Low Heel Shoes & Kitten Heel Shoes for Spring on my feet

So low heels, kitten heels are in for Spring, well I love high heels, and trends are trends only if you want them to be, so I will be wearing some of my low heels and here are of my "lower heels".


I bought these sort of beat up but awesome vintage denim shoes last summer, and I can finally wear them. I am going to get some shoe goo and fix them up or bring them to my cobbler and flaunt them, I will share pics, but for now, check them out!



And finally my first pair of Pucci's! Aren't they cute, (got them from TheOutnet.com) and can't wait to wear these when the snow melts and cold takes a break.


These are a favorite pair of mine, a Salvatore Ferragamo low heel sandal! YAY!

goodbye forever perfect teeth (beauty and teeth)

Over years I have learned how to work with my teeth. Control my teeth, and not let them control me. What I mean is I have imperfect teeth, well, that is it if you consider perfection when someone doesn't have a gap between their teeth and doesn't have an overbite. We all have imperfections. In High School teeth were something I observed in other girls. Many of the girls had braces already or maybe were just born with straight teeth. It felt like everyone had straight, together put teeth.

In my family, my mother and sister have a gap between their teeth. My grandmother did as well. In a sense the gap represents my roots. I have, overtime, learned to accept my gap, like it, even call it a trademark of my face. I think it gives me character.

Recently on my Youtube video page where I give tips about modeling, there was a comment that beauty models must have perfect teeth. I don't agree.

If your teeth are not bright as the full moon and perfectly straight you can still model and still be a beauty model. Beauty modeling involving modeling for cosmetics, skincare, and many lifestyle ads for products of all types from sunglasses, to jewelry, and hair care use all types of models. And many times the model's teeth are not even seen. Also many ads are using models with gaps now, and the perfect teeth thing is not a big thing anymore in modeling. If you got even teeth, that's great, if you don't, it's not a big thing. It won't hold you back, not if you are ambitious.

I have come to grips with my not perfectly straight teeth and gap and overbite. I have learned to work with it, and smile all the time with confidence, because even if your teeth are not perfect you can still express your energy, friendly attitude, upbeat persona and why you make a print model in your photos.

No matter how your teeth look, you should get a beauty shot done, a close up of your face as shot that has the essence of a beauty shot. Showing teeth or not.

You aren't alone, Lauren Hutton, Lara Stone have gap between their teeth, and here are a list of other models with gap teeth.

hallelujah Vogue Curvy has launched

hallelujah Vogue Curvy has launched at Vogue Italia's website, featuring plus-size and curvy beauties and proving that style has no size requirement.

I am not sure if Vogue Curvy would feature a shorter curvy model, but the site is a step. Check it out here:

http://www.vogue.it/en/vogue-curvy

Photography concepts for Shorter Models Video

In this video I share how aspiring models can use lifestyle magazine to get inspired for creating their own marketable photos.

It is best to turn down my podcast radio show player on the right side, scroll on right side to do so, or follow this link to my Youtube page:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoCvnR7J6iA

Photography concepts for Shorter Models

Shannon Murray made me smile today

I discovered Shannon Murray today and I am glad I did. She might be in a wheelchair, but that doesn't matter, she is also model on a mission; she is an inspiration. She has appeared on the popular UK television show "How to Look Good Naked” and many other television shows, and won the UK's first ever modeling competition for disabled people called "Model in a Million".

Tamara Abraham, from The Daily Mail, recently shared that the Debenhams deparment store is the first High Street retailer to use a disabled model in its advertising campaigns. In the campaign "Miss Murray will join three other models in the campaign: Kate Fullman, who is a size 16, Tess Montgomery, a petite 5ft 4in model and Tokumbo Daniel, who is a size 10." I am excited Debenhams has put diversity out there. I hope it spreads to other stores and countries.

Read more about Shannon here: http://www.shannonmurray.co.uk/index.htm

On her blog it recently read:

Photoshoot

Just home from a brilliant busy day, a really great photoshoot.
I can't go into much detail yet, not until after the launch next week, but suffice to say it was a first....

