Before the crazy madness that is NYFW begins, I was able to catch up with my sweet friend, StyleIT's Sarah Conley, for a little chit chat. The social media maven is busy preparing for what could be perhaps the busiest time of her entire year, but she took some time to answer a few key questions I hope will help any of you aspiring to do great things via your own blogs, Twitter, Tumblr, and the like. If you haven't already, check Sarah out at StyleITOnline.
1. For those living under a rock who aren't familiar with StyleIT, what exactly is your profession?
These days, I'm what I like to call full time fabulous - I recently left a day job to pursue writing Style IT full time and taking a few consultant roles with brands.
2. What's a typical day-in-the-office like for Sarah Conley?
Since my office is now my apartment, it definitely consists of a fresh pot of coffee, a few conference calls and focusing on publishing great content. I can find leads in my inbox, from friends or even inspiration in my apartment. You never know where you will be when a great idea strikes!
3. How do you prepare for NYFW?
Lots and lots of planning! I feel like I prepare all year for NYFW! Not only does it take a lot of organizing and strategizing, but it takes a village. From prepping the team on what to expect and making sure the shows and backstage are covered to really taking care of yourself, I honestly feel like preparing for NYFW is like preparing for your wedding, twice a year.
4. What is your "team" and how did you decide who plays on it?
I'm really fortunate to have found a great team of super talented writers and photographers who have an amazing passion for fashion and social media. They've been so supportive of me throughout the years - we're like family!
5. What's your schedule like for fashion week? Does your job description change during this period? What are some extra tasks you'll take on?
My job description during NYFW might as well say "crazy person". I'm so fortunate this season to have a really strong team in place, so in addition to writing content for Style IT and securing all angles of coverage, I also have a few other outlets that I will be covering for. We also have a few sponsors this season, so I need to make sure that we fulfill all our commitments to those brands.
6. What are your 3 must-see shows this Fall?
L.A.M.B., forever and always; The Blonds, there is no better scene; G-Star, their show is always a symphony.
7. How do you decide which shows you will attend?
With so many shows being split between MAC & Milk and Lincoln Center, it is all going to come down to scheduling and timing. But there are certainly MUST SEE shows.
8. Do you spend lots of time backstage?
Absolutely! It's so fun to see how the magic happens, and its a lot easier to cover the shows that way
9. How do you dress during NYFW? Do you amp up the style factor more than usual?
I like to tell my team to dress like they're going into a fashion war. Of course you're going to have crazy 14 hour days, and sure, you want to be comfortable, but at the end of the day you are there to represent yourself in the best possible way, so armor up!
10. You're a maven of social media, and pretty much an icon. How did you get here?
Thank you, Hope! It's pretty crazy to think that I started as a girl from Arkansas, just chasing my dreams. To some extent, I am still very much that girl, but each day, I am just me. I'm 100% me on Twitter, 100% me on my site and that is all I could ever hope to be!
BONUS. What are your top 3 pieces of advice for someone aspiring to grow their online audience?
1: Be yourself. 2: If you don't find it interesting, that probably means no one else will. 3: Find a way to make it your own.
