Meet The Simply Stylist NYC Panelists: Lilliana Vazquez, Brandi Cyrus, & Tiarra Monet

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The Simply Stylist ‘Do What You Love’ NYC Fashion & Beauty Conference is almost here! We are fine tuning all of the small details in preparation of our takeover of W New York on Sunday, October 25th, and if you’re anything like us, then you are just as excited to hear from our amazing speakers as you are to get pampered, shop, and drink cocktails! There is an incredible expert lineup prepared for all of our attendees, and because we know you have been anxiously waiting to hear more about them, we sat down to have a little ‘get to know you session' with some of our panelists! See what Style Expert Lilliana Vazquez, Brandi Cyrus of Style Native, and YouTuber Tiarra Monet had to say below:

LillianaLilliana Vazquez | Style Expert

Lilliana Vazquez is an Emmy-award winning host and has contributed to noteworthy outlets like The Meredith Vieira Show, The TODAY Show, Access Hollywood, and E! News! Lilliana shares her passion for fashion by inspiring readers to incorporate style into their busy lives as the founder and creative force behind TheLVGuide.com and through her book, The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style: Secrets to Shopping Cheap and Looking Chic.

Q&A: Getting to know our Simply Stylist Panelist, Lilliana Vazquez

Who are your personal style icons? Why do you admire them?

I’m often asked if I have any fashion icons. The truth is I am constantly in awe of the style I see just living in New York City, but if I had to pick three women whose style inspires me it would have to be… Bianca Jagger, Brigete Bardot, and Olivia Palermo.

Read more about Lilliana’s fashion icons HERE!

How do these icons inspire your personal style choices?

I have to admit that having an eclectic mix of icons really carries over to how I dress. I think women dress for moods - one day I may feel super demure and girly and the next day I wake up wanting to dress like a sex-pot ... and that's what I love about style. It gives you permission to be whoever you want to be with no judgments! Mixing it up helps my overall look feel fresh with just a few changes to my shoes or accessories!

What is one piece of advice for someone trying to get started in the fashion industry?

Two things ...

  1. Come ready to work - in flats! The glamorous side of this industry is what gets the most attention, but what you don't see how much blood, sweat and blisters go into the actual work.
  2. Ask for what you want. I learned this lesson the hard way and missed so many opportunities because I was too shy too advocate for myself. You have to be your biggest champion and if you've done the work and put in the time, be proud of that and go after your dream job, promotion or next assignment!

brandi 9.08.54 AMBrandi Cyrus | Founder of Style Native

Brandi is an actress, TV host, fashion blogger, musician, fitness guru, and (if the last name didn’t give it away) the older sister of Miley Cyrus! Although Brandi’s blog, Style Native, originally started as a street style blog, it has slowly shifted to include more diversity with fitness, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle trends, which allows for her encourage her readers to expressive their personal uniqueness through different facets of style!

Q&A: Getting to know our Simply Stylist Blogger Panelist, Brandi Cyrus

What was your inspiration to pursue your dreams as a blogger?

I've always loved clothes, and I've always naturally had a style that was a bit different than other girls around me. It was always important to me that I be different, or wear things differently than anyone else. Over time I collected a lot of cool pieces and I became the friend that everyone came to for style advice or to borrow clothes from. It just made sense to create a platform for me to share my love for style with more people, and it's so rewarding to see girls try new things and think out of the box because of my example. What you wear has the ability to speak so much about who you are! The possibilities are endless to be creative with fashion.

What has been one of your biggest career challenges?

I would say the time commitment that blogging takes. I don't think most people realize what a FULL TIME JOB blogging is -- I definitely didn't when I started. But it takes a lot of time to collect clothes, put together outfits, shoot the looks, make the posts, and promote them. Creatively, it's also challenging to not get stuck in a "style rut" when you're doing this every single day. Just like a writer can hit "writers block" I find that sometimes I get in a place where I just want to wear sweats for a week straight and not think about looking cute! haha - but then it comes full circle and I get inspired again.

What is your advice to women trying to get their foot in the door as an influencer?

There is so much advice I could give, but simply put I think knowing your brand is really important. That's basically a fancy way of saying don't stray from what makes YOUR style YOU. It's fine to draw inspiration and take advice from other girls, but don't forget that being unique and doing things YOUR way is what will build your audience. The most successful influences take risks and don't always follow fashion rules!

TiarraTiarra Monet | YouTube Video Blogger

Tiarra Monet is a successful hairstylist, YouTube personality, and entrepreneur! Within a year of launching her YouTube channel, she created an international beauty empire through posting product reviews, beauty tutorials, and lifestyle videos. Apart from her beauty expertise, Tiarra has also ventured into the entrepreneur world with a wig and weave company, Crowned by Monet!

Q&A: Getting to know our Simply Stylist Blogger Panelist, Tiarra Monet

How has YouTube and social media changed your life?

YouTube and social media have changed my life forever! The visibility that this platform has afforded me is out of this world. I have been able to work with brands that a girl could only dream about and connected with people from all around the world. With all of my supporters help I was able to start my very own business and work for myself!

What are your 3 best strengths?

I would say my biggest strength is my faith! I believe it, I see it, I do it! I am a firm believer in believing/manifesting what I want in life. I'm also a hard worker, without that being instilled in me I wouldn't be where I am today! Lastly I would say my confidence! Social media has helped me develop some pretty thick skin!

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to become a vlogger?

My one solid piece of advice is to make sure that you're in in for the right reason! It should be organic, truly something that you want to do! If your heart really isn't in it it will feel like a job. It's not a glamorous as it appears to be but when you LOVE it it's all worth it!

Be sure to purchase your tickets for the Simply Stylist 'Do What You Love' NYC Fashion & Beauty Conference HERE!