Dear Fairy Model Mother: My Agency Is MIA!

Hello lovelies! I received a message via twitter just days ago from a very nervous model named Tahira. She lives in Georgia, but wants to make the move to the Big Apple. Here's what she says:

"Hi Nikia! I was wondering if I could get some modelling advice from you. I signed a contract with this boutique agency in NY that my photographer friend recommended. Although my living arrangements for NY turned wacky they were still keeping in constant contact with me. Setting up test shoots near my location and so forth. Now, it's been almost a month and I have not been able to reach them at all. What should I do?"

Uh oh! Looks like your agents have gone rogue. Fairy Model Mother is on the job.

Can you imagine being in this situation? After months of searching for the right agency, you find one that's totally interested in you. And it's even better that a friend you know and trust referred you. Thinking you're on the right track, you even attempt to relocate yourself for work. Everything seems to be going well, then silence. It's the equivalent of hooking up with a guy, spending days hanging out, and then hearing nothing once you leave his presence. You've just been duped.

Don't feel stupid or anything, because you're not the only one this has happened to. There are a few warning signs that you might have ignored when getting involved with this agency. First of all, does the company have a website? What kind of clients do they work with and what models do they represent? Have you communicated to them by phone or email only? Have you visited the agency office? If these agents have been around for years, there should be a paper trail. Follow it.

When I did my own research on let's call it Agency X, I found very little. But I'd actually heard of it, but not very many good things. According to my sources, Agency X isn't the most reputable. It represents a lot of minority models but doesn't get them good paying jobs. Prepared to do some undercover P.I. work, I tried calling the agency contact number and only got a voicemail greeting. Finally after further investigation, I found that a modeling forum listed the agency as defunct as of late last year. Burn!

Now it's time for you to make your move. If all of a sudden your agents are flaking and not returning your phone calls, maybe you should get out. Look at your original contract for the exit clause. Email them immediately to terminate your agreement. If they still owe you money, pursue payment. Let's just hope they didn't take your money and run. You shouldn't have to do business with an agency that isn't going to keep you in the loop. Don't get hustled. Take you talents elsewhere, baby.

I hope that helps, Tahira. Don't let some bad agency waste your time. As always, if you have any modeling questions, I'm your mama!

And Now Tomorrow...

The future's so bright! A few weeks ago, I was invited by my photographer friend Kawai Matthews to be a special industry guest at a class for teens interested in fashion photography. Boy, did I feel honored. When I arrived at the Julia Dean Photo Workshop, eleven girls were sitting around a table listening intently to every word Kawai was saying. Would they be paying as close attention to my advice? The answer, yes.

My intro to the group included a little Q & A session so they could get to know me. The girls asked what designers I've worked for and what are some of the coolest shoots I've done. Then... a quick show-and-tell of my portfolio. I wanted to show them the importance of creating a solid body of work and the difference between commercial and fashion photography.

Next, Kawai gave the ladies a group project and instructed them to create an inspiration board much like the pros do to prepare for a photo shoot. It was cool to see what each team was putting together. They all had their own unique personalities and creative processes. I nicknamed the groups Team Vogue, Team Nylon, Team Seventeen, and Team W.

What I liked about this workshop is that it was super hands-on. Kawai wanted to make sure these future photographers know not just how to take a great picture, but how to use their equipment. She had them set up their own studio complete with lighting and backdrop. These girls were putting in work!

It was finally time for the students to pick up a camera and start shooting. My job was to tell them exactly what I look for in a good photographer. I like photographers that let me know what they want but allow me to express myself too. You eventually fall into a rhythm and... voila. So the students and I practiced this one by one with each having their own time behind the camera. Most of the time the girls wanted fun, carefree poses to match my bright orange bellbottoms.

We created together and we laughed together. It was so perfect. I hope these young photographers were inspired by me as much I'm inspired by them. If this is the future of fashion, then sunny days are definitely in the forecast. Good luck, ladies.

P.S. - Thanks again to Kawai Matthews and the Julia Dean Photo Workshops for the opportunity and the photos. You rock!

Say What: Rocco Stencil Drop Earrings

The bigger the jewelry, the bigger the statement. Am I right?! So it's no wonder I'm digging these earrings from ASOS. You'll usually see me rocking pieces like this whenever I want to stand out from the crowd. Trust me, it works wonders. Hook, line, and sinker!

I really like that these darlings combine tribal touches with colorful details. You can wear these with a tank top and jeans for a simply chic look or with a cute sheath dress. Absolutely gorgeous. Since it's the end of the season, the earrings are on super duper sale at just under $8. You'd better grab 'em now!

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What's Hot!

Where in the world did July disappear to? No, seriously. I blinked and it was over. Maybe that's because the month was filled with so many memorable experiences that it just flew by. July's Fab 5 is all about discoveries, so let's hop to it.

1. Exploring- My mom and I decided to take a trip to San Francisco a few weeks ago. We saw the city from the top of a tour bus like true out-of-towners. We stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge and walked halfway across. I don't think Mom was up for the entire 3 miles to and fro. I was awesome to experience San Fran like that with family.

