Fashion Files Magazine: Who's That Blogger?

Emma Arnold, Très Awesome

Details

Published on Saturday, 24 September 2011 16:04

Written by FFMag Staff

Welcome to FFMag's Who's That Blogger? fashion series, where we spotlight talented and unique fashion bloggers. We love the originality of fashion’s most diverse group and decided to profile Chicago’s (and the world’s) most noteworthy bloggers. For our our second installment we chose the talented Emma Arnold from Très Awesome, Chicago's most coveted street style blog. Our editor, Anna Marevska, talked with Emma about style, favorite things and what it means to be chic in Chicago.

If you like to browse through street style photos on ELLE.com as much as I do, odds are you have seen at least one of Emma Arnold's street style shots. You may also know her from Garmental, Chicago's shopping and style site, or Refinery29, as she contributes to both. Or perhaps you know her from our pages, where we recently showed some of her NYFW street style photos.

And if you've never heard her name, I'm glad you are here, as I'd like to introduce you to a talented, humble and charming woman with a wonderful eye for style, which goes beyond the obvious luxury labels.

Emma is the heart and soul behind Chicago's street style blog Très Awesome. Launched less than a year ago, the blog has attracted many followers in recent months due to Emma's keen eye for chic and professional approach to photography. Whenever not capturing stylish Chicagoans, Emma stretches her creative muscles as the art director for none other than advertising powerhouse Leo Burnett.

FFMag: Tell our readers a little about yourself – how did you get into blogging?
Emma: I am a photographer, fashion enthusiast and art director at the advertising agency Leo Burnett. I started Très Awesome about 8 months ago to showcase the fabulous, creative, fashionable people I see on the streets of Chicago everyday.
FFMag: What is best thing about your occupation?
E: I get to be creative every day.
FFMag: What are your style words to live by?
E: Go for it.
FFMag: Reason for blogging?
E: Très Awesome is a perfect combination of two of my life long loves, photography and fashion.
FFMag: Chicago was recently ranked No. 4 in the worst dressed list by GQ magazine. Your thoughts?
E: Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. I think that the editors at GQ probably only go to certain areas when they visit Chicago, like the Loop, Michigan Avenue and Wrigleyville. These are the most unstylish neighborhoods in the city. I challenge the GQ editors to go have a beer at Big Star in Wicker Park, or visit the Men's section at Barneys on Oak and Rush and come to the same conclusion.

FFMag: What do you do when you're not blogging?
E: When I'm not out on the street taking pictures or home editing you can find me dreaming up commercials for major brands, hanging with friends at Bar Deville or seeing music at The Metro, Empty Bottle, or The Mid.
FFMag: What are your favorite fashion blogs?
E: I love The Sartorialist for all the obvious reasons - gorgeous, evocative photographs and fabulous looking people. The Cut for the inside scoop, Garance Dore for her style and fabulous photography, and Refinery29 for keeping me up to date on Chicago and beyond.
FFMag: What is the most treasured item in your closet?
E: My mother's pearls and my Elyse Mari Vieni Indian Princess Necklace.
FFMag: What clothing item would you say is timeless?
E: A beautiful silk scarf.
FFMag: Tell us something about yourself we might not expect.
E:I once came in third in a hot wing eating contest.
FFMag: What is your favorite piece of clothing and accessory right now?
E: I am cherishing my Lanvin snake skin tote right now.
FFMag: What is your last purchase?
E: An AllSaints leather bustier. So cool!
FFMag: Who is your fashion icon?
E: Peg Bundy and Fran Drescher.
FFMag: Five things that are always in your purse.
E: Pink lip gloss, cinnamon Altoids, sunglasses, compact and iPhone.
FFMag: Your guilty pleasure is...
E: Salt and vinegar chips.
FFMag: Your celebrity crush is...
E: Beck.
FFMag: Finish the sentence: If I was not a blogger, I would be...
E: A mixed-media artist or a fashion designer.
FFMag: Are there any trends you are particularly inspired by this season?
E: I love the midriff craze, bright colors and bold patterns. I am also digging the chic hippie look.
FFMag: What trend from the past would you like to make a comeback?
E: Turbans.
FFMag: Where are your favorite places to shop?
E: I love Sofia on Oak Street, Kokorokoko on Ashland, and Dose Market in the River East Art Center.
FFMag: Who are your favority fashion designers?
E: The Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte, Miuccia Prada and Stella McCartney.
FFMag: If your blog had a mission statement, what would it be?
E: I want people to read my blog, not only to look at the pictures, but to find inspiration in them. I want the person who has the fabulous 80's bolero in their closet, that they bought from the resale shop because they HAD to HAVE it, but have always been afraid to wear, to put the damned jacket on and ENJOY it. I would love it if my blog could encourage people to become more comfortable with experimenting with style, and not take themselves so seriously as to alienate themselves from something that is truly such an enjoyable part of
life... self-expression!