You Say you want to MODEL?!? His Story Unedited!!!

Hello Lovelies,

     In this blog not only will you get stories written by me, but I will feature other peoples contributions, stories, accomplishments, and messages of encouragement so that we can support each other and be encouraged by each others struggles to make it in the things we have passions for and we are able to NETWORK with those who have gone where we desire to go and have overcome the things were struggling with...

     This weeks weekend post comes from a really good friend of mine...Model/Actor/Screen Play Write Willie Freeman. I met Willie my freshman year in Cookman Hall @ Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona-Beach Florida, Psychology was the class. I don't exactly remember how our first conversation went but I remember walking away thinking Willie was really sweet. That was the last class I had with him and then he disappeared...Well I ran into Willie again when I fell in love with Fashion for a Cause. Willie was doing BIG things...his story inspires me so much that I wanted to share it with all of you! So take the journey with Willie UN-Edited...TRUST me you will see his name in lights one day...and let it be known I WAS THE FIRST to share the beginnings of his journey to change the fashion and entertainment industry...Willie shares his story about his journey to NYU, how he got into modeling, and his life in LA...I hope your inspired!

Willies Story: Unedited...

(Intimate Show for Bloomindales)

"Being a Model seems like the easiest most stress free job in the world... Boy was I wrong! I mean. I do have fun with it, but man can it get stressful...

Deciding to attend New York University (NYU) and getting accepted, I was beyond excited. I knew it would allow me to be me and to be free both academically and artistically, knowing opportunities would present themselves. But not in a million years did I think I'd become a model.... or that my first job would be walking New York Fashion Week at Bryant Park in the Spring/Summer show for... Ralph Lauren!! Whoa, was I nervous.

I didn't know the first thing about modeling and what it meant to sell a garment on the runways, so I did what came natural to me... I acted! LoL! I soon got over my nerves and got the hang of this "Modeling thing." Working with some of the best photographers and models in the city really helped. Having people around me like my agents Kathy and Robyn and my NYU friends Chels, Jon and Trevor really balanced both modeling and school. 

(GAP RED) 

I was so excited when the people at Ralph Lauren wanted to use me for an in store and appear in their seasonal "look book", Chels and I screamed so loudly into the phone, Kathy claimed to feel instantly deaf. LoL... Following Ralph Lauren, I got hired to do GAP, thinking it was no big deal until I was informed I was to shoot for the PRODUCT)^REDcampaigns! The room was full of inspiration, knowing what was happening was honorable and decent, everyone worked together.  

  My favorite thing about modeling was all of the free clothes and free travels. Being flown in from New York to Las Vegas in a matter of hours is pretty cool... And to get paid for it was not too shabby. Behind the scenes was always chaotic and a frenzy... models running around half naked; producers freaking out because someone missed their exit... and all for 12 minutes. It was magical!                     

   (Very first photoshoot... Lacoste) 

I've stepped a way from the modeling scene a little to focus on acting and "Gettin this ART out"! Acting and writing is where my heart is now... FreeFILMS productions! But I will not fully quit modeling until I have a few more Ads under my belt... Anyone hiring...?   ;-)                  

For more information about (PRODUCT)^RED visit the website at joinred.com "

Remember to dream big, make strides to NETWORK, know your worth, and pray Daily...stay connected to the source and you can not FAIL!!!

Rich and Royal

A Diamond in the Rough

In College I ran for Miss BCU which was/is our campus queen title. I had my sister and best friend Mihia Mells help me with my campaign. The title/slogan we chose was Diamond in the Rough...that was the year that campings were stepped up 100 notches and this particular year was monumental and different from all the rest. This year I wanted to WIN BADLY!!! I gave EVERYTHING I HAD!


This particular year FRIENDS were running against friends and this race was more emotional than anything. However the conclusion was I didn't win but I learned a lot about myself. Well guess what 3 years later that learning curve hasn't changed and i'm sure 20 years from know i'll still be learning even more about me and about life. Just over a year ago I took a leap of faith and quit a GREAT paying job to pursue my passion for fashion and ministry. I took a lesser paying job for half the salary thinking that the job would be easier and less stressful...But boy was i mistaken!


This process has taught me about my character and every day its teaching me that the world is bigger than me, that people are different from me, and my little box I tried to place them in, and thats ok. Ive learned that everyone wont like you, respect you and love you. There WILL be times where you will have to take second place and be less favored in the eyes of people...but I'm learning thats ok too because i'm Favored by GOD! 


We are charged to carry the character of Christ and in order to do that we must know what that really means... and its simple. In 2 Timothy 3:10-11 Paul is telling Timothy to have the Character of Christ as he did in the midst of all he had to endure and how to walk this road called life: 


"You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, ¹¹ persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them."


