 Chicago, I would argue, is one of the best city's to shoot in. Why? The diversity, walkability and architecture makes any photoshoot spectacular and unique. One of my favorite places to shoot, that's right by the train, is Printers Row. It's a convenient place to get to that has older architecture for street style, parks for a whimsical lewk, elevated trains for sophisticated city shots and less crowded than most places in the city. What is now Colombia College Chicago, was called Printers Row (it's still known as that, but most people know it as Columbia's neighborhood). All of these images were taken in Printers Row. This shoot has a city/street style vibe, but just steps away are family friendly parks that would make any dress look sweet and simple. Some highlights of Printers Row (for your next photoshoot) include:
Images by Jack Soltysik
 Authenticity in Your Brand: Incorporating your personality and lifestyle into everything you do Representing yourself as a brand is so important. For me as a model, it's always important to show the side of yourself you need to in every shoot. If you're meant to be fierce, even if you don't feel it, you have to dig down and pull out that feeling to make the images look authentic. That process of bringing out what you need to, while making it authentic, is so important with whatever you shoot for your brand. Showcasing a range of emotions, from e-commerce blank but fierce stare to soft like this shoot is a great way to connect with yourself, communicating your true emotions shine through the images tells your client and those viewing the photo a story. This story, to land, needs to be authentic and true to yourself. Photography: Audrey Simper Photography
Hair/Makeup:  This shoot needs no introduction, but I've cut back on modeling except for my clients, but I am so excited to post this shoot with one of my favorite photographers! Here's what I wore for this awesome shoot! Outfit 1: Dress: Tanya Taylor Tights: Fogal of Switzerland Outfit 2: Shirt: Vintage Chanel Jeans: 3X1 Images by Jack Soltysik
 Creating for a Purpose, Not Just for Clout A question I've been getting asked more and more is if I am still modeling. Well, the answer is obviously yes, but it made me confused as to why I was getting that question. I've been booked for more paid jobs than ever, but have remained mostly off social media. I stopped doing pointless collabs with people on Instagram who don't shoot the content I'm into and I stopped taking unpaid work that wasn't in my brand. Essentially, I stopped shooting for the sole purpose of creating content and more for the purpose that I liked the photographer/team or because I had an idea and wanted to execute it. And to be honest, I've never been happier. Staying off social media and no longer feeling the pressure to post or shoot with people, means I've had more time to devote to the things that really matter in my life. I've also been able to focus on growing my relationships with the people I admire and those who I'd like to work with. In the past couple of months I've been through two major surgeries and the death of my great-grandmother, and this time not shooting for views, but for myself, has allowed me to heal and grow as a person. So yes, I am still modeling. You'll probably only see paid e-commerce work, but if you'd like to shoot, feel free to reach out. TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR YOUR FACIAL RINSE KIT:
 Edam Essentials is a new brand aimed at promoting self care for women. When I saw their company, I knew this was going to be a fun and inspiring product. Vanessa, the creator and CEO of Edam was kind enough to send me a few Facial Rinse Kits and Motivational Mirror Markers to test out and review. The Packaging, Colors and Quality: Right off the bat, I knew exactly what this package was. Their packaging came in a medium bag with their name and logo on the front. Shipping was extremely fast and came with free tracking (which I ALWAYS appreciate). When you open the package the Facial Rinse Kit comes in a clear bag (which is honestly great for traveling) with their logo, a girl washing her face and everything that comes in the kit. The colors are bright and happy and made me immediately want to rip open the packaging! It's so cute! The bright blues and yellows really added a lot of cheer and excitement for me. The quality is incredible! For $20 the cuffs are so soft and the headband is PERFECT and adorable. What Comes in the Kit?: In the kit you receive 2 drip cuffs (one in yellow and one in blue--stating "Love Yourself First"). 1 navy headband. 2 drying clips. And 1 mirror cling. Along with a tag saying "You can create anything! Go for it today." All the products are machine washable (which is great since I am constantly doing laundry and getting my towels dirty). "Rise with Less Mess": Does this product keep that promise? ABSOLUTELY! I wore the headband, wrist bands and placed the towel around the sink and it was perfect! It kept my hair clean (without being too tight) and my counter top dry and clean from my cleanser. I've been using the Facial Rinse Kit, not just for when I wash my face, but also when I wear any type of face mask! It works great to keep everything in place and off of my space. Pros:
