Showing posts with label marie claire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marie claire. Show all posts

Monday, September 30, 2013

Three Ways the Cosmo and Marie Claire Lingerie Show Changed My Life



Last week I was invited to attend the Cosmo and Marie Claire Lingerie Show. For someone who is dealing with weight issues and low self-esteem, this was a sure-fire way to make sure I went home and cried into some carbohydrates. Nevertheless, it’s a party and who doesn’t like parties especially when you see Skyy Vodka is sponsoring. So off I went.




The fashion show itself was amazing, the models were all gorgeous, the music and production was awesome and the free drinks were a treat. But enough about that. It was clearly fate that I showed up to this show. As I sat there surrounded by other bloggers, media and the oh-so-fabulous I watched the models traipsing down the catwalk, something happened to me that made me question my life. Not one of those horrible “when are you going to be more responsible” things I usually experience after a particularly bad hangover but more the inspiration to better my life. See below.


Witness the Fitness

Obviously when models are around you notice how beautiful they are. But as so many editorials and beauty adverts like to remind us, it’s what’s inside that counts and with the right lighting and makeup we could all shift magazine sales. But that doesn’t fly when you’re confronted with several hot bodies. There ain’t no faking that. Sometimes it’s good genes, most of the time it’s because they work hard. And oh man, does it pay off. I found myself drooling over their bodies as much as the pervy guys sitting in front of me. 

 
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This has made me firmly believe, exercise is missing from my life. I have found that when it comes to going to gym, my talent lies in finding excuses to avoid it. From I don’t have any cute workout clothes (even though I don’t believe I should ever sweat in designer clothes), to the gym is always full after work and before work and during work (I like the extent of that one) to what if this is the day the gym gets attacked by racist ninjas. Like I said this is where I am talented. But after seeing these bodies in action, I was a little more inclined to do some cardio. And maybe a bit of weight training. Also some squats and shit. Eventually this new motivation lead me to sign up – and pay – for bootcamp. Since I am super cheap and I have already given away that money, I’ll definitely be going. In 4 to 6 weeks, I’ll be parading my new body around the streets of Cape Town.

No More Granny Pants

I used to be unashamed of my love for granny pants. Anything that keeps stuff in and smooth is a winner in my book. Sadly there isn’t anything sexy about this type of underwear. Like not even a bit. It’s never in black, it’s never got lacey bits and they really look like a grandmother could rock them. Normally I wouldn’t give two shits about my knickers, especially because no one has been seeing them. Crickets in that department. But the lingerie show changed all of that. 

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 While in my seat watching the ladies strut their stuff in sexy shapewear and big pants that still looked comfortable, I was mentally going through my underwear drawer and chucking out all the cotton boy shorts, the ugly beige pairs that sit under my boobs and the magic knickers that allow me to look sleek as long as I don’t drink or eat. I thought I’d made some good mental decisions. I also decided to put the magic knickers back but on the whole I am inspired to change my knickers. After all, if I wear them, surely the boys will come.

Making An Effort

There is a saying that there are no ugly women, only lazy ones. I believe this. I also am very lazy. So while I want to change and make more of an effort, the fat girl on my shoulder makes me snooze for an extra 10 to 30 minutes. This is the time I could spend curling my hair, or learning how to contour my face or finding an outfit that I haven’t messed food on.

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 It’s a truth universally acknowledged in girl world that looking good makes you feel good which makes your outlook all sparkly and happiness personified. I have had those days. I usually have those days when I work. On the weekends however I became a slob. And after two days in baggy jumper and stretchy pants, you lose all direction in life. So if anything this has made me more determined to make an effort. Look at these girls with the good hair and the glowing skin. I want to be that girl dammit.

So thanks to everyone at the Lingerie Show for their help/intervention J

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Images from Cosmo’s FB page.

Monday, August 20, 2012

The September Issue

Last month, on a rather dreary Monday I got a call that made me squeal and jump up and down. It was from Luisa at Marie Claire wanting to know if I’d be keen to take part, alongside other bloggers, in a fashion spread/challenge. It was about taking some of the more “out there” fashion looks and putting them on real people in real-life situations.

And of course my reply was like "Um, sure let me just check my diary, I think I'm shooting with Demarchelier that week." 

Obviously I was game. And this time I decided to cherish every little detail. If you’ve read the blog for more than a year, you’ll know I was already lucky enough to be featured in a bloggers fashion shoot for O Magazine.That was definitely one of my life's highlights. But I was so excited to spend the day surrounded by fabulous people (especially Robyn Cooke) and in the presence of Jimmy Choo shoes that I didn't really take photos. This time was different.

With a fully charged camera I arrived at the MC offices and immediately was beautified by Sylvie Hurford and Huey Tilley. I was going to be recreating this Marie Claire editorial:



So, cue the clown make-up. And clothes. And when the clothes are not Prada (which they were in the original shoot) have the tendency to make you look like a Bag Lady or at least an Olsen twin.

 

Nevertheless I was still having the time of my life. First up I got to watch the crew in action while shooting Leilah360 in this insane onesie do her thing.

 

Then it was my turn. We were going to redo the look at a bus stop. It may not look like it but it was freezing that day which is why I'm rocking this look with my jeans on. And we all thought the fashion world was glam!





 

After a couple of shots sitting down I got to do my thing and let my amateur schmodel shine. All those years doing the Vogue routine in my bedroom finally paid off.

Now the issue has finally landed. And it's the coveted September issue which makes this fashion nerd go cray cray happy.

Yes, in case you're wondering, they did use me for the cover as well.






And here is me! I have to say I really happy with the final picture they used and for making me sound awesome in the magazine. On the whole, the entire shoot is amazing and MC are clearly boss at what they do.

As you can tell, this is a very natural pose for me.

If you want to check out the full spread, it's available in shops now.

Major thanks and love to everyone who was part of the shoot especially Sam from MC who took all the behind-the-scenes pictures and interviewed me. Also check out her blog, she is awesome.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!