Chicago Street Style: Jess, Scarves, & Chambray

Ahhhh, it’s nice to be back. Back on the streets of Chicago. Yesterday afternoon I went out style hunting for the first time in what felt like ages. Even street-style photographers need breaks. I hate the brouhaha that surrounds Christmas shopping and besides, it’s impossible to set up shots on the crowded sidewalks. I spotted Jess and her friend Chris during a return to my old stomping grounds on Rush Street. They were visiting Chicago from Australia. I give tourists a hard time but really, more often than not visitors from overseas are among the best dressed people on the sidewalk. I mean, if you are cultured enough to enjoy traveling then you probably also understand the importance of dressing well.

What I thought Jess’s outfit illustrated is how powerful a scarf, shawl, or even a piece of fabric can be at adding style to a look. Scarves are an excellent way to add color, energy, and texture to winter looks. The streets are awash in navy, black, and camel coats because let’s be honest; when you’re dropping $$$ on outerwear you want a piece that goes with everything. I have to give Chicagoans credit though because you’ll see a lot more brightly colored coats (red, purple, green) here than anywhere else in America. So if you’re wearing a coat in a safe color like navy, add a brightly patterned scarf like Jess did to bring some style into your look!

PS: Chambray denim shirts look great layered under wool outerwear like blazers and overcoats. They’re warm, too, since they add another layer of insulation against the hard Midwestern winter. If you don’t want to don your puffy coat then this is a great look to try.

Merry Christmas from the Dark Fairy

December 26, 2011  |  Amy's Friends, Bucktown, Individuals, Shoes, Streetstyle

Just kidding… you all recognize my good friend Nicole Blaje. She never ceases to amaze me with her ability to mix whimsy with a dark sense of drama. I adore her. There are very few people in Chicago who can mix Miu Miu bejeweled sandals, a tiara, and a dramatic TopShop coat to create such a stylish look. Nicole is one of them.

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday surrounded by friends and family! xo Amy

On Refinery29: Emily Draznik

Emily Draznik has one of the coolest styles in Chicago and it’s always a pleasure running into her. This time I caught her shopping along Michigan Avenue. The design student isn’t afraid to take fashion risks, which is one of my favorite things to see. In this photo she’s wearing an AllSaints leather jacket and a TopShop pleated skirt. The leopard print loafers, red lips and bold glasses are the perfect accents to add a healthy dose of personality into the look.

To see the original post on Refinery29 where my amazing editor brilliantly referred to Emily as a “living version of Daria,” click here.