Wednesday, November 11, 2009

If you want that bad, why wait? Go for it! ----The Agency Models-----First Day of Classes---and my personal experience, of course!

Greetingss,  Fashionistas!



When the times get tough a Fashionista gets even tougher. Like me, myself and I. Haha. Referencing back to an ancient song by Beyonce, Me, Myself & I. As I mentioned earlier in my previous blogs, that I would let you know about my experiences at the model agency. Guess what, ladies? It's time to gossip about my experiences with the Agency! Rumors that were reported are finally coming true: I am officially a model for The Agency Models Management here in London, Ontario.



Just the other day, I began my 2 hour class at the agency. I gotta say, this is such an amazing experience! I wish that all of you had this opportunity to try this out. Unfortunately, for those who can't. It's worthwhile and you get a taste of the fashion industry and how exactly modelling works.There is various amount of learning to be done while attending classes at the Agency. Especially, the director of The Agency Models, Rosemarie Noble is uber splendid and encouraging to work with. I'll post more pictures as I go through more significant amount of classes later on.


Okay, the day before the class starts, I made a list of items that I need which was sent by my director :


What to bring weekly:


1) Bring a notebook and a pen.-why you may ask? -this is a regular class. that means you will need writing utensils and paper to jot down all the details and significance of fashion, photography, and modelling.




2) You will also need, some high heeled shoes. Pumps are the best and easiest to learn in, if you can bring that style. If you think you'd like to buy some shoes, best to get black with about a 3" heel. That way they are versatile enough to use for shows or shoots in the future. If you are new to heels, you may want to bring several pair to switch out. (A bit easier on your feet.) Make sure your heels have a smooth sole, (not rubber, not ribbed), so they do not stick or grab while turning.





-Luckily, I brought a pair of size 9 3" black pumps from Payless Shoes about $35.00 xtaxes several days ago. They fit great! Lol. I practice my walk across the store back and forth several times just to see if they were the right fit. :)People were staring and the sales associate had the urge to show up out of nowhere and ask if the heels fit good. I didn't mind if people were glaring at me and thinking "what she is doing? hosting a fashion show or something?" All that matters if the pumps are fit, comfortable, able to walk in and easily make 180 degrees turns. Those are the ones that I should purchase.


3) Eventually you will need to have your own set of brushes. If you do not have any at the moment, don't rush out to buy any, as we will discuss brushes in one of the sessions. If you do have some and you want us to have a look at them, feel free to bring them along. (Just let us know you brought them.)





-Also, I have a set of brushes from Quo Cosmetics but they are sorta rundown due to endless amounts of makeup applications made throughout the year. Which exactly explains it. Eventually, I will buy a new set of brushes from a more expensive cosmetic brand such as MAC, Clinique, or Estee Lauder. For now, I am sticking to my ghetto brushes from Shoppers. Haha. This is funny how freely I am expressing this.
What must I wear for first day at the Agency classes?
 



-Please bring or wear a close to the body outfit such as slim jeans or leggings to class. Please also wear a fitted or close to the body top. What ever you wear/bring please make sure you can move and bend in the clothes.
-I got a pair of skin-tight jeans from Hollister that I brought nearly a month ago from the States. Suprisingly enough, the size that I am wearing is a Size 1 and usually I wear between a size 3/4. I guess, all clothing brands have their own techniques to determine sizes of their own pairs of jeans. Humph. Plus, I have this skin-tight sleeveless navy blue shirt from H&M which I am putting together with the pair of jeans. At least, I can breathe a little from the shirt. I don't know about the jeans. Lol. Just a little. And move around and bend freely in the skin-tight clothing which I am going to be wearing for the photoshoot.
 
Did I say photoshoot? Yes, I did! At my first class at the Agency, there is going to be a beginner photoshoot. I will chit-chat later about the details of the photoshoot. For now, let's keep it as that.


-We may ask you to wear/bring certain other items for specific classes, but we will let you know about those items, a week or so before the class they are needed in.




