I started my Chic in the Streets scouting this time around when I stumbled across Sunshine on Grove Street on the way to my top spot for tequila and flautas.  She was walking up the street as I was walking down and I quickly crossed to catch up to her.  I was sad to miss her as she walked into a local cafe as I was approaching.  I couldn’t get my mind off her look even with a margarita in front of me, but much to my liking I was soon basking in Sunshine’s “disco chic” in the garden of Taqueria Downtown.

Turns out she was one of the hosts working the floor there.  I downed my drink to work up the courage to stop her in her flow to ask her for a photo.  Here Sunshine says she is channeling 1970s Tina Turner with her sparkle minidress, her all-white Uptowns give us a “street edge” while also achieving comfort.  Her go-to looks all skirt the line of bohemian 70s and modern streetwear – bodysuits, matching co-ords, and bellbottoms.  Sunshine is a Long Island native who made her way to JC about a year ago.  “Style is the way I express myself without having to say a word” she said.  “[It] is my comfort zone in life.  I feel more confident when I’m able to dress how I feel.”  Check her out on Instagram or Tumblr.

I ran into Katie on a rare day when she wasn’t wearing vintage.  Her eccentricity was enough to catch my eye, however.  Although she’s typically wearing clothing from the 50s and 60s, this day I found her in Madewell Sailor Jeans and a bright red pair of Espadrilles from Casa Hernanz in Madrid.  On her back, Katie’s sporting her trusty vintage leather pack.

What looks like a simple black top happens to be a “Florist” band tee – the graphic is hiding behind what she calls her “vaguely pink” hair (which you can get by mixing Manic Panic’s Hot Hot Pink into your conditioner, she says).  When she isn’t visiting Jersey City from her home in Brooklyn, she’s a graphic designer and an avid show-goer.  She was here enjoying the day on Grove Street attending a Pinegrove show at WFMU’s Monty Hall.  Follow her exciting and colorful life on Instagram!

Lila and Kiana are a gorgeous unit.  I’ve seen them around my neighborhood while working at The Grind on Communipaw, so I had to catch them one of these days.  Kiana works for the government, but when she’s out of uniform, she keeps it classic with light washed G-Star denim, an oversized white t-shirt, and a pair of Converse. She feels style is either made or broken with a haircut.  Here she’s rocking a fade with a man bun.  “My hair expresses my personality,” she says, “clean with a little extra”. Kiana finishes her look with a David Yurman watch on the arm around her girl.  “Proper accessories like a loud watch or larger chain can turn the simple look into a neck breaker.”  Lila is a colorist at Salon At Warren in Warren, NJ.

She’s a Brooklyn native, but claims JC feels a lot like home.  Here she’s got on a Stylestalker “Lagerfeld” shirt from Nasty Gal, Hot Miami Styles distressed jeans, and Gentle Souls sandals.  You might find this pair eating at Roman Nose, or grabbing drinks at Barcade.  Fall in love with Lila and Kiana on Instagram.

 

I was on the rooftop of Porta enjoying the weather when in walked Christina, aka Mudda.  All black everything with a pop of color, she had on a Lacoste V-neck sweater, Kardashian Kollection silk trousers, and a faithful pair of Vans.  Her outfit wouldn’t be complete without her red wool cap from Forever21, BCBG zodiac bracelet, aviators, a necklace that she calls a “lucky find” and, of course, her Apple Watch.  Mudda uses style to separate herself from the rest, to embrace her individuality – she keeps it cool, comfortable, and herself.  She’s a Jersey City native who works at a fashion manufacturer that produces clothing for retailers like Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria’s Secret, but when she’s not there she’s at Coffee Shop, grabbing a bite at Left Bank Burger Bar, or out at a Latin lounge.  Find her on Insta.

I happened upon my next subject while scouting for a spot to shoot Lila and Kiana.  In a cityscape graphic tee and plum skinnies, Kwamea also dons essential accessories: a blue bandana, watch, canvas messenger bag over his shoulder, and a rosary around his neck.  I was especially caught by the contrast between Kwamea’s weathered raider boots, and the new ones he had in tow.  A father first and a UPS worker second, he’s been a JC resident since 2004.  Style and individuality is important to Kwamea because, as he so profoundly said, “we are born with restrictions”.  In a world where being yourself is resistance, he finds euphoria in retail therapy:  H&M, Zumies, and Tilly’s.  Follow him on Instagram.

Last but certainly not least, This is one of my favorite of many stylish residents here in JC – Tish is a long time Jersey resident whose family had owned and operated the Jackson Funeral Residence on Communipaw since 1937.  Her style is eccentric and uniquely her.  Today she had on a white tie waist blouse and a straight-leg trouser.  With a chunky black beaded necklace, silver up and down her hands and a classic pair of shades – a perfect look for a day at the office.  Tish always finds a way to let her personality shine through.