These Chicago Streets

Wed nes day

2010-04-14T13:01:00.003-05:00

I just read all of my posts from 2007 & 2008.

My past self's grammatical skills and subject matters were making me cringe.

I'm thinking about deleting them, but I'll leave them up for old time's sake.

They'll be internet archaeological fossils.

Except, will they ever age?

Buddy & Roy

2010-03-25T20:23:00.003-05:00

I've been obsessively listening to Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly's infectious tunes. I'm not trying to sound like a music snob, but their songs sound better on vinyl since every little hiss and crackle creates a vintage and intimate sound. It's ironic how the two men looked like complete "squares", yet their melodies are surreal and strange. Black, bold, plastic glasses are also ubiquitous with their image (which look great on girls too). Their style is absurdly clean and crisp. Each strand of hair is meticulously in order and their suits are perfectly ironed. They look like classic squares, but have the enchanting ability to make any girl swoon.

In reverence to these legendary musical souls, I've gathered some modern pieces to recreate their looks for gals.

Review of Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2010

2010-03-22T14:26:00.032-05:00

Army. Military. Utilitarian. These words are uttered relentlessly by magazines, blogs, and the internet. I’ve seen countless fashion spreads in women’s magazines showing off the new trend for 2010. It’s finally chic for women to look as if they’re ready to march off into battle. It’s even more ironic the weather is finally warming up in Chicago, yet designers have already revealed their fall collection – thick coats and furry hats are almost unbearable when we’re all ready for sunshine and spring break.

Yes, Marc by Marc Jacobs undoubtedly embraced the military trend. Army surplus green and trench coats are fundamental staples within the closets of any World War II hero. Dark hunting caps mysteriously shadowing the eyes of Jacobs’ femme fatales would woe countless campy Humphrey Bogart-like character. What separates Jacobs from other designers is his decision to juxtapose youth culture, within otherwise solemn militant clothing.

The show opens with Karen O’s emphatic, yet child-like voice singing “Capsize” – which is quickly recognizable from this year’s Spike Jonze film, Where the Wild Things Are. The selection of fuzzy, teen-inspired songs thoroughly brings out the youthfulness of the collection. The Drums, a hazy and playfully kitschy band is responsible for “Let’s Go Surfing”. The music fits perfectly within Marc Jacobs’ world. The seriousness of a neutral green cardigan can be playfully transformed by un-tucking it. The satirical nature of a jacket or trench coat is exaggerated by lengthening it. Bold red-stripes vividly transform a model’s look in contrast with neutral pants.

Jacobs’ collection is reminiscent of what the youth of World War II would’ve worn if they had listened to Wavves or Jesus and Mary Chain. A dash of colorful enthusiasm mixed within an otherwise austere wardrobe. On a purely superficial level, the collection can be waved away as just “following the trend”. In closer examination, Jacobs’ aesthetics has always been about ironically embracing youth culture.

I'M BACK

2010-03-17T15:40:00.003-05:00

I am back from an incredibly long blogging hiatus (2 years to be exact).

Be aware of more updates.

Hipster Mania, It's Insania?

2008-02-16T12:56:00.030-06:00

In December I went to see Flosstradamus. They're a DJ duo (Josh Young, Curt Cameruci) from Chicago, known for their infamous dance parties. I feel like I should've put these pictures up months ago. But I was really pissed off because I lost half of the pictures from my camera memory card malfunctioning. I did find a batch of pictures that survived though.

But on a happier note, it was one giant, friendly, dance party. I don't know if you can tell, but everyone featured in this post were probably soaking with sweat from all the bodily motions and rubbing. The crowd went absolutely ballistic when the official song of 2007, D.A.N.C.E by Justice came on. I did get to meet the photographer who runs everyoneisfamous.com and in the midst of camera bulbs flashing off, gave him a giant cheesy hug. I guess I was just really happy to finally meet the guy who ran the site.
Kid Sister (Pro-Nails w/ Kanye West) was also spotted, she was gorgeous and her makeup was perfect. For some reason, I took pictures of guys more than girls. The girls didn't wear anything much interesting, mostly sweaters and coats. It was 5 degrees outside, I guess the weather was a factor so they didn't fuss about clothing that night since it was freezing.

