Interview with blogger of Le Style Child & The Style Line’s Rachel Schwartzmann
If you haven’t heard of Rachel Schwartzmann, you need to step your fashion blog game up. Not only is Schwartzmann one of Tumblr’s very own, (follow her here & here) at only nineteen she has written for many other publications like the Huffington Post and has her own column, “Living in Litas” on the Jeffrey Campbell blog. Consider yourself ambitious? Read on.
Name: Rachel Schwartzmann
Age: 19
Currently Living: NYC
Describe your style: “It grows and evolves just as much as I do as a person- that’s what makes it personal style. But if you want to get technical it can be described as trendy, eclectic, experimental and for the most part fashion-forward.”
1. How did you get warped into the fashion industry? “It was a gradual process, but upon moving to New York City (which was nearly nine years ago - crazy!) I became very immersed in the arts. I have always been a writer, but up until starting in fashion I had never considered it as a career option. I actually attended a performing arts high school and was studying to be dancer and I found myself very drawn to what the fine arts majors were up to. Naturally I took up art classes myself and found that my passion lie within clothes.. The rest was networking.”
2. How did you start fashion writing? ”Like I said, writing was always a love of mine and when I found that I had a passion for fashion I just integrated the two. Aside from running my first blog The Style Line, I really got my start by writing for the Australian denim brand ksubi. They had a new online magazine entitled Sex & Fashion and this was my first writing job - it was great because I pretty much had freedom in terms of content, I mean how can you not with a name as fun as that?! Afterwards I landed my first internship at Rebecca Minkoff in the marketing department and a lot of my responsibilities were centered around the blog and I knew then that I had a knack and love for fashion writing. Since then I’ve become a contributor to The Huffington Post and I have my own column on the Jeffrey Campbell blog called “Living in Litas.”
3. How were you able to land all your fashion internships and be a finalist in your styling competitions? “It all came down to networking and once I had established enough credibility, people began reaching out to me in return - I’ll leave it that, if I say anymore you’ll be sitting here for hours.”
4. How was the transition from being from California to New York? Which state do you like better? “I lived in Dallas for a year of my life too, so it’s safe to say that I adapt pretty easily to change. While I love California (especially in the summer), New York is absolutely my home. It’s where I really grew up and it’s where I plan to stay for the rest of my life. Believe me when I say there is no city as amazing, enriching and as full of opportunity as New York City.”
5. How hard is it being a student and also juggling your success of being a fashion writer? “It’s a balance I’m still trying too find and it will probably take some time before I have a firm grip on both. I mean it’s almost 1 AM and I’m answering this email and I still have a million other things I need to do as well. It’s hard, but it’s well worth it.”
6. What more are you trying to do with your career of being a fashion writer and with your major at FIT? “My major is Advertising and Marketing Communications and if possible I want to minor in English. I’m really not looking to go into PR, advertising or marketing but it’s a solid degree and the closest I can get to journalism without actually doing an undergrad journalism major… Plus I think getting my Masters will be much more effective in the long run. But going back to my major, it’s solid, it’s a business degree and what company doesn’t need advertising or marketing? Plus honing in on those critical thinking skills will only help me evolve into a well-rounded fashion professional.”
7. How do you come up with your outfits? “It’s dependent on my mood, trends, energy level, location and the weather. I usually lean towards one piece in my wardrobe and then build an outfit around it.”
8. What or who influences your style? “Other fashion bloggers for the most part… They have the most real and relatable take on the trends and I love to see how they interpret it.”
9. Who or what inspires you? “I also find a lot of inspiration from of course living here in NY, traveling, street style and my grandmothers. One is a very cultured and well-traveled woman who found sartorial solace in amazing jewelry and clothes (very chic!) and my other grandma is a fun-loving and inspiring fine artist, she also has amazing taste too! She has property in New Mexico and her own art studio, I’m actually planning to visit her this summer - I haven’t seen her in three years so I’m really excited!!”
10. What advice would you give people who aspire to be in the fashion industry? “Dream BIG. Network. Hone in on your skills. Don’t take no for an answer. Stay grounded.”
photo credit: lestylechild
Find out more about Rachel here! & contact her here!
(Source: theswankethic)
