Metro Sex Mania

                               






"METROSEXUAL" 

If you haven't already seen this word plastered half to death in your local newspaper or in your favorite men's magazine, believe you will soon. The media are literally tripping over themselves these days to present the definitive view of this new global men's movement- even though they don't quite understand what that movement is or where it comes from. But I must say they have a buzzword.

The media loves buzzwords. Buzzwords sound important and command attention. Of course they're essentially meaningless,but they're great hooks to hang a story on. "Metro sexual" is a truly outstanding buzzword. It sounds deviant, the sort of thing that makes people gasp when someone says it,explosive- like right into the middle of a polite conversation. It smacks a subversive culture,perhaps even of fetishes and bum paddles and leather masks with zippers over the mouth. Quentin Taratino is probably making a film about it right now. To be truthful,"Metrosexual" describes individuals who I am pretty sure you're already familiar with.

New York Times says he's a straight urban male who's willing even eager,to embrace his feminine side. He's not afraid to be complimented on his clothing or mistaken for being gay. He stocks his medicine cabinet with prestigious grooming products,maintains an impressive up to date wardrobe, and visits chic salons for a variety of men's esthetic services that include hairstyling,facials,manicures and of course body hair removal. If you're like me,it's mildly offensive  to think we have to invent a new gender to explain why today's man concerns himself with such things. People have speculated that money and sex make the metrosexual. I find that very strange. I doubt anyone will know for sure why today's male chooses moisturizer over say sand blasting equipment.

In an era when so much around us is going wrong, perhaps its the small affordable luxuries that keep us sane. If these include a $50 haircut,custom tailored clothing,or peppermint shampoo with wheat protein and a massage so what!! These things don't define who you are as a man. But they do tell you what you can afford. I find it quite sexy to see a well kept,clean cut,good smelling man wearing some fabulous shoes. Can you say "Smoking". Men if the traditional male role is to provide,then choose to provide for yourself as well as your family "Hello"!

Purple Hue

Purple is the new black. Well not quite. I mean, will anything ever be the new black? But purple is this seasons welcome addition to our beloved black. What I'm finding is that for women who wear black alot, and they're not a big color type of person, purple is becoming a wonderful addition to their wardrobe. It can bounce off of black, be used, as a layering piece. You can't walk a city block without spotting a purple dress or sweater in a store window. But if new duds aren't in your budget right now. I would suggest adding some "newness" to your closet by picking up some purple accessories, which can be found at cheaper prices. Go to the accessories department and pick up purple:a shawl,a handbag, a pair of shoes,necklace,beautiful-colored purple stone jewelry. You can't go wrong with any shade, whether it's aubergine,violet or plum.

Plums, violets and other shades of the color purple have invaded makeup counters in a huge way also. This trend is to be used as an accent color. Not lips and eyes. So pick a focus point. If you're putting on a black dress and want to accent with dark purple lips, then stick with neutral colors for the eyes, and vice versa. Stay away from using to many different colors at once

The Butt Crack is the New Cleavage

Have you ever walked down the street and thought to yourself "WoW", I've seen alot of butt crack today". If not then keep an eye out for the moon when you are out and about. More and more girls are busting out the plumbers crack to show off their thin waist(for some thick waist)lines and sexy thongs. I think for some girls they let their butt crack show on purpose! What do you think? Is this a sexy sneak peek or a nasty no-no?

Hot Red Lips

I believe for women there are several essential items. The perfect pair of heels, a sexy black dress and the perfect red lipstick. When women wear red it makes us feel more sensual,energetic, sexy and more bolder. I've always wanted to wear red lipstick, but somehow I have never been able to pull it off(at least not to my satisfaction).If you think you still can't wear red lipsticks,then you are WRONG! Because,there are many different types of red "tone" for your skin.(I'm still searching for the best red for myself). And, if you find that perfect red lipstick it will look great on you too!

What you need to know about Leggings

Are you also a fan of leggings?I know I am. Leggings are a fashion trend which is constantly going in and out of style. Leggings are beneficial,not only can you wear them in the winter to keep you warm,but they are also cool enough to wear in the summer. Leggings can be worn with long shirts,shirt dresses,miniskirts or with shorts. Leggings are a very attractive trend when you wear it correctly.