GUESSS WHT? I got picked out of all the girls! Me and this other girl named Candace are arriving Saturday around noon to meet a photographer scout from Toronto! Who is looking for taller models. Which I am exactly 5'8". Plus, I can't believe that they picked me out of the girls to meet with a photograph! I am uber excited and totally going to do it!


I am going to have a mugshot (head, body) and a shot in my bathing suit ( I prefer to take my black one) and pose for the photographer from TO. And wear 3" black heels at the same time! I can't say any of this in words. Because these words aren't coming out of my head. I am just too excited! I mean, there is a better word than excited out there. Like I said.



-NEXT WEEK


Hey once again, enough though this is the same blog lol.



I went to modeling class again. Today's focus was learning how to step from toe-heel with 3" heels. Also, we learned how to walk the runaway and of course, enter the runaway as well. Fairly complicated!  I must admit! My heels killed afterwards but not as bad as the other girls. In addition to this, we learned how to walk across the runaway with another model returning back to the stage. We also learned how to enter runaway (business-like, girlie-like, evening dress-like) and how to point the feet and placement of the heels in a "L shape".



Phew! It was a difficult night! At the end, I was called by random out of nowhere to meet with Rosemarie and Jessy. Jessy discussed how the scout was interested in me and the potential that I would have if I had my hips at 34" or less. My hips are currently over 35" and my waist is 26.75". To be part of the modeling industry, you need hips 34" or less (for taller girls, 36" or less (it all depends)) For waist, you need 25" or less. You have alot of competition with other girls in the Toronto market. So, you need to maintain your weight and make sure that you did not gain weight nor lose significantly too much weight. Like I said, it is difficult and takes alot of commitment.




Apparently, they suggested to cut my hair pixie short especially for my strong facial features. It would look great! I am not afraid of change and in the past, I had a pixie cut. For me, this is not new news. All I need is now to exercise 3-4 times a week: yoga/pilates, abs classes and step classes and eat healthy. No Sweets or Cappuccino! LOTSOF H20 & also, no late night snacking! Shhhh! I may do it once or twice in a while. :)





Anyways, ladies or maybe gents. I must go. I will show you pictures and photos of my experiences on my way through my modeling career &classes. Toooodlessss <3 *****))))


xoxoxthe.Fashionistaxoxoxo



P.S. This iS Rosemarie!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Big Girl In a Skinny World: Girls, you thought you had problems fitting into clothes and trying to lose weight. Well, Meet Ashley Falcon!

Good morning, Fashion Victims!



Don't tell me. It's right before Christmas and you've just found out that you are reaching for a size above jeans when you normally wore the same size jeans all summer. I hate to tell you this. You've gotta confess.  Spill them out. We are gaining weight. Reasons for this outrageous nonsense, you may ask? It's gonna be a long winter, upcoming midterms, stress, and lack of exercise for many of you! Yes, I have the exact same problem as the rest of you. I am no different.




We all want the look, not the outfit. THE LOOK. Seeing those skinny celebrities magazines on the magazine rack at your local grocery store before you cash out your groceries. You may feel like, Oh my gosh, I need to lose weight, a new makeover, a tan, or maybe long hair extenstions. Reality Check. We can't be like those celebs in those gossiply magazines. They are not perfect, and so are YOU!
How do I know all this? Because I know everything ---(not everything lol) and lucky for you. I can't keep a secret.That's way I like to share my dirtiest and not-so-nice gossips with all of you. So sit back and relax in your comfy chair and let me untangle this little blog and tell you how you're perfect just the way you are.


Love,


 The ever-so-caring, ♥.TheFashionistas.♥


P.S. Anywho, I got alittle carried away with this blog. I like to change it up abit to make things a lot more interesting. Alright, let's get back on track. 

Jour de la telltale: Reality check: Big Girl In A Skinny World.




Meet Ashley Falcon, proof that fashionistas come in all shapes and sizes.

