MP STYLE GUIDE RSSA very special thank you to BGM Models in Sydney for sharing these new images of Kate Hislop! Kate is the face of the new Lalabelle Campaign. Kate looks amazing in these latest shots from Lalabelle and we’re loving the looks!
May 11, 2012
Emily Nolan – A Model Life: In The Beginning
We are so pleased to announce we have a new contributor to the Madison Plus family! Please join us as we welcome plus size model (Dorothy Combs), writer, vegan chef and curvy crusader Emily Nolan! Emily will be sharing her personal experiences as a model and more!
In the beginning, working as a model can be very emotionally arduous and costly. Your first day at work, you can get called for a $5,000 jeans casting, you dance your butt off for the client in front of a camera, and you never hear back from them again. Or do you? Castings occur everyday for full-time models. That means that most of the castings that you go on, you’re competing with all of the other models that fit the client’s criteria.
As much as you want to dwell on if you’ve gotten the job or not, you have to pack up and go to the next casting, travel to your next photo shoot, and schedule your next test photo shoot (a photo shoot at your own expense to keep clients updated with your look). A model’s lifestyle involves wearing a lot of hats and being able to switch them on and off at the drop of a pin.
Before you get started as a model, you must begin by having someone take digital pictures of you and then you can submit them to agencies that you are interested in. If you are in high school or college and do not plan on leaving the area your live in, I suggest you apply to a local modeling agency that books jobs around your home; a quick Google search should help you locate a reputable agency. However, if you’re ready for a full-time job, I suggest you send your digitals to as many international agencies as possible. If you’re serious, I also suggest you attend agency’s open-call days; they usually have the time and place advertised on their website. This is a time where you physically go in to the agency’s office and meet with the agents in person—also a good time to bring your digitals as well as any of your strongest pictures (less is more, especially when you start off). Another option to becoming discovered is to attend a weekend scouting seminars for models and actors who sign up and pay a fee to attend a conference run by companies like ProScout, who have discovered many of today’s full-time models and actors.
Alright! So an agency has called you back and wants to represent you and they want you to pay them for representation. That’s an automatic red-flag. An agency-model relationship is a two-way street and should be treated as such in a business relationship. The only thing a model should pay for up front is a portfolio book and the images from test shoots that go inside of them. Typically, a personal agency portfolio book runs around $50 and a professional test shoot with a photographer will cost around $400-600 for several looks.
It’s the beginning of your modeling career, and your mother has told you that you’re the next Estee Lauder girl, right? That sounds familiar. Well, keep the hope and realize it may take a bit longer to achieve your goals; supermodels take time to develop.
When I started modeling, I thought the day I signed with a big agency in NYC, I needed to give up my career to become a model. In fact, I was encouraged by my NYC agent to continue my career (outside of modeling) and wait to see how clients react to my images, after she had submitted me for jobs. Sure enough, the client’s interest grew and throughout my first months, I would get more and more castings and callbacks than the months before. The client’s were continuously watching my look develop and within my first year of modeling, with my persistence and testing every few months, I was booking international catalog work.
To offer you my best advice in becoming a model, I would encourage you to look at successful models that have a similar look as you, and groom yourself accordingly. Of course, it is good to embrace your character traits that give you personality or set you apart; I am just encouraging you trim your beautiful long hair to an acceptable length, keep a natural manicure and pedicure, and clean skin at all times. Grooming is extremely important so when you do go to a casting, you feel comfortable in your natural skin with little to no makeup on.
When I started out as a model, my hair was six inches too long. I loved my hair and thought it was going to help me book hair jobs. Alas, the nature of the business is that plus size women have yet to book a lot of beauty and hair jobs—this will change! When my agent asked me to cut my hair, I obligingly did so thinking it was not such a swift move, however, I ended up booking some of my biggest clients yet!
Let me reiterate what I’ve said, modeling can be extremely costly and trying if you’re not patient and willing to invest into the beginning of your career. However, if clients take to your look, it can be a whirlwind of excitement, traveling and working with the most interesting people you’ve ever met. If you’re ready and wanting, I wish you the best of luck in your tenacious endeavors and hope to see you one day gracing the pages of my fashion magazines!
~ Emily
A Model Life
Photographer(s) from top to bottom: Kate Moore, Viveca Ljung and Jose Amigo.
All looks styled by Emily Nolan.
Stay tuned for more insight, tips and behind-the-scenes fun from Emily! You can also visit Emily at her website www.MLEstyle.com.
May 11, 2012
Street Style: Stripes
How cute is this look? The MP studio firmly believes all women can wear stripes and this gorgeous city girl is showing you how to do it! Featured in the Manfattan Project, her amazing street style captured our eye immediately. Paired with denim and fun accessories, this is a comfortable and stylish outfit for running around town. Love it? Shop our hand-picked look below!
