Archive for 2012
Marcus is another one of my favorite Chicago kids I know from the streets. He’s got such a great personality and fantastic sense of style. Every time I see him he’s rocking a different look. The first time I spotted him he looked very Hamptons meets Michigan Ave.The second time he was wearing an incredible blazer, which I found out was vintage Yves Saint Laurent. The third time around Marcus’ look is still riffing on classic men’s fashion, but he’s infused more of a hip-hop sensibility. His flat brimmed cap (that says Paris, of course), red braided hair, and loads of tough masculine jewelry bring a street aesthetic to an outfit with preppy elements (tasseled loafers, cuffed slacks), illustrating the power of accessories to define a look.
Fashion allows us to completely reinvent ourselves every morning. Marcus is a reminder to all of us never to get stuck in a sartorial rut, and to constantly evolve how we dress. Find inspiration in how he takes two different aesthetics – preppy & hip-hop – and blends them together to create a style that’s entirely unique and completely his own.
Growing up as a teenager in Arkansas, many of my high school classmates had Quinceañera parties. I was always very jealous because there was no cultural equivalent for me with my German ancestry. I want to dress up in a ball gown and be the center of attention and ride around in a limo! When I spotted this beautiful young woman in Millennium Park taking photos on her Quinceañera, it reminded me of what a cool tradition it is. Talk about a fantastic dress!
Me after having my hair & makeup professionally done for the shoot!
Yesterday literally felt like a dream. I had such a blast shooting a video for Nicole Richie’s capsule collection for Macy’s Impulse! I’m beyond excited because Nicole Richie is an incredible designer, and her relaxed approach to boho-chic dressing always inspires me. The dress I wore for filming was a surprise, but I loved it the minute I saw it. I also loved the challenge of building five looks for five days using the same piece. It was actually super easy since the dress was totally something I’d not only buy, but wear all the time! I can’t show it to you yet since the collaboration pieces are a big secret, but trust me when I say it’s perfect. I can’t wait to spot her pieces on real girls in the city so I can street-style photograph them for my blog.
Homies!
The film crew and I shot in five of my favorite locations around Chicago, including my favorite Wicker Park vintage boutique Kokorokoko. My friend Luis helped me pick out a new pair of shoes (which I actually bought). Oh, hello vintage Walter Steiger snakeskin pumps… Sasha always buys the coolest vintage stuff, which is why Kokorokoko is one of the places I’m constantly telling people to visit. Thanks for being so awesome Sasha!
Oh hai thar Big Star
After filming inside my apartment, we grabbed lunch at Big Star. I mean seriously, is there any better food for a long day of running around Chicago filming commercials? That’s a rhetorical question. Google it.
Sarah getting hair & makeup by City Lights Makeup Artistry
After that we jumped in the car and headed towards the skyscrapers of River North, where my best friend Sarah joined us at the Dana Hotel. We savored the phenomenal skyline views and surreal setting on top of the city. Having the opportunity to do a project with my best friend made today so special. Without her, I’d go insane. She keeps me grounded – I count on her to keep it real, plus she’s one of the coolest people on planet earth. Well, duh!
View from Vertigo Sky Lounge on a rainy day
Filming in iconic locations around my home city made my life feel like a movie. You know what, I’m just going to start calling Chicago my hometown. I’ve adopted the city, and the city’s adopted me. I can’t wait to share the videos with you on Wednesday, September 12th when Nicole Richie’s capsule collection for Macy’s Impulse launches. Come celebrate with me that evening with a big bash at Macy’s on State Street!
*Special thanks to Macy’s for sponsoring this project, plus Swell, City Lights Makeup Artistry, Kokorokoko, and Kayla Vanalstyne at Goran Coban salon
