AleanElston.com

Author: Alean “@TopModelWithBottles” Elston

  • Model Advice Vol 1 Issue 1: Child Modeling

    Within the past 2 weeks I have gotten questions from friends I know and online friends about how to get their babies/kids started with modeling/acting. Being that I don’t have experience with child modeling I decided to do a little research online and offer my advice here.


    DISCLAIMER: This is only for children who are just starting out. Children who have been booking work, will have a portfolio developed and have an agent to consult with. My 2 cents is for those who do not.

    Don’t invest large sums of money in photo-shoots for children under the age of 10. Between the ages of infancy and 10, your child grows so quickly that to keep updating a portfolio as they age would be highly expensive because their look is ever-changing. Instead, take a few simple pictures of your child with your digital camera and make sure they are child centered and show off your child’s personality. For those parents who insist on getting professional pictures done of their child, I recommend The Picture People because they will do a mini shoot and you can choose what pictures of your child you want to keep and pay for those pictures and not spend hundreds of dollars.(While you’re at it take this time to get a family picture done while you’re there)

    If/Once you have pictures, start contacting child agencies. Be sure that you fully research all agencies with the business licensing bureau in your state to make sure they are a legitimate agency. Do a thorough search of child talent and modeling agencies in your area and begin contacting them. Give them a call and ask about if and when they have open call days. If they ask you to email them a few pictures, send no more than 4 pictures for them to review.

    Once you find an agent/agency who is willing to work with you, be sure to be prepared to attend all gigs, castings/auditions with your child. This could mean taking off work early, not going to work at all, or if your child becomes very successful, leaving your job completely.

    Are you a child modeling/talent agent or a former child model/actor? Share some of your insight with readers on how you got started. We’d love to read your story! Leave your comment below 🙂

  • “RED FLAG” – I hope you know when something is wrong…

    To all my models, I recently opened a message that was sent to me on model mayhem that looked suspect from the jump. Take a look at it and see if you see what I see…(click image to enlarge)

    Do you see what I’m talking about?!!
    Let’s go down the list for those of you who have no clue of what you are looking at…

    1. “JOB OFFER FROM GQ MAGAZINE” – First flag…Why would GQ be looking on model mayhem for models when if they ever needed models they would utilize an agency…
    2. There is NO picture and its listed as a new account…hmmm. Why no pictures? At least put some from the magazine up there.
    3. The name just screams fake to me after the 1st 2 red flags! lol
    4. The name “Jamie Bridge” which doesn’t match the name the account is listed under…seems odd right?! and the fact that this person tells me that they are 33 years old…why do I need to know that again?! o_O
    5. “I got a fashion outfit…in your area, get back to me for details….it is urgent” – What area am I located in? Could this message not be so general and urgent?!
      1. “Best way to contact me is by email” – If that’s the case, why didn’t you email me? and why can’t I just message you back on Model Mayhem?
      2. jamie.bridge02@live.com – (pause) If your conducting “GQ” business…why don’t you have a GQ.com email address like the rest of the people who work for the magazine?!
    6. End Result in my mind….FRAUD!!!! THIS IS NOT REAL!!!!

    If you have received a message like this I hope you know how to spot and recognize a fake when you see it. There are plenty of models who fall for this, getting their hopes up and not using their heads…If you get a message like this please STOP, RE-READ, THINK ABOUT IT!!! and if its still strange to you MOVE ON, your 1st instinct is usually the right one.

  • Check out My Modeling Apperance on Good Day Philadelphia!

    On a recent episode of Good Day Philadelphia, Alean Elston was spotted modeling Spring Work fashions from local Philadelphia Designer Priscilla Costa. The dress she wore was a wool dress embellished with silk flowers and a red ribbon belt and retails for $300 along with Mykonos Jewelry ranging from $33 – $76 . Click on the video to check out Alean and the latest spring fashion must-haves for the office.

    Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29
     

  • Sade to Release “The Ultimate Collection”

    Sade are back with The Ultimate Collection to be released on May 3, just in time to make it the essential Mother’s Day gift. The must-have, 29-track, two-disc album will include four new, never-before heard songs including a remix to “The Moon And The Sky” (featuring Jay-Z). The Ultimate Collection also features 15 tracks that were not included on Sade’s 1994 “Best Of” album.  Here for the first time, fans can find all of their favorite Sade classics including songs Lover’s Rock and Soldier Of Love.

    Disc 1

    1. Your Love Is King
    2. Smooth Operator
    3. Hang On To Your Love
    4. The Sweetest Taboo
    5. Is It A Crime
    6. Never As Good As The First Time
    7. Jezebel
    8. Love Is Stronger Than Pride
    9. Paradise
    10. Nothing Can Come Between Us
    11. No Ordinary Love
    12. Kiss Of Life
    13. Feel No Pain+
    14. Bullet Proof Soul+

     

    Disc 2

    1. Cherish The Day
    2. Pearls
    3. By Your Side+
    4. Immigrant+
    5. Flow+
    6. King Of Sorrow+
    7. The Sweetest Gift+
    8. Solider Of Love+
    9. The Moon And The Sky+
    10. Babyfather+
    11. Still In Love With You**
    12. Love Is Found**
    13. I Would Never Have Guessed**
    14. The Moon And The Sky (Remix Featuring Jay-Z)**
    15. By Your Side (Neptunes Remix)+

     

    + Not on Best Of

    ** Never Released Before

    Sade recently announced, the second leg of their ultimate summer tour kicking off on June 16th, marking their highly anticipated return to the world stage in ten years. Fans who pre-order The Ultimate Collection will have exclusive early access to tickets in select markets. For complete presale and ticket on sale information, visit Sade.com.  Tickets for the newly announced dates go on sale to the public beginning April 2nd at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.

    Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-seven year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They’ve been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won four Grammy Awards – first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for “No Ordinary Love”, again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock and most recently in 2011 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for “Soldier Of Love.”

     

    SOURCE Epic Records

  • Nick Cannon to Host Countdown Radio Show

    Multi-talented actor, comedian, TV and 92.3 NOW New York’s morning radio personality, Nick Cannon, will serve as host of a new weekly countdown show to be broadcast on CBS RADIO stations and syndicated to markets nationwide by Citadel Media, it was announced today by CBS RADIO Senior Vice President of Programming, Chris Oliviero.  CANNON’S COUNTDOWN will be available for both CHR Pop/Rhythmic and Urban stations featuring a mix of music and celebrity interviews.  The four-hour and three-hour shows, respectively, will debut in two dozen markets including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Little Rock the weekend of April 23. (check local listings).

    Launching in conjunction with CANNON’S COUNTDOWN is www.cannonscountdown.com, an online destination showcasing the program’s weekly list of the most popular Urban or CHR Pop/Rhythmic songs.  The website is also the must-stop place for daily digestible lists of what is hot in pop culture and will chronicle lists of Cannon’s favorite things, while providing his point of view on the latest entertainment and fashion news, event listings, new music and cool gadgets.

    Additionally, CANNON’S COUNTDOWN will be available for streaming online at www.cannonscountdown.com and through the Radio.com application for a variety of mobile devices.  National over-the-air advertising and syndication will be managed by Citadel Media.

    Recognized as a multi-faceted entertainer, Cannon is an actor, comedian, musician, writer, executive producer and radio and television host.  He is the host of New York’s 92.3 NOW morning radio show, ROLLIN’ WITH NICK CANNON, as well as the host of the hit NBC television show, “America’s Got Talent.”   Cannon, who currently serves as chairman of TeenNick, is known for his starring roles in such films as “Drumline,” “Garfield: The Movie,” “Shall We Dance,” “Roll Bounce,” “Bobby” and “Underclassman,” which he also executive produced.

    “CBS RADIO has been an incredible partner,” says Cannon. “With the success that we’ve had together with my morning show on 92.3 NOW in the New York City tri-state I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to reach radio listeners nationwide with my new ‘Cannon’s Countdown’ show.”

    Added Oliviero, “Nick is a unique personality who is a trusted source when it comes to music and pop culture for this generation.  His uncanny sense of humor and engaging style will bring a new and modern twist to the countdown format and allows him to speak candidly while interviewing guests and breaking down celebrity gossip.  With the launch of www.cannonscountdown.com, Nick will give his audience a 360-degree experience on-air and online while sharing his latest interests and insights via the web.”

    “Nick Cannon represents a dynamic brand and provides an ideal vehicle for advertisers wanting to reach the young-end consumer,” said Ed Rivera, Senior Vice President of Sales for Citadel Media.  “He has demonstrated his ability to attract top level advertisers and seamlessly integrate their messaging while affording them a connection to his loyal fans.  CANNON’S COUNTDOWN will offer significant opportunities for sponsorships and product integration and our team is looking forward to leading the national sales effort.”

    The San Diego native, who has been cited by People Magazine as one of the top 10 most successful young people in Hollywood, began performing music and comedy at a young age.  He went on to write and act on Nickelodeon’s hit show “All That.”  He also starred in, directed and executive produced “The Nick Cannon Show,” and had his own improv comedy show on MTV, “Nick Cannon Presents Wild N Out.”

