Practice Makes Penache...Guest Blog by Charity Mullins

“Practice makes Penache.”  This is my response whenever people ask me how I walk around in 6-inch heels all day. I didn’t start out walking in 6-inch heels. As a matter of fact, just a short 3 years ago, you wouldn’t even catch me in a pair of heels unless I was on my way to church and – even then – they were maybe 2” or 3” heels of a pretty boring nature. I had one pair of 6” heels that I still cling dearly to, but I hardly ever wore them. I was a stay-at-home mom and worked with teenagers at church, so I had really no need to dress up and wear them…or so I thought.

Ladies, our men love it when we throw them heels on, and let’s face it. If we master the art of wearing and walking in some great heels, it can make us feel pretty darn powerful…not to mention tall. I’m a whopping 5’2” tall, so adding those extra 6” is pretty empowering. It makes my gams look amazing, and when I feel amazing, I come across as electrifyingly sexy…or at least so I’ve been told.

Some women can just do this naturally and some just look like Bambi on Ice. That’s ok. Again, Practice makes Penache. Don’t throw yourself into some crazy 6-inchers if you’ve never even walked in a pair of heels before! You are BEGGING for a broken ankle. That’s not sexy!

Start with a 2” wedge or platform shoe. These have the most balance and are very fashionable. Even the tallest of my shoes (and I have tons) have platforms, some of them with 2”-3” platforms. It balances the weight on the toes, making it much more comfortable and less stressful at the end of the day.

When you are practicing, yes practicing, at home be sure you are walking heel-to-toe. A lot of us think when we get in our heels that we need to walk solely on our toes. I make this mistake a lot too. If you can master the art of toe-walking, then so be it…but it’s a lot safer to walk heel-to-toe. It’s not the same as when you’re in your favorite tennis shoes, though…no rolling your foot. It’s a smooth motion. Roll heel to toe.

Then, NO BIG STEPS. You are in LADY shoes. Walk like a LADY, not like you’re trompsing around in some kind of hiking boots about to go get your latest kill. You want to kill softly, even sneakily. Small strides and walk one foot in front of the other. Think a balance beam or a DUI test almost…but not that extreme. See why I say practice at home? This is silly to do at the grocery store…but you gotta do it so you don’t look like you’ve got hemorrhoids or something. Grace and beauty, ladies.

When you are comfortable and maybe have even developed your own little sashay, move into some nice 4”, then to a 6”. You will rock your own world…and everyone around you.

Just be careful, as well, in regards to the shoes you purchase. Expensive does not necessarily mean comfort, but neither does cheap. I’ve purchased some fantastic shoes at TJ Maxx by great designers…and Charlotte Reusse has some great finds as well. Of course, the higher end shoe designers have some quality finds as well…but always always always try before you buy. Walk the aisle. Feel out the weight ratio on your toes, the ball of your foot, if it squeezes your “tiny toe”, and if it at all slips in the back. Always buy a shoe that fits correctly. There is NOTHING SEXY about shoes that are too big OR too small. Your toes should NEVER extend past your shoe and there should NEVER be a gap in the back of the shoe. Yuck. This just says that you didn’t pay attention to the details. A beautiful shoe is not worth buying it in the wrong size…there will always be another beautiful shoe.

My favorite designer is Jessica Simpson. She hides the platform in most of the heels, the heel is skinny, and most of the shoes are 6-inchers. The designs go from basic to adorably intricate and they are usually affordable. You can also find them in discounted retailers (while still in the mid-price range).  I get quite a bit of compliments wearing her shoes. For the most ornate shoes that are comfortable and well-complimented (and my MOST FAVORITE THAT I OWN), I have a pair of Ed Hardy’s that I will probably wear until they fall apart. Ed Hardy does make some far-out-there designs, but my pair I can wear with just about anything in my closet, and I was lucky and got them on sale.  I also have a very simple Mary Jane-inspired strappy heel that I’ve had for years that I still get compliments on.

I don’t believe a girl MUST have a closet full of shoes to impress anyone or feel sexy about herself. I think a nice staple of a heel that goes with jeans, a heel that goes with a LBD, and a heel that speaks volumes about personality can go a long way. Nail these three items, and you have a great start to a fantasmic collection that is sure to photograph well and make you feel like one sexy momma.

