Fashion is fun. One of the most fun things about it is looking at the latest styles, breaking down trends and discussing them. In fact, at least 5,000 blogs are devoted to fashion and style across the globe, and a local woman has launched a magazine devoted to the haute couture community with Style Sample Magazine .
Tamia Stinson, raised in Forest Park but now a downtowner, launched Style Sample as an outgrowth of her personal blog. Unlike her blog, which focuses more on her personal thoughts and ideas, Style Sample Mag is geared toward the wider fashion blog community, offering tips, advice and insight on the art of fashion blogging. It also spotlights independent beauty and fashion entrepreneurs.
"Fashion bloggers are a fast growing segment (of the blogosphere)," Stinson said. "So I thought it was time for a magazine devoted to them."
Stinson launched the free, online publication this past Spring, and publishes bi-monthly. The magazine has a sophisticated look, and can be viewed in a flipbook style. Recent articles included "Blogger with a business," "blogs to watch" and how-to's on using Google analytics and creating photo collages. Each issue gets up to 200,000 page views, and counting. Readership spans the globe.
Stinson edits, manages and designs each issue with the help of two volunteer assistants, including a recent UC DAAP graduate. Contributors come from all over the world including New York City, British Columbia and Australia. She puts together the magazine on her own time, and during the day works in marketing at a local biopharmaceutical company. She's exploring the option of adding advertising to the magazine within the next year, she said.
Her love a fashion came during a church trip to Tennessee where she found a stash of old fashion magazines in the host's home. Her obsession has continued to this day.
Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Tamia Stinson, founder Style Sample Magazine
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