healthy is the new skinny & natural models on ktla

As some of you know, I'm currently in LA to lend a hand to Katie and Bradford at Natural Models and since I landed on Sunday, we've been keeping non-stop awesome-busy! Yesterday morning, we were actually down at the KTLA News Station and Katie gave an amazing interview. It was such an unbelievable opportunity that they gave us; to promote Healthy is the New Skinny and Natural Models and the message we have to share behind them. This change needs to happen!

Speaking of which, the Healthy is the New Skinny team and PUP (Perfectly Un-Perfected) program will be touring Seattle in February. We're going to be stopping by several different high schools and communities to speak with teenagers, their friends, and their families about positive body image and how to keep their sparkle and we can't wait! Its going to be an amazing journey for an amazing cause! If you'd like to be a part of the program, or even just donate (because of limited government funds, we're funding this tour and our program ourselves), check out this video to learn more!




xoxo Coco

So Where You From, Son?

Currently Listening to:

"Gold Coast" by GROUPLOVE

(Top from Forever21, shorts by Mossimo Denim, purse/clutch from
 White House | Black Market, JC charm bracelet, platforms from Forever21)

So I've been really, really busy the past week with school and all that, but to my excitement; I was also entrusted to develop a Tumblr for Healthy is the New Skinny! So my time for the past several days has pretty much been devoted to putting together an awesome layout and graphics for it. I can't wait to unveil the final product to all of you when its finished! In other news, my step-dad, who recently applied for some jobs at a few of the Air Force bases across the pond, heard back from the one in Aviano (Italy) and they've basically given him the job. I'm so stoked! We're unsure where everything will go from here, as there's still a lot of negotiations, but its likely the majority of the move won't be happening for another year. So, I have twelve months to decide whether or not I'm going with them or if I want to stay here and possibly move down to LA. Either way, I'm super excited!

Also! It's time to welcome a new round-up of followers! So please say hello to the eclectically stylish miss Froso M. of Style Nirvana, the very inspiring Elspeth Angharad at Glitter and Pearls, and the suuuper chic Jennifer Worman of Red Soles and Red Wine! Thank you so much for following, you fabulous ladies, you! <3

xoxo Coco

P.S. I added a music widget, an MTB "Jukebox" if you will, so you guys can hear the songs that inspire each of my posts!

So What If I Write Your Name, 'Cause You're Always On My Brain

Currently listening to:

"Don't Let it Go to Your Head" by Fefe Dobson

(Basic black tank, Vintage high-waist striped

bikini bottoms, French eyelet cardigan w/scallop-edge collar)

These are from my last trip to L.A. when I shot some more portfolio development work at Natural. The lovely Miss Katie did my makeup and styled together the many pieces from my closet (and Molly's) that I brought. Talented Mr Bradford took them :}

I'm excited that they've asked me to become an Ambassador for Healthy is the New Skinny and I can't wait to be a part of the Perfectly Un-Perfect (PUP) High School Tour they're planning for this year!

Happy Friday! Have a fun and safe weekend, everyone! =}

xoxo coco

Muffin Top Baby + Natural Models/HITNS Model Search!

Currently Listening to:

"Supermodel" by Jill Sobule

I am so excited to announce that Muffin Top Baby has teamed up with its newest sponsors Natural Model Management and Healthy is the New Skinny to find the next fresh faces in fashion!

There is a growing need to represent all shapes and sizes in the fashion industry and Natural Model Management is here to do just that! Natural is an agency created by models for models and every division is led by a professional, working model that not only understands the needs and desires of their models, but is also there to help guide them toward success and long-lasting careers. Their growing list of clientele includes companies such as Forever 21+, Torrid, Lane Bryant, and Levi's...

Natural represents Petite Plus sizes 4-10 and Natural Plus sizes 12+ and values each and every one of them for their natural build and shape. With their Healthy is the New Skinny Campaign with designer Jessica Svoboda, they hope to help change the way the industry views body image. Currently they are searching for not only super models, but super role models - young women who lead happy, healthy lifestyles - to join their growing board of beauty AND brains and to encourage other designers, brands, and companies to embrace every body - because every one is beautiful!


SPECS:

- Petite Sizes 4-10

- Plus Sizes 12+

- Height: 5'7" +

- Great Smiles.

- Must be able to travel to Los Angeles for work.

- Must have a desire to represent the positive body image movement!

So if you've ever dreamed of becoming a model, then here's your chance! Head on over to the Natural Model Management website and submit your stats and photos for consideration! And in the meantime, check out the Healthy is the New Skinny official blog to read more about what this inspiring team is up to!

Good luck! <3

xoxo coco

Beauty Tips for All Chicks: Smokey Eye Series Part 1

Things have been crazy busy lately and it's all catching up to me (I'm sick again, unfortunately), but I'm so excited to share with you guys the fun video and photos I did with Natural Models for Healthy is the New Skinny while in LA! Check it out!

We love smokey eyes!  Sometimes they seem intimidating, but Natural model and professional makeup artist Germaine shows us how with warm browns.

It’s so easy when she breaks it down, step by step.

Step 1: Fill in eyebrows and prep eyelid by using a lighter, neutral colored eye shadow all over lid.

Step 2:  Use a soft eyeliner pencil in a medium/dark brown shade to cover eyelid.

Step 3:  Blend eyeliner on lid with a clean flat brush.

Step 4:  Apply a warm neutral brown shadow along the seam of the eyeliner.

Step 5:  Pack a dark brown shadow (shimmery or matte finish) on top of your lid.

Step 6:  Line the inside waterline of your bottom eyelid with a dark liner.

Remember…WHEN IN DOUBT, BLEND IT OUT!

I had such a blast participating in this wonderful make-up tutorial for the Healthy is the New Skinny blog! I love the HITNS site, because it's not only about celebrating the beauty of the natural you, but it has fun tips and advice girls and women of all ages on how to enhance that natural beauty and make it your own. I also love the Healthy Dose of Reality/Body Project they're doing with Hugo Shwyzer - it's definitely a must-read, in my opinion. Indeed, Healthy is the New Skinny is doing some great things and I'm so honored to be a part!

xoxo coco

P.S. Want to see pictures from the shoot? Well you can check them out HERE!