Dancing Queen: Model Erika Citrin Danced at New York Fashion Week

Erika Citrin was one of the models who opened up the Janelle FUNARI NEW YORK fashion show! She was dancing, modeling and doing flips on the runway to Ciara’s Level Up. She was jumping around and totally lit up the runway! I was completely gripped when she walked to the end of the runway, posed, looked at the model standing across from her (Dana Wiener) and then they both turned their backs towards the cameras and clasped hands. I felt as though they were standing together and blocking out all the noise around them. They walked back up the runway hand-in-hand before running into the distance.

ERIKA WAS FEARLESS

When the show was over, I met with Erika and she did a behind the scenes exclusive dance for us (see the video below)!

Here’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for… my interview with Erika!

– What was it like to dance at the FUNARI NEW YORK fashion show?

Dancing at the fashion show was truly an amazing experience. Both Janelle (AKA FUNARI NEW YORK’S mastermind) and I have very busy schedules so even she hadn’t seen the full final product before the show!

– How long did it take you to practice? Who choreographed the dance?

I choreographed the dance and chose Dana Wiener, who I originally met at Joffrey Ballet School to dance with me. We put everything together in 3 rehearsals! One of them took place on an extremely hot day at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

-How did you become a model for FUNARI NEW YORK?

I caught Janelle’s eye when I was doing a photoshoot with Noel Valero. Noel is an amazing person and photographer. I met him when I was dancing for Arch Contemporary Ballet and we stayed connected afterwards. I’ve done multiple photo shoots with him. I actually caught Janelle’s eye after I had my hair done in cornrows and did a test shoot with Noel in her clothing!

– What was the photoshoot like?

The shoot included modeling poses and BGirl freezes (breakdancing poses) all in one!

– As a model, what is your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?

From purely a modeling standpoint, it can be very hard to overcome the dancer stereotype. I mainly get hired to model for dance costumes, or to have a dance segment in a show but I am very interested in more fitness and lifestyle jobs. I’m a personal trainer and bodybuilder so I want to be able to showcase everything that I know how to do.

– Are you adventurous? What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

I am very adventurous! I recently went hiking in the Catskills this fall and jumped off a 40ft cliff into one of the river pools up there!

This spring, I’m taking a two week trip to Paris and London (you may see me posting some FUNARI designs in my travel attire! )

– What did you do for the holidays?

This past holiday season I mainly stayed home and rested! I visit my family more in between holidays as travel is a lot less hectic! As a freelancer, holidays tend to be a busier work season so I like to be around in the city.

– If you could be a fruit or vegetable, what fruit or vegetable would you be?

I would definitely be a fruit. I like the idea of being able to grow both from low in the ground and high in a tree! Also, fruits are the only way I satisfy my sweet tooth, since candy and sugars aren’t an option in my lifestyle!

I want to hear from you! What do you think about Erika’s dance? Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode

What to see more of what Erika is up to? You can follow her on Instagram @egcitrin

Love always,

Jenny A.

Getting Ready for Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

490FB7D1-03F1-4B7B-9EA7-A94740F6911C — Photo from Angel Devon Windsor @devwindsor

It’s finally here! Happy Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show day! I have been looking forward to this since August when I was at the castings. You can read about my experience at the castings here. Since then, I have been following the Victoria’s Secret Angels to see the inside scoop. I heard that Victoria’s Secret Angel Lais Ribeiro is going to be wearing the $2 Million Champagne Nights Fantasy Bra. Oh la la.

I decided to dedicate this week’s posts to the Victoria’s Secret Shanghai Fashion Show. I guess you can say the next few blog posts will be Angel themed.

Here are the important details for tonight’s show:

The show is tonight, Tuesday November 28 at 10/9C on CBS.

Musical guests include: Harry Styles, Miguel, Jane Zhang, Leslie Odom Jr., and Yundi Li.

