Monday 7 May 2012

Ottawa's Christiana in Istanbul, Turkey!

    Local model on the rise Christiana is currently on contract in Istanbul! As we always do, we asked some questions regarding this growing and very cool fashion market.
Photo provided by Angies Models (Ottawa)

Name: Christiana Ouellette

Mother agency: Angie's Models and Talent International

How long is your contract? My contract is three months.


What can you tell us about the market for new models/models whom have not yet been?
Don't judge a book by its cover. People may tell you that you cannot succeed in a market because of certain aspects you have, but they are only being negative. As long as you can walk into the casting rooms with a smile on your face, confidence and personality, you can become successful as a model in Istanbul, Turkey. The market has everything here from commercials, editorials, web shootings, show rooms, fashion shows, catalogs, etc. Any model who can show her inner beauty and not just her outer beauty can make it in this market.


What is something interesting/different about the city?
Everyone drives so crazy here! There is no rules to the roads or at least the drivers don't listen to or care about them. Istanbul is unlike other cities. There is some beautiful, green land. Other cities, they build everywhere and don't care about keeping the beauty of the land. There is no houses, only apartments. Everything is built so close together so they can keep some of the natural landscape.


What is the shopping like?
Shopping is amazing! You can find such cheap outlets for anything you need! Of course there's expensive stores but if you keep your eyes open or know where to go, you can get really good deals. Some places even bargain with you. Also, The shopping malls have metal detectors just like the airports.


Any current fashion trends that stand out/ different that you have noticed?
I have noticed that the fashion trends here are based on being a sophisticated, yet sexy woman. None of the clothes are too revealing but are still sexy. The trends I think stand out are bright, shiny and animal print clothing and/or accessories. Other very popular trends are fur coats, jackets, head scarves and very fancy dresses. There is no over accessorizing in Istanbul either.


Make-up trends that you have noticed?

Make-up trends I have noticed are red lipstick, black eye liner, a lot of blush and very natural eyeshadow.


Favorite thing about working in this market?
My favourite thing about working in this market is that they treat me like a princess. When I am at jobs, they get excited over everything I do. They clap, cheer and thank you when you do a good job. They make sure to let you know that you are liked. I get complimented over and over, which makes me feel wonderful. Plus, they always make sure to ask if I need anything like food, something to drink, rest, etc. I even had my feet massaged at one of my bookings. Turkish clients are very caring people!


What is the currency used for this market?
The currency used in this market is TL, which is liras. This is Turkish money but it really depends what job you book. Some clients go by Turkish liras and others go by American dollars. In the end though, my agency always converts it to American dollars because that's how they operate things.


Something you'd recommend to eat for somebody who has never been?

I'd recommend that someone should try eating Turkish rice, doner, simit, taco flavored Doritos, baklava, and waffles. I recommend that they would try chai, which is Turkish tea, as well.

Friday 4 May 2012

Originals by Andrea Trunk Shows!

    If you love the collections from Ottawa based Originals by Andrea (which we know you do), then you are in luck! Andrea is holding two trunk shows this month to help satisfy your need for something beautiful and unique! Tomorrow May 5th at Shepherds Bayshore Centre location and May 19th at Shepherds Rideau Centre location. Check out the invite below for full details and visit www.originalsbyandrea.com


Thursday 3 May 2012

Meredith Marks Jewelry comes to Canada!

Just in time for Mother's Day!

"Meredith Marks Jewelry launched in 2009 in her hometown of Chicago. Meredith combines the practicality of multifunctional pieces with the raw beauty of natural stones and foreign motifs. The  result is a collection of 18-carat and sterling silver rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces adorned with precious and semi-precious stones including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, moonstones, and amethysts"

The collection launches this May in Toronto and is exclusively at Holt Renfrew locations.

Have a look at some of the pieces below and if you want to check out more from Meredith Marks visit www.meredithmarks.com



Ivy: Diamonds,
Oxidized Sterling Silver

Crystal: Labradorite,
Black Diamonds,
Oxidized Sterling Silver


Yafa: Citrine, Champagne Diamonds, Oxidized Sterling Silver

Roxy: Ruby, Champagne Diamonds,
18k Yellow Gold,
Oxidized Sterling Silver

Roxy: Emeralds, Champagne
Diamonds, 18k Yellow Gold,
Oxidized Sterling Silver
 



Tuesday 1 May 2012

DelectablyChic! Social

    If you're in Toronto and a member of the style media, are a fashion blogger, or curious to learn more about that aspect of the industry this may be a good option for you!

"The DelectablyChic! Social, brought to you by online lifestyle publication, DelectablyChic!, brings together Toronto’s style media/bloggers and those interested in learning more about style media and blogging with industry, giving them a chance to meet, mix and mingle in a casual environment.  The event will feature delicious hors d’oevures by Elizabeth Hill Catering, makeovers, amazing tunes as well as “speed networking,” a fun way to more formally learn about each others’ businesses and outlets.  There will also be a silent auction with proceeds going to Windfall Basics.  The inaugural 2012 DelectablyChic! Social takes place on June 13, 2012 at the Empire Restaurant Lounge."

To learn more about the event or about Windfall Basics visit the web site links above!