All of the “models” were assigned a small room in which to place belongings as well as assigned separate large bright stations for hair, makeup, manicures and pedicures. I couldn’t help but be impressed by the casting Alicia (the casting director) had done for this shoot. The “models” chosen for the spread were lawyers, doctors, students, and stay-at-home moms – all of whom were so beautiful!

We were instructed by the Creative Director, Adam Glassman, that we would not be allowed to take any photos nor disclose our location or the nature of this editorial to anyone. At this point we were all looking at each other slightly confused and nervous. Then, he said it…“You will all be shooting with Jennifer Lopez today. She will be arriving on set with Marc Anthony later this afternoon.” Everyone’s eyes lit up. We stared at each other giddily and couldn’t help but all express our shock and nervous excitement as Adam left the room. We were really going to be shooting with JLo? Would she be nice? How tall was she? What would she look like in “real life”? Would she be friendly or a serious diva? My mind couldn’t stop racing as question after question popped up in my head.

Before I was able to get lost in my thoughts, Ken Paves (celebrity hairstylist and well-known BFF of Jessica Simpson) grabbed my hand and said, “It’s time to start your hair! We’re going to make you look fantastic!” I was surprised by how comfortable and calm he made me feel. He was the most laid-back and down to earth guy yet exuded a charismatic spark. He had 3 assistants helping him out to ensure that we would all be finished with hair before JLo arrived. He also was coordinating with Mally (celebrity makeup artist who also has an exclusive line for QVC) so that our overall looks would be cohesive. It was apparent from the get-go that Mally and Ken had worked closely before. Not only was each “model” moved from seat to seat seamlessly, but they also made decisions together at the drop of a hat.

I couldn’t help but bask in the pampering I was receiving from the best of the best! I mean, who wouldn’t want super glamour hair, makeup to die for, and nails that look so clean you could be the hand model for O.P.I.?

After we had all completed our beautifying regime, a few interns lead us over to the styling corner. The lead stylist had us try on a multitude of pants, dresses, shoes, coats, etc. As usual, I tried my hardest not to sweat in the changing closet…but to no avail. There’s nothing quite like putting on a sweater with jeans and then adding a large faux fur vest when it’s the middle of summer and the AC isn’t on full blast. Beads of sweat ran down my back and under my chin, but I pretended I was cool as a cucumber. The stylist quickly realized that my feet were too large to fit into the samples they had acquired and I came up with a speedy solution…. Send one of the interns to my apartment (only a few blocks away) and grab all of the shoes you might need for me to wear. They jumped at my offer and soon after one of the interns was perusing through my closet in one second and then returning to set with my favorite pairs of pumps and boots the next. The clothes fit amazingly well. There really IS something to say about stretchy fabric and a great pair of skinny jeans. I felt so great in the clothes!

Then, after about two hours of waiting and anticipation, all of the “models” were lead into the main studio area where two different sets had been staged. The photographer, Chris Craymer, arranged all of us. I was asked to stand in the middle against one of the ladders directly in front of the baby pink wall. My heart skipped a beat! Would I be in the center of the group picture? Some women were asked to sit, others to lean against the steps, but I was directed to stand straight up against the ladder.

As soon as Chris felt he had us in the right formation, JLo entered the set. She was wearing a black jumpsuit with sky-high black stiletto booties. Her hair was perfectly smooth and straight and her makeup was just the right amount of natural mixed with a little oomph. She greeted all of us with a wide smile and thanked us for being a part of the shoot. She was very polite and extremely professional. She knew how to work the camera like a pro. Frame after frame she would move like the dancer that made her into a superstar. She even opted to touch up her own makeup between shots instead of using Mally or any of the other makeup staff to help her. I smiled in every frame – feeling so blessed and lucky that I was chosen for this photo shoot.

Once the group shot wrapped, I peeked over JLo’s shoulder as she asked the digital assistant to “favorite” some of the images. She seemed to feel my nerves as well as my presence and turned around to me and said, “Don’t worry! Whatever image is chosen, they will photo shop your best face into it.” I laughed and slowly backed away, feeling I had encroached on her creative process.

The rest of the shoot day was a breeze. JLo and Marc sat in their private greenroom chatting with staff and even Gayle King, who stopped by to guarantee that everything had gone smoothly. JLo and Marc even shot a few cozy pictures together that would be used for the part of their interview where they talked about designing clothes as a team for Kohl’s. (And I’ve got to say, it’s a shame their relationship didn’t work out because they seemed genuinely happy…but maybe that’s also because she is such a great actor.)

As for us “models,” we spent the rest of the afternoon shooting separately – showcasing a variety of pieces from JLo’s new line. I ended up with a gorgeous blue printed wrap dress that fit like a glove! I was pleased with their choice for me, especially considering that it was something I would chose for myself.

When the day wound down and the production crew began packing up the equipment, I felt disappointed that it was over. Mally gave each of us fabulous makeup gift bags and Ken gave me a big hug goodbye. What an amazing day! As the elevator door opened and I exited the “top secret” studio, I felt so thankful for my career and all of the wonderful people and one-in-a-lifetime experiences like these that make my job so special. It wasn’t JLo that took my breath away that day… it was the production, the crew, the other “models,” the studio, and most uniquely, the way everyone worked together so beautifully. That sort of teamwork is inspiring and I felt so proud to be a part of it.

Read Amanda’s Last post: La Vida Loca, Part III

Visit Amanda’s website AmandaTice.com, follow her on Twitter and fan her of Facebook.

