Baby I'm A Star (In the Netherlands)

Wehkamp summer campaign

I can't say this enough... I love my job! I love my job! I love my job! A couple months ago I was jetsetting from LA to Amsterdam like a crazy woman, and it was pretty cool. I remember proudly declaring at customs that I am indeed a model and I was in the counry on business. I couldn't believe someone half way around the world actually wanted to work with me and not once, but twice!


The company I shot with is Wehkamp, a Dutch retail giant that's been reimagining itself as a hip, diverse brand. For the first trip, I got to work with photographer Marijke Aerden for Wehkamp's web catalog. We did a number of different looks including swimwear, funky print jumpsuits for summer festivals, and one set up with a toddler. She was the cutest ball of sunshine that I've ever seen. It didn't take much to get a good picture out of her, because she was always smiling.

It was a long day, but we definitely got some good shots. We all had to drink a lot of espresso to keep the party going. In between outfits, I goofed around with stylist Richard and assistant Tom to entertain myself. So when I came back to shoot the commercial a month later, I was pleastantly surprised to be working with some of the same familiar faces. This time around the director was Marijke de Gruyter. I'd already seen her work for the previous season's commercials, so I knew this one would be just as awesome. Check it out...



When the campaign debuted online, I was so freaking excited and I'm still just as ecstatic. Doesn't it all look amazing? For months, my agency Rocket Garage was trying to book me a job with Wehkamp and it finally worked out. I couldn't be more proud of what we created. Hopefully this will lead to more jobs and mean that I'll be traveling back to the Netherlands soon. I can't wait! Thank you, Wehkamp for the opportunity to represent your brand.

Ver weg is zo dichtbij...

Who's That Girl?

Models aren't all blue steel, sexy face robots. In fact, there are a number of cute approachable girls in this business too. Meet Dominique, a curly-haired African American and Asian PYT hailing from the Bay Area. When she's not busy on shoots, she likes to sit on the beach and write in her a journal. Let's get familiar...

1. Describe your style.
I'm normally a jeans, wife beater, hair in a bun and flip flops kind of girl. That's my go-to sh*t. Small, delicate jewelry. I like to keep things simple.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
I identify most with a turtle probably. They love to bake in the sun, as do I and move fairly slow but get to their destination without any noise. It's like they just pop up and you're like hey how did you get here? That's totally me. They also have this hard shell they can hide in to protect themselves from predators. I can say I also have a hard outer shell in the sense that I don't allow people to know me too quickly. I'm very specific with who and what I allow in my personal space because I don't believe all people or things deserve to be there. Just like you wouldn't let any old stranger into your home, I'm not going to allow any person into my personal space/life/thoughts unless I feel that connection to want to do that.

3. You've got great curls. What's your hair regimen?
I deep condition once a week with Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque. I only shampoo when I feel my hair has a lot of build up and I'll use Kerastase Reconstructing Shampoo (green bottle) or Giovanni Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo. I use Shea Moisture Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner 1-2 times a week depending on my hair style. I normally wear my hair in a high bun and massage my scalp with coconut oil and rosemary oil to keep it moisturized. I also use olive oil from time to time although I don't care for the smell too much. For castings they like to see my hair out and curly so I use a 1/4-inch Hot Tools curling iron to create consistent wavy curls. I used to wash and air-dry my hair but I recently had a fight with my flat iron (I believe the heat was on too high) and I damaged most of my hair. Sadly it does not curl like it used to so I have to re-create the curls with a curling iron. The only time I put heat on my hair now is for castings only because that it "my look." Otherwise it's in a bun or au-natural when I'm just hanging at home. I've decided to start trimming my hair every 3 months to help with the growth because I'm not in the position to cut off all the damaged hair yet.

4. If you had a super power what would it be?
I would be able to teleport. I love to travel, that's one of the things I want to do more of and if I could teleport I could go everywhere! To name a few off the top of my head I would teleport to Australia, Africa, Philippines, Bali, Monaco (been there, beautiful, need to go back), Japan, Fiji, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Greece, Amsterdam, Brazil. That's all I can think of for now.

