by Anna T Fabulous

TheStyleSpy.com is one of Canada’s leading lifestyle go-to websites for women. Their contributors span from across Canada, writing in from Vancouver to Montreal, highlighting what is hot, new and attainable for women across the country.  Take a moment to get to know Erica Lam, the editor-in-chief of The Style Spy.

ERICA LAM

The Social Life: If we’re not mistaken, The Style Spy was sprouted from blogging about your love of shopping.  Was there a specific event or happening in your blogging career that made you jump up and say ‘I have to start this site!’?

Erica Lam: It was almost seven years ago; I was working as a proposal writer for a company that made radiology software – not the most glamorous topic. A colleague/friend suggested I start writing on the side around a topic I enjoyed and of course, what girl doesn’t love to shop? I started the blog and things just started snowballing from there. I got flown to New York to interview Vera Wang, LA to interview David Beckham, last year I got to attend New York Fashion Week as a guest of BCBG. One of the best parts of running the site is working with an amazing team of contributors and meeting readers – to this day, it’s still flattering to meet someone who is a reader/fan.

TSL: Did you start in The Style Spy in just one city?  If so, when did the site expand to cover cities nationally in Canada?

EL: I was based in Vancouver, so that is where The Style Spy started. However, our content has always included local and national content, since brands we regularly discuss are available across Canada. A few years ago, we started adding contributors who were based in Toronto and Montreal. I myself spent last year in Montreal and recently relocated to Toronto.

The Style Spy Team

TSL: We adore your ‘Girl Of The Week’ feature and your overall message of empowering woman.  Why did you decide to take The Style Spy into this direction?

EL: One of the mandates of The Style Spy is making fashion accessible to as many people as possible. Our photographers roam the streets for girls with great style, no matter who you are and what brands you’re wearing. We interview each ‘Girl of the Week’ to find out more about her, her loves and passions. It’s really great that our readers are exposed to girls from different walks of life.

TSL: We all get into a creative rut, be it in writing an article to deciding what to wear in the morning.  Where or who do you turn to for inspiration?  Do you have a specific trick to pull yourself out of a creative block?

EL: Creative ruts definitely happen. I try to take a step back, grab a coffee or tea and take a breather. Whether it’s turning on some tunes on Songza (it’s an amazing app that plays music basic on your mood), flip through magazines on my iPad, go through my Pinterest feed, read some of my favourite blogs or just go for a walk. Sometimes you just need to be in a new space to gain some perspective.

TSL: Do you have plans to take The Style Spy international?  What about a print magazine in addition to your Style Spy TV?  That would be so fabulous to see!

I’d like to keep the focus on Canada and serve this market really well. I love print magazines, but I feel our strength is in the digital space.

Photos via thestylespy.com

ERICA’S SOCIAL LIFE

PLACE TO GRAB A DRINK:

Baldwin Barmacie, La Buvette Chez and Bar Furco, Montreal

PLACE TO GRAB A BITE:

Olive et Gourmando, Old Montreal

“Two things to try, the This Is Not A Red Velvet Cupcake (it’s made with chocolate and beets) and the truffle mac n cheese.”

Chuck Hughes Restaurant Garde Manger

“Make reservations early, this place gets busy. They’re known for their lobster poutine, it’s more lobster bisque than gravy. It’s as delicious as it sounds.

St-Viateur Bagel in the Mile End, Montreal

“If you’re craving bagels. Fresh sesame bagels out of the oven and it’s open 24 hours!”

Les Chocolats de Chloe on Duluth

PLACE TO SHOP:

Lola & Emily on St Laurent, Editorial Boutique Downtown, Billie Boutique and Citizen Vintage