I just finished watching the Go Behind The Scenes Of The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Dress Rehearsal sneak peak for the VS Fashion show – it was fabulous. I always love seeing the excitement backstage. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes of a fashion show between changing outfits, hair & makeup and getting ready to walk. After looking at all of the backstage Bombshell moments, I had to share some of my favorite photos with you.

I can’t wait to see the show. It looks like it is going to be spectacular! I hope that one day I can attend a Victoria’s Secret Fashion show. But for now, I guess cuddling up in my pajamas while watching it on TV will have to do.

What do you think? Are you excited? Who’s your favorite Victoria’s Secret model?

0A0762A3-87B0-436A-8BBD-F4A6C4B1C2ED — Photo from **Angel Georgia Fowler** @georgiafowler

B38F9D39-F840-43E4-ADB8-0F6A32D22EAA — Photo from Angel Devon Windsor @devwindsor

C98FC7E5-4D74-491E-83EC-52E5BD126FB1 — Photo from Angel Alecia Morais @alecia_morais

BB364DE7-CBD3-41E8-AD7D-0E03D4B7294D — Photo: **Angel Georgia Fowler** @georgiafowler

5EFC205D-F7FD-4EF8-8D71-602BEF168EE8 — Photo from Angel Leila Nda @leila.nda

18582587-8350-4370-BCE6-C1581B424E4B — Photo from Angel Gizele Oliveira @giizeleoliveira

3CE29D40-767E-45F6-A82A-2046F2DEEC5D — Photo from Angel Lily Aldridge @LilyAldridge

EE6D306C-58CE-49D7-97CD-64ACF203DBBF — Photo from Angel Alessandra Ambrosio @AlessandraAmbrosio

11FC3449-7AB9-4F1C-8C97-1F17AD591818 — Photo from Angel Sara Sampaio @SaraSampaio

#VSfashionshow

Love always,

-Jenny A.

What It Was Like to Model For My First Brand – Pause & Unwind

21768404_1740716302634780_4616127034349048205_n — Photo: Pause & Unwind

“Me” time is so important! With my busy blogging schedule, I’m always on the go – running to fashion shows, interviewing models, writing my next blog post… #bloglife.

So when Pause & Unwind, the new self-care subscription box, sent me their September box, I was so excited! What a fabulous way to hit the pause button during my hectic day and just unwind?!

When I opened the box, I was completely awestruck. I carefully unwrapped the sparkling tissue paper and there was a beautiful bracelet, a citrus sea soak, coconut oil, “Happy” tea & an organic lip balm inside. It was the perfect mix of items to just relax and rejuvenate me.

What was inside the September subscription box:

21557864_1723592664347144_1820977975420490931_n — **Photo: Pause & Unwind**

A Druzy Bracelet from Cayetano Legacy Collection

A Citrus Sea Soak from Dirty Mermaid Beauty

Happy Tea from Wild Leaf Active Tea

Coconut Oil from Measurable Difference

Organic Coconut Lip Balm from Sapling & Sprout

I absolutely loved the products so I decided to take my own little photo shoot to send back to Pause & Unwind. I started taking some photos of just the box and then ended up taking some selfies posing with the products. I remembered what runway coach Mandy Dyonne Lieveld taught me about modeling certain products. Know your product and pose accordingly.

Since I took my own photo shoot, I was able to get more comfortable with posing in front of the camera. I took a bunch of pictures until I was happy with the angle, lighting and the overall feel of the photo.

I had so much fun!

53410BCF-C7E5-4E36-A5B8-F8C69125C10E — Photo: Jenny A.; Featured on @pause.unwind

The coolest part was when Pause & Unwind featured one of my photos on their Instagram! In the picture, I am posing with Sapling & Sprout’s organic coconut lip balm. I find it so funny that they chose to feature me posing with the lip balm because ever since my photo shoot, I never leave home without it. It’s always in my purse!

Thank you so much to Pause & Unwind! Check them out on their website pauseandunwind.com or follow them on their Instagram @pause.unwind. I definitely recommend this subscription box!