There was a fabulous crew on board, everyone was so lovely and supportive.
Usually I don't feel particularly nervous ahead of photo shoots, I've been modelling for over 14 years, but this time it was different. It is a first and as I was getting ready in hair and make up, the potential of this shoot really struck me ; another small step towards inclusion and representation of disability. I hope the images challenge a few misconceptions about disability; it's been a long time coming.

More to come next week....
Sx

I wrote a book there, & couple gets married in Apple store

As you most likely already know by now, I wrote my modeling memoir Almost 5'4" at the Apple Store in NYC, well guess what, this couple recently got married in an Apple Store!

I am actually engaged right now, which is ironic, but I will most likely not be married in the Apple store. I still visit the stores though.


I was plugged in this article in The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age about the couple's vows in the Apple store:

http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/digital-life-news/sweethearts-stage-guerillastyle-apple-store-wedding-20100225-p4c2.html?autostart=1



You can find another video of the couple getting married with audio here.

New Model Talk Radio Segment: Photography for all sizes: beauty, scars and self promotion

Modeling Photography for all sizes: beauty, scars and self promotion

This weeks segment of Model Talk Radio is called: Modeling Photography for all sizes: beauty, scars and self promotion.

When: 7pm EST Live 2/24/10 or listen anytime to the archive.

Isobella shares tips on creating your model photos and marketing them. And how to bring the best you forward in photos. And even how to put a scar to use as an aspiring model. Isobella advises that what you show in your photos represents what you can do, and showing in your photos you can model is how you get opportunities. Unlike what the media can expose about modeling and models, an aspiring model needs a compcard and professional photos ahead of time, before the agency. Isobella goes into detail on the step by step process of getting quality photography and marketing your photos to get opportunities as a model no matter your height.

Follow this link to listen:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/02/25/modeling-photography-for-all-sizes-beauty-scars-and-self-promotion

Her modeling memoir called Almost 5'4" is based on being a shorter than average model. The memoir recently hit the UK through The Friday Project, an imprint of HarperCollins. You can also find Almost 5'4" on Amazon and BN.com. Isobella is also the author of her fashion illustrated graphic novel "Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior". Her books can be found on BN.com and Amazon.com and in bookstores.

How female lifestyle magazines can inspire models

If you are under 5'7" lifestyle magazines will become a good friend. To get inspired for the type of photos you need for print modeling it is best to observe ads and editorials that involve the face, the personality, smiles, and energy of the model. Not the pout, attitude, or high fashion latest trends, but instead focus on where models of all types, sizes and ages are used to model products. In the latest issue of Glamour magazine I noticed these ads that show the models personality and also an assortment of products, from coffee, Orajel, Tide, and beauty. Ads where it isn't about the models height. Observe these ads, and use images like this as a guide for the type of photos you should include on your comp card as an aspiring model, especially if you are petite. Also this post from my blog about photography for shorter models can inspire you. - isobella

P.s: My tips on Glamour.com about how shorter models can look longer in photos here.

being shorter in modeling

Being shorter in modeling is not about what you can't do, it is about putting to use what you do have. Sure, we'd all love to be in a Gucci campaign, but that's not everything in modeling. Models are all types, but you have to see it that way and seek it out in the right ways and create marketable photos and try towards the right agencies. Strive. Try. Be. Become. Do. Grow. Gain.

Not all places are celebrating the size zero, 2, or 4

Not all places are celebrating the size zero, 2 or 4, I went to try on my wedding dress the other day & all that was in store was size 22. I found this interesting, I mean, I ordered the dress and it will be here in 10 weeks or so, but I thought how odd? I can't even try it on? I think it is interesting that high fashion stores only carry up to a size 10 or so, but when I go to try on a wedding dress the store ONLY has a size 10 and up in store.

Newport Rhode Island photos from my iPhone

During a little visit to Newport, Rhode Island I took these photos on my iPhone.


These are of the Breakers Mansion, I would hate to clean it, but love to live in it for a summer.

