Friday, October 30, 2009

Mini Dress Casual Design

what not to wear

Mini dress casual with simple design for young lady

Karolina Kurkova Czech Super Model with Casual Fashion

celebrity fashion

Karolina Kurkova Czech super model with casual fashion

Complete with Fashion Trends Accessories

trends fashion

A model, beautiful girl appeared with a white casual shirt long sleeves complete with sunglasses, long necklaces, earrings and rings, sexy and fashionable.

Comment About My Victoria's Secret Post


One of the posts on this blog that gets the most comments is the "Want to Be a Victoria's Secret Model?" post. What amazes me is that almost all of the comments are from people asking what it takes to be a VS model. The whole post is about how to be a VS model so I'm not quite sure why readers are posting comments asking this. I don't know--do they just not read the post and just comment? I'm curious because as far as I know I made the post fairly easy to read and understand.

Another thing I've noticed about some of the comments is that there are questions from aspiring models listing their height and stats and it clearly does not meet the requirements I list in the VS post.

As a writer I guess I'm a little frustrated that I continue to get comments with questions that are clearly answered in the post itself. If you are one of the readers who have left a question asking how to be a VS model, I'll simply tell you to read the post. I even updated the content to include a checklist of what you need to have in order to be seriously considered as one. If you don't meet those requirements then I'm sad to say you cannot be a VS model.

So please, please, PLEASE read the whole post through before asking questions that are already answered in the post. One of the requirements of becoming a model is knowing how to follow directions and if you can't get your answers from the post that is addressing the very topic you're inquiring about, well, I don't know what else I can say.

And because I know even with THIS post I'm still going to get people asking the same questions, here is a part of the post that I wrote that specifically states what it takes to be a VS model:

To make things more clear about the requirements you have to meet in order to put you in the VS category, you must:

- Be between 5'8"-6'0"
- Have a killer body with curves (not waif thin like most runway models but not exactly plus size, either)
- Be signed to a top modeling agency (preferably Ford or Elite in New York) or another top modeling agency

Thursday, October 22, 2009

My Casting Call Experience: BMG Models

I recently took a road trip down to Los Angeles to interview with a designer about being a potential model for her upcoming line and I figured since I was going to be in the area, I may as well see if I could kill two birds with one stone by attending any open casting calls what were available during the dates that I would be there. The one that ended up making the cut was BMG Models. Known for representing both fashion and print models, I made sure to have all my stuff ready: portfolio, headshot and resume.

After taking care of my interview, which went really well, I stayed overnight at a friend's and prepared for the open casting call the next day. BMG holds their open calls every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:00pm - 5:00pm. I went on a Wednesday with one of my friends in tow for support. I wore form-fitting, dark jeans, my taupe 4-inch heels and a form fitting, dark green tank top. After stepping off the elevator we searched for the right suite and opened the door. There was no one in the lobby so that was good. I wasn't sure if I was going to have to deal with a long line. There was one other guy behind us but it turned out that he was a music artist and had an appointment for an interview (BMG also represents music artists). There was no receptionist or secretary and it took a minute for someone to walk out and see that we were there.

A man came out and asked us if we had an appointment or were there for the open call. After telling him, he asked to take my portfolio and I made sure to also give him my headshot and resume. He asked us to take a seat in the lobby and that he would take my portfolio and information to their office to look over. I thought it was odd that I wasn't invited to go in and meet with them and was a bit nervous about the fact that they would be reviewing my portfolio without me there but hey, there was nothing else I could do so I sat with my friend and made small talk.

After about 10 minutes, a woman came into the lobby and asked me to sign in. The sheet asked for my name, age, height, phone number and email address. I quickly glanced at the other people who signed in before me and by far I was the shortest. Their lifestyle/print division's minimum height requirement was 5'6" so I already knew there may be an issue with the one inch I was lacking. I put my 5'5" height and crossed my fingers. Once again I was left in the lobby and put the clipboard with the sign-in sheet aside. 5 minutes later the same woman came back with my portfolio and handed it back to me. She was nice and asked if I was interested in commercial acting as well. I told her I was and she said that they would keep my headshot and resume to look over later on that day and if they felt I would a good fit they would be in touch. She didn't say when though. And that was it. It was definitely one of the more out of the ordinary casting calls I'd been to since they didn't ask to see me themselves but I tried not to think too much about it. If it's meant to be they'll give me a call. And if I don't hear back from them, it's all good, I'll just keep pounding the pavement until I find the right agency for me.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Concept of "New Faces"


The term "new faces" is one that is constantly popping up on modeling agency websites. While not all agency sites have them, a good majority do. As the name implies, new faces means male and female models who have just been discovered by that particular agency.

