Fashion Files Magazine: Who's That Blogger?

Jena Gambaccini, ChiCityFashion

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Published on Monday, 05 September 2011 00:00

Written by FFMag Chicago

We are thrilled to announce the launch of FFMag’s newest addition:The highly anticipated Who’s That Blogger? fashion series. We love the originality of fashion’s most diverse group and decided to profile Chicago’s (and the world’s) most noteworthy and chic fashion bloggers. For our debut we chose the ever stylish Jena Gambaccini, who pens ChiCityFashion, a fun and light blog about all things fashion in the Windy City. Our editor Anna Marevska caught up with Jena during a hot Chicago day.

Photo courtesy of The Style Tribe

Jena and I met in the Loop during a humid Chicago day in late July. The minute she stepped out of the taxi, I couldn’t help but notice the blinding, neon-bright Balenciaga City bag on her arm. That’s not to say the rest of her ensemble was less memorable – Jeffery Campbell pink shoes, asymmetrical Style Stalker dress and a great Bvlgari watch.

It is definitely safe to say, however, that Jena’s best accessory was her confidence.

Only in her twenties, Jena is the mind behind the up-and-coming ChiCityFashion blog, as well as the social media extraordinaire behind eDropOff, in addition to lending her looks to The Style Tribe. She hopes to add to an already packed fashion resume and dreams of being Proenza Schouler’s muse; Jena is also on a mission to put the CHIC in CHICago, and with more than 4,000 Twitter followers and ever-growing clicks on her blog, the sky is the limit for the budding fashionista.

FFMag: Tell our readers a little about yourself – how did you get into blogging?
JENA: I’ve always had an interest in fashion but going to a school that really pushed the corporate world, I never thought it could become a career path. I randomly made a Twitter [account] senior year of college for the same reason everyone does…to stalk celebrities. I saw there was a huge fashion presence and I quickly became involved. I thought I could expand my thoughts beyond 140 characters and that’s where ChiCityFashion was born.
FFMag: How would you describe the style scene in Chicago?
J: Chicago has a very eclectic yet practical style. We want things that can keep us comfortable in the scalding summers and the freezing Winters. I think of us having the perfect mix of East and West coast style. From the more classic upscale looks you’d see in Gold Coast to the colorful laid-back styles in Bucktown, we have a little bit of everything.
FFMag: What is the best thing about blogging?
J: I can share my fashion thoughts with whoever wants to read them.
FFMag: Any advice for anyone who wants to start their own blog?
J: Be authentic and create your own content. The second you start copying someone else, people notice. If you want to start a blog, be sure you have something unique to contribute.
FFMag: What are your favorite fashion blogs? Why?
J: For street style, ChicagoStreetStyle.com because she really showcases the true style of Chicago. The Blonde Salad for personal style….have you seen her wardrobe? And for all other fashion-related content, I look to The Cut, Refinery29, Fashionista, Who What Wear and Style.com
FFMag: What do you do when you're not blogging?
J: Explore the city.
FFMag: Who are your favorite designers?
J: Proenza Schouler and Missoni.
FFMag: Who is your fashion icon?
J: I can never choose just one - Margherita Missoni and Anna Dello Russo.
FFMag: What are the style words you live by?
J: Don’t be afraid to take a risk.

FFMag: What is the most treasured item in your closet?
J: The white Alaia dress I wore for Fashion’s Night Out in NYC last September.
FFMag: What clothing item would you say is timeless?
J: A fitted blazer - super flattering and can be worn with just about anything.
FFMag: Are there any trends you are particularly inspired by this season?
J: Jewel tone furs, Ikat prints, mod-inspired looks
FFMag: What trend from the past would you like to make a comeback?
J: Pretty much anything from the 1960s. But in fashion, everything always comes back around, so I’m not too worried about it. Besides, with all the mod-inspired looks for Fall ’11, it looks like my wish is going to come true!
FFMag: Where are your favorite places to shop?
J: Barneys and Bergdorf's for department stores. Net-a-Porter and Shopbop online. Sofia Vintage, Ikram, Eskell, and Blake for Chicago boutiques.
FFMag: Are you more of a shoe girl, or more of a handbag girl?
J: Shoes!
FFMag: Tell us something about yourself that we might not expect.
J: Although I love designer fashion, I have a soft spot for Zara.
FFMag: Favorite piece of clothing and accessory right now.
J: I just bought a neon orange Balenciaga City bag when I was in NYC this past weekend and it’s definitely the brightest thing in my closet (and I own a lot of colorful pieces). My favorite piece of clothing right now is this burnt orange silk open-back jumpsuit I got at a vintage market a few months ago. I still haven’t found the right occasion to wear it, but I will come Fall.
FFMag: Last purchase?
J: I just got home from Sofia a few hours ago…so, a pair of black and yellow silk Myne shorts, two sun dresses, a Top Secret Missoni-esque bandeau top and a Halston Heritage black and white polka dot blouse.
FFMag: Five things that are always in your purse.
J: iPhone, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, T LeClerc powder, Prada wallet, Boscia Blotting Linens
FFMag: Your guilty pleasure is…
J: Chic-Fil-A
FFMag: Your celebrity crush is…
J: Chase Crawford (I’m a Gossip Girl junkie)
FFMag: Finish the sentence:If I was not a blogger I would be…
J: A food critic