USC’s Fashion Industry Association rounded up six of LA’s premier fashion bloggers Wednesday night to give budding fashionistas some tips on starting their own blogs and how to stay chic on a zero-dollar budget.

The stylish ladies are all members of Two Point Oh! LA, a network of fashion and lifestyle bloggers that support and promote each other through workshops and networking events. Kelsi Smith, one of the panelists and Dedicated Follower of Fashion blogger, started Two Point Oh! LA in March 2010 to tap in to the LA blogging community. In just seven months, the group has more than 60 members that focus on various aspects of fashion and lifestyle.

While Smith has seen her personal blog’s readership expand rapidly and the successes of Two Point Oh! LA, she cautioned beginners not to have false expectations about blogging. 

“Don’t go into this thinking you’ll make a lot of money,” said Smith. “It’s my full-time job and I still can’t pay my rent.”

 

However, she emphasized the endless opportunities and benefits blogging can create.

“It’s like your own resume that’s online constantly,” she said.

For many of the panelists, blogging is not only their passion, but also a crucial marketing tool to promote their business or develop their personal brand. 

“It's evolved into its own kind of being and everything I do is kind of tied to the blog,” said Sandra Mendoza-Daly, a vintage blogger and founder of Debutante Clothing. 

Mendoza-Daly's current obsessions range from 1950s dresses to gloves. She describes her personal style as a mix of vintage and modern. Her blog is an outlet to showcase her passion for clothes and to promote her business as a vintage stylist.

Kristina Moreno is another panelist who uses her blog to promote her business, Handbago is a handbag database featuring countless designers. Moreno’s site is one of the top three locations online for handbags. She said while it did take time to amass a wide readership, the key to a successful blog is a great topic.

“Understand from the get go that it is a lot of hard work,” said Moreno. “Find a subject that A) you love and B) you dominate.”

The Curvy Fashionista founder Marie Denee created a niche blog to provide plus size women with a fashionable forum to stay up on the latest fashion, news and trends that fit their bodies.  Denee has been wildly successful in this market and is constantly approached by both national and international publications that are interested in learning more about her specialized demographic and consumer. 

One way to gain recognition and readership is to join networks like Independent Fashion Bloggers and Two Point Oh! LA, said Smith.  She also encouraged newbies to comment on other peoples’ blogs and talk with people through Twitter.

“It’s all about building relationships and starting conversations,” said Smith.

On ThinkThruFashion, Sydne Summer interacts with her readers by providing how-to solutions and fashion and beauty tips. Summer is a fashion editor for Style Network’s website, mystyle.com, and originally got started as a columnist for E! Online’s Hollywood Party Girl. One of her tips for aspiring bloggers is to take a computer class to learn coding and tech skills that can help enhance your blog.

Websites like Racked LA feature fashion blogs, shopping guides and reviews through a range of multi-media platforms to give users a dynamic experience when visiting their site. Associate editor Lauren Taylor loves the all-American classic look. Although her favorite designer is Carolina Herrera, Taylor isn’t above dropping by stores like Forever 21 to add a few pieces to her wardrobe. For Taylor, it isn’t about price as much as it is about fit and quality.

For those who are dying to blog and look stylish while doing it, here are some quick tips and tricks the ladies had to offer:

1. Try bargain stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls to find great designer deals. 
(One panelist found a Prada bag and Paige denim jeans from these stores.)

2. Utilize user-generated online shops like Etsy for unique pieces at great prices. 

3. Look at blogs for coupon codes and exclusive in-store deals.
(Suggested blogs: Gretchen’s Closet and Budget Fashionista.)

4. Swap clothes with your friends. One fashionistas’ trash is another’s trendiest treasure.

5. Shop your closet. Look in your closet and find new ways to wear that unworn sweater you bought two seasons ago and forgot about.

6. Explore Santee Alley in Downtown. Find great deals on cute clothes that trendy boutiques buy wholesale and markup the price. 

7. Shop vintage. Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is legendary on the panel. 

If you want more ideas on how to finally get your blog started or more places to shop on a budget, feel free to reach out to the panelists through their blogs and on Twitter.

Reach reporter Ariele Pratt here.