Model Bites: Cool Breeze Cocktail

Aaaaah yes. The end of summer is officially upon us. Trust me, I'm not ready for it to be over. But before we say farewell, let's say cheers to all the good times with a refreshing cocktail. For those hot summer days, I like sipping on drinks with fresh fruits and flavors that really kick. I love the sweet and spicy. So why not bring together some of my favorite ingredients for a fun concoction. Shall we?

I just got this new pre-mixed vodka cocktail called XB at event, so I thought I'd throw that in the recipe too. It's similar to Sex on the Beach and features premium vodka with a blend of orange, cranberry, peach and grape juices. You can drink it alone, but I want to do something extra with it. Here's what you'll need to get this party started:

2 oz XB
1/2 oz honey or simple syrup
3/4 oz lemon
cucumber slices
fresh mint
ginger beer

First chop or use a rolling pink to crush the mint. Place in glass. I use a mason jar because it looks rustic and pretty. Pour in XB. Add lemon juice. You might as well drop a few pieces of lemons and sliced cucumber to make the concoction pretty. Pour in the simple syrup or honey. Put a lid on it and shake. Now add ice or pour over a fancy cocktail glass full of ice. Finally top off with ginger beer and garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint.

Tadaaa! Now you're set to relax by the pool or barbeque with your friends. You can make a big batch of this as a party punch. And yes, it does taste better as the flavors sit. It's so yummy. Enjoy the last few days of the season.

Cheers to an endless summer!

Who's That Girl?

Whoever said size matters has no imagination at all. Meet Hannah. She's a spunky sprite with a likeness to Milla Jovovich and a love for old silent films. Hannah is also a super nerd who tried to run away and join the circus when she was 14, but to no avail. With one parent who's a landscape photographer and another who's a filmmaker, it's no wonder this girl is so freaking talented. Oh, and did I mention she's shorter than your average model? Well it's not holding her back one bit. Let's get familiar...

1. Describe your style?
Casual punk, upscale mad-maxian, and a touch of gypsy carnival.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
It is a toss-up between a wolf and a crow. Probably the crow - and not just because I like the movies. A crow because they are astute observers, extremely intelligent (much more so than their cousin the raven), they have language, are pragmatic, loyal and spiritual, not to mention hauntingly beautiful. And they are often overlooked and misunderstood. Did you know they hold funerals? If a family member dies, they gather in a tree above where the deceased crow fell and sit silently for a couple hours before flying away.

3. If you had a super power what would it be?
If I had a superpower I'd be density woman - I could lessen my density enough to fly around and allow bullets to pass through me OR I could become so dense that I'd literally be my own planet. Beat that!

4. What challenges have you faced in your career?
I'm no amazon. At a little over 5'7" I barely make the cut-off for what's deemed "an acceptable height" for models. This has brought about some challenges in my career, but I choose to see it as an advantage and something that sets me apart rather than something that slows me down. I am not a blank canvas runway girl, I am unique and independently me, and all my successes in this industry are a testament to that fact. Besides, my very favorite models (and many of the most iconic faces) are shorties!

5. What keeps you motivated everyday?
What keeps me motivated everyday, besides my loved ones, is my need to create and constantly have my hands on a new project. Whether it be modeling, making music, painting, writing, or collaborating with other artists to somehow combine all these things I need to feed the creative monster inside me. And I want to start a modern fashion movement because there's lots of us models out there that have brains and beauty and can do stuff, and we want to be seen and celebrated for who we are, not just what we're made up to be.

Wow! Now that's what I call tenacity. I really admire people like Hannah who are real creative individuals who don't let anything stand in their way. Fantastic! Thanks for this, girl!

Next month, I'll introduce you to another model who's making moves and doing big things. I hope you guys enjoy hearing these models' stories as much as I do. Until next time.

Back in the Day: WWD

Women's Wear Daily August 23, 2007

Looking through my portfolio is like flipping through a family photo album. You see the picture and remember the moments like it was yesterday. This particular memory takes us to downtown LA exactly six years ago. We arrived to a big, bright loft space where there were racks of clothes and just a few tables and chairs grouped together. Everyone was quiet, because it was early. All I could think was "God, I'm going to need a lot of coffee..."


