Come back in February as I blog live at the Teen Vogue Blogger Lounge at WWDMAGIC in Las Vegas thanks to Teen Vogue and Fashionbly Marketing! I will be providing trend reports, generating real-time video, participating in style segments and much more. Established celebrity bloggers such as Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes, Erica Domesek of P.S. I {Really} Made This and my personal fave, Crosby Noricks of PRCouture.com will be blogging in the Teen Vogue lounge, so in other words, I am in amazing company!Read the full article at Women Wear Daily.
"Someone pinch me! I think I am dreaming - is this real?!"Here are a few of the questions asked during the selection process:
How did you start your blog? What was the creative inspiration behind putting yourself out to the world?
While working at a lifestyle and fashion magazine as well as freelancing as an in-house publicist for a luxury handbag line and assisting a local fashion stylist, I felt grateful for the opportunity to gain experience however stifled in expressing my own creativity. I was ultimately always constrained and under someone else's vision. While meeting with mentors such as Chantal Gordon, a prior Vogue West Coast assistant and creator of PRCouture.com, Crosby Noricks, I was not only inspired but encouraged to start my own style blog in order to create a platform to display my creativity and capabilities.
RSP is about everyday women and everyday style - a departure from our generation's obsession with Paris Hiltion, Lauren Conrad and Lindsay Lohan. Instead, my focus is on your everyday girl's closet with a realistic budget. My blog follows four main girls each with their own unique idea of style. You will meet Kelly who opts for thrift-store shopping, Courtney who prefers Forever21 and Urban Outfitters, Ashley who has an eye for vintage (both designer and no-name) and Rachael who lusts for designer brands. In addition, I interview fashion industry professionals who share their personal style preferences. My blog has enabled me to conceptualize and style photo shoots, write style/trend coverage and conduct interviews....a dream come true!
From where you began to where you are now as an independent writer, what are three valuable things you’ve learned about your craft?
You have to create content that is original and unique – otherwise what makes you stand out among all of the other bloggers out there? It is a must to find your own voice.
You should be your worst critic. I am constantly thinking about what I could do better, constantly learning, constantly evolving...and ultimate progressing.
As much as there is an emphasis on creating interesting content, I am equally thinking about how to market myself and my blog, both through traditional marketing and new media. I have produced the Opening Day SD Polo Fashion Show in Rancho Santa Fe presented by Riviera magazine, been a guest speaker at FIDM, write a recurring style and shopping guide for DiscoverSD.com and freelance write for 944 magazine, each always connecting RSP to whatever I may be doing.
"I am a WWDMAGIC correspondent!!!"
What is your personal style?
The dichotomy of my style is almost a contradiction. Influenced by my ocean-tasseled wavy hair roots born and raised a Southern California girl and equally inspired by the chic street style of Paris while living abroad during college has created my constant evolving style. Casual and simple pieces, tanks paired with denim or frocks and sheaths, always complemented with bold accessories describes my everyday look.
I admire how others pair unexpected pieces however I have to admit I play it safe with a clean aesthetic and always pay attention to the overall silhouette of my ensemble. I am personally drawn to basic pieces however complete my looks with accessories. I always layer bracelets and think it is definitely worth it to splurge on quality handbags and shoes.
My California casual feminine style consists of flats, flowy dresses, ruffled blouses and a-line skirts however you will also find in my closet juxtaposed with these softer pieces more structured, darker and edgier items like blazers, leather jackets, skinny jeans, black leggings and 6-inch pumps. I definitely have been influenced by the sophistication and très chic style of Paris. It really depends on my mood and the occasion. If it’s champagne brunch or a day of shopping it calls for a simple flowy dress for our warm California weather, while I will opt for a black leather jacket or blazer and skinny jeans or leggings for a night out.
What brands are you head over heels in love with?
Adore Marc Jacobs, Chanel and Chloe handbags. Miu Miu, Haltson, and Michael Kors flats are to die for. YSL makes the sexiest 6-inch pumps but Aldo makes affordable similar styles.
I'm into quality denim with everything from Paige, J Brand, Joe's, Seven's, Hudson, Rich & Skinny to Rock and Republics. I have one too many pairs of Insight skinny jeans - adore the fit.
I'm into Marc Jacobs, See by Chloe, Alice + Olivia, Elizabeth and James, Rebecca Taylor and Hayden-Harnett to name a few.
I would love to add a little Zac Posen, Balmain or Isabel Morant to my closet but as of yet that's just wishful thinking!
What are three of your favorite websites?
I love to peruse other blogs during my down time...
The Sartorliast for inspirational street style
Stardust and Sequins for pretty things
PR Couture for my fashion PR everything
Who are three people you love to follow on twitter?
PR_Couture
KnightCat
galadarling
What do you hope to gain from attending WWDMAGIC?
This is the kind of opportunity that I have been working so hard for. I would be privileged to share coverage of the event with my readers – doesn't every blogger dream of this kind of opportunity? The gained experience would be unparalleled in terms of what I have done thus far in my career and I would be honored to attend WWDMAGIC. This is what it's all about!
xo
Nacole Gray
Meet Chelsea.
RSP: Which fashion designers or runway trends influence your overall look?
RSP: What can we find in your closet? Please include specific items, accessories and brands.
