Miss Grace St John stopped by the MP office for a Model Off Duty appearance. She looked adorable and on trend with her sheer bow-tie printed blouse from Urban Outfitters and black opaque tights (and not to mention her so cute red and black leopard print pumps!)

Name: Grace St John
Agency: Wilhelmina
Hometown: Springfield, IL
Nickname:  Gracie Girl
Favorite Place to Shop: Forever 21, H&M, American Eagle
Define Your Style in 4 Words: girly, comfortable, romantic, edgy
Style Icon: Carrie Underwood and Amand Seyfreid
Must-have Item of the Season: Motorcycle leather Jacket or oversized pattern sweater

Lyndsey, newcomer to 12+ UK Model Management, is looking gorgeous in her latest editorial – a beautiful lingerie shoot for Freundin magazine.

Robyn Lawley was the first Australian plus size model to land an international magazine cover, and is now the current cover model of Vogue Italia’s June 2011 issue. She sat down with Australian TV show host Kerri-Anne to discuss her career as a model, her struggle with size, and her hopes for plus size beauty campaigns.

Watch the full video at msn.com.

Camilla was scouted for modeling at age 14 in Denmark. Her success at home led her to the States where she signed with Wilhelmina Curve division, quickly taking the U.S. market by storm. Camilla prides herself on the acceptance of her curves which is evident in her growing list of clients both domestically and around the world. In addition to her print campaigns Camilla has walked in both London and Milan fashion week for numerous seasons.

In her spare time she is an avid photographer, explorer and animal rights activist. She volunteers for the Posh Pets Rescue fostering abused and abandoned animals until she is able to find them a happy home. Camilla is a true role model, proving that being beautiful on the inside is just as important.

Sometimes, it’s exciting! It’s a sense of “Look Mom, that’s me!” and of accomplishment, especially if it’s a job that I’m extremely proud of.

Sometimes, it’s nostalgic. It reminds me of a specific crew or an unbelievable place where I shot. It can even feel personal, like private travel photos leaked onto the Internet and into millions of households.

Sometimes, it’s just bizarre. Although I know it’s a picture of me, it’s also how the client perceives me. The transformation I undergo with hair and makeup is often surprising to me. One day I could be made up to look like the fun, approachable girl-next-door and the next a sexy, unattainable temptress. And let’s not get into my ethnic background. Pinned as everything from Puerto Rican to Indian to Italian, I become whatever the client wants me to be…or, more importantly, what they NEED me to be.

It gets even stranger when I see a picture of myself and don’t recognize it as me until someone points it out. Or, when I’ve been so retouched that my defining features cease to exist. Then, I begin to wonder why they hired me in the first place. Was I just needed as a template? I have trouble understanding when clients go in this direction, but I’ve come to learn that it’s just the nature of the business.

I still haven’t gotten used to the range of feelings I have when my pictures surface, but I do know that it’s impossible not to judge myself in that moment. I may love the way a photographer was able to capture my curves and want to immediately text the shot to my boyfriend. Or, I may look at a shot and notice a large roll on my hip or a too-gummy smile and want to hide it under my bed. This is something I have no control over. Once that picture has been printed, there’s no “untag” button like there is on Facebook. I know this is part of my job and that the luxuries without a doubt outweigh the consequences, but there are definitely those pictures I’m happy to have floating around the world and those I’d really prefer were deleted…or burned. Unfortunately, it is what it is. There’s no way around it.

I also find it interesting how much I can’t help but scrutinize myself, yet who really pays attention to the models sporting their favorite brands? Unless it’s a celebrity, do you really remember the model wearing that cute dress you bought online? Or, do you just remember the dress?

I know before I became a model, I paid NO attention to the girls wearing the clothes. I just envisioned what I may have looked like in them. But now, the people in my favorite brands no longer have foreign faces – they’re my friends and colleagues. Now, when I’m browsing at the fliers in my mailbox or catch a glimpse of a billboard in the mall, I actually notice the people….not just the clothes, but the models.

