BeChicMag.com

By Mercedes Sanchez

My Story

As the title says, I was once unemployed, uninsured but never uninspired.

My blogging story goes back to 2006 when I left the New York Post to handle publicity for a politician. I soon realized that I missed the writing, discovering new trends before they hit the pages of magazines and talking to upcoming and A-list stars. That’s when I launched a site (not realizing it was a blog) where I posted my informal opinions on pop culture, beauty, fashion and my neighborhood.

Seven months within the new job at the politician’s office I got a call from WNBC-TV,  three years after I originally applied for a production assistant/segment producer position. Nevertheless, I took their offer. It was an awesome experience but when the recession hit, my one-year-contract wasn’t renewed.

Looking for another full-time position was challenging and at times depressing. I had to remind myself that there was nothing wrong with me. More than half the team from the morning show was let go. However, when I couldn’t find another lifestyle producing position I ‘simply’ made one.

Creating My Own Opportunities

“If I can’t find the job of my dreams, I’ll just do what I love for myself.”

And that’s exactly what I did by deciding to focus all my energy into BeChicMag.com. I updated the look of the site, got serious about posting daily instead of bi-weekly articles on fashion and beauty. I also launched my very own lifestyle channel BeChicTV where I held on-camera interviews with notable experts such as Anna Wintour, Nina Garcia, Vera Wang, Beyonce’s Makeup Artist Jackie Gomez, Nigel Barker, Julissa Bermudez, John Leguizamo and many others!

Passion and Persistence

Sure there were times when I questioned my own ROI, but the time, work and not to mention money that I’ve put into BeChicMag.com are finally paying off. Two years after writing on the latest fashion, beauty and entertainment, reviewing products, covering fashion week and editing videos I realized that my little old blog was becoming a business of its own. And that’s where I am today.

My passion for blogging, my love for informing my readers of upcoming beauty products, sharing my personal style and asking them about theirs in my BeChic Tuesday series and building a community with other bloggers has led to many great opportunities this past year alone such as working with brands and:

*being interviewed by AOL Latino about BeChicMag.com
*asked to be a panelist at the Hispanicize conference in Los Angeles
*becoming a blog ambassador for Kmart and Neutrogena
*making Mashable.com’s “Best Local Blog” finalist list
*named “Best New York Latina Blogger” by Latism.org

Blogalicious

I remember the first time I heard about Blogalicious. I was at home on Twitter and I swore I wouldn’t miss the next one in Miami. Then my cousin planned her wedding for that same weekend and I had to miss it— again! With the upcoming conference taking place in Washington, D.C. — during my birthday weekend—it only makes sense that I hop on Amtrak and make it.

As much as I love it, blogging can sometimes get pretty lonely. Think about it. For the most part it’s just you and the computer. That’s why building a community is essential to survive. I like to think I’m involved with a great group of women but expanding my network and meeting new bloggers of diverse backgrounds who write about various topics is what I’m looking forward to at the Blogalicious conference.

I love creating content and engaging with my readers through comments, Facebook and Twitter but the truth is I have lots to learn on the business side of blogging, and I know that a weekend at Blogalicious will guide me in the right direction.

Keeping my fingers crossed! - Mercedes

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Disclaimer: This blog post is an entry to win a conference pass to Blogalicious.

By Mercedes Sanchez

We’re glad to see Zoe Saldana back in the spotlight. Though we could never forget our fellow dominican star, she’s back in the Hollywood radar because of her upcoming movie, Colombiana. Here she is in Los Angeles wearing a BIRD by Juicy Couture Utility Romper.

Zoe Saldana at the Teen Choice Awards

As chic as she looks, spending $428 on a summer trend doesn’t sound like smart shopping to me as trends come and go.

Look for Less

If you like the jumpsuit look, here are three styles under $70 you can find at Macy’s and Forever 21:

[Show as slideshow]

Rompers for the curvy girls

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By Mercedes Sanchez

This week Saks launched their new flash sale site where shoppers like you can find some designer items at discounted prices. Saks FashionFix offers merchandise up to 70% off!

For instance, this green Elizabeth & James military jacket (pictured on the left) regularly goes for $395, but it was on sale at $158 on Wednesday.

Sign-up to their new site at SAKS FASHIONfix.com.

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By Mercedes Sanchez

We’re not sure what to think of The Callet–a new phone case that also serves as a wallet.

Apparently, Giluiana Rancic from E! was spotted using The Callet in the latest episode of her reality show on the Style Network.

The Callet seems ideal for stepping out of the office to get that afternoon coffee or snack, but I’ll be paranoid of using it anywhere else thinking if I misplace my phone, I’ll also go broke!

Available for both Blackberry and iPhone. $19.99. For more info, go to TheCallet.com

What are your thoughts?

Macy’s just announced its collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld for a capsule collection set to launch in Macy’s “Impulse” departments this fall.

“To me Macy’s is the perfect department store in the US where everybody can find what they’re looking for without ruining their budget,” said Karl Lagerfeld. “That’s why I am happy to make this limited collection just for Macy’s.”

Featuring limited-edition women’s apparel pieces reminiscent of the designer’s signature style, “Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse Only at Macy’s” will be sold in approximately 235 Macy’s stores nationwide and on macys.com beginning August 31.

The collection is a blend of refined dresses, airy tops, modern tweeds and his signature high-collared neck, priced on average from $50 to $170.