The steps just like Paul said are to have:
Patience
Love
Endurance


He promises Timothy that persecutions and sufferings, all kinds of things, not MIGHT but WILL come...BUT God delivered him out of them all. So as you face your trials, your temptations, and moments that you might want to give up...Remember that you are a diamond in the rough. God is refining you to be the BEST you can be! And in due time he not MIGHT but WILL deliver you from them all.


So seek him for strength and wisdom to get through the tough times. You may be SO right, and may be accused for doing wrong, you might be over looked for that promotion even though you are VERY deserving, you may be in debt, you may be heart broken, you may be facing eviction, or losing your house, you may be suffering from AIDS, Cancer, or whatever your trial is, but know you are being refined and you WILL come out a DIAMOND...just don't come out of the refinery too soon, don't get scared...it's all working together for your good!


Remember a diamond starts out as an UGLY piece of coal, but when its done can be worth MILLIONS, BILLIONS, and TRILLIONS...so know who you are and KEEP the FAITH!! YOUR coming out a DIAMOND BABY!!!

Your RICH and ROYAL!

She propsed to HIM...Really though?! Are you worth Fighting for...

     SO some of you have probably heard by now the news buzzing around the propsal of Hip Hop and NYs rap member of DIP SET, Jim Jones from his long time girlfriend of six years Chrissy. I'm not really a fan of Reality TV...ok let me stop telling tales, but seriously I don't even have cable, but on my days off I like to stay current with whats going on in the world. SO on Thursday I catch up on Tuesdays show of Love and Hip Hop which airs on VH1 on Tuesday night. However the show is about the Girl Friends of Hip Hip industry stars, the women that are tying to rekindle their career (Oliva, former first Lady of G-Unit) and those trying to be a female MC (Somoya). Then you have the Girlfriends of the men that arent ready to "put a ring on it" but play "house" Chrissy and the 8 year girl friend of rapper Fabulous.

     These women seem to think that their men are faithful even though they are surrounded by the industries best groupies and much temptation...I have faith in GOOD men as I have one myself (shouts out to my beau), but how many times have we as women gone down that road of wanting to be with the finest man, the "thug", or the intellect and KNOW in our heart of hearts that man isn't willing to settle down even if JESUS himself came and told him she or you were the one (WAIT..i'm having flash backs...wait...let me get it together...ok i'm cool, lol!)

     Ladies in this day and age think that "the wifey" role means he won't cheat. HELLO THERE IS NO COMMITMENT OR COVENANT. We allow them to have sex with us, use us, and then not call, and go missing for weeks, and come RIGHT backwith the "I love you's" as if every things ok. I have played that role in the PAST too many times because I didn't know my worth and was not secure in who I was. Or may be your the woman thats up in age, been with your man for years and are like Crissy; ready to settle down, have kids, and build a life....basically YOUR TIRED OF WAITING. But the lack of patience can get us into relationships that WILL scar us for life. Whether it be emotionally or physically. The Bible says for a reason in Proverbs 18:22 he who finds a (TRUE) wife, finds a GOOD thing and obtains FAVOUR from the Lord (amplified version).

Like my Good friend, mentor and sister said yesterday:

"You would think...somewhere down the line I can hear that argument... "well I didn't want this anyway I did ask you to marry ME!" I wouldn't set myself up for that! I hope it's not for the dollar, because that NEVER last.."


HOW TRUE!!!--I know because i've heard ALL before...

     Maybe your not a Christian and you agree with Chrissy's and I quote "yall can wait all day, but i'm gonna get what I want" statement...but where does that road lead in a relationship...forcing someone to be with you?Principles of people being more committed because its something they WANT rather being FORCED don't lie. Have we gotten away from respecting ourselves, knowing our wroth, and allowing the MAN to pursue us and be a MAN? My beau found me doing the things of God and finding my purpose in life, He found me with my head down FOCUSED (I surely want NOT looking for a relationship AT ALL). When I think back on the times that I chased a dude, I found myself crying, heartbroken, and listening to nothing but sad love songs...Now im fulfilled, happy, focused, and my trust is not in him, but focused on the "God in him" and focused on GOD ordering my steps and our relationship.

