NYC Bambi Shares Her Summer Styling Tips

Christie Tyler, creator of the fashion site NYC Bambi, may be a bonafide '90s baby, but she could just as easily have walked right out of the '70s. With a style that sits at the intersection of Kate Moss’ rock ’n’ roll spirit and Jane Birkin’s bohemian elegance, this trendsetter hasn't steered us wrong yet. Her 186,000 Instagram followers (and counting) tend to agree.

The New Jersey native grew up taking a short train ride into the city to explore, take photographs, and get inspired. At just 10 years old, Tyler began dreaming of going to fashion school in New York. Now, at 18, that dream has become a reality. When she’s not in class or hanging out with friends, she spends her free time creating a well-curated scrapbook of chic ensembles, perfectly placed still life vignettes, and city musings — all shot through her signature vintage-meets-rustic lens.

Here, Christie applied her impeccable creative eye to H&M’s summer collection for a self-styled shoot at Coney Island. During the shoot we caught up with her on what she can’t wait to wear, see, and do in the warm-weather months ahead. If our predictions hold true, it will be her best summer yet.

All About Her Ensemble

Featuring: Camisole Top and Flared Skirt, H&M.

“The look was very airy and bohemian. It matched the warm weather and carefree vibe of Coney Island. I also loved the neutral, earth-toned colors of the yellow and orange. Those are my go-to colors, always.”

Her Handpicked Shoot Location

“I've always admired Coney Island's perfectly vintage and beachy carnival vibes. It's so classically America and summer in the city. Cotton candy, rides, popsicles, the sandy beach."

Her Love of NYC Summers

“I absolutely love how relaxed it is in New York in the summer. During the school year it's so rushed, full of hustle and bustle and crowded trains and businessmen. Since most people are away at their beach houses or doing their hip NYC things elsewhere from June to August, everything is calm, trains are empty, and it truly transforms. Everyone has lunch outside and there are flea markets, fairs, outdoor concerts. It's like everyone is in a happy, lazy mood again.”

Her No. 1 Heat Wave Style Tip

“Comfort is everything. I love throwing on a floral dress and sneakers and going to get ice cream... basically, my inspiration during the summer is a happy 10-year-old in the city for the first time. There's nothing worse than having blisters and being sweaty — in the summer you just want to feel confident and comfortable. A floral dress is the way to go.”

Her Must-Try Summer Trend

“I absolutely love the throwback neck-tie style that is going on right now. Silk scarves and star-patterned dresses and cowboy boots. I love the diversity and funkiness that's going on at the moment. I'm most excited about wearing dresses with my new ankle cowboy boots... and probably with retro sunglasses.”

Her Top 3 Rules for Surviving Summer in NYC (Listen Up, Interns!)

"1. Don't try to be a hero and wear crazy shoes if you're going on a shopping spree or walking around town and still want to look cute — I promise you can still look fashionable (and comfortable) in sneakers or ankle boots.

"2. Even though the subway might be less crowded, it's still the subway and it's hot and sticky. Definitely keep that in mind when dressing beforehand if you're going to hop on the 6 train.

"3. Bring sunglasses and drink water. Might sound like 'duh' advice, but you'll be surprised at how being active during the summer in NYC will drain you! And nobody wants to faint on the subway...trust me."

Her Summer Bucket List

“Go to Smorgasburg in Brooklyn, get an apartment, get an internship, go on a spa vacation with my love, and just be happy. And ice cream. Lots of ice cream.”

Her Go-To Summer Jams

“Probably a lot of the 1975 (their new album) and any indie artists I can find. I absolutely love listening to Jake Bugg and Angus & Julia Stone in the summer... such nice, lazy vibes. Basically, any music that makes you feel like you could hop in a vintage car and go on a road trip.”

This post is sponsored by H&M.

Hair: Akihisa Yamaguchi; Makeup: Chichi Saito

Images: Lauren Perlstein