I could already tell the shoot was going to be awesome. The cast of characters was killer. There's Barnett who always looks like he's too cool to be somewhere but doesn't really give a s*** anyway. I love this guy. Next there's this chick with super pale skin and dark hair named Nicolette. She's striking and lethal. If you look at her the wrong way, she'll stare you down and turn you into stone. Rounding out the models are Allison and Joe who look like the kids next door that everyone wants to hang out with but are too shy to talk to because they are that cool.


The talent on set was absolutely perfect and it wasn't just about the faces in front of the camera. Stylist Monica Schweiger picked out great pieces to create a "SoCal skater-punk edge" look featuring acid and dark washes of denim. Makeup artist Robin Glaser made sure we looked simple but tough. Instead of heavy foundation, she kept my face light with hints of shine, a little mascara, and an earthy glossy lip. And Marcia Hamilton transformed my straight hair into this gorgeous textured fro. That girl worked some magic!

The last piece in the puzzle was photographer Raquel Olivo. She didn't want us posing or trying too hard. Raquel wanted to capture the coolness. We weren't supposed to look like models. Instead of a fashion spread, this shoot just looks like portraits of street kids. We're the crew you see hanging out in Echo Park or Silverlake who went rummaging through the pile of clothes on the floor and just threw whatever on and look good in it. The thing is, that's exactly who we are.

This is still one of my favorite shoots. And the thing is, the photos don't look dated at all... which is why it's still in my book. Thanks for the memories, guys.

Loco for Coco

New obsession alert! Maybe it's my dream of escaping to an island, but I'm so into anything coco. I look at my moisturizers and they're all coconut. Open my fridge and there's coconut water and coconut milk. One look at my perfumes and all that matters is Coco Chanel. Ok, that's a stretch, but it's still part of my coco collection. So what's the deal with coconut anyway?

It's like a super nut or fruit or food. The coconut provides nourishment with its milk, oil, meat and juice. Pacific Islanders call the coconut palm tree the Tree of Life because of the fruit's various healing properties. Coconut is like some supernatural wonder cureall because it's anti- fungal, anti-bacterial, anti- viral and packed with antioxidants. You can use the fruit to fight tapeworms, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and even the flu. Crazy right?!

Try squeezing coconut into your daily life...

Coconut Water- A great thirst quencher after a workout or on a hot day. It's ridiculously hydrating and has as many electrolytes as plasma. This water has all the fixings including potassium, calcium, and vitamins like B1 and C. Drinking coconut water can also help maintain your body's pH level. Because of its recent popularity, you can pick up coconut water any almost any supermarket and convenience store.

Coconut Body Butter- Let's be honest. It just sounds yummy. Every brand is different but the key ingredients are coconut oil, Shea butter, and vitamin E. The body butter moisturizers for hours without leaving a greasy residue. Your skin will feel like silk.

Coconut Oil- Well, well. Where do I begin? You can use coconut oil in the kitchen for baking and cooking. It's better than the other oils because it has no cholesterol or trans fats. Now on to the beauty side. Remember when I mentioned its rich with antioxidants? That helps protect your skin from free radicals and fights the aging process. I use it immediately after a shower the lock in moisturize. It's like butter, baby. Also try coconut oil on your hair. Instead of buying those expensive hair serums that only have a tiny bit of good oils and are packed with unhealthy fillers, I go straight to the source. Take a dime size and massage into hair after a good wash. Your hair will stay shiny all day.

Coco Eau De Toilette by Chanel - This has absolutely nothing to do with coconuts, but my does it smell good. It's lighter than the perfume version but is oozing with sophistication. This scent is timeless.

With all its benefits, it's no wonder islanders swear by the stuff. Now it's time for us mainlanders to go coconut crazy. Trust me. Once you try coco you'll keep going back for more.

Dear Fairy Model Mother: I Don't Know What Else To Do

Hello lovelies! As the summer sun begins to set we are once again approaching a new season. We often spend this time reflecting on our careers and passions. Are you where you want to be? Is there something you've been wanting to do, but haven't had the guts to do it? Or are you giving up? I talked about this recently, but the subject has presented itself again. This question comes from a recent college grad who's looking to get her master's degree in film, but still dreaming of modeling...

