In the recent weeks, I have expressed my adoration for style and fashion. In fact, I consider my interest in style one of my defining personality traits. I talk about personal style inspiration frequently. I am quick to compliment others on their looks. I think friends of mine probably find it obnoxious because I consistently compliment strangers on their charming attire. It does not matter where I am or who I'm with, if I like your boots I will tell you. I find fashion inspiration in the people around me.
I get style inspiration from strangers in restaurants or on the train. Because great style exists in the everyday, blogs like The Cobrasnake and Last Night's Party have become popular with fashion innovators. These blogs offer photos of people at events and parties and usually their style is cool, if you pay attention. I always keep my eyes open for creative style ideas or details when I go out. It helps keep my style fresh. This brings me to my inspiring weekend adventures in Chicago.
This weekend, I attended a journalism conference in the city with the staff of my college newspaper. Other colleges and universities from Illinois were in attendance as well. With the exception of the crowd at Lollapalooza, those at the Illinois Press College Press Association conference were the most eclectic-looking bunch of college kids I have ever seen. I participated in a great deal of people watching while listening to professional journalists and walking to and from various conference rooms. Not only was I inspired to write at this conference, I was also creatively inspired to try new things with my wardrobe. Though I hate leaving the city more than anything, I was pretty excited to get home and shop my closet to put new outfits together.
Ok, it is important to point out that many of the kids I encountered over the weekend were hipsters. I was not particularly inspired by the hipsters because I think hipsters are pretentious. However, that doesn’t mean I failed to appreciate their ironic shoes. Those that were inspiring were those bucking the whole urban hipster thing. They were dressed up, but themselves, at least from my vantage point.
One guy in particular caught my eye and I will be forever disappointed I did not photograph him for this blog. He was eye-catching and I told him so. Dressed in a perfectly tailored, lavender Oxford shirt and cigarette jeans, paired with Prada gym shoes and a sweater “effortlessly” tied around his shoulders, this guy had insane style. His outfit made quite the impression. In dress, he reminded me of a character from a film. His attire was sort of a mix between Jude Law’s Alfie and Robert Redford’s Jay Gatsby. It was the tailoring and pastel shirt. I was happy to see someone so young in touch with his personal style.
The keynote speaker at the conference explained that in order to succeed as a writer, one must always be alert and searching for the next story to tell. I think the same notion can be applied to fashion. Keep your eyes open to influences and inspirations from strangers on the street. You may find the missing piece to complete your personal style.
Images via-
The Cobrasnake
The Great Gatsby
Alfie
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