AWW SHUCKS!

Dear Notamodel Readers:

I am floored by all the positive feedback and response I've been getting from everyone. When I started, I didn't think anyone would actually read this thing. This blog was started just under a month ago and I have reached over 1000 hits-- all thanks to you!


So I hope to keep you guys coming back.

Subscribe through e-mail! Spread the word to your friends and keep the feedback coming! :)

XOXO

 

WONDER WOMAN: DVF

The highlight of TVFU was hearing fashion designer, one woman extraordinaire Diane von Furstenberg speak. She is an inspirational, strong woman who believes in the power and strength of all women. She is involved in philanthropy and is the President of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America)

Here are my highlights from her presentation.

"Most fairytales end with a girl marrying a prince, my story started like that," says DVF as she shows a vintage photo of her wedding day.

She continues, "I believe women should have children but have a career and identity outside the home." 

She went through a slideshow presentation of vintage photos of her life- from the start of her career and the ever so famous wrap dress to her trials and tribulations in the beauty and fashion world. She explains, "I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I knew the woman I wanted to be." DVF stressed the importance of finding something you like to do in life, and giving it your all.

 

My favourite quote from her is as follows: "Remember, the woman across the room who looks like she's so confident and put together is looking at you, and to her you are the woman across the room."

I'm inspired. Now I just have to take some of her great advice, and put it to paper.

4 WORDS PEOPLE: TEEN VOGUE FASHION UNIVERSITY

Cliché: I love New York. Reality: Who Doesn’t?

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending Teen Vogue Fashion University in Manhattan. It was a whirlwind three day event where I got to attend fashion and beauty seminars held by the top designers, stylists, marketing and PR professionals in the industry.

Friday night was the kick-off event at the Juicy Couture store at 650 5th Avenue at 52nd Street. The store is designed like a giant spoiled princess’ bedroom. There are crystal chandeliers, pink writing on the walls and bunches of pearls strewn on mantelpieces. Eye candy came in the form of cute waiters serving pink frosted cupcakes and mini bags of popcorn. I brought my sister as my plus one and we indulged, like princesses should.

 

 

 

On Saturday, my seminars were held at the Condé Nast Publications headquarters. As I went up the elevator, I watched as the light hit each level, highlighting the prestigious and famous other magazines such as: Vanity Fair, Vogue and GQ.

My first seminar was with Eric Daman, head stylist for Gossip Girl. He is a colourful, bright person who told us about his journey to becoming a stylist (no fashion school necessary) and how he creates the persona for each character, including the ubitiquous Chuck Bass. His most memorable quote, “We look to celebrities way too much- behind every one is a stylist, a chef, a hairstylist.”

My second seminar was with Frances Pennington, the VP of Global Marketing for Juicy Couture. She explained how the founders of Juicy were just two best friends who started the business with only $200 each! They wanted to design clothes for petite girls that were comfortable and it turned into a goldmine. Whoever dreams of living the life with your best, this was definitely for you.

My third seminar was with Serena Giovi, Vice President of Marketing for Maybelline New York, and Eva Chen, beauty director for Teen Vogue. They talked about the different sides of the beauty industry from business to magazines. I received a free vibrating mascara that I will definitely blog about!

My last seminar was with LaRok. Three pretty, young smart girls delved into their experiences in public relations, sales and the showroom of a major fashion brand. We then did our own DYI on old merchandise, and got to choose our own piece. Mines coming in the mail soon!

After the seminars we headed to the Hudson Theatre where THE Diane von Furstenberg was the keynote speaker. Special thanks to Daniela for holding me a prime time seat! Saturday night was an H&M event and Sunday was sadly graduation.

We watched an exclusive screening of The September Issue, the documentary look into world of Vogue and its empress Miss. Anna Wintour. I saw some similarities to The Devil Wears Prada, except no one at the real Vogue looks as glamourous as the movie. Anna Wintour is an extremely interesting entity to examine. Her mannerisms, frail body and quick snap judgments reveal her iconic status. Oh and that bob. Producer Sadia Shepard sat down after for a Q&A on her experience filming the movie.

All in all, I was terribly sad to leave New York but I had a nice free swag bag to show for it. I will be back one day, perhaps to start my own career in the city. My story is just starting.

"OMG she's fashion roadkill" -Stanford Blatch SATC

Despite declaring myself a Carrie girl in a previous post, I actually experienced my very own Carrie Bradshaw moment at Toronto Fashion Week.

