March's Male Model Of The Month, Zuri James!

Zuri James 

Age: 24 

Height: 6’2” 

Measurements: 

Weight: 162lb 

Waist: 30” 

Inseam: 32” 

Neck: 15 ½ 

Suit: 40L 

1. When did you start your career? 

I started modeling about 9 months ago after graduating college.  A couple months after getting out of college I signed with an agency to represent me and went from there.  I also modeled as a kid, but transitioned out of it before my teenage years.  

2. What kind of model are you (glamour,fashion,alternative,everything)? 

I am currently am participating in a wide range of modeling genres from high fashion to fitness to lifestyle.  

3. What are you hobbies,favorite movie,favorite music,etc? 

I have many hobbies.  I played Div-I basketball for my college.  I am also an artist and poet.  Mostly I like to hang with friends and just have a good time.  I am a big movie buff! And my favorite movie is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.  As for music, I listen to all types from hip-hop, to jazz, to some indie rock.  

4. Is modeling your full time job? 

I also hold a position at a Marketing and Sales Outsourcing Company in the Atlanta Area.  I juggle the two, and it’s about a 50/50 as far as time allocation goes. 

5. What do you know now that you wish you did when you 1st started modeling? 

Beware of SCAMS and people who ask for money up front.  If any person or agency truly wants to represent you they will invest in you, and get compensated when you get jobs 

6. Where do you want to take your modeling in the future? 

Wherever modeling takes me!  I’d love to be able to make  good friends, travel, and make some pretty good money all while having fun in the modeling world.  I eventually would like to transition into acting and give that a go as well. 

7. Who is your favorite photographer,model,designer? 

My favorite photographer is Richard Warren.  My favorite female models are Adriana Lima and Joan Smalls.  My favorite male model is Tyson Beckford 

8. What was your best & worst experience as a model? 

My best modeling experience was my first paid shoot a little while ago.  It was also one of my most nerve wrecking, as this was one of my first shoots and I was modeling underwear.  I luckily do not have a worst experience as of yet, and hopefully it will stay that way… fingers crossed 

9. Whats your dream modeling gig? 

My dream modeling job is to land a high profile job for Calvin Klein, Versace, or Giorgio Armani. 

10. What advice would you give a new model entering the industry? 

My advice to anyone in the modeling industry is to have fun with it!  Allow every experience to be new and exciting, and to cherish every moment.  Also, I would tell everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle of diet, exercise and overall healthy living 

What are YOUR top 10 must have's for your model bag? 

1.  Portfolio     

2. Hair brush     

3. Lip Balm      

4. Cell Phone      

5. Lotion     

6. References     

7. Professional Resume     

8. Extra Clothes      

9. Some extra water    

10. Cell

March Model Of The Month: Heidi Van Horne!

Heidi Van Horne

Age

36

Height

5’ 7 ¾ “

Measurements

I don’t even know anymore!  

Real boobs, real waist, real hips.

 1. When did you start your career?

As a model, I had two starts.  I did some mainstream stuff when I was 11-13 before getting serious about acting, and then, at around 24 I started doing pinup, before it blossomed and became the huge scene it is today.

2. What kind of model are you (glamour,fashion,alternative,everything)?

First and foremost, I’m an actress, so I enjoy ALL types of modeling and styles, but what I do most and what I am known for is a mixture of vintage and iconic photo recreations and modern pinup.

3. What are you hobbies,favorite movie,favorite music,etc?

Working.  I don’t get much free time.  Thankfully, I love what I do, so that involves lots of writing; cool old cars, trucks and motorcycles; talking with interesting people; making movies, images and music; traveling; and nerding out on the computer.

4. Is modeling your full time job?

Not anymore.

5. What do you know now that you wish you did when you 1st started modeling?

Nothing.  If I had known even more I probably never would have done it!  HA!  Going in (albeit wise, but) open minded and wide eyed was part of what made the early years so much fun, let me be so open to meeting such a variety of people and was such a contrast to the rigid rules of my professional acting career at the time.