About Pause & Unwind : The self-care subscription box that features women-founded brands chosen to relax & inspire you. Feel good taking your scheduled breather from the hustle & bustle. We’ll introduce you to spa / beauty products, jewelry, teas, edible goodies, & lots more so GET READY to pause, unbox & unwind!

* Ensures you’re taking the time to relax & recharge at least once a month

* Supports the wonderful artisans and small businesses we source from

So tell me…what was your first photo shoot like? Share it with me in the comments below!

-Jenny A.

UK Model Becca Avill

21698211_10213938001308954_1264599034_n — Photographer: Charles Hulme

Meet Becca:

Not only is Becca Avill an international model, she is also a TV presenter (host) in the UK! I really admire her because she is actively pursuing her dream of becoming both a top model & a TV presenter.

She hopes to one day be able to model for Victoria’s Secret or Sports Illustrated. She said that they have the best models and it would be a privilege to model for them.

“Any work that takes me to sunny hot beaches is what I want to be doing!”

When she’s not dressed in high-end designer fashion, she loves wearing simple outfits with designer accessories. She’s all about the accessories – sunglasses, coats, bags, shoes & scarves.

21767814_10213938000268928_1957305064_n — **Photographer: Prasoon Jaiswal**

Fun fact: Becca has a whole wardrobe just dedicated to coats!

Becca is always working. She splits her time between being on the runway, doing photo shoots and working on TV. She shared that as a TV presenter, she has already covered different stories like the elections, festivals and events. When she manages to have some free time, she likes to play the piano or go outdoors. If she has a free weekend, she’ll book a trip and do some traveling.

21691180_10213938004869043_488840887_n — Photographer: Jemma Dodd for Professional Photo Mag

Out of all the celebrities, Becca looks most like Kalish from Game of Thrones. Did you know that she recently did an L’Oreal ad for an online campaign?! They dyed her hair and now she is platinum nude!

Fun fact: Before Becca had her hair dyed, she looked like supermodel Gigi Hadid!

Becca is really into fitness & nutrition. She goes to the gym every day and cooks her own food because she likes to live a healthy lifestyle. She is also vegetarian and watches her environmental footprint.

Her top interests are:

Politics
Speaking French
Fashion
Traveling

18834701_10212849959508589_255907193_n — Photographer: BAME Model Agency

Between going to the gym and swimming, Becca is very athletic. Did you know that she loves water sports?! She used to kayak but due to her really busy schedule, she doesn’t have as much time anymore.

If she could be a fruit or vegetable, she would be a tomato because they are so diverse, just like her! You can make so many dishes out of tomatoes like delicious sauces and salads.

You can follow Becca on Instagram here : Becca Avil

-Jenny A

What It Was Like To Get My Makeup Done by Professional Makeup Artist Gabriella Golan

Life is short…but your lashes don’t have to be!

Have you ever wondered what it is like to have your makeup done by a professional makeup artist? One of my best friends, Gabriella Golan is a professional makeup artist! She has done makeup for celebrities, TV shows and models. I was so excited when she agreed to do my makeup for a family event.

Before any runway show, there is usually a whole team of makeup artists applying, brushing and touching-up each model. I’m really not a huge makeup person but I was blown away by Gabriella’s work. Whenever I do wear makeup, I’ll usually put on a little bit of eyeliner and lipstick.

I told Gabriella that I wanted a very natural look. She laid out all of her makeup on the dining room table for me. There was so much to chose from! There were so many foundations… eye shadows… lipsticks… I felt like a model getting ready for the runway! She mixed different colors together on a palette to get the perfect combination for my complexion.

I’ve never wore fake eye lashes but Gabriella convinced me to try some individual lashes. She glued each lash onto my lash line to give my eyes a fuller look. I felt like I didn’t even have to smile because she made my lashes curl upwards which made it look like my eyes were smiling.

We chatted about our families, boys and all the exciting things going on. It was so much fun! When she finished, she spritzed my face to keep the makeup in place so it wouldn’t smudge. I looked in the mirror and was completely awestruck by her work. I loved the way she was able to transform my face into looking like a professional model.