2. Eating- So while Mom and I were in SF, I was determined to eat really good food. I had a long list of spots I wanted to dine at, but of course my belly wasn't big enough to take them all in. Part of the tourist experience in San Fran meant standing in line for 2 hours to get food at Mama's on Washington Square. Yeah, I can't believe we did it. I ordered the Swedish French Toast with seasonal berries. After waiting so long to eat, you know I was starving...so of course, I finished my plate. It was well worth the wait.

3. Growing- Earlier in the month I had the pleasure of working on a short film sponsored by Levis and AFI. The premise of the project has to do with sustainibility. We shot in various locations around LA including a rooftop garden in Skid Row, a community garden in Silver Lake, and a chicken coop in a South LA. Working on the film made me realize how much I miss getting dirty and cultivating something that helps me stay alive. We all need to get back to that...the basics.

4. Friending- Sometimes we take the people in our lives for granted. You know that they love you and they'll be there when you need them, but you've got to make the time to really nurture those relationships. My favorite things about July were the moments I got to spend with my friends and making new ones too. The people you surround yourself with may not be the famiyl you're born into, but they are the family you create. Cherish them.

5. Rediscovering- I've used so much of my spare time getting to know me again and getting to know my life as it is. At one point, things were very different and know they've changed. And I'm cool with that. Life is not stagnant. It is a journey that takes you on different roads with turns, sharp corners, and sometimes dead ends. When you feel yourself getting lost in the traffic of everyday, get out of your routine and rediscover yourself.

That's all folks! I'm looking forward to whatever the next month holds. Be good to yourselves.

Wherever I Go... (Video)

If you've been living under a rock the past few months, then you may not know that I'm in a commercial for Jeep. When I auditioned for the spot, I kept hoping and praying I'd actually book it. Not just because I like to work, but also because Jeep is a brand very dear to my heart.

Although the commercial was shot in several locations including New York and Nevada, my scene was filmed in northern California. It was a rainy day, and I was afraid my part would be cut due to the weather. After hours and hours, the drizzle began to clear. With the help of big lights and Hollywood magic, we were finally able to get me in front of the camera. In between takes, I chatted with the client about making sure the spot looked iconic and realistic. I said " Oh this is authentic. I actually drive a Wrangler, and I love it!"

Here's a little video of me discussing my appreciation for being part of the Jeep family.


When you compare the actual commercial to my video, you'll see that I'm wearing the same outfit. That's because I'm sporting my own clothes in the commercial too. Talk about keeping it real.

It's so awesome to be able to represent for a brand I believe in. Batting for the home team and hitting a home run! I know that other projects will come up, but this one means the world to me. Thanks for the opportunity, Jeep. I heart you!

Vacation Like A Model

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring 2012

St. Tropez or the French Riviera? I think I'll go to my summer home in The Hamptons. If only we all had the means to vacation like a supermodel. I've got friends that really live it up when they go on holiday. Their vacation photos look like an Elle editorial. And they did it all without breaking the bank. The truth is, you can do it too. You just need to know how to play your cards right.

The first rule of vacationing like a model is making sure you travel in good company. Your friends should have great energy and style. It doesn't matter if they are guys or gals, as long as they add to the atmosphere. Surrounding yourself with cool people means that no matter where you are, you're having a fun time.

The next rule is make sure you pack light, but smart. Please don't bring your entire collection of stilettos if you're taking a cross-country road trip. I say pack two bikinis, a simple but chic dress, one blazer or jacket for chilly nights, an assortment of tops, some cutoffs and jeans, sandals of course, and one killer pair of shoes. Don't forget sunglasses, a hat, and some statement jewelry. All of this should fit into one overnight bag or jet set perfect carry-on.

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2012

Next step, pick a destination that you can afford but still live like a queen. You may have to book a room at an inexpensive place, and that's ok. This just means you have more money to eat well and play hard. Here's a trick I picked up from my girls: find the posh hotel nearby and crash it. Say your spot doesn't have the amenities you want, well that swanky place down the street probably does. No one will question you if you look and act like you belong there. Who knows, sipping cocktails around the pool at the Four Seasons could lead to yacht party later.

Finally, enjoy yourself like it's the last trip you'll ever take. Do the tourist thing and see as much as you can if you're in a city you've never visited before. Try out the local cuisine even if it looks funny. On a recent trip to San Francisco, I actually ate squid with the ink still included. It was an adventure, and one that I'll never forget. Oh, and take lots of lots of pictures of your holiday. You and your pals will be able to look back and remember those awesome moments forever. Enjoy your summer... YOLO!

Chime in: How do you enjoy your vacation while still on a budget?

Crushing On: Sequin Collar Shirt

Cool summer breeze meets hot summer night. If you aren't sweating sheer and chiffon this season, something is seriously wrong with you. This top is so necessary. You better pop that collar!

I am literally buying this beauty while I blog about it. Not even joking. This sleeveless turquoise number is on super sale. And as I'm clicking to purchase.... SURPRISE! An extra 10% off. With shipping and all that extra stuff, I'm still paying way less than the original price. Get on it!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP