Tag: what to wear

Posted on

10 Women’s Wardrobe Essentials Moving to NYC

New York City is all about what you wear and what you want people to think of you at a glance. What you wear is your personal story, told in the blink of an eye. Regardless of the story you’d like to tell, there are some essentials that non-New Yorkers or non-East Coasters might not think of.

In a clothing and fashion-obsessed New York, here are 10 Women’s Wardrobe Essentials Moving to NYC

  1. Scarves, hats, and gloves
    Oh my! Yes, this may be a no-brainer but I hardly used any of these before I moved to New York. Now I layer them every winter, so that I may cover up ever inch of exposed skin from the harsh winter air. To think, I almost didn’t bring them with me during my move!
  2. Cozy socks & lots of sweaters
    One thing I wanted immediately after my first winter in the Big Apple was knee-high socks! Maybe they’re a trend or they only appeal to a specific type of woman, but they definitely appeal to me! Especially if you want to wear any kind of dress or skirt in Fall or Winter. These socks (I have both beige and black, for options), are lifesavers.
  3. Heavy winter coat
     …preferably ankle-length! I had hear the winters were cold. I come from Washington state and I know cold, but I didn’t know cold like New York does! I was thankful for my fashionable warm vintage winter coat that goes well past my knees.
  4. Light fall coat
    Personally, I like to have many options. In the Fall, it can get brisk and windy and you may need just light layers. You especially want something light enough that it won’t kill you when you get into the sweltering subway. You’ll probably be sweating.
  5. Crop tops
    Back home, I never owned a crop top. But in New York City, one thing I wasn’t expecting was the extreme desire to be wearing as little as possible at all moments in the Summer. You’ll want enough options to sorta last you through those sweat-dripping days. And if you think Fall is warm in the subways, just wait until Summer. There will definitely be a moment of mutual understanding when you see everyone in the subway anticipating that air-conditioned car, with shiny foreheads and sticky hair.
  6. An all-black wardrobe
    Black is the new black. Black is the old black. Black will always be black, and New York loves it’s black, head-to-toe wardrobe. If you ever want to truly fit in, look more slim, or like you just walked out of a model-casting, make sure to have many black options. You may also often be required to wear all black dress clothes/black dress shoes for jobs, soo… even if you don’t want to fit in, you still need to.
  7. An outfit for every occasion
    Speaking of black, don’t forget to pack your essential little black dress! You’ll also want to make sure you have proper career-oriented clothing, interview/casting clothes, going out to the club, rooftop parties, networking parties, etc.  
  8. Cute rain boots and/or snow boots
    When it rains, it pours. No, really. Expect an unexpected downpour of rain, especially if its in the forecast on on a warm day. If you see the native New Yorkers breaking out their umbrellas and rain boots on the train, it’s probably too late for you. Next time, you’ll just know. It’s like a sixth sense. Also, one of my favorite winter pieces are my snow boots that I use in the place of rain boots. They are so much more impervious and multi-funtional. They keep my feet warm in the winter and dry in the rain.
  9. Your favorite swimsuit
    It’s easy to forget that New York is surrounded by water. Especially if you don’t know the geography that well, like when I moved here. In fact, there are several great places to go enjoy the sand, ocean, and sun in the sweltering height of summer. So… don’t forget your favorite swimsuit that you feel like a million bucks in! (I personally suggest the Rockaways off the A train).
  10. Something that is oh-so-you
    Wear something colorful! Or something hipster, or business-casual, or whatever suits you. You want to have the perfect outfit for that day you’re feeling especially awesome and powerful. Don’t get too pulled into the black funk. Show the world your individuality!

As you can see, the people of New York City need very weather-oriented clothing. I used to just wear tank-tops, t-shirts, and rain coats. (Well, it “always” rains in Washington, so I almost never took that rain coat off). If there is anything you’re not prepared for ahead of time, the weather may just catch you off guard and you may be forced to make an emergency purchase you might just regret!

Where ever you’re from, it’s likely you just don’t have the variety of weather that New York does. Hopefully this list will prepare you.

Be Fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (:

Posted on

Test Shoot Wardrobe for Models

If you are providing your own wardrobe for a photoshoot… Know that something that looks good in person, may not translate as well in photos. As a rule of thumb, simpler is better.