The Final Results:

Thank you so much Gabriella! Love you!

What do you think? Have you ever had your makeup done by a makeup artist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If you want to check Gabriella MUA out and see her amazing work, her website is: http://www.gabriellamua.com/

You can also follow her on Instagram: @gabriellamua

-Jenny A.

What It Was Really Like to be in Runway Coach Mandy Dyonne Lieveld’s Class

Have you ever felt like a boss while walking down the street?

When I walked out of Mandy Dyonne’s runway coach class I felt like a boss.

A few months ago I was scrolling through Facebook, just looking around and watching funny videos, when I stumbled upon an ad for Mandy Dyonne’s runway coach class. Maybe it was a sign from God or maybe it was just Facebook getting better at their advertising targeting… but when I saw the ad, I took it as a sign and messaged her.

And I’m so glad I did!

I had the BEST time in her group class. She taught us how to walk on the runway for a fashion show. She showed us different tips and tricks to mastering the perfect walk. Her class was really eye opening. I learned a lot about my posture, how I should walk and how I should stand.

When I got there, I had no clue what to expect. I had never been to an international runway coach class before. But when I first met Mandy, she was so friendly and fun that I instantly felt at ease. Throughout the whole class she was really encouraging. It can be a bit nerve-racking to just walk in front of others while they are staring at how you walk. Mandy made me feel comfortable and guided me. There were even times that she would even walk with me so that I could follow her example.

P1070194 — My arms were bound behind my back with a cable cord to help me focus on my walk.

The craziest part was when Mandy bound my arms behind my back with a cable cord! She pointed out that in order to perfect my walk, both of my arms need to be swinging back and forth. The cable cord was to help me become more aware of my arms. Apparently I am so used to carrying a purse on one shoulder that only one of my arms swing back and forth when I walk! Even when I’m not carrying a purse, one arm is swinging back and forth while the other one is like a dead pancake. I’ve never noticed that before! Now when I walk, I’m completely aware of where my arms are and if they are swinging or not!

Now I practice my walk EVERYWHERE! In the hallway, walking down the street… even on the NYC subway platform!

I found it extremely heartwarming to see how much she cared about me and the other students in her class. I am so happy that I was able to be part of such a fabulous experience. Thank you so much Mandy!

Model Carina Castagna (left) & **Mandy Dyonne Lieveld (right)**

Model Carina Castagna (left), Fashion Blogger Jenny A. (center) & Mandy Dyonne Lieveld (right)

Mandy Dyonne has walked as a national and international model in fashion shows such as New York Fashion Week and Amsterdam Fashion Week.

For more information about her classes, you can check out Mandy’s website here: www.runwaycoachnyc.com/uncategorized/home/#top

You can also follow her on Instagram : @runwaycoach

-Jenny A.

Aspiring Model Noelia Baez

noelia 2 — Photos by: JR Pro Photography

Meet Noelia:

Noelia Baez is an aspiring Miami model from the Dominican Republic who dreams of becoming a fashion designer! She spends her time sketching, drawing and designing beautiful dresses.

Fun fact: Noelia LOVES to write. While she usually writes in Spanish, she is thinking of switching it up and writing in English.

Noelia shared that she moved with her family to Miami to have more opportunities and have a better future. “I am very proud of my mother,” she says. Her mother is her #1 role model because she is a hard worker and is always trying to do better for Noelia.

Noelia always wears a smile. She adores swimming and baking (especially cupcakes!). You can find her enjoying the Miami sun and taking a walk in the park.

If she could be fruit or vegetable she would be a strawberry because she is extremely sweet and friendly.

Fun fact: She absolutely loves to dance! She dances to hip-hop, Bachata and popular Hispanic songs.

Her favorite place to visit is an amusement park! You can find her running all over the park and jumping from roller coaster to roller coaster!

Fun fact: Her favorite Disney princess is Tiana from the Princess and the Frog.

Noelia has modeled in the Dominican Republic.

unnamed noelia 4 noelia 5 noelia 3