BIOGRAPHY
A New Jersey native who now resides in Los Angeles, Rebecca Lee is a Senior Account Executive at a large PR agency, handling media relations for a corporate account. Prior to corporate PR, she worked in the entertainment industry — both at an entertainment PR agency and in reality television production. Coming in a close second to blogging is her second love — college basketball — and cheering for her team, the University of Maryland Terps.

INTERVIEW:

How did you start your blog? What was the creative inspiration behind putting yourself out to the world?

Style with Benefits chronicles my evolving relationship with my style — and everything else in between as it relates to the fashion world. Over the past few years, my personal style has really changed as I’ve learned what works for me (and my body type), along with what doesn’t. Longing for a creative outlet outside of the 9 - 5 routine during which my style is usually toned down, I started my blog as a way to not only create a style diary documenting a time in my life when I could wear the most ridiculous pair of shoes (and get away with it), but also to connect with a community of individuals who just get it. And when I say it, I mean they not only understand the hard work that goes into blogging, but they can also appreciate when you find and write about said ridiculous pair of shoes.

From where you began to where you are now as an independent writer, what are three valuable things you’ve learned about your craft?

For starters, find your voice and own your style. These two are the most important in sustaining readers and followers. Secondly, create fresh and interesting ideas for blog posts. Last year, I created a weekly “Menday” feature in which I asked a group of men’s style bloggers to sound off on popular trends of the moment. It was fun and people enjoyed the injection of weekly testosterone. And finally, engage with your readers! Spark a conversation on your blog by ending your post with a question. And always respond to readers when they ask you a question… because it’s just plain rude otherwise. 

 Aside from writing your blog, what do you for a living? How has your blog contributed to your career?

Since I am in the PR world, I’ve been fortunate to experience both sides of being that publicist trying to pitch a story idea to a blogger and a blogger getting pitched to cover some unrelated product that wouldn’t ever appeal to my readers. So I definitely do sympathize and can relate to the publicists pitching fashion bloggers, because at the end of the day, they are just doing their jobs. Professionally, I’ve been able to gain a deeper perspective in how I can better work with and relate to bloggers since I understand, as a blogger, the way I’d want to be treated. (Note: we don’t like generic emails with no personalization whatsoever!)

What is your personal style?

If I had to describe my style, I’d say I’m a modern day hippie with a tinge of grunge. I’m definitely more downtown than uptown and will throw on my vintage Justin Roper boots before I think of wearing heels.

What brands are you head over heels in love with? 

Stolen Girlfriends Club, Shakuhachi, Sass & Bide, Jill Stuart, Stone Cold Fox and Torn by Ronny Kobo.

What are three of your favorite websites?

Need Supply Co.’s blog, StockholmStreetStyle and NAAG.

Who are three people you love to follow on twitter?

@Mashable, @StreetstyleNews and @SolestruckShoes. 

What do you hope to gain from attending WWDMAGIC?

Having never been to Magic before, I’m planning to take advantage of every opportunity while I’m there. Aside from looking forward to meeting all the other fabulous bloggers/writers, I hope to network, discover or get accquainted with potentially new brands I may not be as familiar with, and learn what’s on the horizon from the exhibiting brands.

Visit stylewithbenefits.tumblr.com or follow @stylishbenefits