Here's what she has to say:
"I try out for things in the area (Virginia) but I've been unsuccessful even for local things. I've submitted my photos to modeling agencies in New York and visited them when I was in my teens but still NO LUCK! I even went to agencies when I was in Milan and still no luck. I don't know what else to do! I've tried every avenue. I've retaken professional photos and resubmitted to agencies. I was thinking to try out ProScouts convention in Philly but it's $700. So long story short, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions? I really feel that I have to find someone who wants to take me on but first I have to get an agency...which proves to be very difficult.
Thanks in advance,
Abby"

Dear Abby,
Your perseverance is amazing. When faced with rejection and disappointment, you've managed to keep on going. Now you're at a crossroads where you're choosing between the logical and the crazy. But why can't those two come together? You've been working hard, but it's time to work smart. I don't know you measurements or height, but I do know you have a passion for fashion and have studied communications. Girl, become a fashion blogger! You've got the training to create your own content. If you do it well, then you'll generate your own buzz and attract the attention of the right people (agents, brands, etc). You'll get where you want to be, but you'll get there following a different path than you'd imagined. Also, don't forget there are different types of modeling. You may not be high fashion, but there's also lifestyle and catalogues...and commercial acting. Abby, you're thinking about studying film and television commercials totally makes sense to me. Explore those options. Don't ignore all of your talents and use those to get what you want. You've got a beautiful spirit and I want to see you soar!

If you think you've tried everything, think outside the box and try a different approach. Just keep believing, darlings. If you have any questions or you need an extra push, your Fairy Model Mother's here.

xoxo

My Style: A Love Bizarre

Mixing prints is something I rarely do. I look at pictures of celebrities or fashion divas who do it and I think I can't pull it off. I've already got a lot going on with the freckles and all. Then I saw this crazy tribal onesie and knew that my time had finally come. Dancing in my head to a wonderful soundtrack featuring Sheila E. and his Purple Majesty, I give you a little street fair I call "A Love Bizarre."


Rompers are an easy look to pull together. You just add some accessories and you're good without too much thought. For this look, I wanted a dab of icing that would make this extra sweet. The two prints that unite on this romper are already pretty busy, so anything I added had to really pop.


The Look
Romper: Angie
Suede Pumps: Zara (similar)
Cow Skull Ring:Wildfox Couture
Bracelet: Urban Outfitters (similar)
Belt: ASOS
Earrings: thrift store find (similar)
Hat: borrowed from friend (similar)


I wanted something that felt bohemian and free. I needed an inspiration. That's when I saw the suede pointy purple pumps by Zara. For some reason I thought "that's what Prince would want me to wear". Then I picked up the cow skull ring by Wildfox Couture... suddenly everything just made sense. As I twirled in the middle of the street and the sun began to set, my earrings jingled like the coins on a belly dancer and I knew the outfit was perfect.

"The moon up above, it shines on upon our skin
Whispering words that scream of outrageous sin
We all want the stuff that's found in our wildest dreams
It gets kinda rough in the back of our limousine
That's what we are, we all want a love bizarre"

Bottle Rocket

photograph by Ward Robinson

This goes out to all the firestarters who feel like they're losing their spark. The wild girls and boys who can make every photo look iconic. You see them in a campaign or on a catalogue and think "I want to be that chick." Unlike the glamazons from fashion's golden years, these young ones don't follow anyone's rules. They slouch, they smoke, they make ugly faces but they still look freaking awesome!

So I know that every now and then you hit a slump. Your agent isn't calling as much. Clients who used to be your biggest fans start to lose their enthusiasm for your antics. Your crazy personal life begins to wreak havoc on your career. And to make matters worse, your bank account is in the red. You're ready to give up and say f*ck this. A normal life with your family and friends back home is looking pretty good. The thing is... that's not what you really want.

Come on, kid. Life's tough, but you're tougher. You're the one others envy. They want what you have. All those billboards and tearsheets you've racked up. All the runways you've walked. You are one bad mutha-shut-yo-mouth! So man up, strap on your boots and start kickin' some ass again. Light it up!

My Style: Blue & Steel

Trying to figure out what to call this look was quite a challenge. I thought maybe "Breakfast in a Construction Zone" or something about sailing because of the nautical stripes, but then again I'm not on a boat. So I settled with a reference to Zoolander which I think accurately describes the mood.


Almost anything with stripes I will wear. I saw this jumper in Rag & Bone, and I lost my mind. I had to have it. And thank my lucky stars, it was on sale. Normally mixing patterns isn't my thing, but these floral platforms were too cute not to wear with the romper. I wanted something that felt light and airy like a vacation in Nantucket. To top it all off, this sky blue nail color is almost the exact hue of the signature Toms blue. Pure coincidence.


