David Gandy @OHMYGANDY - Model Crush Monday!

You know that face and those eyes, and chances are you are quite used to seeing the number one male supermodel David Gandy in little more than underwear.  Who hasn’t lingered on the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue perfume ads?  David has fronted those campaigns for a decade already, and D&G even created a coffee table book on all things David Gandy.  The most successful and famous British male supermodel ever, 36 year old, 6’3” Gandy has redefined the “look” of male models with his extremely fit physique.

Known for his personal fashion style, Gandy has been named many times over an “International Style Icon” around the world.   He designs a massively successful men's collection for Marks & Spencer, and has sat on panels and councils for fashion industry events and discussions. 

David regularly writes a blog for Vogue magazine discussing fashion, antiques, automobiles, and London life. With a racing license to his credit, he also reviews cars for GQ Magazine.  He began a film production company after appearing in several short films, and Jennifer Lopez’s “First Love” video.   With a keen business sense, he has created a ‘brand” unlike any other male model in the past. 

So - international man of style, fitness guru with his own fashion and fitness apps, books dedicated to all things Gandy, a passion for fast cars and boats, fashion design, film production and a dedication to charitable causes, David Gandy is so much more than those amazing blue eyes and that incredible physique. And yes, he looks great in a tux and with his British accent ...  we vote for David Gandy to be the next James Bond! Follow his links to see more of this renaissance man in all his glory.  You’re welcome.  

David Gandy’s links:

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DGandyOfficial

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/davidgandy_official/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDavidGandy

Style app:   http://www.davidgandystyleguide.com/about.html

Fitness app:  http://www.davidgandyfitness.com/

#male supermodel  #David Gandy #Dolce et Gabbana #male models #fashion  #model industry #men’s style #male fashion icons #supermodels #ohmygandy

Izabel Goulart - Model Crush Monday !

Braziliain born, Izabel Goulart is our Model crush this Monday!  Izabel is best known for her work as a Victoria Secret Model but she is so much more than that!  

Izabel is a girl that can walk the runway and also appears on covers and editorials for the biggest magazines and designers on the planet.  She travels in supermodel style and shows us all on her amazing Instagram feed how to live a happy, healthy life as a model.  Just try and stop watching her workouts clips - and then take yourself right back to the gym and try to get her model body - this woman earns it!  She is known just as equally for her gorgeous hair and contagious smile - glamour on fleek!

How she got her start? A hairstylist suggested she should become a model at age 14, while shopping for groceries with her mom. Goulart, whose brother has type 1 diabetes, does charitable work, helping hospitals in her native Brazil to raise money to provide free insulin for diabetic children in need. A beauty with a big heart!

PREPPING FOR YOUR PHOTO SHOOT

It is a model’s obligation to arrive prepped and ready to go for every booking and photo shoot, from hair, skin and nails, to mental attitude. It's

the true sign of a professional model. 

Don't leave things until the night before the shoot but maintain your beauty routine at all times so you are ready to go when the agency calls to say  “you’re booked!”.

• I recommend shaving fuzz and fine hairs from arms and face. To learn about this technique check out a previous post Women's facial shaving {Here}. If waxing do so at least two days before any shoot and really moisturize your body skin, to avoid redness

• Avoid alcohol the night before so you don’t have a puffy face that goes for any salty foods too

• Never try a new product the day before a shoot in case you have a reaction to it! Trust me!  This happened to me from a facemask and I had to shoot a jewelry campaign the next day! Not good.

• Wash your hair the night before, not the morning of a shoot.  Hair stylists prefer hair slightly dirty as it holds product and style better.  That does not mean having any product already in your hair, or greasy hair.

• Make sure your haircut, hair color, and hair condition are maintained regularly so you don’t arrive on set with a birds nest for the stylist to deal with

• Make sure you have clean nails and no colored nail polish and that includes your toes

• Get a good night’s sleep – woe to the model who parties all night and thinks she can pull off a great booking in the morning – no one is that beautiful – or irreplaceable

• Pack your bag the night before with nude lingerie including a nude thong, bring your toothpaste/toothbrush, and don't forget energy bars, water, and your phone charger. Even if you are arriving with clean face because a make up artist is booked, always bring the basics - foundation, powder, mascara ... Once I went to an early morning booking and the makeup artist was deathly ill and couldn't make it to the shoot and it the location was far from town in the middle of no-where. Thankfully I had enough to makeup with me to make the job still happen for everyone.

