Statistically, there are more 57 million more men than women in this world, however, within the fashion industry, that number diminishes tremendously. While there’s more glitz and glamour put into female shots, it can be hard for male bloggers to stand out and get their names across. But, when we came across this European-esque Chictopian, Stay Classic, it’s a no brainer that he’s a great representation of what it means to be a true American classic and fashion forward all at the same time. Read more to snatch some photography tips and how to cop his style.
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StayClassic also known as Tim, Photographer/Teacher
Blog: Stay Classic
Blogging Since: 2009
Residence: Los Angeles
First of all, congrats on being one of Chictopia’s Style Icons! Unfortunately, you don’t see many guy street bloggers. How does it feel to represent the minority?
Tim: Thanks! It feels pretty great. I think that more dudes should get into fashion blogging. I originally started my blog… well, really just posting to Chictopia and Lookbook when I lived in New York. It was when I was coming into my own style and breaking from my crappy SoCal skater/punk style. I now use it more as a way to force myself to continue to dress well because in New York, there are stylish people everywhere and it’s easy to wear a tie in the middle of the day and not feel like a weirdo. But in California, not so much. It’s easier to just fall back into my old ways but when I need to make style posts it forces me to keep it up. That’s one of the reasons I started posting more on Tumblr and now Facebook. I am able to interact a bit more with people and help them out.
How do you incorporate your day profession (teacher) with your night profession (photographer)? Do they ever coincide or conflict each other?
Well, I teach photography, so it’s pretty much the same thing, haha. I only teach part time, though, so I definitely shoot more than I teach. Being a teacher is another nice excuse to put on a blazer.
We noticed you shot a couple shots with another Style Icon, Olivia Lopez of LusttforLife! Which other Chictopian Style Icon would you like to shoot next?
I shot Olivia SOOOOO long ago!! It’s crazy. It’s also crazy to see how much she has blown up in the last couple of years. I’ve also shot Brooklyn Blonde as well :). Some other people I would love to shoot would be Amanda (OneofEach) because she lives in the desert and I love the damn desert. I’ve actually bought some of her jewelry for my wife as well. It’s awesome. I have also been loving a lot of Annabelle’s (AnnabelleFleur) posts. Colorful and classy, and she has a unique look. Plus she’s close to me, haha! And the newbie Jessica (Oahulover714). She has a unique look and has some great outfits. And she just seems happy all the time!
Your photography is superb and diverse: shooting for OC Weekly, of your wife, and numerous photo stills! What’s your favorite part of photography, and how did you get into it?
Thanks. I have been doing photography for about 10 years now. I started doing it because I was in college and took a black and white photo class. I thought it would be cool (and something different from stupid math, history, or English!). I fell in love with it. From then on I made photography my life. I started out doing only fine art, but then I started getting into shooting musicians (since I was also in bands) and fashion. I have a BFA and MFA in photography as well. I love everything about photography, from the traveling, to the meeting new people, to the hours spent in front of a computer editing. It’s what I do. I continue to do fine art, fashion, portraits, musicians, and even weddings now. Follow me on Instagram and @timmelideo!
Do you have any tips on how Chictopians can get a stunning street fashion photo? Do they really need an expensive camera?
You definitely don’t need an expensive camera! Especially now-a-days with the hundreds of types of digital cameras available. It’s also more about the lens than the camera, really. I recommend getting a lens that has a wide aperture setting of at least 2.8 (or lower number… 1.8, 1.4)… if you have a Canon DSLR (you can get old ones on eBay for a little over $100) you can get the $99 50mm 1.8 and shoot your portraits at 1.8. Boom. You’re good.
Do you have any favorite items from the Chictopia Shop?
Kinda hard since there isn’t any men’s stuff. Here are some cool dresses:
1. Cream Bohemian Crochet Lace Shift Mini Dress (Good Night Macaroon, $49)
2. Blaque Label 3/4 Sleeve Sequin Dress in Silver (Dress Up Boutique, $115)
3. Globo Crochet Dress (Q2, $75)
4. Globe Embroidery Dress (Q2, $79)
We know you love to wear oxfords and Ray-Bans, but what other clothing pieces would we find in your closet?
Haha, I definitely love my Clubmasters… which you can see in almost all of my photos. I wear dark blue jeans almost every day, and I love plaid shirts from J. Crew. I love a good blazer too, but it’s so much more difficult to wear them in Los Angeles because of the perpetual summer! And for casual shoes, I’ve been loving the Jack Purcells lately…. and, of course, white Chucks.
Lastly, any styling tips for the last days of summer?
I like to just keep it simple. Button up, jeans or chinos, oxfords or Converse, and some Clubmasters. I wear that basically every day. The most important thing is to wear stuff that fits you (that goes for all seasons).
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It’s always great to hear bloggers being inspired by other bloggers. How do you get inspired by Tim? Let us know in the comments below!
Every month, Everybody Is Ugly will be featuring an interview with a Chictopia Style Icon! Check out last month’s interview with Vintage Junkie, Ms Vintage Virgin!
Remember, EverybodyIsUgly’s on Twitter! We try our best to tweet back! (@EverybodyIsUgly)
By Crystal
All photos provided by StayClassic