Ciao for now!

Charity

www.facebook.com/charityhailmullins

Shoe images pulled from

http://static.heels.com/images/shoes/main_view/large/ZKNG022_MAIN_LG.jpg

http://www.cyberistic.net/product_info.php?products_id=90

http://bosschicks.com/profiles/blogs/shoe-trends-denim-heels

http://www.shoeoh.com/spring-2013-shoe-trends/

Getting your Child Into Modeling .. My Two Cents ... By Charity Mullins

Everyone thinks their child is beautiful and, truth be told, I do believe all children are beautiful…some more than others. More than that, there are even fewer whose beauty naturally translates into fantastic imagery that we call modeling. They are just simply photogenic.

So, how do you know if YOUR child will fit into the modeling world?

The most important question, first and foremost, is does your child even WANT to model? If they have no desire to be told what to wear, how to stand, smile or make other expressions on command, and all of the other fun stuff that comes with modeling, then chances are as a parent you should just stick to taking snapshots and showing them off to your friends and family. Photographers and agencies look for the child that is pliable, willing to reveal their personality to the camera, willing to sit in the chair and get their hair and makeup done, and willing to spend the time it takes to get the photograph needed to sell the product…even if the product is themselves.

Then, if your child truly wants to give modeling a try, I would ask them their purpose behind wanting to try. It’s up to you as a parent to decide if their motivation is enough to push them towards success. For instance, my daughter Carys (www.facebook.com/carysmalinda) wanted to get into modeling so that she can move into paid shoots/bookings and save for college. I feel that is a very good motivator. Along the way, she is finding that she is having a lot of fun and collecting couture boutique items I would have never been able to afford otherwise. Perks of the job!

To get started, I recommend finding a great camera of your own to catch those moments at home, school, or with friends that a photographer will not catch. There are many contests that refuse watermarked or professional photos with logos. These photos (nicely edited, please, and that would be a whole other blog) are very good to have on standby. I recommend one with high shutter speed, a great flash, and several settings. Get very friendly with your camera.  Consider it an investment in your child’s potential future.

I then recommend getting to know local photographers. Interview them, look at their work online via Facebook or their web pages.  Another great idea is to have your child interview them in a very casual place such as a sandwich shop, for example. Check for natural chemistry, see if the photographer can pull your child’s personality out in conversation, and talk money. Never be afraid to talk money. Photography gets expensive, and you do not want to be taken by surprise. Find out how much sessions are, how much a comp card is, how much a portfolio will be to build, and if there is a chance of a modeling package to incorporate all that is needed with a discount.

With photography, I believe and have been supported in utilizing multiple photographers. Agencies, pageants, boutiques and such look for variety in a portfolio. It is important to include all types of photography and modeling looks: serious, funny, whimsical, fantasy (think fairy tale), studio, etc. Be sure to include headshots as well as full body shots. Many times, when we take photographs, we do one or the other. I like my friend  Google and use him a lot to look at various comp cards and portfolios to see what is current and what everyone is looking for now. At the same time, I want to be sure that Carys has something that makes her stand out. Always keep that in mind. Child modeling is a massive industry, you want your child to stand out.

In doing all of this, I also recommend utilizing Facebook. Yes, Facebook. It is an amazing networking tool. Find an agency that works with boutiques, photographers, and the like that is willing to work nationally or even internationally. I found this worked WONDERS for Carys. She is listed with Lil’ Cutie Pies (www.facebook.com/lilcutiepies) and networks with Find Me A  Boutique referral service (www.facebook.com/FindMeABoutique). Using these services has opened the door for her to do work for several boutiques and landed her a print ad in Just Kids Magazine (www.facebook.com/justkidsmagazine).

If you choose to use Facebook, I cautiously recommend creating a modeling page for the child. There is a lot of debate surrounding doing this, and it requires a lot of time and attention. I have multiple managers for my daughter’s page and it is constantly monitored to do our best to prevent predators. We never post pictures that we believe would encourage predator attention. Again, Facebook can be a very helpful tool…but it does require a considerate amount of time and attention. Every post and every picture and every like should be monitored to protect your child.