In contemporary usage,leggings refers to tight,form fitting trousers that extend from the waist to the ankles; they are sometimes referred to as tights(although the word tights is often used to refer to opaque panty hose). Modern leggings are typically made from a blend of lycra, and either nylon,cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. However, leggings can also be made from wool,silk and various synthetic fabrics as well. Leggings made from cotton-lycra or a cotton-polyester lycra combination, are more typically worn for fashion,but are also common as fitness wear as well. Although cotton lycra leggings can come in many colors black,navy and various shades of gray remain the most commonly worn.

Leggings may also come in a variety of colorful prints and designs. Leggings are typically ankle length; they are also stirrupped and also footed. Wearing black leggings under long skirts was apart of the general fashion trend of wearing gym or dance clothes as street wear that evolved  along with the fitness craze and under the influence of the movie Flashdance and the TV show Fame. The new trend more recently pairs black leggings  with short skirts. By the mid 1990s, leggings were actually outselling jeans.

In 2004 leggings began to make a "comeback" into the world of high fashion by pairing capri length leggings with skirts, this resurgence continued  into 2005. PVC black leggings is the hottest new fashion trend. You have seen them worn on all the hottest celebs like Victoria Beckham,Rihanna,Lindsay Lohan etc. The super sexy PVC leggings looks amazing whether wearing ballet flats,peek a boo style shoes or riding boots.

There are three types of Leggings:

- Knee Length
- Mid Calf
- Ankle length

How to wear Leggings

- Dress or tunic style... You'll want a dress that doesn't cling and show through the detail of the leggings underneath. Thicker jersey knits,spandex knit blends and mesh work best. Fancier silk sack dresses will also work paired with heels. Aline  patterned styles with empire cuts and front knots work particularly well because they're forgiving on the hip,tummy and thigh area. Straighter shift styles work well for those with apple and rectangular body types.

- Dress ot tunic length..If you have slim thighs,wear your dress/tunic as short as mid thigh length and no shorter.If you're leg shy or carry a little extra on your thighs,wear your dress around the knee(either just above,on or just below).Do not wear leggings without wearing an extra short top,or as a sustitute for pants.

- Legging length..I just explained to you the types of lengths. My favorite is ankle length. If you have bigger calf muscles,it is better to wear knee length leggings,so that it won't show your muscle! Wearing them ankle length looks best paired with a high heel.

- Leggings types..There are plenty of options to choose from. I prefer darker colors,like black since it will  match with most outfits. However,jean type leggings are also in the trend now! And as you can see the PVC or metallic colors are also a good pair for a night out clubbing.

- Shoe options...The look works with both flats and heels! If you are short,its best to choose high heels with your leggings. However, ballet flats,wedges,sandals,flip flops also look really good with leggings!

Why wear leggings!

1. They are so comfortable and cheap.
2. They are very versatile,they can be dressed up or dressed down.
3. You can buy them in a variety of lengths and colors.
4. They offer your legs some shielding from the cold when you wear your favorite sun dress.
5. They match with anything and almost everything.

Tips to Break in the Modeling Industry

On a day to day basis. I work with some of the most beautiful people in the world.And I have found that each and every person whether male or female that I work with has the same mentality. They feel that just because they are attractive.That is their entitlement to becoming a model. And unfortunately that's not true. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. You can always find an attractive person.But just like anything to model it takes god given talent. Anyone can be beautiful. I am asked on a daily basis by men and women on how they can break into the modeling industry. Well here are some basics that you must know before you invest in photos or modeling schools.There are various types of models. You must know where you fit into the industry before you set out to become a model.