6. Where do you want to take your modeling in the future?

I enjoy doing the occasional cool client job and love creating with like-minded collaborators on special projects, but that’s where it is and just how I like it.  Not gonna lie, though, I wouldn’t be sad if decades from now I suddenly had a third wind as a mature model, like Carmen Dell'Orefice.  Otherwise, my “modeling” goals these days are more about the incredible photographers I would like to shoot portraits with for magazine features as an actress and director. 

7. Who is your favorite photographer,model,designer?

Like fashion, it often changes who my favorite is, but some of my tops are Ellen Von Unwerth, David LaChappelle, Dale May and Marla Rutherford.  Favorites that I have worked with are Peter Lindberg, Octavio Arizala, Danielle Bedics, Shannon Brooke, and Ama Lea.  I love wearing Nanette Lepore and Bettie Page Clothing, dreaming of Christian LouBoutin’s and mixing great vintage pieces with comfy modern takes on classic styles.  My favorite new model at the moment is Olivia Dantes. And, of course, I always love and support the ground-breaking work of my good friend and cherished collaborator Sabina Kelley.  She doesn’t stop rocking it.  A LOT of young models may not realize they owe their career to the path she paved for them.

8. What was your best & worst experience as a model?

The people.  I met and worked with the best people and the worst people in my life doing this.  Look for the diamonds and toss out the coal.

9. Whats your dream modeling gig?

I’m making a documentary movie right now called “Making Over Molly” about rebuilding my 1960 F100 with my family, so honestly, my dream gig right now would be a cover feature of a major entertainment magazine, talking about the film, shooting with any of the above photographers.  (check out www.igg.me/at/makingovermolly to learn more!)

10. What advice would you give a new model entering the industry?

Be strong – know your boundaries and don’t be scared of speaking up for yourself.  People will treat you the way you allow yourself to be treated, and in this industry, that can get ugly if you let it.  Don’t.  There are tons of amazing and wonderful people in this industry, don’t waste time with ones who treat you wrong, try to intimidate you or belittle you.  Have a good attitude and know who you are.

Also, there are bad people out there and good people have accidents, so… just to be safe and overly cautious, always make sure to leave the info of WHO you are meeting and WHERE with someone you love, just in case. Better safe than sorry.

Above all, don’t forget to ENJOY yourself!  And never take yourself too seriously.

 What are YOUR top 10 must have's for your model bag?

Let’s see if I remember!  Hahaha…  Nude and black thongs, various bra options (white, nude, black, strapless, push up, sheer), stockings (black, nude, back seamed, and any fun new ones), bobby pains, a brush, lint roller, safety pins, business cards, lip balm, moisturizer and a GPS-enabled phone. (Back in the day, I would have said a Thomas Bros’ guide in LA or KeyMaps in Houston, but that just dates me now! Haha) 

You can find the gorgeous Heidi at the links below!

Check out Heidi's New Movie!

Making Over Molly

Heidi's Official Website

http://www.heidivanhorne.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/therealHeidiVanHorne

Twitter

http://www.twitter.com/heidivanhorne

Instagram

http://www.instagram.com/heidella

Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/therealheidivanhorne

Brassy... That Word Gets A Bad Wrap!

By Carly Crossley

I spent a good amount of time today in the happiest place on earth. Before you assume, "wow! Disneyland!!" let me clarify: the happiest place on earth for grown ups, aka bed. A couple years ago I found my dream bed on craigslist. It's a giant brass beauty, solid, strong and shiny, and it was a steal none the less! As I lie there swathed in my many blankets of varying weights, textures and gloriousness, admiring my all time favorite purchase, I found my mind wandering with word association.

Brass. Brassy. Brassy hair. That word sure gets a bad rap.

By definition, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc in varying proportions creating the range in tones. In plain English: they mix a pinkish/orange with silver to make different shades of yellow. In hair terms it means, get it out! But should it?

In the eyes of children, (and many husbands) hair darker than sand is black and anything lighter than it is yellow. Blonde IS yellow. Within this range, there are obvious variations, but this is where I feel brass is underestimated.