5. How do you survive in this industry?
I try and find other things to do outside of this industry that I like. I do yoga. I have 5 dogs (maltipoo family crew) that take up a lot of my energy. Just got a library card… I love to read. I used to be in a book club in elementary/middle school reading 100 books a month. I'm just trying to get back into things that I enjoyed before modeling started. You have to find that balance. It's more about finding got those other things outside of modeling. Although I love modeling that's not the only thing that I have a passion for and I also don't want it to define who I am as a person.

"I'm such a go with the flow person and will accept almost every opportunity that comes my way. Mainly for the journey that will come of it. The people I might meet along that journey and discover more about myself, dig deeper into finding out who I really am and what I have to offer to myself and others."

Dominique is an absolute gem and such an inspiration. Look out for her smiling face everywhere. I'm so glad I can share her beauty with you.

Next month, I'll introduce you to another model who's making moves and doing big things. Until next time.

From the Treasure Chest: Turquoise and Crystal Cuff

During the heat of the summer you want to make sure you're shining. A nice deep tan and sun-kissed cheeks in a white-hot bikini while you relax on a beach in the Caribbean. Magnifique! Well if you're digging for a gold shimmery piece to wear, you bronze goddess, look no further.

Just drool over this two-toned turquoise and gold cuff. Isn't it just gorgeous?! The colors remind me of that pretty blue water you see off the coast of Miami. The cuff is wide and chunky which is a great little statement piece of jewelry. The turquoise circle is split in half by a line of crystals that give you extra sparkle for those sexy nights after you hit the beach. The cuff is topped off by two textured gold beads. It's the perfect combination for the season.

And the price isn't too bad either. Only $30 for this pretty little ditty. Snatch it up now while you can...

CLICK HERE TO SHOP

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

"La di da di. We like to party..." Let's flashback to junior high in the 90s when we all obsessed over boy bands, watched the original 90210 and wanted to dress like the girls in Clueless. In a swanky hotel room in West Hollywood, we kicked it old school at a slumber party hosted by my girl Taye of Stuff She Likes and Jenny Wu of GoodBadandFab. It was all courtesy of beauty giant Wet n Wild. Makeup, ice cream, and pillow fights. It was like totally amazing!



Taye and Jenny invited a few LA bloggers and gal pals to enjoy a night of pampering and partying at the London Hotel. I swear. I haven't been to a slumber party in forever and I don't know why we don't have them as adults. They are sooo much fun. There was plenty to do. We watched our favorite chick flicks, gossiped about boys, and played Twister. See, there's DJ Lady Sha and Aneesah looking fab next to hostess with the mostess Taye.




Makeup artist Brie let us try out some of Wet n Wild's newest beauty products including the Fergie collection. But it's kind of hard to get your face done when you're busy stuffing it with hot dogs and french fries. And we were also surrounded by tons of candy, champagne, and root beer floats. Somehow in between grabbing up lip gloss and nail polish and overindulging in food, these ladies found the time to strike a pose.



By the end of the evening our bellies were full of sweets and we were extremely giggly. We didn't trash the hotel room, but let's just say we took advantage of the space. Pillow fight! And I walked away with a goodie bag filled to the max with lipstick, bronzer, blush, mascara... the works. I won't have to go shopping for this stuff for a whole year. Aren't you jealous? Dear Wet n Wild, can we please do this again soon!
xoxo


P.S. If you're a little upset that you weren't in on the fun... I've got a surprise for you to make up for it. Stay tuned.

Dear Fairy Model Mother: I Think I Can, I Think I Can

Hello lovelies! It's Monday, and I figured a little motivation to get through this day is just what the doctor ordered. Over the two years or so I've been in touch with one super cute aspiring model named J. She's a skinny little thing with a great face and a will to do what needs to be done to get where she wants to go. But on the road to self discovery and fulfillment, we all hit roadblocks. Here's her story...

