“I just love it! I love created looks on personal clients or diving into a crazy world and creating editorial looks that are over the top and escape reality,” says Beth Jones, describing the benefits of being a stylist. What began with a fashion blog called The Vintage Society in January 2007, which featured her individual style incorporating vintage and modern looks; she didn’t expect to build such a large readership, as well as, expect the sponsorship with Quiksilver Women. Her collaboration with promoting the brand led to the opportunity to become the online fashion editor. Starting her own company, B. Jones Style, became the next step in her career.
Where did you attend undergraduate school?
I attended Samford University in Birmingham, AL and then transferred to Biola University my Senior year and graduated from Biola.
What was your major/ area of study?
I studied Media Performance – a combination of acting and broadcasting journalism.
Were you involved in any campus activities?
Yes, I was involved in a Sorority, in theater and my other social events.
How has your college experience prepared you for your career now?
It is funny because technically it didn’t, but it was a creative major that involved performing which I have ended up hosting a lot of video for Quiksilver Women so I guess it has worked out.
What made you choose this career path?
I was working a normal corporate job and was frustrated that I wasn’t doing something I loved. This frustration led me to pursue my interests and step out and take a risk.
How did you get started in the field of fashion and editorial?
It was a interest for a long time, but it wasn’t until I moved to California that I saw it as a real career. I didn’t have any school experience or internships, so I started a fashion blog in January 2007. This was before blogging was a huge deal and I thought it was a good way to get my ideas a perspective out there. Little did I know that it would open doors every where. It gave me the opportunity with Quiksilver Women which has led me to styling both personal clients and editorial. A different path for sure.
What is something you know now but wish you then?
That I would realize dreams I couldn’t even imagine. But, it was also part of my journey.. not knowing everything that would happen and that has made it even more fun.
What are some tips to making a blog successful?
A lot of dedication. It takes time and work and you have to be consistent to develop good readership. Also, it is important to have your own voice through the way you write, what you write about and photos that you post.
Did your blog open up doors to other opportunities or meet certain people in the fashion world?
Yes, as I mentioned before, when I started The Vintage Society I didn’t know where it would take me. It is the door to the beginning of everything for me. The first big door that opened was the sponsorship with Quiksilver Women which led to becoming the QSW Online Fashion Editor, which led to styling, writing and starting my own business, B. Jones Style.
How long have you been writing for Quiksilver Women? What do you write about?
I have been with Quiksilver Women since the beginning of 2008, I started writing their blog in 2009. When I began, I was the online fashion editor so I was in charge of all the content on the blog as well as all the online marketing projects. We were one of the first companies to host a blogger preview which was called “LA It Girls”, we then launched the online web series, “Getting Dressed with Quiksilver Women”, which was me hanging out with NYC Fashionistas in their closets and having them style the collection the way that they would wear it. Once I started B. Jones Style, I branched into becoming their Style Ambassador, which is more about what I do and how I wear the collection while I do it.
What are your thoughts on the growing trend of blogs and the use of social networking sites? (For example: Twitter and Facebook)
It is the way to go. Social Networking is where it is happening. Younger audiences aren’t even reading emails anymore they only communicate through facebook, twitter and text. We have to stay up with the trends and be a part of this world if we want to reach them.
What accomplishment are you most proud of? What makes you successful?
At this point I am most proud of the launch of my book, STYLIT, which is a daily fashion planner that allows you to not only plan what you need to do, but also what you want to wear. Successful, honestly, it is about doing what I love. That is success!
Can you tell us more about your book the STYLIT?
STYLIT is a daily fashion planner that allows you to not only plan what you need to do, but also what you want to wear. I have had this idea for years because I am always writing outfit ideas in my planner, or planning out entire looks for my travels. I thought that there needed to be a planner that combined everything fashion, traveling, planning, monthly planning and seasonal inspirations. It is now a reality and has a ton of room to grow!
Is your career what you thought it would be?
It is more than I thought it could be 5 years ago, but I am always looking to the next step.. dreaming about where I will go and how I will get there.
What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
I hope to be a voice within the fashion industry - through my blog, through STYLIT, through my styling.. and hopefully.. starting a family.
What do you do on your down time?
I hang with my husband. I love him and I love going out to fun, tucked away restaurants.. milling about downtown.. sipping coffee in cafes. Grabbing sushi with a friend and spending the day in and out of vintage shops and stores. Those are the best times!
Any advice to students that want to pursue a career in the fashion world like yourself?
Put yourself out there. Look for opportunities.. offer yourself to anyone to help. Be assertive. Start creating a portfolio of experience. If you want to be a stylist, start styling looks and get a photographer to shoot them – create something. Have something to show for yourself.
Any fashion tips for our readers? What do you consider a must have item?
Have fun playing dress up. Find out what you really love and what looks good on you and dress it up as often as you can. Invest and search out statement pieces that will carry through any trend or time. These are the pieces that will give your look the extra umph!
