Isobella Jade's Thinking Lounge

Get a Signed and Personalized copy of Almost 5'4" or Short Stuff!

2012-01-26T22:11:00.001-05:00

Hey!

Guess what! I'm spending the weekend in San Francisco and I'll be sharing some pics of my favorite little things while I'm there. I'll be posting them on my Twitter and Facebook.

Also, by the way, if you'd like a signed and personalized copy of my books Almost 5'4" or Short Stuff let me know. Stop by my website here: http://www.isobelladreams.com/GetasignedcopyofIsobellasBooks.html

Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model has stories from on the job and also modeling tips for short chicks and Almost 5'4" is my modeling memoir about my early modeling days (and I wrote the manuscript for the book at the Apple store when I didn't have a computer at the time)

Aim high and strive on!

~ Isobella

Isobella Jade Quote: This life isn't only about what we gain from it, it's about what we give it

2012-01-23T12:11:00.002-05:00

Hello Monday! Despite the rain in NYC let's shine shine shine our sunshine all day long! Some thoughts on being in a place that uplifts you and your skills.

"If the energy around you isn't positive and inspiring, if the atmosphere you're living/working/striving in isn't a place making you feel fulfillment often, then grab your bootstraps and start moving towards change. It's not always easy to con...front yourself and confront change but giving out your true potential to life can involve changes. This life isn't only about what we gain from it, it's about what we give it and ourselves and others, and if your environment is bringing you down, focus on appreciating what you do have and working towards the things you want and the person you want to be. Time is precious, your life has meaning and it's up to you to give it the value it deserves and when you do you bring out the best of you." ~Isobella Jade

New Podcast Segment! Listening to that voice inside and going with your gut

2012-01-19T18:38:00.003-05:00

It is scary to try to do something that involves risk. But life is a risk, and there is also that risk of finding the success you wanted. Not pursuing what you want to do is scarier than doing it though.~Isobella Jade

Tune into my new podcast segment here (and also listen to archived segments too):

Listening to that voice inside and going with your gut

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2012/01/19/listening-to-that-voice-inside-and-going-with-your-gut

About the segment: In this segment Isobella Jade shares how she stays inspired while setting and accomplishing goals. "It's not easy to encourage yourself sometimes but think about the reason why you want to do something, think about why it is important to you and the joy of finishing something and reaching that place of fulfillment from not giving up and sticking with it." This segment is based on listening to that voice inside and going with your gut and giving yourself and your goal or dream a chance.

My graphic novel Model Life has gone mobile, download the Comics + app and check out the awesome mobile edition!

Pssst....if you want a signed and personalized copy of Almost 5'4" or Short Stuff contact me through my website www.isobelladreams.com

P.s: Are you wanting to start an online business? Do you have an idea for an online business and want to hear the how-to from some innovators? Here are some inspiring tips I saw from Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop.com newsletter and sign up for Goop too! http://www.goop.com/newsletter/162/en

Isobella Jade Quote: It's not easy to encourage yourself but it's necessary

2012-01-18T14:19:00.001-05:00

It's not easy to encourage yourself, but think about the reason why you want to do something, think about why it is important to you and the joy of finishing something and reaching that place of fulfillment from not giving up and sticking with it. ~Isobella Jade

Isobella Jade Quote: Focus on what means the most to you

2012-01-18T13:47:00.001-05:00

There are so many distractions out there, focus on what means the most to you and what you'd regret not doing and make it important, listen to what your heart is telling you, don't put aside the things that give you a sense of accomplishment and make you feel your best. ~Isobella Jade

For more quotes search on this blog: Isobella quote.

Isobella Jade Quote: Regrouping the mind and soul

2012-01-18T10:51:00.001-05:00

It's good to regroup, to escape your mind and distance yourself from what you are focusing on for a little bit. Sometimes when you're not thinking so hard about something you think better. Revive the mind and check in with your plan. Come back to it fresh again, to maintain the direction of where you're going. ~Isobella Jade

Isobella Jade Quote: Pressing on is being brave

2012-01-18T10:47:00.001-05:00

Pressing on is being brave, it's not giving up, it means you're carrying love and faith, and facing what's tough makes you tough, pressing on is standing up to fear and looking forward to what lies ahead and looking towards the the brightness of the new beginning. -Isobella Jade

Reading Rocks!

2012-01-12T20:59:00.001-05:00

snap! click! Stopped by BN Union Square today, bought some books (to hold in my hand and read) and a journal and said hello to Almost 5'4" and Short Stuff, go check out the signed copies :)
P.s: My new coat from China, makes me feel like little red riding hood again.

P.s again: Reading ROCKS!

More on my books (printed and ebooks) is here www.isobelladreams.com

Height isn't everything! ~Isobella

Isobella Jade Quote: That thought of wonder

2012-01-11T17:18:00.003-05:00

If something has been on your mind for some time now making you wonder if it’s possible or if taking that chance would be worth it and if you should pursue it, recognize it as your inner-voice, there’s a purpose for that thought of wonder, that something is not something to ignore, that ‘something’ is what you should do. ~Isobella Jade

I'd love to have a quote war with my father, I wish that day would've happened and I'm sure he would've won.

For more quotes search: Isobella quote.

For books and other wicked awesome stuff visit: www.isobelladreams.com

Isobella Jade Quotes and Inspiration: Smile, care, listen

2012-01-11T09:20:00.001-05:00

Good Morning! Rock on, no matter your size or the size of your dream! Today is a new day and much awaits! :) I hope your day involves smiling while you take in the fresh air (and if you're in NYC, the sunny sky!) and keep in in mind every little hustle and try does count, and without planning it your day could involve helping someone while your on your way (the other day on 38th street I said, "Wait, little girl!" and picked up a purple scarf that she and her nanny didn't know she dropped and then at Bed, Bath and Beyond 6th Ave an older lady dropped a leather glove as we passed in the aisle...it sucks to lose a leather glove and she prob wasn't that good at reaching for the floor to pick it up ya'know) and sometime during your day maybe you'll get to listen to the day in the life of someone else and take in the story of a new or familiar friend. While your pounding the pavement, chasing your goals, getting stuff done, it's good to smile and take in the energy of the day around you, to care, to listen, and spread that around a bit when you can :) ~Isobella Jade

For more quotes search: Isobella quote

Let's hear it for the Girls! Incase you didn't know this about me: History means a lot to me.

2012-01-09T08:02:00.003-05:00

The full moon last night.

Let's hear it for the Girls! Incase you didn't know this about me: History means a lot to me. The roots of all we have and know today are important to me and I mostly love learning about the history of things because of the stories that are uprooted of the people from that period and how what we have today reflects the past so much. I enjoyed reading the feature in the January issue of Vogue on Me...ryl Streep, really intrigued me and not just because she is the oldest covergirl, I was inspired because the article mentioned this website that will hopefully become a real museum one day, http://www.nwhm.org/education-resources/ and read about Meryl Streep's efforts and passion to bring the National Women’s History Museum to life here: http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/meryl-streep-force-of-nature/ I do believe girls of all ages need to hear more stories of women in history from all walks of life, I think it could really make a difference on their mindset and lives. I recently watched a documentary on Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, two very different women, from different backgrounds and who lived different types of lives, but who worked together and made great things happen for the women's rights movement and I was like "How did I not know all of this!!" In school we only get a very small slice, a teeny weeny amount of info in history class. I think this is sad. So it's up you to choose to find out more. Learning about women in history can be inspiration for our own dreams, and our women-heroes should be more influential than girls singing about lollipops and their milkshakes. I also wanted to share some books that I enjoy when I need some inspiration in my life, they are not history books at first glance, but through reading them I've been able to dive into a different time period and see what life was like then and I've loved that aspect too, Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls, Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand, Chanel: A Woman of Her Own by Axel Madsen, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. ~IJ

Be inspired: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/biography-books-memoirs-celebrities/379003044

The sunrise this morning

One of the most important things a girl can do for herself is...

2012-01-08T13:32:00.001-05:00

One of the most important things a girl can do for herself is notice her skills and what she's good at and have an understanding of ones positive traits. We all have things we aren't the best at, but we all have skills that can help others, ourselves and the world around us. We all have qualities to let shine. :) ~Isobella Jade

A pretty little memorable day in the city (pics)

2012-01-07T18:56:00.000-05:00

Hey Girls,

I hope your weekend has been relaxing and fun, and inspiration finds you. I started out with my husband today earlier than usual and got to lunch before 1 p.m at Rodeo Bar, yeeehaw, at
375 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016 http://www.rodeobar.com/

Then we went over to Kalustyan's shopping for tea and spices and mushroom curry and Aloo Palak :)

And then this little Old Print Shop nearby caught our eye and checked it out. And made our way up Lexintong Avenue then heading towards Lord and Taylor on Fifth Ave and 38th.

It's fun to explore and notice different stores and the architecture in Murray Hill going towards Midtown, there's a nice mix of old and new. At Lord and Taylor the first stop was the shoes of course! Right away these HUNTER rain boots really stood out. I didn't have a pair of good rain boots actually, so they were sort of a must-have and I plan to wear them forever and I hope it rain because I can't wait to walk through puddled in them! Also, in Lord & Taylor there were some great cashmere sales 40% off already reduced, and I picked up two sweaters, one black v-neck and a navy turtleneck! Mmmm warm! And I browsed around the Petite Shop, and I really like that they have a petite department!

I hope it rains or snows soon so I can wear these boots! Our bag though didn't totally make it home in one piece home. :)

~Isobella

Do you have a peaceful place?

2012-01-05T08:55:00.001-05:00

Where is your peaceful place? I think it's important for us to have a peaceful place, a place we feel relaxed, calm, can enjoy the quiet or good times. Mine is in the middle section of our curved sectional couch, sitting there I feel hugged and cozy, I look out into the city lights or the river and think. ~Isobella Jade

The real Chinatown in Shanghai, the Lingering Gardens and a street market

2012-01-04T11:48:00.003-05:00

If you get to Shanghai, get out of Shanghai and go see some of the awesome small towns nearby, like Suzhou and go to the Lingering gardens. Here are some pics from the Lingering Gardens.

The artistic windows are supposed to remind you of a painting each time you look through them and the crane is a symbol for longevity.

The highlight of the Lingering Gardens. See that stone, that's a prize stone! Read about Chinese scholars' rocks here.

The silk museum in Suzhou is okay and kind of interesting to see silk worms but you can skip it because it becomes a sad tourist trap to buy silk comforters, unless you need a silk comforter. :)

A Shanghai street market, in the Old City, I wonder what will happen to this market once that building on the left is up. Prob move to a different street (Eels!)

~Isobella

Favorite Little Thing: Annabel Lee Shanghai scarf

2012-01-04T11:48:00.001-05:00

Hey Girls,

One of my favorite little things I bought in Shanghai was Annabel Lee scarf, I stopped by the flagship store on The Bund and also the shop in the Xintiandi district.
http://www.annabel-lee.com/en/about/about01.html

Pics from the Yu Gardens in Shanghai!

2012-01-02T08:29:00.001-05:00

Entering the massive Yu Gardens area in Shanghai, the Yu Gardens and Bazaar was one of my favorite things in Shanghai, I liked walking around the Old City area.

Some pics from our trip to Beijing over Christmas!

2012-01-02T08:28:00.001-05:00

Entering the Forbidden City in Beijing

Hey Girls,

Here are some more pics from adventures in Beiking over the Christmas holiday.

At the Dragon Wall in the Forbidden City.

At the Temple of Heaven Complex.

At the Lama Tample, one of my favorite things to see, very spiritual place, which also included an 80 foot Buddha made out of Sandlewood!