DESIGNER FEATURE: jeans designer Allison Izu

This is awesome. I recently discovered jeans designer Allison Izu, she is original, creative, and knows petite women. She is one. Standing only 5'2" she launched her jeans collection catered towards a shorter girl, and I recently asked her some questions about her collection and designing for the vertically challenged (like me!). She also is offering my readers an additional 20% off their purchase, see below!!! :)

Isobella Jade: Allison, you have an amazing collection of jeans and you use petite models to model your jeans because they are meant for a petite fit, what do you look for when casting a model? Also can you give us some behind the scenes of the photo-shoot?

Allison Izu: Moving forward I want to shoot my jeans on different sizes models, of different ethnicities and ages. I want to show my clothing on all types of petite women, because that is what I believe the brand is for, every woman who is 5'5" and shorter.

I love photo shoots, it's one of my favorite jobs as a fashion designer. Its fun and creative - and the models are always up to trying new & innovative things. I love to work with models who are fun and energetic! Most of the time, I am running around like a crazy person, touching up makeup, pulling jeans straight, fixing hair, etc. But its still a lot if fun!

IJ: Shopping for jeans can be hell when you are short, can you share some tips that can help a shorter girl look taller in her jeans? What should she look for when shopping for jeans?

AI: I think first of all know your body. You have to try on all styles, so you can figure out what fits your body best, I like to recommend a darker denim, with a straighter silhouette. And if you can find a jean with a higher waist, it will definitely elongate your legs.

I also think you should try on as many brands and styles, and bring the shoes you will be wearing with the jeans. If it is a "going out with the girls" jeans then bring your stilettos, or if it is the jeans you are wearing while lounging at home, or at the coffee shop, then bring your comfortable ballet flats.

If you are not able to find jeans that are the perfect length for you, then I recommend washing your jeans first before going to hem them.


IJ: I really like your PANIO LOW RIDER: Bootcut, UK ZIPPED: Super Skinny style, and your UK ZIPPED CAPRI looks super cute with a pair of heels for Spring/Summer. What styles do you think a petite girl should be sure to check out from your collection?

AI: I try to design for different body types & personalities, which is why I usually do a trouser jean, and higher-waisted jean with a wide leg, a bootcut, a skinny, and now a super skinny. I hope everyone will be able to find a style which suits their body. But I think the most popular is usually the Trouser (Honolulu jean) and the Straight-Skinny (Kolohe). I personally wear the UK zipped all the time! It's a casual jean for me with flats and then I can wear them tucked into boots for Fall, or with some sexy stilettos for a night out. I think they are so fun & versatile.

I think you should have fun and try on as many styles and sizes as you like. We pay for your first return, so I tell people to order 2 sizes & different styles to see what works.

I'd love to give your readers a discount coupon to my online store. The coupon code is "F10Almost54" for an additional 20% off their purchase (minimum order of $100). FREE Shipping for purchases of $99 or more.

IJ: WOW! Thank you!

Grace Coddington Vogue March 2010 Wow

I read many magazines, and I suggest aspiring shorter models read lifestyle magazines for inspiration for their photos, however I read Vogue for the artistic eye and art direction and to view the work of creative director Grace Coddington. Wow, amazing, beautiful, maybe Grace had Avatar in mind for the March issue of Vogue.




I'd like to read a book on this branch dangle my feet in the stream. March Vogue go Grace.

The Model Mindset for All Sizes

A question I often get is "how do I find a modeling agency?" Many girls who reach out to me are at the start of their pursuits and curious about "if they have what it takes to model?"

My answers are always based on "the work you put in" and "knowing your self".

At the start of my own pursuits I encountered many mistakes, approached the wrong agencies, had the wrong photos. All experiences which I learned from. But every step towards the tearsheets and opportunities I later gained came from my own hard work, research time, and the investment in myself.

Finding a modeling agency, especially if you are not fashion height, starts with a mindset that models are not all tall. And understanding that: not all working models are signed exclusively to fashion modeling agencies. There are many, many print modeling agencies out there that work with models of all sizes, but you have to seek them out and on this blog I have listed many agencies for girls of all sizes to pursue in many different cities. I would aim high in a realistic way and approach print modeling agencies with your compcard.

Here is a post on the photos you need for your submissions to agencies.

Working with a modeling agency comes down to your own prep work. The work you put in to create your professional photos and create your compcards, and then promote yourself to the right agencies. Finding a modeling agency is about finding out where you fit into this modeling business, and marketing your self in that direction.

