Author: Alean “@TopModelWithBottles” Elston

  • Model Professionalism #modeltip #modeladvice

    It has come to my attention that a lot of models don’t understand that professionalism goes a long way in this business. Maybe its because, a lot don’t think of it as a business, but more so as something to do because they find it to be fun for them and love the attention and the way they look and feel in a photo-shoot. While all of that is fine, one must understand that it may be fun for you, but for others, its a business, lifestyle, and a way of supporting their families. You mess any of that up or you rub someone the wrong way, you can be sure that your fun career will not move and prevent you from moving forward.

     

    Here’s a list of 3 things that models do that industry insiders say can prevent them from working with that model again:

     

    Arriving Late to a Booking

    Personally, I think we can all understand that time is money, in any industry. But what I seem to see quite often are models who think that things revolve around their schedule… Let me be the first to let those of you who think this is the case know: YOU CAN BE REPLACED!!! Sure there are circumstances that may have held you up and prevented you from getting you there on time, but when you decide not to call anyone and let them know that you are running late. You are holding up the production and wasting money and possibly light (daylight) to get the job done! What will usually happen if you don’t call AHEAD of time when you are running late (and by that I mean, call when you know you are running late not when you are running late and its 5 minutes before you are supposed to be there) is that there will be another model willing and waiting in the wings who is available and will take your job. Then because they were such a lifesaver and time saver, they will be called upon for more gigs. Lesson: BE ON TIME and if your not, let somebody know ASAP!

     

    Having an attitude

    TUDE TUDE TUDE!!!!!! ATTI-TUDE that is… It says a lot about your work ethic, your personality, and your state of mind. One thing people must begin to master is the ability to control their attitude in what is often known as checking your emotions at the door. This is very important when on set, or backstage because to be frank, NOBODY CARES about whatever is bothering you!!! There is a task at hand that needs to be taken care of and you need to execute. If you want your bad attitude get in the way of that, or if it rubs someone the wrong way or if you just can’t seem to contain it. Don’t bother coming in. Bad attitude can effect everyone and no one (especially me) wants to be hanging around a dark cloud or negativity. I’ve seen plenty of girls be replaced simply because they couldn’t suck up their feeling about what happened outside of a photo-shoot or outside of a show and get down to business. Attitude is an emotion, and emotions are personal, and Personal issues can inhibit proper business. When you get an attitude remember the saying, “Nothing personal, just business” and get the job done.

     

    Talking bad about others

    NOBODY ASKED YOU!!! Well maybe somebody did ask you… but that doesn’t mean you have to spill the beans about everything that you didn’t like about the way they did things. This industry is very small. Especially if you are working in a particular area, and begin to advance in the industry. you will start to see that you will see some of the same people over and over again. All of those people talk and you don’t need to fuel any fire talking about another one of the members of the already small industry circle. When in doubt about discussing another photographer, MUA or stylist, just smile or look shocked and act like they are the best thing since sliced bread. lol! You never know who is related to who, or could be friends with the person they are asking you about.
    Stay tuned… next tip will about being professional in reaching out about modeling jobs!
    Stay pretty!
    Alean
  • Its The Weekend…Time to Sip Some “Tequila” with Ray Lavender – @DaRealRayL

    Its The Weekend…Time to Sip Some “Tequila” with Ray Lavender – @DaRealRayL

    So I came across this video today, Its pretty nice. Its about Tequila and aptly so, the name of the song is “Tequila” by Ray Lavender. Its a nice party song and I can see this hitting the clubs this spring and summer, especially for this weekend. If you are on the east coast like me you know the weather is going to be BEAUTIFUL! Celebrate it with some tequila. The song or the drink is your choice! What do you think of the song?

    Tweet me or Facebook me with your feedback!

  • 5 One-Piece Swimsuits that are Really CUTE! #swimwear #fashion

    I came across these suits today in my search for summer 🙂 I don’t know about you but I cant wait to hop in the pool, stroll down the beach, and just hang around some water in a cute swimsuit!

    I usually don’t wear one piece swimsuits, except for monokinis, but these one piece suits I’d definitely pick up, they aren’t overly sexy like some sliced up swimsuits I’ve seen and will flatter any shape. Check ’em out and let me know what you think!

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  • I need a new Place to Work…

    As some of you may know, if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook,  My favorite place to get work done is at Starbucks. I love the “caffinated” atmosphere, everyone sipping and getting work done. I think the smell of coffee also gets me motivated to do work too… but, I NEED A NEW PLACE TO WORK!!!

    and by that I don’t mean a job (but if you have any leads I’m perfect for please let me know!). I mean a new place in terms of location. Starbucks gives me what I need when I’m here but I cant keep spending $3 – $10 a day on this “crackk!” I wish there were some places where I can work that gives me the same atmosphere, free wifi, and great coffee drinks at a lower price!

    Please give me some suggestions!

    Places I’ve tried:
    Panera Bread
    Dunkin Donuts
    Barnes and Nobles
    Various Diners located close to me
  • Style Inspiration on a Budget: Christina Milian

    C. Milian Pretty in Pink!

    I came across this picture and I LOVE this look. I have no clue what labels she is wearing or how much it costs all I know is that I think she pulls off all of that pink without it looking like its too much. And in case you didn’t know, PINK is one of my FAVORITE colors. I think Christina is giving off a Barbie vibe without it looking too teenie bopperish, well done Christina!

    So looking at her look, I decided to put together an online look that I would purchase in order to come close to this look.

    The Deets:

    Crop top – American Apparel – $22.00 (this color featured is Mossy Green)

    Jeans – dELiAs – $14.99

    Dangling Crescent Necklace – Forever 21 – $6.80

    The reason why I added a necklace to this look is because, Christina has pretty embellishments on her shirt. the AA shirt comes super plain. If your are handy with a needle and thread or even some hardware and a glue gun, get to work and create a shirt similar to hers. But if your a little pressed for time and maybe a bit lazy (lol) opt for a bib necklace to jazz this look up.

    Hope you enjoy my take on this. Tell me how you would do this or change it up.

    Stay beautiful!

    @CompleteBeauty

  • Makeup Artists at fashion shows and photoshoots #modeltip #modeladvice [VIDEO]

    Makeup Artists at fashion shows and photoshoots #modeltip #modeladvice [VIDEO]

    Backstage behind the scenes of a fashion show can be very exciting and nerve racking, especially if it is your first professional show. You want to make sure you look your best when out there in the spotlight. Here is my tip for selecting the right makeup artist to work on your face when you are backstage at a show or you are about to do a shoot. Let me know what you think! and be sure to share this #modeltip!

    Follow me on Twitter! – @CompleteBeauty

  • 3 Reasons Why You Didn’t Book That Modeling Gig #modeltip #modeladvice

    1. You showed up to the casting all types of wrong!

    If you wore any of the looks that Tyra is wearing in the above picture, THAT’S WHY YOU DIDN’T GET THE GIG! Let’s go down the line here…

    • If you are attending a swimwear casting, you need to wear a SOLID color bikini under your clothes(preferably in all black or white, stay away from neon colors, stripes and patterns and flashy embellishments), just in case there isn’t anywhere to change. One piece swimsuits or Monokinis don’t really show your shape, they can hide your shape, body flaws and in some cases make you appear worse. And leave the huge hoop earrings and Hater blockaz (huge sunglasses) in your purse, don’t wear them to the casting.
    • Wearing a ton of accessories is a NO NO when it comes to castings. Keep everything to the absolute minimum. Colorful necklaces, huge costume jewelry, and kiddie cute headbands, please leave that stuff at home.
    • Wearing a bad lace-front wig or a hair color that has no business being matched to you for your skin tone. Do I really need to go into details about this one?

    and…

    Did you wear all of the make up you own to the casting, complete with hot pink eye-shadow and lipstick, and lashes that make you look like a puppet? Casting agents don’t want to the “All Made Up” you, they want to see the natural beauty that you really are. Castings are meant for the decision makers to see what they’ll have to work with from scratch, they’ll make you over to what they want you to look like. The most amount of makeup you should be wearing is a light application of concealer to cover up problem spots (or a sheer application of foundation all over your face), mascara, and a neutral lip gloss.

     

    2. Your portfolio/comp-card is wack or non-existent

    I hope this makes since and I’m going to state the obvious here…

    IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PORTFOLIO TO SHOW WHAT YOU CAN DO, YOUR CHANCES OF BEING BOOKED ARE SLIM TO NONE!!!

    In the words of Iman, “If you want to survive as a model, you have to be a good businesswoman and understand that your pictures are your currency.” Loosely interpreted, if your pictures aren’t on point, or they don’t exist, you don’t have anything to use to help further your career and make you money! It takes money to make money people! Invest yours in QUALITY photography (stay away from Guys with cameras aka “GWCs” who just want to see you for reasons other than professional ones and take a bunch of “booty” flicks) and watch your return increase. Another note to this: GET YOUR PICTURES PRINTED! I cant tell you how many models I have met that have said, “You can see my port on model mayhem, or on “abc dot com” here’s my account number.” If they wanted to select you based off your pictures on a website, they would have done so! When you meet someone in person, especially at a casting it is expected that you leave something behind (a comp-card or a picture from your port with your info on the back). If you have nothing to leave behind, guess what? You won’t have to worry about getting booked! Be a professional and get your pictures in a portfolio book and make sure you have various looks please!

    A rule of thumb I use when selecting photographers: If their portfolio of work doesn’t look like something that should be in a magazine, I will not work with them. Also, if they are new photographers I’ll consider working with them considering they have grasped certain concepts. i.e. lighting and not cutting off vital limbs and great photo elements to a shot.

     

    3. You’re all tatted up!

    I know I know, you know plenty of models with tattoos that are working, and blah blah blah.

    Well, I have been to castings and on jobs where models have lost the gig SOLELY because they had tattoos that they didn’t/couldn’t/wouldn’t cover up. Granted that tattoo of Winnie the Pooh on your shoulder blade might look cute to you, but to a fashion designer and her strapless or backless gown, they wont find it as the right complement to their look and thus can result in you not getting booked. Best way to get around this in case you do have tattoos is to invest in Dermablend. Its a brand of makeup that can cover up tattoos and large scars very well. Get in the habit of applying it if you don’t want to be turned down for jobs!

     

    Are there any reasons why you have been turned down for modeling jobs? Let me know, comment below or tweet me with the #modeltip hashtag. 3 MORE reasons will be coming soon!

  • #nailgame – My Experience with Sephora by OPI Trend Tips

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    These are the new stick on nail strips available at Sephora in “SNAKE SKIN.” I tried these this weekend on a night out with the girls and they started chipping that same day! I put them on according to the directions and they looked good, but not worth the $12. I paid $5 for mine and thank goodness I caught these on sale, cause if I would have paid more for these, I’d be back at the store looking for a refund! Granted these look way nicer that Sally Hansen products but at least hers stay for a few days! Smh

    Have you tried these? Did you have the same experience or a better one? Share!

  • I just missed you…Return to sender #life

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    I just got this in the mail today…

    “Return to sender… Unable to forward.”

    There is a reason for that… See, I sent this get well card to a co-worker of mine that was sick in the hospital. The day after I sent it, she had passed.

    She never got my well wishes and thoughts of encouragement. I can’t help but to think, if she had gotten this, would this have brightened her spirits and maybe set her on the path of getting better? Or, I should have sent this last week then things would be different.

    Getting this in the mail today just reminded me that she really is gone and I never got to speak with her one last time. Sigh

    I’ll just keep with me the memories and hope my well wishes, appreciation, and prayers are felt.

  • [VIDEO] Dude from the NY Subway Video singing “N*ggaz in Paris” Speaks out! #hilarious

    Terrane Hicks, Self proclaimed “Spokesperson of the CRAY movement, #TEAMCRAY!” Claims Jay-Z and Kanye owe him money for making the song HOT!!! 50 Grand to be exact…

    …and yes this dude is serious. I couldn’t stop laughing when I watched this video. Listen to the interviewer hold back her laughs from this fool! lol NY dudes, I love ya’ll and but he is definitely CRAY!! Check out the interview with DJ Vlad TV:

    Here’s his claim to the “50 grand” that Jay and Yeezy need to pay him…

    If you were Jay and Yeezy would you say to this dude?!