Red the thoughts of a teenage fashion addict .

The other day I was glancing through magazines and I see a picture of Daria Werbowy and I think to myself, "What in the world is on her foot?" I take a better look and I notice that it's a tattoo. As a model, you'd think their skin should be flawless and clear with nothing on it, so it actually was a pretty big shock to me.

So I'm thinking, "Well Daria's one of those big famous models, she can get away with it and still not have it harm her career." Just to make sure that she's one of the few models with a tattoo, I check it up online and man was I wrong! I was surprised at how many models had tattoos; Freja Beha, Isabeli Fontana, Gisele Bundchen, Carolyn Murphy - there's just so many of them with them.

I find any girl with a permanent tattoo very brave to commit herself to having something on her skin forever. Just like I wouldn't put bumper stickers on my car, I would never want to decorate my skin in ink. Even if I wanted to express my love towards someone, like Nick Cannon did by putting a huge Mariah tattoo on his back, I still wouldn't have enough nerve to do it. Maybe that's because I was raised to think that it's bad, but I don't think it is really. I just like my skin the way it is. I

However, today I was reading an article in a magazine and it was about removing tattoos. There's actually experts that can remove them, but from the article, it seems like a difficult task. And extremely costly... it's not something you can do in one session. I'm glad that I haven't gotten a tattoo, but I think it really shows a lot about someone, and in many ways it's neat. Just not for me I guess.

Ever since I started blogging, it seemed like I would always refer to fashion bloggers for inspiration when deciding what to wear instead of the magazines laying around in my room. I've had times when I've wondered, "What kind of shoes is Karla wearing?" or "I wonder what Rumi's outfit looks like today." Has that ever happened to you?

Nowadays, it seems like the power of magazines, especially teen magazines are lowering as people catch on to the internet. What's in a magazine that's not online? Besides the scent of perfume, almost nothing. This topic came to mind when I heard that CosmoGirl! announced that their December 2008 issue would be it's last. However, they say that they're still going to continue their successful web site CosmoGirl.com.

When it comes to teen fashion and the younger generation, it seems that there's a whole lot more diversity in fashion than in the 30's and 40's age. So when you have so many different senses of style, how can you possibly incorporate all of that into one magazine? On the internet, however, there's less barriers and a lot of freedom to write about different fashions. And it's free for all of us to see. That's one reason why I think magazines, especially teen magazines, end up losing their readers. When your young, TeenVogue and Seventeen definitely relate to girls better than Vogue or Harper's Bazaar, but what relates better than you're favorite bloggers online or the websites that you always visit for advice?

I have to admit, I love the feeling of opening a magazine and just glazing at all the advertisements. The aroma of the newest perfumes and the creative spreads that lay on the pages just dazzle me. In some ways you can't beat a magazine... the writing is well written, the photos are good, and you can carry it around wherever you go. Of course, you can bring a laptop and surf through the internet in many places, but you can't hide it behind a chemistry book in class. Or what would you do on an airplane without a magazine? Right? So there's a part of me that feels heart-broken when I hear that magazines are folding - just the fact that our economy is that bad that companies aren't willing to pay to advertise in them is just so sad. Hopefully, as many people say, "Magazines are here to stay."

Want to be in front of the camera? Read this article
for tips about entering the fashion industry!
Photo credit: The Fashion Assistant

I often wonder how an actor or actress ultimately lands their first role in a successful television show or film, amidst all the competition out there. Breaking into the world of design and modeling is no different; the fashion sea is so overfilled with talent that sometimes a big break simply comes as a result of the luck of the draw. So, exactly what are these young individuals doing to find themselves at the mercy of reputable talent scouts and agents?

Like many other fields, there are ways for aspiring fashion designers and models to get their foot in the door – literally. In a highly-competitive environment, it is very common for young “wannabes” to start out at the bottom rung, sweating bullets to move just one inch ahead in their quest for recognition and fame. Rest assured, if you spend your time dreaming about becoming the next supermodel, you can find a place in the world of modeling. It may not be the role you envision, but it can prove to be a very powerful and educational experience.

Of course, your best ally in the search for a starting position is location, location, location. If you live in a large city - or close to a modeling agency located within a smaller region - you’ve already won half the battle. It’s impossible to start out on the bottom rung if you live nowhere near the ladder, so moving to a stronger area may be an essential step. That being said, if you have been thinking about a career in modeling for quite some time but live in an obscure location, you have probably considered moving to advance your career in the past.

