Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Style Blogger’

Chicago Blogger Profile: Lauren Conrades of RADES

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

Bloggers have become an international media phenomenon with their highly opinionated, influential, and individualized content. As style bloggers gain more and more popularity, we’re spotlighting those living right here in Chicago. By shedding light on this very specific dynamic immersed in Chicago’s fashion community, we’re bringing you face-to-face with local, fashion-forward bloggers who may just help shape the future of Chicago fashion.

The first in our blogger series is Miss Lauren Conrades. Like so many other style bloggers, the 23-year-old, Illinois Institute of Art Chicago alum has been obsessed with fashion for as long as she can remember. A product of that obsession is her blog, RADES, which features a range of designers, collections, photos, news and personalities she finds stylishly appealing. What initially drew us to RADES, though, is its design. The block format triggered clicks of our mouse just to see what’s behind each square. From there, we were channeled into Lauren’s muses and opinions on various fashion-related topics. Her insight is intelligent and engaging, communicated in a causal yet refreshingly real voice. When reading this blog, you’ll learn about fashion and delight in topics you’ve loved for years.

Here’s what we learned about Lauren (shown above) and her blog:

Why blog?

It’s more of a creative outlet for me. I can document and share ideas with others who have the same interests.

What is your individual approach to blogging?

I don’t want to be taken too seriously. Everyone has a different approach and purpose, but for me, it’s fun and a way to engage in the community.

What makes your blog different?

Mine is not so focused on the content but the idea. I am a visual person, and I tend to blog about the industry as a whole, not so much about products.

Who are your readers?

Anyone who finds me! That tends to be someone who is infatuated with fashion as much as I am. It’s an ongoing relationship.

What inspires you?

Besides incredible fashion and apparel, it’s people, icons, art, editorials, models, sustainability…pretty much anything that enthralls me. Food is my next one.

How did you get into blogging?

It has always been an interest of mine ever since I stumbled across the Sartorialist in 2005, but I could never find the time. Five years later, I made time!

What is your favorite part of the blog?

The fact that I can post whatever I feel and make it appealing to an audience. I am most thrilled when readers are responsive and want to know more. I also love that I’ve been able to connect with people. There’s so many other bloggers I’ve been in contact with that I wanted to meet in person…people whom I can nerd out with over a pair of stacked thigh-high duck boots.

Lauren’s blog, RADES

Why do you think blogging is becoming such a viral phenomenon?

It gives anyone and everyone the chance to voice their own opinions. Everyone and their mother wants a chance to be heard—literally. Long gone are the days that only editors and buyers are attending shows and writing reviews. You have young fashion bloggers like Tavi and now even 5-year-old Katie front row dissecting the collections. Love it or hate it, it’s up to the readers to decide what’s relevant and valuable.

When did you become interested in fashion?

Fashion has been a fascination of mine since I was changing Barbie’s outfits as a child up until I opened my first Vogue. But I wasn’t serious about it until my first job in retail, where I became fascinated with branding and the logistics behind it.

What is your day job?

Currently I do sales for a complete non-toxic nail polish and organic skin care line called Priti NYC that is based out of New York.

Besides that, what is your background in fashion?

My last position was held managing a luxury consignment store on eBay, selling everything from DVF to Hermès and offering services equivalent to wardrobe consulting and closet cleaning. Before that, I gained experience in the endless trails of retail, working at concept stores including Club Monaco and so forth.

What are you interests outside of fashion and blogging?

Art, film and cinema, dining–I’m a foodie and have a GIGANTIC sweet tooth–family, modeling, and travel.

What are your favorite blogs?

JAK & JIL, Garance Doré, and bunny BISOUS (her tumblr as well) are my go-to’s. Also, my friend who recently moved from LA runs three blogs, and they are fantastic: Style Per Minute, the Style Titles (an online book club, which is currently reading Kelly Cutrone’s If You Have to Cry, Go Outside), and Influence (blog for “in-the-know,” high-end consignment shop Edrop-off based here in Chicago).

What is your favorite Chicago boutique?

Mulberry & Me in Ukrainian Village. Shopping there is like shopping with your girlfriend. The owner, Jana, is incredibly sweet and is dead honest when it comes to indecisiveness and has the best customer service hands down, which is incredibly important to me. She carries my quintessential wardrobe from button-down oxford shirts and bamboo tights to a fabulous frock for a night out, all within reasonable pricing.

Who are your favorite designers, both international and local?

Locally, I’m into eco-friendly designer Lara Miller and have been recently introduced to C/FAN. My favorite [international] designers are Isabel Marant, Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, and wishing Olivier Theyskens to come back.

How do you think Chicago fashion has changed in the past five years?

I must say, it is definitely evolving. I think there is a lot more recognition for local designers now, and having icons like Ikram Goldman and stylish Michelle Obama certainly helped boost the Chicago fashion scene.

Do you have a tip for other bloggers looking to create their own online identity?

Make sure you find your own voice. There’s nothing worse the re-blogging! My best advice is to just get involved. Reach out to other bloggers. Strike up a conversation. We’re all humans behind our avatars! Everyone is out to help each other, and knowing what else is out there will give you a perspective of what’s missing or what you can do differently.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Ace Ujimori

Tags: C/FAN, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Style Blogger, Ikram Goldman, Lara Miller, Mulberry & Me
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