Who's That Girl ?

If looks could kill... She's not the girl-next-door, but this chick's bad! Meet Lucy. She's an LA girl who enjoys painting and plays the bass guitar. When it comes to talent, Lucy's got lots of it. Besides a mean stare, she also knows how to ride a unicycle and juggle. In a previous life she was definitely in the circus with another former featured model Hannah. Alright, guys. It's time to get to know Lucy.

1. Describe your style?
Androgynous and fabulous. Messy combination of glam rock, English dandy, punk, European boy with the occasional delicate feminine piece thrown in. My favorite things include platform boots, glitter, suits, leather jackets, suspenders, red lipstick, bowler hats, teeny tiny rings, velvet, plaid, cat eye sunglasses….I like to have fun with the way I dress.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
Fruit bat! Wide eyed and creepy, hanging out upside down in dark caves all day, emerging to crush fruit with their teeth and drink the juices—sounds like a typical weekday for me.


3. If you had a super power what would it be?
Definitely mind control or mental manipulation. I’d make a great villain.

4. What challenges have you faced in your career?
They’re all mental. Seven years of modeling has had its perks, but rejection comes with the territory. The greatest challenge for me has been seeing past the negative opinions and focusing on the unique things I have to offer.

5. What keeps you motivated everyday?
I am motivated by competition. I’ve always had to be the fastest runner, the best actress, number one in whatever endeavor I decide to take on. I compete against myself and that keeps me going.

Lucy's totally a go-getter. If you cross her path, she'll run you over. Keep that motivation, girl. You're freaking awesome! Next month, I'll introduce you to another cool chick who's doing her thing. If there's a model you'd like to get to know or you think you've got the stuff to make the cut, hit me up. Until next time.

Red Velvet Kitty

Cold weather, clouds, and darkness. My entire wardrobe has gone from brightness to nearly all black in the just one month. I've also noticed that my face is starting to lose its color too. No, no. This will never do. Although I love deep autumn tones, my beauty habits don't need to turn grey and boring. I was digging through my closet the other night and I found this great pair of cheetah print heels with scarlet stems that inspired me. Why not try a sort of spicy red with a hint of pink on my lips? Rich golden honey-kissed skin, messy brows, tempting eyes with a flirty red velvet pout. Yes please.

Normally I just wear a bit of gloss. It's easy and never gets old. But a red lip is so classic. It can take any outfit and automatically kick it up a notch. Now I know what you're thinking. How do you find the perfect shade of red? This decision not only has a lot to do with your complexion, but also your mood. I like to think of it as "The Hunt for Red October". You don't want something too springy but you also don't want a red tone that does nothing to complement your face. I stray away from reds with too much blue that will make me look more dead than alive. I also wait to put on lipstick until I'm fully dressed. You've got to make sure the red matches your clothes, right.

For this look, I literally grabbed an affordable lipstick from a drugstore when I was heading out for the night. The color is Red Velvet by Wet n Wild, and it's perfectly priced when you just want to try something but don't want to invest too much money. It stays put so I don't have to reapply between cocktails. Like with any other bold color, keep the rest of your face simple. I always do a bit of bronzer on my cheeks and my eye lids, a little black eyeliner on my lower lashes and then lengthening lash mascara. Throw on this cute little kitty mask, and I'm purrfect. See how just the right red lip can make such a difference. Kiss-kiss.

Breakin' in Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate

Oh Germany. We haven't seen each other since the boys of NSYNC were still together and the Deutschmark was alive and kicking. My how things have changed. Well, actually this was my very first time in Berlin. I've been hearing so much about the city and it's grit and art that I was dying to see for myself. Thanks to my wonderful new agency Izaio, I was blessed with an opportunity. So I hopped a plane from Amsterdam and flew to a yet another place where beer flows like water through the streets.

The day the arrived was blistering cold and a tad bit rainy. After arriving at the airport and taking a train to Alexanderplatz, I made my way to the agency. My new team is so awesome. They had my all my days planned out for me with lots of go-sees and meetings with clients. But before getting down to business, I desperately needed a cup of coffee to pep-up my step. Look who's on my mug! Willy Cartier. We're only one degree of separation now that we're repped by the same agency. Practically soulmates, ha! Ok, really. Besides the running around to meet various photographers and such, I also needed to take new Polaroids and a short video for the team at Izaio. I can already tell this is going to be a good place for me.

A piece of the Berlin Wall

Friday afternoon once all my running around was done, I decided to do a little sightseeing. From Alexander Platz, I walked past the Fernsehturm (which sort of reminds me of the Space Needle in Seattle) and across the Spree River to the Berlin Cathedral. On this tiny strip called Museuminsel are five internationally-renowned museums. You can feel the history as soon as you enter this area. It's a bit eerie but also so exciting to be in a place with such a rich tradition. I stopped for a bit but I was determined to keep going on to the Brandenburg Gate. Once I got there it was breathtaking. I stood in a place that not only is a symbol of this great city, but was once divided by the Berlin Wall. When I continued to walk around I saw pieces of the Wall displayed in Potsdamer Platz has a reminder of the war times past. Let's hope the people of Berlin are never divided like that again.

