Hi Betsy!

I have come to another fold in the road and you’re the best to seek for the advise! Because let’s face it, you’re fabulous! lol

Anyways, I’ve known for quite some time when I finish high school, I want to go to college to become involved in the fashion industry. Ok that’s great, one dilemma: I don’t know what field exactly, with the exception I’m pretty positive I don’t want to go into fashion design. And then the more major dilemma: I don’t know what major to choose that will help me get an internship or will eventually help get me into the industry.

I’ll be done with high school after this next year and am also hoping I’ll be able to swim college swim team.

Recently, I’ve been really feeling like I want to go to Pepperdine University but the whole thing with figuring out what major seems so hard right now when they don’t have a “Fashion Merchandising” major, etc. Prior to that I looked into going to FIDM, but I really don’t think that’s where I want to go because I’d be giving up swimming, academically I don’t know what else FIDM could offer me because they’re SO specialized, and I’ve heard too the credits aren’t transferable.

Anyways, any advice you have would be much appreciated! Thank you SO much!

XO. Grace

Hey Grace!

Oh that confusing period when you’re trying to figure out what to do with the rest of your life…been there too many times! lol

If you are set on being involved in the fashion industry, I would try to continually self educate yourself. Read fashion blogs like www.thefashionspot.com and subscribe to a fashion publication like Women’s Wear Daily! Personally, I try to check out Confessions of a Casting Director, Women’s Wear Daily and Models.com as much as I can!

When it comes time to pick your major, if you choose not to go the fashion merchandising/design route, I would pick a Business major like marketing or management! You probably could find a fashion club to join as well! Then when it comes time, make sure to get yourself a fabulous internship at a showroom, fashion magazine or modeling agency and work your butt off! Don’t gain a huge ego, always observe what goes on and keep respect for the people you work with and you’ll do fine!

Lastly, be POSITIVE and don’t lose sight of your dreams! Attitude is everything in this business… if you put your mind to something, you CAN achieve it!

xo

Betsy

Hey guys,

I’m back from my Vaca and so excited to share with you all of the things I have learned the past couple of weeks!

But its been a long busy day at the agency, so I am just going to share with you my FAVORITE jewelry designer out of Miami! I’ve been asked who made my earrings in my blog picture, and her name is Erika Pena (she gave them to me after I had her jewelry showcased at one of our fashion shows!)

I absolutely love them! They were one of her best sellers for a couple of years…aand now they are on sale for around $38! So exciting!!

Vist their site at www.erikapenaboutique.com! They are having a huge sale this month, check out their specials!

More to come tomorrow!

xo

Betsy

Hey there!

I found this great article in the July Issue of Marie Claire (the one with the fabulous SJP on the cover) that gives a really great explanation on what we would like our models to wear at castings . I think it is extremely helpful and breaks down why we want our girls to dress the way they do. Check it out!

xo

Betsy

Check out Devon as he gives us a tour of FIDM and of the garment district in LA! Devon is one of my favorite male models, be sure to vote for him at www.vman.com so he can be on the cover of the magazine! (Currently he’s on page 31 of the submissions)

Dear Beauty Betsy,

First i must thank you for all the wonderful words of wisdom that you share with us each week.. Your insight into the world of beauty and fashion is not only a gift, but more so a guiding light that will show me the way to become a star one day…  Anyway, the reason i write is because most of your blogs are directed towards women.. Myself, being a young, affluent, attractive, and charming young man, i fear that my excessive exposure tothe sun may have a detrimental effect on my youthful good looks in thefuture. What products do you recommend for me, so i can ensure that i keep my youthful glow for many years to come?? Get back to me when you find the time. Your biggest beauty blog fan, Barrett

Well Charming Barrett,

I’m glad you are so fond of my insight; it truly takes a special man toappreciate the world of beauty and fashion. I promise I  will do my bestfrom now on to include skin care and fashion advice for men. As a young,affluent, attractive, and charming young man, I think that you already havean advantage; positive and happy people age much better than miserablepeople.  However, it wouldn’t hurt to start wearing an eye cream every night.
The skin around your eyes is the most delicate and the first place one starts to see premature aging, I would recommend Kiehl’s “Abyssine EyeCream”.  I really like this line because they use all natural-organicingredients.  The Abyssine Eye cream helps minimize the appearance of fineline and wrinkles, it also protects against free radicals.  Because you spend a lot of your time in the sun, you have already predisposed yourselfto skin damage.  Anti-aging eye creams and a facial moisturizer with EsterC- and Alpha Lipoic Acid can help reverse and prevent further damage, but you really need to make sure you wear sun screen every day, and re-apply!  Another great unisex product I love is Jason’s Apricot Scrub, it triplesas a scrub, mask and skin polisher.  It helps to prevent razor burn onyour face as well!I hope this helps Barrett, feel free to ask questions if any of this is confusing to you…I know the world of skin care is pretty foreign to most men! Good Luck!
Betsy 

I Wish every model followed these guidelines!

