Today’s Fashionably Fab Female is surely a fashion maven in the blogging world.
I didn’t know Annie before I started following her blog. I saw her from afar while at an event for Neiman Marcus’s Fashion Night Out Miami about a year or so ago, when a friend (and fellow blogger) pointed her out to me and said we had gone to the same high school. I didn’t pay much attention, but noted to Googleher blog when I got home. I did and was instantly hooked. Plus, I figured she had to be a pretty cool chick, if we were alumns from the same great alma mater (Go Bobcats!).
Vazquez’s style is a bit electric, a bit indie at times and always classy, fun, and unique. I greatly enjoyed her photos and her coverage of the fashion scene in Miami. This city has some great fashion, it just doesn’t always get the acknowledgment it should. We might not be NYC, but we’re fashion-forward in our own, bright-colored, sandals and bikini ways. The Fashion Poet has a way of capturing what the standard local media many times misses about the Miami fashion scene, and at times, fashion in general.
Vazquez’s clips range from refinery29.com to our local tycoon, the Miami Herald, and even the national God of media the New York Times. Oh, and let me not forget to mention other places you might have witnessed her byline such as: Elle Magazine, Nylon Magazine, Paper, and Life.com. Her reports on fashion have also been found in the likes of IMG’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week site, NBC, AOL, Stylelist, Ocean Drive, WSVN and Miami.com. Not really a novice at the writing scene! I’ve had the opportunity to pick her brain a bit and share with you what inspires her, how her blog and writing became so well-known in the fashion industry and also fill you in on her likes, her style and what her vices are. If you are new to the blogging scene or want to improve your craft, take notes, because I’m sure you’ll learn a few things from this Q & A. Now let’s let this Fashion Poet inspire you with her musings.
Q&A
BVS: How did you get into blogging?
I got into blogging after my friend Maria Arguello encouraged me to do it. At the time, I was frustrated that many amazing local designers weren’t getting enough press and other cool style events.
BVS: What pays your bills (what’s your “real” job)?
The blog pays the bills as does freelance writing gigs. Because of the blog: I get hired to do styling jobs, put together fashion events, do TV trend segments, host events and more.
Why do you blog?
I was a professional journalist at 21 years-old, back then newspapers and magazines were what people turned to get information. Blogging is now the new form.
One gadget you couldn’t live without?
iPhone
BVS: Best app?
Itunes
What inspires you?
A lot inspires me. Miami, indie films, designers, photographers, artists and my family. I also believe having faith in what you do is a driving force.
What do you do when you get writer’s block?
It’s a rare thing. But, when it has happened. I play music, go work out or call a friend.
How do you come up with new and refreshing content?
I love to explore Miami and what’s going in the world so I tap into that. Plus, I’m blessed to collaborate on several projects with really talented people like photographers Karla Garcia, Mayleen Gonzalez and Alexander Tamargo. When you surround yourself with creative people ideas flow and you feed of each other. It’s key.
How would you describe your blog in 2 sentences or less?
An exploration of Miami’s evolving fashion scene.
What’s the best way to get more followers and/or get your blog exposure?
The best way is to get involved in one’s city. Attend events, network and do social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinetrest, LookBook.nu and so forth.
How can someone starting out figure out how to separate themselves from the rest of the blogs out there?
Well, I think the best thing is to just start and then it will evolve. You have to ask yourself what is missing and then create it. My blog is very different from when I first started.
Some people think blogging makes you rich – what’s the truth?
Anything that you do well and love will make you rich.
What’s the best way to monetize your blog?
Hard work, dedication and faith. The opportunities will come.
How can you successfully profit from your blog?
You have to brand yourself.
Best advertising approach?
How can a blogger better work with brands?
It’s important to know one’s self-worth and what to charge. A lot of people ask me all the time for help in this and my response is: what do you think your worth. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Like the saying goes: Ask and you shall receive.
Any photography tips for bloggers?
For fashion bloggers, I’d say change-up your look and have fun.
If you had to pick the best 3 devices for bloggers what would they be?
iPhone, camera and internet
What blog or person do you consider your example to push for better content or your mentor?
God, my grandmother in heaven. She was the first person who said she knew I was going to be a writer and she believed in me and my friend, Maria Arguello.On my blog logo there is a yellow butterfly that represents my grandma.
Many times I get told that a blog is a public diary, others think it’s a waste of time or just a hobby – Why do you find blogging important or of value? Why is blogging a priority for YOU?
My blog explores Miami’s fashion scene through a series of artistic collaborations.
Now we want to get to know YOU better, these are more fun/slightly more personal questions. . .
Age?
35
Hometown?
Miami
Current town?
Miami
What do you love best about your city?
It’s a melting pot of cultures and the beach.
What music plays in the background as you write (if any)?
Radio Head, Phoenix, Vampire Weekend, Agnus and Julia, XXs, The Beatles
What is on your nightstand?
A lamp, a notebook, pen, several books.
What’s your vice?
Whiskey
Hence, the What is stylish to you?
Confidence, a vintage piece and something on trend all mixed into one’s own language.
Can’t live without beauty or makeup product?
Mascara and concealer. I’m all about eyes.
What’s next for you?
Create my own fashion empire consisting of products, film, and art.