"I came all the way from Alabama where I spent 23 and a half years of my life living to pursue my dreams in Cali, a land I've never known. I said surely I will have my dream job in Graphic Design within the first months and I would be modeling with you. So, I have pretty much sacrificed what I knew as life," she explained to me a couple of summers ago. Even though we didn't really know each other, I was cheering for her and she was cheering for me.

J. did eventually get a job in graphic design, but she didn't like it. She tried to stick it out, but was fighting against her true desires. Her heart still wanted to model. This PYT took a few odd jobs here and there to pay the bills and did background acting work while continuing to look for modeling representation. That task proved to be even harder. After a number of disappointments, J. switched gears and began focusing on normal work again.

"I ask myself the question is it worth it? Should I pack my bags and experiences and head back to my comfort zone, the south?" she explains in a message to me. "Yes, I could do this, but I won't have the platform or the opportunities that are here to even try to be that person that I keep feeling God is rooting for me to be."

So J. stepped up her game early last fall after taking some time off to reevaluate her situation. Now she's meeting with agencies and getting great feedback. Every week she goes out to castings, does test shoots, and is consistently working on her craft. I know she's got what it takes and so does she. Don't get discouraged, darlings. The world can seem like such a cruel place that's only out to bring you down, but if you believe you can do it nothing can stop you. Have a little faith and keep on pushing. As always, if you have any questions or you need a little pep talk, the Fairy Model Mother hotline is always open.

...Or Bust

Bust Magazine June/July 2013

Vacations don't really happen for me in the traditional sense of the word. I long for them like a kid longs for ice cream on a hot summer day. I'm sure I'll get to take one someday. But every now and again I get to pretend that I'm relaxing at a hotel by a pool. That's what I call hard work.


On a Monday morning when the rest of the world's on its way the j-o-b, we were taking a road trip to Palm Springs to the Ace Hotel. It's not like were taking a holiday, in fact, we did some labor for Bust Magazine. Above, there's photographer Kat Borchart shooting model Magdelena. And there's me snapping a pic in the baller suite between setups.


The glam squad was so on it! Christina was just a beast with makeup. Tony worked wonders with hair too. That guy even brought his own fan/blower so that Magdelena's hair would have some movement on set. Who does that?! Oh my... and the styling was so fantastic. Stylist Monique Bean pulled some fantastic pieces perfect that were the right mix of retro and kitschy. On a side note: besides being behind the camera in these photos, I'm actually chilling in the pool. The bosses said it was cool, so I'm just following orders.


As the day wore on and Happy Hour drew near, we all thought it was only fitting to really enjoy the amenities at the Ace. The private rockstar suite with a fireplace. Magdalena and I hammed it up in the photo booth. Then there's the wonderful cocktails you can get poolside like Adios Motherf***er I'm holding. One sip, and you're done.

It was such an awesome time with a great team at a great location. If only all work days were like this. To see the rest of the spread, pick up Bust Magazine on newsstands now.

xoxo

Underage Models Get Protection

From Teen Vogue May 2012

Well it's about time. This week the New York State Senate and Assembly are finally taking steps toward protecting young models. Spearheaded by Coco Rocha and the Model Alliance, this legislation paves the way for better working conditions for the teens we see so often on the runway and in magazines.

Just like other child dancers, actors, and musicians, print and runway models under the age of 18 will finally be recognized as child performers and will be granted the same protection and working rights. This means chaperones will be able to supervise photo shoots and the kids will have on-set tutors so they won't miss out on their education. Also, the kid models will have only be allowed to work a certain number of hours a day with a meal break and rest time between jobs. And when it comes to money, mandatory financial trusts will be set up for the model's earnings. I'm sure this seems like the basic labor laws, but you have to understand that teen models have not been afforded the same rights until now. Coco explains the need for the legislation like this...

"For children and young teens who just want to please, the pressure to succumb to demands from adults is often damaging and life altering -- dropping out of school; foregoing education and their health; allowing predators, sexual and otherwise, to harass and victimize -- it has to stop."