Finally, one question I am asked quite a bit is regarding contests. I do enter my daughter in a few and in the beginning I made the mistake of entering her in some that she had a very slim chance of winning due to the massive amount of entries. I do not recommend entering any contest that has high entry fees per photograph with little return.  I do like “fan-based” contests where you pay either a low entry fee or no fee and then the contest is judged solely on fan likes on Facebook. With those, I recommend using strategy – create an event, invite your friends, don’t spam everyone, and spread out your requests for votes with the “loudest” requests the first day or two and the last day or two.  I love low-fee contests through boutiques on Facebook that are judged with prizes for your child. It gives your child photo exposure and they have a chance to win something.

Even writing all of this doesn’t begin to cover ALL the bases. I’ve had to turn DOWN working with some photographers because I couldn’t afford them (true). Carys was chosen to work with a very well-known photographer out of NY that was coming here and was only going to have time to work with 9 models, but it was going to be $750…and trust me, it was no scam.  I cannot go into any more details, but sometimes you just have to pass up an offer that you just don’t want to refuse because bills have to be paid. You have to hope that the next thing that comes along will put them where they want to be. With that disappointment, my daughter learned that she is a desired model but that responsibility comes first. Hopefully, one day, they will be paying HER to take her photographs.

Sounds time consuming? Yes, my friend, it is. Especially when you have a full-time job, are a full-time mom of 2 children and still need to focus on the other child’s dreams as well, are planning a wedding, are managing a household and…well, you get it…BUT IT’S WORTH IT. Carys is a National American Miss Florida Finalist and is tearing up the modeling scene with being listed as talent with Child Model Magazine, her print ad with Just Kids Magazine, on top of all the boutique work she's been doing. She is working hard to achieve her dream. I might be doing the time to promote her, but at the end of the day – it is all up to her to follow the directions, to sell the products, and have fun doing it.

And, as long as she wants to ride this ride, I will drive. 

The Devil is in the Details...by Charity Mullins

It’s the existential question when we get up in the morning, go out on a date, get ready for an interview or any other important event: What in the WORLD am I going to wear? For the love of rainbows and unicorns, it seems we NEVER have anything in our closet good enough that everyone has not already seen when we know a camera will be there to photograph our efforts to look fantabulous.

Now, escalate that to the next level: A photo shoot.

Unless you are going to be modeling for a designer, a boutique or such, a model is expected to show up to their shoot ready to go. Many times, we are not told what to wear exactly and are maybe even asked to pick the location and theme. This can be a lot of pressure, if we let it be. So, here I am to help you think it through.

Firstly, if you are asked to pick the theme, and then consider what is hot at the moment or what you feel may be up-and-coming trends. Right now shabby chic, pin-up, snappy casual, lace, and grunge are all what’s in or up-and-coming. Google is your friend. Shake hands with it and become friendly.

If your theme has been chosen and you’ve been asked to pick your venue, I ALWAYS suggest an outdoor location if you can do it. The only time I suggest a studio is if you are using green screen or starting your comp card and need to use a fan (great for hair tricks, if your hair is medium to long lengths) or your photographer has an extensive prop and/or background setup. Outdoor venues tend to be more exciting, bring out the model’s personality more, and offer some versatility. The downside of site shooting? Weather, other people or unwanted objects getting in the shot, you may have to change clothes in some weird place, lighting may limit the times you can shoot (early or later in the day). If you have a great photographer, though, they will watch out for these things and help you through them.

As for your outfits, I feel outfits should always correspond with your theme and the message you are trying to send…

Ask yourself:

• ·        What kind of message am I trying to send?
• ·        Am I representing a label whatsoever in this shoot? If so, what would they say about the message I am sending?
• ·        How can I best accessorize (yes, ladies, please accessorize) this look? Don’t over-accessorize. It takes away from the beauty of your face.
• ·        Would this outfit be best with heels, flats, boots, etc? Shoes are the final signature. Make your John Hancock matter. They may not be in every photograph, but if you borrow shoes…ladies, please make sure they fit. Shoe lovers like me notice immediately when they don’t.
• ·        How can my hair compliment and go with this theme? For example, if it’s pin-up, you wouldn’t want straight hair. Pin-up is always waves, curls, rolls or an up-do style. Again, Google is your friend.

