Modeling Tip Of The Day: Do A Little Dance!

Hey Slendees!

Jeneka K. here to bring you a slice of the pop and lockin' model life :) Ever been on a shoot and got stuck trying to figure out your next pose? Or, feel like you're always doing the same poses and need something new to do with your hands or feet? I've experienced this same mental block before and the one thing that always seems to inspire me is MUSIC!

When I hear music I can't help but move. My shoulders sway, my head bobs, I start to bounce a little and before you know it, I feel like I'm one of Beyonce's back up dancers! ;) I probably wouldn't make the cut on So You Think You Can Dance, but I do have a good amount of dance experience. Dancing has really helped me feel more comfortable with movement, extending, stretching and just feeling comfortable in my own skin. Now when I shoot, I think of posing more as dancing! Fluid movements from head to toe.

Fun fact: I danced full-time at the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Walt Disney World for 6 years.

photo by: photographybymaka.blogspot.com

I've discovered that many of my favorite models also have previous dance experience! In a recent cover shoot for Vogue Austraila, Karlie Kloss dished a little about her experience as a ballet dancer. If you're a Karlie fan you know that girl can move!

Click here for a behind the scenes video of Karlie's cover shoot!

The Face's Coco Rocha also has a dance background as an Irish dancer. How cool is that? Fun fact: Coco has been known to do 50 different poses in 30 seconds! Any model out there up for the challenge?? 

Watch this clip of Coco Rocha which includes her Irish dancing down the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier!

So to all you aspiring models out there and even the veterans as well, whether you have dancing experience or not, let music inspire you to move in ways you haven't before! Try taking a dance class at a local dance studio. Or, head to the gym with some friends and try a Zumba or Sh'Bam class! It's a great way to have fun, get in a good workout and loosen yourself up for your next photo shoot.

Karlie Kloss photographed by Mario Testino for Vogue US July 2012

The hand-on-the-hip poses just don't cut it anymore models. In order to get really great shots you have to learn how to MOVE!

Read more about Coco Rocha the Irish dancer turned supermodel

May the fierce be with you!

xoxo*j

Model Turned Movie Star: Cara Delevingne in The Great Gatsby

Hey Slendees!

Jeneka K. here to share with you a slice of the model life :) I've been cuddled up with Vogue's May 2013 issue all week devouring all the articles about the soon to be released film The Great Gatsby. Directed by Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!) and starring Carey Mulligan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Toby Maguire, this version of Gatsby is sure to be nothing short of spectacular.

Vogue - May 2013 Cover

I first saw the trailer for Gatsby early fall of last year and immediately read the book as the movie was set to be released in December. Well, December came and went and there was no Gatsby to be seen :(

Finally the date is set for next Friday, May 10th! I, of course, will be in attendance dressed in my own 1920s inspired fit which I probably should start planning now! ;)

Besides the costumes (designed by Cathrine Martin) and the soundtrack (produced by Jay-Z!), I'm also looking forward to seeing one of the hottest and most sought after models in the industry right now, Cara Delevingne, on the big screen.

Vogue - May 2013

Vogue - May 2013

You probably recognize Cara from campaigns shes done with DKNY or Chanel, just to name a few.

Or you might have seen Cara's signature strut on the runways in Milan, New York, Paris or London. With a quirky spunk that's a little awkward but amazing all at the same time, Cara is powerful and unforgettable on the runway. Cara was even listed the #3 First Face for the Fall/Winter 2013-2014 runway shows by fashiontv.

First Face #3 Cara Delevingne - Fall/Winter 2013-2014

Named BFA's Model of the Year in the fall of 2012, this British superstar is repped by some of the top agencies in the world. Storm Model Management is Cara's mother agency in London, but she is also represented by Women Model Management in New York, Elite in Paris, Fashion in Milan, Scoop Models in Copenhagen, Mega Model Agency in Hamburg and Elite Stockholm.

For behind the scenes fun and lots of funny faces, you can follow Cara on Instagram @caradelevingne and on Twitter @caradelevingne

May the fierce be with you!

xoxo*j

Shoesday Tuesday: The Wedge Sneaker

Hey Slendees!

Jeneka K. here to bring you a slice of the shoe-obsessed model life :) Yesterday I had a 12 hour voyage from Orlando to Honolulu. Luckily for my long legs, I flew first class the whole way (thanks dad!). Regardless of which class I fly though, I always strive to travel in style all the way down to my shoes.

 I had a gorgeous view of Oahu as we flew in.

A first class breakfast in my first class kicks.

Last week I happened upon the PERFECT shoe to fly in at one of my favorite boutique's Tuni Winter Park.