To know that I am part of the sea of faces renders me speechless. I get to become part of a brand and contribute to its potential success. I’m thankful for these experiences (that’s for sure), but I still wonder when and if these feelings will ever change.

Read Amanda’s last post “Not A Walk In The Park“.

Visit her website Amanda Tice and follow her on Twitter.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in the modeling industry?

I have always been interested in the fashion industry. When I was a baby I used to jump into a huge box of fabrics as if it was a pool. I thought about modeling but never really went after it until two years ago. I always thought you had to be a size two to model, but then I found out about plus size modeling and it opened the door to a new world. The rest is history.

What is your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasures are shopping and mint chocolate chip ice cream. That combination is the best ever created.

What designers do you look to for inspiration?

In the past I looked to Christian Dior, he brought fashion back to the world after World War II. His designs worked for every body type. I am obsessed with Alexander McQueen. His pieces are so intricate and artistic. I also love Anna Scholz, she gives women with curves awesome silhouettes. She also loves to use color, and I love splashes of color in my outfits.

What does Madison Plus mean to you?

Madison Plus to me is a supportive community. They bring designers and models together.

Finish The Sentence

Always… Always put good vibes out into the world

Never… Never give up on your dreams

Photo credits: Nadine Rapheal, Justin Clynes, and Anthony Armstrong

For bookings you can contact Lindsey at LiLL836@aol.com.

If your interested in being Madison Plus’s next fresh face model please send your professional pictures and  a short bio to brittny@madisonplus.com

It has been an increasingly horrible winter here in the DC area. If we’re not dealing with record below temperatures then we have, believe it or not, thunder snowstorms to handle. If it’s not that then we have sleet and ice to slip on. Oh joy! But that shouldn’t stop us fashionista’s from looking good!

Layering is key when trying to have style while providing warmth during colder days. If you’re into the blazer + skirt combo like I am, it’s easy to add some pieces to give yourself the warm, layered look. Under the blazer, wear a sweater. With the skirt, pair it with tights. A nice hat usually ties in an outfit pretty well. Also, it keeps your head and ears warm!

Vivi’s Blazer, Sweater and Earrings are vintage (my local thrift store!), Skirt – Forever 21+ Plus Sizes, Tights – We Love Color, Shoes – Payless, Slouch Beanie – Claire’s, Bracelet – H&M, and Bag – Gucci.

Until next time! – Vivi

Shop Vivi’s Look!

Shopbop- Juliet & Company Pearl Studs

Macys- DKNY Plus Size Blazer

Zappos- Steve Madden Kortship

GAP- Cuffed Crew Neck Sweater

Shopbop- Tuleste Market Circle Bracelet

Amazon- Slouchie Beanie

New York & Company- Double Front Zip Satchel

Torrid- Black Bandage Pencil Skirt

Cirque- Spanx

Bloomingdales- kate spade new york “Black Eyed Susan” Necklace, 16″

Visit Vivi’s blog at www.heartprintandstyle.blogspot.com.

Pucker Up Those Sexy Lips!

I was on a shoot the other day and the makeup artist really used my lips to change up the concept of each of the four looks that we had to do. Instead of changing all of the makeup she focused on my lips. I loved this idea and when she was doing this I thought to myself, “Wow this can be used in everyday life!” Most of us are very intimidated by makeup and we have every right to be. All of those shades of color, all of those brushes, all of those products…it is a lot. So I thought for this month’s blog I could write about how to change up your look with very simple tips. You don’t have to be a professional makeup artist to act like one. So Valentine’s is right around the corner and whether you are with a special someone, or looking for a match, or just having a good time we all want to feel sexy and beautiful! So here are some tips that I took away from my shoot and from my experiences on set.

