The Haute Pursuit: Fashion Blogging 101

Vanessa Hong, a former model and the mastermind behind ultra-popular style blog TheHautePursuit.com, moved from Vancouver to Beijing last year. We asked her about the state of Chinese denim, how bloggers make a living, and her addiction to Taobao.

How did you end up doing this?
Everything started when I was bored at work. My friend mentioned that I should put all my clothes and spare time to good use via a blog. It seemed sort of perfect: I could write, be creative and escape reality for a bit. Then opportunities started coming and soon after I could support myself entirely through the content I created. The 9-5 was quickly dropped!

Can you make a living as a blogger?
Yes, of course! I sell ad space as well sponsored posts (when a brand sends me an article to be styled and photographed in exchange for money). I am also represented by an agency in New York that specializes in bloggers.

What do your Mom and Dad think?
My parents are very nouveau-Chinese. I never really had rules growing up and was never pressured to go to university, although I did go. When I quit my “real” job and told my parents I was pursuing my blog full-time, they were very supportive. There was, of course, a little skepticism (and probably still is), but they like the idea of me working for myself.

Have you started to dress differently in Beijing?
I think living in Beijing has taught me to be more utilitarian. This means keeping it simple and functional, but of course still maintaining my aesthetics. It can be quite challenging, but that makes it fun!

In what ways is Beijing better than Vancouver?
Taxis are way cheaper. Everything and anything can be delivered to your apartment. It's much more bike-friendly, despite first appearances. It's far less cliquey which makes it easy to meet new people. But most importantly, it's the creative buzz and energy here. There’s a real pulse to Beijing that I just don’t feel back home.

What do you think faithful readers like about your blog?
I think readers come back to my blog because of the content I create. I put a lot of myself in my work – the outfits I select, my thoughts I include in each post. I think my style is also very relatable because I mix and match – high- and low-end; vintage and new; feminine and masculine. Readers can relate to that because the things I wear are not entirely out of reach.

Who takes your photos?
My very handsome French boyfriend.

How many shoes do you own? How many did you bring to Beijing with you?
I probably own like 60 pairs of shoes. Is that a lot? I know girls with over 100. However, in Beijing I have kept it at a conservative 10.

What’s your favorite piece of clothing and why?
A vintage leather motorcycle jacket I bought off eBay four years ago. It's the perfect cropped jacket with cushy lining and tons of pockets. The leather has also gotten better in time … the more I wear it the better it looks.

How much do you spend on clothes a month?
It depends. One month I can spend over USD 1,000 (this may include a new handbag) and the next I’ll literally spend zero. This is largely due in part to having 3-4 clothing sponsors who consistently gift me with clothing.

How do you keep your clothes clean in Beijing?
Two words: garment bags. They are lifesaving here if you have anything white, silk or delicate. I’ve had too many pieces of clothing destroyed by the elements.

Where do you buy clothes in Beijing?
I rarely buy things in shops here, and when I do it's usually European outposts like Zara or H&M. The only place I buy from in China is Taobao, which I love and am a little obsessed with.

What are the best freebies you have ever gotten?
A trip to New York, probably.

What do you think of Korean fashion and its influence on China?
I don’t like all Korean fashion but some of it is very cool (like StyleNanda). The cutesy Korean girl trend seems to be a huge hit here in China. I don’t find it very relatable, but I do feel it’s better than the Chinese interpretation of American style, which seems to be a mix of Ed Hardy and Snookie from Jersey Shore.

Where do you take photographs in Beijing? Are you finding it challenging to match the scenic settings of Vancouver?
You'll usually find me in and around the CBD. I moved to Tuanjiehu last summer so there are a lot of Tuanjiehu pictures. Lately we’ve been running out of good spots to shoot in, so we’re moving away from our old haunts and to new locations. I don’t think any of my pictures really tell you exactly where I am (whether it’s Beijing, New York or Vancouver), which is intentional and sort of cool.

What do you think of the state of Chinese jeans?
I’m not a big fan. I’ve been to the markets (Zoo, Yashow) to check out the jean selection, but have never found anything as good as my J Brands, which I’m devoted to. There also seems to be a fascination with acid wash and drop crotches … scary, yes.

What do you eat here? How do you stay in shape?
No chuanr, that’s for sure! Although I will admit that when I first moved here I was eating disgusting Chinese food all the time and large Annie’s pizzas to myself, but no more! Now I cook at home almost exclusively, which means lots of juicing, fresh produce and no processed foods. Staying fit also entails going to the gym 5-7 times a week. I recommend PCC because it’s clean, friendly and has great machines.

What fashion blogs do you like?
Some of my faves include www.STOPITRIGHTNOW.blogspot.com, www.loveaesthetics.blogspot.com, www.haw-lin.com, www.hypebeast.com.

See more of Vanessa Hong at TheHautePursuit.com.