For this first exercise, I'd like to say close your eyes to envision, but then you can't keep reading. Instead, transport yourself to a beach... not a Washington beach... pull yourself away from the grey... You are in Hawaii sitting on the beach in the late afternoon. Think of the sun, the way it warms you from the inside and the out, how it casts a glow on everything it touches. The sand radiates, the green of the trees seems electrified. Your skin, despite your best efforts at defense (or maybe not) echos this warmth. You begin to bronze, your cheeks start to flush. The Mai Tai in your hand is layered in tones of gold, pink, red and orange. The sun begins to sink, bringing the world into a twilight of fireworks lighting up the sky and for just a few moments, you wonder if every thing might burst into flames.

Do you feel warmer now?

Warmth is not a bad thing. We emulate these tones every day with bronzers and blushes. We will wear gold and bronze eye shadows, and coral lipsticks. Golds can brighten our skin and compliment our eyes. Why is everyone so desperate to erase this from their hair?

I know that I personally used to think that the ashier the better. Part of this is a west coast thing. Over here, trend has it that our blondes tend to be cooler. East coasters, in my experience are often looking for the warmer side of blondes. I've had people ask me why that is, and there are many theories, but one that stands out to me starts with genetics then moves on to what the Jones' do.

In a culture dominated by the melting pot and  gene pools that tend to be predominately dark haired, the easier blonde to ACHIEVE is one with warmth. What if the Regina George of your school came back after break with her shiny new highlights: a trend is born. “I want my hair JUST like hers,” becomes the phrase exclaimed to hairstylists all across town and a new normal is born. If your mean girl were to transplant to say the midwest where a large Scandinavian population chose to settle, she would be running to the shop asking for a toner because nobody can do blonde quite like the Swedes. Here on the west side, as the cultural mutts of the country, we tend to be... wait for it... the combo of warm and cool- neutral.

(NYC based Sex and the City cast)

(Sweden's own Elin Nordegren) 

(California girl Marisa Miller- neutral is often harder for the untrained eye to spot, but if you catch yourself going, "that's cool... no that's warm... no, cool.." it's probably neutral.)

Of my clients fighting the brass, “lighter and ashier” is not always the answer. Have you ever seen or had it happen to you where your highlights are toned to super ash and it ends up looking like you have grey streaks in your hair? Sometimes, it's actually your base that needs to be adjusted (this is your natural hair color that is left out between the foils) other times, and brace yourself for this... you may not be suited for ash tones or ultra light highlights. That's right, there is a mystical balance that lies in how many shades your base and highlights should vary from one another.

(Claire danes with cool highlights and a broken base)

The other factor that comes into play when choosing your hair tone is YOUR tone, as in your skin tone. Are you a golden, olive, or cool skin tone? This isn't a question of light or dark. Do corally pinks bring out the glow in your cheeks or make you feel yellow/sallow? Do blueish lavenders soften your skin tone or emphasize the circles under your eyes? Not all darker complexions are warm and not all pale complexions are cool. If purple/greys bring out the blues in your veins or wash you out, you may not want to try for an ashy blonde. But if you love a tan, live for Nars Orgasm blush and and want to bring out those flecks in your eyes, why not embrace the warmth!

(jessica alba trying for a medium cool blonde- see how it changes her skin tone.)

(Here's Jessica maybe only a shade darker but embracing the warmth)

The next time you find yourself doubting the gold, talk to your stylist. Ask about your goal look, whether it is right for YOU not your coworker. Talk about what it takes to get there, talk about hair tone, makeup and clothes colors. As a stylist, it is my job to give you what you ask for, but my passion is helping you to find the best you. 

loves!

Carly

Orange Is The New Black

By Gracie Lynn

Orange is the new black… or adding a pop of  color to an otherwise boring outfit…

Hello my Lovelies!

Today we are going to talk color and your wardrobe. I personally am a big fan of color. I don’t wear nearly as much of it as I would like, but a pop of color is a great way to add interest and fun to an outfit.