Shop the Look
Old Navy - Collarless Denim Jacket
Old Navy - Jersey Chevron-Stripe Dress
Old Navy – Mixed-Pleated Wedges
eloquii – Double Circle Pendant - use promo code MADISON20 and SAVE 20%
ASOS – Classic Oversized Sunglasses
Shopbop – Botkier – Leon Hobo
May 10, 2012
Ford+ Models Open Call Recap
On May 5th (a very happy Cinco de Mayo!) we had the honor of sitting in on the first Ford+ Model open casting in ten years. And can we just say – wow, what an incredible experience! We’re happy to share the news that four lucky new faces were chosen to represent the agency. But before we go there, let’s take you behind the scenes of the casting, shall we?
The day started with a long line of applicants (girls were lining up as early as 6:30 am), all waiting to see the Ford+ agents. First stop was the lobby in Tribeca’s super-glam Skyline Studios, where applicants signed in, received their number, and filed into another line to be measured. Measured? Yes. It was no joke, ladies – at this casting, you had to meet or exceed the required height minimum, no exceptions – and not just the height you tell people you are! An assistant was at the ready with the *official* Ford measuring stick. (The stick is about 12 feet tall and, according to legend, it’s the original Eileen Ford measuring stick, over 60 years old and having measured everyone from Lauren Hutton to the star-studded class of 90’s supermodels, and beyond!) If a model met the height requirement, she was placed into the group of applicants invited to come to the penthouse, meet an agent and, hopefully, get a call-back.
As you exited the elevator at the penthouse level, you were ushered into the casting room where the scene was set: long tables facing outwards out where several Ford+ agents sat, along with Beniamino Marini from vogue.it, visiting Ford+ models, and a few other industry tastemakers. Each hopeful applicant spoke with one agent, showing off their book or images and answering any questions. Madison Plus had the exclusive privilege to observe and absorb all these exciting, high-style moments (we even captured a few on Instagram, so our fans could check out the action in real-time – see our snapshots featured throughout this post!) Applicants who were asked to return received a pink sheet of paper, had their picture taken, and then were asked to wash off all makeup. (A word to the wise: When they ask you to arrive “au naturale,” they mean it!)
The Ford+ agents saw 120 applicants out of hundreds who lined up. Of that group, 19 got called back. Break time! During the break, the Ford+ team and Beniamino took some photos to capture the scene, lunch was served, and we all got the chance to check out images taken of the 19 call-backs.
Models Inga Eiriksdottir, Georgina Burke, Marquita Pring, Myla Dalbesio, Amber Tolliver, Jessica Collins, Wendy Brooks, Chloe Marshall, Tate Cutler, and newer faces Kaela Humphries and Sophie Sheppard, all stopped by at various times throughout the day – just to say hello and give the applicants their advice and words of wisdom. Very classy ladies.
Congratulations, you got called back! …Now what? For this nerve-wracking part of the process, all 19 applicants lined up outside the casting room and were brought in one by one to interview with all the agents at once. If your height was close to the minimum, you were measured again and in some cases your other bodily measurements were re-taken. Then you were interviewed and asked to speak about yourself. We found it quite refreshing to hear the Ford+ team ask questions about nutrition, making sure applicants were at a natural weight and not forcing any changes either way on their bodies.
At this point each would-be model was given honest constructive criticism and professional advice. If not right for Ford, the applicants were given some recommendations on where they could look to continue their career in modeling. All the girls we saw were so gracious; it seemed like everyone really valued the experience.
Now, onto those new faces that made the cut! Meet (Clockwise from left) Christina Andrews, Christine Hauer, Lauren Chan & Sara Marchiori. Congratulations ladies! It was such an honor to watch dreams coming true, tears being shed, and lots of laughs as four ladies’ lives changed that afternoon!
A special thank you to Ford Models, Gary Dakin, Jaclyn Sarka, David Lott, and Maia Holmes as well as Beniamino Marini from Vogue.it, Italian Vanity Fair writer Simona Siri, and celebrity hair stylist Francky L’Official.
Read more at Ford Models and vogue.it.
Instagram images by Kari Hansbarger
Finalist images by Ford Models
May 10, 2012
MP’s Pinning with Terry’s Two Cents!
We are so excited to announce we have a new contributor to the Madison Plus family! Please join us as we welcome shoe-lover and fashion blogger from the male perspective – Terry’s Two Cents! Terry is partnering up with MP on a very special Pinterest Board – Fancy Footwork!