Here I am in an area called Hou Hai at the Silver Ingot Bridge in Beijing north of the Forbidden City. Really loved this area full of cafes, shops, really cute.

More interesting (and scary) snacks on a stick at the Wangfujing night street market.

Walking through theWangfujing night food market

Walking around Beijing my Hubby snuck this pic of me, wondering what she is selling off her bike? Cheesecake?

At Jing Shan Park in Beijing at the top of Wanchun Ting hill ( this whole trip was a lot of walking and climbing) behind me the Forbidden City landscape.

Visiting the Summer Palace after seeing The Great Wall!

Loved the roof guardians on many of the buildings in Beijing.

More pics to come!
~Isobella

Happy New Year!! love, togetherness and inspiration

2012-01-01T02:38:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!!! This year wasn't all roses, when I look back it was a really tough year, it's the year my Dad died and losing him suddenly was a daily challenge to come to grips with, still is, but the gift of this year is a strong value of time and how precious it is and how thankful I am to have today, this moment and now, and my family and friends. Things I already was thankful for now have even more new meaning and with this coming year my resolution is to volunteer my time and what I can to causes that touch my heart because I really have been very fortunate and this year has brought out that it's not just about me anymore it's about others :) I hope your 2012 involves a lot of love, togetherness and inspiration! ~Isobella

My Apple store visit in Beijing at The Village at Sanlitun.

2011-12-31T10:39:00.002-05:00

At the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Here are some pics from my Apple store visit in Beijing at The Village at Sanlitun.

There I am chilling looking out the window on the second floor. Near that tree branch sort of.

~Isobella

Visiting the Apple store in Shanghai!

2011-12-31T10:32:00.003-05:00

Smoggy but kind of pretty. These were taken by my man. Above, that bird had perfect placement huh!

Hey! Guess what!

Over the Christmas holiday during my trip to China I visited the Apple store in Shanghai on Nanjing Road, of course, and wanted to share some pics!

Shanghai's Nanjing Road Apple Store

A couple taken with my iPhone at night:

I also attempted to visit the one in Shanghai's Pudong but it was raining really bad but you can kind of make out the signature glass box and Apple logo.

~Isobella

P.s: As you know, I wrote my memoir Almost 5'4" at the Apple store in SoHo NYC, to read more about my Apple store experience: www.isobelladreams.com

I didn't climb The Great Wall of China in heels but I did climb up it earlier this week!

2011-12-30T17:11:00.002-05:00

Hey Girls,

I didn't climb The Great Wall of China in heels but I did climb up it earlier this week!

I hope you end this year with the ones you love around you and I hope before 2012 comes in you have a nice moment with your thoughts and heart and think about all you gained, all you gave and what you did this year, and I'll share more later on why this year was one of the most challenging for me personally but also helped me find what's really in my heart to help guide my future.

We visited the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It's more challenging but less tourists. It was amazing and peaceful looking off at the landscape around.

I climbed all that behind me, just kidding, just from the closest tower you see.

~Isobella

Hey ya'all, Back from Shanghai and Beijing!

2011-12-30T08:19:00.002-05:00

I hope your Christmas and holiday season was really cozy and memorable, I was in China in Shanghai and Beijing over the holiday and I have many photos to share coming up!

Here are a few to start the photo roll from Shanghai.

I hope you have a wonderful New Year and end this year with the ones you love around you and I hope before 2012 comes in you have a nice moment with your thoughts and heart and think about all you gained, all you gave and what you did this year, and I'll share more later on why this year was one of the most challenging for me personally but also helped me find what's really in my heart to help guide my future.

~Isobella

When you read this I'll be in Shanghai!

2011-12-18T16:50:00.002-05:00

Hey, Guess what!

I am visiting China over the Christmas holiday and have prepared some posts to appear on my blog.

I'm in Shanghai right now!

I will try to upload some photos while I'm here on my blog and on my Facebook wall and through Twitter.

After Shanghai, I am off to Beijing!

I hope your holiday season is warm and fun! And you give as much as you get and I hope your with your loved ones this season and enjoying good food and making great memories. Memories and love are what matter most!

I will be sharing with you my top 10 of Shanghai and Beijing with you. Also of course on this trip I'm looking out for my favorite little things to share with you!

~Isobella

Isobella Jade Quote: The Belief

2011-12-15T23:53:00.001-05:00

Isobella Jade Quote: The Re-Do

2011-12-15T23:51:00.001-05:00

Favorite Holiday Little Thing: from nutcrackers to charms to bath bombs and more!

2011-12-14T23:51:00.000-05:00

Hey, I hope your holiday season has been stress-free, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite holiday little things that caught my eye, stop by www.petitemodelingtips.com for more favorite little things too:

Karen Curtis one-of-a-kind chandeliers: http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/12/favorite-holiday-little-things-karen.html

O&CO Mediterranean olive oil

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/12/favorite-holiday-little-things-o.html

Yosef H jewelry

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/12/favorite-holiday-little-things-yosef-h.html

Echo trapper hat

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/12/favorite-holiday-little-thing-echo.html

Favorite Holiday Little Thing: Henri Bendel Truffle Nutcracker and LUSH galore!

Tiffany daisy moon charm and other pretty delights.

Isobella Jade Quote: A lot of what ‘getting opportunities’ is all about is thinking.

2011-12-14T13:03:00.000-05:00

"A lot of what ‘getting opportunities’ is all about is thinking. Thinking about the opportunities you want to get and thinking about the best approach to get closer to that/those opportunities, thinking about the path you need to be on to get what/where you want, thinking about what you believe is possible for yourself, thinking about what you have to do to start, and then it's up to you to move towards that path that brings you face to face with your potential and that opportunity. That path could involve hours, days, months and years of trying, improving, aiming, reaching, growing, but not giving up and seeing what tomorrow will bring your goals is the unexpected excitement of seeking out your opportunity." ~IJ

My adventures in the new Grand Central Apple store (pics)

2011-12-10T14:09:00.002-05:00

Photo Credit: Isobella Jade

If you'd like a signed and personalized copy of my modeling memoir Almost 5'4", which I wrote at the Apple store in SoHo/NYC, stop by my website www.isobelladreams.com

My visit to the Apple store Grand Central preview pics

2011-12-10T02:17:00.002-05:00

Hey, Here are some random pics taken from random visitors and an Apple employee, today at the Grand Central store opening day! I did work on my upcoming YA novel for a little bit at the store today.

That's my computer for an hour today, the store is very comfortable, no one rushed me to get off, the vibe feels very airy and open and feels a little awkward in the sense of being in this beautiful building, beautiful architecture of Grand Central, it's a bit intense, and I over heard someone say it felt like being at a bank, with the tables and lights on them. The store- or more-like-the -open space-as I'd think of it, was busy, well, of course! It was their first day, and it's Apple! But I'm sure I won't be the only regular, and the music is good.

The other direction shot. Worked for about an hour at the Grand Central Apple store on a 13-inch MacBook Pro. I helped this guy next to me when he asked how to close out of yahoo, I told him to clear his history too, so no one will know what you do at the Apple store :)

I have MANY more pics to share, be back tomorrow! ~Isobella

Apple store Grand Central, pics coming soon!

2011-12-09T13:42:00.001-05:00

I'm going to do some writing at the Apple Store Grand Central today. :)

Isobella Jade Quote: Notice your own heart beat

2011-12-08T21:59:00.001-05:00

"It's a good idea to notice your own heart beat once in a while, ya know. This life is precious thump thump boom boom gaagum gaagum." ~Isobella Jade

Favorite Holiday Little Things: At Tiffany & Co.

2011-12-08T19:00:00.003-05:00

Hey Girls,

Have you seen the handbags at Tiffany & Co.? They are so classy and beautiful. This one caught my eye recently.

Check out the TRT: Tiffany Reversible Tote in my favorite colors Navy and Pesto.

Perfectly Petite! Yes, it's one of my favorite little things and also the Daisy key is too!

This Man in the Moon charm is a favorite as well.

It's the little things that are most precious, Happy Holidays!

~Isobella

Favorite Holiday Little Thing: truffle nutcracker at Henri Bendel and LUSH galore!

2011-12-06T21:10:00.001-05:00

Hey Girls,

Over the weekend I picked up one of these super cute truffle nutcracker at Henri Bendel! It's one of my favorite Little things this holiday season!

I'm also crazy about these new products at LUSH! Get yourself a LUSH-ful time! Or a friend or loved one a LUSH star gift box for Christmas, so cute! http://www.lushusa.com/shop/15-new-products/

Christmas Star at LUSH!

http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/gifts/wrapped/christmas-star

Love, Give, Love, Give!

Isobella

Back to Apple, The Apple Store Grand Central opens this week!

2011-12-05T12:43:00.003-05:00

Oh no, Apple is in trouble! (In a good way) the new Apple store in Grand Central opens this Friday! Right in my neighborhood will be an Apple store! Sweeeeett! A perfect spot to visit when I need a break from writing at the apartment...maybe even write another book there too, wink).

~Isobella Jade

P.s: Some pics and buzz of my experience writing Almsot 5'4" at the Apple store are here:

http://www.isobelladreams.com/AppleStoreandIsobellaJade.html

http://www.isobelladreams.com/Press.html

(on my wedding day popped into the Apples tore SoHo)

Let me know if you'd like a signed copy of Almost 5'4": http://www.isobelladreams.com/GetasignedcopyofIsobellasBooks.html

Where is the snow? The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center

2011-12-02T17:53:00.003-05:00

Hey Girls,

What's on your list for Santa?

It's Friday! But for a dreamer that doesn't mean less work. I'm getting a few goals done today and I hope during your day something clicks and reminds you, "That's why some things happen for a reason." :) IJ

Where is the snow?
Okay it feels like Christmas is coming now. The Salvation Army bell ringers. The snowflake lights on Fifth Ave. The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. I'm going to be in China over the holidays but going to get a little real Christmas tree, a real small one, at one of those deli's on the corner anyways.

On the way to see the tree saw this pretty sight too of the Chrysler Building.

Here are some pics from last night seeing the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. I am playing Elvis's White Christmas today and some other Christmas songs like Silver Bells.

~Isobella

Happy Birthday Mark Twain

2011-11-30T16:34:00.001-05:00

Hey Girls,

When you Google something today you might see "Tom Sawyer" Whitewashing a fence on your search screen page. Tom Sawyer is a character in Mark Twain's novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Today is his birthday. Check out the autobiography of Mark Twain and his books here:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Mark-Twain?keyword=Mark+Twain&store=allproducts

Whenever I read books I am inspired. I love how books, fiction and non-fiction, memoirs and biographies can make you think about your own life and give you a sense of perspective on the lives of others.

~Isobella

I believe in the self-publisher

2011-11-29T13:00:00.001-05:00

I believe the self-publisher will out live the big dog publishers. I bet during the next 10 years we'll see more and more self-publishers growing their brands, and self-publishers could even be 100% king and queen, it will be the way, it already is in motion ...all these little kings and queens and princes and princesses doing it their way as the leaders of their own publishing kingdoms :)~Isobella Jade

Togetherness is so important, Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T00:42:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for my family and my husband, my memories and the last conversation I had with my Dad face to face around this time, and the love in my life that inspires me daily. I'm thankful for even the tough times that have made me strong and given my heart faith and opened my eyes to the preciousness of each day and to make it count. Togetherness is so important. I'm thankful for all I've seen and done in this world- near and far, and the power of positive thinking. :)Some pics from a recent trip to Texas and New Orleans. Thanks for being a part of my blog and my readers inspire me daily. :)

~Isobella

New Orleans

Yes that's real.

