Fashion Files Magazine: Who's That Blogger?

Nikia Jefferson, ChiTown Fashionista

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Published on Sunday, 16 October 2011 20:42

Written by FFMag Staff

FFMag's Who's That Blogger? fashion series 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. Our third installment follows the talented Nikia Jefferson, from ChiTown Fashionista, whose affinity for shoes is well known. Once again, our editor, Anna Marevska, caught up with Nikia and chatted about Chicago fashion, shared love for shoes and the excitement of Fashion Week.

FFMag: Tell our readers a little about yourself – how did you get into blogging?
Nikia: I’ve always been in love with fashion…mainly shoes! It was after spending a few months living and working in London that I realized there were not enough opportunities for local designers and boutiques to get their name out there. A few months after my return, I decided to launch ChiTown Fashionista as a platform for designers and boutiques to get the exposure they so deserve.
FFMag: What is best thing about your occupation?
N: Getting to meet so many amazing designers and people who love fashion, in general. From shop owners to fellow bloggers, I really enjoy connecting with those who are just as passionate about fashion as I am.
FFMag: What are your style words to live by?
N: Be yourself. Style is so subjective and there will always be people who disagree with your sartorial choices. True personal style means wearing whatever makes you feel good about yourself, regardless of what others may say or think.
FFMag: Any advice for anyone who wants to start her/his own blog?
N:Stay the course. Initially, you may not receive the amount of page views, followers and comments that you desire. But if you maintain your blog regularly and dedicate your time to making it the best it can be,  people will take notice.
FFMag: How would you describe the style scene in Chicago?
N: We Chicagoans embrace sensibility. Living in a city with four true seasons means we are somewhat limited as to what we can wear at any given moment. I believe the Chicago style scene is still emerging but we certainly appreciate personal style, from the street fashion of the urban cool kids to the designer fashion of the Gold Coast occupants.

FFMag: What do you do when you're not blogging?
N: Shop, of course, and spend time with loved ones.
FFMag: What are your favorite fashion blogs?
N: I follow so many blogs and for different reasons.  For street style, I regularly read Chicago Street Style scene, Très Awesome and Guerreisms. I love their eye for spotting true style. For personal style, my favorite is Le Blog de Big Beauty.  Stephanie’s innate sense of style and unmatched talent for mixing high-priced and low-priced items makes you appreciate not only plus-sized fashion but fashion, in general.

FFMag: What is the most treasured item in your closet?
N: That really is a hard question! If I had to choose only one item, it would be my Missoni winter scarf.  I purchased it over five years ago in Switzerland and have worn it every winter since!

FFMag: What clothing item would you say is timeless?
N: The trench coat.  It is, and always will be, the perfect outerwear - whether you’re going to meet a client or shopping with girlfriends.

FFMag: Tell us something about yourself we might not expect.
N:I work in Finance during the day.
FFMag: What is your favorite piece of clothing and accessory right now?
N: My stackable beaded bracelets by local designer RLT Collection.  I’ve been rocking them almost every day with my gold boyfriend watch.
FFMag: What is your last purchase?
N: An YSL handbag from Luxury Garage Sale.
FFMag: Who is your fashion icon?
N: I honestly don’t have one. The fashion choices made by everyday people, no matter the era, inspire me more than any one person.
FFMag: Five things that are always in your purse.
N: My wallet, phone, iPod, makeup case, and hand sanitizer.
FFMag: Your guilty pleasure is...
N: Bad reality TV.  I watch all of the Real Housewives as well as Basketball Wives. It truly is like watching a train wreck. You want to turn away but you can’t help but look.
FFMag: Your celebrity crush is...
N: Tracee Ellis Ross. I love her style!
FFMag: Finish the sentence: If I was not a blogger, I would be...
N: A boutique owner. Simply because it would still allow me to share local talent with others.
FFMag: Are there any trends you are particularly inspired by this season?
N: Stacking bracelets and watches. It’s been coined as the “Arm Party”. I believe it is a great way to show off one’s personal style. From an heirloom to a street vendor find,  it’s fun to see which pieces people like to mix and match.
FFMag: What trend from the past would you like to make a comeback?
N: I believe every trend from the past has already made a comeback recently. I can say that one of my favorite “comebacks” right now is the Coach classic handbag collection.  I’m so glad to see the minimal, timeless styles make such a grand return. I will definitely be purchasing one for the Fall.
FFMag: Where are your favorite places to shop?
N: I am addicted to markets! My favorites in Chicago are the Randolph Street Market and Dose Market. Abroad, the Portobello Road Market and Spitalfields Market in London.
FFMag: Who are your favorite fashion designers?
N: Globally, Missoni. The iconic zig zag print gets me every time. Locally, LadieLoops and True Blessyn are at the top of my list. Both are quality brands that are preparing for full fledged launches in the near future and have me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what’s to come.

FFMag: If your blog had a mission statement, what would it be?
N: Seeking to enable fashion consumption in support of local talent and businesses, one blog post at a time.