High Fashion Models:High fashion models can be seen in Elle,Vogue,W and many others as well as in runway shows for haute couture or designer collections. They also model in catalogs,print ads and television commercials for designers,cosmetic and other glamorous products. Ultra high fashion models have looks that are either extreme,unique,sophisticated or exotic. European markets are prone to more extreme looks of the ultra high fashion models which appeal to the very trendy,avante garde,fashion conscious consumers. Other high fashion models have a more accessible look that falls between ultra high fashion models and general fashion,but usually have at least one feature that gives them a memorable look. These models have the potential to become a celebrity or super model because their widespread appeal.High fashion models are tall. The women are usually between 5'8 and 5'11 and usually wear Misses sizes 8-10. Most female high fashion models are between 13 and 25. Very few females models maintain high fashion model status beyond these ages,however, there are some exceptional models who continue into their 40's.

General Fashion Models:General Fashion models have universally appealing good looks but are not high fashion enough to qualify for high fashion editorials. You may see these models in middle-of-the-road magazines like Redbook and Good Housekeeping. General fashion models are often seen in catalogs and general clothing advertisements for companies like Mervyns,Sears and Target.Most general fashion models appear to be between 18 and 25. Also included are Contemporary Women(who appear between 28 and 44)and Classic Women(who appear over 45). The majority of men in this category range from 18 to 28 years old and may be seen in underwear and bathing suit ads. Those men who appear between 25 and 35 model sportswear and formal wear.Men who appear between 32 and 45 often model business clothes.

Commercial Print models: represent products other than beauty or fashion. They are used in print ads,packaging,sales displays,product catalogs and live promotional work. There are two types of commercial print models:Straight and Character.Straight Commercial models range from average(real people)to attractive types. They are chosen because they appeal to specific consumer markets based on age,marital status,income,etc. Character Commercial models most often appear in print ads and television commercials. These models can be funny-looking or offbeat characters. They are often exaggerated examples of real people. Character models may also be impersonators or imaginary characters such as Uncle Sam or leprechaun. Real People models:There are no height,weight or visual requirements for casting and print. This is because the assignment may call for "real people"i.e. non-models types.

Petite Models:Petite Models wear sizes 3-7 petite and are usually 18 to 25 years old. Petite models appear in catalogs,print ads,TV commercials. Occasionally,they may receive high fashion print assignments. Petite models are coming more into Vogue now but it is still a struggle to get them into runway shows. My recommendations for petites:start looking for other petite models and then as a group,approach petite clothing companies and create showcases. Naturally,you'll need to hook up with a choreographer but these can be found at other runway shows or by asking manufacturers or local clothing outlets like Macy's who they use.

Parts Models:If a model has particular appeal in body parts,e.g.hands,feet,back etc.they must take snapshots or Polaroids of these parts,date the photographs and place name on the photographs. These shots are needed for buyers who seek Part models. If the parts are superior in appearance,the model will need to locate professional photographers to photograph the body parts. Hand models: have attractively shaped, smallish hands with no blemishes or skin problems. Nails have a healthy color,are without curves,ridges,blemishes.Cuticles must be perfect. Nails must be natural,not sculpted. Most hand models wear a size 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 glove and 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 ring. Male hand models wear 8 to 10 glove.Leg models: must have beautifully shaped,straight,slim,long legs with attractive feet and without veins,scars or other blemishes. Female foot models:must have graceful,flawless feet with attractive ankles and lower legs. They must wear size 6 narrow or medium without blemishes or protruding veins. Teeth/smile models:must have perfectly straight,white teeth with a beautiful smile and attractive lips. Gums must be healthy,pink and not extremely large.

Beauty Models:are used for face and hair products. They must have a well proportioned,attractive face with symmetrical features,good bone structure.Skin must be flawless with fine,nearly invisible pores. No blemishes,no circles or darkness under the eyes. Eyes must be wide set,expressive and beautiful. Lips are neither too thin nor too full. Neck should be long and slim.Hair should be healthy,thick,shiny,easy to manage. Hair should be virgin(not permed or colored). For men a strong jaw line and an even hairline are preferred.

Plus Size Models:Plus or large size models wear Misses 12 and up. Plus models have well proportioned,full figures.Plus sizes wear between size 12 and size 18. Measurements are between 34-25-37 and 40-31-42. If your size exceeds these measurements you are not qualified for Plus size modeling. If your waist is not at least 9 inches smaller than your hips and chest,you are not qualified for Plus size modeling.