Hustle it! Almsot 5'4" is signed at Fifth Ave Barnes and Noble, go get it! :)

2011-11-18T15:12:00.001-05:00

Hey Girls,

Before off to Texas for a week, today I signed a copy of ALMOST 5'4" at the Fifth Ave and 46th Barnes and Noble -I hope you pick it up and are inspired :) no matter your size!

~Isobella

P.s: If you'd like a sign copy of Almost 5'4" or Short Stuff you can also visit my website to order one here: http://www.isobelladreams.com/GetasignedcopyofIsobellasBooks.html

I saw these cute Dr. Scholl's booties at Famous Footwear

2011-11-16T19:48:00.000-05:00

Hey Girls,

I saw these cute Dr. Scholl's booties at Famous Footwear, they are perfect for girls on the go chasing their dreams! And you get an extra inch of height too, hehe! ~Isobella

Check them out here at FamousFootwear.com and like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter here.
Aim high and strive no matter your size!
Isobella

Writing a novel is similar to preparing a modeling portfolio, here's why:

2011-11-16T19:41:00.001-05:00

Writing a novel is similar to preparing a modeling portfolio, here's why:

Creating concepts for a storyline and characters - creating concepts for a photo shoot and the shots you want to get. Bringing the idea and plan to life.
Both involve creativity and research and prep work.
Cropping, changing, adjusting, adding and editing sections of the book - Cropping and editing and choosing the best photos.
Rewriting - reshooting.
You grow it and make it even better as you keep working at it.
Never give up on your goals and believe in yourself and work, you are your cheerleader so start to prepare your daily cheer, it's a hustle to create your own way and chase your dreams but it's possible with passion and courage and always aim high!

~Isobella Jade

Write, Listen be Inspired and get sales!

2011-11-16T19:40:00.001-05:00

Hey Girls,

Been hearing this song all over the city every where I go, maybe it's a sign, maybe it's just an awesome song. Indigo Girls: Power of Two. (My way: I type 'repeat' before the youtube.com and I write to it for hours) adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two ♥

Snail mail devotee and founder of The World Needs More Love Letters site Hannah Brencher was on the 4 train and left behind an unexpected letter for an unsuspecting stranger, then she started leaving her notes in coat pockets, library books and church pews, spreading anonymous letters of love. Read about her here: http://www.moreloveletters.com/ via Daily Candy.com

I read these articles sometimes when I can't sleep or need inspiration or want to fill my brain: How to Think Creatively - http://blogs.hbr.org/schwartz/2011/11/how-to-think-creatively.html

Also dEliAs has BIG sales going on, up to 85% off check them out here.

Behind the Scenes of the Victoria's Secret 2011 Fashion Show via Elle.com

Are you in NYC? Check out the Hanky Panky sample sale for some sexy panties.

~Isobella

Isobella Jade's observations of life: The Want Without the Why

2011-11-15T12:14:00.002-05:00

I know Christmas is coming up so I want to get this out before I ruin the holiday cheer and store sales, hehe because there is nothing wrong with getting or receiving gifts (especially if it’s something you really wanted and someone special gave it to you and you put the time into a thoughtful gift), but I think about the word “want” a lot lately and this came to mind: In our world of want, when there is so much to consume, so much unneeded actually, it makes me wonder where does this want to have things without thinking about “why” we want it come from? It can’t just be ads and commercials, aren’t we smart enough to not be brainwashed to think we need something without thinking and debating for a second about why? Is it a social competition of “I want what you have” or “I want to have better and bigger than you have,” without really thinking about why? Is it the ego-driven desire or a lack of self-esteem for us to let the type of handbag we carry define our status as better, but without knowing anything about the history of the brand and logo being flaunted around by us? Maybe it’s for the sake of having the highest pile of crap in the end? When less energy gets put into what we ‘really’ want soon we forget about what we really like, what our opinions really are, and who we really are, and instead so much time and energy gets put into things that have no actual meaning towards the person we really are. Where does the mindset of “I want that” come from without a ‘because…’? When we think about the “why” we want something before we start to really dwell on wanting it, we might even find we don’t really want it at all and our reason to want it had no meaning for our true selves and then we may discover what we really want after all. ~Isobella Jade

More observations of life coming soon.

A Model Life excerpt from my iPhone!

2011-11-14T12:15:00.002-05:00

Model Life is available in print (Amazon and BN.com) and also is a mobile graphic novel as well and you can read it on your phone!

~Isobella

All content and photos Copyright Isobella Jade

Get the Ann Taylor and Loft discount girls!

2011-11-10T14:38:00.001-05:00

This one is for my preppy girls, like me, who are striving to get stuff done!

From November 10th-13th check out 40% off!

Click here for details on Ann Taylor and Loft 40% off

They each have a petite section too! Check out Ann Taylor's online petite section here.

And Loft's petite section is here.

Here are some of my favorite picks from both.

My Ann Taylor picks are:

I love when I find petite but long shirt and sweaters, and this petite Petite Long Sleeve Boatneck Tunic is a great shape for petites and looks long enough to wear pulled over the bootie with some thicker tights perhaps and some cute booties, and so is this Petite Cowl Neck Long Sleeve Tunic. This Petite Plush Sleeveless Turtleneck also caught my eye, I wonder if I bought it in a size medium if it would be cute as a sweater dress if it gave some extra length? I might go in the store and see about this. And I love this Petite Elbow Sleeve Turtleneck, the color wineglass is real pretty.

My Loft picks are:

Really cute, wear all winter Petite Marled Cowl Neck Sweater, pair it with jeans or a skirt.

This cute and classic Petite Favorite Ruffle Long Sleeve Blouse is great with just jeans and heels or tucked with a pencil skirt. This petite lace skirt is soo wicked cute and sexy but still classy. I'm sweater dress obsessed and on our petite frame a sweater dress, like this one, a bitt above the knee keeps us warm and looking lean and long.

Walk Tall no matter your height! Strive on!

~Isobella

Giving your skin a natural glow, it starts from within

2011-11-10T14:37:00.001-05:00

Hey Girls,

I was recently asked about using foundation on the skin, not just the face but other places, such as your feet, hands, legs, stomach, etc.

On modeling jobs for parts modeling sometimes the makeup artist there has created a mixture of foundation and lotion to make the models skin glow. Or I noticed they've use a light amount of NIVEA and Jergens natural glow and sun-kissed lotions.

To give skin a natural glow, use just a tiny dab of foundation mixed with larger amount of lotion. The tricky thing is that sometimes the color of your hands isn't the same as the foundation you use on your face, so you may have to find one that matches the tone of your hands, feet, legs, etc.

You don't want to over do the foundation part or else it will look obvious and ugly and can look off color, and you want to use more lotion than foundation. Less than a dime size amount of foundation, not a lot, just like when you put makeup on your face you don't need a lot of foundation if you spread it around carefully and well. Same here, with just the dab of foundation on your left finger, squirt some lotion (a quarter size amount or more) in the palm of your right hand, then mix the foundation evenly into the lotion in your hand then rub elsewhere. The point is to give your lotion just a tint of color but not over do it.

Also this mixture will help cover any of your blemishes and light scars as well. No one is totally flawless 100% all the time.

I'm very into the natural beauty, not cakey or heavy feeling makeup and the same goes for skincare, I like my lotions to be very light weight, that quickly absorb into the skin. And here is another tip for getting the most out of your lotions, especially when they aren't cheap. I used lotions of all types and this week at my casting I used Aveeno on my hands and feet and legs.

Look at how much I would have missed out on! Just when you think the lotion is all done, do like I do and cut your lotion in half when you have a plastic like this because there's a lot more inside! Scoop it out, your skin will love you for it! :) There is a whole lot that soemtimes doesn't come out and I like to use it all. I get at least 3 more uses usually by slicing my lotion bottle in half. And also always recycle your beauty product plastics. :)

Over all to keep skin looking healthy, youthful and glowing is to keep a positive attitude, negativity and frustration creates a hard and worn face and body. Also moisturize daily, especially right after of the shower because the heat of the shower makes your skin dry. So rub lotion on your face, neck, legs and other parts daily. Also keep in mind that how your skin looks on the outside has to do with what you are putting inside it, so skip greasy foods and drink a lot of water. Sometimes I add lemon to it to give it some flavor, water is moisture for the skin!

Even if you are not a parts model, you can still keep your skin looking great for the camera.

And remember, give your inner self some love too, daily try to expand your mind and discover something you didn't know, be aware of those around you and help someone else when you can, and grow each day, if not in inches than with the depth your mind and heart.

Strive on!

~Isobella

P.s: Need some lotion? Or shop for cute stocking stuffers!
Free shipping for a limited time on $40 or more at L'Occitane.

Hand modeling it's important to know how to model products naturally

2011-11-09T16:40:00.003-05:00

Here I'm saying I <3 you with one of my favorite nail polish colors.

Hey Girls,

Just got out of a hand and foot casting for a beauty retailer and often at castings you are asked to hold the product and then show it off in a variety of ways...its all you, they don't always tell you how to hold the product. Today I was told to "hold this in a few different ways." The different ways were up to me and it wasn't like I was going to say I don't know what to do.

Felt kind of like a magician today haha, so it's a good idea to make sure your hands think fast to share the different ways can you pose your hands naturally with the product. Casting photographers often like to see your ability to work naturally with a product.

You need to know how work with products naturally because this will come up within print modeling castings, and have the instinct to know how to make the product look great and also you.

This goes for any product campaign casting head to toe. Test yourself grab an accessory product in your closet, a hat, a handbag, a shoe, a scarf, stand infront of the mirror, now model it naturally, in a way you'd really use it. Same thing in your beauty bag, grab a mascara, a lip gloss, a nail polish, hold it with your hand, use it like you normally would, think about beauty ads and commercials. Same with skincare and technology and realy any item you can hold and use.

In print modeling it is all about products and print models are needed to represent the image of a brand and also parts models are used to hold products...I am sure you have seen ads of hand models holding Nooks and kitchen tools and accessories and mobile devices. It might sound corny but I suggest practicing naturally posing and holding products - as if you would hold and use them in real life- everything from tweezers to handbags to a cell phone.

Some samples shots of myself holding some items in my beauty bag. (This would not go in my portfolio, but sometimes your agencies might ask you for candid shots -raw, natural of your hands and self as is and how you look on a typical day -which is why it is good to have candid shots prepared or be able to snap some with your cell phone quickly. I've had my agencies ask for digitals of my hands and "parts" often so keep in mind that candids are good to have handy for your agencies because clients these days like to decide a model by seeing the raw image unphotoshopped. Also when it comes to portfolio shots and candids, stick to NOT showing brands name -logo- in the shot unless it's a tearsheet from when you worked with that brand for a job.)

My eye shadows

Q-tips a model must-have.

Peace! tweezers!

Tea time!

~Isobella Jade

All content and photos Copyright Isobella Jade

P.s: Did you know Walmart has gone mobile? Check it out here: http://techcrunch.com/2011/11/08/walmart-goes-mobile-with-new-apps-for-iphone-ipad/

Isobella Jade quote: Looking good and dressing well isn't enough

2011-11-08T19:16:00.002-05:00

"Just because you look good and dress well doesn't mean you don't need a purpose in life...in a world full of stuff to consume to beautify ourselves let's not forget our minds and hearts and our potential inside. There is so much potential if we see it. As we put on our hot heels and mascara let's remember to love and give the same amount of attention to the person we are inside too." ~Isobella

Reading is stylish featuring Joe Fresh skirt

2011-11-07T20:56:00.001-05:00

Hey Girls,

You may have noticed my fashion features involving reading recently and I do think fashion and reading can unite and I love reading. It makes me happy to read. I hope you have enjoyed the previous features of my favorite books wearing some of my favorite fashions and stay tuned for more. Because reading is stylish! ~Isobella

P.s: the pics below prove that short chicks can wear longer skirts. Tuck in your shirt and look longer.