Be sure to stop by our Fancy Footwork Pinterest board and “like” your favorites!!
See more from Terry’sTwoCents at his blog or Tumblr.
May 10, 2012
Have a Booming, Blooming Spring 2012!
Welcome to our premiere installation of StyleBoomer! We are Judith Ann Graham, of Beauty by Judy and Catherine Schuller, the The Curvy Confidante. We are image and style experts who specialize in women over 40 and full-figured fashionistas. We know there are loads of fashion blogs relating to 20 something’s, but only a handful addressing the baby boomer crowd. That’s why we came up with StyleBoomer, the fashion advice blog for the cash queens of the US economy who are often misled or mystified in their quest for age-appropriate fashion options. We say, “Turn the page on age!”
Even during our own shopping trips we have felt baffled, browbeaten, downtrodden and dismayed – and we are the experts! So don’t fret!! It’s high heel time we share our expertise with you, the savvy, sophisticated Madison Plus reader. We are going to guide and inspire you with style solutions that will make you look and feel fabulous because we tell it like it is. We have shopped, rummaged, wrestled, wrangled and scoured through scores of stores and countless collections to help make your fashion decisions practical and flattering. We are here to give you the advice and permission tailor-made for the StyleBoomer!
Color is Key
So let’s get started with the spring trend temptations beginning with color! For several seasons fashion has been a muted, milky pastel palette of blush, beiges and boredom. But not this season! It is all about juicy, vibrant, punchy, Baskin Robbins’ colors that look great – particularly on us StyleBoomers. Here’s how to do it with ease. Instead of only wearing tango tangerine (Pantone’s “must-have” color) or Lynda Carter’s yellow jacket/dress channeling her ”Big Bird” look, try small doses of color, not one tone head-to-toe. Mantra: Break it up, babe!
Embraceable Hue
You can easily incorporate color blocking into your signature statement for spring. This trend is most memorable when worn with deliberate determination. Not for the faint hearted this!! Two ways to do color-blocking – either interpreted in Mondrian-esque blocking in three or four main colors on a dress or wearing individual solid color items purposefully paired together in interesting combinations. Think of a bright purple pant, orange top and bright tailored fuschia jacket. Keep the clothing silhouettes classic in cut with the bold use of color being the modern twist. Add a few big, gold bangles and hoop earrings and work in a neutral ladylike handbag to pull it all together. Colorful accents work too …Black & white can be the basic canvas in solid or a print, but pop the contrast with a vibrant accent in bright daffodil, blue, orange or a splash of kelly green for plenty of punch. And never underestimate the power of a scarf …worn in a bright color it can camouflage the neck area and add a radiant glow to your face. Add a new lipstick color that is voluptuously vibrant to revitalize that same old makeup palette you’ve relied on for decades.
Someday Your Prints Will Come
And the time for this trend is now. Prints and tints are everywhere. OK, but StyleBoomers beware! Watch out for those “Little House on the Prairie” ditzy, dainty prints that look dowdy on us. Instead, check out the bolder, art deco inspired prints or stripes that are sophisticated and chic. You will find a large mix of patterns that draw attention away from figure flaws and skim nicely over the body. We especially like the maxi-dresses that are comfortable, airy and light. With a little cardigan — divine!!! Hmm, maxi dresses feel like a nightgown? Try a printed top, jacket or skirt, or if you have longer legs go for a patterned pant. The choices are endless though you will need to experiment to ensure the look’s fresh and not clownish. Work with a good style expert at stores such as Chico’s or Talbots – two of our favorites. If wearing prints is not your thing, opt to incorporate prints and colors with accessories. Shoes, handbags and jewelry are a delicious mix of beads, sparkles, fringes, and studs that will perk up last year’s closet classics.
Nail It
And fashionable fingertips with unexpected hues are daring and show your trend savvy style. Get out of your comfort zone with all the offbeat nail shades this spring — it’s not just about the risky black fingernail color any longer. A bottle of nail polish in a “should I(?) shade” is under $10 and an easy, affordable way to show the world you are keeping up …hey, ditch those mild-mannered manicures, you’re a StyleBoomer! Little changes beget bigger ones, as they always say.
So, go for the gusto, gals….! Give yourself permission, we do! Play with color and top the trend chart stepping out in StyleBoomer style!
Catherine Schuller, The Curvy Confidante
Judith Ann Graham, Beauty by Judy
May 9, 2012
Aimee’s Pick – Bridal: Lavender Love
This gorgeous, pastel lavender gown from Tadashi Shoji is so flattering and femenine – perfect for the black tie wedding or evening ceremony in the city where your bridesmaids will feel truly glamorous!
