My Style: Inside Style Editor Heiji Choy Black's Posh Pad
If you've ever wanted to get friendly with your favorite style editor, you're not alone. Heiji Choy Black, style editor at Chicago Magazine, is pretty much our dream BFF. She's tackled the style world from every angle, whether it's editorial, personal styling, or owning her own boutique, Heiji knows her way around looking good. We're giving you the chance to be a virtual fly on the wall in her gorgeous home, without the pesky trappings of breaking and entering or trespassing. Read on for a look at what happens when one of the city's coolest fashion editors brings her work home with her—literally. Heiji's soothing space will get your head right, and you might even learn a trick or two to try in your own abode.
What professional projects are you most excited about right now?
"I am really enjoying my position as style editor at Chicago Magazine. I love bringing to light notable Chicagoans, their passions, their inner workings and styling them for the magazine. I also love putting together items for features like the one in the August issue on coffee and tea. It reminds me of the old Hejfina days of curating and bringing together exciting new products in a thoughtful and visually interesting way."
"I am also the business manager for a clothing line called Bodkin. Bodkin is designed by my friend Eviana Hartman. Eviana is so talented and thoughtful—every piece from the line is covetable, but she also puts incredible thought into the materials she uses and the end impact on the environment in every one of her business choices. The fall collection is full of cozy sweaters and beautiful blouses. I particularly love the Argonne jacket—it's my eco version of the Chanel jacket."
Has anyone in your life influenced your personal style?
"My mother was a huge inspiration for me. She loved fashion as much as I do, and maybe even more. As a child I would spend hours perusing and trying on pieces from one of her four walk in closets or from her huge collection of costume jewelry. I remember times when I didn't understand her fashion choices, but now I realize that she was fearless and dedicated to trying new fashions despite the fact that we lived in a fairly unfashionable Southern Virginian coastal town."
What professional projects are you most excited about right now?
"I am really enjoying my position as style editor at Chicago Magazine. I love bringing to light notable Chicagoans, their passions, their inner workings and styling them for the magazine. I also love putting together items for features like the one in the August issue on coffee and tea. It reminds me of the old Hejfina days of curating and bringing together exciting new products in a thoughtful and visually interesting way."
"I am also the business manager for a clothing line called Bodkin. Bodkin is designed by my friend Eviana Hartman. Eviana is so talented and thoughtful—every piece from the line is covetable, but she also puts incredible thought into the materials she uses and the end impact on the environment in every one of her business choices. The fall collection is full of cozy sweaters and beautiful blouses. I particularly love the Argonne jacket—it's my eco version of the Chanel jacket."
Has anyone in your life influenced your personal style?
"My mother was a huge inspiration for me. She loved fashion as much as I do, and maybe even more. As a child I would spend hours perusing and trying on pieces from one of her four walk in closets or from her huge collection of costume jewelry. I remember times when I didn't understand her fashion choices, but now I realize that she was fearless and dedicated to trying new fashions despite the fact that we lived in a fairly unfashionable Southern Virginian coastal town."
