Street Style with SHOWTIME's The Chi

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*This post is sponsored by SHOWTIME but the content and opinions expressed here are my own

The Real Chicago?

When I think of Chicago, instantly thoughts of R. Kelly, Chance the Rapper, Garrett's Popcorn, deep-dish pizza, Cloud Gate and the Sears Tower flood my mind. This is the Chicago that most of us know. But what about the part of the city that isn't an attraction or found in a tourist guide?

What about the "real" Chicago?

SHOWTIME's new series, The Chi, takes place on Chicago's gritty infamous South Side. A coming-of-age story that interweaves and connects the lives of Kevin, Brandon, Emmett and Ronnie with one life-changing event.

Swamps and Alligators

Admittedly, I'm typically not a fan of shows or movies based on a specific city or region of the country. Annnnnnd, I can't tell you how many eye rolls and side eyes I've been forced to award shows allegedly based in Louisiana. Let's get a few things straight, we the people of Louisiana, do not all live in swamps, drive tractors in lieu of cars, have pet alligators and sound like Bobby Bouchet from the Waterboy. That's just not reality. So naturally when I heard that Showtime had a new show, The Chi, based on the South Side of Chicago, my side-eye was instantly on deck for early dismissal. #thetruth

The Litmus Test

The reviews were good (ah, what do they know?)

The buzz around The Chi was crazy good (but I've been burnt before. . . No Thanks.)

The show is created and written by Lena Waithe. I LOVED her in Master of None. Oh, and The Chi is based on her experiences and upbringing on the South Side of Chicago (Ok, I'm listening).

The final litmus test came by way of my good friend and hometown Chicago girl, Dominique Canty. Once she gave that final stamp of approval, I was all in.

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Street Style: The Chi

After one episode, I'm hooked y'all. SHOWTIME gets it right. And if you need me this weekend, I'll be binge watching and catching up on all available episodes of The Chi on SHOWTIME.com One thing that stood out was the style of characters of The Chi. And this wouldn't be a fashion blog if we didn't talk fashion, right?!

From the show's opening, I was instantly drawn to Coogie (rhymes with "spooky"), played by Jahking Guillory. Aside from MAY-JA hair goals, y'all his hair is beyond beautiful, I was really feeling his street style. Coogie is astreet smart happy go lucky teen who is not afraid to express his own individual style and offer gentle suggestions to others. Rocking a pink headband, yellow sneakers and bright pastel colored hoodie, gave me inspiration for my street style look.

*Scroll down for details on my look