Many of you have heard of The Pretty Gritty, a street style blog of Louisville fashion, which is not always your typical fashion. Today, meet the woman behind the camera, Amber Garvey. Amber finds an incredible amount of inspiration from everyday people, but her creative eye shows in the distinctions she notices. She gravitates toward people with their own sense of style and confidence, which, it turns out, are people just like her. We met her, where else, but on the street, looking great and snapping pics of people out and about on Main Street downtown during lunchtime. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Amber Garvey as our FACE of Louisville.
We all know you from The Pretty Gritty, but what is your day job?
I am the Director of Accounts and Production at Kertis Creative. I’m lucky to work with the super creative, smart, compassionate and funny folks there. We are a creative services and communication agency, working to help individuals, nonprofits and businesses around the world tell their stories through video, photography and more.
How did you get started doing The Pretty Gritty? What was your original goal for it?
I’ve always people-watched for personal inspiration, and I have a general curiosity around human nature. I thought it would be a fun exercise to get better at photography and a great way to visually promote our city. It started out as a treasure hunt to see what I could all bring in, and then I got addicted. The street-style theme was better for focusing on authenticity: anyone, anywhere in the city, not just people who would consider themselves highly fashionable. Using the entire city as the backdrop tells the story of what Louisville looks and feels like on any given day.
Where do you see it going in the future?
There’s not a lot of pressure around the project, so I can keep it up at a steady pace and keep it fun. Luckily, there will always be stylish, original folks to photograph! I’d like to incorporate more short interviews with people about their inspirations. One bigger goal would be to do a book at some point, a collection of some of the best finds.
What is your style?
Urban tomboy with girly touches
What sort of style do you look for in others? Or, what makes you notice people to take their picture?
I look for folks who go a bit off the beaten path, ranging from the classic to the eccentric. People who aren’t afraid to be exactly who they want to be, or rethink ways that we wear clothes. Sometimes an entire outfit will catch my eye; other times it’s details like hair, jewelry, shoes, etc.
Any predictions, based on your street observations, for trends this winter?
The ’70s are having a big moment: long coats, fur, denim, floppy hats and high-waist flare jeans.
Give us a peek at your agenda. What’s a typical day or week like for you?
A typical workweek includes a lot of production, writing, travel, editing, brainstorming, etc. The exciting part about our job is that we never know what might be around the corner. Last week, I was filming at the ballet, and this week, I might be scouting at the zoo. After work, it’s walking, new house projects, visiting friends and climbing.
Who are your mentors, and what advice do you treasure?
Distant street style mentors: The Sartorialist and Bill Cunningham
Personal mentors: My parents, my co-workers and people who actually find time to exercise.
Advice? For me, it’s simply “stay curious.” Also, “Good things come to those who…work their asses off.”
Fill in the blank. You’ll never see me without my _________. (And you can’t say phone.)
Sunglasses and camera
Where can we find you hanging out around town?
Vintage shops and record stores. Various festivals and events, like the Flea Off Market or CycLouVia. Also at Creative Mornings each month. (I’m on the planning team, shameless name drop!)
What’s your bucket list travel destination?
Argentina, Patagonia, South Africa
Favorite thing(s) to do in Louisville?
See local music, walk on the Big Four Bridge and visit new restaurants
Night owl or early bird? What do you do during that quiet time?
Night owl, for sure. I’m pretty restless, so it’s more like catch up on housework or small projects time. Also, I read the New York Times, blogs or one of five books I’ve started at once.
Tell us some of your favorite local restaurants.
The Post, Jack Fry’s, North End Cafe (breakfast burritos), Comfy Cow, Galaxie, Mayan Café
What’s on your personal reading list right now?
For work: Holacracy by Brian Robertson
Fun: The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic by Jessica Hopper and Bobos in Paradise: The New Upper Class and How they Got There by David Brooks
Lightning Round! Give us your:
Candy or junk food splurge: Ice cream
Guilty pleasure song: Anything Beyoncé
Tearjerker movie pick: Legends of the Fall or Lonesome Dove
Standby nail polish color: Essie Ladylike
Favorite cocktail: Old Fashioned
Cartoon alter-ego: Carmen Sandiego?
What are three of your favorite things right now?
My new niece Ruby
Researching home decorating ideas
Planning a trip to Tulum
Check out Amber Garvey’s street scene blog, The Pretty Gritty.
Huge gratitude to our FACES photographer, Adele Reding, making women of Louisville look lovely for almost four years. Take a look at her portfolio here.