Check out Madison Plus’ coverage of the Grammy’s here:

Amber Riley opts for walking on the wild side at the Grammy Awards.

Beyonce brought the heat to menswear with a sequined jacket and short shorts with a metallic shimmer.

Jordin Sparks looked vibrant in a red gown.

Kim Kardashian went golden and glam for the Grammy’s.

Lady Gaga arriving at the Grammy’s in an egg pod.

Miranda Lambert shines in an asymmetrical long gown.

Kelly Osborne was lovely and ladylike in lilac.

Jenna Ushkowitz does nude tied up in a bow.

You can see yourself in Jennifer Lopez’s dress.

Rihanna leaves little to the imagination in her see-threw dress.

Photo Credits:

JustJared

Who made your best and worst dressed for the Grammy Awards 2011?

Jennifer Lopez vs. Rihanna

Olivia Palermo vs. Kim Kardashian

Rihanna vs. Kristin Cavallari

The color grey has emerged as one of the hottest neutrals this year!  We first saw the color start to trend last winter with Jennifer Lopez being the first celebrity to sport this trend in a head-to-toe outfit. Moving into the summer the grey trend has only heated up with numerous celebrities wearing the trend head-to-toe as well as incorporating the color into their summer wardrobe. All shades of grey work; from a light dusty grey to a deep dark slate, there are many options to choose from.

Check out some of our favorite grey items for summer and early fall!

Old Navy- Women’s Cropped Twill Moto Jackets

Nordstrom’s- Olivia Moon Drape Front Cardigan

Shopbop- The Santo Wedge Booties

Shopbop- Senora Leather Wrap Bracelet

Shopbop- Zipper Frame Sunglasses

Macy’s- Alfani Plus Size Top, Sleeveless Tiered Cascade Ruffle Tunic

Nordstrom’s- Daniel Rainn Swiss Dot Silk Tunic

Nordstrom’s- Olivia Moon Tiered Cardigan

Torrid- Z. Cavaricci Couture – Grey Stud-Trim Skinny Jean

Shopbop- Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffel

Macy’s- Spense Plus Size Dress, Sleeveless Drape Neck Belted

What do you think of this grey trend? Will you be wearing it head-to-toe or just in pieces?

Who is the best dressed of the set?

This year there was a new twist to the Met Gala, Gap sponsored the ball and collaborated with designers like Rodarte and Sophie Theallet to dress some of the attendees.

My best dressed pick is Christina Hendricks she looked stunning and stood out in a periwinkle L’Wren Scott gown.

Here are some of our other picks from the night!

Oprah Winfrey in Oscar De La Renta

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Padma Lakshmi in Roberto Cavalli

Eva Longoria in Marchesa

Brooke Shields in Michael Kors

Mary J. Blige in J. Mendel

Gayle King

Janet Jackson in Lanvin

Who was your best dressed?

About Face is a collection of everything make-up artist Scott Barnes has learned during his career working with A-list celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Patrow, and our friend plus model Sage Salzer.

The book is broken down into three parts:

Part One focuses on dramtic makeovers of real women with a twist: each woman comes in loo­king the best she thinks she can look. The author then decons tructs and debunks their look taking them from attractive to amazing. Step-by-step photos out line makeup techniques and products while Scott shows us how he pinpointed the woman’s strongest asset and built a look around it.

Part two high lights beauty rituals, must-have makeup items, and inner and other prepara­tions that a woman must embrace in order to look her best.

Part three focuses on the celebrities Scott Banes has worked with through out his career.

Be sure to pick up the book About Face, it’s full of beautiful transformations and most importantly you can pick up some tricks of the trade.

Jennifer Lopez represented the grey trend during her visit to the Larry King Live show this week to help support raising funds for Haiti relief, she was joined by Paula Abdul, Christian Slater, Jared Leto, Nichole Richie and Joel Madden.

If you want to find out more about donating to help the effort in Haiti please click here.

Shop Jennifer’s Look!

Evans – Grey Boyfriend Cardigan
Lane Bryant – Grey Deep V-Neck Sweater
Avenue – Grey Petite Divine Skinny Jean
Evans – Grey Checkered Ruffle Scarf
Zappos – Love Quotes Eyelash Fringe Wrap Scarf
Macys – Aerosoles Steamroller Ankle Boot

Here at MP we definitely celebrated the beginning of 2010 in style!  So did some of our favorite celebrities!  They were ringing the New Year in some of the hottest trends;  Mariah Carey, Carmen Electra, and Keri Hilson in sequins, Kim Kardashian in lace, and Jennifer Lopez in a bodysuit!

Which look is your favorite?  Send us your own pics and we will post them! Email us at info@madisonplus.com

Kim Kardashian recently talked to Fabulousmag.co.uk about her famous derriere and loving her curves.

“My body shape comes from my father’s side of the family – he’s from Armenia, where all the women are voluptuous. Thanks to role models like Jennifer Lopez, I’m comfortable with my curves.”.

Check out the full article here and let us know who your favorite curvy role model is!

Beyonce, Eva Mendes, Halle Berry, Jennifer Hudson

Beyonce – is the most stylish bootilicious diva we know!
Eva Mendes – the new face of Calvin Klien always looks chic.
Halle Berry – the gorgeous new mom is consistently glamourous.
Jennifer Hudson – her voice and curves always blow us away.

Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Winslet, Michelle Obama

Kim Kardashian – proves that body confidence is always in style with her famous curves.
Jennifer Lopez – she’s in our style Hall of Fame!
Kate Winslet – one or our favorite silver screen starlets.
Michelle Obama – a style icon in the making!