We all know I’m a sucker for a sweet pair of kicks, so when I saw Destinn walking down the street in those amazing Nikes with his friend Marley I pounced into action. Destinn also illustrates that army green and heather gray look great layered together.
Plus, I love it when subjects are willing to do what it takes to get an amazing shot. One of my favorite things to photograph in the background is the El. I’m always careful to obey the walk signs; the creepy body bag mannequins at the El stops around town and the City’s pedestrian awareness advertising campaign really makes it clear how dangerous it is to be in the street. I wanted to draw attention to that because I always take full precautions when I’m photographing people in the streets and always only when the walk sign is white (not flashing red).
Just when you thought I was done harping on you about needing to own a camel coat…
The reason I particularly love this image (and rushed to put it up) is because I wanted to show the versatility of a camel coat. Jasmine paired hers with all black clothing for an edgier look than Nanah’s. A great, well designed coat can function as both an empty canvas waiting for you to personalize it (with brooches, etc.) and a statement piece at the center of an outfit.
Photo by Max Herman of Time Out Chicago
When I was invited to the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel’s grand opening bash, it was a party I couldn’t refuse. My best friend Sarah [above] is the Human Resources director at a boutique luxury hotel in downtown Evanston. I invited her to come along for the ride since I knew she’d enjoy celebrating the local hospitality industry’s newest member. Chicago is home to the first Radisson Blu concept hotel in the USA, and people flew in from around the country and overseas to partake in the festivities.
The event also gave me a chance to wear my new Theyskens’ Theory chiffon shirt, which I wore over my new plum ACNE dress from Barneys. I knew people would overdress (and they did). Chicago ladies, you don’t need to wear a ballgown that looks like a prom dress to a hotel opening! I habitually underdress, because I think it’s way cooler than looking like you’re trying too hard. Or at least that’s what I’d like to think… While I was talking about this with Sarah she summed up my fashion sense in a few words;
“You know what Amy? You buy grungy looking pieces made of expensive fabrics so that you can always look like you don’t care, but you care way more than anyone else here. Let’s not fool yourself…”
BURN! Nah, I love it when my friends call me out because even I get sick of my own bullshit. She’s right too. I do love buying expensive pieces that don’t look expensive to the average American, ones that only trained eyes can instantly spot. It’s the ‘dog whistle’ signaling theory for all you sociology nerds. Oh, and let’s not even bring up the Margiela sneakers, because that’s case in point. Sarah wins!
We spent the evening alternating between mingling with other partygoers in the ballroom and hiding out in Filini Restaurant for some fresh air and delicious food. It was a great night bringing a personal friend along to one of these events for once so I could truly enjoy myself and not feel like I was working. I even got to meet one of my favorite food bloggers, Louisa Chu. Funny story, as it turns out she reads my blog too. “Wait a second, you wear the fluffy white coat, right?”
If I had a nickel for every time I heard that…
For more photos, visit Time Out Chicago’s website here.
