In conversation with Tara Maria Gonzalez!

A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through TikTok and came across Tara Maria Gonzalez. Not only was she super stylish, she has the coolest job. She gets to write and talk about fashion all day, everyday. How dope is that?!! I sat down with her a few days ago and we talked about how she got started, her job, etc. Enjoy!!!

Tell us about yourself and what you do! 

 I’m Tara and I am a style writer over at InStyle.com. I write about things you don’t need but probably should buy. My focus is on shopping and ecommerce stories, which is like a 2021 version of an old school magazine market editor. A lot of my stories are about trends, up-and-coming brands and designers as well as how to build out your wardrobe, and style different pieces. Since InStyle has always been celeb-focused, I also cover a lot of celebrity street style and work on our Look of the Day which highlights the best celebrity look from the last 24 hours. I’ll also do takeovers on InStyle’s Instagram and TikTok to talk about what our audience should be shopping and before the pandemic I’d also help out on set at photoshoots for the website.

When did you first get interested in fashion? 

 I’m from NYC so fashion was always a part of my life. I grew up just admiring all of the people on the streets and the subway dressing in the most creative and authentic ways. My mom was also always obsessed with shopping and she’d take me to the Bloomingdales on 59th and Lexington all the time. Some of my most vivid memories were getting frozen yogurt there and admiring the really expensive pieces. When Gossip Girl came out while I was in High School I’d go to Bloomingdales and try to find dupes for all of the outfits while also obsessing over the fancier pieces I couldn’t afford. 

What inspired you to take the initiative to apply for fashion writing positions at publications? 

I actually got into fashion journalism much later than a lot of my peers. But I always loved writing and I majored in English at college but I had no idea what I wanted to do. Then after working in film for a couple years after graduating, I was unhappy, All I wanted to do was write. My mom encouraged me to become a fashion writer and she said it’s always what she thought I’d do. So I decided to start applying to a lot of smaller publications to try to get my foot in the door. It basically all started because I wanted to find a way to get paid for writing. And as soon as I started actually applying for positions, I realized how it’s always what I wanted to do.

 What steps did you take to start? 

The first thing I did was basically apply to every single entry level fashion writing job I could find. But because I didn’t have any experience, hadn’t gone to fashion school or studied fashion, I knew it would be hard. After not hearing back from the major media companies, I decided to just look into the smaller fashion publications in NYC and reach out to the people who worked there. I basically said I wanted to start working in fashion journalism and if they had anything — internships, freelance work, temporary work — that I could do. I ended up getting an opportunity and just kept working my way up until I finally got jobs at all the major media companies that I was rejected from initially. 

 What is it like writing for a huge publication? 

 It’s very much like a dream come true, especially InStyle, which is a magazine I read all the time for as long as I can remember. What amazes me the most is how many people read every article that I write and I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. It’s a pretty amazing feeling to get to write for an audience as fashion-obsessed as myself and to be able to do what I love most everyday. Also, the amount of opportunities that I get still blows my mind! I love getting to interview celebrity stylists and makeup artists and even celebrities themselves.

I know you make a lot of day in the life TikToks, but what does a busy day at InStyle look like? 

 I’d say on my busiest day there are a couple of meetings on lineup, our traffic, and brainstorms for upcoming projects. I write two stories a day which requires a good amount of work because it’s not just writing but pitching multiple ideas in the morning, getting a couple approved, and then having to select the market for each piece. Then I’ll have to do an Instagram takeover or TikTok highlighting those stories. And then throughout the day, but most often towards the end I’ll have a digital presentation or event to go to with a brand or designer — not to mention a couple of calls with PR people on upcoming launches throughout the day

What is your dream collaboration/ interview or story? 

This is a tough question! I would love the chance to talk to Chloë Sevigny mostly because she is my style icon and I think style like hers is so rare these days. It’d be interesting to hear what she has to say about Instagram and Tik Tok and what it was like to have style before social media. I’d also probably faint if I ever had the chance to talk to Miuccia Prada. And before I used to work in fashion, I worked in film, and the intersection of those two industries is so fascinating to me. I’d love to talk to more costume designers from iconic films because everything a character wears is so intentional and I’d love to hear more about elevating a story through design in that sense.

 What’s been your favorite part of your  job? 

One of my favorite parts of my job is actually discovering new designers and small brands. I’m lucky enough to get to meet with them (in person before the pandemic!) and it’s so amazing to get to support emerging brands who often have such a unique viewpoint. Another favorite part of my job is on pause right now also because of the pandemic but I absolutely love going to shows, press previews, and presentations. There is something so special about getting to see these incredible pieces of art in person and it’s extra special when I get the chance to interview designers and get to hear more about the inspiration behind everything.

photo via Style Du Monde

 What is fashion week like? Tell us all about it!!!!

Fashion Week is an adrenaline rush for sure. It’s funny because often people who work in fashion will complain about how busy the days are but I absolutely live for it. You’re running from show to show in your best outfit, running into work friends who work at other publications who you don’t get to see as often. It feels really magical to see all of the clothing come to life and I often fangirl over the celebrities or style icons who I’ll see sitting in the front row. For me, fashion week is also so surreal because I remember when I was in High School I’d stand outside of fashion shows just to feel the energy — and I can’t believe I get to be a part of it now. 

 If you could give your younger fashion-obsessed self advice, what would it be? 

 I think I would tell myself to trust the process. I am a perfectionist who freaks out about everything but everyone is on their own path. This industry is tough and the work is hard, but in the end of the day everyone is on their own journey and you can’t and shouldn’t compare yourself to others. I’d also tell myself to just always shop vintage, it’s so much better that way.

Where can our followers find you? 

You can find all the photos I force my boyfriend to take of me (plus my dog Björk) on my Instagram @tarigonzalez. And you can find me for vlogs, styling, career tips and more over on TikTok at Taramariagonzalez