So tell me, is Chicago a hit or miss?

How was your week darling?

2008-02-10T23:56:00.000-06:00

As many have already heard, this whole week has been smothered with fashion. New York is probably going wild with the amount of gorgeous people and clothes in such close vicinity. I would've gladly given up my right hand and neck to have gotten to see a show. But alas, I'm unimportant and probably would've been giggling maniacally the whole time.

Which show would you have wanted to go to?

From my biased point of view, I would've loved to have gone to the Marc Jacobs show. Not merely based on the fact that he has awesome clothes, but Sonic Youth was also performing during the show. Those models must've felt like such bad asses for being able to strut in tune with Kim Gordon's voice. I saw Sonic Youth perform during the summer at a festival with other fellow music lovers. But it would've been so bizarre to see them at some fashion show filled with snooty celebrities and fashion people.

M.I.A. was also in attendance! I love the new ads that she's in.

André Leon Talley seems so intimidating in pictures. But this time he actually warmed me over. He's wearing a Barack Obama button! I guess he must be very proud to have voted. Also, I might be over analyzing this but I do like the nice little blue cap he's wearing signifying that he's a blazing democrat. It adds a sweet touch.

Snow Day

2008-02-01T11:57:00.000-06:00

Classes have been canceled today because 5 inches of snow fell last night covering the state of Illinois. I am locked in my room and can't hide behind anymore excuses of why I'm too busy to make long awaited updates. I guess this post will be about what I've been up to this past winter.

For the past month and a half I've been working at Victoria's Secret as a retail slave. Every single day I had to interact with women and their whining needs for lingerie. For those of you living in the U.S., you know that they have a massive sale during the winter time called the "Semi-Annual Sale". Which means flocks of women wait in front of the store and rip the entire premise apart upon entering. Heidi and Adriana are probably delighted to be employed by this company. They get to pose for pictures and do runway work. But for the rest of us, minimum wage and bitchy customers is what our day at work is like.

I also hate, hate, HATE seeing girls wearing sweatpants in public that say PINK on the butt. Do they honestly think that it looks good?? Especially little adolescent girls who don't realize that Victoria's Secret is actually filled to the brim with sex. Overpriced sweatpants and cute panties is just a marketing tool to suck them into the store at an early age.

Enough with the ranting...

But I saw a couple of great movies this winter too.

Juno was a really funny and sweet movie. Of course the whole world fell in love with Ellen Page. Do you think that she'll be the next Molly Ringwald?? I also really love her style. Most articles about Ellen are accompanied by pictures of her in comfy hoodies and sneakers. I like how she's being herself and not turning into another Lindsay.

But these photos show her looking so chic. I need to go get a vintage bicycle now.

I'm Not There, was the long awaited film about Bob Dylan starring a crew of great actors. In my opinion Cate Blanchett stole the spotlight. Throughout the film I kept forgetting that the Bob Dylan I saw was really a woman. Then I felt really awkward and weird becauseshe made an attractive man. Anyways, can you tell the difference between the real Dylan and Cate?

I've also been interning for the senator Barack Obama. Since last September I've been making thousands of phone calls to people urging them to vote. I've also walked around neighborhoods in Iowa and Illinois, knocking on people's doors conversing about the country. It's astounding how far he's gotten in this election. I haven't met the man yet, but I've encountered many of his friends. They've all got so many positive things to say. He resembles the John F. Kennedy that millions have gotten excited about in the past.

I didn't buy that many clothes this winter, but I did come across a really neat pair of mustard yellow skinny jeans. I've always wanted a pair of colorful pants and these were just perfect. I now have an obsession for all things that are mustard yellow.

what I want for christmas

2007-12-23T14:02:00.000-06:00

Last night, a couple friends and I went out to buy a present for a friend's 20th birthday. It was hard to pick out what to get the girl since she pretty much has everything. Her style is very chic and tends to be upscale. What can a group of poor college students buy with a budget of just $80??

We were thinking of going to Tiffany's for a pretty piece of jewelry. But of course the store was filled with rich people from the suburbs. And we ran out of the store immediately after examining the prices.

This pretty little heart necklace was $150. The only thing that I can do at a place like Tiffany's is just stare at the windows displays, just like what Holly Golightly did.