Once you find yourself living near an agency (or design firm, if other fashion avenues appeal to you), do some research. Does the agency have a website? If so, do they list job openings online? If not, where do you find information? If the agency operates on a medium-to-large scale, they will likely possess a website that provides a great deal of online detail. If the business is smaller, you may have to call or visit in order to obtain the particulars. Many companies will be more than happy to entertain your questions and help you find a starting role in the industry. However, if you stop by and it’s a busy time for the staff, you may not get the answers you need. It’s always best to call first and find out when their downtime is, so you can anticipate a little bit of undivided attention.

If you’re nervous about visiting an agency cold-turkey, you can always drop off a resume. Wholeheartedly indicate that you are game for anything and try to be yourself. Ask for a manager or supervisor, if possible, so they will have an opportunity to put a face to your resume. Always keep in mind that many agencies have a string of hopefuls trotting through their doors, so acting as genuine as possible may give you the edge you need.

Regardless of the job you are offered, if you receive a call for an interview, take it. Prepare yourself mentally by telling yourself that you are willing to do whatever it takes to “make it” in the industry, to a degree. Set limits for yourself. It’s fine for someone to expect you to pour coffee, but you should never be asked to do anything inappropriate or that makes you uncomfortable, as a way of climbing the ladder. There are just some ladders no one wants to climb.

Once you find yourself in the mix, be ready for anything. Have a series of headshots taken and invest some money in an impressive portfolio. Seek the expertise of a seasoned photographer who knows what works for the industry, and who is capable of highlighting your best features. If you possess the attributes of a successful model, someone will notice.

It is likely that as a beginner, you will find yourself working less prominent roles, such as that of a promotional model. Individuals just starting out may also become part of an event staff, possibly giving them an opportunity to show their faces to potential agents. Event staffing is a great way to network, make new friends, and inadvertently get introduced to a few key business people. Hang in there. The runway won’t unroll at your doorstep overnight and every, single job is just one more notch in your portfolio.

About the Author
Jayne Hawkins is on staff with the Promo Models editorial team. She has spent the last twelve years in the modeling industry helping aspiring models get their start.

Victoria Beckham rocking her
6-inch heels. Can you walk in these?
At least that's what I want to think... Every girl that loves fashion dreams about wearing killer heels everyday, all day. But is that practical? From my experience, I would say definitely no.

I've had questions from many people asking how I can possibly wear heels. Actually putting on heels and walking in them is the easy part. Now, walking in them for hours is the challenge. Have you ever been on a date or a night out where you dressed up looking all fabulous, but halfway through the only thing you're thinking about is the pain of your feet? And then the pain eventually shows in your face... I know, I've been there!

If we refer to Victoria Beckham, it seems like it's actually possibly to run errands around the city in heels and still be comfortable. So how do they do it? Here's a few tips that I found helpful to me:

- Make sure the shoe fits when you buy them

- Practice walking in your heels around the house

- Take smaller steps than you usually do

- Always walk from heel to toe

- Stretch your calves after wearing heels

I know, these tips are something we all probably know by now. But it's amazing how many girls I see walking the wrong way in heels. Practice is key, but I have to admit that heels can be a big pain! So happy walking to all of you and if you have anymore tips please feel free to comment away!

It's time for Fashion Addict to
start being a little more fashionable!
The one thing the college students at my school look forward to is how they don't have to carry backpacks anymore. Yet, I'm still the nerdy Asian girl that wears a backpack everywhere I go, because driving to my next class is a waste of time, gas, and parking tickets that I might get when the parking lot is full. (And the chance of possibly getting into another fender bender!)

I know, I know. How could I possibly wear a backpack? You're probably thinking, "That's so high school!" Well, to me my backpack is a walking locker, it has everything I possibly need.

Because a backpack totally ruins a perfectly chic outfit and turns it into a wreck, I've ended up wearing more casual clothes. Then when I thought about it the other day, I figured that by changing bags I wouldn't have to worry about ruined outfits or looking like I'm in grade school.

So now you're wondering, "Where have you been?! Duh, that's something everyone knows by now." Yeah, I think I've taken college and midterms a little too much these days. Worrying about grades and papers to write has distracted my whole love towards fashion. So I guess it's time for Fashion Addict to take a few more tips from her fellow fashion bloggers!

Britney Spears receiving an award for Best
International Pop Star from Karl Lagerfeld
at the Bambi Awards.

Britney's finally back! And I'm am so thrilled! I just finished watching her last 3 performances on X Factor, Star Academy, and the Bambi Awards where she won the Best International Pop Star. Although I miss her mind-blowing performances like the one she presented at the 2000 MTV VMA's, I am still overjoyed with her comeback. Last year's VMA's didn't go too well, but with her new album coming out tomorrow (Yes! tomorrow!), I think she will be on her way back to the top. Well, actually she's never left the top, but she's here to stay. For sure.