First of all don’t be afraid to step outside of the box. If you are a simple girl that just likes mascara and chap stick or whether you are a makeup diva a very simple change in your daily makeup can make all the difference. Don’t worry so much with over doing your makeup. Next time you are at the makeup counter instead of going for that shade you already have twenty tubes of go for something different. Since it is Valentine’s, try a red lip gloss. I know red can be a little scary but ask for some help. That is what the artists are there.  Discuss with them what you are looking for and they can guide you to the perfect red. If you are more of a natural girl go for a soft sheer red lip gloss. Just because it looks very bold in the tube does not mean that it is too extreme. A lip gloss can be very sheer and a perfect change for that softer look. If you want more of a dramatic look try a matte red lipstick. It will make a statement, so beware!  Also a red lip gloss over your favorite lipstick will do the trick. So have fun and try something different! Just remember red lipstick can get on those pearly whites so do a “teeth check” every once in a while to keep that red on those pretty lips instead of those pretty teeth.  Have fun and pucker up!

Check out more on Macey Long at her website MaceyLong.com

Check other posts featuring Macey here:

MP Plus Model Spotlight: Macey Long

Baby its cold outside…and oh is it a little slow!

MP Model Off Duty: Macey Long

Photograph is from Macey Long’s iPhone.

W Curve model Sarah Slick bumped into us at The Curvy Revolution this past weekend in Vegas. I just had to stop her and catch her off-duty style.

Sarah shows off a sophisticated geek-chic look. The over-sized black-framed glasses really add a touch of pizazz to her casual look. Leggings, tunic tank, black sweater and fun heels, simple yet trendy!

Shop Sarah’s Look:

Zappos- DKNY Plus Size Trapeze Tunic

Macys- INC Plus Size Sweater

Lane Bryant- Exposed Zipper Seamless Leggings

Piperlime- Via Spiga Madge

Shopbop- Rebecca Minkoff Paramour Satchel

Macys- Jessica Simposon Necklace

Torrid- Nickel Mixed Finish Bracelets

Amazon- Clear Retro Rockers

What advice can you give to other plus women struggling with change of size or weight gain?

My advice is to find something about yourself you love. Everyone has beautiful features.  So maybe you aren’t loving your bloated belly at the moment, but focus on your long, toned legs or thick hair, full lips, strong arms, whatever it is that you do love.  I think acceptance and appreciation of your body go a long way.  I’ve accepted that I’m not going to have the body I did when I was a competitive swimmer, mainly because I don’t have the time or energy to train six to eight hours a day, six days a week.  I also refuse to give up pizza and other carbs I love and eat like a rabbit.  So for me, I embrace the extra weight on my body because it makes me feel more womanly, and I don’t feel deprived and grumpy from not eating. So while I don’t have that “flawless” swimmers body anymore, I also don’t have chlorine-damaged hair and skin.  I don’t really miss diving into a freezing cold pool at 5am either.  But working out regularly is still very important to me.  It’s about having a healthy, toned, fit body at any size. I think we are all guilty of taking our bodies for granted too.  We complain about weight gain, our clothes don’t fit, we feel fat, we compare ourselves to Victoria’s Secret models, the list goes on and on.  But if you really stop for a minute and realize what your body does for you each and every day, I think a whole new level of appreciation will set in.  My body gets me out of bed every morning, takes me to work, the gym, out to eat, a friend’s house, everything.  I’m healthy and have all my limbs.  I’m blessed, and I’ve learned to honor my body.  When you respect your body, you tend to take better care of it. And if you don’t fit into your jeans from five years ago, IT’S OK!

What made you change your career path from tv reporting to modeling?

I’m so grateful for my TV News reporting experience, and I will always be a reporter at my core.  I’m such a curious person and genuinely interested in everyone I meet. I think everyone has a story worth telling, and I think we can all learn something from each other’s stories.  That being said, I was ready for a new challenge and adventure.  I’m a happy person, and I needed a break from all the crime scenes and chaos.  I have a bleeding heart, and my heart started to hurt after years of covering murders, abused and neglected children, plane crashes, fires and every other unimaginable tragedy.  I knew I wanted to still be able to express myself, be creative and be part of something exciting.  I’m grateful there is a place for me and my body type in the modeling world now.  I’m thrilled to be a working plus-size model, and get to meet so many inspiring people.  I still work as a freelance writer, and I’m looking to work as a reporter again, but this time in fashion and entertainment.

