Fashion bloggers turn hobby into full-time jobs

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Christian Buck is striking a pose in Hyde Park with her photographer husband behind the camera.

The pictures aren't for her personal social media, but for her fashion blog. But it was social media that steered Buck, a personal stylist at Nordstrom, in this direction.

"I started posted photos on my Instagram of my outfits of the day and my customers and friends started to ask me that they wanted to see more and it actually turned out to be a super fun hobby," said Buck.

The hobby literally paid off.

"I think a lot of people realize that you can make money doing it and if you're really into fashion," said Buck.

Buck said bloggers earn money through a commission. It became so lucrative for Buck's friend and fellow fashion blogger, Laura Beverlin, that she took a leap of faith and quit her job.

"My blog has really taken off. It's doing a lot better than I ever expected and I'm actually making more than I was working full time," said Beverlin.

Fashion bloggers have attracted so many shoppers, that designers are coming to them.

"I get tons of e-mails from different brands. They want you to wear their clothes," said Beverlin.

Many shoppers are turning to bloggers for inspiration as opposed to fashion magazines.

"I think because it makes outfits more real," said Beverlin.

The two acknowledge that fashion blogging is a competitive market. They say there is plenty of room for other points of view.

"It does pay off. It is a lot of hard work, but the rewards are great, especially if you really love it," said Buck.

You can check out Christian Buck's fashion blog at www.christianblairstyle.com and Laura Beverlin's at www.styledadventures.com.