What kind of camera do you use? What about editing software? My primary point-and-shoot camera is a Leica V-Lux. I also have a Canon 20D, Canon 5D, and Canon 5D Mark II that I try to use as often as I can! I have many lenses that I interchange on the DSLRs, but the one I use most consistently is a 50mm/1.4 lens. I almost never photoshop my images, but sometimes I tweak colors directly in iPhoto or by using an Analog Color application available through Apple for about $10.
What do you do for a living? Where did you go to school?
I graduated with honors from Parsons the New School for Design in 2004, with a BBA in Design and Management. I did my thesis on Heteronormativity in Mass Media and the Impact on GLBT Youth.
As for my current "job," it's a long list: I'm a fashion writer and contributing editor with a monthly column in Marie Claire, and have also contributed to many publications including Vogue Italia, Brooklyn Magazine, The L Magazine, Glamour Italy, Refinery29.com, and more. I'm a host on Marie Claire's HelloStyle YouTube Channel, with weekly segments on everything from fashion tips and advice to DIY projects. As a Marie Claire columnist, I have appeared on television programs like The Today Show and New York Live. Finally, at any given moment, I'm working in partnership with up to five lifestyle, fashion, or apparel brands on consulting projects. Before my fashion life began, I was a design strategy and branding consultant. I also tutor on the side, (yes, really). Oh yeah, and I have a blog! That seems to take up a lot of my time.
I want to move to NYC. What do I need?
A source of income and a lot of self-motivation. Living in NYC is not easy! That said, right now, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
What was it like to move to NYC?
Pretty seamless! I spent the summer before my senior year of high school in NYC, and that really sealed the deal for me. I learned how to navigate the subway system within a few days, and growing up in Los Angeles, I didn't find the "cultural" transition to be too drastic - except that New York moves at a much faster pace, and that is something that suits me. NYC was a better natural fit for me than any other city I've ever been in. That said, it's one of the most expensive, exhausting, and tough places to live. I've seen a lot of people move here and go crazy; don't be that person!
I want to go to design school. Do you have any advice?
Like I've mentioned before, I spent the summer before my senior year in high school in NYC, where I took a pre-college course at Parsons the New School for Design. Taking classes at Parsons re-assured me that I needed to be at a design institution, and I wasn't making a mistake by pursuing my passion. Throughout high school I took AP art classes as well as classes at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles to further develop my portfolio. The most important thing is to do a lot of your own research and know what to expect from each individual school. There's also a big, big different between traditional art schools and design schools; the latter tends to have a more commercial and business-minded focus.
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Where do you like to shop?
Click here for a listing of some of my favorite stores in NYC and online! My motto when it comes to shopping is "just try it on." I almost never pay attention to the size number on the tag and instead, hold a piece up and assess the shape/fabric and if it will work for your body type.
How would you categorize this blog?
Whenever people ask me what kind of blog I have, I'm kind of puzzled, to the point that I just describe it as a "lifestyle" blog, highlighting some of my primary interests: design, art, fashion, culture, food. I'm also a big advocate of diversity and body positivity, and am happy to be a part of a community of bloggers that can celebrate such diversity, and create a departure from and alternative to the images in traditional forms of media.
Do you ever do sponsored post or brand partnerships?
My blog is a passion project, so while I am open to paid content, I am extremely discriminating and will only work with brands/companies that I feel are aligned with my aesthetic and vision. If you're a brand or retailer interested in working with me, please contact my manager at mymanager@thedigitalbrandarchitects.com. In compliance with FCC regulations, sponsored content and brand partnerships will be disclosed on my blog. To read more disclosures about my blog, click here.
