Every once in a while I spot something so cool, and so outrageous, that it makes me happy just to see it. Sam’s vintage Newport cigarette sweater, which he found at a thrift store, certainly fits into the ‘cool as hell’ category. Even if you don’t smoke, you have to admit that’s a pretty epic find.
I know I’m going to catch flak for posting this photo of Sam smoking. I practice a philosophy of non-judgment for everyone I photograph, which is why if they’re smoking when I spot them I’m ok with including the cigarettes. What’s funny is that most people put the cigarettes out on their own, so you’d never know they were smoking when I photographed them. I give them the choice in a totally open way. After all, my blog is about presenting people as they are when I find them on the street. In our ultra-PC world, sometimes it’s nice to see some authenticity…
The turban has always been a look I’ve ached to pull off. To be honest, it’s a look that not many people can wear well. It takes a certain je ne sais quoi to don such a strong style, and more often than not the turban ends up looking like, well, you tried too hard. Not on Amber! To the contrary, this is the turban pulled off with power and courage. I think her secret is pairing the silk turban with a low-key chambray denim top and angular tortoise shell sunglasses. Balance within a look is key.
Think of dressing yourself in the morning as a way of balancing your energy. Let me tell you, this is something I struggle with myself. I’m so tempted to wear too many directional pieces at once, but with a measured approach and careful eye it works much better to take a step back (like Amber) and choose one strong statement piece. It’s hard to reign myself in, it feels almost like taming my wild fashion side on a daily basis, but in the end I always feel way more confident about what I’m wearing.
Right before the crisp fall air settled over the Windy City, I photographed Michelle on the Magnificent Mile. It just felt like it was going to be the last warm weekend of the year, and sure enough I was right. I prominently used sunlight to create the sensation of heat, and to take full advantage of the sun’s angle before it shifts lower into the winter sky.
Michelle’s photo illustrates that the simpler looks are truly chic in a way that busier outfits can’t ever achieve. Who knew a little black dress, smoking slippers and long ombré hair could look so fantastically stylish? And let me tell you – every time I see Michelle she’s rocking a unique look. This was the 3rd or 4th time I’ve photographed Michelle but none of the other times made it onto the blog. I either didn’t like the lighting or the background wasn’t right. Every single photo I post has to be just right.
So adios hot weather, can’t say I’ll miss you. Winter has always been my true love.