· Always arrive 15 minutes early for a fashion show. Check in with the show coordinator immediately and find out where your rack of clothing is located.

· Once you have found your rack of clothing, begin arranging your clothes in the order you will be modeling them. Undo all fastenings, buttons, belts, zippers, etc. Time is critical once the show begins, so any little thing you can do to aid you in getting dressed faster will work towards your advantage. This means stringing belts through loops, having your shoes set out in front of each outfit, layering different pairs of nylons, and knowing how the client wants hats/scarves worn so that you can put them on yourself. Also make sure that all earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and gloves are easily accessible to you before hitting the runway.

· As you are dressing, be sure that you are careful about not getting makeup on the garment.

· NEVER sit, smoke, eat, or drink while wearing the client’s clothes. If you damage any garment or accessory, tell the show coordinator immediately following the show.

· After the show, button and zip clothes properly and return them to the racks. Return accessories to their places and put shoes back in their boxes. By zipping, buttoning, and organizing everything before you leave, you set a great example for the agency, your fellow models, and most of all, yourself!

· Always be friendly and helpful to other models and dressers. You never know when you may need their help backstage getting into/out of an outfit.

· Listen to the show coordinator’s instructions carefully the first time. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated! NO GUM CHEWING!

· Always THANK CLIENTS after a booking–It goes a long way!!

FITTINGS · Remember that this is often the first time the client will meet you in person. It is important to make a great first impression. Arrive looking stylish, neat, and pulled together. For castings, dress nice, casual, nothing too ornate, simple yet body-conscious so they know how you are shaped. Be prepared to try on clothes for the client. Always bring nylons, a slip, a pair of nude thong-back underwear, and a nude bra to fittings.

· Bring your full tote to all fittings. Arrive with your hair clean and your makeup already done.  

· NEVER comment on the clothing. Please keep your opinions to yourself. Your job is to make those clothes good! Do your best to fake it!

Hello there,

In my opinion…what is “in” this Spring…

Sheer layers
Trench-coats 
Dark Brown
Khaki
Lime Green
Orange
Violet
African Inspired Pieces
Good fit Wide leg pant/ sailor pant
Bright Floral Dresses
Short Sleeve Safari inspired Jackets
Cashmere cardigans
Sheer tights
White straight leg pants, white in general
Tunics
Longer length in skirts and shorts
Wooden Beads
Tailored pieces
Cropped Jackets
Wedges (not cork)

For Jewelry: Gold, oversized Watches, Wooden Beads, Wooden or Gold Cuffs etc..

Think Glam/Tribal!!

Whats out…

sequins
baby doll dresses
leggings/ opaque tights
black nail polish
mini skirts….

Hope this helps!

xox

Betsy

I felt like today was a great day to post a couple tears I took from People Magazine featuring Victoria’s Secret Models dishing on their curves…

The whole industry can be a little draining with the expectations on body image that are constantly enforced, so lets take a break from it all and embrace our curves today!!

xoxo Betsy

A purse is a big investment, especially if you get a a nice designer one.  I recently plunged and bought the cutest MICHAEL by Michael Kors purse which I ADORE!!  (Kind of like Betsy’s Christmas present to herself). 

Since I spent quite a bit of money on it, I want to keep it nice. So I went out and bought the Joey Junior Purse Hanger, its this little hanger that you can put on restaurant tables, bars etc. so the bottom of your purse doesn’t get disgusting. I love it!!! Its really stylish too! I love the jewel on it, and you can get it in Sapphire Blue or Black Diamond (I chose black diamond).

When I was on their site getting my purse hanger (www.joeyjunior.com) I also came across another amazing invention, the Purse mate.  Since it looked cute and seemed to be a good idea considering how much crap I carry in my bag, I compulsively ordered it (in Mountain Zebra of course)….I have to say after using it for a week I can’t imagine not having one.  Everything is so organized…my lip gloss, palm pilot, blackberry, sunglasses keys wallet…EVERYTHING! And I love the Suede!

A lot of celebrities are rocking the Purse Mate right now as well: Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone, Courtney Cox Arquette, Megan Mullally and Molly Simms, just to name a few. 

I’m getting my mom, my sister and my aunt one for Christmas and I’m going to put some little goodies (lip gloss etc) in the pockets for them before I wrap it. (I know)…So cute!

Check out www.joeyjunior.com if you want to copy my fabulous gift idea, you can choose from classic fabric or suede, and there are many colors and patterns to fit every personality!

For Small Purses:

For Larger Totes:

Remember to Spray protectant on a new bag and keep it nice with leather conditioner, I take purses seriously, and so should you if you spend a lot of money on one!

xo- Betsy

These are hilarious…my boss brought me back these postcards from her trip to Australia. Aussie Bum is a pretty popular men’s line in Australia, if your man thinks of himself as an individual, these are definitely the whitey tighties for him!!  Enjoy!!

http://www.aussiebum.com