Saks – Tadashi Shoji Pleated Gown
May 9, 2012
MP Model Off Duty: Sarah Miller
Dorothy Combs plus model, Sarah, stopped in the studio for her first MP Model Off Duty and we almost didn’t let her leave with the gorgeous electric blue blazer she was wearing! We also loved the fact she was wearing ballet flats while running around the city. Real-life doesn’t always mean sky-high heels and it’s nice to know that applies to the models we love too!
Name: Sarah Miller
Agency: Dorothy Combs
Hometown: Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake
Favorite Designer: Michael Kors upcoming indie designers too!
Absolute Best City: New York Baby!
Style Icon: Charlize Theron, Marilyn Monroe
Fashion Magazine I Need to Browse: Vogue
May 9, 2012
MP Straight to Plus: Christie Brinkley
We loved this curve-hugging look seen on Christie Brinkley outside the Today show in N.Y.C. This look is timeless and starts with a classic sheath dress updated in a hot color! Have some fun mixing up your hues and pair magenta with neon pink. This look is bold so keep everything simple and let those curves shine through!
Shop the Look!
Nordstrom – Adrianna Papell Crochet Shift
Zappos – Bottega Veneta Pumps
Saks – Jude Frances Earrings
Torrid – Silver Square Stretch Ring
More at People.com.
May 8, 2012
Madison Plus for Macy’s Woman!
It’s an exciting day in the Madison Plus studio! Our very own Aimee Cheshire and MP are featured in the special Macy’s Summer Forecast for sizes 14-24!
Aimee shares her expertise in fit, styling, working the trends and more, just for your curves. Be sure to watch out for this printed piece coming to your mailbox very soon with some of your favorite plus models modeling the latest from Macy’s, and in the meantime here is a sneak peak!
May 8, 2012
Aimee’s Pick – Bridal: Less is More
I love this clean and elegant gown from Davids Bridal, which is perfect for the bride who doesn’t want too many adornments on her dress. This gown feels modern and let’s you shine through on your special day instead of the beading and lace.
Davids Bridal - Strapless Charmeuse Gown
May 8, 2012
The Curvy Blogger: Early Summer
We are so pleased to announce we have a new contributor to the Madison Plus family! Please join us as we welcome plus size model, photographer, and curvy blogger Mandy Fierens! Mandy will be sharing her amazing personal style, love of vintage clothing and how to work it for your curves.
Early Summer
I am not sure who is reading this, or where you are. But in Pittsburgh, PA it is has been HOTTTTTT (I am a wimp when it comes to 80 degree weather). I do not have air conditioning in my apartment so when I get dressed I am already sweating. This light spring dress does the trick! I literally threw this dress on, didn’t even think about accessorizing, and ran out the door.
This dress I got from ModCloth about a year ago, tank dresses are usually out of my comfort-zone, but I gave it a try. The fabric has cute little rain drops on it, and I like the interesting draping on the chest. TIP: As for the shoes, they were thrifted, they were originally mary janes, but I cut off the strap because it was too tight! This is a great outfit for running errands like I was leaving to do.
For more from Mandy, visit her blog The Curvy Blogger.
May 7, 2012
Aimee’s Pick – Bridal: Black Tie
I have been asked many times what dress is best for a black tie wedding, evening wedding or engagement party and I always go back to the LBD. Don’t get me wrong, I love color but the bride is the star for these events so I let my curves shine in this dress from Igigi. Sophisticated, sexy and so flattering, you’ll reach for this dress over and over!
Igigi – Margaux Plus Size Cocktail Dress
May 7, 2012
Beauty: Less is More
Stay cool once the temperature rises, or at least look that way with some of our favorite beauty products that work under summer heat! Less is more when it get’s hot outside and piling on more products isn’t always the best answer. Look for waterproof, oil-free and brightening options that will help banish oil and give you a sexy summer glow. Let you shine through with a few MP and fan-favorites below!
Vincent Longo Water Canvas
Laura Geller Barely There
tarte mineral powder
Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner
L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow, Bronzed Taupe
tarte 24.7
Paula Dorf Perfect Brow
Deborah Lippmann – Addicted To Speed Top Coat
Origins No Puffery Cooling Mask
Anastasia Cooling Eye Brightener
May 4, 2012
Aimee’s Pick – Bridal: Jazz Age Maids
I truly love the idea of applying this seasons Art Deco trend to a wedding look! The glamour of the 1920′s is perfect for so many aspects of a ceremony, but especially in the look of your bridesmaids. This Aiden Mattox dress not only shines with that jazz-age glimmer, but it’s versatile enough to wear after the big day!
Saks – Aidan Mattox Salon Z Sequin Dress