     So ladies DONT be fooled by this. If you have to WAIT wait on the one God has for you, Yes you get lonely,  yes you have needs and desires...but you will fail you every time, but when IT'S right and it's a GOD fit it WILL last. Know that God has shaped you, formed you, and made you WONDERful... 1 peter 2:9. Your are a Queen fit for a KING and a KING goes after his. God knows every issue of your heart and shaped you in your mothers womb...Psalm 139. I'm SURE He has a PERFECT PLAN FOR YOU...Jeremiah 29:11. So CHILL out, put your fingers to the plow focus on HIM and your BEAU WILL FIND YOU!!!! TRUST me on this one!

See Chrissys Proposal I'm curious to know your thoughts fellas don't be afraid to comment:

http://www.vh1.com/video/love-hip-hop/full-episodes/proposal/1662016/playlist.jhtml

Love you because your RICH and ROYAL!


   

Color Blocking for the SOUL...From London to your Closet!!

Color blocking is a technique where blocks of various fabrics are sewn together to create clothing with a few different solid colors...


Spring fashion colors are usually light pastels like your lilacs, pinks, oranges, yellows and so forth. With Spring already here and Summer right around the corner I was puzzled about what to wear, what was really NEW, or what old thing "trend" to take and modernize into something "fashionista like" but long lasting...


This is definitely a look you can bring OFF the runway and into your closet in no time...I hope you enjoy the theory of color blocking as much as I do because I cant wait to try it!


From the Runways of London to your Neck of the Woods....

COLOR BLOCKING

I just gave away a really cute vest that would start my journey to color blocking...I hope that person appreciates it as much as I would right now...lol...Until then...consignment and thrift shops...here I come... ((hint hint on where to start))




Rich n Royal!

LOOK Fabulous by hiding that unwanted Belly Fat!

     Many of us as women and men have those problem areas that we wish will disappear over night. Some of it will as we make the decision to eat healthy, work out consistently, and make the decision to lose those few inches...But let's be real its easier said than done, and often times it's just how were shaped (and we have to embrace that, and love the skin were in). But if that's not the case, I encourage you to get on a weight loss plan that works for you! 

     But until then I will give you a few easy steps to cure that miss(mid)-section area. Below is the question that prompted this post...the the advisee will be left nameless as usual ;-):

"Hey Sasha!

I truly enjoy your fashion blog. I do have a fashion question for you. I'm trying to revamp my wardrobe so that i can be more girly and stylish. The only problem is my tummy area. Do u have any suggestions?"

(P.S. don't forget to subscribe and follow by clicking the subscribe button on the middle right)

My opinion and thorough research...

1. Wear jackets that open to create a 3-D effect, that makes the belly look smaller. Jackets should fall below the belt/hip line.

2. Wear shirts that fit, but avoid that types that clinches the waist. Accessorize your neckline or choose tops with patterns or embroidery above the breasts.

3. Wear the right bra! the RIGHT bra can do wonders to LIFT the chest and draw less attention to the problem area. This also balances the body. Get fitted for the right bra ASAP. If your larger in the chest area, BALI bras are great and provide amazing support and a definite lift

4. Wear pants the FIT YOUR SIZE. I cant say that enough. No MUFFIN TOPS! this makes you and your belly look bigger.  Low riders should definitely be AVOIDED! Choose pants that have a narrow or tapered leg. Flat front, side and back zips will complement your figure, while pockets, pleats and tight pants will only draw attention to your mid section. Leggings and stirrup pants are great, provided they are not too tight.

5. Wear solid colors as much as possible...or that have that splash of added flare (explore but choose wisely, below Victoria is risky with the color in her empire top and breaks the rules a little but it WORKS FOR HER!

6. Notice your armholes when choosing shirts, armholes that are too big can add weight and larger appearance to the body

7. Lines across the body draw attention to the problem area

8. Select full skirts that do not gather at the waist. Straight or slim skirts will narrow the silhouette of your lower body, creating the illusion that your overall line is slimmer.

9.Avoid any clothing combination that defines your waist, including any belted or drawstring looks.

Beautyandstyle.com suggests these styles:

 (wrap dress, beltless)

 (Banded Top)
  (Empire waist top, easy on the eyes a splash of flare)
(Shaped/fitted Blazer)

(random woman, wearing the blazer right...covers all the right areas)

The real woman at WERK!! Fashion that is!


Ms. Victoria Curry!
  




To all my fashion friends with this issue...I hope this helps!  Be-A-YOU-tiful...but remember it starts from the INSIDE OUT!

Love ya,

Rich and ROYAL!

The Draped Shirt...and a splash of Louboutin!

SSSOOOO.... this style has been floating around for the past few weeks and It's really growing on me so much so that I must inform you on how to wear it right for the spring and summer months. 


We all feel how GREAT the weather is getting (at least in FLA) and If your like me, there is nothing more miserable than attempting to be cute and comfortable especially in the heat...


