a few steps away from the Paris Hilton/Kim Kardashian “accidental” sex tape leak strategy. Even I fell for it because I’m not only posting about it now, but I was also interviewed by a writer at NBC’s blog The Feast for a story about it.

Chicago Street Style Blogger on Why Chicago Men Are Stylish

By Daisy Simmons

What do you think about the idea that we suffer from “Midwest insecurity”?

I think years of listening to lies and stereotypes have taken their toll on Chicagoans. It’s cool and fashionable in many circles to rip on Chicago, even here in the city. It’s more of a defense mechanism I think—people have to put something down to make themselves feel better, and Chicago has long been fashion’s punching bag. So of course we’re going to be a little hypersensitive. Rather than complaining about it or believing it, go out and change it. I see the stereotype of Chicago as unfashionable as an obstacle to overcome. It’s driving innovation. Plus with the opening of the new ikram and the recent nomination of Chicago-based Creatures of the Wind for the CFDA/Vogue award, the belief that Chicago is unfashionable is as outdated as ever.

Click here to continue reading on The Feast

On Refinery29: Pitchfork Street Style (Amy’s Picks)

July 20, 2011 | Chicago Street Fashion, Chicago Street Style, Individuals, Music Festivals, On Refinery29, Pitchfork 2011, Streetstyle

If you like any of these photos enough to repost on your blog or Tumblr, please remember to credit me for the photos and link back to ChicagoStreetStyle.com. It is no exaggeration to say that I slaved away in 100 degree heat to get these shots. All I’m asking for is a little credit!

View the rest of the best Pitchfork 2011 street style snaps at Refinery29, where my photo slideshow resides.

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