In general, a model listed under an agency's new faces division has little to no experience. In some instances it could include a model with prior experience but overall it is more closely associated with a newbie. Each agency deals with their new faces division in its own way so there are no hard and fast rules as to what I can tell you that will cover every modeling agency out there.

If you are a potential model who gains interest from an agency, they may start you off in their new faces division. At the office you'll have Polaroids taken of you, which the agency will post up on their website. Even though those photos are not professionally taken, they will be temporary until you have managed to get a test shoot done to begin your portfolio. Once you get that done, your agent will update your online profile with the latest pictures. Many times an agency will keep both the Polaroids and the professional images, since some clients want to see what a model looks like without all the hair, makeup and Photoshop. Sometimes a newly signed model will still be categorized under new faces even after he/she has done a portfolio shoot. This decision is entirely up to the agency.

Other modeling agencies won't put you right away onto their website if you are a new face and may do what is known as a "test" period, where they will submit your snapshots to current castings to see if any clients are interested in you. If a client wants to see you for a casting or go-see, the agency will send you to it and if you book that job, that is a huge plus and a great indicator that the agency should sign you. Agencies tend to do testing sessions for new models as a way for them to see how marketable they are before making a contractual commitment. It also allows the agency to gauge what their working relationship with the model will be. Needless to say, this arrangement--while up in the air and nerve wracking for some models--is an easy way for them to see if the model would work for the agency as an officially signed model. If they happen to have an issue or if the model shows signs that he/she is not a good fit or match, then the agency can simply let the model know they are no longer interested. Because the model was being "tested" the agency doesn't have to worry about terminating contracts or taking down photos from the website.

Becoming a part of the new faces division doesn't always mean you are a signed model and may not come with a contract. Think of it as a probation period: this is a period of time where you have no official ties with the agency so you are not yet a represented model. This isn't a bad thing--to even be considered a new face is a huge step over the competition. The decision as to whether an agency will stop testing you and offer you a contract will vary on a number of factors including, but not limited to: how well your snapshots are, if potential clients like your look and express an interest in hiring you or inviting you to a casting and how well you get along with the agency. You may be asked to submit more photos over time, which the agency will collect and use to shop your look around to clients.

If you are chosen to be a part of an agency's new faces division, that's great but you are also free to continue searching for another modeling agency. While going through the test/new faces period may be exciting and a step in the right direction, if you get an actual offer with a modeling contract from another agency, that is a better opportunity--especially if the agency offering to sign you is reputable and eager to start submitting you for work. If you find yourself in this situation, notify the agency you are testing with as soon as possible. Be professional and keep your conversation to the point. Simply tell them that you have found representation with another agency (no need to say what agency) and cannot continue with their testing/new faces process. It is a common part of the business so don't worry about hurting anyone's feelings. Agencies prefer if you let them know ahead of time so do it as a courtesy.

The situations and arrangements I've described in this post are not absolute. I wanted to cover some of the most basic new faces topics so I'm well aware that there may be some information I've either forgotten or aren't aware of. This is just general knowledge I felt would be useful to those aspiring models out there that are into their agency search and may find themselves in this situation. Ultimately, any and all questions or concerns should be directed to the modeling agency in particualr that you are dealing with. They'll be more than happy to answer your questions, especially if they have already expressed an interest in working with you.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Dania Denise Meet & Greet Announcement: Northern California!!!

Hello, readers! I'm so pleased with the poll results and want to say THANK YOU to all who have taken it so far (Remember, the poll is good for the rest of the year since I hope to do more traveling so there is no expiration date to take the poll)! Even though there are higher numbers of readers in other areas outside of Northern California I would like to start locally--that way by the time I make it out to other parts of the country, I'll have a greater idea of how I'd like the meet & greet event to go.

So that being said, I'm reaching out in this post to my Modeling 101 blog readers from Northern California...Dania Denise wants to meet you!!!

