My Style: Boxing Kitten Skirt

The Look:  Super hot lady. Beautiful, dressed to kill. Great sense of style and confidence.
Anyone who knows me knows that I only get cute for auditions or a special celebration. And this day was no different. I wanted to look sexy without trying too hard. You know... cool and classy. Anything overly "hot" just makes me blush.

I decided it was time to pull out my Boxing Kitten skirt to accentuate my feminine physique. The Batik fabric added a bit of funk to my chocolate and caramel. I love how even though I've had this skirt for years, prints like this are always in style.

Are you a fan of African-inspired designs? Do you rock dresses, head wraps, or anything you can get your hands on?

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Dear Fairy Model Mother: Can You Break Down That First Step?

Getting into fashion is no easy feat. You may get scouted or you may have to go to open call after open call before you get the response you want. There's no right or wrong way to do it, just as long as you try.

So how did I get my start? If I were to do it all over again would I do it differently?

Read this week's Fairy Model Mother on KISFORKINKY.

As always, if you've got modeling questions, I've got your back.

xoxo

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Serendipity Shopping: PUR

  

Out running errands today and I decide to stop by Space 15 Twenty. I peruse Urban Outfitters, check out Free People, and finally make my way to PUR. Not only is the store having a Buy One, Get One Free sale, but there's great vintage pieces at just $5! I went rummaging through the pile. Ooo, there's a cute top. And look at those funky pants. 

After trying everything on and checking my wallet (you know I'm a frugal shopper) I settled on a cute tunic tank and a maxi skirt. And I only spent 10 bucks! Good stuff.

The sale ends tomorrow, so go get some fantastic stuff at PUR now! 

Do you ever luck out and find great sales when you least expect it?

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Strictly Business

Earlier this week a friend of mine emailed me with a predicament. She said that a designer she'd worked with before wants to book her on another shoot. This sounded like a great opportunity, but there's an issue. My girl had no idea what she should be getting paid to do this. She asked me "what's a fair and reasonable rate" to charge for a photo shoot?

The art of negotiation is something many models aren't familiar with. And why should we be? Normally an agent or a manager takes care of this dirty work for you. But when you're freelance, sometimes you've got to barter your own terms. How much should you get paid? Is it a look book or a campaign? What's the usage for the photos? In situations like this, you've got to be your own advocate.

When you're working out your own terms, make sure that you maintain your professionalism. Your talent and time are worth something, so don't short change yourself. But you also don't want to overcharge a client. You're not Linda Evangelista who refuses to get out of bed for less than 10 grand. Be fair and reasonable when deciding on how much you should get compensated for your work whether it's for pay or trade. As long as you keep it strictly business and don't take things too personally, your peers will admire how you handle yourself.

Remember, the client wants you for a reason. You're a hot commodity. Just keep your negotiations classy and let your star shine.

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Portfolio Update: Deliver Magazine

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Break a Leg: The Dos and Don'ts of Runway Castings

The models are coming! The Big Apple is swarming with long-legged amazons from around the world in anticipation of fashion week. They're putting their best strut forward for a chance to walk the infamous New York runways. For all you model freshmen out there, this is a big freaking deal! It's an opportunity get your foot in the door and get your career going. Now, we all know what to do and not to do at these runway castings, right? Don't worry. Your Fairy Model Mother's got you covered.

Read More [+]

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3 Looks, 1 Sweater

We all have our favorite piece of clothing.  It may be a jacket, a sky-high pair of heels, or jeans that fit you just right.  I'm particularly fond of comfy, sleek sweaters and stripes.  So when I shot for Target recently and the stylists put me in this Mossimo sweater, I was ecstatic!

When you've got a piece of clothing you love to wear, you can't sport it the same way all the time.  Boring.  If you mix and match a few things then throw in a statement accessory, you've got a whole different look.

Petite Sweaters by Mossimo
Pumps by Mossimo

• Look 1- Color block - Add some pops of color to a black and white top.  Try purple denim, red chunky heels, and a neon clutch.
• Look 2- Très Chic - This one has a Parisian flair.  Pair stripes with more stripes and polka dots.  Top it off with a petite hat and booties.
• Look 3- Town & Country - Polish and refine a casual sweater with this tailored Merona jacket, slim jeans, and ankle boots.  Add feathered earrings and a necklace for extra shine.

