Dear Friend,

On A Personal Note...

So you want to be a model? I have gotten hundreds of emails and inquiries about modeling and the industry over the past several years and after Christy's photo shoot segment on Starting Over earlier this spring, the letters once again started to pour in. So I thought I would take this opportunity to let you know my opinion of the best route to take.

First you have to get very comfortable in front of the camera. This is your job, so you should know your body, your expressions and how to look best on camera. The best way to do this is to have a friend or photography student take pictures of you. Don't go to a high priced photographer first. Work out the kinks and learn your body with an amateur so that when you work with a professional photographer you can optimize his/her time and your money.

Once you have mastered comfortable movement and expression in front of the camera, then schedule a "test" shoot with a professional photographer. Please do your research on the photographer. You want to work with someone with a solid reputation. (If you are in the New York area, I can't recommend Lisa Crosby highly enough. I have been working with Lisa since I was 18 and she is incredible. She is the exclusive Cents of Style photographer and her work is stellar! www.lisacrosby.com) From your test shoot you should be able to walk away with one great head shot and one great full length body shot. This is all you need to start your hunt for an agent.

In every medium to large city there are model/acting agencies; many are affiliated with schools, and some are independent, but locally is where you want to start. Most of these local agencies have relationships with bigger agencies on the Coasts and when those agents are looking for fresh faces, this is often the channel that is traveled.

Most agencies, no matter their size, have an "open call" day. This is a day when for an hour or two, they open the door to walk-ins for review and potential connection. If you cannot make it to the agency for an open-call, you should send copies of your head shot and full length body shot along with your measurements and contact information to the NEW FACES division of your desired agency. Both www.rossreports.com and www.backstage.com offer listings of all of the agencies across the country.

You should not spend a lot of money on photos before you get an agent because the agent will want you to take more photos that will best attract their client base and your market. You should never pay to be apart of an agency. An agent makes money when you make money. They customarily take 20% of your earnings and charge an agency fee to the client. A great book on the subject of what to know, what to look for and avoid is Complete Guide for Models: Inside Advice from Industry Pros for Fashion Modeling (Paperback) by Eric Bean and Jenni Bidner.

In general, do your research, ask lots of question, start locally and make it a priority to learn the business. It is a business and those who are most professional usually come out on top! Good Luck! I hope this helps!

Be happy! Be Beautiful! Be Thrifty!

Tips

It's the Knee... Always the Knee!

I have gotten many emails this season asking about appropriate skirt lengths and styles. I can tell you unquestionably, the most flattering skirt length and style on every body type is an A-Line skirt cut to the knee. If you are petite, you should wear skirts just above the knee, if you are taller you can wear them just below the knee, but no matter your size, this is the best style.

Knee-length skirts make your legs look longer and more shapely by revealing the feminine curve of your calf. And A-Line skirts create an hourglass shape by emphasizing a smaller waist and diminish wider hips and thighs.

This season, there are so many beautiful, fun printed summer skirts to choose from; just avoid anything too long or too tight for great comfortable style!

Look For Me... On Soap Talk...

On the Soap Network Friday, June 16, 2006. The segment and fashion show is about getting your favorite star's pregnancy style for pennies on the dollar.

Have You Tried...

Lobe Wonder™?

So many of my clients have a problem with stretched out earlobes that I went on a hunt to see what economical solutions were available... and low and behold I found Lobe Wonder™! These quick and simple earlobe patches are brilliant.

They are made of a hypo-allergenic super strength mesh with a breathable medical adhesive that doesn't irritate the skin. You simply affix them to the back of the earlobe and insert your earrings at the top of the hole. Your earlobes will look natural and not stretched or dragged down by the weight of your earring. Halleluiah!

You can get a box of 60, a full month's supply for $5.99 at drugstore.com. Check it out!

 

This Month's Cents Of Style™ Accessory Suite

This month's "thrifty chic" Cents of Style® Accessory Suite, WEEKEND IN THE HAMPTONS!, is all about getting you ready for fun in the sun! I want you to look sensational and feel confident as you head out for a relaxing day at the beach or your favorite pool, so I gathered a few luxurious items that will give you Hampton Beach style on a Chattahoochee River Budget. Oprah declared this fabulous adjustable Ribbon Crusher™ hat by the San Diego Hat Co., one of her favorite things for summer and I have to agree…(even though the O-list priced this hat at $42 and this entire Suite is just $49.50 – WooHoo!) It rolls right up for easy travel and looks glamorous at the beach, at an outdoor wedding or at the market. You could also easily add your own colorful ribbon band for more personalized style! This beautifully crafted, extra roomy, light as a feather, straw bag will be a pleasure to carry to the beach, to the pool or to your favorite flea market. This bag is also from the world renowned San Diego Hat Co., is fully lined with a festive cotton stripe and is stylishly designed to fit comfortably under your arm. And, no wimpy towels for you at the beach this year! This fun Accessory Suite includes a huge 36" X 70" extra plush cotton terry velour beach towel... in HOT PINK! Oh-so girlie and chic! Can't you just see yourself lounging on this fabulous pink towel, big beautiful sun hat on, stylish straw bag full of your favorite summer goodies at your side and a tropical umbrella drink in your hand! I can see you! You look gorgeous!... And I know you are going to love your own WEEKEND IN THE HAMPTONS! *TIP* This and every Accessory Suite will make a beautiful and thoughtful gift! We will happily gift wrap it for you and include a card with your sentiments! Check it out!

Sixth Cents - Nifty Nautical!