• Check the call sheet for any other specific things they might ask you to bring - always bring 2 choices if clothing or shoe requests

• Eat breakfast!  Do not starve!  Models who don’t eat before a shoot because they want a super flat stomach or are just nervous, are fooling themselves.  They have no sustainable energy to last through the shoot and clients and the creative team never have patience for low energy from the model.  Eating a normal breakfast will not be an issue by the time you are shooting, after hair and makeup.

• Arrive with a clean, moisturized face, without any makeup - sometimes this appears on the call sheet as "clean - clean"  (clean hair, clean face, clean nails

• Sometimes it will be written on the call sheet "arrive bikini ready" - that means waxed and without any fake tan streaks

Being prepared is in your own best interest in helping create beautiful images which can get you re-booked in the future.  Never assume that the photographer or client will be willing to retouch your roots, shaving stubble or lack of proper hair removal maintenance, ragged nails or cuticles, or the dark circles under your eyes from lack of sleep.  The makeup artist and hair stylist are there to enhance your look and are not there for your beauty upkeep.

  

My first agent told every model to always arrive fifteen minutes before your call time in case you are lost or can't find the location, or need to use the washroom, or whatever.  When you arrive on set, greet everyone, be respectful, polite, and engaging.  Always ask the protocol regarding social media, selfies on set, and posting.  The booking is not about you but about the client and the project, so be professional.  It's business.  When the shoot is finished, thank everyone on set before you leave.  Remember: today's assistant stylist, editor or photography assistant could be tomorrow's client! Have a great booking!

Best Halo Type Extensions Review Comparison - Model's cheat for Good Hair!

Modeling requires good hair! 

The secret ... Hidden Crown Extensions.

So many models, actresses and celebrities wear hair extensions, and the reason I love Hidden Crown Hair Extensions is because they go in less than a minute and do not damage your hair because there are no clips, no glue and no tape. The weight of your own hair pulled over top keeps them securely in place. 

Not only are these extensions by far the easiest to use ... they are the safest and per gram the least expensive. 100% real REMY human hair. Plus they are double drawn ... very Few companies offer this type of hair! It means that the hair is as thick at the top as it is at the ends. Hair as it grows gets thinner at the ends, but when wearing extensions you want the fullest and thickest hair possible. Hidden Crown is it and I wear mine for all my modeling shoots like this picture above. Color #2, darkest brown.

Long. Longer. Longest

12 inch, 16 inch, 20 inch Hidden Crown Hair

Color #60 - platinum blonde

POSING LIKE A MODEL - HOW TO TAKE GREAT PICTURES FOR THE RED CARPET - PROM - WEDDINGS - INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK

Shelley Goodstein & Dr Kevin Pounds

I've had my share of red carpet photo ops. Being a model certainly helps when it comes to knowing how to pose year after year. So I thought I'd share a few tricks I've learned for perfect red carpet moments.  Besides sucking it in and good posture, here's how to pull off a perfect pic!

The Classic.

This is your fail safe, go-to pose. Turn to an angle, one foot in front of the other - one leg bent and one hand on the hip! This might be the absolute, most photographed pose of ALL time. Definitely flattering for any "booty"!

Kim Kardashian - photo credit: Getty image

Cross your legs. 

Yes, imagine you are in need of a bathroom and VOILA you have the super slimming forward facing pose. 

Emily Ratajkowski - Photo credit : HuffingtonPost.com

Unladylike - Legs apart.
 JLow repeats this pose often and may be one of the few that can get away with it. Keep in mind this pose is only flattering from the right angle though HINT: Always know where the camera is. Your legs appear slimmer because of the space between. Point your front foot. 

Jennifer Lopez - Photo credit: Grammy.com

The BFF pose

Let's face it, life and photos are always better with your bestie by your side. Plus if you're the "smarter" friend, you'll cheat yourself a little behind to hide a little extra-whatever. This pose always works well as long as you both don't have the same "better" side!