Approaching the modeling agency in a professional way, which brings results, starts with knowing your self and knowing what is marketable about your self as a model.

How you present yourself in photos to a modeling agency, can mean you will get a call and a meeting and an opportunity to work with the modeling agency, or not.

Creating your modeling photos first takes a lot of self analyzing and also observing ads for lifestyle products, commercials, and editorials in lifestyle magazines, and noticing where models are used of all sizes. The more you show you "can model something," the better.

But remember the work you put in and the belief in your self is the biggest part to finding opportunities as a model, no matter your height.

Here is a post on the 6 differences between fashion models and non-fashion models:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/02/six-differences-of-fashion-model-and.html

And here is the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive modeling:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/12/exclusive-and-non-exclusive-modeling.html

Model Review Tips for Making a Comp Card

Often girls ask me to review their photos, and pick the ones I think would make a good model comp card. When I have extra time I do help out. Today I went through images of two girls and shared why their photos were working and why they weren't, I picked the best, and noticed some of the same things going on. It is a common thing to "just take a cute photo" but there is a different between "even a creative, interesting photo" and "one that will help you as a print model."

Here are some tips for picking the right photos for your comp card.

Let's start with this example of two photos of myself, one would work for a print modeling comp card and one would not.



Can you tell which?

While the one with the makeup, hair and funky bikini top (I made that actually), is a fun photo to look at, the photo that will not appeal to a print modeling agency. The one where I am smiling will, showing you can put your personality to use to sell a product, is best.

The more your photos show your personality the better. Also close up beauty shots are important for a print model to have. Focus on marketing your self with shots that show you modeling a project naturally and with ease. Looking like the photo is an ad, looking like you can model for something.

Taking a cool photo isn't enough. Creating "marketable photos" is the way.

Comp card tip: To print compcards and headshots I've uses www.compcard.com mention to them I refered you, but don't make a comp card until you have professional photos that market you well towards realistic modeling opportunities, and think of what the print agency wants to see,- it is your smile and personality. Also always see a proof of your comp card in person, snail mailed to you so you can make sure the colors look natural. Sometimes colors on the computer screen do not look as appealing when printed, always see a proof in person.

I ordered a wedding dress yesterday

This is what it looks like. I ordered it three inches shorter, the petite size. So I hope it fits similar to what this tal model looks like in the photo here:

walking around chinatown today

showing you can model to get opportunities

I strongly believe that no matter your size, ethnicity or age, if you want to model products it is possible. However you have to show within your photos that you can model before you get opportunities. And you have to accept what you have to offer as a model, and focus on what you are.

Isobella

The winner of the beauty & book contest is Krystiana!

Krystiana

Krystiana is the winner of the beauty & book contest. This week I held a contest that asked aspiring models to email me their beauty shots, may the best beauty shot win. The Prize: Win a copy of my modeling memoir Almost 5'4", which recently débuted in the UK through an imprint of HarperCollins, and also Origins GinZing eye cream.

A beauty shot is a must-have shot no matter your height. Height has nothing to do with being a beauty model, and a great example of a pretty beauty shot is what Krystiana has going on in the photo above which shows her natural beauty, --I like the expression in her eyes.

More contests coming soon! Next time is might be a pair of shoes!

Five steps to get ahead as a short model

Modeling as a shorter girl is tough, that's for sure, but I am a big believer in making things happen for your self, and for a shorter girl that is the way to get ahead as a model. Here are five tips towards getting ahead as a shorter girl.

Spend on your goals, invest on your pursuits.
When ever I made money in modeling I always put it right back into my pursuits. With new compcards, printing new portfolio prints, getting a new portfolio, and much more, especially the beauty and body up keep. A shorter girl has to get her comp card together and marketing tools to get ahead, it is NUMBER 1. P.s: A comp card will get you further than a website when it comes to working with an agent, real brands and attending real castings, focus on having these marketing tools as your first step.