Britney also landed on the cover of Glamour magazine. Her photo shoot is wonderful and it shows the healthiest and most radiant Britney I have seen in a while! Click here to read the whole article on her.

During a discussion in my English seminar at school we debated over censorship. From The Chronicles of Narnia and Of Mice and Men, many novels treasured by people all over the world get censored all the time. However, books aren't the only things censored in our society; all sorts of things are censored including music, television, movies, maps, and even education.

Notice the difference between the two ads?
Demi Moore's cleavage and knees are
covered with black ink under the Iranian
regulations.
It took me a while to finally realize that fashion has been censored in so many ways. There have been many advertisements that have been banned because they were vulgar or sexually implicit. And think of the people outside of the fashion industry that don't fully understand the "ugly" side of the industry. It's incredible how much we don't know because it's been hidden from our eyes.

Other countries seem to have it even worse. An interesting article on Iranian fashion by Chris Mohney surprised me. Many Western magazines are "heavily censored by the government who cover forbidden ladyparts with white stickers or black ink." Can you believe that these forbidden ladyparts include bare arms, knees, or cleavage?

A while back I wrote about one controversial advertisement created by Lucie Boshier. I sort of regret my comment on the whole advertisement:

"I find the cartoon a little offensive and I'm not sure if I would feel comfortable with kids looking at the this when they are walking through the streets. Maybe it's because I don't want to acknowledge the fact that the fashion industry isn't so glamorous and that there are many dangerous aspects of the industry."


Although it's still offensive to me, I now disagree with my reasoning that children should not see the ad. By hiding facts from society, I feel that everyone is losing rather than gaining. I think it's better in the long run for people to be able to express their thoughts and for the viewers to actually be able to see that without intervention.

So does that mean I'm totally against censorship? No, but I feel that there is a very fine line in determining whether something should be censored or not. I agree with the words of Charles Bukowski:

Censorship is the tool of those who have the need to hide actualities from themselves and others. Their fear is only their inability to face what is real. Somewhere in their upbringing they were shielded against the total facts of our experience. They were only taught to look one way when many ways exist.

Everyone from ordinary families to corporate executives have gotten the hit due to the harsh economic times. Even the top fashion designers have. At first it wasn't such a big surprise to me, but has the economy gotten so bad that some of the world's biggest designers have decided to bow out of next years New York Fashion Week?

Apparently Vera Wang, Betsy Johnson, and Marc Valvo have decided not to have their designs go down the runway next spring in New York. I was shocked at first, and then quite heartbroken when I learned that I won't even have the joy of watching Betsy Johnson's incredible fashion show.

Although some designers aren't going to show at New York this coming February, Fashion Week's schedule and the tents will still be full. Reports have said that many other designers have requested for a spot in the tents who want to be part of one of the world's biggest fashion shows.

As for the designers that have opted out, they have decided to still do a presentation of their collections at their showrooms and boutiques.

A lot of times I wonder why I buy clothes and bags that are covered with labels. Everyone does it whether they do it on purpose or not. My friends and I went through the whole American Eagle and Abercrombie and Fitch phase. And the number of people wearing North Face has seem to grow even bigger these days. But what's so great about these labels anyway?

In my opinion a North Face jacket was nothing more than an expensive outdoor coat. And the outdoor type of look never appealed to me, but I wanted it just as much as everyone else and probably for the same reason. The North Face label. The little text on the left shoulder. What an embarrassing reason!

Now, a few years after that whole obsession, I find myself with the same kind of fetish, except with higher-end brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Although I'm not as tense about labels, in the back of my mind I know that I want that certain Gucci logo bag or the pair of Chanel sunglasses not exactly because I want or need them, but so I can feel "in style." It got me thinking, as we grow older do we act the same with different commodities? Are labels constantly going to give us that certain satisfaction that we've always felt after buying them?

It may seem that I'm against brands, which is simply untrue, but everyone wearing the same thing gets really boring, no? As much as I love some of the most popular labels it almost seems like buying the same thing equals getting a nod of approval from friends and the community. I know that's how I felt used to and sometimes even now.

What's your take on labels? Do you love it for the label or for the actual product?

Kate Moss has been rocking the ads for Long champ for many seasons, but the advertisements have gotten even more alluring with a "twin" on the set. At a quick first glance, I truly thought it was two figures of Kate Moss in the same photo. But the next instant I knew it was another model, but who?

Ah, the one and only - Sasha Pivovarova. I've never seen a huge resemblance between the two models, but with these ads I could easily see them as sisters even! Not only do these top models look great, the clothes that Long champ have recently launched for the Spring 2009 season are awfully chic. Who'd ever think Long champ, a luxury leather goods brand, would come up with such a sophisticated, yet remarkably stylish, clothes line? I'm quite the stunned one.