Because I know my readers are all from different parts of Norther Cali and are from various backgrounds/walks of life, in order to make the 1st ever Dania Denise Meet & Greet successful, I'm going to need your help and participation! If you live in Northern California and are interested in meeting me, please, please, please follow these instructions so I can make this first-time event as successful as possible:

Send me an email (daniadenise@gmail.com) and copy/paste the following information in the body of your email (Please put the following in the Subject Line: [first name] MEET & GREET):

a) Name (first name is fine, I don't need your full name--I'm very aware that many of you are underage and concerned about online safety)

b) Age

c) City where you are located--OR list the largest city closest to you (for example: if you live in a small town but are near Sacramento, then say you are close to Sacramento)...no addresses needed.

d) Which Northern California city is the easiest for you to drive to for a possible meet & greet (you can choose more than one):

- Sacramento
- Fairfield/Vallejo
- San Francisco
- Oakland
- San Jose


e) Are you a student? If so, are you currently in school?
(I don't need to know where you go to school but schedule-wise I may want to choose a weekend so that I don't cut out the students in class during the week)

f) Do weekdays or weekends work better for you to do a meet & greet? 

g) What day(s) and time is best? (Example: Friday, Saturday, Sunday...morning, afternoon, evening?)

h) How many people do you think will come with you to the meet & greet? (parents and friends are welcome to come but you should probably leave any babies or young children at home)

Please email me these questions with your answers in them and after I've gotten an email from everyone I will compare answers and choose a location and time that works for the majority of people. I plan on doing more meet & greets in the future so if you are not able to make it to the first one, don't worry, I will be sure to set up another one for the Northern California area. You can also leave a blog comment with your answers to these questions but I would prefer an email so that you can keep that kind of information between you and me. Once I receive your emails I will send out email blasts to announce the details when a date and time have been set as well as info about what to bring, etc.

Looking forward to the emails!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

My Current Skin Care Must-Haves

For those of you that are all about skin care products and taking care of your complexion, I thought it would be fun to update you on what products I'm currently using to keep my skin in top shape. Please note that I have eczema with a combination skin type (dry cheeks, oily T-zone) so shop according to your particular skin type when looking for new items to try out.

CLEANSER(S)

I use this for most mornings when I'm on the go:


I use this to take off my makeup...even though it's not really a makeup remover, it works for me. I also use it on days when my skin is more sensitive than usual:

TONER

Toner is awesome for taking care of my oily T-zone. But in the Fall and Winter my complexion tends to dry out more than usual so I skip out on the toner:

COTTON PADS

To apply my toner I use generic-brand, 100% cotton pads (the rounded kind). You can buy them from any drugstore for really cheap and they come in a good size quantity that'll last you a while (80-100 count). I actually maximize the use of my cotton rounds by only using one side of it to apply toner in the morning and instead of throwing the pad away, I keep it and use the other unused half in the evening to apply toner before going to bed. If you do the math: using one cotton pad in the morning and one cotton pad in the evening means you only get 40 days from an 80 pack of cotton pads, but using the same pad twice a day means you an 80 day usage. And if you buy 2 packs that's 160 days!!!

EXFOLIATOR

After hearing about St. Ive's Apricot Scrub for so many years I finally decided to give it a try. I really like it! My complexion is still adjusting to the new product but it definitely excels at removing my dry patches that seem to appear out of nowhere these days:

EYE CREAM

I'm in the market for a new eye cream but I'm almost done with my current bottle of eye cream so I'll continue to use it until it's all gone and then buy a new one. I'll be sure to let you know which one I end up getting:

MOISTURIZER

I turn to the tried and true Ponds moisturizer for dry skin. I apply a generous amount to my dry cheeks and only a little bit to my T-zone, since that gets oily enough on its own. I love the formula and the small container will last me a long time. I also apply it to my neck and decollete area at night to keep that area firm, toned and supple:

Monday, October 5, 2009

Patience Isn't Just a Virtue--It's a Necessity in Modeling

Do you hate waiting? Are you one of the most impatient people on the planet? Does it irk you to have to wait around for other people to get things done? When waiting around do you have the tendency to fidget or get irritated? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you will have a difficult time succeeding in the modeling industry.