Test shoots are easiest to provide wardrobe for. This is just a simple portfolio shoot with not specific concept. There may be some play on lighting/androgyny and some basic conceptual ideas, but if you stray too far out of this area, the shoot becomes more complicated and the wardrobe will need to be styled. It is best to either have a designer on board, a wardrobe stylist, or, if you need, you can “shop and return.”

For the simpler shoots, you’ll want a variety of clothing from your own wardrobe. Generally, it is a good idea to provide wardrobe similar to the clothes you’d wear for Polaroids. Here are some lists to help you choose what clothes to bring and get some ideas flowing!

Each category includes some items you can bring if you’re going to play up on that specific theme/look. Some may work better for you than others. Knowing your assets and how you photograph is key.

Sexy:

  • Any cute lingerie you have is a must
  • Black, white, nude, and colored bras and underwear
  • High waisted pieces and boy shorts
  • Bodysuits (lacey, interesting pieces with cool cuts)
  • Swimsuits
  • Sheer pieces
  • Tights
  • Leggings
  • Just-out-of-bed-T-shirts
  • Think American Apparel
  • Heels and/or cute/sexy socks
  • Pasties (as needed)

*Tip: know your boundaries. If you’re not comfortable with a certain style or showing more than you want, say so beforehand. Also, consider if this is the route you want to go.


Androgynous:

  • Button up shirts
  • Collared shirts/tops
  • Ties/bows
  • Men’s baggy pants/boyfriend jeans
  • Suspenders
  • Oversized t-shirts
  • Gender-ambiguous clothing items (non form-fitting)
  • Jean jackets
  • Vests
  • Muscle shirts/tanktops
  • Oxford shoes
  • Men’s shoes

*Tip: the key here is to hide your feminine side and make people wonder. Lighting plays a role here.


Commercial:

  • Everyday wear
  • Jeans
  • Skirts
  • Dresses
  • Cute outfits
  • Heels
  • Go with the seasons if you’re outside (cute scarves and jacket or light summery pieces)

*Tip: This area has a ton of options. Go with whatever you have. Go light and airy, or slightly darker and dense.


Edgy:

  • Go for rocker/out of the norm pieces
  • Look for black dresses, cool cuts, hard silhouettes
  • Bring your toughest/coolest jackets
  • Interesting tops
  • Jeans/ripped jeans
  • Pieces with spikes/leather/plastic
  • Sheer pieces
  • Bustiers
  • Boots


Simple:

  • Jeans/ripped
  • Shorts/high waisted
  • Form fitting tanks
  • Crop tops
  • T-shirts (form fitting or baggy but it must show off your body somehow)
  • Bras
  • Leggings

This is just a general outline to help guide you in the right direction for your shoot. You are most likely pulling from your own wardrobe, so use your best style judgement! Questions/additons/comments? Please write me below! I’d like for all of my blog posts to one day become an open dialogue!

Be Fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (:

Posted on

Polaroids for Models

What are Polaroids?

As far as modeling and the fashion industry goes, Polaroids are natural snapshots intended to show an agency or client what a model currently looks like.

These can be used by agencies to submit to over-seas agents and clients and they can also be used by the model (especially if you are a freelancer) to submit to different clients and potential gigs. They may also be used on a website so people not only can view your current work, but they can also see what you currently look like. This is important because you don’t want to be wasting the client’s time if you don’t look how they want. It saves time on both ends.

Do Polaroids need to be professional?
As a model, your Polaroids do not need to be professional. They need to look nice, yes, but they don’t have to be professional, which is why the next point explains why you do not need to pay to have Polaroids done. Most agencies take Polaroids of their models themselves.

Just because I’ve said you don’t need professional photos, doesn’t mean you can take these on your camera phone. Sometimes a client will ask for a “day-of” snapshot, which should be the only time you send camera phone shots.

These should be done with a high resolution camera in natural lighting. If you don’t have a camera, find someone who does.

My agency (or a photographer) wants me to pay for Polaroids, what should I do?
Very few agencies will (or should) ask you to pay to have Polaroids done. Models, don’t pay for Polaroids when your agency could easily take some well-lit snapshots of you or, if you don’t have an agency, you could have a photographer friend take some quick shots before or after a test shoot.

If your agency absolutely insists on paying someone, and you feel you need to do as they say, always make sure to keep track of your expenses (receipt) so that you can deduct them from your taxes. Keep a folder of all your receipts and expenses.

