Sweet Like Candy - Not A Model Contributor Post

Looking to brighten up your wardrobe? Below is another Not A Model contributor post from Katie. She usually hits us with the best recipe blogs but she also has an affinity for writing some great fashion posts. Enjoy! 

By: Katie Mills

Neon was a mega trend last year which made a statement that screamed the bolder, the better. Even though its made a lasting impression for another season, their lighter shaded sister is starting to pop up everywhere. Seen on the runways at Tibi, 3.1 Philip Lim, Diane von Furstenberg and Preen, just to name a few, these sweet sorbet hues are sweeping in to steal the spotlight for the warmer months. What's great about pastels is that if you're not usually one to wear colour (and you thought neons took it way too far), these lighter pigments are a subtle way to inject life into your monochromatic wardrobe. Regardless of whether you incorporate pastels into your full on look or just add a splash by way of accessories, these candy coloured shades are sure to keep you looking sweet.

1. J Brand 835 Mid-Rise Capri - $169

2. Madewell true love shrunken oxford - $59.50

3. Zara platform sandal - $99.90

4. Topshop dropped back sleeveless shirt - $47

5. Alice + Olivia Cady cuff shorts - $169.87

6. Zara geometric panel necklace - $25.90

7. ASOS pastel skinny belt - $10.97

8. Wilfred Sabine dress - $165

9. ASOS pyramid metal tip clutch - $27.41

10. Aldo Shurkus pump - $90

Greta Constantine & Elle Canada

Last week I won a contest on Twitter to sit with ELLE Canada and watch the Fall 2012 Greta Constantine show at the Arcadian Loft in Toronto.

When I found out that I won, I felt a twinge of panic.

While I've been to fashion shows in the past, this time I was going to be sitting front row with professional editorial people. Cue a cliched pop culture reference to Anne Hathaway and her hideous skirt convention. 

Beyond my nerves, I was excited. I met Alannah from ELLE at the event and I no longer felt out of place. Let it be known that she is the friendliest, most down-to-earth, anti-mean girl fashion editor on the planet. 

The Fall 2012 Greta Constantine show didn't disappoint with its collection of crystallized gloves, wide cinched leather belts, exposed backs and slinky, draped dresses. I especially liked the one-piece monochromatic jumpsuits and strategically placed chunky knits that were never frumpy.

At the end of the show we went to backstage mayhem where I was introduced to Kirk and Stephen as "the girl who won the contest" and boy did my face turn red. So thank you ELLE Canada, Greta Constantine and Alannah, I'm ready for my next show!

See below for my photos from the front row. [Credit below: myself, Above credit: Stoli Canada, Jalani Morgan] 

The Heart Truth

My grandmother Maria died from a stroke at the age of 57.

My mother was just 25 years old and I was a newborn baby. As I near closer to my 25th birthday, the thought of losing my own mother to heart disease does not seem like a real possibility. When I think of heart problems, I conjure up images of stressed out men in suits clutching their chests like in a dramatic scene from a movie. I don't think about young mothers, warm grandmothers or women at all. Nothing could be further from the truth. Heart disease and stroke is actually the #1 killer of women in Canada.

As yesterday was International Women's Day, I had the opportunity to attend the Heart Truth Fashion show in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. The show was tons of fun and featured many inspirational Canadian women such as Divine Brown, Lisa Ray, Jessi Cruickshank and Shannon Tweed-Simmons (to name a few) who strutted down the runway in a complete "non-model" way. Translation: tons of smiling.

After the show, I had the chance to talk with singer and song writer Divine Brown. I asked her what advice she would give young women today. She said, "Take care of yourself. The healthy choices that you make today will always be on your side. Stay focused and don't be afraid to take chances with your dreams."

After the show, the first thing I did was call my mom. Today, I start thinking about the little changes that I could make to strengthen both my heart and my health.

Below are some snippets from the show. Enjoy 

Not A Model Photo Diary - In my place

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I made my Shawshank escape from the suburbs to the city. This little apartment in the sky has become home and with only a couple of months left on the lease, I'm starting to get nostalgic.

