Who: Amy Creyer
Blog: chicagostreetstyle.com
Define Street Style:
Street-style is the fashion worn by everyday people in big cities. In contrast to designer fashion, which is trend-driven, street-style is dominated by individuality.
Why did you start a blog all about the street style of Chicago?
I had been following street-style blogs for a long time and finally had the free time to start my own. My most vivid memories from when I was a child living in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan are of the street-style of people on the sidewalks. Street-style is basically the human element of the urban landscape, and I wanted to capture that aspect of Chicago life to show the world that we do have vibrant and interestingly dressed people on our streets.
How long have you lived in Chicago?
Since August 2008.
How would you describe the street style of Chicago from what you have photographed?
Chicagoans love bright, vivid colors and prints. Chicagoans are more individualistic than New Yorkers, and I think a large reason why is because we don’t have a dominant fashion industry here to make people self conscious. In Chicago, people wear what they like and what fits their personalities. We’re less judgmental people in the Midwest, which gives people the freedom to express themselves through their clothing as opposed to buying the latest trends just to fit in.
It takes a fashionable person to be able to spot the best street style, describe your style?
My own style is a mash-up of neo-tribal (African beadwork, bright ethnic prints), rocker (leather jackets, spikes and skulls) with an urban street edge (designer sneakers, tight jeans). I don’t think of myself as very “lady-like” although that side of me is developing as I mature.
Favorite Designers?
Suno, Rodarte, Celine (Phoebe Philo), Theyskens’ Theory, Alexander Wang, Maison Martin Margiela, Rag & Bone, and Proenza Schouler.
What are some of your blogging goals?
I always said I’d know I’d made it as a fashion blogger when I was backstage at New York fashion week. This September, through a collaboration with True Religion jeans, I had VIP passes to all the runway shows at Milk Studios. Reading that first email was one of the few times in my life I’ve cried tears of joy. I’ve reached the top of the biggest mountain I had in mind so I’ve set new goals. My primary goal right now is to translate my blog’s success into a position as a digital strategist for brands. Fame is temporary and buzz dies off, so my main priority right now is to find a way to build a career out of the success I’ve earned.
How has your blog changed your life?
Honestly, I was unprepared for the level of attention my blog brought. I’m a very private person so it came as a complete shock to be recognized on the train and on the street by readers. I am so thankful to have so many passionate readers and I love when they come say hi to me, but that sort of attention was totally surprising since I post photos of otherpeople. To this day, I still find it hard to comprehend that so many people read my blog.
My blog has also opened doors into the world of advertising. My projects with Fortune 500 companies Microsoft and Proctor & Gamble showed me how innovative advertising can be. My mom is a marketing professor who specializes in consumer behavior so it’s been fascinating for me to learn on my own how to facilitate relationship-building between brands and consumers with her advice. Without this blog, I wouldn’t be on the cusp of starting my career as in advertising.
What advice do you have for aspiring street style photographers?
My #1 piece of advice to all bloggers, not just street-style photographers, is to make your content personal. Since all cell phones have cameras there are 300 million potential street-style photographers in America. Photographers have been documenting city streets since cameras were invented. How are you going to stand out? Don’t just go around and copy existing street-style blogs. Add value to the digital conversation. Make it your own. The most important thing you must do is create authentic, original content. If you have something to say, and speak from a strong voice, readers will follow.
How can looking at the street style photographs help someone form their own style?
Street style photography influences people to be more unique with their style. Seeing how other people are courageous enough to rock an individual look gives other people the confidence to break loose from the crowd. I document individuality more than fashion because that’s what I find truly fascinating.
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