Meet Our Issue 1 Cover Star: Christie Tyler

Christie Tyler, AKA NYCBambi

Christie Tyler, likely known to you as NYC Bambi, is a fashion blogger and Instagrammer who documents her style and aesthetic for over 190k followers. However, what defines her is not the likes and comments, but rather her kind soul, rustic style, and radiant beauty. Christie began her site intending for it to be a space to put her own photos. She describes it as starting out as more of a self-reflective project. The aesthetically pleasing photos and unique outfits quickly attracted more and more visitors, until it became what is now the vintage and stylish brand of nycbambi.com.

What is the meaning or story behind the name “Nyc Bambi”?

I changed my name from ‘cctylr’ (which stood for Christie Tyler) to Nyc Bambi once I moved to the city. I was looking for something fresh, something new, and a name that would signify New York City but also stay true to my style. I also wanted something that was one word and simple for people to understand. That’s when I thought of nycbambi, and honestly I don’t even know how I thought of the bambi part or what it necessarily means. To me, the name just stands for my beginning and starting my life in my dream city.

What are some of your favorite things about fashion?

I love how fashion reflects a person’s soul. I love how there are so many different styles out there, different ways for people to express themselves. I literally could sit somewhere and just look at people passing by, all their different outfits, accessories, what makes them, them. There isn’t a correct style, which is so nice in a world that seems like everything has to be a certain way.

How do you come up with new blogposts?

I never try to force blogposts which is nice because when I think of something, I feel good about it. I get a lot of inspiration from what is going on around me. I love putting together outfit posts for certain events, since I feel like that’s what people really want help with and I feel so happy to put my creative spin on it. It also depends on how much free time I have that week! I love thinking of themed shoot ideas, but with school, I can’t always do it, so I try my best to do a shoot every week.

What was the moment that you realized your blog/Instagram was successful?

I think going to Paris for fashion week was really a pivotal moment for me. It has been one of my dreams for years and to be sent there because of my work was an unbelievable feeling. But honestly I also love just talking to people and replying to their messages, so when people started asking on a consistent basis for help that’s when I felt the most ‘successful’. I feel like I will always just keep working towards it though, no matter if I’m successful. It’s just what makes me happy.

Describe your style.

My style is simple, comfortable, vintage, and French-inspired (or that’s what I hope and strive for).

What are some of your passions?

I honestly love styling, obviously! Styling photoshoots, putting colors together, creating outfits. I also love romance, nostalgia, quotes, reading, old movies. I know I always say this, and I’m sorry if it’s obnoxious, but I sometimes feel like I should have been born in another era. I just have a passion for old, romantic things.

As someone with a social media presence, how do you deal with negativity?

Honestly I just ignore it. It’s a part of life! And it’s okay. Obviously it’s hard and it takes time to accept, but you have to realize that they don’t actually know you and it’s through a screen.

How do you differentiate yourself from other bloggers?

I think I just stay true to me. It’s taken me time to learn how to do that too, because I’m still young and still don’t understand certain things, but now I’ve realized that I want to be as true to me as possible. I only take opportunities if they are my style and a brand I think my followers will like and trust. I don’t want to be one of those bloggers who just do it for the money or fame. If it doesn’t turn out to be my full-time job that’s okay, as long as I create content that is true to myself.

How do you achieve your dreams? What’s the biggest accomplishment you’ve made so far?

Positive thinking honestly works, I swear by it. Stay positive, stay happy! I’ll be thinking about a certain brand that I want to work with, and the next week an email will pop into my inbox. I know it sounds crazy, and it takes time, but it’s because I stay strong with what I want. Once you do that, things in the world will come to you. I think that’s how my biggest accomplishment, going to Paris happened. I wished it, I made Pinterest boards, I dreamt about it, I set my heart on it that I would be there one day, I wrote about it. It happened.

Describe your goals for the future.

I hope to keep travelling, that is definitely my number one goal. I hope to collaborate with brands that I’ve been thinking about working with! I hope to finish school as soon as I can! I also hope to make my apartment how I want it to be, I’ve been really getting into the Mid Century Modern vibe. Just little things.

Do you identify as a feminist? What does feminism mean to you?

Yes, I identify as a feminist. Feminism means to me for women to stop being intimidated by gender. Liv-
ing in a suburban town, I didn’t really understand feminism until I moved to the city. I have experienced how males can think they hold such a power over you, think they can take advantage, just because you are a female. Walking down the street, catcalls. In the classroom. It got under my skin so much it made me feel like screaming. I started reading and identifying with feminism. I just want men to stop thinking they have a power, it is equal. Equal rights, equal pay, equal everything.

What are your thoughts on women in our current society? (ex. How they’re portrayed, treated, etc.)

Though I did just talk about the negatives with men vs. women in our society now, I absolutely love the change that is happening. We are seeing so much awareness and so much change because of social media, which I think is a beautiful thing. I love how much women have been coming together, and how companies are staying in tune with that message and hosting their own events to spread awareness. It’s like one big giant hug when we all come together to fight for what we want as the felines that we are!!!!!

What are some things you have done and everyone can do to combat gender inequality and other social issues?

Honestly I think that everyone can help by just spreading awareness, spreading positivity, attending events to spread that awareness. Like yes, promote girl power in your caption, promote equality! I think that spreading awareness is honestly a great step. You don’t have to make a huge, bold statement, it can be as simple as re-sharing something that you are passionate about that has a positive message and that talks about change for the better. You don’t even realize how many people could see that one post, and how it could have an impact, and then how it can be re-shared to millions.

How does girl power apply to your daily life?

Girl power to me is girls supporting girls. I believe that is the first step. We need to work on our relationships with each other first to make change. I see so many girls putting down other girls and I just think why? What are we doing? It is like we are all in competition with each other. We need to be compassionate, we need to be happy for others even if they have the things we ‘want’. We need to understand that those things will come in time for us. We need to spread girl power and support each other, or else how will there be change?

Who is a female figure that has impacted you greatly?

There are so many woman figures I look up to. I guess my number one would have to be my mom. She is classy and strong.

What is something you’ve learned in life that everyone should know?

I know I mentioned this before, but the power of positivity is real. An important thing I have learned is that if you set your mind to it, things will come. You just have to be patient and keep on working.

Do you ever have creative block? How do you get out of it?

Yes, I always have creative blocks! I like creating mood boards and looking on Pinterest when I’m in these types of moods, it makes me focused and see where my style is headed. I try not to put pressure on myself and stay positive.

What inspires you? How do you become inspired?

Honestly I take inspiration from so many things. Obviously Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram have always been huge influencers on my personal style. I love cafés, bookstores, Paris, pictures of trends and fashion. I adore people like Jeanne Damas, Camille Rowe, Alexa Chung. Even when I’m walking around the streets of Soho or just New York in general, there is constant inspiration buzzing around in my head.