2012 So Far
My sincere apologies for disappearing again for the last few weeks. Once the new year began, school and work kicked into full gear again and I haven’t really had the the chance to breathe since.
So please excuse the fact that this is long overdue, but I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season! And happy new year (yeah, I know).
In the midst of all of the hoopla, I have been taking pictures on Instagram whenever the mood strikes. All of these pictures were taken this month and pretty much sum up what I’ve been up to so far: food, self-reflection and planning listening to great music and more food.
While this year has gotten off to more of a slow start, I do have a great feeling about 2012 and I’m looking forward to the rest of this year. And while I know that I say this often and I sometimes can’t keep this promise, I really do hope to blog much more this year. And that is the truth.
So how has the start of the year been so far for you?
Dose Market
It’s taken me awhile to write about Dose Market, but it’s fast become one of my favorite things to do on a lazy Sunday. For those of you outside of Chicago, Dose market is a once-a-month event featuring local Chicago vendors selling food, fashion and housewares. While I haven’t made it to the market every month, I knew that I had to go this month because of the Honey Butter Fried Chicken. And I also wanted to get some Christmas shopping out of the way as well…but it was mostly for the fried chicken.
While I didn’t shop much for clothing this time around, there was plenty of food and items from other vendors to peruse. Chicagoans? If you haven’t been to this market, definitely try to make it to the next market. Visitors, this would be a great way to sample some of Chicago’s great local businesses all under one roof. I only took a few pictures with my cell phone during my journey as I was mostly concerned with…yep, finding the fried chicken!
1. Lovely pastries everywhere you turned. 2. The eggnog meringue cookies from Lottie+Doof were delicious. 3. Ran into the ever stylish Nikia of ChiTown Fashionista and her gorgeous Celine bag.
1. Browsing the menu while waiting for the Honey Butter Fried Chicken (can you tell it was my highlight?). 2. I ended up buying a few pastries for some people at Truffle Truffle.
Summer 2011: Looking Back
Can you believe that we’re already nearing the end of August already? I know we have a little less than two weeks left, but I feel like fall is pushing its way in very quickly.
I’ve enjoyed this summer much more than previous summers, especially when I compare it to last summer. Last summer, I was pretty stressed out and really didn’t get the chance to do much at all. I mostly attribute that to my decision to return to graduate school, worrying about money, figuring out which graduate school I was going to attend, worrying about money and then turning down a great opportunity for…a not so great one.
This summer? I’m still on my summer break, I’m pretty broke (no shopping splurges here) and I’m more unsure than ever about my future. What I can say is that I am happy, a bit more stress-free and taking in as much as possible before Chicago goes into hibernation mode. To share what I’ve been up to this summer, I decided to share some of the pictures I’ve taken through Instagram:
From Top Left: 1. Taking the train into the city. 2. Road trip to Wisconsin in July. 3. An exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art 4. Cool motorcycles in front of a restaurant.
All of these photos are from Chicago’s Dose Market in July. It was my first time there and I just loved visiting some of my favorite Chicago businesses as well as being introduced to new businesses. Definitely a must-go each month.
From Top Left: 1. The crowd from above at Dose Market. 2. A signature cocktail from the guys at Aviary, Grant Achatz’s bar. 3. A yummy gelato cone from Black Dog gelato. 4. I tried to sneak a picture of Grant Achatz and the guys from The Aviary. They were very focused!
From Top Left: 1. I’ve been stalking this Mason Pearson brush for about a month now. 2. Went to see Blonde Redhead in July in the sweltering heat. I didn’t care because the concert was FREE. 3. Summerfest in Milwaukee. As a first timer, we saw Kanye West put on a wonderful show. 4. On my lunch hour, I’d walk over to Nordstrom and look at the pretty clothes. I’ d only look, though.
How has your summer been? Also, if you’re on Instagram, let me know! You can find me here.
Chicago Style: MidWasteland Interview
Although I will admit I’m a a bit biased as a native Chicagoan, I’d like to think that Chicago is a very stylish city. And while there is a street style blog in virtually every major metropolitan city in the world, the MidWasteland captures the best street style photos that display Chicago’s style. I was very happy when I got the chance to interview Monica Dimperio, the face behind MidWasteland, to discuss her take on Chicago street style, where she takes her photos, and her recommendations on some great Chicago shops.
Tell me a bit about your background.
My fashion background consists of a degree in Media Management from Columbia and several years in retail. I worked as a manager and merchandiser at stores including: Lacoste, Prada, and Adriano Goldschmied.
What inspired you to start The MidWasteland?
I got into fashion blogs in early 2007 before a big trip to Europe. Facehunter and Stil In Berlin are two that I really liked. When I was there I saw the most amazing style. When I came back I saw things differently so I picked up my camera and started capturing Chicago street style in July 2007.
Why did you name the blog The MidWasteland?
It’s been a while so I can’t remember the process but I know that I wanted a name that let people know that this wasn’t a blog you wanted to take seriously, like The Sartorialist, for example. I wanted to create a place for people, like me, that know firsthand that most Midwestern stereotypes ARE true. Though, on the same token, also know that style exists within our region, which is why I think The MidWasteland fits nicely. We’re all about having fun here.
Where in Chicago do you take most of your street style photos?
When I first started in 2007 I mostly shot in Wicker Park because that’s where I lived and it was always easy to spot a stylish person there. Now I take my camera everywhere I go. There are stylish people all over the city so I can’t say just one neighborhood.
What Chicago neighborhoods do you think have the most style?
I’ve lived here my entire life. I find beauty in every neighborhood in the city. From Hyde Park up to Andersonville and everything in between, I think each has their own individual style. Of course, not every neighborhood has the most mainstream or “style setting” aesthetic but I don’t think that matters. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 
What do you think sums up Chicago style at the moment? Any specific looks or trends?
To be frank, I think everyone has started to dress like a “hipster”. The indie aesthetic has hit the mainstream and now it’s the thing to do because it’s everywhere. Girls in every subculture are wearing skinny jeans, scarves, and fedoras. Boys in every subculture are wearing Chucks, nerd glasses, and vests.
When taking street style photos, what look inspires you to take a photo of them?
I love interesting details and people. I also veer towards great ensembles. It’s rare that you see someone in a “complete look” but when you do, you know it and it’s a wonderful thing.
What has been a favorite look of yours to photograph so far?
I’m not sure if you mean one person in particular or a specific style. In general, I am not biased. I love taking photos of both men and women in every walk of life as long as they are eye-catching.
How would you describe your own personal style?
My style is pretty eclectic, maybe a little eccentric. I’m not really afraid to wear things that make me stand out like sequins, vintage fur, and bright colors. Though, my daily uniform is generally a basic dress/romper or jeans and a tee paired with a combination of funky accessories. Scarves, necklaces, handbags, big rings, and tons of bracelets. I love it all!
What are your recommendations for some cool Chicago shops?
Some of my favorite shops include:
Eskell: Beautiful vintage-inspired clothing and amazing accessories run by two great gals.
Pivot: Pick up eco-friendly fashion which includes my very own vintage collection, Elegantly Wasted
Hejfina: Out of my price league but super modern and fashion forward clothing.
Penelope’s: Cute and colorful pieces for girls and guys.
Images Sources: The MidWasteland
My Instagram