Enough of the glum historical stuff. On to the fun. Over the weekend I met up with an old-but-new friend of mine Juliane Hahn. Years ago she did this wonderful drawing of me and I've been interested in her work ever since. So finally we go to hang out. We went swing dancing Saturday night, or actually we watched while everyone else danced. Too intimidated obviously. I can't Lindy Hop to save my life. It felt a little like we were in the movie the Swing Kids, although that takes place in Hamburg. Nontheless, we had a great time. The next day I desperately wanted to go shopping since I've heard how awesome the vintage stash is in Berlin. We made our way to the Flea Market at Boxhagener Platz. There were tons of weird things, but lots of really cool stuff too. I scored this vintage velour Bavarian-style Mayer fedora for just 10 Euros. Say what?! I could've gotten a whole suitcase full of awesome stuff, but I'm sure customs would have hit me with a hefty fine on my way back into the States.

I can't wait to go back. Berlin is this fantastic mix of history, artistry and strife. What unites all these people of different backgrounds is the common struggle to survive despite circumstance and tragedy. It's beautiful. This trip was exactly what I'd needed... and I love this place. For now... I'll see again soon, Germany.  In the words of JFK  "Ich bin ein Berliner."

Will Fashion Take a Stand?

Everyone's got that one creepy family member or family friend that you tend to stay away from. You see him on holidays or special occasions and you say a really awkard hello just to be nice. Your entire family knows he's a creep, but instead of doing anything about him they say "Oh well. That's just how it is." In the fashion family, that guy goes by the name Uncle Terry. Yeah, I'm talking about super famous photographer Terry Richardson. His alleged sexual misconduct and all around deviance is well-known, but tons of companies continue to work with him. But maybe, just maybe, one petition can change that.

Now posted on Change.org is a petition calling for major fashion brands to stop employing Terry Richardson. Spearheaded by Londoner Alice Louise, the petition already has more than 7,000 signatures. Louise is asking for big brands like H&M, Tom Ford, Mango, and Vogue to stop using the alleged sex offender as their photographer.

"More awareness needs to be brought to light that Terry Richardson is negatively influencing media with his supposed exploit & abuse of certain models, mainstream degrading pornographic imagery, and inappropriate and unproffessional behavior. His contribution to society has a bad impact as he is being exposed to the masses with the impression of being well received while there are potentially unethical practices not being shown. Allegations and complaints have been publicised from the likes of Coco Rocha, Jamie Peck and Danish Supermodel Rie Rasmussen against Richardson."

To give you a little refresher, the allegations against Terry Richardson are nothing new. For years I've been hearing stories about his sexual misconduct on shoots. Some of the stuff is just disgusting and ridiculous. Tampon tea and ejaculating on models faces are the first things that come to mind. Naturally Richardson responded by denouncing the allegations. You would think that with the bad press, companies would've distanced themselves from him, but it's been just the opposite. The guy is working like crazy. I don't get it. By continuing to work with Richardson, all they are doing is encouraging his alleged bad behaviour.

At least one brand has responded. In a tweet a few days ago, H& M said "@kimkonnoth If these accusations are true, it’s totally unacceptable to us. Currently we’re not working with Terry Richardson." That's great and all, but Richardson did shoot H&M's summer 2013 campaign with Doutzen Kroes and another one the previous season with Georgia May Jagger. Things that make you go hmm.

Sound off: Do you think this petition will make a difference? Terry Richardson has yet to be charged with sexual misconduct, do you think we're jumping to conclusions?

Adventures in Amsterdam

Fortunate. That's just one of the words I often use to describe my life. Not everyone gets the opportunity to visit places they've read about or have seen pictures of in travel books. But my line of work has once again brought me to the land of the Dutch. It's been months since I was here last, and oh how I've missed it. The canals that flow through the city like veins in a human body. The endless abundance of cheese and bread that keeps us fat with comfort. And the faces of my friends that warmly greet me as if I've always been a part of the family. I love it here.

The folks I know that live in Amsterdam describe it as a small town or a cozy village where everything is just a bike ride away. It's quite true. Sometimes it's easier to take a bike or boat than a train to get where you need to be. Rush hour here looks like more like the Tour de France than typical American auto traffic. Instead of people yelling to clear the way, you hear a friendly ringing of bells.

For the past few days the weather has been just awful. I'm a sunny California girl, so the cold and rain don't work well for me at all. I mean, how are you supposed to be cute for go-sees if you're all covered up? I've been meeting with clients and I spend the first few minutes taking off layers so they can actually see what I look like underneath all the stuff. And forget putting on heels. That's just impossible.