Reading is so fashionable skirt by Joe Fresh, $39 http://www.joefresh.com/en/

More Reading is Stylish features:
http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/11/short-and-stylish-wearing-strawberry.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/11/lady-in-red-likes-to-read.html

Favorite Little Thing: Dream Water and my tips for sleeping sound

2011-11-07T19:47:00.003-05:00

Hey Girls,

Have you heard of Dream Water? It's getting a lot of buzz. It's a liquid suppliment for all natural sleep. It comes in a cute small bottle 2.5 oz shot that comes in two flavors Snoozeberry and Lullaby Lemon. You can find it at Duane Reade stores, Walgreens, Walmart and many other national wide stores, you can read more about it and how it works here.

http://www.drinkdreamwater.com/

However, I don't think it is a good idea to become dependent on sleeping supplements all the time or every single day, and only suggest taking them if you really are struggling with sleep and can't fall to sleep after trying other helpful ways to snooze, such as:

Take the time to decompress.
Something that helps me fall asleep is reading a a book /ebook before going to bed, it's relaxing and fun to read but it also can tire the mind, having some uncaffeinated hot tea calms me too and helps me relax, doing yoga can ease stress, also I like to write a to-do list for the next day or write down in my journal my goals for the week and things I need to focus on and make a priority so I don't go to bed stressing about all the things in the works. By writing down my goals and the next day's plans I can also release these bullet points from my mind and fall asleep easier when my mind isn't dwelling on everything I need to do all at once.

Take care of your body.
Also be aware of what you eat and drink during the day. Don't drink coffee, soda or energy drinks until 4 pm if you want to get to sleep before midnight! I'm trying to drink less coffee, it's hard, I know, but I'm trying to be aware of how much coffee I drink because actually it makes me more tired mid-day and makes it so hard to sleep. And be aware what you order on nights out with the girls, that Red Bull and Vodka has Red Bull in it! So obviously you won't be able to get to bed soon. Remember also to cut sugars before bed. Fill your body and brain with water and fruit and veggies for energy throughout the day, snack on an apple, yogurt, a granola bar to get a boost during your day, and add some exercise to your day, even walking or for 30 minutes, moving your body can inspire tiredness at the end of the day.

Take care of your mind.
I find that relaxing my mind helps me sleep and involves finding a peaceful thought and being in a calm state of mind. To release all my stress and worry and focus on all I am thankful for and all that I hope and plan to do for others and getting back to the inner me daily, and to help get me to dreamland.

If all else fails, listening to soothing instrumentals music can inspire sleep, or listen to Louis Armstrong sing A Kiss to Build a Dream On!

~Isobella

Supposedly the best job a model can get has nothing to do with height

2011-11-07T12:26:00.003-05:00

Hey Girls,

This post on Nymag.com caught my eye. It's about the best jobs a model can get. The answer: Beauty ads, cosmetic campaigns. Supposedly the best job a model can get has nothing to do with height.

Although this is based on fashion models, who says you have to be tall to model cosmetics or health and beauty products?

So get your beauty shots and close-ups, less makeup is better for these types of shots, include a clean beauty shot on your comp card, height isn't everything but market what you've got.

Read the article which includes quotes from Director's at fashion agencies and models on the best jobs a model can get here:
http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/11/slideshow_best_model_bookings.html?mid=377846&rid=422648588

So you don't have the height, well focus on what you do have. And your skin and facial features can be great assets in modeling. Think about how many ads and editorials for products of all types involve beauty, health and skincare and haircare. Not just high end beauty products but also lifestyle product ads you see for products for consumers of all types and budgets.

Tips for creating a beauty shot:
http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/12/working-as-beauty-model-podcast-recap.html

Strive on, aim to beat the odds!
~Isobella

P.s: Today last day for Kendra Scott free shipping, check out her jewelry collection here.
Listen to my interview with Kendra Scott here.

Favorite Little Thing: Urbani black truffle salt at Eataly

2011-11-03T20:17:00.003-04:00

Hey Girls,

Today at Eataly I discovered a favorite little thing: Urbani black truffle salt. I was told it was the best thing in the store and that it might be the best sea salt in the world. :)

Find Urbani on Facebook here.

~Isobella

Short and Stylish wearing Strawberry skirt and button up shirt

2011-11-03T19:37:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls,

Today I'm wearing a skirt and a button up shirt from Strawberry, so cute right! And together were under $30. Also wearing tights from Wolford and shoes from Nina shoes. As I mentioned in a previous post I am wearing the skirt a size medium, purposely bigger than my usual smalls and xs sizes because I didn't wanted this skirt to be super super tight, and a medium gives this stretch fabric a bit more stretch and tames it down for day time wear. I think wearing the button up shirt (size small) not tucked in gives the look a more casual feel, perfect reading outfit after a long day.

Height isn't everything.

~Isobella

P.s: Below I'm reading 2011 edition of the The World Almanac that I meant to give to my father last year before he passed away, but now I can read and enjoy it, like he would have.

Short and Stylish tip: going up a size for stretch fabrics and tame down a tight skirt sometimes

2011-11-03T19:19:00.001-04:00

Hey Girls,

Have you ever seen a cute skirt skirt but thought, that's a bit too sexy to wear every day....
Well I was in Strawberry store the other day outside Grand Central and I found this wicked cute stretch skirt but I ended up getting it in a size medium, even though I could have worn the small, because you know walking around the city I don't need to be harassed more than usual, and the medium fits slightly less tight and it's something I can wear around the city running errands and also to a meeting or dinner with the girlfriends.

Sometimes going up a size for stretch fabrics can work for petites especially if the skirt is tight to begin with to tame down the ROAR in your strut.

Wearing my skrit from Strawberry here in Madison Park today in the city.

More pics in the skirt coming soon.
~Isobella

Petite Lady in red likes to read

2011-11-02T19:55:00.003-04:00

Hey Petite's!

If it doesn't come in your size, make it your size: you might remember this Eddie Bauer skirt from Halloween pics below, but I plan to wear more often, I bought it at Housing Works on 23rd Street for $10 (Loved the fabric) and was 4 sizes too big and a lot longer, and had the tailor take it in and hemmed above my knee, and the extra fabric from the length makes for a perfect scarf too :) also today was reading some of Chanel: A Women of her Own (great book) which you can find at BN.com or Amazon.com :)

~Isobella

Favorite Little Place: Rose Main Reading Room at the NYPL

2011-11-01T20:06:00.000-04:00

Well, it's not really that little it's about two city blocks long. Stopped by the New York Public Library Fifth and 42nd today and enjoyed spending time in the Rose Main Reading Room, some times I hang out in the reading room and write notes for my novel/projects.

It's peaceful and like a museum inside.

Check out events here http://www.nypl.org/events

Also, BTW, I noticed over at Figment.com there is aGirls with Grit writing contest going on, you should check it out: http://blog.figment.com/2011/11/01/the-girls-with-grit-contest/

~Isobella

Little Red Riding Hood visits Apple store in SoHo

2011-11-01T00:20:00.001-04:00

Hey Girls,

I hope your Halloween was fun!

I turned Little Red Riding Hood a bit more preppy today with an Eddie Bauer skirt red wool skirt. I recently had the skirt altered down 4 sizes, got it at Shop Housing Works, $10! true, and loved the fabric but was the wrong size, and the extra fabric cut off makes for a cute scarf. (I'll have a video up soon of it in more detail)

Visited the Apple store, the make shift temporary today hehe and later saw some of the parade costumes on 18th and 17th Street! :) The basket is from Shop Housing Works also. Also the Hunter's clothing vest and shirt in the pics below are from Shop Housing Works too.

I saw Grandmother on 5th Ave and 17th Street too!

Similar Eddie Bauer skirt.

Similar red shoes.

~Isobella

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T12:47:00.001-04:00

Breakign News: Little Red Riding Hood and Hunter Kill the Wolf!

2011-10-29T18:44:00.001-04:00

Hey Girls,

Well I didn't plan on meeting the love of my life today but love can sneak up on you like that, because during my journey in the woods to see grandma this afternoon a big scary, hairy wolf approached me and I was too frightened to move, he was getting closer and closer and then a little too close and I started to run.

I’m pretty fast (even in my high heels) but wasn’t fast enough and that nasty wolf grabbed my cape and pounced on me and I was thinking HOLY SHIT, but thankfully a hunky handsome Hunter heard my scream and was there with his axe to help me…he saved my life really. Oh I jabbed that wolf in the face a few times too with the heels of my shoes, but really it was the Hunter who saved me. Even though it’s been freezing, we spent the day walking in the woods together, and we just had our first kiss, it warmed me right up, and he told me it was fate we met and that he wants to spend even more time with me-- and now we are getting ready to have some dinner and celebrate our kill! Poor grandma, she never got her candy today!

While the Hunter cleans off some blood from his face from killin the wolf I'm reading about this chick Snow White she seems cool but is her face really as white as snow? Well I might give her a call next week for some lunch to find out :) hehe

More pics coming soon.

♥ Little Red Riding Hood

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

At Lastcall.com saw a wicked cute colorblock faux leather tote to carry modeling portfolio!

2011-10-28T13:26:00.001-04:00

Hey Girls,

Finding a good bag to carry your modeling portfolio in can be a challenge, a modeling portfolio is 12.5” Height x 9.5” Width so you need a bag with some height and length.

While on Neiman Marcus Lastcall.com recently I saw this wicked cute colorblock faux leather tote and it's perfect for a portfolio with a size of 15.75"Height x 12.5"Width x 5.5"Diameter with an 8" handle drop. It will hold your portfolio and your life!

@LastCallNM

Height isn't everything but it's nice when your handbag has some height! :)

Isobella

More on modeling portfolios and compcards:
http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/08/scoop-on-modeling-marketing-tools-comp.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/09/do-you-have-model-compcard-you-should.html

I'm rocking Vince Camuto's Bette pump, it's hot!

2011-10-28T13:24:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls,

It's been rainy in NYC and the sun is out finally, yeah yeah! I'm rocking the Bette pump in dusk from Vince Camuto. I picked these up from the Grand Central Store, check out the video and also see my BCBG dress alteration.

Follow @VC_stylist

Stive on!

~Isobella

Find my books about striving as a shorter model in NYC here: www.isobelladreams.com

Great Chevy commercial during the World Series game last night by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners

2011-10-28T13:22:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls,

BTW LOVED this Chevy commercial during the World Series game last night by Ad Agency – Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, check it out, love how they used photographs then and now to share Chevy's 100 year journey. Ray Charles singing...perfect really. I like the little girl and her red shoes and the kissin couple...(also that 'hand' is a male hand model in action)...come on Texas get it back! ~Isobella

My adventures at Joe Fresh today and petite perspective

2011-10-27T20:11:00.000-04:00

Hey Girls,

I stopped by Joe Fresh's Pop Up store on Madison Avenue yesterday. The man behind Club Monaco, Joseph Mimran, is taking over NYC. And you will see Joe Fresh stores coming in November on Fifth Avenue and also at 34th Street.

The staff was so attentive and kind (and consisted of petite/short chicks!) and one sweet lady snapped some pics of me in the dressing room with my iPhone :) The dress below is $39 and shoes are also Joe Fresh. There is a nice collection of shoes in the store too. I'm wearing an XS (little big) could be me though, but petite chicks can find something for sure inside this store, I think the fit is similar to an Express store or an H&M. Joe Fresh has a nice amount of range preppy to casual and sporty, basic shirts to vests and dresses, skirts, coats and a great amount of jeans too, there's a lot of product, even gloves and scarfs, a lot more product than I thought. Big dressing rooms.

I loved the camel colors I saw and grays and the store has a preppy, mature, classy look, it's not wild or 'loud clothing' and the styles don't scream but they are attention grabbing still, so depending on your style I think you'd find something you could wear often.

Some pics from my adventures in Joe Fresh so far:

A video wearing this skirt $49:

Aim high no matter your height,
~Isobella

Maybe Molly Sims' Project Accessory show can inspire shorter models of all sizes

2011-10-27T20:09:00.004-04:00

Hey Girls,

Tonight! premieres Project Accessory Oct 27 10:30 pm et/pt and I think you should tune in.

The Scoop:

Model and actress Molly Sims (Sports Illustrated, CoverGirl) will host Lifetime's new show 'Project Accessory.' A new show where designers design accessories and this got me thinking about you, and how much I hate most reality TV, but I am intrigued with this concept and it's like, "Hello, there you are! Well duh an accessories show already, where have you been!"

I plan to check out a couple episodes to see if it might be something for you to learn something from--for a modeling angle.

Yes reality TV has the drama and crying but I'd like the viewer to take inspiration away from these shows. I mean you spend an hour watching it, you might as well go away with something that makes you think and inspires you. I'm not into fluff TV, She stole my hair brush! Who really gives a F.

Anyways, Sims has her own accessories line and I hope the show will involve models of all sizes, not just griaffes, because in modeling accessories is an area girls of all sizes can find work. Sims also has her own own accessory line and coming soon is MollySims.com, which will be a lifestyle site with tips on design and insight on her ventures.

I love accessories, and modeling shoes, handbags and jewelry were some of my first modeling jobs and here are some of my tips for modeling accessories (which can also fall into parts modeling):

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/01/five-modeling-jobs-where-height-doesnt.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/11/sample-parts-modeling-photos.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/04/short-is-short-but-short-modes-should.html

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/01/21/five-modeling-jobs-for-all-heights-and-models-in-t

Who say's you have to be giraffe tall to model that handbag, that jewelry, or those gloves and silk scarf, so put on that hat and model that shoe girl, height isn't everything!

~Isobella

Yum my foot at Macy's.

Did you know: Shoe models are typically a size 6 shoe for mass retail brands and most girls who are a size 6 shoe are not giraffes, they are short, like you and me, which is why I've done a lot of shoe modeling. If you are a size 6 -7 shoe and live in the NYC area and interested in shoe modeling, email me at petitepride@yahoo.com with your shoe size and a pic of yourself feet and a headshot.

illustrations by Jazmin Ruotolo from my graphic novel Model Life

The Model Pitch: Iris Egbers let's hear it for this giraffe

2011-10-27T20:09:00.000-04:00

Photo By GIOVANNI GIANNONI

Alexander McQueen RTW Spring 2012

via WWD

Hey Girls,

Talk about a giraffe. Recently model Iris Egbers was featured in WWD for how she emailed her pics to Supreme and has gotten a lot of attention in the fashion world. Supreme has her listed at 5'10"! A true giraffe! And if you are 5'2" you will have a hard time getting a response when pitching fashion agencies but often I preach the power of the pitch and being self-made and the point of sharing Iris's story with you is that it reminds me of THE PITCH, it's all about the pitch, finding the right agencies to pitch (for short chicks: print modeling agencies and talent agencies and casting professionals), making sure you are sending the right photos, being a model marketer and giving yourself a chance.

Also in this WWD feature with Iris Egbers, she mentions her skin, and how a lack of sleep had done a number on it from lack of sleep during fashion shows, and sleep no matter your height is so important for good skin. Some ways to keep skin looking fresh are below.
Isobella's fresh and beautiful skin tips:

Girls get some good sleep, 7-8 hours. Especially befoer a modeling job or casting. Days ahead of time if possible.

Drink Water and a lot of it, H20 hydrates you and your skin, remember what you put in your body affects how your skin looks, so when you eat or drink imagine rubbing it all over your face! That's basically what's happening inside.

Moisturize and tone skin daily, morning before makeup and at night after shower. Warm showers can dry the skin, you'll notice how your skin feels a bit dry when you come out of a warm/hot shower, so give it some love and put some mosturize back into your skin. Moisturizing is also important from your forehead to your toes. Do it daily. Right out of the shower is a nice time.

Do my favorite at home do-it-yourself awesome coffee body scrub and add a little to your chin and cheeks and nose for exfoliating the skin.

Be aware of your pillow and bedsheets, you can get a zit just from having unclean bedsheets so wash them weekly!

Fask masks rocks! I love giving myself a face mask (these LUSH face masks are awesome I love the BB Seaweed and Brazened Honey), I do them weekly or every couple weeks to revive my skin.

Don't go to bed with makeup on it causes breakouts, and after a modeling job or when the day is done wash your face as soon as possible.

Eat those veggies and that fruit. I eat a lot of pasta and veggies. I try to eat a piece of fruit a day if possible it's important to eat health for good skin.

If you have a zit, I suggest zapping your zit early. It is a good idea to know your face, know what areas are pron to breakouts and keep an eye on them, also know what type of skin you have.

When you are not as tall as Iris Egbers you can still find modeling opportunities if you focus on your other assets beyond height, and actually having clean and clear skin can be what gets you the job.

Keep on glowing girl!
~Isobella

P.s: Here are tips for creating a beauty shot.

Have you downloaded my graphic novel Model Life mobile yet? Check it out here and get a free excerpt and read it on your iPhone or iPad, more mobile options coming soon!

My books Almost 5'4" and Short Stuff are available in print and ebook form on the Nook, Kindle and iBookstore, read an excerpt of them here.

If you'd like a signed copy of my books click here.

Tall Pumpkin Spice Latte please and LUSH limited-edition Pumpkin Knot-Wrap

2011-10-25T20:02:00.000-04:00

Tall Pumpkin Spice Latte please, stopped into Starbucks on Sixth Ave today.

Also while out picked up this cute limited-edition Pumpkin Knot-Wrap with a bath bomb inside, at LUSH:

Check out my favorite coffee hand scrub...it's free basically

2011-10-25T19:09:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls,
In this video I share my favorite coffee hand scrub, great for dry skin, and it's free...basically. I'm wearing Revlon's Vixen nail polish and also a Calvin Klein dress purchased at T.J Maxx. ~Isobella

View here (turn down my podcast on the right side to hear better)
Or click here to watch this video and my others.

Reading is stylish-saw this in Vogue

2011-10-24T23:48:00.001-04:00

Hey Girls,

Saw this in the November issue of Vogue, way to go www.read.gov for the smart ad placement for awareness :) "you can look good while reading a book! And reading (and reading to kids) makes you even more stylish"-Isobella Jade

Fashion and beauty buzz for all sizes

2011-10-24T21:24:00.001-04:00

My favorite Tommy Hilfiger Ballet Flat flats and thin lace socks

Hey Girls,

Coming up is a Girls Incorporated® of Long Island event!
<><> <><> <><> <><> <><> <><> <><>

Title:	Taste of the World
Location:	Hosted by Appliance World
Start Date:	November 1, 2011 7:00 PM
End Date:	November 1, 2011 9:00 PM
Description:	Girls Incorporated® of Long Island will be hosting their second annual *Taste of the World,* wine and food tasting event, at Appliance World, 414 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY, on November 1, 2011, 7-9PM. Four inspiring women to be honored: Susan Ganz, MBA, Center for Wealth Preservation; Jacqueline Grennon Brooks, Ed.D., IDEAS Institute, Hofstra University; Kathleen King, Founder of Tate’s Bakery Shop; and Lauren Ruotlo, Hearst Magazines, Author of “Unstoppable in Stilettos”. Call for more information 516.428.7028

Details: http://www.girlsincli.org/eventdetail.php?id=7

Tune in to Lauren Ruotolo's inspiring segment on my podcast here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/11/04/lauren-ruotolo-is-unstoppable-in-stilettos

Boxer AMIR Khan is on posters and magazine adverts for Prada'a new “Resolute” style of sunglasses. He said about being a first time model that it is a bit boring, difficult, but he enjoys the opportunity and mentioned that he gets free shades, which he likes since he is now in LA. The campaign is shot by legendary portrait photographer Brigitte Lacombe. And you can watch Amir Khan against Lamont Peterson in Washington DC on December 10, on Dec 10th. via:
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/9321937.Gloves_are_off____but_glasses_are_on_for_model_pro_Amir

Fashion Fair Cosmetics Deepens Its Coverage: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/fashion/fashion-fair-deepens-its-coverage.html

Louis Vuitton and their monogram handbags, along with jewelry, watches, eyewear, is now preparing to launch fragrance category: http://www.wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/fragrance/vuitton-said-readying-launch-into-fragrance-5325872?module=today

Their shoes are hot and now Nine West is strutting towards a fragrance business too, with its first scent, Love Fury, coming soon, look for it in mid-January: http://www.wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/fragrance/a-new-step-for-nine-west-5321224

Meet the ladies behind the small-town shoe boutique Kick in La Crosse, Wisconsin (Their boutique is located in a historic building that was an old cigar factory.) http://www.wwd.com/footwear-news/retail/small-town-kick-boutique-bets-big-on-fashion-5325642

In this video I share my favorite coffee hand scrub, great for dry skin, and it's free...basically. I'm wearing Revlon's Vixen nail polish and also a Calvin Klein dress purchased at T.J Maxx.

~Isobella

P.s: Yesterday I did Yoga for the first time and enjoyed it. I was wearing in the class a pair of pants and top from: www.mysweetpetites.com

Fashion and beauty buzz for all sizes

2011-10-24T21:23:00.001-04:00

My favorite Tommy Hilfiger Ballet Flat flats and thin lace socks

Hey Girls,

Coming up is a Girls Incorporated® of Long Island event!
<><> <><> <><> <><> <><> <><> <><>

Title:	Taste of the World
Location:	Hosted by Appliance World
Start Date:	November 1, 2011 7:00 PM
End Date:	November 1, 2011 9:00 PM
Description:	Girls Incorporated® of Long Island will be hosting their second annual *Taste of the World,* wine and food tasting event, at Appliance World, 414 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY, on November 1, 2011, 7-9PM. Four inspiring women to be honored: Susan Ganz, MBA, Center for Wealth Preservation; Jacqueline Grennon Brooks, Ed.D., IDEAS Institute, Hofstra University; Kathleen King, Founder of Tate’s Bakery Shop; and Lauren Ruotlo, Hearst Magazines, Author of “Unstoppable in Stilettos”. Call for more information 516.428.7028

A new beauty favorite little thing video is up

2011-10-23T20:41:00.001-04:00

Hey Girls,

A new beauty favorite little thing video is up on how your contact case is great for face cleansers and your beauty routine when your on the go. Enjoy! ~Isobella

Turkey earthquake: quake was among the strongest in Turkish history

2011-10-23T13:53:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls,

This weekend I was enjoying Turkish food in Midtown and then this morning heard about the strong earthquake today in VAN, Turkey, I'm sad for this rural area and the people there, the quake was among the strongest in Turkish history, and the worst since 1999 and wanted to share the news on it with you if you haven't heard:

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/23/world/europe/turkey-earthquake/index.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/turkey-earthquake-causes-damage-casualties/2011/10/23/gIQA34XU9L_video.html

http://news.yahoo.com/magnitude-7-6-earthquake-hits-eastern-turkey-usgs-105909849.html

~Isobella

P.s. Think Turkey is a world away? Think again, it might be right on your back or on the handbag you're carrying. A lot of fashion manufacturing happens in Turkey. Check your clothing labels, you might be wearing a Made in Turkey shirt or dress:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/50cca0be-32de-11df-bf5f-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1bdj5Dmuo

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304231204576403680967866692.html

Favorite Little thing of the day: Güllüoglu Baklava Cafe

2011-10-22T23:06:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls,

My man was getting his hair cut and I went to this cafe, it turned out to be frickin awesome.

Favorite Little thing of the day: Güllüoglu Baklava Cafe

On 2nd Ave and 52nd Street.
TRY: Ceviz Dolama w walnut

AWESOME!!!! YUM!

p.s: If you know how to Knit, you should knit a sweater for a penguin: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/knit-a-sweater-help-a-penguin-in-need/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

prancing around midtown

2011-10-22T23:05:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls, I hope your weekend has been inspiring and memorable. Was prancing around midtown in my Gap tweed coat, Tommy Hilfiger Women's Brit Ballet Flat, and Levi's Curve ID jeans and Ralph Lauren shirt I got for a steal at Marshalls and Hunting World handbag. I mix it up. :) ~Isobella

home made brunch: Made veggie scrambled eggs tortillas today

Fashion and beauty buzz

2011-10-19T19:12:00.003-04:00

Hold the Date Beauties!

If you live in the Syracuse area come out and get a fabulous new haircut in support of my longest friend Ginny and her beautiful baby girl and the memory of her husband Brad:

Reserve Sunday November 6, 2011 to join us at Sharkey's in Liverpool (7240 Oswego Road (Rt. 57), formerly Hooligan's & across from Flamingo Bowl) from 1PM-6PM for our fundraiser benefitting Ginny & Addy Gaudet. Buffet (pre-sale ticket holders only) & entertainment will be provided. Haircuts for a minimum $10 donation, raffles from area vendors, and 50/50 will be available to everyone who joins us! Tickets are $20 and are available for pre-sale only. Contact Phillips for purchase or for more info: 315 422 9656.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/phillipshairinstitute

Earlier this month petite model Edaliz Pacheco was rockin the runway at the Presentation of Miss World's Puerto Rico outfits for the international pageant to be held at London this November. All modeled by petites from 5 1" to 5 6". Some pics Edaliz shared with me from the presentation:

Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show & Sale - in NYC
This Friday-Saturday, October 21-22, 2011
http://www.manhattanvintage.com/exhibitors.shtm

Calvin Klein sat down with IMG Fashion Week creator Fern Mallis at New York’s 92nd Street Y last night for a chat about his childhood and jeans, fragrance and underwear success:
http://www.stylelist.com/2011/10/18/calvin-klein-fern-mallis_n_1017850.html

My husband is an Aggie and this caught my eye:
The Aggie Moms will host "A Black and White Night" Fashion Show and Banquet on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at Kingwood Country Club. This event begins at 6 p.m. and features a fashion show by Dirt Road Divas and Once Upon A Time Bridal. Ticket are $35 and available at Alspaugh's Ace Hardware or by visiting www.khaggiemoms.org for ticket information. A silent auction will be held and a raffle for beautiful raffle baskets. Raffle tickets are also available via the website. They are $5 for 1 ticket or 5 tickets for $20. All proceeds go to the Kingwood/Humble area Aggie student rewards fund.
http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/kingwood/living/aggie-moms-club-invites-ladies-to-an-evening-of-fashion/article_95ac2a9a-adfa-52f3-b970-fbaddcf87e20.html

What ever happened to parents telling their children their beautiful the way they are and helping their kids with the pressures of being liked with showing them why they should like themselves. Everyone gets teased about something in life and rejection is not just a teen thing and having to learn to love self is something that happens life long. Those shoes, those straight teeth, perfect nose doesn't mean rejection will stop when you reach 18. It doesn't. We are always trying to prove to ourselves our ability and worth. We all have our own physical battles, and I know it's not easy to find the beauty in something that you may consider at first a flaw (I have had an overbite and a gap between my teeth all my life, and I still do) but changing your face from the sake of being teased is something that upsets me and makes me cringe. If you experience an accident (this girl in the article broke her nose twice) and if you want your old nose back then it's your face and if it truely makes you more happy okay, but to change the history of your genes, to say "I hate my big forehead" without considering what makes up your very existence is the history of that forehead. Your parents parents and their parents, which you should respect had that forehead probably and find beauty in knowing where you come from. I know it's tough to love everything about yourself, we all have baggage. But saying "yeah your right my nose is huge I'll change it and get a new one," is allowing the insecurities of others make you insecure. No confident and caring person teases another and purposely aims to hurt their ego. They know if they can't say something nice they don't say anything at all. A person who teases another and gives you hell over the size of your nose has issues of their own. Way bigger than the size of your nose. I'm not happy about plastic surgery being what makes young girls feel better about themselves. Be brave and be true to the real you. I didn't even know how to tweeze my eyebrows until I got to college. No one is perfect. If we were imagine how boring everyone would be. We are born with what we are both with and it's up to us to love it, to give it a chance. It's our duty to ourselves to find the positive, to see it. I wish people would focus more on their internal beauty and get that in check before they change their faces. http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2011/10/13/2011-10-13_13_yearold_girl_gets_nose_job_to_escape_bullying_taunts_long_island_teen_torment.html

~Isobella

Save the date! Xena's beauty company 20th anniversary CUT-A-THON

2011-10-19T11:52:00.003-04:00

Hey Girls,

Xena's beauty company is celebrating their 20th anniversary with the WILD NATURE CUT-A-THON to benefit the New York Restoration Project.

Sunday, October 23, 2011 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

158 West 13 Street
between 6th and 7th avenue
New York, NY 10011 MAP
212.633.8550
info@xenasbeautycompany.com

Check out the salon history and philosophy (a favorite of mine in the city) here: http://xenasbeautycompany.com/

I suggest asking for Diana , she does a fabulous job.

This tiny awesome salon is also one of my favorite little things in NYC.
The salon uses Framesi products and you need to also know what Framesi is all about, so check it out here. The Dry Scalp Treatment is great for hair anytime and I've used it during winter months, it's a good one! And I love the packaging too. And it's from Italy. :)

~Isobella

My new Vince Camuto's!!

2011-10-14T19:29:00.005-04:00

Hey Girls!

Meet my new shoes!

Love it when my thoughtful man comes home w shoes!! My new Vince Camuto's!! Yay! Suddenly Friday just got more super! He remembered I was eyeing them. Check them out here, Style Bette. Color Dusk.

~Isobella

Fashion and beauty news that caught my eye for all sizes

2011-10-13T18:44:00.002-04:00

When I was in Coney Island this summer I picked up some of this Dogadan tea, I added a little slice of Apple and I'll eat the rest of the apple with it (apples are good for you!) and enjoy my tea time while I read some fashion and beauty news.

Meet Marie Claire's new Big Girl in a Skinny World columnist Nicolette Mason...http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/fashionista-blog/big-girl-skinny-world-nicolette-mason?click=pp

Loved the shots of Michele Williams in Vogue as Marilyn Monroe, Photographed by Annie Leibovitz:
http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/michelle-williams-my-week-with-michelle/

Love how Glamour.com shared petite wedding guest dresses here: http://www.glamour.com/weddings/blogs/save-the-date/2011/10/6-cute-colorful-dresses-for-pe.html

Have you read Self.com's Eyebrow Makeover Tips? Check them out here: http://www.self.com/beauty/2011/09/eyebrow-makeovers-slideshow#slide=1

What's in? Gorilla sleeves? Seriously, I'm not so sure 'gorilla sleeves' would look so hot on petites, kinda ugly actually: http://blogs.wsj.com/runway/2011/10/13/would-you-wear-gorilla-sleeves/?mod=WSJBlog&mod=runway

I didn't live in sweatpants in college and NYC was my campus in so many ways and I really got to experiment and discover my favorite looks, and this article takes on how college students are looking a lot more fashionable these days: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/13/fashion/on-campus-taking-fashion-seriously.html?ref=fashion

California Bans Tanning Beds for Minors:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44837627/ns/health-skin_and_beauty/

Learn about shopping for bargain makeup at the dollar store and tips on how to snag the good stuff:
http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/how-to/2011/how-to-score-dollar-store-beauty-steals#slide=1

Other buzz:
Coco Rocha shares why models should be mature and should start modeling when they are older, not 15 year old. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/woman/fashion-beauty/coco-rocha-models-should-be-mature-16062846.html

You really want to walk on the runway and are feeling bad for not being giraffe tall? Well don't forget the catwalk involves the yanks and pulls and tugs from hairstylist and makeup artists and the shoes might ruin your feet if your not used to high heels and walking in them: http://www.styleite.com/media/model-abuse-freaky-feet-and-lost-hair-at-fashion-week/

More on what Fashion Week does to a fashion model's feet, grab a mega bandaid girls:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2048858/Battered-bruised-swollen-After-month-Fashion-Week-shows-models-feet-reveal-ugly-toll-walking-runways.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Just heard from the fabulous Makeup Artist Monae Everett she is great for natural beauty shoots and she is holding a beauty giveaway, check it out girls! you can find Monae here on Facebook and also on Twitter @MonaeArtistry check out the Sebastian products giveaway details here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=LXSNhkzeM_k and if you love makeup and hair news here is her blog: www.HairandMakeupBlog.com

Be sure to download the iVerse Comics + app on your iPhone and read a free excerpt of my graphic novel Model Life on the go!

Remember to give some love to the natural you and celebrate your inner beauty more often,

~Isobella

Isobella Jade quote: we walk just as tall

2011-10-12T20:11:00.001-04:00

our legs might be shorter but we can walk just as tall. :) IJ

Isobella Jade quote: If your heart is saying YES

2011-10-12T20:09:00.001-04:00

When you pursue something that is difficult or a challenge it takes a strong heart, a strong will and a strong belief, it takes time and energy and accepting that it’s not easy, you may even cry while trying, but that doesn’t mean that's reason to give up, or that it isn’t the right thing to do or pursue. If you feel it in you, if your heart is saying YES, go for it. ~Isobella Jade

It's rare I'd go totally bare but I don't decorate or cake on my face

2011-10-12T20:06:00.002-04:00

photo via NYTIMES.

Hey Girls,

I was reading this article in The New York Times by Catherine Saint Louis called Up the Career Ladder, Lipstick In Hand about a study by Procter & Gamble, which sells CoverGirl and Dolce &Gabbana makeup asking Does Makeup Really Get You Ahead in Your Career?

"The study’s 25 female subjects, aged 20 to 50 and white, African-American and Hispanic, were photographed barefaced and in three looks that researchers called natural, professional and glamorous. They were not allowed to look in a mirror, lest their feelings about the way they looked affect observers’ impressions."

"It (makeup) increases people’s perceptions of a woman’s likability, her competence and (provided she does not overdo it) her trustworthiness... which also confirmed what is obvious: that cosmetics boost a woman’s attractiveness."

It's rare I'd go totally bare faced, I mean I've gotten more comfortable with my 'light makeup covered face' but I'll admit I'm about to take out the trash out down the hall and I'll put on a little powder, not totally go bare faced, yeah I know it's just the trash, but that's me. From the article, I like the two middle images of the 'natural' and 'professional' look best and they also would work well for a print models beauty shots...too much makeup can actually cover up your real beauty. Based on the article I am not totally positive you will get more trust from your co-workers if you wear more or less makeup tho? But if you don't wear any makeup at all I won't judge you for it.

