Teen Vogue partnered with WWDMAGIC to bring 40 fashion bloggers from across the country to Las Vegas for the world’s preeminent fashion tradeshow, MAGIC. For the first time, this international B2B fashion tradeshow lifted the veil and used social media applications, such as Tumblr, Whrrl, Facebook and Twitter, and employed the help of 40 fashion bloggers. These bloggers helped provide trend reports, real-time video segments, participated in buyer chats and style-offs and much more. Among the bloggers in attendance at MAGIC was Entrepreneur Erin Weinger of Style Section L.A.  We caught up with Weinger and asked her about her experience at the tradeshow, her blog and her fashion goals.

Erin Weinger

1. How does it feel to be part of the WWDMAGIC/Teen Vogue media lounge?
I’m seriously so honored and excited to be included in this illustrious group of bloggers. I’ve met some awesome people in the lounge this week and spoke on a panel about the business of blogging, which was probably my favorite part of the whole experience. I’m constantly in shock and awe that people actually want to hear what I have to say on the subject, and again, feel very, very honored.

2. How has your WWDMAGIC experience been? What role did bloggers play in the event?
My experience at WWDMagic was an incredible one. I was able to see old friends and make many new ones, discover new lines, chat with up-and-coming designers and talk to the business minds that actually make the show happen. I’ve wanted to attend Magic since hearing stories from my colleagues at the L.A. Times in 2008, so I’m extremely grateful to have finally made it over. And I think bloggers played a tremendous role in this show. Even though Magic is a trade and business event, bloggers were able to bring the show directly to consumers, thus providing a glimpse into the potential future buying habits of shoppers all over the world. And that’s a vital service to the thousands of exhibitors and buyers who worked so tirelessly this week.

3. What inspires you and what makes your blog unique?
It sounds cliché but I can find inspiration anywhere. Just walking around my neighborhood and seeing what different people are wearing while eating lunch outside is inspiring. The other night I was inspired at 2 am while watching a Bewitched rerun on TV — Endora’s colorful, over-the-top style was pretty incredible. I’m also extremely inspired by stories about entrepreneurs who sacrifice quite a bit and work harder than anyone could ever imagine to eventually reach their goals. I find that if you just keep your eyes open and observe everything while taking mental notes, inspiration comes fairly easily.

And Style Section L.A. is unique in the regard that we are a multi-authored news-based website, so you won’t find photos of our outfits but rather interviews with both major designers and ones just starting out, runway critiques, nightlife coverage, original photo shoots and breaking retail news. On top of all that we have a pretty strong point of view and like to have fun with our writing, so I think we offer a little something for readers who are as passionate about the Los Angeles style scene as we are.

Style Section L.A.

4. Do you have any advice for bloggers just starting out?
Don’t start a blog just because everyone else is doing it or because you think it will get you a collaboration deal with Urban Outfitters — do it because you actually have something to say. And don’t be afraid to say it exactly the way you want to. Also, be patient. Good things come to those who wait.

5. What’s your ultimate fashion goal and what have you learned while trying to accomplish your goal?
My goals are constantly evolving and changing. But when I first moved to L.A. four years ago, I dreamt of one day being a fashion critic in the vein of the greats — Booth Moore, Robin Givhan, Cathy Horyn and Suzy Menkes. Then I went through a period of wanting to be the CEO of a tech-meets-fashion company. Now I think I want to combine the two in a way that simply allows me to be happy and pay my bills, whatever that may be. Who knows what I’ll want next week. As far as what I’ve learned goes, I feel like there isn’t anything I haven’t learned in the last few years. I’ve learned how to be confident, how to conduct a good interview, how to work with publicists and brands, how to be the kind of writer I always wished I could be… It’s endless. I’ve also learned quite a bit about the tech side of things — search engine optimization, how to engage an audience through social media channels, how to use Photoshop. And I’m still learning every day. I hope I never stop.

6. Is there anyone you wish to work with?
I’ve been so fortunate to have the ability to work with editors, journalists and entrepreneurs who I truly consider mentors. I don’t know that I can pick out specific individuals that I hope to work with in the future. But I can say that it has always been a dream to write for the New York Times and Vanity Fair.

7. What’s your favorite look that is simple to create, budget-friendly and always fashionable? 
Flowy, oversized silk shirts can be found at pretty much any thrift store for under $5 and are just as easy to pair with cut offs as they are with velvet cocktail slacks and heels. Not to mention any accessories you can think of.

8. Who has influenced you the most in your life?
I’m very influenced by my Grandma Roz, who was a milliner and owned her own hat shops in Miami and Chicago in the 1940s. She had a fearless, quirky style in all aspects of her life and I find myself frequently thinking about her sartorial choices when making my own. I won’t leave the house without wearing something that belonged to her, usually her thin, gold watch, a cocktail ring or a bag.

9. Are you working on any projects at the moment?
In addition to running the day to day operations of Style Section L.A., I’m currently doing the research on my good friend Melissa Magsaysay’s upcoming style book, working with Palm Springs Life Magazine on their upcoming Fashion Week El Paseo event and I’m in the middle of writing a couple freelance articles for the L.A. Times and Entrepreneur magazine.

For more information on Erin Weinger, make sure to visit her blog:
www.StyleSectionLA.com 

About the Author

Formerly an editor and writer at Citysearch, The Examiner, LA Youth Newspaper and proofreader at The Los Angeles Daily News, Christy Buena decided to start Disarray Magazine because she missed writing what she wanted. From hiring writers, to contacting publicists and making assignments, Christy is responsible for the editorial strategy of Disarray Magazine.
Questions, comments or suggestions? Contact Christy@disarraymagazine.com
Twitter.com/ChristyBuena

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