    CANNON’S COUNTDOWN is produced by Ncredible Entertainment in association with CBS RADIO.  Dom Theodore, Vice President of CHR/Top 40 Programming, CBS RADIO, will serve as executive producer of the programs.

    CANNON’S COUNTDOWN can be heard on the following stations:

    Listed by market rank
    CBS RADIO:
    WXRK-FM, New York
    WBBM-FM, Chicago
    KMVQ-FM, San Francisco
    KKHH-FM, Houston
    WVEE-FM, Atlanta
    WPGC-FM, Washington, D.C.
    WDZH-FM, Detroit
    KZON-FM, Phoenix
    WLLD-FM, Tampa
    WNKS-FM, Charlotte
    KSFM-FM, Sacramento
    KLUC-FM, Las Vegas
    WJHM-FM, Orlando
    WMBX-FM, West Palm
    WZMX-FM, Hartford
    Citadel Broadcasting:
    WFHN-FM, Providence-New Bedford
    WWKX-FM, Providence-New Bedford
    KKWD-FM, Oklahoma City
    KLAL-FM, Little Rock-Pine Bluff
    KKMG-FM, Colorado Springs-Pueblo
    KWYL-FM, Reno
    WJBQ-FM, Portland-Auburn
    WWYL-FM, Binghamton
    KKND-FM, New Orleans
    WVIB-FM, Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek  

  • Have You Tried Any Argan Oil Products in your Hair?

    From what I have found out through my search for a product that exceed shea butter for your hair, is that Argan Oil has properties that are what most “product junkies” would say are far superior and better for your hair than shea butter. After I heard this I just happened to be in Walmart and I saw Creme of Nature had a deep conditioning Argan Oil packet. (I forgot how much it costs because I bought it a few months ago but it was relatively cheap) I tried it out, it had a strong fragrance which I liked, but it was a little perfumey for my taste, and the results were great. I loved the shine that it gave my hair and definitely have it a nice healthy glow. Now Creme of Nature is expanding its innovative line of products with Certified Organic Argan Oil from Morocco with five new remarkable shine products including the Creme of Nature with Argan Oil Treatment, Moisture & Shine Shampoo, Intensive Conditioning Treatment, Strength & Shine Leave-In Conditioner and Oil Moisturizer. Creme of Nature is the first to bring Argan Oil, the “liquid gold” of Morocco, to retail shelves, making it the first affordable and complete line for ethnic hair.

    “We constantly listen and learn from our customers, and we heard a resounding call for more Certified Organic Argan Oil products at an affordable price that would add shine and hydration to their hair,” said Teneya Gholston, Marketing Manager for Creme of Nature. “The expansion of the Creme of Nature Argan Oil line is jam-packed with products that we believe will help our customers achieve the healthy, shiny, hydrated and well-conditioned hair they crave.”

    Headlining for the Argan Oil line expansion is the nutrient-rich Oil Treatment (3 oz). Likely the most affordable of its kind, this high-quality, certified organic Argan Oil treatment is comparable to the more expensive versions on the market; yet, it appears at the suggested retail price of only $8.99 at mass retailers.  This precious, alcohol-free oil maximizes hair strength and provides intense conditioning.  It protects against breakage and repairs dry, damaged hair.  It absorbs instantly for long-lasting shine without an oil residue, while smoothing over the cuticle layer to reduce frizz, leaving hair silky soft.

    Perhaps one of the most anticipated products in the line is the restorative Moisture & Shine Shampoo (12 oz, $5.29) which brings back the traditional classic sulfate-free Creme of Nature shampoo formula and enhances it with Argan Oil for super hydration and conditioning.  This classic shampoo with a new twist restores moisture and delivers intense shine while it gently cleanses the hair.  The non-stripping formula will revitalize and strengthen thirsty hair while it detangles and leaves hair soft and manageable. It’s a return to what has made Creme of Nature a consumer favorite for years.

    The other item in the line that comes highly requested by Creme of Nature customers is the breakage-preventative Intensive Conditioning Treatment ($5.29) which debuted in a packet.  Now, by popular demand, the ultra-rich, deep moisturizing treatment can be purchased in a 12 oz. bottle.

    Other product line additions include the following:

    Strength & Shine Leave-In Conditioner (8.45 oz, $5.29) is a unique two-phase formula that combines Argan Oil liquid shine and a strengthening protein complex that improves hair strength. Shake it up to activate the product, and watch the protein complex combine with Argan Oil to protect against damage and add luminous shine and moisture.