Of course, the most popular color that most folks were, especially when “dressing up” is black. It is classic, it is slimming, and it is always in style. Every girl needs that  little black dress and every guy needs a black shirt or two, both button up and t shirt.

But black can also be harsh, and lets be honest, it does not look great on every one. A bit of color goes a long way in spicing up an unrelieved black outfit. I am a big fan of scarves or pins to add a bit of color. In colder climates this is even a great option for the guys. Not only do they keep you warm, but there are a variety of types of now available and a wide variety of ways to wear a scarf.

There are even on line tutorials showing some of the fun ways that you can tie a scarf around your neck, in your hair, or even as a belt. 

Scarves have become popular with celebrities as well as your average every day Jane or Joe. Since they come in so many weights, lengths and styles they are an easy and often cheap way to add interest to an outfit, suit, dress or jacket. Scarves are now in all year long.

The newest style to be popular is the infinity scarf, rather than the traditional single length of cloth, the infinity scarf is sewn or knitted into a round and is essentially a loop of material. It can be worn in one long loop or wrapped multiple times to form a shorter layered look.  It is a modern twist on the classic cowl scarf, that could be worn as either a scarf or a hood

 

With a million ways to wear scars and just as many colors to choose from they are a great way to add color and fun to any outfit, or even your hair. So, both guys and gals, spend a couple dollars for a great accessory that is not just for winter any more and brighten up that wardrobe in a way that will not break the bank!

Until next week… Hugs.

Gracie Lynn

Feburary's Female Model Of The Month! Lexi Placourakis

Lexi Placourakis

Age 25

Height 5'11

Measurements 

waist 32' hips 42' around a size 12/14

1. When did you start your career? 

I started about 6 years ago!

2. What kind of model are you (glamour,fashion,alternative,everything)? 

I am a plus size model, most of the work I book is mostly lingerie and swim suits! 

3. What are you hobbies,favorite movie,favorite music,etc? 

My favorite thing to do is spend time with my son! he is my everything, we go on adventures and trips all the time he even comes on set with me some times! But I love to travel, be with family, I have been riding horses since I was a little girl so that is a major hobby/passion of mine. As far as movies I am a sucker for any Disney Movie or Romantic movie, I listen to anything as far as music goes, I am not very picky when it comes to music.

4. Is modeling your full time job? 

Being a mommy is my full time job, modeling comes after that.

5. What do you know now that you wish you did when you 1st started modeling? 

Not to be afraid to talk to your agencies, tell them what you what, and how you feel. They want you to work they want to make money just like you. Also, agencies are not everything. They have many beautiful people that they are in charge of, its easy to sometimes get lost in the shuffle, market yourself. Some of my best clients are from me marketing myself!

6. Where do you want to take your modeling in the future? 

As far as it will take me. I am 25, there are many beautiful women out there that have yet to be seen. my main goal as of recently has been to become an advocate for confidence and being ok with curves, not bending to societies standards of beautiful. The work I get is a bonus. I love what I do, its a part of me and to able to be paid for something that you love doing its really amazing!

7. Who is your favorite photographer,model,designer? 

I love Robyn Lawley, she is so beautiful and smart. I love how far she has come and the impact she has had on this industry. She is an amazing role model for any women.

8. What was your best & worst experience as a model? 

My best experiance is hard to say, seeing my work wether it be online, in a random magazine or anywhere in general is so exciting for me it never gets old. But getting the messages that I do from the people on my fan page is the icing on the cake. Reading the impact that I have on some people tho it may be a small one is so rewarding and is defiatly the best part of what I do. The worst thing? I wouldn't say I have one thing that stands out. I mean I get some negative feed back on my page which is to be expected, I am lucky to say that nothing sticks out to me besides the normal negative comments you might hear from go sees and what not, modeling has been a pretty positive experience for me to say the least. I did have a little something I had on set with a regular client last month! They had asked me to cut some of my hair (which i unwillingly did) but when I was on set that next time they ended up wanting to straightening my hair (which they never do, and as you know makes long hair longer!) so on set I heard them whispering about it so I told them then and there to cut off what they wanted, mind you they had my hair only showing on one side, so they got some scissors and chopped about an inch off only one side of my head!! ha luckily I have really thick hair and you can't really notice, but yea that was a memorable experience. 