Number 2, it doesn't matter if you know the latest trends in fashion or every top models name and story by heart but you do have to have an understanding of your own self. Understanding where you fit into this modeling industry is a big part of finding opportunities when you are not giraffe tall. The more your know your self and focus on realistic goals, the better. There is more to modeling and working as one than just fashion, the runway, and having long limbs, but make sure you know your assets. If you do not know your assets you should consider thinking about and knowing what type of products you could see yourself realistically modeling for.

Because Number 3 is creating photos that sell you and if you know what you can realistically model for you can create photos that will better target the areas you can get ahead. Commercial print modeling is the area for a shorter girl. Focus on getting the shots you need by understanding what you do not need. You don't need:
-Shots that involve a lot of makeup on your face. (even for beauty and cosmetic ad opportunities you want to focus on a beauty shot that has a natural look, not heavy cakey makeup.)
-You do not need a high fashion shot. You do not need a shot that shows you pouting or with a still face, instead flaunt your personality, show your smile, and observe ads that show models smiling in them to get inspired.
-Skip the glamour shots, and watch out for overly sexy glamour photos because these are the type of shots that turn off a commercial print modeling agency. If you want to model swimwear make it look like a catalog or magazine editorial you'd see in Glamour, Marie Claire, or Allure.
Although it is a hustle and a lot of work to get comp cards, get a portfolio, get photos and mail your comp cards out to agencies, it is the way for a short girl. Working non-exclusive with agencies is the lifestyle of a shorter model, however you can work with more than one agency non-exclusively. Shorter models do not typically find exclusive representation.

The 4th step is self promotion and marketing. Getting the attention of an agency usually doesn'thappen over night. It might take more than one submissions to an agency to get a meeting, sometimes it takes 3-4-5-6 submissions to even the same modeling agency over the course of a year to hear back, at last! Many girls go through months and years of submissions before hearing back at all. So be aggressive with your mailings, update your compcards, mail them out, try again, but also strive to get some experience on your own through approaching aspiring brands and designers (especially accessories designers), attending tradeshows, and networking with those who are ambitious. Strive to only shoot with professional photographers, and even if it takes a bit longer, stay true to your goals and focus on getting them achieved. After I gained a few tearsheets in magazines through photographers that worked with magazines and after I had experience modeling for aspiring brands and designers, it was easier to market myself to modeling agencies because I had proof that despite my height I had been hired and modeled for a national magazine. It takes a very careful, focused, skeptical and ambitious mindset to self promote in the proper ways.

The Fifth step should really be a part of the first step. Skip the Internet all together for model promotion. The Internet is only amateur for modeling. Get rid of your model-site hosting profile, and get rid the amateur. Focus on the professional and you get more.

Also see this post based on five jobs where height doesn't matter and some self promotion tips:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/01/five-modeling-jobs-where-height-doesnt.html

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2008/10/improve-your-model-marketing-for-small.html

Isobella

On Model Talk Radio: Why Modeling isn't just for one size or type

This week's segment of Model Talk Radio is based on Why Modeling isn't just for one size or type.

You can listen live 2/17 at 1:00 PM here, or enjoy the archive anytime:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/02/17/why-modeling-isnt-just-for-one-size-or-type

On the show Isobella shares realistic modeling opportunities for all sizes and ages and how the advertising industry as changed the word "model" and what it means to be one. Isobella shares the first photos any model needs and how to get the attention of a modeling agency, she also shares why "thighs" are suddenly in. Her modeling memoir based on being a shorter than average model called: Almost 5'4", recently hit the UK through The Friday Project, an imprint of HarperCollins. Isobella is also the author of her fashion illustrated graphic novel "Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior".

Check out the show here.

Her books can be found on BN.com and Amazon.com and in bookstores.

By the way, her sponsor on Blogtalkradio Gotomeeting.com is offering a 30 days free trial to her listeners and business owners. Gotomeeting.com is for online meetings for business client meetings or internal conferences, click here for free trial: www.gotomeeting.com/blogtalk

The Petite of the Week is Michelle

PETITE OF THE WEEK

Proving height isn't everything the Petite of the Week is Michelle. She was recently featured modeling in a fashion spread for SF Indie Fashion.

You can check it out here:
http://sfindiefashion.com/2010/02/04/good-looks-rainy-day-woman/