If possible, offer an alternative route. Offer to have your Polaroids done some other way. Find someone willing to take your pictures for free, even if its just a high resolution camera in some natural lighting. Even if that person is just a friend, parent, or roommate.

What should I wear for my Polaroids?
Polaroids should be natural and show off your body. You should have some Polaroids with both form-fitting clothes as well as a bikini. This can just look like a nice black tank top with some skinny jeans and heels, or any simple outfit that is going to show what your body looks like. The key here is simple. You will also want Polaroids in a flattering bikini. Try to wear one with neutral colors, like black, white, and brown. As long as its a mostly solid color, it should be fine. You just don’t want the clothes to be too distracting.

For makeup, wear minimal to zero makeup. You can wear a light foundation, lighten up any blemishes, and put on some mascara and lip gloss. People want to see you without makeup on. That’s what your portfolio is for.

How should I pose for my Polaroids?
Your posing should also be natural and organic. Don’t over-do it. In fact, don’t really pose. Play with your hair, keep your arms looking natural, move around as if you’re checking yourself out in the mirror. Get some shots smiling as well as a few other, moodier facial expressions. Bring your hair in front of your shoulders, and push it back. Put your hair in a bun (if applicable, of course), to show your facial features.

Make sure whoever is taking photos for you gets all the basics, which include full body, head shots, profile, 3/4 shots, and shots from the waist up.

You really don’t need anything fancy.

How often do I need to take new Polaroids?
I suggest updating your polaroids every 3 or 4 months. Your body is constantly in a state of change. You want to make sure you are giving clients an accurate representation of what you look like.

If it has been a while and you think your Polaroids may not be accurate, update them. If you get a new hairstyle, or cut your hair 3 inches, if you loose weight, if you gain weight, if you get taller, or any measurements change, these are all times that you would have new Polaroids done.

If your agency takes your Polaroids for you, they should remind you to come in for new shots. Or, better yet, feel free to remind them! Your agency deals with a lot of other girls, too. You want to be fresh on their minds, which is also another way to use Polaroids to your advantage. The more often you are in your agency, the more often they’ll think of you.

I don’t have an agency, do I still need Polaroids?
Even if you don’t have an agency, you most definitely do still need Polaroids! As I mentioned before, as a freelance model, you’ll always need Polaroids available to send to clients who wish to see what you currently look like. They want to see an accurate representation, not photoshopped, made-up, overly dramatic portfolio photos.

If you at any point wish to seek out an agency, they require that you send them Polaroids so they can see how you photograph as your natural self. Even if you go in for an agency open call, you will want to bring in Polaroids for them to see, especially if you don’t have a physical portfolio on you.

Ok, I have my Polaroids now. How do I choose which pictures I really need?
If your agency takes your Polaroids, you don’t have to worry about this question, because they will choose and upload your Polaroids themselves.

If you have an agency, but you’ve had your Polaroids done on your own, pick through all your decent images and send them all to your agency. They can pick what they need on their end.

For choosing your Polaroids for your personal use, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you don’t need to necessarily use your Polaroids right away. Keep them in a folder on your computer that is easily accessible. Make a sub-folder of your favorite choices that include at least one good full body shot, one good head shot with and without a smile, one good 3/4 shot, and one good shot from the waist up. These are shots you can access at any time to submit to agencies or email to clients.

By “good,” I mean that the Polaroids should be clear and flattering to your image. Your eyes should not be half-asleep. Your hands should be pretty and you want angles that suit your body. This should be a no-brainer.

Where can I upload my Polaroids?
If you really want to, you can upload your Polaroids anywhere you want. Facebook, Model Mayhem, your website, etc. However, you only really need to have maybe one or two shots up online, so people (potential clients, photographers, etc), know what you look like. For example, I have a tab on my website titled “Current” that I keep updated with a head shot and a full body shot.

Other than that, you only need to use your Polaroids via email and for agency and casting submissions.

The photo to the right is an excellent bad example. Yes, it’s a great Polaroid, so it is technically a good example. However, those who keep track of my current “looks” know that my hair isn’t like that any more! Yes, I need new Polaroids. Having an inaccurate Polaroid is a no-no. If you are getting new Polaroids soon, but need to use your most current, but outdated, Polaroids, make sure to mention what you actually currently look like (if your hair has changed, lost weight, etc).

Be Fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (:

P.S. I swear, I’m getting new Polaroids sooon!