Other than battling the cold, the trip has been really fruitful. My agent at Rocket Garage has made sure I'm shooting like crazy while I'm here. I did a couple of beautiful portraits with photographer Maarten Schroder that have already been featured on Vogue Italia online. Sweet. Just for kicks the other night, we shot a fun 90s club-girl themed shoot at my agent's place complete with spandex, neon, and glitter. I can't wait to see those photos. To wrap it all up, I've got an editorial to shoot today. Awesome.

Being here isn't complete without seeing my darlings. The girls and guys at Rocket Garage are the some of the most down-to-earth people I've ever met. Each and every time I'm here, they welcome me back like I've been with them all along. We eat, we drink, and we catch up as like old friends as if we never missed a beat. Any model traveling abroad should have this sense a family when they're in another country. It keeps me grounded and I am so blessed to have this.

Until next time, Amsterdam. Now on to Berlin.

Guys vs. Girls: Who Makes More Dough

Underpaid but just as sexy. The numbers are out and the result is like whoa. According to Forbes, the world's top earning male model earns $1.5 million compared to the his female counterpart who rakes in $42 million. Say what?! I'm all about gender equality and fair wages, but this sort of makes me smile. Ok, ok. I know it isn't right. In any other industry this would not happen. According to recent stats, the average American woman still earns 77 cents to every dollar a man makes. But in modeling, the scales are tipped. Female models out earn male models by a whopping 148 percent! It's no surprise that the highest paid model for seventh year in a row is Gisele. That girl's a hustler. But who are the male models raking in the dough?

Meet Sean O'Pry, the highest paid male supermodel. Isn't he just gorgeous. Those stone-cold blue eyes and chiseled face. And that body. Mmm mmm. Yeah, you've seen him around. Armani, Versace, Viktor & Rolf, Zara, GQ. I'd hire Sean in a heartbeat. The man is working it. I especially love the ads where he's wearing very little clothing. Eye candy, baby!

Coming in at a very close second place with $1.4 million is British gent David Gandy. This guy's been around for over a decade and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. He's been the face of Dolce & Gabbana forever. He's also done campaigns for Hugo Boss, Johnny Walker, and is a regular contributor for GQ and British Vogue. So handsome.

With all this sexiness, I'm still trying to figure out why male models aren't making more money. Some experts say it's because men can't score lucrative cosmetics campaigns like the ladies do. True. When was the last time you saw a dude in a Mac makeup ad? Then there's the buying power of women. We spend way more money on fashion and beauty products. So the industry caters to our needs. Or as Forbes put it: "It's conventional wisdom in the fashion world that men in ads provide a lower return on investment." Another factor may be the celebrity endorsement. James Franco for Gucci. Brad Pitt for Chanel No. 5. Their faces and names are more recognizable by far.

Oh well, boys. I'm sorry that you're not making as much as the girls. Being a male model is hard work. But, hey. You still look good doing it.

My Stylebook: Stripes

Stripes, you are my obsession. No matter the season, no matter the weather, you and I are always together. Vertical, horizontal, thick or thin... stripes and I are inseparable. Yes, it's an addiction that I've tried to kick. Whenever I walk into a store I make a beeline straight for the stripes. But now I happily accept that most of my closet is filled with this bold pattern. Sporting stripes is super easy, but there are some who get it all wrong. They either look like they're wearing old prison uniforms or a really bad Halloween costume. Beetlejuice! So as a self-proclaimed stripes aficionado, I believe it is my duty to educate you on my basic rules of wearing stripes.

First things first. Go for the stripe you love. I'm not picky when it comes to horizontal, vertical, or even asymmetrical. What I am ore concerned with is the fit of the garment and making sure the stripes don't get distorted on your body. I tried on a cute pair of striped pants the other day. The fit was super skinny and looked fantastic on me, but the curves of my hips made the pattern look off. So I opted for the more boyfriend cut to keep the stripes in order.
Now that you've got your stripe picked out, let's find other things that complement it. Keep the rest of your outfit simple. Unless you're good at mixing prints, I'd say stick with solid colors that won't distract from your statement piece. One color I would definitely stay away from if you're wearing black and white stripes... orange. Hello Ms. Jack-o-lanten! Ok, on to accessorizing. Add a little bling with a fun cocktail ring and bracelet. When it comes to your bag, keep that small. Once again, don't distract but complement. Shiny, reflective shades are always a plus. And since I get photographed texting all the time, a cell phone is a good accessory too.
The right shoe can make or break your entire look. Have you ever seen someone who looks so sharp but once you look down at their feet, the outfit's been ruined. Don't be that person. When wearing a thicker stripe, I like a sleeker shoe to balance the outfit. Of course you can rock a brighter colored shoe if the rest of your clothes are more monotone. And if you're going for punk, rock a boot with studs or spikes. Don't be afraid to take risks.
Surround yourself with a stylish entourage. This tip is by far the best. When I bought my most recent striped items, my girl Taye was right there giving advice. She loved the Stella & Jamie vest but wasn't too keen on the Zara striped blazer. I mean, the shoulders are a bit off-fitting and I already have another jack that is a dead ringer for this one. I listened but opted to buy it anyway. Anyway, look how awesome we look together in our patterns! I think my stripes look hella good next to her peachy floral jumper.