But the fashion guru's have a fix to the miss and thats this season DRAPERY T-shirt! I don't know about you...but i'm going to stock up on a few...


They look great paired with skinny jeans, flats or heels, and chunky Jewelry...my Star for this look is Tiffany Gonzalez and she wears it RIGHT with a Boho Flare...Check her out! Shes also a stylist, if your in the South FLA area...get with her! She'll have you looking GREAT!!!...


I bring you.....

The Drapery Shirt!...

Ill also throw in these cute flats!!

Just because their gorgeous (in my opinion)

OK OK Heres your Bonus...Just because I Over LOVE Christian Louboutin....

                                       retailed at $6,500 ;-)

P.s. Target has them (the draped shirts) at great prices ;-)

Love,

Rich and Royal!

Free to be YOU!

(Mary P)

    

 Someone speacial shared this small piece with me and I want to share it with you! May your days be the best they are intended to be... victourioUs, ConqUeror, TriUmphant, sUccessfUl, ingenioUs, floUrishing, prosperoUs, frUitful, trUthful, and exUberant...all these words have one thing in common and that is "YOU"...live lfe, without worry, fear, and doubt...you can do ALL things through Christ within you!

     Dont forget to "see it before you SEE it" Dream BIG, Believe STONG, and fight HARD"!

     "May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are  born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have  received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be  content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into  your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us."

YOU are RICH and ROYAL!

When Fashion meets Paint....Photoshop World Competition

     
So for all those that know me know instead of going back to school to get a Masters Degree (my major was criminal justice) I decided to follow my passion for fashion and get formally trained by going to fashion school at IADT. This journey for me has been a leap of faith and boy has it been rather interesting to say the least. It is definitely LESS glamorous than I expected it to be! Designing and the business of fashion whether it be creating the garment, modeling, graphic, styling, image consulting, public relations, journalism, photography, retail etc...IS ALL HARD WORK!!! But I feel other than ministry this is what i'm called to do...and this will tie in some how to what my higher calling is....anyways I won't go into that right now may be another time. But this journey has afforded me the opportunity to meet people I would have never met ever ever in my life...I have learned to love people where they are, appreciate creativity, and I have learned that people are MUCH different from me and thats OK! Even though everyone in school with me is headed towards one goal, we all will have different paths getting there and will impact the industry in different ways...


     Today I bring you a woman with so much creativity I don't even thinks she realizes how great she is. I have had two classes with her and was impacted by her sweet spirit, creative mind, and humblessness. She recently evenetered her work into a fashion contest and I saw the pictures and HAD to share it with all of you...today I bring you her story UNEDITED...Stacy Chatterton!!!




When Fashion meets Paint....Photoshop World Competition


My name is Stacy Chatterton, I am 23 years old and I am originally from outside of Chicago, Illinois. I came to Orlando to go to IADT because the fashion degree is a combination of design and merchandising whereas at home you have to choose between fashion merchandising and fashion design. Because I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, this seemed like the perfect way to get a little taste of both the creative side and the business side of the fashion world. 

I feel like I am better at the practical business side of it all- I like that there is a right and wrong answer to marketing a line, pricing items and counting inventory. I am a little bit more timid when it comes to the design part because there is no concrete right or wrong and there are far less rules. I designed my pieces inspired by Photoshop and Lady Gaga for my visual merchandising class and my teacher Kim Massey encouraged me to submit them for the contest (a feat I never would have attempted had it not been for her). You can imagine my excitement then when not just one, but both of my designs were chosen to appear in the Project Photoshop World 2011 runway show! Each contestant was given a $100 Visa gift card (although most of us spent more haha) to construct our garments.

My paint dress was inspired by the paint bucket tool in Photoshop and I wanted it to be elegant and something that could actually be worn…until the paint bucket dumped over it. The tool is used to change the colors of almost anything in the program so I wanted it to have a layered look as if I couldn't decide which color to use.

The swatch dress is definitely more fashion forward and Lady Gaga-esque. I wanted it to be futuristic and utilize every color possible. (I’m pretty sure the ladies at the cutting table in Joann’s hated me and my cart full of 62 bolts of different colored fabric!) I took this design very literally and wanted it to look pretty much exactly like the swatch table within Photoshop.

The day of the show the butterflies in my stomach multiplied by the thousands…every 2 minutes. haha I cannot even put into words how exhilarating it was to watch my designs as the models stomped down the runway. I have never worked on a project so hard- nor have I ever been so proud of something I created in my life.

Creativity has no name...and whatever it is you chose to express do it...EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO DO IT AFRAID!! 

Love,

Rich n Royal