    The Oil Moisturizer (8.45 oz, $5.29) is an oil-rich formula, enhanced with Argan Oil that restores moisture, nourishes deep, protects against the effects of heat styling and strengthens damaged hair.  It gives long-lasting softness and shine brilliance.

    These new products along with the existing Argan Oil line which includes the Advances Straightening Relaxer, the award-winning Gloss & Shine Polisher, Gloss & Shine Mist, Replenishing Sheen Spray, Intense Conditioning Treatment Packet and Foaming Wrap Lotion are all available at mass retailers nationwide. Log on to www.cremeofnature.com for more details.

    One of My Favorite Conditioners NOW!!!

     

    SOURCE Colomer USA Multicultural Group

  • The IT Shoe of the Summer…ESPADRILLES!!!

     


    It’s the straw that kicked the stiletto’s ass. This season it’s all about the must-have shoe – the espadrille. Pair this sexy wedge with a range of summer looks from dresses to denim.

     

    “The espadrille is the ultimate summer shoe – cool and casual with a 70’s feel. It’s the one style that every woman should have in her closet this season,” says Fred Allard, Creative Director of Nine West.

    When I saw these shoes, I looked at the weather channel, wishing the temperature in the Northeast would decide to stay above 75 degrees in the near future so I can bring out my shorts and skirts and wear them with some sky high espadrilles. Check out these faves from Nine West. Ive already ordered the white ones!

    Blanca – Nine West – $99
    Braxton – Nine West – $99

    www.NineWest.com
    www.NineWest.com/EspadrilleShop
    Find Nine West On Facebook
    Follow Nine West On Twitter @NineWest

  • American Apparel Launches its First Line of Jeans

    American Apparel, the vertically integrated clothing manufacturer based in downtown Los Angeles, is announcing the launch of its first line of jeans. Inspired by classic American jeans, the company’s Made in USA jeans bring an important philosophy and approach back to the denim market.

    “Jeans are an iconic, essential part of the modern wardrobe, just like the t-shirt. No one does basics like American Apparel. We’ve mastered the basic t-shirt, now we’re getting excited about jeans,” said Dov Charney, CEO and founder of American Apparel.

    The first styles in the American Apparel Jeans line will be constructed of a 14 ounce denim made of 100% cotton. The fabric is thick, original, and designed to be broken in and worn for years. This new product category is being launched by American Apparel’s newly appointed Director of Denim, Georges Atlan. A respected industry veteran, Atlan launched Guess Jeans with Georges Marciano back in 1980, and has over 30 years of product development, factory management, and running his own businesses. Considered one of the most experienced and accomplished denim experts in the manufacturing world, Mr. Atlan trained American Apparel’s sewing and dyehouse operations to produce this new line of products — a process that uses more than 40 fair wage workers to make a single pair of jeans.

    “I’ve worked in the denim industry for more than three decades, developing for Guess, Calvin Klein, Seven, Hudson, bebe and others, but this was an opportunity to make truly American, truly fresh jeans for the first time. I know people are going to be happy with the fit and they are going to love the way their bodies look in this product. There is no other factory in the U.S. like the American Apparel factory, and there are no limits to what we can achieve in the category of denim. These are an exciting set of jeans to start with, and they are only the beginning,” said Atlan.

    The jeans are available in standard sizing, in a full size run in two washes. They can be found online and in American Apparel stores now. The launch will begin with a high-waist, tapered leg blue jean for women, and a high-waist, cuffed jean short for women. The company has plans for additional washes and more styles, including a men’s heavy-weight denim jean. The jeans can be seen in high-resolution at AmericanApparel.net.

     

    SOURCE American Apparel

  • Polo Shirt Experts Speak out on What Makes a Good Polo

    Most men will admit that the polo shirt is the king of the closet.  In fact, in a recent Lands’ End survey of avid golfers from the Golf Digest database, over 80 percent (82.5%) of respondents said the polo shirt is the most versatile item in their closets and over 50 percent (52.7%) own more than 20 polo shirts.  With so many men turning to this style staple, it’s important that a polo shirt performs to every man’s expectations.

    “Building a high-quality polo shirt is something we’ve been doing at Lands’ End for roughly 30 years,” said J. Henley, Lands’ End men’s design director.  “We take great pride in designing our polo shirts to meet a man’s wardrobe needs. We believe men will instantly notice the improved construction and appearance of our new Original Mesh Polo.”

