Erika Butler is a fashion stylist and style blogger at The Fashionesta (www.thefashionesta.com). In May 2013, she received her B.A. in History and Literature from Harvard University. Erika currently attends Parsons the New School for Design in New York City, where she is pursuing her M.A. in Fashion Studies.  Through fashion writing, styling, and consulting, Erika’s mission is to empower individuals to use fashion and style as tools for both self-expression and achieving life goals.

What current project are you at work on?

I am a personal style blogger at The Fashionesta. I have been blogging for a little over a year and Lucky Magazine recently invited me to their Fashion and Beauty Blogger (FABB) Conference, which just took place in October.

What inspired this project?  

I started my blog at the suggestion of a few close friends. Prior to their suggestion, I had never really thought of myself as having “blog-worthy” style, but the readership response has been quite amazing and I really love doing it.

If you’re pursuing more than one project, are you finding connections between these pursuits, or do they feel separate?

In addition to blogging and pursuing my M.A. in Fashion Studies, I am also a freelance fashion and personal stylist. I am very interested in style as communication, so all of these pursuits are very connected.

How have New York’s resources contributed to your current work?

The city has been integral in advancing all aspects of my work. The on-set, editorial styling experience I’ve gained, the opportunity to be affiliated with Lucky Magazine and other brands, as well as all of the museums, libraries, and archives that are available for my scholarship—this is, quite literally, the city of my dreams.

Is this your first project of this kind?  What unique challenges and discoveries are presenting themselves?

Though I have been blogging for over a year, time remains the consistent challenge. Since I am involved in so many simultaneous, ongoing projects, time management is of the utmost importance. The greatest discoveries are meeting and working with talented people. The creative energy is great!

If this project is part of a long-term interest, how have you seen your work shift through time?

I have recently begun partnering with some great brands, which is still a kind of “wow!” for me. As someone who has enjoyed observing the growth of my own favorite bloggers, it is a bit mind-blowing to think that I could be on a similar trajectory.

If you are at the culmination of a project, do you have plans for your next endeavors?  What should we look out for from you in the future?

I will continue to work at producing great content for the blog. Be on the lookout for upcoming brand partnerships, events, and more!