In modeling even for a beauty shot less is more and having clear skin and a nice even comlexion is important to book work. If the casting is for beauty or involves smiling towards the camera and showing your personality, a natural face is best, skip the thick eyeliners and bold eyeshadow and all that glam, save that for events and parties. Sure I'm def a mascara and lip-gloss/stick girl but I don't go overboard with it.

Facing the face isn't always pure joy, we all have our bad face days, but a clear complexion means a lot to me and I try to take care of my skin daily so that I am comfortable with it when I am wearing less makeup and when I do I notice and love my real natural beauty more sincerely too.

You can read about the results on the study here and if you want express your thoughts on this feel free or write me at petitepride@yahoo.com with Skin Deep in Subject.

Give some love to the real you, :)

~Isobella

My insight on avoiding predators and modeling mistakes

2011-10-11T12:35:00.003-04:00

Model Life, my graphic novel also shares the highs and lows of striving as a model. Model Life is now a mobile comics on iVerse's Comics + app download it and get a free excerpt on your iPhone and iPad

Hey Girls,

Today on FOX411’s Pop Tarts column, there is an article called Fashion Industry Full of Predators, Especially Behind the Lens, Models Say. Within it, I shared some of my own insight on being taken advantage of, walking into the wrong places, being infront of the wrong camera lens, and my early modeling mistakes--you can also read more about my own not so glamorous early experiences and overcoming the odds in my modeling memoir Almost 5’4”.

I encourage you to read the article here: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/10/11/fashion-industry-full-predators-especially-behind-lens-models-say/

Thankfully I have overcome those not so glamorous moments and the sketchy encounters I have had with bad people as a younger model.

The truth of working and striving as a model, is it’s lonely. It’s all about managing yourself and knowing yourself, you need a strong confidence and deep self-love, because it’s an extremely competitive pursuit full of rejection, it’s not as glamorous as it might seem. Being prepared for the unexpected is a good idea because it's likely you will run into a few jerks.

These days while working as a body part model (modeling my legs, behind, backside, hand, feet, or torso for a magazine, a product ad or a commercial) showing my body is actually a constant part of booking work today. It comes with the territory for castings involving health, fitness and beauty and body related jobs, but no matter how well known the brand or magazines is, I always watch my back. I always try to get as much information about the brand, name of the company or photographer from the agent before a photo-shoot or before I attend a casting. With how many brands and products being launched today, I try to do my own research. The modeling agent might know the client well, but I don't. Castings for well known national brands have been in studios the warehouse areas of Long Island City, way out by the Brooklyn Navy Yard and I've booked jobs for catalogs in NJ and all around the NYC area, and I always go prepared with the details of the where, the who, the what ahead of time. It's best to be. I like to know where and what I am walking into. I do my own research and I encourage you to as well.

Remember castings are during the work hours. 9-6 p.m, and usually only mainly during the work week. A professional casting should take place in an office, a studio, a showroom, not in an apartment of an editor or photographer or the person casting the job.

Having confidence in yourself is hard to have even at any age and any profession. Unfortunately, modeling is an industry where girls get their career started at a young age. Yes, there are photographers and agents that take advantage of young models, luring them in with the success they could have if only they do this or touch that or degrade themselves. But not every agent or photographer is like this. I've worked with wonderful agents and photographers. Yes, there are numerous stories of very well-known photographers with world class reputations, which anyone can google and find out the names of. Are they really perverts, or are the girls just trying to make more of a name for themselves? Did they want to pose like that in the ad campaign or editorial or were they talked into it? What really goes on behind the scenes?

The brands and agents should share in the responsibility of finding out.

At castings you often don’t know what to expect until you get there, will you go in to the casting studio by your self or with a group of other models? Will they be wanting to see portfolios or just comp cards today? What does this casting involve? You should be told ahead of time what the casting involves by the agency/casting professional, and if the casting involves wearing a bikini or the body, when you are there a female casting associate should also be in the room/studio. Most professional casting professionals know it's right to have a female also there during the casting. Usually at my casting there is a female casting assocate there as well, but I will admit, not every single time. Also you shouldn’t be walking into a casting without knowing what it's for and what it involves, so get that info before you show up! You'll be more prepared and know if it's something you are comfortable with and you can research ahead of time.

If something at a casting or on the job is uncomfortable speak up or walk out, always think twice, go with your gut, and think about your future and goals, nothing is worth degrading yourself for. There is pressure to stay since you might worry it will ruin your reputation if you leave or speak up, but I think it’s important for young models to realize you don’t have to sleep your way there, you don’t have to be scammed, you don’t have to touch or be touched by someone to get ahead. But please speak up, tell someone if this happens to you. It is a choice to have a voice. You can also email me at petitepride@yahoo.com

Remember, there will be another opportunity that doesn't involve these unfortunate types of pressures. Don't think anything is the end-all and keep in mind, although there are some not so kind and wonderful people out there in this industry of selling a product, brand, magazine and image, there are great who are respectful, courteous and know the boundaries between what is appropriate and not.

I had a casting for a magazine for legs, feet and the butt and it involved being in a bathing suit, so I wore a simple bikini that still partly covered my butt. When I booked the job, and saw samples of what the goal of the shoot was, it involved a shot which showing more of my body than I had expected. On the table was a display of different underwear and it was best to put on the smallest underwear possible so that the straps of the underwear wouldn’t be noticed. If the environment wasn’t as professionalism as it was, a girl may have felt uncomfortable posing in a thong and sports bra like I did.

Always be aware of the environment and always expect the unexpected.

~Isobella

Oktoberfest this weekend at Mount Snow + handbags!

2011-10-07T12:48:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls, handbag lovers, my dear friend Jacquelyn Lacroix will be at the Oktoberfest this weekend at Mount Snow in VT selling her beautiful handbags. And here is more about them, my favorite design is the Elita: http://www.lacroixdesigns.com/

“Schnitzel toss” anyone? Details are here about the weekend events:

Date: October 8 + 9
Time: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

http://mountsnow.com/events/event-calendar/

http://mountsnow.com/oktobrewfest/

~Isobella

Meet the baby giraffe at the Bronx Zoo-he's already 6 feet tall!

2011-10-06T17:09:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls,

In my modeling memoir Almost 5'4" I'm known to call the tall models giraffes (hehe).

Also in my graphic novel Model Life, you will see how I use the symbol of a giraffe for a tall model here in these images from the book (which is also available on the iPhone and iPad as a mobile comic on the iVerse comics + app).

Model Life, illustrated by Jazmin Ruotolo, check out the book details here.

I wanted to share with you that a real baby giraffe, a baby Baringo giraffe will be making his public debut in the zoo’s African Plains exhibit.

He’s already six feet tall and weighs more than 100 pounds, but by the time he’s an adult, zoo officials say he could be more than 17 feet tall and weigh a whopping 4,000 pounds. via CBS NY

Here is a video of the baby giraffe at the Bronx Zoo.

Did you know giraffes are pregnant for 15 months, a little over a year! And give birth standing up and the baby giraffe falls 6 feet to the ground! Learn more about giraffes here.

Three cheers for this new six foot and growing baby giraffe!
I plan to make a trip and see it soon!

~Isobella

P.s: E! is producing an eight-episode “docu-series” called Scouted about model scouts set to premiere at the end of November. In my experience the word Model Scout has meant scamland-if a guy comes up to you and says "you could be a model" I suggest to RUN! Because I see the image of forking over money, and being scammed by a pervert comes to mind, but of course there are those stories of beautiful and tall giraffe models from Dekalb, Illinois who are discovered on farms and other models who are discovered and scouted in airports, malls and while walking the streets of Paris, but for the average girl in America a.k.a print models, it's not really about "being discovered"at all, in fact waiting to be discovered can mean waiting forever, instead to get opportunities in the modeling industry as a shorter girl it's about discovering your self and marketing your assets, height isn't everything, with the right photos to the right print modeling agencies and is more about you going after it. Saying hello I exist! Still, think fashion modeling is everything, think again, and take a look at the dark side of it here. For more on the grit and grim of hustling as a model and making yourself one, check out my book Almost 5'4".

Rest in Peace Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T21:36:00.010-04:00

Photo credit: Vera Melo

WTF: Only 56 Steve Jobs dies. Apple I love you. I read about it here tonight: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Apple-says-company-cofounder-apf-2413458028.html?x=0

If you know me and my story, you'll know that the Apple store and Mac computers have been a part of my own journey and life. Do you remember when you first touched a keyboard or a computer?

I do.

I may be known as Apple's biggest little freeloader, but Apple and I have had a relationship for some time.

When I was a kid (Kindergarden-ish) my mother, a teacher, would bring home a computer during the summers-it was an Apple II. I remember the floppy disks and playing Stickybear all summer long, it was the first piece of luxury I ever touched, it was what super rich kids probably played with and schools had rules about how to touch it and what to do with it, and it was sitting on my dining room table! We didn't have much money for extra's, and the summers with the Apple computer have not been forgotten.

I went to college with an Apple iMac G3/350, it was heavy, expensive, but so cool. I was studying advertising and Apple was known as the computer to use if you were creative, or thought you were.

When I was struggling to live on my dream and pay rent and the electric bill, I used the Apple store as an office for months and months, and it became a homage, a safe and dry place, a fast moving place where the energy around me and the shiny new computers inspired me and things happened there--like I'd write the manuscript of my first book, my modeling memoir Almost 5'4" on a 17" iMac at the Prince Street store in SoHo. And the Apple store, and writing my book there during a turbulent time during my modeling pursuits, really propelled me to new dreams, new goals and is the foundation of my publishing life.

Photo credit: Vera Melo

These days I love showing off my books on the iPhone. Here's one:

I've always thought being on an Mac is totally different than working on a PC, a Mac is having a lobster for dinner, the other type is like just having just a side of green beans, you can survive on it, but it's not the same satisfaction. And the Apple stores are genius, a destination to play and discover, ding, ding, with a genius bar- totally a winner and I am addicted to my iPhone, and love Apple culture, but Steve Jobs was more than a man with a vision for great computers and technologies for the music and cell phone world and connecting people and bringing creativity together, he believed in himself and possibility and the products, he faced many of his own challenges along the way, and had pit falls, but also had a true great love for his work, and great energy and perseverance and... illness, not everything was all rosy, his journey wasn't always a smooth one, but he didn't lose his belief in finding a way and making it happen and I like how he was always thinking about the future...and that the dots will connect.

This is a great speech, the Commencement address delivered by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, on June 12, 2005. READ IT!
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html

OR WATCH IT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

You can read more about Steve Job's life, the highs and lows and success of his journey and legacy here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304447804576410753210811910.html?ru=yahoo&mod=yahoo_hs

Books on Steve Job's life and the influence he's made:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/steve-jobs-walter-isaacson/1104099551

Rest in Peace Steve Jobs, and thank you for all you've created and the energy you've put into these wondrous creations that have also allowed and inspired the underdogs and dreamers to strive.

I'll have to say another prayer when I stop by the Apple store next time.

~Isobella

P.s: If you get a chance to watch The Pixar Story, I saw it on CNBC and it's really interesting.

Photo Credit: Vera Melo

Some buzz of my writing experience at the Apple Store:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/27/business/27apple.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=business

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/06/17/1213468381185.html

http://www.macworld.co.uk/blogs/index.cfm?entryid=3224350&blogid=8

http://www.isobelladreams.com/Press.html

Chile Pepper Fiesta at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

2011-10-02T20:44:00.002-04:00

some pics from the Chile Pepper Fiesta at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens this weekend. I wore my red shoes to celebrate the hot, hot, hot chile peppers!