I'm the most stylish among my friends. Growing up in Miami's tight-knit Cuban community, I was the girl everyone sought out for fashion advice, the one who transformed boring outfits into head-turning looks with the flick of a collar or the cinch of a belt. Of course, it surprised no one that I decided to pursue a career as a fashion stylist — though at 5'2" and 220 pounds, I'd need an elaborate pulley system and a can of Crisco to shimmy into the clothes I dress models in. Instead, I'm relegated to the plus-size racks, where trendy usually translates into "when's your due date" empire waists and cinch-sack drawstrings. It's not easy being chic, but it's an epic struggle when you're a big girl.


Case in point: Not long ago, while interning at a fashion trade publication, I scored a last-minute invitation to an industry cocktail party. I was giddy with anticipation — I can't believe I get to mingle with Marc Jacobs! But my joy quickly turned to dread when I realized that I was wearing boyfriend jeans and an oversize blazer, hardly appropriate for this Stoli-and-stilettos mixer. As I stood in the fashion closet, scanning the sparkly numbers that would barely make it up my thigh, I frantically weighed my options. There wasn't enough time to run home and change, and dashing over to the nearby Banana Republic was out of the question — their XLs are typically available only online. With literally nothing to wear, I bagged the event and spent much of the evening sulking on my couch.









I've struggled with weight — and how to camouflage it — my whole life. The skinniest I've ever been was in high school, when I weighed 150 pounds and subsisted on nothing but undressed salads. I long ago made peace with the fact that I'll never look good in a slinky dress or pleated paper-bag-waist pants, even if Coco Chanel herself came back from the dead to hand-stitch them for me. So I stick to cuts that always flatter — even in a size 18 — like wrap dresses and pencil skirts. Then I'll style up dowdy items with high-end accessories, like the staggeringly awesome Louboutins I scored for Christmas or the YSL bag I recently got on sale. Big girls love accessories — they always fit, no size tags required.






My most persistent, most daunting wardrobe challenge is finding that perfect, all-occasion pair of slimming, lengthening, ass-hugging jeans. Let's face it, it's a maddening task for girls even half my size, but I go through at least a few pairs of jeans every year, routinely wearing holes in the area where my thighs rub together. My requirements: no muffin top, butt crack, or camel toe. That's a tricky set of demands considering that most jeans for the size-14-and-up set are either woefully ill-fitting or designed like industrial coveralls — solely to hide the body, style be damned. I suspect that's why so many big girls squeeze into sizes far too small for their ample builds. At least sausages have shape, right?







Still, I won't settle when it comes to jeans and insist on buying only those pairs that make me feel comfortable, sexy, and confident. They must work for my body. Which is why I've spent untold hours in countless fitting rooms squeezing into hundreds of pairs of relaxed fits, boot-cuts, straight-legs, and low-rises.




Ladies, I've road tested them all.
 
E-mail Ashley at MarieClaire.com/ashleyfalcon
 
Source
 
It's not easy being chic, but it's an epic struggle when you're a big girl.




-Ashley Falcon

Monday, November 2, 2009

Mmmm..Chocolat! Cravinnggsss. Decode & Unravel Them. What Flavour is your Personality?









Welcome back, Fashionistas! 
YES, It has been AGES since I updated my blog. More like several weeks to be exact. Things has been sooooo crazy for me lately. I have started at The Agency for classes. However, I will get you more details in my upcoming blogs about my experiences there! And, school has been getting in the way with things. Happens! Also, auditions for the fashion shows! Anywho!


Today's insight of the day: Cravings. Yes, I know. You all have it once or maybe several times this past year. Especially when we are studying and getting prepared to ace our midterm. I confess! Mmmm.DarkChocolat is one of my ultimate foods that are crave for. Especially when I'm bored or have sooo much to do for one day. I bet all of you, have confessions and things you may not want  to share. But, that's okay! But, this blog deals with the foods that you crave, and the personality of the foods that you crave tell about YOU! 