It goes a little something like this:

Show ends. Lights turn on. I stand up to make my way down some steps and somehow slip and crash down on my knees right beside the exclusive front row. My knees literally EAT METAL. The gentlemen beside me who was definitely important considering his seat location asks,

"Oh my God are you okay?"

I quickly get up, don't make eye contact and say,

"Yeah I'm fine."

I try as gracefully as I can to limp past the front row. Once the embarrassment subsides (if that's even possible) the pain starts. My legs were scraped and the bump was huge.

So there's my Carrie moment, at least I wasn't wearing Dolce.

Falling at a fashion show either makes me a legend or a loser.

You decide!

PS- This photo does not do the bump justice! But I'd thought a visual would help! :)

Give me Glamour- Give me Toronto Fashion Week

What does a non-model do at a fashion show? Well she volunteers her time of course.

Last week I attended two incredible shows as an intern at LG Toronto Fashion Week. With our crisp white blouses, black pencil skirts and signature blue flower broaches the PR girls of Vanessa Nina Kaminten rocked the house.

TRAVIS TADDEO: His Spring 2010 collection draws inspiration from the French Revolution. Baseball bats. Leather. Jersey. Black. White. Red. Stripes. Shorts. Speedos. Thongs. It's time for a revolution and Taddeo has the bill covered.

[photo credit: Meaghan Dineen]

RUDSAK: Think sixties. Think American. Think safari. Rudsak's Spring 2010 collection looked effortless and chic. Lots of neutrals with punches of bold colours. After watching this show, I immediately started yearning for a trench coat, long flowy hair and a pet cheetah.

 

[photo credit: Lori Owen]

So that was your sneak peak into Toronto Fashion Week! Hope you enjoyed it!

I know he cut off his ear but...

I took this picture of my sassy best friend Dana outside of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. She’s telling Van Gogh to “talk to the hand.” Lame 90s catch phrase, but I thought I’d use it.

Beyond having gorgeous paintings and a tragic artist existence Van Gogh also had some wise words to share:

"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore." 

Fear is a safety zone. The thought of going after a dream, an ambition or even a person can terrify us more than Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada. But what exactly is keeping us ashore?

Maybe: FAILURE, REJECTION, THE UNKNOWN, RIDICULE, FINANCIAL STABILITY, COMFORT, ROUTINE

This quote resonates with me because I can be the QUEEN of making excuses, over analyzing and then analyzing some more about reasons not to take that leap.  I like safety nets. I am always torn between my cushy reality and wham bam CHANGE. One thrills, scares and excites me while the other leaves me yawning, but safe.


But I’ve decided to take my step forward. I know the answers won't come right away because going forward is a journey. You'll have to fight hard one day and coast in absolute bliss the next.

No matter what failure, rejection or ridicule awaits you, I believe these two words will haunt you for years to come: WHAT IF?

We can all take a page from my former roommate who has started a challenge of doing things she fears and then blogging about them.

So what are you waiting for?  NOTHING. Do something you've been putting off or place your trust in the unknown. Let me know how it goes.

I love hearing your comments and feedback!

IGNORANCE IS BLISS

So this lady comes into my class today and starts yammering on about copyright laws and social media. While I tried to tune her out, I'm now all freaked out and a little bit confused about what I can actually post on this thing.

I have purely honest intentions [insert sweet, innocent Puss in Boots] You see i'd put a photo up, but I don't want Dreamworks Animation suing me.  


So while I was quite annoyed at this lady (it was also wayyy too early in the morning) I decided to pay attention.

So while my blog doesn't look as spicy as before- stick with me and you'll start seeing my amateur photography skills. I will also try to pull my images that can be legally shared and credit my sources. And I do hope you guys are enjoying my writing not just the pretty pictures!

Sorry for the technical post- fun stuff to come!

Hello Cozy, How are you?

Anthropologie feels like you’ve stepped into the most sophisticated grandmother’s house. Once inside, you discover she's decided to share all her worldly, gorgeous heirlooms with you.

With its first Canadian location located at 80 Yorkville Ave in Toronto, Anthropologie offers clothing, accessories and house items for the laid back upscale shopper. The store is for fans of Urban Outfitters who want less hipster and more romance.  And who doesn’t want more romance?


My Wish List: 

Bonheur Necklace: It’s dreamy, airy and fit for Sunday high tea. Boys surprise your girlfriend with this and you're golden. No need to mention where you got the tip.