While we are discussing outfits, I want to tell you from PERSONAL EXPERIENCE that the amount of money you spend on an outfit is INCONSEQUENTIAL in many situations. I have spoken with a lot of girls that hold back from shooting because they say they can’t afford an outfit. I had a shoot recently where I spent A LOT of money on a dress plus brand new shoes and accessories, quite a bit on another plus brand new shoes and accessories, and $25 on a whole other outfit with accessories and wore 10-year-old boots. Guess which one yielded the BEST photographs and got the most attention? That $25 outfit with those 10-year-old boots. They were all shot at the same location with the same photographer. I truly believe it was because I was in my element, I was ME. I was comfortable. My hair was pretty much the same, and I barely retouched my makeup.

If you are not provided a theme, a location, OR an outfit…then go with what fits YOU…and make sure it all makes sense. If it doesn’t, then it will show in your photos, and it won’t work. If you are you, and you are relaxed and confident, then THAT is sexy. If you want to be in a business suit and take some corporate shots, then rock that. If you want to shoot in Ybor in a grunge outfit, then rock that. If you want to do a boudoir shot, well then rock that….but never do something out of your element if you are not going to have the confidence to do it and do your research before you get there. Take the time, make sure everything you wear fits correctly and that it compliments your best features, and don’t OVER-do it.

And, girls, don’t forget the shoes and the accessories. It shows that you care about the details. The devil IS in the details. Trust me. It means you are one PUT TOGETHER CHIC….which you totally ARE.

Ciao for Now,

Charity

Thank you to the following sites for the image collage:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Shabby-Chic-Fashion-Boutique

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=18845161

http://www.waynetippetts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/009madara_09wt09wp.jpg

http://thebestfashionblog.com/womens-fashion/lace-and-leather-looks-in-lover-fall-winter-2013-2014-collection

http://thebestfashionblog.com/womens-fashion/womens-modern-grunge-style-by-mikhael-kale-fall-winter-2012-2013

Sexy Defined....by Charity Mullins

We are told since we are young girls through all kinds of circuits what it takes to be sexy. Bombarded by ads and articles in the media, stories amongst our girlfriends and even our own imaginations create that bar that we strive to rise above each morning when we get up and every night that we head out.  From checking the mail to heading to an event, we will spend countless time plucking and tweezing and painting and polishing and exfoliating and … ok, you get my point.  Then, in every photograph, we stick our best foot out (or insert body part here) and will take and retake that picture until we look so flippin hot we can barely stand ourselves. We just can’t help it, this is what we know.

Thing is, while it’s great and important to brush your teeth and comb your hair every day and do all those womanly things we do to make ourselves feel pretty…it’s not always necessary to get attention. Sexy isn’t defined by Cosmo or Men’s Health or Playboy. Sexy is defined by you.

So, I’m here to point out all the kinds of ladies that I think are sexy and why. We all have an  inside hotness, a super amazing tigress that needs to be unleashed, and I think sometimes some chicas just give it up because they don’t look like a magazine and I think that’s just ridiculousness.

Ok, first let’s hear it for The Girl Next Door. These are the sneak attack beauties. Fresh face, ponytail, casual cuties that just exude a fun flirty vibe without even trying! There’s hardly anything better than that, and I’m totally jealous for that kind of beauty. I have to spend a stupid amount of time on the frizz in my half-wavy hair and paint this freckly face every day. I know girls who have this vibe and this look and I just sit in awe of them. Lucky girls!  My favorite Uneak Model that exudes this? Heather Harris, who is one of Uneak’s original models.

Next, mad props to the Athlete. Now, I don’t think most guys find it super hot to see a lady with muscles way bigger than his, but I’m definitely wowed by the girl that has a great physique….and I hate her if it’s natural. Not really…but the girls that work hard for that, that’s sexy, as long as they’re not sacrificing everything else for that. That goes the same for you, fellas. None of us girls like a man that loves his body more than his lady. Girls, if you’ve got a smoking hot body you’ve worked hard for, then be proud of it but not too proud. That’s not sexy. My athletic Uneak Model? Megan E.