I hope you enjoy this blog! And, leave your words, gossip, confessions or comments right below. I will try to respond back to all of you as soon as I can. Don't worry, if I haven't responded back yet, I'm just in the middle of midterms at school and I have been quite busy. Well, then. 
Ciao!


Cheers,


    The Fashionistas




Who hasn't been there: in the throes of a food craving so intense that having Jillian Michaels appear in the flesh wouldn't hold you back from that bag of chips ... or greasy slice of pizza ... or chocolate confection. But why exactly are these common food joneses so powerful?
"Cravings definitely have a physical component, but they also give some insight into the type of person you are," says Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., head of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago and the author of What Flavor Is Your Personality? Hirsch should know: He's studied the cravings, food choices and personalities of more than 18,000 people for more than 25 years. Here's something to take away from your midday vending-machine runs or late-night fridge raids besides extra calories:
When you crave salty food
What it says about your body: If nothing but the saltiest french fry will do, you may have a mineral deficiency. Studies have shown that women who eat low-calcium diets want salty foods more than those who get enough of the bone builder, says Michael Tordoff, Ph.D., a researcher at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, an institute that studies taste and smell. One possible reason: Sodium temporarily increases calcium levels in the blood, which tricks the body into thinking the problem is solved. But you may have a shortage of other minerals, too. In animal studies, researchers have found that a lack of potassium, calcium and iron causes test subjects to devour table salt.






When you crave chocolate
What it says about your body: You reach for the chocolate because the flavor makes you swoon—but it does that because it stimulates the release of serotonin, Hirsch says. It's basically an antidepressant in dessert form that your body instinctively seeks out when your happy chemicals are bottoming out and you need a quick lift.
What it says about you: That depends on what type of chocolate you long for.
  • Dark chocolate: You're the life of the party, a social butterfly and right in the mix of the team project at work.
  • Milk chocolate: You're the quiet, introspective type. Your idea of a perfect afternoon is a solo run or one-on-one time with a good book.
When you crave spicy food
What it says about your body: If you're having trouble cooling down, your body may crave a fiery taste to make you perspire. That may seem counterintuitive, but it helps explain why Mexican food would be popular even when temps are scorching. Some research also suggests that people become addicted to the rush of spicy food—the spiked blood pressure, accelerated heart rate and rapid breathing, says Tammy Lakatos Shames, R.D., a co-author of The Secret to Skinny.
What it says about you: The Perfectionista—You love order, dislike wasting time and sweat the details.
When you crave sweets
What it says about your body: This is a lot like a chocolate craving—lusting after sweets could indicate that you're looking to boost your mood. Or it could be that you're just low on energy. The body absorbs refined sugars of the candy variety faster than any other type of food, giving you immediate fuel, Shames says.
What it says about you: Sugar fiends tend to walk toward the wild side, Hirsch says. He describes them as hedonistic, with few regrets. They also like to stand out and feel special.



When you crave sweet and salty
What it says about your body: Your body needs glucose and sodium to function properly, so when the cells get sluggish (and you get tired), you reach for the chocolate-covered pretzels to get them revving, Hirsch says.
What it says about you: You're a loner, but a whiz, too. According to Hirsch's data, people who think a potato chip dipped in chocolate sauce is a match made in sensory heaven tend to be creative but private, to the point that they appear standoffish.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Fashion to the Extremes: Warning! Latest Killer Fashion Trends Can Harm Your Health


Welcome back, fashion divas!


Yes, I know, you've all heard it at least once or twice before perhaps on the news channel, fashion magazine or through your friends. Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. However, Fashion has its up's and down's. Fashion obviously comes with its extremes and of course, it can be hazardous to your HEALTH!

But, before you utter the words 'no pain, no gain,' beware. Amid the high-chic lurk dangers of the medical sort. Many women pay a high price for beauty. But at what cost to their bodies?

