L is for Leggings!

The campus life can be hectic and stressful, but some girls still manage to make casual chic work - because everyone knows pajamas are meant to stay at home. As my first attempt at Street Fashion, I used my best friends as guinea pigs and did a shoot right on campus at my university, Guelph-Humber. We threw in a couple of our dudes to keep things interesting and voila: spring fashion coming to you live from right outside the classroom.

Thanks and love to Cherelle, Payge, Sara, Daisy, Sherice, More, Steve, Michael, and Kemycha!

- Shelby xox

Get Your Foot in the Door

Aspiring models do not have it easy. There are auditions, runway classes, casting calls - and lots of criticism and rejections to top it off. But there are ways to be one step ahead of the rest. First, you have to do your research, whether it be on the agency or the production you are auditioning to be in, you cannot face a potential job with no knowledge of what its about. Secondly, you need a great portfolio. This doesn't mean you need a lot of money and experience, you just need to network and be prepared. Here are a few tips for creating the portfolio that will get you noticed:

1. Have a model composite card made, containing 5 of your best shots in various locations and outfits, with several different angles of your body being shown. Also make sure it has your full name and stats on it (age, weight, height, etc.)

3. Do NOT walk around with a disk or link to your online portfolio - even in the age of technology taking over the world, agencies and such still want to see what you look like on print, 'cause there's a big difference. Make sure your pictures are at least 8x10, and matte finish is best.

2. Put the money into a buying decent portfolio, which you can easily find at Staples or Micheal's. Preferably a black 11x14 or larger folder with clear page inserts for your pictures. Have your name on the cover or, if you have a composite card, put it in the first page.

4. Last but not least, make sure you find someone with a decent camera, or better yet experience doing portraits, to take your pictures. Depending on what you are applying for, they may expect more or less experience, and your pictures are the tell-tale of your experience - they cannot read minds. Make sure your photographer takes photos of you outside and inside, and some with a plain white backdrop (can be studio-style or simply a white wall). Make sure he/she knows that you need one of each of these shots: full body, torso, shoulders up, and 3/4 profile. For these basic shots, do not wear make-up and keep your clothing simple and flattering to your figure. Have your hair out of your face, and be all over camera-ready!

Here are a few examples of my latest portfolio shoot, which I did in my personal studio. I did not edit these or use any fancy lighting, just a camera and a flash. Use these as examples to get your own portfolio started.

 

Now that you've seen how easy it is to make a portfolio, get out there and do it! Photographers are always looking for models to to TFCD shoots (trade your time for a cd of the session) - its both free and great experience. Networking websites such as Model Mayhem bring industry people and models together, so join today and begin your career! (Now I sound like the Everest commercial haha) 

Good luck!

- Shelby xox

Life is Good

A couple months ago I did my first maternity shoot with Mommy & Daddy to be; Tineke and Ted. Since then, they have welcomed baby Matteo into the world at a healthy 8.5 lbs! Their handsome son is doing well, and I was so glad to get the chance to meet him on his birthday. As expected, our new mom wasn't feeling to photogenic that day but I thought I'd show off the little man since the last time we'd met he was "hiding". He was one of the most precious things I've ever seen and I miss him already!

 

In the meantime, I've been doing a lot of shooting when I'm not writing essays and reading expensive textbooks. Today the girls at Guelph-Humber did a 'street fashion' shoot with me and the shots turned out fantastic, I can't wait to post them. Keep checking back, it won't be long! 

- Shelby xox

Winter Wonderland

As we prepare to say farewell to Winter and hello to the warmer weather, we pack up our sweaters and fur and get out the cut-offs and light blouses. As a tribute to this past winter which brought unbarable cold and lots of snow, I want to share with you the promotional shoot I did with a couple beautiful ladies on Toronto's waterfront. The scarves featured are part of the Lulu Dash "Enzo" collection. 

 

 

- Shelby xox

New Threads

I went fabric shopping for the first time in Toronto with Lulu Dash's Reese, and I must say its amazing what you can find in these disorganized, narrow-aisle stores. There are roles and roles of fabric, in every colour you can imagine, and every texture you desire. I snapped a few shots that I think really capture the essence of this small portion of the world of a clothing designer, the vibe that you experience when walking in Toronto's fashion district. I promise next time though, I'll get a picture of the giant thimble.

 

(Those last roles of fabric are a few of Reese's favourites! She uses them to create her signature scarves that are perfect for this time of year!)

Takin' it to the Streets

So I'm starting a new project, which I will be focused on - for once - and I plan to start adding posts to the blog very soon! I am starting a street fashion segment called 'Fashion <3's Toronto' starting with some fashionable ladies I know at my university. I can't wait to share some of the most stylish people with all of you, and I hope everyone enjoys it. To kick things off, here's a photo of from the King West district of Toronto; she's keeping warm in a Lulu Dash 'enzo' scarf, and awesome combat boots - so chic!

Look out for more Toronto street fashion coming soon!

A Lovely Association

Hey guys! So since September, I have been working with the team of Reese Cromwell and Zoey Mckenzie on their project titled "Lulu Dash". The blog is a Toronto-based lifestyle outlet for those who want to be in-the-know with the most up to date trends and local fashion. They also have their own line of clothing and accessories, part of which was released for the first time today. As of midnight, their blog features 5 exclusive one-of-a-kind bracelets designed and made by Reese herself. As their intern, I had the privilege of snapping some product shots for the jewelery launch on the blog! There will be more colabo photos in the future but for now, check em' out!! -->

To purchase a bracelet visit the blog at: http://www.luludash.blogspot.com (also listed in my blog roll)

xoxo
- Shelby