Top 3: Krystal Simpson

Fashion bloggers have officially arrived. Those with a distinct web following are being invited to fashion weeks all around the world, publishing books, designing their own collections, and even receiving gifts and words of encouragement from the very designers they were once mere admirers of. As the fashion world gradually begins to embrace this hybrid of stylish, tech-savvy fan-turned-industry influencer, will this now generate an influx of blogger wannabes with half-assed websites, hoping to receive the same perks as the originators of this phenomenon? “I love it. Anyone can do it, and that’s the way it should be. I really hate the exclusivity part of the fashion industry,” says Krystal Simpson of What Is Reality Anyway?, a social commentary blog on Krystal’s adventures in fashion, music, and art. “I don’t like anything that makes people feel excluded, so blogging has been amazing for that. It’s given the power to real people and that’s so exciting, because I love to see what real people can come up with without PR people, managers, and all that lame crap you don’t need to be creative. I’m all about D.I.Y., and I’m all for the success of bloggers out there.”

('’)

(’’)As an award-winning poet and MTV reality show alum, Krystal’s not exactly new to fame, but it wasn’t a brilliant poem or TV show that created her growing fan base—it’s her daily insights, looks-of-the-day, and collaborations with her equally-talented slew of friends (The Mirror, a fashion digital short, is a must-see) posted on her blog. Krystal’s hot, smart, creative, and her style is a blend of high-fashion, vintage, and comfort—in other words, there wasn’t a doubt that her appeal would transcend the internet. “I’m doing a shoot at the end of the month in LA with my beyond gorgeous friend Becka Diamond,” says Krystal. “Then I’ll be back in New York this February for some work, and Fashion Week. I love being in New York during Fashion Week because there’s this amazing energy that flows through the city. Even if you don’t go to shows or participate in any of that, it’s so much fun to just be there.” For those that will neither participate in NYFW or be in New York for that matter, it might be a good time to start a blog.

1. Alexander Wang For Linda Farrow – Cat Eye Sunglasses – “These sunglasses have a different shape than what I’m used to seeing; I really think you could wear these with a red lip and pretty much nothing else and look stunning.”

2. American Gold – Buffalo Fringe Jacket – “My good friend Suzanne Ford Carafano designs this amazing line—it’s all American made and vintage inspired. It’s what you always wish to find when you’re shopping, which most stores just don’t have.”

3.  Rick Owens – Leather Wedge Ankle Boots – “What other shoe would you need? These go with everything, and with a not-too-tall wedge, they won’t kill your feet.”