After much deliberation, we decided to get her something that suited with her vegan lifestyle. American Apparel has began selling clothing that is made out of organic cotton, so we decided to get her gifts there.

We got her this pomegranate colored Organic Fine Jersey T-shirt for $15. The color is really bright and cheery in real life.

We also got this Unisex Baby Rib Cardigan for $38. I really like this light silver colored one but in real life we bought a cardigan that was striped black and purple.

Knee-High Tube Socks in colors sea foam and taupe were also purchased for $10 each. These would look really cute when worn with boots.

I hate the feeling of not being able to purchase anything for yourself during the holidays. You're busy finding things for other people and not yourself. Of course you must be altruistic by buying things for people and all. After browsing through the store, I found a bunch of things that I need.

The cotton bandeau dress has gotten so many great ratings. There are at least 15 ways to wear the dress. Plus it flatters all body types too.

It's also made in a pencil style so it clings to your silhouette more. A sexed up version of the flirty dress that will definitely cause heads to turn.

And of course you can't forget the ubiquitous fleece hoody that any cool kid owns. You must also get it in yellow, brightens up any person's day.

I don't understand you unisex slim slacks. You fit a girl's body so well, yet any boy can pull on a pair and look equally great.

I'm also getting really sick of carrying a purse around. How about a fanny pack? Would it make me look like a lost tourist everywhere I go?

A close friend of mine is studying abroad in Paris for the winter. I got her a clever t-shirt from threadless.com. It's called "International Translation". The purpose of the shirt is that you can wear it when traveling to a country when you can't speak their language. You simply point at a picture to communicate what you need. For instance, you might need to use a telephone. Instead of confusing people with broken French or Spanish you can just point at the telephone picture!

I also got a crazy rainbow vest from Le Tigre as a Christmas present. I fell in love with it because of the crazy colors, and got it as a surprise present. I've worn it a couple times in public and have recieved many odd stares from people. They do a double-take and act like they can't believe a person is wearing a rainbow vest. It kind of reminds me of something that Rainbow Brite would wear.

Homeboy Spotlight: Ferris Bueller

2007-12-17T20:14:00.001-06:00

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is probably everyone's favorite 80's-teen movie. For those of you who aren't aware of this cultural icon, he's a high school student from the suburbs of Chicago getting into adventures while skipping school. Everyone loves him for his nonchalant personality and the ability to charm his way out of any sticky situation. Every time I watch this movie I feel like I'm wasting my life away on the couch doing nothing. I feel like jumping out of the house, take a train to wrigley field, and go on some wacky adventure. But of course, I soon realize that the movie is just a fictional illusion John Hughes has created. Sometimes, I do wish I had Ferris' cheery perspective of life. He's the bright-eyed teen everyone wishes they could've been.

Well this post is dedicated to his quirky 80's style.

I'm obsessed with suspenders at the moment.

Jesus, look at the tassels on that jacket. Could you imagine anyone wearing that now??

Bomber jackets, high-waisted shorts, and weird printed vests may still be worn in the 21st century by hipsters. But this was probably the norm back then.

Berets and Ray Bans won't ever go out of style. The same goes to red ferrari's.

They look like such bad asses.

(Note to self: must curl up lips a little to get the desired effect)

golly marc jacobs, you did it again!

2007-12-13T19:51:00.000-06:00

I was busy finding pictures for my next post, but I came across these pictures of Marc Jacobs. I feel like this blog is turning into an unofficial marc jacobs fansite. But I will wrong society if I were to let these pictures go.

But here is the style god dressed up as a "camel toe" at his Marc Jacobs Christmas Party in New York. I think the pasties with the tassels add a nice decorative touch to the other man's costume.

Also, America's fiercest transgender attended the soirée. Here's Amanda Lepore whom I completely adore. Her over exaggerated lips and chest force all eyes on her.

I love David LaChapelle's pictures of Amanda. They make the perfect match together.
(I know that this is a little X-RATED, but she looks great, yes? )

sorry for the lack of posts

2007-12-06T13:03:00.000-06:00

There has been about a month of no posts. I guess the problem is that I've been swamped with stuff to do, and I've been a little lazy. I really want to take pictures of people out on the streets but haven't really gotten the opportunity to do so. I don't want to half-ass my posts but instead try to write meaningful and maybe interesting things.