Madison Reed and Victoria Justice - Photo credit : Wire Image 

Twice as nice. Double bent arms.
For this you need the perfect dress and the confidence of a warrior princess or Greek goddess! 

Taylor Swift from Grammys.com


Working the crowd - Air KISS pose

Adrianna Lim - photo credit: Wire image


Using a Prop - Polly Pocket Style

Katy Perry/Rosie Huntington Whitely - Photos: Hollywood Gossip




Avoid a seated pose - standing will always look more flattering ... unless of course you are half naked with this crew at a bonfire in Puerto Rico!

Photo credit: Victoria Secret 

Shelley Goodstein for Arizona Midday July 9. 2014 - Sea Inspired Summer Beauty

Click to view video {HERE}

Have I told you about how much I love the beach? Well yesterday I was able to share some of summer's beauty innovations inspired by, you guessed it ... the sea! Thank you Arizona Midday for letting me channel some of the best elements of the ocean from these must have beauty trends of the season.

Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow ($19)

Jane Iredale Mystikol eyeliner/highlighter ($20)

Water based aqua cream from Amarte ($93)

Amarte Aqua Beil Pure Hydration Serum ($57)

Sebamed Clear Face Deep Cleansing Facial Toner ($14.99)

Sebamed Cleansing Shower Oil ($13.95)

Cool Water Aqua Fragrances

Supersmile Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste ($21)

Supersmile crystal collection toothbrushes ($15)

How to be a model: It should cost you NOTHING! FREE tips

I have been represented by some of the top modeling agencies in Miami, Chicago, and currently work with the prestigious Ford Agency and internationally with Silver Agency in Paris, and one thing I know for sure is that it should cost you NOTHING to break into the modeling business or to sign with an agency. Truly the only thing you need is a digital picture in great light, which is FREE assuming you at least know anyone with a smart phone.

The reason no-one will tell you this is because this is how people make money. Modeling conventions, modeling schools, workshops, conventions .... Don't get me wrong advice about what to do and how to look your best is all good, but the truth be told -most girls that get signed with an agency that have been "schooled" are told to forget about almost everything they learned.

Getting agency representation is the first step to becoming a model and any agency will tell you that they do not require their new models to show up with a professional portfolio on day one. In fact, if they sign you, most agencies will want you to work with a few particular photographers and groom your look to a specific market. Many girls I know spend a small fortune on sub-par photographs that the agency immediately takes out of their books. It is better to have 3 great, strong photos than 20 so-so photographs. One thing I have learned over the years is that a client will remember you by your best and your worst photo. You never want to let them see anything less than great! A first impression in this business is a lasting one.

Study the agency or company website you want to be represented by and find out what it is they require and give them exactly what they are asking for. This is not the time to try to be clever. Again, give them EXACTLY what they are asking for. 

Many agencies may also have an open call day or some may have online submission. Below is Ford Model's submission guidelines and you will notice that they specifically ask you NOT to submit professional photos, NOT to wear makeup and NOT to pose.

Agencies are looking for that "IT" factor. Yes you must be 5'9", you must be thin - but just as important is your personality, energy and spirit - they are looking for diversity, not a cookie cutter mold of measurements.

The most critical warning I can share with you is that you must prepare yourself for rejection. As a wanna be model, or working model, this goes with the job. I have not gotten jobs because I am both too tall or too short, because I have blue eyes or simply because they really wanted a blonde. Once I was booked for a job with a very dark black girl and the art director was upset that I looked so "fair" next to her and proceeded to direct the makeup artist to make me appear darker. We were already on location and the makeup artist only had some brown eye shadow with her so she proceeded to try to paint it on my face. It was humiliating. Rejection is a never ending part of the model experience so you must expect it and prepare to learn how to handle it. If one agency turns you down, try another. And never sign with an agency that wants to charge you money for classes or photos first.

There are many examples of famous models who were initially turned down for representation. Tyra Banks was rejected by many Los Angeles agencies before landing at Elite. Gisele Bundchen has reported that she was turned down by 42 agents before she was 17. Both of these women have appeared on countless magazine covers and runways around the world, earning them SUPER-model status.