    The Best Polo We’ve Ever Made

    Quality is a key factor most men search for in a perfect polo shirt.  It’s no surprise that nearly every polo expert surveyed (95.8%) can tell the difference between a good-quality polo shirt and a poorly constructed polo shirt.  “Quality in the new Lands’ End men’s Original Mesh Polo starts with the fabric,” comments Henley.  “It was important for us to offer a heftier and softer cotton fabric than ever before, and this polo has the “feel” of a shirt that will look great and hold up wash after wash.”  However, experts say it’s more than just fabric that goes into making a great polo.  Nearly 95 percent (94.3%) of respondents claimed a curling collar was a polo problem of lesser-quality shirts.  The new Lands’ End polo promises a no-curl collar that will lie flat on its own or under a blazer after numerous trips through the wash.

    Chip, crack and break-resistant buttons, jersey-taped seams on the neck and shoulders for comfort and true tennis tails to help the hem stay tucked in round out all the improvements made in the new Lands’ End polo.  While nearly a quarter of the polo savvy shoppers (24.1%) expect to pay $50-$75 for a quality garment, the new Lands’ End Original Mesh Polo is the best polo on the market at $29.50.

    Wear it Here, There or Anywhere

    From the links, to the office, to the backyard – 81.9 percent of polo experts say the polo is the “go-to” shirt in the closet.  Knowing the polo goes virtually everywhere, color options (64.6%) and tailored or traditional fit options (38.9%) rank high.   Lands’ End gives men nearly 20 color options in both traditional and tailored fits so the business polo and the pleasure polo can have completely different looks.  It’s no wonder that over three-quarters (87.5%) of the surveyed experts consider the polo shirt the men’s equivalent to the “little black dress!”

    The Experts Don’t Lie – Other Fun Facts

    Whether the experts wear a polo shirt multiple times a week (51.4%), own a variety of polo shirts (44.5%) or buy a new polo shirt multiple times a year (17%), over three-quarters (76%) of the respondents considered themselves “polo experts.”  In fact, over half (52.7%) of survey respondents own more than 20 polo shirts!  On average these polo pros wear the versatile shirt 4-6 times a week.  Once these experts find a quality shirt that works, 67.2-percent say they will buy that brand and style over and over.

    Experts say the number one polo pet peeve is poor construction (98.9%), followed by curling collars (94.3%) and fading fabric after washing (89.5%).  Off the golf course, polos are most often worn by guys around town on the weekends (98.1%), followed closely by dinner engagements (94.9%).

     

    SOURCE Lands’ End

  • DJ D-Nice and Samantha Ronson named Official DJs for Hennessy Black

    Hennessy, the number one selling cognac in the world, announced its selection of world-renowned DJs, Samantha Ronson and D-Nice, as the ambassadors of the Hennessy Black Done Different DJ program.  Holding true to the nightlife spirit of Hennessy Black, this national DJ program was kicked off in a spectacular way at the Ultra Music Festival with D-Nice spinning mid-air in the night skies of Miami Beach as Ronson spun a hit music set below at the Fontainebleau.  Similar events will occur across the country as these DJs will combine their versatile styles with the Hennessy Black lifestyle of fun and distinctive flair to bring Hennessy Black “Done Different” experiences to additional key markets.

    “Hennessy Black’s mission to shake up their style by blending musical talents such as D-Nice and myself is a unique way of making their mark on the nightlife scene,” said Samantha Ronson.  “I’m excited to work with the brand to bring the Hennessy Black experience to the people across the country.”

    The DJs’ journey with the Hennessy brand began with an educational trip to Cognac, France in early March, where they learned about the distillation and aging processes of Hennessy Black.  Their visit allowed them to see, first hand, the art of how Hennessy is created – from the blending of the eaux-de-vie, to the creation of the barrels, showcasing how Hennessy is truly the master at blending the best the world has to offer.

    “We are thrilled to partner with these two prominent and well-respected musical talents,” said Andy Glaser, Senior Vice President of Business, Hennessy.  “Just as Hennessy is the master of blending the right mix of eaux-de-vie to make the perfect cognac, Samantha and D-Nice were chosen because of their ability to perfectly blend the right mix of music to create high-energy nightlife experiences.”

    Ronson and D-Nice’s selection comes on the heels of the Hennessy Black DJ Mixmasters program in 2010.   D-Nice joined DJ Vice and seven locally-based DJs to create a ‘Done Different’ atmosphere full of energy, mystery and intrigue at private events in New Jersey, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Philadelphia.  As ambassadors, they created high-energy moments by mixing music and their signature Hennessy Black cocktails for attendees.

     

    SOURCE: HENNESSY