Remember, you can always accessorize and play around with your makeup to create more style and distinction with the same outfit.

Thanks Target, for dressing me up in your love.

xoxo,

Nikia

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Dear Fairy Model Mother: How Can I Be a Better Model in 2012?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  But if your gears are stuck or you aren't gaining momentum, maybe it's time for an oil change. This year, step up your modeling game. You've got big dreams, right?  Make them happen.

I've got tons of things I'd like to accomplish.  I want to collaborate with brands, do workshops, and take over the world.  Realistically, all that can happen if I focus.  

This week's Fairy Model Mother discusses things you can do to achieve your goals in fashion.  The truth is, you may be the one holding yourself back from greatness.  Conquer your fears and be awesome.

Read the rest on KISFORKINKY. 

"I am a creative force..."

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My Style: The Boyfriend Jacket

Although I'm all about getting dolled up, I'm also a plain Jane kind of gal. I love dressing down in jeans and a T, but I'm a big fan of wearing my boyfriend's clothes. His stuff is oversized and comfy and perfect. Sometimes he thinks I look cute, but then other times he's like "Hey! I was gonna wear that." Oops. Oh well.

I'm sure you ladies know where I'm coming from. Sometimes you just want to wear something cozy that doesn't suffocate your body. When wearing your BF's clothes, always try to pair one piece with something a little feminine. I threw this look together to grab coffee in the morning, so I was thinking for incognito than en vogue.

Wool Beanie. Check. Sunglasses. Check. Skinny jeans. Check. Butt-kickin' boots. Alright. Top it off with a Five Four peacoat and I'm good to go. With cool duds like this, why wouldn't I wear my boyfriend's clothes.

Is there a piece of clothing you love to wear from your man's wardrobe?


P.S. Denim tote bag also by Five Four.

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Underneath It All

This month let's focus on getting to know the real you.  The you who wants to take life by the reigns.  The you who is control of your career.  The you with the fiercest shoe collection ever.  But what about the you hiding underneath all the makeup, hair extensions, and fancy clothes? Somehow in the midst of looking fabulous, have you lost touch with the real you?

Tyra Banks recently shared a photo with her fans sans makeup and even without having her hair styled.  No concealer.  No foundation. Not even a brush to tame those fly-aways.  The photo hit Tumblr and the peanut gallery started talking.  Cue the mean comments.  I don't know why people are acting surprised.  Tyra has taken her makeup off for the cameras before.  I'd like to believe she took this photo to prove a point.

No one's perfect.  We've got uneven complexions, bags under our eyes, and pimples on our faces. Some of us have thinning hair, gray hair we'd like to cover up, or a hair texture we just don't like.  I get it.  As a model, some people may think that I look flawless all the time.  There are days when I wake up, look in the mirror, and say "Oh hell no!" I mean, I will literally look like I've been hit by a train. No joke.  But I have to accept the fact that the face staring back is actually me.  The trick is that we all have to take care of ourselves inside to improve our outward appearance.


Are you up for a challenge? Try going day without makeup and hair extensions.  Oh the horror!  Go through your daily beautification routine without "beating your face".  Don't try to sneak in any tinted moisturizer, mascara, or lipgloss. Take a picture of yourself and don't delete.  Throughout the day, write down the reasons you wear makeup and wear weaves (if you do).  I really believe that the more you write the more you'll discover why you've been covering up the real you. Print the photo and save your list in a special journal.  Try this exercise at least once a month, and a short amount of time you'll rediscover your own beauty.

Sound off:  Do you wear makeup or weaves to cover your flaws or to accentuate your features?
  

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Refresh and Renew

Out with the old and in with the new. 2012 is upon us, and I'm so excited for the opportunities this year will bring. In 2011, I endured a few bumps and definitely sustained some bruises. But I'm coming out swinging.

I've got big plans for Model Liberation including adding new features, bringing you more of my personal style, and definitely giving you my saucy yet optimistic advice. If you have any ideas on what else you'd like to see, please drop me a line.

Whatever was holding us back from achieving our true potential is now officially squashed. Time to put your best foot forward and strut like you mean it. Walk hard!

xoxo,
Nikia

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