FAQ
I’m always humbled by people’s interest in my blog so I compiled a list of answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What kind of camera do you use?
I use a Nikon D700. I have a few different lenses, including a telephoto lens, prime lens and wide angle lens.
Who takes the pictures of you?
My husband takes the pictures of me (I take all of the other shots that include food, travel, beauty, home decor, etc).
May I use your photographs on my site?
Of course! Please just make sure to link back to my blog as my images are all copyrighted.
What program do you use to make your collages?
Snagit.
On what platform do you host your blog?
I initially started my blog on Blogspot, but then moved over to WordPress so that I could have a bit more creative control.
I’m visiting L.A. Where should I eat/shop?
Please check out my guides to L.A. (parts 1 and 2).
What do you do for a living?
I work full-time on my blog, which includes several partnerships, design collaborations, and web consulting. I also finished my first book that comes out in August 2012.
How’d you get your start?
I started to narrow down the field that I wanted to work in (publishing/advertising/fashion) my sophomore year in college. In order to gain some exposure in the industry, I got an internship at Goodby, Silverstein (the agency behind the “Got Milk?” campaign) during the summer. My junior and senior years I worked as the advertising director for the school paper. During my senior year in college, I interviewed at Conde Nast several times throughout the year. I eventually landed a job at Teen Vogue and Domino magazines the day after I graduated. I started my blog as a way to document the things I loved and over time was able to turn it into my career.
How should I go about pursuing a career in fashion?
Get as much experience as you can; whether it involves working in retail, landing an internship at a magazine, or even writing (and maintaining) your own blog. Work hard, research things incessantly, be persistent, and find out answers on your own. Knowing that you want to work in fashion is a start, but try to narrow your focus so that you have a better idea of which jobs to pursue and why you’re the perfect candidate. The more knowledge and experience you bring to the table, the more likely you are to get hired.
What’s your policy on working with brands?
I’m extremely selective about the brands I work with and only partner with companies that are a natural fit for Cupcakes and Cashmere. In the past, I’ve worked with Coach (I designed a bag with them in 2010), modeled and styled a lookbook for Forever 21, did a series of videos with Juicy Couture and am currently the guest blogger for esteelauder.com. The same goes for accepting products (I decline about 95% of the offers that come my way), as I only showcase things on my site that I truly love and would normally buy on my own. In the case that something has been given to me, I always include that it’s courtesy of that brand (c/o).
I want to start a blog. Any tips?
Write often. Provide compelling content and high quality photographs. Make sure your site is clean and easy to read. Find other blogs that you admire and take note of what it is you like about their sites. The most important piece of advice is to write about things that bring you joy and that you’re truly passionate about!
I just started a blog. Can you check it out and give me advice on how to improve it?
While I’d love to be able to help people with their specific sites, unfortunately I don’t have the time to do so.
Where did you get the piece of clothing you’re wearing in your outfit post?
I provide all of the information about the things that I wear under the first photograph of each outfit post.
How do you make a living writing your blog?
I make a living by working on my blog full-time and generate revenue through the following: display advertisements, selective affiliate links, marketing consultations and collaborations, and my upcoming book.
Which flea markets do you go to?
I frequently go to the flea markets at the Rose Bowl and the Melrose Trading Post.
How did you build a following on your blog?
There’s no exact formula for garnering an audience, but I write frequently, provide original content, and truly love everything that I include on my blog.
What did you study in college?
I went to Scripps College and studied sociology and media studies.
Did I just see you on “The Hills” season 1?
Yes, you probably did. I had a job in sales at Teen Vogue and was frequently filmed when the camera crews were in the office.