Swimsuit Models:need an attractive slender figure with a 34B bust or larger. Models with naturally darker skin or light tan are preferred. The models figure should have smooth,attractive contours. Swimsuit models should not have bony or angular shoulders,visible ribcage or hipbones. Their figure should be well toned and without cellulite or excessive muscles. Swimsuit models usually have figures that are slightly rounder or more athletic looking than typical fashion models.

Lingerie Models:need an attractive figure with a full 34B bust or larger. Skin must be flawless,without much body hair,freckles,moles or scars.Models should not be overly tan. The model's bones in the rib and chest should protrude. The model must not be very muscular.

Body Models:Nude or Figure models work in print work,videos and films. Nude models range from 18 to 24 with few exceptions. Figure models must have an excellent figure with a well developed bust line. Looks range from wholesome to sexy to mildly exotic.

High Fashion women's measurements:
Bust:32 to 34,cup A,B or C,36 max if small cup size.
Waist:25" in. max.
Hips:35" in. max.
Height:5'8-5'11
Weight:115-130

Men's fashion measurements:
Suit:40 regular
Shirt:15-15 1/2 x 34-35
Waist:32-34
Inseam:32-34
Chest:38-40
Weight:145-165
Height:5'11 to 6'1
Physique:well built

Male high fashion models are often between 14 and 35 years of age.

Keep in mind the followings points when taking your pictures:

Do not wear makeup or hairspray
Do not pose
Background should be plain white wall
Use regular 35 mm color print film(any camera)or digital
Wear a one or two piece swim suit

When taking your snapshots you should make sure they are in the following sequence:

From the shoulders up:
Forward with no smile(hair up & hair down) two shots
Forward with smile one shot
Both profiles(hair up) two shots
Total:5 shots

From Bust up:
Forward with no smile(hair up & hair down) two shots
Forward with smile one shot
Both profiles(hair up) two shots
Total:5 shots

Full length:
Forward no smile(two shots)
Both profiles(hair up) two shots
Back shot(hair up) two shots
Total:5 shots

The following photos are acceptable:

Clear facial features
Little to no makeup if amateur
Head to foot
Head to waist
Head and chest
Head and shoulders
Profile face
Profile body

Clothing includes:Sporty,casual,swimsuit,formal,club wear etc.

Remember to always include your basic measurements with your photos. If you are female your measurements must include age,height,bust,waist,hips,hair color and eye color. If you are male your measurements must include your height,chest,waist,inseam,hair color and eye color. You should have at least one clear head shot and one clear body shot. Your head shot should clearly show your entire face,and your body shot should give the agency or perspective employer a good idea of your build and body type. I would suggest that women wear a swimsuit and men a swimsuit or boxer shorts.

These are the basics of Model 101. If you are really serious about becoming a model. I would suggest that you educate yourself fully.And please be cautious of get quick schemes. You will never have to pay to be a model.

Lace Front Wigs

Lace front wigs are hair extensions which have lace in the front,the sides,and around the back of the head,that can be trimmed off. So that when you put it on, it blends in and looks like your natural hair. Lace front wigs look more natural and are lighter on the head. The full cap of the wig can also be made of lace. With this type of wig you can part your hair in any way that you like without the possibility that anyone will detect you are wearing a wig. There are two kinds of lace that are basically used in this type of wig; Swiss lace is extremely fine and fragile it is undetectable.French lace is fine and undetectable,but it is also stronger than Swiss lace. The lace can be dyed to match your skin tone which adds to the natural appearance of this type of wig.You can style your wig just as you would your normal hair.You can curl it,braid it,wear an up do,or a ponytail.That is the beauty of this kind of wig.It has easy upkeep.You can swim with it,shower with it,and be as active as you like in it.It can be worn up to three months depending on the adhesive before you need to take it off and care for it.These wigs may cost more than the average wig but they are well worth the extra cost when you look at the advantages.You can have a natural look that nobody can tell is not your hair,and you will not be overheated by wearing a skull cap type of wig,because the lace breathes.This is my personal preference.Trust me once you go lace,you will never go back.You don't have to worry about being limited in how you wear your hair.Its the best thing since text messaging!!!