People of all races, ages and backgrounds can become a model. Some make alot of money and others do it to have fun, but one thing is for sure - it shouldn't cost you a penny to try!! Check in with me here at A Model's Secrets for more advice on how to become a model and tips I have learned behind the scenes. Check out my post about How to MOVE like a model for a photo {HERE}

XO

Shelley

How to look like a Victoria Secret Fashion Show Model - 2013 video peek

Makeup by Margarita Potts 

Every woman has a little secret ... above is a photo from my own inner angel transformation last month.  

In just a few weeks, on Dec 10, the  2013 Victoria Secret Fashion Show that just taped a few days ago will air on CBS. I always look forward to watching because it motivates me to stand taller, wear heels, eat better and try harder with my own beauty regime. 

Here's a video of the Victoria Secret Fashion Show:

Don't be too hard on yourself ... these girls have advantages beyond good genes to looking this wonderful: stylists, professional makeup artists,  extra hair, and perfect lighting! There's a reason their call time is 9am for an 8pm show! It takes alot of effort to look that good! 

Here's a few of their tricks: 

HAIR

What you might not realize is that most of the Victoria Secret models are wearing hair extensions. Models' hair is typically damaged from the constant products and styling required for multiple photo shoots and appearances. Watch this video to see how they are matching up extensions for one of the models, at minute 7:08 to 7:30. Most of us don't have stylist to help us every day so read on to learn about a new design hair extension that anyone can put on themselves in less than 30 seconds.

The best human hair in extensions to buy is REMY hair, it is 100% real and cuticle correct meaning the cuticles all lay in the same direction which makes it soft, silky and less apt to tangle. Because it's REAL hair, you can color it for a perfect match to your own, but a word of advice - because this hair is already processed you do not want to lighten, only deposit color. Lowlights, toner or all over color. Unless you can find a perfect match I suggest taking it to your stylist to color for you. Here's a photo from theFashionspot.com's backstage photos pass just to give you an idea of how many extensions are used in the show: 

Real hair is also measured by weight. For my own hair which is long, somewhat fine but lots of it, I find that 120 grams is the right amount to add fullness and body.

Clip in extensions are great, but they can damage your own hair sometimes and the tracks can be hard to hide so people might notice.

My favorite hair extension design is called Hidden Crown halo style hair extensions and it is literally a whole set of extensions on a transparent wire which requires no glue, no clips and gives no damage to your own hair. It literally takes less than a minute to put on and you just pull your own hair over top to hold it in. You can shake your head up and down - side to side, and it doesn't come off!

Here I am getting glammed up with my Hidden Crown Hair extensions prior to my own Victoria Secret-esque shoot. Order yours at www.hiddencrown.com

Photos by Zara Ashby

BRONZED SKIN

Victoria Secret runway girls and women in athletic competitions always get a tan on before competing. A tan will automatically make you look a bit thinner

Of course nothing can replace regular workouts at the gym and a healthy diet, but you can fake more muscle tone by applying tanner or bronzer strategically in areas that you want to define.

The trick is doing it in 2 steps. First an all over color and then a second layer or contour bronzer. For the second step you will want to add deeper color to the sides of your stomach - this is to make the love handles disappear. (Use this same concept for slimmer thighs) Then flex your muscles and make a line down the center of your abs and finish with horizontal lines to define your muscle tone.

My favorite self tanners are St Tropez and Phenomenal by Vita Liberata (the world's first 2-3 week tan!), for bronzer use Lorac's Tantalizer - especially wonderful to add some shine down the front of your shins.

PERFECT LIGHT

We don't always have control over this, but one thing that makeup artists always make sure to do is add highlights to our face with light reflecting products, often using 2 different colors of foundation to contour the face. 

FULLER LIPS

To perfect a  fuller pouty lip, draw a line straight across your cupid's bow in a pinky tone just a tad darker than your own lip color before adding your favorite lipstick - finish with a dab of gloss in the center. I have no idea why, but this trick gives an optical illusion of bigger more kissable lips!

DE-BLOAT

Strictly limit sodium. and drink lots of water to flush out toxins. 
Eating can be as simple as fruits and vegetables as long as you stay clear from gassy veggies like broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower. And avoid dairy and starches. Read a few more in depth tips on how to de-bloat {HERE}

SKIP the GYM 

One thing every one of these Victoria Secrets girls' will tell you is that they work out every. single. day. But models don't hit it hard core, many do Pilates, yoga and jogging. They tone, and watch what they eat so their weight doesn't fluctuate. 