Despite snuggling into my new place rather quickly, I never really made my room special or decorated it properly. We aren't allowed to paint or drill holes anywhere, so I never really took the opportunity to get creative. On the other hand, my roommate Farah's room looks like a boutique hotel complete with crystal lamps, framed artwork and a desk she created with her own hands. I always say that she could have a bright future as an interior decorator and I will gladly sign up as one of her first clients. 

So check out a long overdue Not A Model photo diary. It seems since I switched over to an I-phone, I don't take as many pictures with my SLR camera. It's easy to add a photo to Instagram, but picking up my camera made me realize how much I missed shooting.

Enjoy!

Not A Model Contributor Post - Standards of Beauty

By: Vanessa Grillone

I came across these pictures on WeHeartIt.com the other day and they really got me thinking. What do you need to look like in order to be considered beautiful? I agree with the second photo, every body is beautiful.

But what is acceptable?

Coming from an Italian and Portuguese background, I am considered to be “too skinny” by my family members. To other people I am seen as “normal”. To my doctor I am seen as “healthy”, given my height and weight measurements. Personally, I am comfortable in my own skin and really, isn’t that what matters most? Would I like to be a little more curvaceous? Yes, I would. It would be nice to look more like a woman instead of a 14-year-old girl that hasn’t fully developed, but hey c’est la vie! Beauty isn't about how much you weigh or what you see on T.V. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin, being healthy, and being confident.

Beauty is how you see yourself. Beauty is loving yourself.

Not A Model mantra - The reminder

When was the last time you checked in with yourself to find out what drives you forward?

For me, it took a week away from my daily routine to remind myself. Spending time with my family, writing, reading, listening to music, submerging myself in salt water and letting the sunshine kiss my skin are all little things that bring me the most happiness. While I can't always escape on a vacation on a weekly basis, sometimes all it takes is some reflection before a big week to really connect with yourself and think of the moments when you feel most at ease.

As I prepare to get back to the daily grind, I read this to remind me. Enjoy!

"Whatever makes you happy, makes you laugh, drives you, matters to you, motivates you, brings out the best in you, comforts you, elevates you, strengthens you or supports you, keep your mind on it, open your heart and soul and embrace it, never lose sight of it, always nurture and dwell on it." - Shadonna Richards from Think Happy and Be Happy

Family Ties - Be Back Soon

Not A Model is off on a family vacation.

For this one, it's not just the core four as in Mom, Dad, sis and myself. This time we're bringing along the cousins, aunts, uncles and BABY for the ride. You may wonder, "Who is excited to go on a vacation with their extended family in their mid-twenties? Boooooooring." Well, I am.

Growing up in an Italian family meant that my first friends were my cousins, my "nannies" were my grandparents and most of my extended family lived within a walking distance of each other. We are a close bunch (and while we're not bringing everyone along - there are a lot of us) I can't wait to spend a sunny week with them.

While I'm not one for forced holidays (*cough cough St. Valentine) here in Canada we have family day coming up on Monday. I hope everyone spends time with the people they care about, or whomever they call their clan. I'll be with mine, slushy drink in hand.

In the meantime, below are some of my favourite fashion advertisements for spring from Escada, Massimo Dutti, Mulberry, Hermes and Versace. Enjoy!

Not A Model will be back soon.

I wear bright pants. I am a writer.

I admire fashion bloggers.

I don't expect Not A Model to be categorized as a "fashion blog." Instead, I applaud those creative souls who post endless photos of themselves looking put together and polished on a daily basis. I can't seem to do that. I'll admit that I like to hide behind my words. I feel more comfortable sharing my thoughts more frequently than my face.

However, when your best friend is a photographer you learn to get used to the other side. I like looking at photos as a guide to my life at a particular moment in time. I can look at one image and instantly remember how I was feeling. These days (as my pinterest post explained) we are inundated with images. We're a visual culture feeding off photos rather than words. I wonder how many people have already scrolled down this post to the photos instead of reading it?

For this shoot, I put on the brightest pants I own. A bright piece of anything, whether it be on your legs or lips can instantly boost your mood and give you confidence. I find every little bit helps.

Yes, I am a writer - but now and then it's okay to show the person behind the pen.

Enjoy! Cred: Stef Sgams