It's hard to talk local trends without talking street style—and Chicago Street Style is one of our favorite go-tos. Founder and photographer Amy Creyer launched the blog in 2010 and has already made quite a stir on the local fashion scene, with many a boutique party listing her presence as a reason to come.
We recently asked Amy to share the top 10 favorite looks she's caught around town--and got her to open up on her own story, too. Read on for the chic blogger's backstory of getting started, her local eat/shop/play haunts, and a few words to the wise for aspiring fashion bloggers.
The Feast: When and why did you decide to start your blog?
Amy Creyer: I started my blog in June 2010. I have always loved street-style since I was a little girl growing up around the characters of Greenwich Village in Manhattan. Then I discovered the English compilation of FRUITS, a Japanese street fashion 'zine, in 2001 when I was 14 and living in Arkansas. I craved the vibrant energy of city life, and for me street-style always represented the best of urban culture. I didn't have time to start a blog until I returned to grad school in 2010. Before that I worked full-time at a LaSalle Street trust & estate law firm after I graduated from Michigan State in 2008.
How do you choose who to feature?
I always get this question! I would say that the people I photograph all understand how to visually communicate their identity and personality through fashion. Basically they have to have a personal sense of style. It's so difficult to answer in terms of finite guidelines. Everyone is different. I try really hard to capture the individuality of each person I photograph.
What's the most difficult thing about doing what you do?
The most difficult thing I do is convince random strangers to let me photograph them. The best people I photograph always have a little fight in them, and I love that. I love "the sell." Basically I have less than 5 seconds to convince an ultra-stylish pedestrian, who has no idea who I am, to let me photograph them for a photo that will be seen around the world. It's a lot more challenging than just "hey, can I take your photo," especially for the people who are older and extremely well-dressed.
How would you describe your style?
My style is constantly evolving! Right now I'm working an edgier look that uses more black than I'm normally comfortable with. I am most heavily influenced by the blogs I read. The personal style blog LATTERSTYLE, written by my friend Meagan, has been the driving force behind my shift towards a darker aesthetic. Before I got into that blog I was a lot preppier. Personal style blogs help me to refine the development of my style, whether through inspiration or references.
What have you been wearing non-stop lately?
My Alexander Wang sunglasses, my two "Y'Eyes" bracelets from Ikram, my black leather Converse sneakers, crazy nail polishes, skinny black pants, leather jackets, and Vince's loose-fitting tops. I am experimenting with skull motifs in shirts and jewelry as well.
Which local designers do you love/what makes them so lovable?
I love local jewelry designer Elyse Marie Vieni. Her designs are stocked at Sarca, one of my favorite boutiques. I love that she's not afraid to "go big." With the recession a lot of designers have turned towards minimalist jewelry with a low-key vibe, so I adore Vieni's expressive, colorful designs that are dripping with chains, beads, and jewels.
What was your favorite store in the mall when you were 15? And now?
I won't lie—my favorite store in the mall when I was 15 was Abercrombie & Fitch. I remember specifically because I was 14 or 15 when it finally opened at the mall in Northwest Arkansas (where I moved when I was 9) and I was SO EXCITED. I look back now and laugh. I totally dressed to conform, because I lacked the confidence to truly express my personality in the oppressive high school environment. I think that's why Tavi Gevinson is so inspiring to me—she has the confidence and the self-awareness to be herself in high school, which is not something a lot of people can say.
What kind of equipment do you use for your photos?
I use an Olympus PEN to take my photos. It's the most powerful camera I could find that would fit into my little purses!
Words of advice to aspiring bloggers?
Be yourself, be original and speak from the heart. Don't recycle PR emails, create your own individual niche and offer your readers something they can't find on any other blog. And always, always create original content. No one wants to read something identical to what was posted on five other blogs, so always offer your own perspective even on events or products that are heavily covered. Your readers want to see it through your eyes. Fashion is about point-of-view, so work hard to cultivate one.
Fill in: I love Chicago because Chicago is…
New York without the garbage and bad attitudes but I could totally go without the sub-zero windchills during winter.
Your favorite places to eat, shop, and play in Chicago?
My favorite places to eat are Cafe Babareeba and India House, my favorite places to shop are Kokorokoko and Ikram, and my favorite places to play are the Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Lincoln Park's gardens.
