Standing out was fairly easy because there really wasn't very many blogs, especially fashion related blogs in early 2003. There's definitely something to being one of the first. I was also very lucky to have the support of my family and friends.
2. You got your Masters in Epidemiology from Yale University (Congratulations!). What made you leap from science to fashion/shopping blogging and did your immediate family and friends think you were crazy?
I married someone who's frugal and he showed me the errors of my ways. I didn't make the leap until late 2004, when Random House purchased my first book, How to Be a Budget Fashionista. My family thought it was a bit crazy, but knew that I have this crazy work ethic. If I really, truly believe in something I will work twice hard as everyone else to make sure it succeeds. A lot of the key to success is just working harder and smarter than everyone else.
3. Your knowledge on smart shopping is unmatched. I read that you once found a Zac Posen cashmere blend coat for $108.50 reduced from $2,900! How much time do you spend researching & shopping compared to actual blogging? Do you ever have days when you have nothing to blog about?!
Hmmm. I spend about 50% of my time blogging, another 40% researching - shopping stores, visiting showrooms, etc, and solid 10% procrasinating.
4. How did you turn The Budget Fashionista franchise into more than just a site? You've appeared on numerous television and radio segments and had interviews placed in national publications. Did you actively pursue these features or did they come to you as the site grew?
They came even before the site grew. My first big press was an Associated Press article about 6 months after I started the blog.
5. How do you keep your name and site out there? Do you manage your own press and
publicity?
I manage it myself. I've been very lucky to have amazing reporters contact me regarding the site and because the site is so popular it often comes up on top of google during a search.
Also, my mom is like my de facto publicist. She actually got me quite a bit of press, even though she's not in the media/entertainment field. She'll just pick up the phone and call folks on my behalf. No one can publicize you like your momma.
6. What is a typical day for you?
I walk about 4 miles around central park, read my feeds, check on The Budget Fashionista as well as our new sites- See Jack Shop and The Budget Bambino, take phones or meetings, prep for a TV segment and watch Oprah and Judge Mathis (I have a secret crush on) on DVR. 7. Last year you released the book "How to be a Budget Fashionista." How did that project come about and do you have any other books lined up in the future? My agent, Nicholas Lewis, is a Yale alumni, who found out about the site and asked me if I had ever thought about writing a book. I was like... ummm sure... Random House loved the idea and the rest is history. I'm in the middle of writing my second book.
8. What advice would you give to budding bloggers like myself on how to promote their site and themselves?
Write about what you know and be unique. Also study Search Engine Optimization techniques and read as many of the tech blogs as you do the fashion blogs.
9. What has been your best bargain find to date?
A pair of Kate Spade sandals, $13.98 at the DSW Shoe Warehouse at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, MN. I think I fainted when I found them.
10. Where do you see yourself and the site in 5 years?
Still preaching the gospel of being fabulous for less. Hopefully to an even bigger audience.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Kathryn Finney.
If you’re anything like me, trawling through rails of reduced clothing and bins upon bins of accessories can be daunting. Why can’t great sale items be right there in front of you when you walk into a store? Never fear, Kathryn Finney aka The Budget Fashionista, has made a career out of shopping smart and more importantly shopping frugal. Why pay $2000 for that Marc Jacobs bag when you can get it for just $200? Her popular blog is filled with useful tidbits on fashion and beauty shopping. Kathryn’s eye for affordable fashion has made her the go-to shopping blogger for females nationwide. She’s also the women us female bloggers aspire to be. With television appearances on CNN and NBC, and articles in Essence, USA Today and the New York Times, Kathryn shares with us the secrets of successful blogging.
Elise Neal attending the 7th Annual BMI Urban Awards held at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino on September 7, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Elise Neal definitely wants to get noticed. Over the last six months we've seen her transform into a red carpet Goddess. First her hair underwent a radical cut. Then her outfits became edgier. The leopard print shoes really make this outfit pop and the length of the dress is so classy. Undoubtedly my favorite look of Elise’s so far and judging by how many people emailed me about this dress, it’s a favorite of yours too. See below for some steal style tips.
Dress: Nicole Miller Satin Ruched Dress, $355, www.saks.com
Bag: Chloe Silk Satin Clutch, $250, www.loreleinyc.com
Left to right: Eliza J Ruffle Wrap Dress, $158, www.nordstrom.com; Slim Sexy Strapless Dress, $139, www.bebe.com; Maggy Boutique Ruched Satin Cocktail Dress, $84.99, www.overstock.com; Jessica McClintock Bow Dress, $158, www.spiegel.com
The Twelve By Twelve shopping site launched today promising “couture” at affordable prices. The company, owned by Forever 21 Inc., carries seven collections each with a signature style. Though there aren’t many items on offer just yet, my favorite line will probably be “Vintage Couture.” It’s modern chic meets retro Hollywood. Clothing comes in sizes small, medium and large but I don’t know what “large” means anymore. Head over to www.twelvebytwelve.com to scrutinize for yourselves then come back and tell me what you think, if anything. If any of you order from them definitely write a review. Thanks Alisha for the heads up ;)
Left to right: Satin Turtleneck Tunic, $28 - The Royals Collection; Optic Printed Tiered Dress, $42 - The Modern Art Collection; English Trench Coat, $49 - The Royals Collection, all available at www.twelvebytwelve.com
Top: The Pintucked Shopper, $79.90; The Duffle Tote, $44.90; The Horsebit Hobo, Bag $64.90 all available at www.flyjane.net 
Conde Nast is continuing its quest for world domination by launching Vogue India this month making it the 17th edition of the Vogue franchise. The inaugural issue features Bollywood stars Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra and Preity Zinta, local supermodels MoniKangana Dutta and Laxmi Menon, and Australian supermodel Gemma Ward, shot by fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier (click here to see the full fold-out cover). Now some of you may be wondering why on earth Gemma Ward is on the cover but apparently they wanted to include the “most adored faces in India and internationally.” Vogue India will be edited by Priya Tanna and according to FabSugar:
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Not to insinuate that Serena is a dog, but it seemed at one stage that nobody could tell her nothing about her style choices. Now the tennis star/budding fashion diva looks flawless event after event – it was hard for me to even decide which red carpet photo should be the main pic to this post. Whether she’s styling herself (doubtful) or hired a LA style consultant (about time), we’re all thoroughly impressed at the perfect dress and make-up choices being made for Serena’s body type. She’s muscular but definitely has those much admired feminine curves. And her hair is just fab! Venus, Golden Brooks, and Lil Kim take note, Serena has stepped up the makeover game. The rest of us should raise our glasses to Ms. Williams… “Sista,” *sniffles* “We’re so proud!”