The Look
Romper: Rag & Bone
Shoes: Jellypop
Shades: Toms
Necklace and Bracelet: thrift store find
Ring: MKL
Nails: "I Need a Refresh-Mint" Wet n Wild

The striped romper and my short hair cut look some boyish, but The gold accessories and floral platforms add a little touch of girly. Such a great look when you're grabbing waffles and mimosas with your friends on the weekend. Now if only I could get that vacation on a yacht I've been dreaming about.

Little Stars

They are bright, shiny disco balls of energy lighting up our universe. Their imaginations and creativity are illuminating the future of fashion, and they haven't even hit college yet. I'm talking about the talented young minds I had the pleasure of meeting at the Julia Dean Photo Workshops "Fashion Fun For Teens" class last week. The workshop is taught by my girl and photographer superstar Kawai Matthews who invited me to speak for the second year in a row. Score!


When I arrived to the class, the group of young girls were critiquing a photo assignment they were asked to work on the night before. They were told to style a family member or friend in a couple of different looks and try to make a story out of it. The pictures were absolutely perfect. You could see the direction each one was taking as if their photos were just a rough draft of what art they will create later. Then it was time for my official introduction about the work I've done and what it takes to become a good photographer. The girls had lots and lots of questions about everything from picking the right model to hair and makeup to styling. I love the way their minds work... so detailed. We flipped through my portfolio and I gave the backstory of what it took to achieve those photos.


After a bit of guidance from Kawai and a little setting up, it was time for the girls to take their place behind the camera and for me to play model. One by one each teen introduced herself and told me what she wanted. Most of them said "give me fun, happy and summery" which went so well with the bright yellow backdrop. But as they went on, the girls got more specific and wanted something moody and edgy. I told them not to be afraid of getting closeups and really capturing the moment. I wanted to drive home this idea of creating something with your team and knowing when you've gotten the picture you were hoping for. Something can be technically right, but if doesn't stimulate your head or heart, then you've got to keep shooting. I probably sounded like a broken record, but I said repeatedly "You want your photography to evoke a feeling".

This workshop was such an enlightening experience for me. I went there at the request of Kawai to give back and hopefully encourage some aspiring young photographers. Instead, they have inspired me to continue creating and reach for the sky. Thank you to Kawai and the folks at Julia Dean for having me once again. And to the teen girls I had the pleasure of working with, I can't wait to see you all take over the world of fashion photography in the next few years. You are all little stars!

Barely There

Good morning, sunshine. It's time to get that sleepy head out of bed. Now before you start with your daily routine, stare at yourself in the bathroom mirror. Ah ah ah. Don't pick at that pimple that crept up in the middle of the night. Stop scrunching up your face and obessing over those microscopic wrinkles on your forehead. Just stand back and take in your own reflection like you're looking at a piece of art at a museum. Isn't it just beautiful? So why is it that you pile on layer upon layer of makeup everyday?

Don't get it twisted...I absolutely adore makeup. I check out beauty blogs on the regular. The use of colors, contouring, and shading to highlight your greatest features is just fantastic. But what irks me is slapping on too much makeup. Girl, why do you do that to yourself? You do realize that even RuPaul doesn't wear that much face. I mean, really? It's one thing to wear a splash of color here or there on a night out, but when you're wearing a full mask out to work everyday... That's just ridiculous.

How about we try something new. We're going for less in more and the "barely there" makeup look. Pick only 5 or 6 things to use on your face. Let's try a cream blush, a highlighter, mascara, lip gloss, and maybe a tinted moisturizer. Skip the heavy foundation and go for Urban Decay's Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizer that's paraben free and light reflecting for a great complexion. I love playing up my eyes, so I add a little highlighter at the inner corners and just below my eyebrows. In this case I used Wet n Wild Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana. Then I add some oomph to my lashes with this Megalength mascara also by Wet n Wild. Wondering about that clear mascara? I use Maybelline Great Lash mascara to tame my eyebrows and add a little shine. Then dab a little Urban Decay Glide-On Cheek Tint and lip gloss from Forever 21, and I'm good to go.

The trick is instead of trying to cover everything, you're just bringing out what you already have. You don't want to look at yourself and only see makeup. You actually want to see your face. Go for products that nourish and moisturize and steer clear of anything that will dry you out. Treat your skin with love everyday, and then you won't actually be afraid of what you see in the mirror.