Pond Lily Scarf: Yellow makes me happy. Yellow makes others around you happy. Don't even get me started on crochet flowers...

Reassembled Mirror: One day when I own my fabulous flat in the city, I’ll place this eclectic mirror in my entrance.

So bundle up and take a stroll to Anthropologie you never know what charming purchase awaits you.

[Photo credits: www.greentea.tk]  

THE CHALLENGE

The Lululemon Manifesto is haunting me.

It appears on my lunch bag, my friend’s sweatshirt and even my classmate’s tea thermos. I love the inspiring thoughts but there is one that seems to stand out to me:

“Stress is related to 99% of all illness.”

I’ve mentioned that I’m pretty stressed out as of late. But am I really that narcissistic to believe people actually care? Everyone and their half cousin second wife third uncle removed are stressed out!

But my stress levels + my newly neglected fitness regimes = death. Okay, the combination isn’t quite lethal but it is worrisome.

So I’ve come up with a challenge! From now until December I will try to do some sort of physical activity 3-5 days a week.

The activity can be anything. Walk my dog for 20 minutes/ lift some weights/do a quick burst of cardio. Basically anything that gets me on my feet.

I’m sharing it here with you guys so I will be less likely to slack!

So weekly, I’ll try to share my updates/progress! I’ll try to be honest, and hopefully this will inspire you to set your own challenge in something that has been lagging in your life! Share your thoughts with me.

Cue the cheesy motivational line: There is no better time to start than right now!

LIP SERVICE

Chapped lips will never be in style. Chapped lips don't make it to the VIP room.  
Chapped lips will never make out with James Franco. *Sigh* So as the weather dips down, here is my go to for keeping my mouth kissable, or at least approachable.

Kiehls Scented Lip Balm #1. I love the classic tubes, soft texture and the different flavours. Try it in Pear! Available at any Kiehls location or at Holt Renfrew.

So you'll never have to say ala Napoleon Dynamite: “But my lips hurt real bad.”

SAY WHAT?

“Each of us has that right, that possibility, to invent ourselves daily. If a person does not invent herself, she will be invented. So, to be bodacious enough to invent ourselves is wise.”-Maya Angelou

Stuck in Suburbia

Regression |riˈgre sh ən|

noun

• a return to an earlier stage of life or a supposed previous life

Living away from home as a student for the past four years was a significant time in my life. I learned independence, self reliance, and enjoyed my little taste of freedom. Currently, my housemates go by Mom, Pops and little sis. 

The Good
Home cooked meals- My parents are great cooks. Maybe it’s because we’re Italian. All I know is my old diet of rice and vegetables does not beat coming home after a long day to a healthy, complete meal with all the trimmings.
The amenities- I live rent free with internet, phone, cable, groceries and laundry included. If something breaks down, it doesn’t take a week to fix. I’m never freezing, or sweating or living with dust bunnies.
Warm and Fuzzies- I come home to that cozy, homey, welcoming atmosphere that only your original home has. Maybe it’s the smell. Maybe it’s my Mom forcing me to hug her while I protest. Home is just home.

The Bad
I can’t find a single thing- when you live with friends, no one touches your stuff.  In my house, my clothes are constantly under my sister’s bed, or in her car. My mom moves EVERYTHING. Anything left on a counter space is fair game to be moved to an obscure location never to be found again!
Lights out- Not like a curfew or anything, but my family gets to bed at an early hour. The house just shuts down. In university, there is always someone to talk to, eat with, drag out, or gossip with at all hours of the night!
Killing the Environment- You have to drive everywhere. Oh suburbia. How boring art thou. People do not come outside unless to walk their dogs. Sadly, I now use my puppy as an excuse to go for a walk. I nod, half smile and discuss the weather with my other suburban pet owners.
The Riddler- There is a constant inquisition into my life. “Where are you going? Who are you going with? What do you want for dinner? What time are you coming home? Do you have a key? What are your plans for tomorrow? This does not go over well early in the morning. BEWARE!

The Compromise
Right now home works for me. With my busy schedule, and heavy workload, it is nice to have people who care so much about my well being. I am very grateful to whoever puts up with my grumpy pants in the morning. So Monday to Friday living at home is great. However, when the weekend comes around, I yearn to live with people my age and be two steps away from the downtown action. I do miss city life, even small town city life.

But I know those days will come again. For now I’ll have to settle for homemade pasta sauce and never being able to find my stuff.

