River City Chic: A blogging veteran fresh out of college
Alicia Chew may be fresh out of college, but she started her first blog at age 10 (and yes, it was on MySpace). Currently she blogs at her very own River City Chic, with aspirations to work as a fashion publicist. With a resume like hers, including working as a New York City fashion intern and a weekly column at her VCU paper (and let’s not forget her out-of-this-world style), we know she will do whatever she puts her mind to. Meet Alicia …
Where I’m based: Richmond, Va.
How long I’ve been blogging: I launched my first blog when I was 10 years old. However, I launched my current blog in 2011.
Blog/business basics: Fashion, my personal style and local fashion events I get to attend.
Other blogs I love: I love so many blogs on my blogroll, but I make sure to check Song of Style and Atlantic-Pacific daily.
Guilty pleasure: Really trashy reality TV: Catfish on MTV would have to be my favorite!
Last thing I bought: A fun little flag print headband for the 4th of July from Claire’s — my other guilty pleasure!
Fav stores: Madewell, J. Crew, South Moon Under, Urban Outfitters and Nasty Gal.
When you were working as a fashion intern, was this a Devils Wears Prada situation? I worked at Michael Kors and at a Fashion PR firm called Black Frame. It wasn’t quite as crazy as The Devil Wears Prada, but it was still pretty intense! You had to be quick on your feet and able to figure out some last-minute solutions for the many problems that came up throughout the day. And I learned to navigate the NYC subway system like a pro during my time in the city.
How would you classify the fashion of Richmond, Va.? I’m in love with it. Anything goes down here. I’ve seen everything the traditional, southern prep to the cutting-edge hipster walking around downtown Richmond. Richmond is a place where it’s okay to express your individuality. The street style is so inspiring here, it pushes everyone to think outside the box and take their sense of style to the next level.
As a young woman right out of college, what shopping tips have you learned that allows you to look fabulous, but not break the bank to do so? I work in retail, so I’ve figured out what days stores typically do markdowns — and jump on it! Hint: Mondays are probably the worst day to shop, everything is picked over and the weekend promos have ended. Aim for a Wednesday or Thursday, that’s when many retailers mark things down. I’ve also learned to not be afraid to ask for a student discount! My three of my favorite stores, Madewell, J. Crew, and South Moon Under, offer one when you shop in-store. Last but not least, don’t forget to check Groupon-type sites. I’ve gotten a good 50% off at some of my favorite shops by doing so!
What’s the best road trip you’ve ever taken? Me and my friends drove from Richmond to Miami last summer. Long car ride, but being able to stop through Georgia (I fell in love with Savannah) and St. Augustine was absolutely amazing.
Where did you learn how to dance? My mom enrolled me in classes when I was 3-years-old, when I was living in Baltimore. I continued to take classes at local studios after I moved to Virginia when I was 5-years-old, and have kept on dancing ever since. I was able to squeeze in a dance class at VCU’s renowned dance program last spring as well, which was amazing. I hope to continue to dance as long as I’m physically fit and able to do so!
