A few weekends ago I was walking down Michigan Avenue doing my “rounds” around the Gold Coast* when I happened upon this adorable girl. She was running back and forth between the steps of the historic Water Tower and the fountain in the center of the plaza. She radiated pure, unbridled joy. I think we can all connect to the spirit of this young child, whose enthusiasm and lightness is inspiring in its simplicity. Every one of us has memories that stretch way back to when something as elementary as doing somersaults down a hill created so much enjoyment. I’m sure that’s exactly what her parents thought as they sat on the steps, watching her play. They smiled at me while I took a few snapshots, and I’m sure they thought I was thinking the same thing. And they were right.
*In my defense, I spent this past weekend and the weekend before shooting in Wicker Park. I’m so behind that I’m still playing catch up with old photos.
Ashley
When I spotted Ashley out front of Giorgio Armani on Chicago Avenue, she and her equally stylish friends instantly caught my eye. Amidst a sea of monotonous black fleece jackets, these three girls were a delightful contrast against the deluge of homogeneity. Their vintage and thrifted clothing demonstrates the creative approach to dressing that many young & stylish Chicagoans have adopted. In many ways this idea is what currently defines the city’s street style (see Chicago Looks for more proof). Compared to last fall, I’m already seeing more individuality in the ways Chicagoans are dressing for cold weather. Hopefully my colleagues and I are inspiring people to dress better in hopes of being spotted by one of us!
J Buck
Leanna