GRAZIE

Grazie means Thank You in Italian.

With Thanksgiving approaching, it is time for people (Canadians) to reflect on what they are grateful for. For me, Thanksgiving isn’t just a one-day event. I’m a firm believer in positive thinking. Yes, I’ve read The Secret. But it goes beyond that. I’ve noticed a common thread in most articles, or books about happiness. It seems that in order to be happy, you have to be grateful for what you have right now. It’s a simple concept that has been marketed, repackaged, and reworded; but it really does work.

Whenever my thoughts run rampant, I try my best to consciously stop and find something I’m grateful for. If I’m tired-I decide I’m thankful to have a bed to sleep in. If I’m bitchin’ about waking up early for school- I’m thankful for the chance to learn, and meet new people. It sounds trite, but it gives me a new perspective and changes my mood instantly.

I’m not trying to get all preachy and self righteous, because sometimes you just need to whine, moan and let it out. Trust me, I know. I just feel that giving thanks shouldn’t just be a yearly holiday.

So try it. Once you start you’ll realize you have way more than you ever imagined. 

Have a great long weekend!

SAY WHAT?

Today, somehow me and a friend got to chatting about love triangles. Neither of us are experts on the topic, but Seth Cohen on the other hand does have some wise words:

Seth: "Speaking from a recent personal experience the triangle is not a friendly shape, okay? It's pointy, it's got sharp edges. Triangles hurt people."

What are your thoughts on love trianges?

      

FANCY FOOTWORK

Art can come in many different forms. Today I've discovered it can come in the form of beautiful, expensive, prodigious shoes.

For the Danny Zuko lover. Reminds me of the 1948 Ford he races at the end of the movie.
Camilla Skovgaard- Leather cutout sandals

For the girl who wants to kick some wizard ass.

Giuseppe Zanotti: Swarovski-embellished sandals

For the girl who loves to doodle. You know, when you scribble all over a page, and fill in the shapes with ink? C'mon, you know you've done it.
Christian Louboutin: Circus 120 cutout boots

My collection is definitely lacking: 

C-c-c-curly

A few weeks ago my mother made me watch The Way We Were.


It was her "favouriteeee movie" back in the day. She claims Robert Redford is our present day Brad Pitt. So I obliged. I'll admit Robert was charming with this little boy hair cut, and baby blues- but it was Barbra Streisand who I just couldn't figure out. Her loud personality, and bright red lipstick didn't seem to match with his easy going nature. All in all, I wasn't swooning or singing the theme song, although my mom was. 

The movie did remind me of one of my favourite quotes from Sex and the City though:

Miranda: Robert Redford is madly in love with Barbra Streisand
Carrie: K-k-k-katie
Miranda: Right, but he can't be with her because she's too complicated and she had wild curly hair
Carrie: Hello! C-c-c-curly!
Miranda: Yeah, so he leaves her and marries this simple girl, with straight hair
Carrie: Ladies, I am having an epiphany. The world is made up of two types of women: the simple girls and the Katie girls…I'm a Katie girl!”

This quote even inspired a blog. 

Oh, in case you haven't figured it out. I'm definitely a Katie girl, or a Carrie girl.

Sea Salt Salutations

It’s hard to believe that less than two months ago, I was lying on the beach in beautiful Barcelona. I miss the sultry sun beating on my body, and the feeling of being submerged in the cool salty ocean.

While I would love to jet off to Spain, I’ll have to settle for the next best thing: LUSH’s Ocean Salt Cleanser. While meant to be a facial cleanser, I prefer to use it on my body to scrub away dead skin, and exfoliate. Fresh Ingredients include: fine/course sea salt, fresh grapefruit infusion, avocado butter, and lime oil. There is even some lime extracted in Vodka, so if you like Margaritas this is definitely for you!

Now that my tan is faded, and my skin is looking a little drab; one scoop of this in the shower, and I’m suddenly a beach babe.

How to Avoid a Meltdown in a Traffic Jam

When heading into a big city, I prefer public transit. As long as I get a seat, I enjoy reading a book, or listening to my ipod, while someone else gets me to my destination.

With my current school and interning situation, public transit just isn’t feasible. I am forced to get in my batmobile, mom’s car and try to make it on time.

Today I was in a jam so bad that not only did I miss my first orientation session, but I nearly burst into tears until I noticed the creepy men staring at me in their pickup truck.

