I spotted Sydney walking down Rush Street as I was hurrying towards the Red Line stop on Chicago Avenue. I was on my way to run a couple errands in the Loop (a.k.a. visiting a pair of shoes at Brooks) after a successful day of street-style hunting. I was elated to see such a gorgeous woman on the sidewalk, particularly since I have photographed so many stylish men lately. I knew the falling sunlight combined with the blood red skirt and her natural beauty would make for a phenomenal image.

The best pictures often happen at the end of a hunt just as I’ve mentally checked out of street-style mode. I suppose it’s the universe’s way of playing tricks on me. Throwing a bird-of-paradise like Sydney into my street-style photographer lap feels like a gift from the gods. Especially since it was pure luck that she was out walking around on break from Intermix at the exact moment I walked by. Synchronicity much?

Sydney is wearing an AllSaints sweater under a 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent Nordic cardigan. The skirt is by Mason and is from Intermix.

Oh, and the panther head earrings? Yeah, they’re vintage Cartier.