What is your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is watching football all day on the couch in my sweats and eating pizza.  I’m such a Tomboy at heart.

What designers do you look to for inspiration?

Michael Kors is one of my favorite designers.  His clothes fit me like a glove, which means he understands and appreciates a woman with curves.  Of course, his clothes are extremely fashionable and current, but they are equally as comfortable and move with your body.  His MICHAEL Michael Kors line is affordable too.  You gotta love that! I also recently became a huge fan of plus-size designer Natarsha Shearin.  I was privileged enough to walk in her runway show during New York Fashion Week.  Her beautiful and intricate creations were part of the Designer’s Premier showcase that featured six of the hottest up-and-coming designers.  Shearin was the only designer who showed some love for us full-figured ladies, and we appreciate that! I wore a stunning party dress named “Queenie,” and I felt like English royalty.  I love how simply putting on a piece of clothing can make you feel like a different person.  That is fashion at its finest.  Shearin is a true talent and inspiration to not only the plus-size fashion world, but fashion period.  I’m happy to have just learned that Shearin’s T-TymeLady Couture has already been asked to return to NYFW in September.  :)

What does Madison Plus mean to you?

Madison Plus makes me smile.  It’s so refreshing to be able to go to a website that caters to plus-size women and fashion.  Yes, the two do belong in the same sentence. Bravo to Co-Founders Aimee Cheshire and Erica Young for giving women of all shapes and sizes a place to feel good about themselves and their bodies.  I think a positive self-image is so important for women regardless of their size.  I also like the sense of community I feel when I am on madisonplus.com.  We’ve all heard of girl power, well this is like fashionable, I feel great about myself, curvy girl power!  BAM!

Finish The Sentence

Always…Keep a positive attitude and smile on your face.  A smile makes you instantly attractive.  Smiling also makes you feel good, and who doesn’t want to feel good?  I believe in the law of attraction and that if you think positive thoughts, you will get positive results.

Never…give up.  You never know what opportunity or person is just around the corner. Live each day excited about the possibilities ahead.

Contact info: info@msamodels.com

Photo Credits: Nadine Raphael, Roberto Ligresti, Justin Clynes and Rick Day

If your interested in being Madison Plus’s next fresh face model please send your professional pictures and  a short bio to brittny@madisonplus.com

Are you an aspiring model and live in the UK or Ireland? Check out the latest competition from our friends at Simply Yours to enter the “Star in a Bra” model competition!

Simply Yours are the proud sponsors of the Curvy Kate “Star in a Bra” model competition.
They are looking for women with a D+ bra, curves, and the confidence to be the new face of Curvy Kate and Simply Yours.

Contest Intstructions:

1. Complete the online application on Facebook by 15th March. Fill in your personal details and upload a minimum of 3 lingerie or swimwear photos and 2 face shots so we can see that gorgeous smile.

2. Our panel of judges will shortlist their favourite 30 girls who will appear on the Curvy Kate Facebook page. The public vote will then on the girl who they’d like to see modelling for the brand.

3. The Public Vote closes and 10 girls chosen by the public will be invited to meet the Curvy Kate team and be professionally photographed at a top London Studio.

• You must be a D plus with natural curves
• Live in the UK or Ireland
• Be at least 18 years of age can enter.

You can submit your application between: 23 February – 15 March 2011.

For more information visit starinabra.com.

Want to learn more about Curvy Kate? Check out the below video to get a behind the scenes look at one of their photoshoots:

Will you be entering this contest?

Ford + model, Crystal Renn walked the runway of Zac Posen’s F/W 2011 womenswear collection thursday morning at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris.

For the full collection visit Vogue.co.uk.

What do you think of Crystal Renn’s look on the Zac Posen runway?

Will retailer Lane Bryant have another (what Entertainment Tonight is calling) a “Plus Size Controversy” when they debut their new commercial featuring Ford+ model Ashley Graham? Especially after what happpened with last year’s commercial- “Fox and ABC Refuse to Air Sexy Lane Bryant Ad“?