"Hurry up and wait" is a popular saying not only in the modeling industry, but the entertainment world as a whole. Model or actor, the nature of the work entails being in a rush to...wait. You may even be hassled in the makeup chair to hurry up and get done, then report on set and...wait around for 15-30 minutes. It can be a confusing concept to grasp if you're not used to it. I think it is important to touch on this matter briefly because until you're in the situation, it can be hard to imagine what it's like to be on set for a photoshoot and why certain things take so long to get done.

First off, if the shoot consists of a crew of people, then chances are you're going to have to wait around for things to come together (this obviously isn't the case if it's just you and the photographer)--and if there is more than one model being shot, you'll have more than your share of waiting around to do. Models are required to be on set/location early, often without anything in place yet. Doing a shoot isn't as simple as the model showing up, getting hair and makeup done and then walking onto the set to start shooting--if only it were so!

Each part of putting together a photoshoot takes time and when you break it all down, it can add up to a long workday. Most models' call times are hours before they are ever required to be in front of the camera. This is where the patience comes in. For one, makeup and hair tends to take a long time (this isn't always the case for every photoshoot but I'm going to speak in broad terms to make things simple). From start to finish, it isn't uncommon for a model to sit in the hair and makeup chair for 1-2 hours--and if you've got multiple looks, you may as well get comfortable. Then it's onto wardrobe, which can take some time. And even after you've gotten all dolled up, you may still be required to wait around while everything is being set up. It may be a 10-15 minute wait but it could also be an hour or more. Additionally, each time a new look or location is needed, the photographer will need time to prep their equipment, redo the lighting, etc.

If you're unaccustomed to this type of work routine, it can be a culture shock at first. And if you're an impatient person by nature, you'll probably be ready to tear your hair out by this time. That's why it is so important to understand the way things work in the modeling industry. You are on someone else's clock--not your own. And while it may seem unfair that you're ready to work and everyone else isn't, that's just how it goes. Remember: "hurry up and wait." My best advice is to always bring something to help you pass the time, whether it be a book, homework or a handheld video game. I would avoid bringing a laptop or talking/texting on your cell phone simply because those are the type of items that can be more distracting to your work than helping to pass the time (btw, cell phones should be on silent or turned off and left in your bag or purse!). Some people get way too engrossed in email or a phone/text conversation and it can be like pulling teeth to ask them to refocus on something else so don't tempt yourself.

Downtime is also a great time to get to know the people you're working with, whether they are models or not. This can also be a good opportunity to network. There's nothing wrong with being social and getting to know others--it really makes the time fly by. Or if you'd prefer to be left to your own devices, that's fine, too.

Patience is vital in being a professional and personable model to work with. No one wants to deal with a whiner or someone who is in a rush. If you know the photoshoot is going to last a while, don't make plans later on in the day--chances are you'll be late. Anytime I have a photoshoot planned, I clear my whole day/evening of plans. Even if I happen to get out early, I'm more than likely going to be tired anyway. So keep your schedule free on shoot days and use the time afterwards for a little R&R.

If you have a serious problem with being patient and waiting around, then I wouldn't suggest modeling, freelance or otherwise.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Enjoy the lovely fashion & Relax your ears... :)

Now, u may relax your ears with great melodies while enjoying your shopping sprees at Mio Fashion City!
We've downloaded a few songs into the mixpod (scroll-down & it's on right-hand corner of the page)
We wish you loves the variety of songs. And, the mixpod will be updated with new selection of songs from time to time.
Enjoy! And Happy Shopping!
Regards,
Mayor Mio

Saturday, October 3, 2009

At Mio Fashion City, Everyone Loves Fashion! Let’s spread the loves together!

  • Hi sisters, we wish you loves the fashion that we presented to you so far :)
  • All photos are taken based on actual piece of clothes.
  • Good for you to know that we only carried ready stock which means you’ll receive your goods at your doorstep within the next 3 working days after you’ve submitted the order & payment.
  • We appreciate & value every of our customers, thus we provide FREE DELIVERY to your doorstep when you purchased 3 pieces & above in a single order.
  • We welcome your comments & suggestions, please drop us an email or msn message at miosisters@hotmail.com We believed that we can serve you even better with your valuable feedback.
  • If you wish to be informed on the latest new arrivals and recent promotions, please drop us your contact details (i.e Name, Email Add, HandPhone No.) at miosisters@hotmail.com

Friday, October 2, 2009

Do You Want to Be an Abercrombie & Fitch Model?