Hopefully something will catch my excitement in the coming weeks.

I really want a headband like what this girl from The Sartorialist is wearing. What's your opinion on it?
Would people scrunch their face in confusion or would their jaws drop for how fashionable it is?

(Lucky girl, to be living in Paris!!)

If I were to be a man in my next life I'd want to look like this guy also from The Sartorialist. Plus I'd wear black leather jackets all the time with shiny shoes.

(He's got lovely hair doesn't he?)

what the hell are you doing in downstate illinois?!?!

2007-11-04T22:32:00.001-06:00

Last Friday I went to the Salvation Army since there was nothing better to do.

I love to dig through the clothing racks at Salvation Army. I sifted through old puffy-sleeved dresses from the 80's and raggedy t-shirts with lame slogans. I always feel like I'm searching for treasure. When you find something at the end of your search, it feels amazing since it seemed like you went on a long adventure. An adventure filled with dusty clothing and crazy old women constantly bumping into you.

Alas, on my last adventure I came across my most prized treasure yet. I found a Diane Von Furstenberg blazer!

My mouth was wide open with confusion when I first pulled this off the rack. I couldn't believe that this was in a ratty old thrift store. But most importantly I couldn't believe that this was in Peoria, Illinois which is in the middle of no where (I only come here for college). This town is 300 miles away from my lovely home of Chicago and the inhabitants never wear designer clothing. Why was DVF lost among Members Only jackets and Talbots sweaters?

The price was at $3.29 but at the register it got marked down even lower to $1.69!! They were having a special where all blue-tagged items were half-off!!

Here's a closeup of the tag. You can tell that the owner cut off the little tag underneath that shows the size and washing directions.

Are there any professionals out there that can tell me what decade this is from? I think it's from the 1980's but I'm not too sure.

random information

2007-10-30T19:24:00.000-05:00

I went to two shows and saw two amazing bands.
The indie music scene in Chicago is alive and buzzing.
After all, it is the pretentious home base for the folks at Pitchforkmedia.com

Tokyo Police Club is a jumpy band from

Canada

. I thought that I was attending an 18+ show, but apparently there were 13 year old teenage girls/boys surrounding me. I guess kids really know their music now a days.

The guys in the band looked so incredibly young, I think all of them are either 19 or in their early 20's.
Their ensemble consisted of plaid button ups, purposeful band t-shirts and rumpled jeans.

Of Montreal was one gigantic, colorful, homosexual dance party. I saw a man walking around in S&M gear and the audience was pretty much beautiful, since the majority of them were gay.

The members wore great costumes coated with glitter and spandex. Kevin Barnes stripped to a pair of skin tight hot pants with stockings. The man is a genius. A genius that wears blue eyeshadow and glitter.

only shopping gives me happiness

2007-10-29T17:23:00.000-05:00

Bad news.
I wasn't able to take pictures of people on the streets when I went home for vacation because my camera ran out of batteries. I have the worst luck sometimes.
Instead of wallowing in my sadness, I went out and hit the stores.
Here is a documentation of the items I bought.

Shoes Shoes Shoes!!

Black leather slip-on heels $1.50!

Leather Brazilian pointed flats $4

Crazy 80's slingbacks $2

Blue heels once more $1.50
(Blue shoes complete me.)

Purses! Purses! Purses!

Vintage Lord & Taylor bag $6

Vintage Marshall Field's shoulder bag $4
(R.I.P. my lovely, lovely store)

Vintage clutch/purse $4.50

1950's shirtwaist dress $4
(now I can finally look like a 50's housewife during my leisure times.)

and the best find goes too...

a pair of American Apparel skinny jeans for $14.44!!!!

They usually go for around $70 at the store but I couldn't believe that I found them for only $13.99!!! (14.44 including tax) I got them at Crossroads Trading Co. in Wicker Park, which is a store that sells used clothing. The store was filled with tons of things from Urban Outfitters and American Apparel t-shirts. It felt like they were practically giving them away. I kept asking the sales lady if the price was a joke, but it wasn't!