Loved the Salsa's and bought pickles and a bag of peppers too, and made some home made chile and salsa with my man this weekend, talk about yum-fun!

~Isobella

My first pair of designer shoes were from DSW on the sale rack-the shoes actually made me feel hopeful when I was struggling

2011-09-30T19:34:00.006-04:00

My Givenchy shoes

Hey Girls,

Some people remember fondly their first kiss, or their first car, or the night they gave their virginity away, but for me what stands out more is the day I got my first slice of luxury. I was struggling at the time to survive on a dream, just a few weeks away from giving up my apartment, and crashing at friends' places, because I was more afraid of giving up what I was pursuing, than instability.

I lived on bargains, dollar menus and fifty percent off stickers, so it was normal to check out the sale rack at DSW in Union Square, but this one sale shopping spree was different, I'll never forget the day and I'll never forget the shoes. I still have them, a pair of Givenchy strappy sandals- that's a pic of them above actually on this blog header, I'm wearing them in that photo, and the first pic on this post is them now. I plugged this experience in my modeling memoir Almost 5'4". I can wear a size 5.5-7 depending on the shape of the shoe and width. Typically I am a 6B, and this is why I've worked for years as a shoe model. These above are a 6.5 and I wore the shit out of them. Really abused them. They probably hate me.

excerpt from Almost 5'4"

......the one hundred bucks felt great. Until the next afternoon when I woke up and counted my money and realized the money wouldn’t go very far. So I spent it. It was just the amount I needed to buy a hot pair of Givenchy shoes on sale at DSW. I had never owned anything fabulous in my life. Colleen loved them too and every woman in the store probably wanted them. I hadn’t bought myself anything nice in so long. I just wanted to own something that had power that had success behind the name. On the train, in front of everyone, I put my other ratty shoes in my denim bag and slipped into the Givenchy stilettos and I hung onto the pole balancing and standing almost 5 inches taller.

Back in the apartment, after I climbed the 5 flights in my new hot shoes, I wanted to ignore those voices in my head, the sounds of pressure terminating my modeling goals for the summer.

I miss wearing those Givenchy shoes, they remind me of those hustling to survive days, and how that hustling and not giving up paid off. I remember how the shoes actually made me feel hopeful then, even when I was eating dollar menu at Wendy's and going to the Apple store later on. And although I treated them bad, like a toddler in a $500 shirt, they really were amazing shoes.

All of my moving and running around had put pressure on them, peeling away the satin overtime, straining the posture of the pretty straps, I really wore them out pounding the streets, going to castings and photo-shoots, trying to land the gig, and especially during a photo-shoot that involved a swimming pool and dipping my feet into the pool while wearing the them, all of this shoe-carelessness while striving did of course end up ruining them.

Now I think of the shoes like a piece of art, complied of my memories and a part of my journey. Maybe meant to be displayed, but I do want to wear them again. I plan to get them restored. Or try. I'll keep you posted on that!

Shoes have gotten so frazzle dazzled lately, too much crap all over the shoe, and I can't stand it, I see a cute pair of shoes from the front but then the back heel looks all awkward and unfit. Finding a simple but elegant, every occasion shoe is so hard these days.

Heel shape is such a big thing for me on how I choose my shoes. Also I have small feet and I don't like to look like I am walking around carrying a brick so I hate heavy and chunky shoes, shoes that make my feet look bulky, I like dainty shoes, sophisticated but sexy shoes, a little platform is okay, but I am not into the super high high platforms, it grosses me out. And I hope that trend goes away fast.
And I'm not about luxury being best all the time, because I have Payless shoes that I wear just as much.

I don't believe that a logo or brand can define a person, I think you are worth more than the handbag you carry, and normally when I shop I pretend there is no logo or designers name on the items in the store, I look at the selection without deciding ahead of time that the brand means more than the fit--because fit means everything, and what I choose and buy and wear is because the design is timeless and quality is there and the fit works, period. Like those Givenchy shoes are to me--timeless---beat down--but still.

With that in mind, tonight I am putting on one of my favorite dresses and different pair of cute shoes, and I'm going to explore my neighborhood and hopefully land at a memorable spot to enjoy some dinner and drinks with my man!

Isobella

Isobella Jade quote: Keeping the Try Turned On

2011-09-30T16:40:00.001-04:00

I've gotta try, that's what I tell myself all the time, trying is what I wake up for, it's what has led to everything so far. ~Isobella Jade

Isobella Jade Quote: your perception can create your road

2011-09-29T20:15:00.002-04:00

"earrings, handbags, shoes, cell phones, beauty products, haircare, skincare, that couch, that computer, that bank, the cover of a book- models are doing more than modeling on the catwalk and falling on their butts doing it. Think about the advertising world, look at magazines beyond high fashion, notice that your perception can create your road ." ~Isobella Jade

Favorite Little Thing: Lana Satchel by Vince Camuto is BIG but so hot on petites.

2011-09-29T19:49:00.002-04:00

Vince Camuto's Lana satchel is so hot! It's just really sleek and classy, with clean lines I adore. The large handware could be intimidating but it's not. A year round I love you bag.

At the newVince Camuto Grand Central store.

There is no limit to what can inspire you

2011-09-28T19:56:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls,

Here is a chat I had with pipedream comics about Model Life, publishing, and how There is no limit to what can inspire you.

Check it out here:
http://pipedreamcomics.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/there-is-no-limit-to-what-can-inspire-you-petit-model-isobella-jade-talks-model-life-ipads-and-more/

Take THAT! Macho comics world!
~Isobella

the power of being still can inspire you

2011-09-27T11:38:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls,

Last week on my podcast I plugged this article called Don't just do something, stand there...a tongue twister for sure, but it's an awesome article about finding your creativity, and how the power of being still and enjoying life can also bring inspiration. My mom shared the article with me, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

There are little ads for books throughout the article.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/aug/14/opinion/la-oe-mcewen-donothing-20110814

Aim high and strive on!
Isobella

Favorite Little Thing: Carnelian Knoll earrings

2011-09-26T14:19:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls,

I stopped by Crafts on Columbus this past weekend, and picked up these pretty hand painted glass earrings from Julie of Carnelian Knoll. http://www.carnelianknoll.com/

I plan to wear them with little black dresses and they will go nice with my navy blazer I wear almost every day now.

Stop by and see Julie and her beautiful pieces at Columbus Avenue at 79th Street. September 24-25, October 1-2, October 15-16 (no shows October 8-9)
10 AM to 5:30 PM each day

~Isobella

Isobella Jade quote: Things to love

2011-09-26T10:58:00.001-04:00

Hey Girls,

A thought on the things to love.

It takes a huge amount of self-love to not be influenced when there is so much to compare ourselves too, it's so easy to focus on what appears to be a flaw in ourselves and have desire for what we don't have and ignore what we do have. But I hope you find that your heart and your mind are your most powerful possessions, and that it's worth it to be true to yourself, your beautiful the way you are, I hope you discover that the size of your nose, your measurements and booty are things to love too. ~IJ

I hope your week starts off good, gets you thinking and moving towards your goals, each day is a new chance to strive, so focus on the future and the things you want and glide! :)

Strive on!
Isobella

Itty Bitty in the City with the rain

2011-09-23T18:31:00.000-04:00

Hey Girls,

Earlier was at Black Label nails in Midtown East, 318 Lexington Ave, between 39th and 38th and had a nice mani-pedi, I'll be back. :)

Then had a last minute casting for hands and feet on 27th Street, and now attacking my writing. (Working on new projects that I am looking forward to sharing with you in a little while.)

I encourage you to stop by my www.petitemodelingtips.com for daily modeling tips for the pint-size and if you missed this week's posts check out:

Aspiring models being prepared for your success tips: rawness on the highs and lows of striving as a shorter model and how some old school modeling marketing methods still work, even in this Internet age.
http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/09/aspring-models-being-prepared-for-your.html

Insight on why it takes so long for modeling agency to call you:
http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/09/why-does-it-take-so-long-for-modeling.html

Have a great weekend, discover something awesome!

~Isobella

Teen Read Week is coming up!

2011-09-22T12:15:00.001-04:00

Hey Girls,

I wanted to let you know that Oct 16-22 is Teen Read Week!

So, what are you reading now? How many books do you read a year? Do you like to hold a book in your hand or read ebooks on your phone or electronic reading device?

Visit www.ala.org and search "teen read week" for events in your area during Teen Read Week.

No matter how you read books, I hope that you do read them and enjoy reading them. I love it when I laugh out loud while reading a book, and when the words in a book take my emotions and seep into my heart and the book becomes apart of my life. Reading Rocks! ~IJ

New Podcast Today: Isobella Jade on how we use our time

2011-09-21T11:51:00.001-04:00

The way we use time

9/21/11

3:00 PM EST

Author, model, advocate Isobella Jade shares stories on the way she gets the most out of her day as a writer, marketer and brand, and reflects on the times she did and didn't use time well in her pursuits and also dives into personal excerpts of the highs and lows of trying to live without regrets. Jade is the author of Almost 5'4", a modeling memoir (originally written at the Apple store), a graphic novel called Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior, now a mobile read through the Comics + app, and Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model, which is about the day in the life during modeling jobs that took place after Almost 5'4", all can be found on her website www.isobelladreams.com

Listen to the podcast segment here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2011/09/21/isobella-jade-on-the-way-we-use-our-time

why does it always take so long to hear back from a modeling agency? Answered!

2011-09-21T00:50:00.000-04:00

Hey Girls,

I was recently asked on my Facebook by an aspiring model, why does it always take sooo long to hear back from an agency??

My reply might also help your own pursuits:

Well, they might not have any work that fits your stats right now, they receive a lot of submissions, they might not be interested, they might be holding onto your comp card /images and waiting to see if any work comes in for your look, before they call you.

The best thing to do is keep striving and keep submitting your comp cards out to other agencies, and to stay busy. :) After you've submitted and submitted, if you don't get any interest you may feel doubt but remember modeling is competitive and legit print modeling agencies are not going to waste their time working with you if they can't market you and book you work. Keep moving on, keep submitting and even re-submit to the agencies again a new comp card with new photos. As a striving self-made model you are always striving to improve your photos and prepare as best as you can for creating your opportunities.

It's true, hence my memoir Almost 5'4" (it's also an ebook for $3.99, make sure you have your Kindle and Nook and iBookstore apps, for reading on your phone at night when you can't sleep!)...anyways, it took me some time (a couple years and some mistakes later) to get my stuff together with the right photos, comp card, and the right mindset. Targeting the right agencies with the right photos is so important. Make sure you are creating marketable photos that are realistic for your realistically ambitious modeling goals. Here is more on photos and also more on the marketing mindset as a model.

~Isobella

P.s: Love finding $15 in my rain coat pocket, was on my way to TJ Maxx and Marshalls today on Sixth Ave, both stores have a nice selection of petite sizes which is nice, and made my rounds also to Pippin Vintage Jewelry, I bought a cute pair of Jade earrings (wink).
http://pippinvintage.com/

I'll have a video up soon featuring the earrings and some of my recent finds shopping bargains.

Itty Bitty Twittering around town

2011-09-19T19:30:00.000-04:00

was at @jmaxx today on Sixth Ave, the store is looking good. Found some petite sizes too which is great!

have you ever been to Argo Tea? I love that place. http://www.argotea.com/locations_new_york.shtml was there earlier today for a Chai tea! their Pumpkin muffins rock!

Let's Twitter together @Isobellajade