Keilon is another example of the resurgence of the Gentleman look on the streets of Chicago. This polished aesthetic has become the provenance of either the very young or the much older. Baby boomers, for whom the ability to chair a boardroom meeting in jeans is the ultimate expression of sartorial power, are lost in between. It’s rare to see someone between 45 and 60 years old sporting this look, but I see this – or elements of the Gentlemen – in virtually all fashion-forward young men these days.
Or take my friend Jeff over at
The Midwestyle fashion blog for another example of how young twenty-something males are taking the sort of pride in their appearance that their parents never did. Above is a detail shot of Jeff’s bowtie etched with tiny little skulls. I photographed him for a Refinery29 project that will be released in mid-July, so I am not able to share with you his entire look just yet. I encourage you to stop by
The Midwestyle to see more of Jeff’s personal style and to learn more about men’s fashion. Their blog has been educating me for months on the subtleties of men’s style. I’m sure you’ll discover something new yourself.
To view today’s post about Jena on Refinery29,
click here.
Jena Gamabaccini is one of Chicago’s most prominent fashion bloggers and a good friend of mine. When I was contacted by a search engine to do a commercial about how my friendships influence my blog, Jena was the first person I asked. Jena was also the first person I ever met through blogging and one of my first Twitter followers. She has supported and encouraged me in every way possible. Without Jena’s advice and critiquing, I doubt ChicagoStreetStyle.com would be as successful as it is today.
I photographed her the day before the 8-person film crew flew out from Los Angeles to work with us. We met up to share ideas and most importantly, pick outfits! The commercial is going to be released early next week, and then I can openly talk about the company and the work.
Follow Jena on Twitter (@ChiCityFashion), on BlogLovin’, and on her newly renamed Tumblr.
She also blogs for Shop Influence, is one of the personal style bloggers at The Style Tribe, and is in charge of social media strategy at luxury consignment juggernaut Shop E-Drop Off. Jena also freelances at Refinery29 like me!
Earlier this week my friend Andrea from the blog Blonde Bedhead came over to hang out. I showed her my new walk-in closet/workspace at my new apartment, and then we headed out to take some photos of each other. Andrea makes me feel really comfortable in front of lens, which is a rare gift. I don’t think I would prance for anyone else – I barely even smile in photographs! Part of the reason I became a street-style photographer is because I am highly critical of photos of myself, but it’s a hang-up I’m slowly getting over.
Expect to see more photos of me and my personal style here and there on Chicago Street Style, so you guys can get to know me and my point-of-view on fashion better!
*Interesting side note: This is the outfit I was originally supposed to wear for the search engine commercial. I chickened out because it was cold, but I was later told by my friend who styled me that I should have worn it anyway. Lesson learned my friends, lesson learned!
Outfit credits: shoes, Givenchy from Ikram; top, Suno from Ikram; skirt, H&M; bracelets, Erin Gordon for Sarca; white bracelet, “Y’Eyes” from Ikram.