If you're headed to the beach in your bikini and want your thighs to look their thinnest, skip the heavy weights the day before. Hitting the iron too hard can make lactic acid build up and make your muscles temporarily swell. 

How to Pose to Look Skinny in photos for Great Pictures!

If you look at the photo above taken on my 49th birthday last week,  you are probably saying to yourself ...

"Well, I already have that skinny arm on the hip trick mastered, is that all you got?"

However, as obvious as this one seems, many women are still not using this pose to their advantage!

I am often asked by magazines for quotes about the tips and tricks of posing for better photos, and there's a lot that goes into getting a perfect photo, the lighting, the makeup, the styling. I'll be doing more televised segments about all these, but yesterday I got the chance to talk about the importance of posing for Arizona Midday - take a look here:

The skinny arm on the hip trick is completely overused on the red carpet because it does incredible things for women ... smaller waist, longer legs and creates curves. It's best if you choose the arm closet to the lens of the camera for this trick and remember to lower your shoulder. However, if you don't want to look like a teapot in all your photos, you can get the same effect if you understand why this pose works.

The basic cheat being used here isn't the hand on the hip, it's the bent elbow and separation of the body and arm, that makes this work. If must have light between or the width of your arms next to your body will make you look bigger than you actually are! You don't have to over-exaggerate it every time to get the benefit of this trick. Simply put a slight bend to your elbow and pull your arms away from your body. Or hold on to something, a purse, a drink, a  pocket .... It will make a massive difference in your pictures.

Placement of the hands is key. A model rarely shows the back of her hands. The reason? They aren't pretty and they look big. The sides are much prettier and dainty. Secondly, never clump your fingers together, instead let fingers relax and be apart.

One of the biggest mistakes women do is place their hands lower than they should when working this pose. If you do, the part of your body you will draw attention to is your hips, the widest area of your body. Instead cheat the hands up a little higher on your waist and this will give you the illusion of longer legs ... Nothing wrong with that!

Most of the time you will want to keep the weight of your body on your back foot, however if you need to fake some curves you can do what I did in the top photo and keep your weight on your front leg instead or try popping your hip toward the camera.

The other important thing to do when standing for a photo is to angle your body to the camera. We must create the angle, because the lens of the camera will flatten you out to a 2D version of yourself and make you look wider than you are if you don't! So angle yourself to the lens of the camera pointed at you. The worst thing you can do is stand front and center to the lens. This is why people say the camera adds 10 pounds. Face the camera and place your hips and feet at a 2 or 10 o'clock position to it. Then create a smaller waistline by turning your face to the lens, twisting yourself without moving your feet. Ahaha - instantly you have created a slimmer waistline too!

Practice. Practice. Practice. The mirror is your best friend and a perfect tool to teach you how to develop your own signature pose. Like I said in this video, if you try to emulate Taylor Swift's cross legged go to pose without checking yourself first, you may just end up taking a photo that looks more like you have to pee your pants instead of a young goddess with long legs.

Finally, with social media and sites like Instagram and Facebook, it's nearly impossible to get out of taking a group shot now and then, assuming you have a life outside of the world wide web. To get your best group shots just keep in mind that anything closest to the camera will look the biggest. If this happens to be you, just take a step back or hide a part of you behind the person next to you. And never get sandwiched between two people and let your arms flatten next to your body. Just remember the tips above and try to work in a slight angle and to keep some space between your body and arm for great pics on girls night out!

So many pictures, so little time ...  Hope this helps!

XO 

Shelley

Dress like a Model - her Off-duty Uniform

I love seeing the online shows during Fashion Week in New York, Paris and Milan, but as a model I am secretly inspired more so by the photos of the models off-duty in their street looks, than on the catwalk in designer couture. During Fashion Week a model's influence seems to be greater on the street with the paparazzi following their every move outside the shows.