These Boutique 9 pale pink, peep toe wedge sneakers with velcro straps had my name written all over them! I mean seriously, how cute are they?! Of course, when I tried them on I was sold! They're so comfortable and fit just right. I even wore them out of the store!

I've been wanting to wear them everyday since purchasing them but refrained so I could debut them to the world today ;)

I love them for flying because they are FASHIONABLE & FUNCTIONAL! The neutral color makes it a great shoe to pair with any outfit. I wore it with stone washed skinnys, a tank & a floral coverup.

Follow me on Instagram --> @jenekaka

Going through security was a cinch too as they easily slip on and off (sidebar: how often does TSA shampoo their carpets??).

Picked up this cowboy boot keychain on my layover in Houston.

Ever since Isabel Marant's pumped up kicks hit the fashion scene, wedge sneakers have been all the craze. I've got another black & silver pair of wedge sneakers that I swear by when I'm styling. As a heel addict, I love the extra height but there's none of the extra pain! Bonus! I can seriously style in them all day. (Shout out to my girl Mahealani for hooking me up with them for Christmas!)

Models like Joan Smalls have been rockin the wedge sneaker trend in cities all over the world.

So, the next time you're flying to a photo shoot or runway show or just to a little getaway, slip on a cute & comfy pair of wedge sneakers, post a pic on Instagram & tag @slenderbread & @jenekaka along with #slenderbreadstyle. I'll be reposting my favorites!

May the fierce be with you!

xoxo*j

Event Recap: Trend Studios 1 Year Anniversary Party

Hey Slendees!

Jeneka K. here to bring you a slice of the trendy model life :) Trend Studios, a posh hair salon in Downtown Orlando, celebrated their 1 year anniversary on Wednesday night with a soirée of food, drinks, fashion and fun. 

Marlene, my fellow Slenderbread Brand Ambassador, and I coordinated all the models that participated in the event. Of course we had to coordinate our outfits as well ;)

Marlene & I with supermodel and mentor Susan Miner

We had four models that represented and promoted four of the other services besides hair that Trend offers: nails, teeth whitening, spray tan and massage. 

BTS with Nails Model: Roxy 

BTS with Teeth Whitening Model: Holly

BTS with Spray Tan Model: Jared

BTS with Massage Model: Cristina

Below are two of the four models who were body painted by Chantel (@chooselove8).

Model: Mariana with Hair piece by Shauna Hyde

Model: Shirley with Hair by Clint Torres

Make up for the models was done by Justin Townes and all models were styled by yours truly :) 

#styledbyjenekaka

All the accessories on the female models were provided by Tuni Winter Park a fabulous women's boutique in Winter Park, FL.

The night was Trendmendously full of energy as Orlando's Trendiest stopped in to celebrate with Trend. Models mixed and mingled with guests sharing info on the Trendy services that Trend offers. Brian Storey photographed the event & I'm looking forward to seeing all the fun he captured!

From all the Slenderbread team, here's to many more years of success Trend Studios!

May the fierce by with you!

xoxo*j

Modeling Lesson #1

Hey there Slendees!

Jeneka K. here to share with you a slice of the model life :) Did you know I am a model turned wardrobe stylist? I like to think my experience as a model gives me a little edge when styling. I envision not only the wardrobe in it's entirety but the poses that go along with it as well. So, when I'm on set you'll often find me behind the photographer in "the zone" mirroring the models angles, facial expressions and helping to give direction. I try not to interrupt if I don't need to but...

Once a model always a model ;)

**One of my first photo shoots with Fused Fashion shot by Rafael Tongol** 

Having a good amount of experience as a model also means I have high expectations and that I'm going to push models to be the best that they can be. 

Lesson #1: MODELING IS NOT EASY

I was on set the other day styling and helping a young model get into a pose where she was leaning back against a wall that was about an arm's length behind her. Of course I had her in 5" heels so leaning that far back was a little bit of a challenge. Leaning back was only the beginning though. Next came all kinds of instructions... 

"Chin up! Not too far up.. Tilt your head towards me... Yes! There! Now streeeetch those arms up... Good! There! Now relax your face.. but give me intensity in the eyes.. Yes girl! Relax those hands.. Okay good, now can you cross your ankles??"

We had to break several times which was okay! Because LESSON #1: MODELING IS NOT EASY! It takes time, it takes effort, it takes dedication, it takes love, passion, emotion, sweat, tears, and most of all it takes confidence. 

For all you young aspiring models out there looking for an EASY job, modeling might not be for you. But, for all you who are ready to WERK! the modeling industry welcomes you with open arms.

May the fierce be with you!

xoxo*j