Then there’s your adorable pixies. These are the shorties with the cute haircuts and they look like they just bounce around everywhere and could grant your every wish. They just seem so fun loving but watch out! These sexy fairies are no joke. They mean business and are tiny but mighty. My Uneak fave? For sure it’s Jenny Von Rose Gok.

Also, there’s the girl that just haunts you. She seems like she’s got a story to tell or definitely some secrets to hide. One way or the other, she’s got you locked in. It’s usually the eyes, I think…those things are windows to the soul. These girls might decide to wear a bit more makeup to bring out their striking features, but the good ones know how to not overdo it. Whatever it is, Uneak’s Izzi Wilson has it.

Of course you have your exotically gorgeous women. The ones you could just sit and stare at. Beautiful skin, hair and eyes…and I’m really jealous when they have a great accent! Yep, I think that about covers it, and my favorite here is Uneak’s Gabriela.

Then there’s your super tall runway types. Man, to have those legs, huh? And that hair they’re always flipping around. I have a Uneak friend like this, and it’s hard to be all short and squatty like me and hang out with her amazing beautifulness, but I suck it up and do it because well…I love her! And, lemme say, these girls can wear anything and look amazing. Ladies, let me tell you one thing, I love my heels and I know some tall runway types that don’t wear theirs because some men don’t like it. Forget that nonsense! Rock those gams! One day, we will be old ladies wearing slippers because we won’t be allowed to wear heels anymore because we fell and broke a hip or something, so tell those guys to get over it. Show off what the Good Man gave you. My fave is definitely Nicole Castro!

Whew, that was hard because Uneak has so many models and they could all fall into any one of these categories. Of course, I fall into the exotically gorgeous type…if you count freckles, tattoos, and being short exotic?

The point is, we are all sexy and if you check out the fans of these girls in these “types” (and I really struggled to even use that word here), you will see the best part is that there’s a guy for each of us. Some guys will flip flop between types, but most guys gravitate towards one type.

Before I sign off here, I do want to address the one thing that is not sexy…and that is crossing that line of showing what the Good Man gave you in a sexy, beautiful, and empowering way. Here’s some ways to know if you’re maybe crossing that threshold and should reconsider your choices:

n  You’re showing your Special Purpose and it’s not for a very Special Purpose. Remember, photographs are no longer like the old days where you can get the negative and the prints and destroy them when you change your mind or don’t like what was done. This is the age of the internet, where those pictures will be out there to haunt you for eternity. Eternity. I’m talking kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, parents, etc…everyone will know all about your Special Purpose. Just consider it, ladies.

n  Duck Lips. No way is that sexy. Your lips are beautiful just the way they are in their natural shape. Try a smile instead. That is MUCH MORE INVITING.

n  Pictures in a bathroom. Ok, I’m guilty of this, but let’s stop it. It’s terrible. People make potties in there. We are better than this.

n  Holding-your-boobs-together for a close-up. Hey, I’m ALL ABOUT making the girls look good before a shot, but here’s a tutorial on making them always look good that is also fun to watch…and, by the way, her tricks WORK. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HErdtVkR3Nw

n  Porn Star Face. I’m not saying you have to look like a nun, but leave the porn star face for your Special Purpose Time.  You might think your porn star face is amazing, but unless you’re hanging out with the Heff, it’s probably not as good as you think it is.

I could go on, but I think you get it. There’s a clear difference between trashy and incredibly hot, beautiful, and sexy. A simple smile, an appropriately flattering outfit, some heels, and a personality will get you a lot further than any of these other things.

I just want you all to realize that we are ALL beautiful. We are ALL FREAKIN HOT MAMAS. Seriously, grab a hold of that innate sexiness inside of you, embrace it, and let it show. Wear those insides on your outside (not literally, that would be gross) and, when that confidence shows, THAT IS SEXY.

See ya next time. Ciao for now.

Charity