See this sneak peak of the commercial and let us know your thoughts!

TCR Model Winner Anne-Sophie was been selected as the winner for the Ma-Grande-Taille.com model search! She won a trip to attend The Curvy Revolution. Anne Sophie was very excited to be able to show-off and represent her curves at the event. She certainly showed us her winning style in this gorgeous floor-length Anna Scholz wrap dress.

Shop The Look:

Anna Scholz- Digital Jersey Wrap Maxi Dress

Zappos- Fitzwell Hana

Amazon- 1960s Vintage Gold Snake Necklace

Why did you decide to pursue a career in the modeling industry?

I would have never considered myself to be in the modeling industry in a million years. I entered a curvy girl competition at random which showcased different plus size designers from Anna Scholz to Gok Wan. Out of the thousands that entered I was picked for the final 15. Once the competition ended I had a taste for it. I just adored it. I quickly began to explore the modeling world in Ireland and a year onwards I am now represented by three different agencies across Europe which I am utterly thrilled about. It’s such a fulfilling job to know how your promoting a positive shift in fashion and making women feel good about themselves and their own curves. I have had such a huge response over these last few months with emails from curvy women, so Its great to see the successful impact of plus size models.

If you were not modeling what career path would you have taken and why?

I would still see myself involved with fashion to be honest. I have always had a great passion and value for the arts. From the time I was young my mum would have to struggle to get me away from my sketch pads. Then as I got older I just really developed an interest in fashion from up and coming designers to haute couture ranges and even fashion journalism. I love having the opportunity to model because you really get to see the construction of the fashion industry. It’s really interesting and it always keeps you on your toes!

What is your guilty pleasure?

80% dark Chocolate… it’s full of antioxidants so technically its “good chocolate”…that’s what I keep telling myself anyway!

What designers do you look to for inspiration?

That’s a tough question. Jean Paul Gauliter, Mark fast and Marc Jacobs stole my heart some time ago. This is probably a little biased as a model because all three show such great interest in fashion equality towards fuller figured women, a quality I just adore in a designer. In general, Alexander McQueen would have to be at the top of my list in terms of inspirational designers.I think it was his clean cut fabrics combined with some of his more quirkier pieces that made him so appealing to me. At the moment,however, I find myself to be really influenced by Lanvin, their use and combination of bold colors and flowing curvy shapes are fantastic. I’m huge into accessories, shoes and handbags are my biggest weakness so when they launched their Summer 2011 collection I was in complete awe.

What has been you favorite shoot?

My favorite shoot would have to be my most recent one. I was asked to do shoot with a top stylist, Cornina Caffey for one of Ireland’s top fashion magazines called Stellar. I will be the first ever plus size model to appear in the magazine. I was so excited as I’m sure you can imagine! It was shot on location in a gorgeous hotel in Dublin, we were given the penthouse suite which had a real stylish New York vibe to it! The whole day itself was fabulous. The team from hair and makeup and wardrobe to the photographer and assistants were brilliant to work with and we all got on so well. The issue comes out next month so I really can’t wait to see it! All I can say is yay for curves!

What does Madison Plus mean to you?

As a plus size model I think it’s really important to be in the know about current trends and hot topics within our industry. In Ireland plus size is still growing so Madison Plus really keeps me stay in the loop which I am really thankful for. The website has acted as a wonderful platform for curvy women universally and really expresses the opportunities that fashion has to offer. Beauty truly does come in all shapes and sizes and I just love how MP explores this on an everyday basis. Well done girls!

Finish The Sentence

Always…be polite and be grateful for everything you have in life.
Never…walk past a shop window that has a “SALE” sign… I’m kidding… Never… have regrets… so make the most of every opportunity that arises.:)

Agency information :
Ireland : Morgan the Agency
Germany: Brigitte models
Italy : Agade Fashion

Photography Credits: Anna Fowler & Richie Stokes

Interested in being Madison Plus’s next fresh face model? Send your professional photos to Brittny@madisonplus.com.