9. Whats your dream modeling gig? 

I don't want to sound corny but every job I get is surreal for me even if its not a huge client. I would love to be a part of companies that don't have plus size women representing them yet, whether it be Victoria's Secret, or Sports Illustrated. Making a statement for curves would be awesome.

10. What advice would you give a new model entering the industry? 

Keep your head up, you'll hear more "no's " then you will "yes" and don't be afraid to market yourself! Take advantage of social media!!! Everyone starts someone don't be intimidated and stay true to your believes!

What are YOUR top 10 must have's for your model bag?

Thats an easy one! 

1. Bras in Black, nude, white ( ones that can turn into strapless)

2. Thongs in black and nude

3. Nail polish remover ( even tho you should ALWAYS show up to a job with a fresh mani pedi )

4. Some nude and black heels

5. My vouchers 

6. My own make up (sometimes you need to touch your self up, can't always rely on the make up artist)

7. Some snacks 

8. Lotion (tho almost every job I've had has lotion there, its always good to be prepared)

9. Tank tops in black, white, tan

10. My phone charger ( you never no how long you'll be on set)

Lexi can be found online at the following links!!

http://lexiplacourakis.com/

http://lexiplacourakis.tumblr.com/

https://www.facebook.com/LexiPlacourakisplussizemodel

February's Male Model Of The Month! Jay Bass

Name: Jay Bass 

Age:  24 

Height: 5' 11" 

Weight: 180 lbs 

Neck:     16" 

Chest: 39" 

Waist: 32" 

Inseam: 32" 

Hair color: Brown 

Hair length: Short 

Eye color: Brown 

Ethnicity: African-Haitian-American 

Skin color: Brown 

1. When did you start your career? 

May 11th, 2103. with Marco, Photographer of NoWastedPixels provided me my first shot too my destiny. 

2. What kind of model are you (glamour,fashion,alternative,everything)?

I can do it all, complete package. I believe my look is essential to the modeling industry providing a universal face. 

3. What are you hobbies,favorite movie,favorite music,etc? 

I love sports,athletics period. Health and wellness is very important to me. To list some of my favorite hobbies would be writing, drawing my visions. Love to watch and play football and basketball but favorite of all right now is the hobby of learning and growing. Favorite movie would have to be Blow with johnny Depp, Music is all what captures my sound. Music is Love, Love is music. 

4. Is modeling your full time job? 

Modeling is Part-time currently, certainly ready to shift to second gear and make this a career. 

5. What do you know now that you wish you did when you 1st started modeling?

The studying that goes with modeling as poses,facial expressions, eye contact, body discipline and many more. 

6. Where do you want to take your modeling in the future?  

Worldwide spreading Love by Jay Bass 

7. Who is your favorite photographer,model,designer? 

I would have to say Tyson Beckford, the O.G of the industry and i'm coming for his Crown lol (SERIOUS FACE) 

8. What was your best & worst experience as a model?

Modeling is my sanctuary so being in front of that camera, being able to emulate so many different looks to where a picture can say a million words to different viewers is powerful. I think my worst is me not knowing certain things a couple months ago which i know now has paid evidently to my abilities. 

9. Whats your dream modeling gig? 

Mia, NY, France, Rome, Italy, the top cities in our world. New collection being release by Raulph Lauren Polo/Gucci/LV with Jay Bass as the face and body of as such collection. Words into future  reality. 

10. What advice would you give a new model entering the industry?

I'm fairly new myself in this industry. I'm enjoying being a sponge and learning any advantages I have and what it takes. None the less this gotta something you want, no love, no success. 

 What are YOUR top 10 must have's for your model bag? 

Tough question for a male model. A good little gym bag should do it. Some lotion, Hair brush, change of clothes, and some push up bars should do it lol 

Find Jay on both Model Mayhem and Facebook!

http://www.modelmayhem.com/3021420

https://www.facebook.com/JayBassDaModel