Street Style Huntress: Inspired in Chicago

A couple of months back I wrote about Nylon Magazine and how it has been a huge inspiration in my life, my style and how it ignites my love for finding and capturing street style. Beyond Nylon and their street style books, I’ve also been creeping street style blogs from around the world for the past few years, and these have become daily addictions for me. There’s nothing like having the opportunity to see what people are wearing on the streets in a city you’ve only dreamed of going.

And then comes a time when you can shut your laptop and bask in inspiration on the physical sidewalks of a city you’ve always dreamed of going…for me, one of these cities is Chicago. So clearly, my May highlight would have to be said city!

I’ve been dying to go to for years, and it was in this magical city that I was able to garner much inspiration and excitement for street style. The energy and vibe on Chicago streets is warm, friendly, fun, and of course, stylish. I loved all the various looks that I spotted in the downtown core and beyond. One of my favourite neighbourhoods was Bucktown, the Brooklyn of Chicago, where many lovely hipsters hang out and showcase their amazing senses of style.

Before I left for my trip I made the conscious decision to photograph architecture and architecture alone. I knew that if I even attempted delving into snapping a single street fashion photo, I would be doomed, and that is all I would end up doing for my entire stay. Who are we kidding, I would probably still be there snapping away, changing my flights home and basking in all the lovely that the city had to offer.

But my time to leave had to eventually come, and I return with nothing but a new love for a city that I’ve wanted to visit for many years, and an energy that I don’t think I could have found anywhere else. Thanks for breathing new excitement and inspiration into my life, Chicago!

Photo Time:  Since I dedicated last month’s Street Style Huntress action to the gentlemen of YYC, I’m going to turn it back to the ladies for a second, and start it all off by backtracking a little bit to early April and the first of many Runway Monthly events, held at The Bank on Stephen Avenue. Many a fashionistas came out for the event, and I was lucky enough to capture some of the great looks.

Beyond the first Runway Monthly, I went about my business as usual, meeting and photographing stylish people at The Core, outside of restaurants and bars, and of course, on the streets.

Inspired

When I meet people like Asher Mysyk, I can’t help but feel inspired. My words can’t do justice to this gentleman’s one-of-a-kind look. From the leather tie (which makes me want to go out and find one of my own) to the perfect black leather motorcycle jacket and, of course, the black-tinted jeans that border on acid-wash, the man is unique. I am officially giving Mysyk a one-woman standing ovation for originality.

Denim

In life, I’m a huge believer in looking forward as you march down your chosen path. There are some days, however, when looking back can be a good thing. For example, the other day as I stood waiting for a walk signal, I glanced behind me and sitting on a ledge hiding from the sun and working away on his iPad, sat Jeffrey Carpenter in his remarkable summery outfit.

Carpenter’s look is the right blend of hip and effortless; or perhaps it is because it looks so effortless that it is hip? The denim shirt is perfection and I love how he puts it together with camo shorts and well worn-in brown dress shoes (sockless of course). It’s an irresistible first hit of summer style!

Rooster

Personal style that is fun, distinctive and that speaks to someone’s vibe is always attention getting; Rodney Ruiz’s look is no exception. His esthetic is a reflection of his personality: warm, funny and very colourful. His clothes have a sense of humour, and Ruiz dresses to suit his mood. He is a walking billboard for what’s happening on the inside. Luckily for me the day I had the pleasure of shooting him, all sorts of good vibes were floating around.

This rooster T-shirt is adorable and fun and the red chucks are always a classic summer choice. The ripped jeans are hip and the backpack is the perfect way for Ruiz to cart his iPad and other work gadgets to his favourite haunts like Beano. Of course, Ruiz’s look wouldn’t be complete without a cool haircut and a few fun accessories. More proof that menswear in Calgary is having a moment.

Milan or Paris?

The question I get asked most frequently is, “How do you choose the people you photograph?” The answer is that I’m not attracted by a certain look but rather a feeling that I must capture a person on film (or digitally, as the case may be). While the subjects of Style YYC all possess a unique sense of style, it’s usually more about the energy and confidence they put out into the world.

This was certainly the case with Matt Isinger. He carries with him a style that can easily be translated to any city in the world—he’d fit right in on the streets of Paris. Isinger’s style is classic and chic, comfortable and cool. He’s confident and possesses a je ne sais quoi we’re lucky to have on the streets of YYC.

Local Style

Market Collective is always a hot bed of hot local style, and when I spotted Shauna Thompson manning a friend’s booth at the last event, she proved to be a prime example.

Clearly, Thompson’s beautiful hair colour and super-high bun garner some attention.  The rest of her look is casual and cool with a few bohemian touches that I love. The rich purple hue of the top highlights Thompson’s fair complexion—in a good way—and the additions of a pair of chucks, woven belt and statement necklace keep her simple pieces looking fresh and interesting.