The truth is, most models begin working between 13 and 16 years old. A large percentage of those young beauties are exposed to drugs and alcohol on the job and often succumb to depression and anxiety. These statistics come directly from the Model Alliance that has been fighting for years to improve conditions for working models. Can you imagine being a teen and having just as much responsibility as an adult to be work a job, stay thin, and support your family? Exactly, it's just wrong.

This legislation is monumental, but we've still got a ways to go. Maybe New York will start an trend and encourage other states to protect their young models too. California and Florida, I think you're next. We've got to fight for the rights of child models and anyone else who doesn't have the means to protect themselves.

For more information about the Model Alliance and protecting underage models, click here.

Aaaah Yeah!

Enough said. Thanks for all your love and support over the years. I do what I do because of you guys. So, Happy Birthday to me, but I'm sharing all my gifts with you.
xoxo

Get Lucky!

Ok, guys. I know it's been a hard week. You go to your job everyday and work hard for the man. No one appreciates your dedication. Well hey! I do. So instead of busting your butt these last few hours before the weekend, I suggest you take a break with these handsome gentlemen.

To announce the nominees for the CFDA(Council of Fashion Designers of America) menswear designer of the year award, the organization created this video. It's a chorus of male models dressed in Thom Browne, Michael Bastian, and Duckie Brown singing Daft Punk's Get Lucky. Let's all join in.

First of all, I need to know who's actually singing in this? Did these guys have to audition? I need details, people! Anyway, it's absolutely delicious. If only I could get a group of male models to start singing and dancing in a flashmob just for me. Wink-wink. Have a great weekend, lovelies!

Inspiration Board

The wanderlust of summer is officially setting in. All I can think of is vacation, vacation, vacation. But until that actually happens, here's a little inspiration for all you kids with your head in the clouds...




Oh boy. I think it's time to get run away to an island. And since it's Throwback Thursday, you might also want to check out another inspiration board of mine that shares a similar theme. Enjoy!

Oh Captain! Anchor Two Finger Ring

I'm obsessed with statement rings. I like them bright and shiny. And the bigger the better. I walked into one of my favorite little boutiques, saw this baby and was immediately swept out to sea. Give me any excuse to wear something nautical.

This anchor ring is the perfect accessory for the summer. It's one of those double finger things that I'm oh so fond of. It's gold-plated with great detailing. You can wear it with a simple outfit or go all out in nautical stripes. Either way this ring really packs some punch. Just don't hit anybody with it. The best thing is, it's super affordable. Only ten bucks, mateys! You'd better jump on board now...
CLICK HERE TO SHOP!

Model Bites: Well Dunn with Jourdan Dunn

So it's been a really long time since the last Model Bites. While you know I've been eating a lot of really good food just by checking out my Instagram, I just haven't been digging into any new recipes lately. I promise I'll get back in the swing of things. But for now, cooking with supermodel Jourdan Dunn will just have to do.

Can you believe this British babe has her own cooking show?! After watching a few episodes, I'm not so sure she really knows how to throw down in the kitchen, but she's still pretty adorable. In this installment, Jourdan gets back to her family roots and shows us how to hook up Jerk Pork, Beans and Rice, and Caribbean Salsa. Mmm mmm.


To make this yourself, here's what you'll need...

Jerk Pork:
Belly Pork

Marinade:
4 Scotch Bonnet Peppers
1 Garlic Bulb
Fresh Ginger
Spring Onion
Fresh Thyme
Soy Sauce
Dark Rum
Honey
Salt
Black Pepper
Nutmeg
All Spice
2 Limes
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Rice and Beans:
Basmati Rice
Red Kidney Beans
Spring Onion
Garlic
Coconut Cream

Caribbean Salsa:
2 Plum Tomatoes
1 Mango
Cilantro
Red Wine Vinegar
I'm definitely trying this out soon although I doubt that I'm as graceful in the kitchen as Jourdan. Ha. Ok lovelies, bon appetit!