So here are my Top 5 Strategies to Avoid a Meltdown:
1.    Get Comfortable- loosen your tie, unbutton your pants, take off your watch, let your hair down. Note: try not to take off too many garments, because in a jam people can look right into your windows.
2.    Pick your tunes wisely- this is not the time for death metal, hip hop, or house music. Slow tunes, slow jams, classical, Spanish flute- anything to calm those nerves.
3.    Roll down the windows (weather permitting) or at least take the time to check out the view, or talk to your traffic jam neighbour. Maybe you’ll meet a friend. Maybe you’ll find a date for Saturday night. Who knows, it’s better than talking to yourself.
4.    Avoid turning the news on. All you’ll hear is people telling you to avoid the road your one. No shit, it’s too late for that.
5.    Smile. Just try it. Smiling to yourself may put you in the “crazy” category, but it will definitely make you feel better. If not, scream bloody murder? 

Whatever you do DON’T: cry, curse, rip your hair out, bang your head repeatedly on the steering wheel, or get out of your vehicle!

Happy Commuting!

CRANK UP THE HEAT

I’m stressed out. 

With crazy school deadlines, a new volunteer intern position and uncertainty in personal matters, my immune system has hit a breaking point. With a demanding schedule, and little time to relax the best solution to my frazzled life is: hot yoga.

In the past year and a half, hot yoga has become a personal saviour of mine. While I’ve tried regular yoga with little enthusiasm, I instantly became addicted to hot yoga otherwise known as Bikram/Moksha yoga. 

In hot yoga, the room is heated to help detoxify the body through your own sweat. While the heat can take some getting used to, your body really feels the results afterwards. The health benefits speak for themselves. Men and women enjoy it, and it is great for athletes, and stressed out students alike.
While I still haven’t mastered toppling tree, I am able to escape from my worries, calm my mind, and release all the negativity that I carry needlessly throughout the day.So if you’re looking for something new in your workout routine, find a location near you.

Happy Sweating!

TEA TIME

I don’t drink coffee.

Try and tempt me with a “double double” and you won’t succeed. I’m a tea girl in every way-- all day everyday. The only exception to my no coffee rule is espresso. Maybe it’s the Italian girl in me, but a single shot of espresso is lovely.

As the weather dips down to dreary, rainy status, I feel people are more apt to cozy up to a warm cup of tea. So here’s my grand opportunity to pimp my favourite kind: Tazo Zen Green Tea. Even if you don’t like tea, you must know that green tea provides many health benefits, including cancer-fighting anti-oxidants and it can even help with weight loss. And for people who think green tea tastes bad, Tazo’s Zen has a bit of lemongrass and spearmint in it. Add a spoonful of honey, and I swear you won’t look at a cup of java the same!

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Who: Stefania Sgambelluri
What: Photographer
Why: Because she is a talented, fantastic female photographer, who also took the photo for my blog logo.


Q: Tell me about your studio and the services you provide?

S.S: “I share a studio with 3 photographers called Hermann & Audrey. We are all fashion and portrait photographers. As a photographer, Photoshop is one of the most important things to know-right after your camera and subject.”

Q: What is the greatest aspect of your job?

S.S: “Meeting new people everyday. I always try to get their character to show through the photo, and when I accomplish that, I always say to myself that I love what I do and that I'm very lucky to do it everyday.”

Q: Advice for young aspiring photographers?

S.S: “Never fall in love with your photos. Shoot something amazing, put it aside, move on to your next idea and try to make it better than your last shoot.”

Q: Favourite photographer?

S.S: “Diane Arbus. Her work inspired me to shoot people that aren't usually in front of the camera.”

Check out Stefania’s photography on her website: sgambelluri.com, and try to find the full-length photo of my logo!

GREETINGS NON-MODELS

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of my future & and fabulous readers! Here is a place you can come to get fashion, beauty, style, and life advice from an average twenty-something girl who hasn’t quite figured it out. 

I believe that we are all fantastic despite height, weight, or relationship status. As a Media Studies graduate, and current Public Relations student, I understand how the pressure of everyday life, and the media can both inspire, and bring us all down- GIRLS AND GUYS. While I am not 5’9, I do have respect and admiration for certain models (ahem Heidi Klum) and this is not a place to bash anyone!

Without running the risk of sounding like a cheesy Hallmark card- I believe if you are healthy, driven, and confident you can do just about anything. 

I want to hear from you throughout this process!

Can’t wait to get started! ☺