Now that you've got the basics, give these stripes a try. I love a little black and white French Connection dress paired with heeled oxfords by Charlotte Olympia. Crown earrings by my new fave jewelry company Tatty Devine. And this Kate Spade clutch is too freaking smart. Instead of boring red lips, go for a pop of color like Mac's Morange. Sweeeeet!

However you decide to wear your stripes, you better own it. Rules are made to be broken. As long as you're confident, you can rock anything.

Click to Shop

Black Like Licorice

Grey skies and cooler weather are creeping up on us and I'm totally digging it. I love autumn. This is when we trade in our bright summer hues for deeper, darker colors not only for our wardrobes, but also for our makeup. Don't get me wrong. I'm still going to use any excuse to wear orange lipstick, but why not try something different. Why not black? Morbid... no. Ghoulish... perhaps. But if we wear black clothes, black boots, and black eyeliner, who says we shouldn't give black lipstick a try.

I know that you may be thinking black is all wrong for your lips. Normally we like to wear colors that attract positive attention to our mouths and boys think of kissing. Who cares. Men don't understand lipstick and any color other than nude will complicate a crazy makeout session. But I say if you like to experiment with deep reds, purples, and burgundies, take it a step further and go for the darkest of dark.

You don't have to go full-on Elvira or Morticia Adams when rocking black lips. Just like when you red lips, keep the rest of your face simple. I opted for a tiny bit of tinted moisturizer and a little bronzer on the cheeks. I added a little highlighter in the corners of my eyes and on my Cupid's bow to accentuate my best assets. Then black mascara to make my eyes really pop. Now let's pull out that black lipstick. If you're a little nervous, don't worry. I was unsure about what kind of black lipstick to try, so here's a couple of options. If you don't want to spend money, just use your trusty black liner on your lips. Outline and then fill in. Top it off with a dab of sheer gloss. Or, go to the drugstore and pick up and affordable brand like Wet n Wild's Fergie Collection in Pagan Angel. This is what I used and it looks smashing.

Don't be afraid of the black. It's so sexy once you get used to it. You know what they say about darker colors.
"Once you go black..."

Chime in:
Would you wear black lipstick?

Dear Fairy Model Mother: My Booker Got the Boot?!

From the Pirelli Calendar 2014

Boy, oh boy. The past few months have been a doozy. Makeups to breakups. Here's the rundown... I got word that a booker from one of my agencies was calling it quits. Of course I was disappointed because this was a person I'd come to know and trust over the years. Some weeks later quite unexpectedly, I got an email from another agent stating "Today will be my last day at..." Whoa! I was already dealing with separation anxiety from the previous and now this. As if things couldn't get any worse, another agent bites the dust. My commercial booker at the agency threw in the towel. And this was someone who was actually get me and so many other girls solid work. What the ?! I felt like I'd just broken up with my boyfriend three times over. My fellow models and I were all freaking out. Why did this happen? Who's going to represent us? Are we getting the boot next?

If you're not understanding why losing your booker is such a travesty, let me break it down to you. Your booker is by far your best friend at the agency. He or she is the one you should really suck up to. Why? They get you work! They are the ones who pimp you out and blow you up so clients will work with you. Bookers are the ones who will negotiate on your behalf and get you a higher rate for a job. They are also the ones who will blacklist you if you act the fool on a job or misrepresent the agency. When a booker leaves an agency, there's a big shake up in the company. Models start to leave. Girls get dropped. It's just like any corporate job when there's new management. Your position is at risk.

What can you do in this situation? Reach out to the necessary parties immediately. Email the head of your agency for a meeting so you can figure out your future there. Call your now-former booker to chat and get some insider info. Where is he or she going now? Can they take you along? Or can they put in a good word for you somewhere else? Before you make any moves, don't forget to check your contract if you have one. Whatever you do, don't burn any bridges. You want to maintain a good relationship with everyone involved. You never know when you'll need their help in the future. But in the end, this is a business and you want to continue working with whomever is going to get you work. But don't ever think that just because you agent is calling it quits that you should too. If this is what you love to do and you're good at it, keep going. Don't let a change of guard slow you down.

As always, if you have any questions about modeling, the hotline is open. Keep believing in yourselves, lovelies!