TAKE THAT American Apparel!! Your jeans were priced at a ridiculous amount and I refused to buy them. Everything in that store is pretty much ridiculously priced. All that will-power did pay off at the end. The lesson at the end of the story is: consignment and thrift stores are the only way for college students to shop.

this blog is not dead

2007-10-23T22:43:00.000-05:00

There hasn't been much updates because midterms have been kicking my ass. I am burnt out and resting at this current moment.

Posting will probably continue by the end of the week, and this is talking to the few who actually come and read this blog. (which is like 5 people!!)

But I am happy that the gods of fashion have answered my prayers.

Marc Jacobs is indeed making a store in Wicker Park and it should be opening soon, thanks to moxie for the update. In honor of the event I've created a shrine in my dorm room to appease the gay god of fashion. I've dedicated an entire wall showing off his ads, and I hope this will make him happy.

we need some more marc jacobs in our lives

2007-10-04T14:48:00.000-05:00

Alright, here's another post that has nothing to do with Chicago whatsoever. But I'll be going back home for the weekend for fall break, so hopefully I'll get some pictures in by then.

By now, everyone should know that every girl's favorite designer has released a new fragrance called Daisy. I read in an interview somewhere that the fragrance was inspired by Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby. (I never much liked her, she was too flighty for my taste.) I've tried a sample, and it was very "girly" smelling. I can definitely imagine Daisy wearing this while she was playing tennis.

These totes are only available at the marc jacobs store for around $12 (cheaper than an old navy or target tote!!). There isn't one in Chicago, I can't believe that he has stores in Taiwan, Malaysia, Vegas, New York, Saudi Arabia, Russia, California....pretty much the entire world except for us. Maybe he's scared to open up a store here, because we live in a city that's considered to be the fattest in the nation (according to Men's Fitness Magazine, but what do they know anyways). But these tote bags are delicious, they're going up to $40 on ebay right now.

And now for the man himself. I got these pictures from the addicting new drug called perezhilton.com. He's got a tattoo of himself as a Simpson's character! It's very cute, I like how the cartoon version of himself is waving at something.

Can you believe that the man once looked like this??

And now he looks like this!
(note: he's got a little J tattoo, i think for his lover)

Jesus christ, he looks like a whole new person. This picture is funny in an awkward way, I think he's doing some form of yoga on top of this nice young gentleman.

A statement intended for Marc's eyes only:
HEY MARC JACOBS! If you read this blog, (maybe when the world explodes) can you make a store in Chicago! Please? We are sick of going to Nordstrom's or Bloomingdale's and also searching the internet for your designs. We need a store asap now! We the city of Chicago, vow to stop eating hot dogs and pizza if you come here. I solemnly swear dearest marc jacobs.

Okay, I'm done rambling now.

reason #1 to why it sucks not being in chicago

2007-09-30T15:47:00.000-05:00

There's suppose to be a fashion show in conjunction with NYLON magazine tonight. Too bad I can't attend it since I'm at school in the middle of nowhere, Illinois. There are times when I feel like Chicago is boring and want to get out of it. But this time, I want to go back right now!!

p.s. I know this is suppose to be a blog about street fashion in Chicago, but I haven't gotten to post any good pictures because of school. I guess I can take pictures of the people here, but you'd get sick of all the collegiate sweaters and abercrombie & fitch shirts.

just an introduction

2007-09-27T12:19:00.001-05:00

I've been obsessively looking through street fashion blogs for over a year now. It's inspiring to see what people are wearing all over the world. But the one thing that I soon came to notice was the lack of blogs about my hometown, Chicago. The city is filled with millions of people that need to have their pictures taken, and it was sad to see that no one has been really documenting them.

What do people in the world think about Chicago anyways? Do you think that we all walk around in Michael Jordan jerseys and eat hot dogs? I mean, there's tons of us that still do, but there are others who have amazing style. Instead of sitting around and doing nothing, I decided to make a blog myself to capture the people and culture of Chicago (and maybe the surrounding suburbs too, can't forget about them).

This post would be boring without a picture, so here's a protest in front of Macy's on State Street. DOWN WITH MACY'S!! We still miss you Marshall Field's.

photo credits: timothy state