The path towards becoming an Abercrombie & Fitch model isn't exactly traditional and even I am intrigued by the casting process they use. For those of you that want to know how to become an A&F model, you'll want to check out this post.

1. You have to be 18 or older. Unfortunately, the nature of A&F shoots are pretty sexy and even adult in a sense and as such, their models are required to be of age. (Of course there is A&F kid models but that comes later).

2. You have to work at an A&F store. No lie! In order to be considered for any of the company's ad campaigns and photoshoots, they actually turn to their own employees to recruit models. So if you're looking for a job in retail and feel you've got what it takes, fill out a job application at your nearest A&F store and get hired. That's the first step to getting your foot in the door.

3. Put in work. Once you've started working at A&F, you'll become eligible to submit yourself for their model castings. This part of the process involves:

- Going to the A&F website and clicking on the link for "Casting."
- A side menu will appear. Click on "Submit Photos."
- Fill out the form and upload your pictures. The form will ask for the store number of the A&F location where you work so you can't fake it if you really don't work there!

4. Attend their castings. A&F also holds open castings at various areas throughout the year. In order to get information about the specific dates and locations, you'll have to ask your store manager. Interestingly enough, the castings are also open to employees of A&F, Hollister, Ruehl, or Gilly Hicks.

Want to become a model for Abercrombie Kids?

So I've searched a lot of different sites, including the A&F site, and the information regarding how to be an Abercrombie kid model is a bit conflicting/confusing. I've tried to make some sense of most of it though:

- The minimum age requirement is 13, however they are known to hire older teen models who look younger, but the general age of Abercrombie Kid models is 13-17.

- If you are of working age but under 18, you can apply to be an employee at your local Abercrombie Kids store. Then you will be eligible for recruitment for marketing campaigns and will have access to casting information. I'm not sure what the age range requirements are for working at an Abercrombie Kids store but I'm sure it varies by state, child labor laws, work permits, etc. (That kind of information I don't know so you'd have to do some online research or simply call the store to ask).

- They prefer their kid models to be at least 5'5" in height.

- You can be considered for castings if you have agency representation. For those unable to work at a store, having an agent can allow you to be submitted for castings specifically for Abercrombie Kids campaigns.

- Send your pictures via snail mail to:

Abercrombie Modeling
720 Fifth Avenue
Attn: 8th Floor
New York, NY 10019

I wasn't able to find out whether they prefer professional or non professional photos so it's up to you to decide.

Thursday, October 1, 2009




Hayley
Now at only RM36/pc!

Code: OT007
Colour: Pink, Yellow
Details: Length 62cm, Chest 38cm
Status: Yellow Available



Lavina
Now at only RM56/pc!
Comes with 2 side-pockets.
Code: OT006
Colour: Red, Brown
Details: Length 83cm, Chest 42cm, Waist 32 to 40cm (stretchable)
Floral Long Top
Now at only RM39/pc!

Code: OT005
Colour: Pink, Black
Details: Length 77cm, Chest 35cm
Status: Available

Talk and Love
Now at only RM20/pc!
Code: OT004
Colour: As per picture
Details: Free Size, Length 62cm
Rabbit with Umbrella
Now at only RM20/pc!
Code: OT002
Colour: As per picture
Details: Free Size, Length 62cm


Rabbit & Little Girl
Now at only RM20/pc!
Code: OT003
Colour: As per picture
Details: Free Size, Length 62cm



One Family! T-shirt
Now at only RM20/pc!
Code: OT001
Colour: Grey, Pink
Details: Free Size, Length 62cm

Dania Denise on the 49 Square Miles Website

I did the online catalog shoot for 49 Square Miles a few months ago but they have finally updated the website and my photos are on the main slideshow when you get to the home page. Yay! So I thought I'd share. To jog your memory, 49 Square Miles is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in custom, hand made leather handbags, belts and accessories. Their products are for the fashionistas at heart and even though I'm not a huge purse fan, I become a groupie when I saw how gorgeous their handbags were!

Check me out (oh, and the products, too haha):

http://www.49sqmi.com/index.php


The slideshow shows different pictures each time you refresh the page so if you're only seeing the same 3-4 images then refreshing it should allow you to see more of the images from the shoot.

If you need a new handbag or just want to add to your collection, then you'll love what 49 Square Miles has to offer.