Overall Thoughts: I'm always looking for new items to add to my skincare routine, and I am so glad that I've been able to test this product out! I make it a priority to support small/local stores and women in particular. It's a fantastic product, and the woman behind the product is equally as inspirational and sweet. I can't wait to use my new Facial Rinse Kit with every face wash and mask I do. I'm ALWAYS on the hunt for gorgeous and all-natural skincare items. When Saint Iris Adriatica sent me some of their new gorgeous items, I was surprised how quickly these products worked to make my skin glow! Vitality Spritz: This item makes your face, and your whole body, as fresh as can be. Running on your way out of the house and forgot you have a meeting? Or, if you're like me, and need something to wake you up before your morning coffee, this is the perfect item. It's a large bottle, so you get the most bang for your buck, but also is small enough to throw in a purse or take with you traveling. Purity Paste: I typically do masks every other day to keep my skin clean and hydrated. The only time I've done a body mask has been at the spa, but that has changed! Not only did the mask add a bit of color (which, being Irish and Polish, I desperately need), but it rejuvenated my skin for the whole week! Body Brush (for the Purity Paste): Okay, FIRST OF ALL, this is the cutest (and softest) brush EVER! When you first receive the brush, it comes in a soft velvet pouch, but when you open it, the black and white speckled handle is so cute and easy to hold and maneuver around your body with the Purity Paste. I couldn't recommend this brush enough. Thank you to Saint Iris Adriatica for sponsoring this post!
Music by: Apache Grosse DP: Brett Schmidt Makeup: Victoria Anne Makeup Hair: Donte Mitchell Styling: Elizabeth Margulis Actors: David, Boyang Matsapola, Anastasiya Rahinskaya, Courtney Ryan, Heady Lovell, C$ (Chris) Thank you to everyone who made this project possible! It was such an incredible project and I feel so blessed I was able to star in this video!
 In two days, it will be Valentines Day and I'm so obsessed with lingerie, but also comfort. Interview with Tiffany Le: 1. What inspired you to create your business? - I have always been creative, crafty, and independent driven. As a child, I would make doll clothing out of scraps from old clothing, curtains, pillowcases- whatever I could find. I also sold a lot of things in school, from jewelry to keychains to baked goods. As I got older, I just knew I wanted to make something and to be an entrepreneur. 2. When did you first start crocheting? - In 2011 is when I decided to teach myself crocheting. I probably didn't make anything useful until 2012...haha. Public library books helped me a lot. 3. What are your favorite types of items to crochet? - My favorite items to crochet are skirts and tops. They're so simple to construct and easy to customize, so I enjoy adding details to them. 4. Are there certain aspects of fashion that inspire you to crochet? - I'm a huge fan of minimalism. I think my use of solid colors and simple patterns really shows that I appreciate less as more, but also the idea that a whole piece is made from one material- just string- is fascinating and utilitarian in a way. 5. Do you create any other type of art, such as painting? - For years, I have painted, illustrated, amd dabbled in sculpture. Painting with acrylics on canvas is my favorite art form beyond designing clothes. 6. What is your business motto? "From my hands to the customer, may love and care show in every detail." I want customers to feel comfortable by being personable. There is a level of intimacy and trust involved with me making them something custom fit to their body/preferences, and I respect that they have faith in my hands. 7. Are there any new items that will be coming out on your shop? Or any new projects you’ll be releasing soon? Right now I am working on some new tops and dresses that I look forward to releasing this month of February. Then in spring, I'll have new beachwear.  The Art of Posing and Using Movement It's been 10 years since I've started my journey as a model and it has been a crazy ride. There have been so many different phases of my modeling, but there was one moment that COMPLETELY CHANGED MY CAREER! After modeling for a few years I shot with a model scout, who was fantastic. While shooting, he only had one major criticism: I was posing, not moving. This shook me to my core. It was the best advise I've ever received. Every shot was pose-pose-pose; I was thinking not feeling the moment. I would scour fashion magazines for poses rather than create my own. When I learned how to move, that's when my career took off and changed my life. By not thinking, just feeling the moment, I was able to create more elegant/graceful images that brought out everyone's work and made me a better model. Feeling the moment and being authentically myself suddenly gave each shoot a personal touch. Some questions I ask myself when I am on a shoot (to create movement):
Some tips for creating movement:
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About LaurenAs a model for almost ten years, I find myself learning new things everyday. This blog is a way to share my stories, images that may not be on my main board, and interesting things abut modeling and my life. |
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