Yes, models are typically skinny, but many of them do not wear skin tight clothes. On the catwalk, models wear the most luxurious, expensive and newest designs, but it's the model's off-duty, street style that we covet most. Here are some photos of models in what I call the standard model uniform. To understand their choices you must keep in mind that they live a jet set life with early morning calls, running around town for go-sees, late night fittings and endless hours in front of the cameras often working in stilettos. It's no wonder that when they have down time they reach  for easy, comfortable pieces that always work with other and ooze a "I wasn't even trying hard" attitude, smothered in style.

Hands down the model uniform in NYC is always black and denim but in Miami you will see color paired with cute sundresses and shorts. L.A. models often have that laid back, eclectic almost vintage, vibe going on. One thing is certain, models create a certain msytique about themselves in a way that makes us want to know more. Here are some of a model's secret weapons when she is off-duty:

Hanneli Mustaparta

1. The basic model color is black of course because it goes with everything including itself for a monochromatic look, but when color is introduced you will notice that it is usually white, gray, ivory, camel, denim or a small splash accent.


2. Models keep it simple. Nothing fussy like ruffles. Always clean lines, nothing busy.


3. Jeans and a white tank, simple cardigan sweater or black leather jacket.

Isabel Goulart

4.  No overpowering jewelry.


5. Clothes fit. Models learn that fit, fabric and style are key. Off the runway you rarely find a model dressed trashy because even though she is skinny and could wear anything, she has learned that it is far more sexy to look and feel the fabric move over her body, flowing in the wind. You may think wearing baggy clothes to cover your bottom is hiding it but it is really drawing more attention and making it stand out.

Iman Chanel

7. Vintage. If you have something from a great designer keep it and recycle it by altering it to transform it for your own style. This goes for anything you love in your closet that you haven't worn for awhile.


8. Experiment. A model takes chances by making a statement with her clothing choices. If you are standing up straight with confidence, no one will question what you're wearing.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

9. Fresh Face. Makeup is natural. Concealer, mascara, gloss and go!


10. Flat boots. Perfect for over arched feet posing in heels all day long. Models tuck jeans and leggings in them or wear them with black tights and a short skirt.

Jourdan Dunn

11. A Large Tote. Have you ever notice how when you carry a larger bag it makes you look smaller? Plus it can carry everything needed for your next casting!


There are times when random strangers have asked me if I am a model, which got me to thinking .... What is it that gives someone that "model look"? I have modeled on and off my whole life, on hold at times for marriages, kids, careers and other interests, but I have always held out that modeling bend and I think it shows!


Last year I was in New York City where high fashion models live and walk the streets everywhere. While trying to get to my friend's house on Long Island, there was a wind storm that ripped down trees blocking the road to her house. So I parked my car and got out to walk when a fireman made his way to me asking where I was going and "ahem, are you a model?" I know you think he just wanted my number, but I was wearing my wedding ring and so was he, making me think he was legit! I had just finished a big modeling job in the city that week and was definitely feeling that NYC model thing inside me and looking the part. I had little makeup on and my hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, wearing a short white tank style dress that fit perfectly.


All models have a signature style based around their best feature. Mine have always been my legs, so of course my dress was short, and with some cork heeled sandals I looked like I had legs for days ... definitely a model-ly look for sure. I was still wearing the confidence of my big job in the city and it was obviously shining through! Everyone should know what it is you love best about your body and make every outfit revolve around that, not being afraid to show it off. When you carry yourself with confidence it begs asking the question "who are YOU?" because you vibrate at a different frequency and people can't help but notice!


Whatever else you are in life, you can still manage to look like a model if you want to. And to prove it, here is Karolina Kurkova, the Czech Victoria Secret supermodel, on mom duty. She is still a model trendsetter in these flared jeans, while she walks with her son Tobin.

Source:Modeloffduty

Determining what to wear every day is a challenge we all face, but if you want to look like a model take her cues and invest in basic, well-fitting, key pieces that you can wear with everything. It's extremely important to stay true to your personality when finding your signature style. And whenever you walk, even if it's not on a runway, stand tall with  an inner confidence and the aura of a Supermodel....you just might get a tap on your shoulder by a stranger asking you "Are you a model?" because you can see that it's not about expensive designer clothing, it's about the girl wearing a well put together, stylish look. No fidgeting allowed!

Check out my post on {How to Pack and Travel in Style Like Models Do!}