I pulled this article off of a website: MSN Lifestyles and it comes from the Women's Health Magazine.
I thought this was fairly interesting how this news is not current and it has been going since fashion came into the industry. Which is way before 1800's. Well, take a look, like what you see or don't like at all, please just consider this how it can improve your life and your health!

Killer Fashion Trends


Tottering around on skyscraper heels or cramming your thighs into too-tight jeans isn't just uncomfortable — it can also be bad for your health.
Thanks to the towering stilettos being introduced this season, there were a multitude of models wiping out on the runways. Just check out YouTube to see some of the carnage.




But crazy-high heels aren't the only treacherous fall trend: Such fashion must-haves as sewn-on jeans, hefty handbags, and oversize jewelry can also play havoc with your health. "All that squeezing, balance shifting, and heavy lifting can really take a toll on your body," says Bob Emery, Dr. P. H., an associate professor of occupational health at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Fashionistas need not despair, though. A few minor adjustments to this year's looks can keep you in style — and out of the doctor's office.




Look great without spending a fortune! See the winners of Women's Health's 2009 Beauty Awards.



Designer Don't: Sky-High Stilettos



"This year's heels are taller than ever and offer less support — and the higher the heel, the more damage that can occur," says New York City podiatrist Johanna Youner, D. P. M. Over time, the extra weight on your forefoot can lead to pinched nerves and joint problems such as bunions or hammertoes (sexy, huh?). "I've also seen women who literally fell off their shoes, fracturing their foot or spraining their ankle," Youner says.




Fashion Do: Stick with a two-or three-inch heel and a rounded or open toe. This will distribute your weight more evenly and make room for swollen tootsies. "Instead of spindly stilettos, look for wedges, platforms, or thick, stacked heels — as well as a firm back or straps to keep your foot secure in the shoe," Youner says. For extra shock absorption, consider having a leather outsole replaced with a rubber one, and adding a thin gel or foam insole, such as Dr. Scholl's for Her ball-of-foot cushions.






From the runway to your closet — the season's best fashion finds here!




Designer Don't: Skin-Tight Jeans



"Super-skinny jeans won't crush your organs the way corsets did, but they can irritate your skin and trap moisture, which can set you up for yeast infections," says Elizabeth Kavaler, M. D., a urologist in New York City. A stiff denim crotch seam can also cause pelvic muscles to clench (in an effort to "push" the fabric away), making urination difficult.




Fashion Do: Choose skinnies made of stretch denim in a breathable cotton or linen, and make sure the seams are soft and pliable. When trying them on, take a seat: If you feel the need to unfasten, try another size or style. Looser boyfriend jeans or trouser jeans won't make you feel like a sausage in too-tight casing.




Designer Don't: Monstrous Bags




The potential side effects of enormous arm candy: a stiff neck and shoulders and a pounding headache. Carrying a heavy shoulder load also restricts blood flow to one side of the body, causing muscle strain.






Fashion Do: With all the hardware, today's average bag can weigh 10 pounds empty. Look instead for smaller sizes in lightweight materials like silk, cotton, or nylon. Padded wide or short straps or longer straps worn diagonally across the chest can spread out the load on your shoulder. A bag with many compartments will distribute weight more evenly (and keep your stuff from pooling in one spot). And unless you want to develop a hunch, be sure to switch arms frequently.









Fall's here! Catapult your outfit from simple to sizzling with these hot accessories!



Designer Don't: Oversize Earrings



Wearing doorknockers can cause the holes in your earlobes to stretch or tear. Once that happens, the lobes may not heal on their own — then, to repair the damage your only option is cosmetic surgery (read: not covered by insurance) to remove excess tissue and stitch the hole shut.



Fashion Do: "Limit heavy chandeliers to only a couple of hours at a time, and never wear them around little kids, who tend to pull on earrings, which can speed up the tearing process," says John Canady, M. D., professor of plastic surgery at the University of Iowa. If you can't give up bigger, eye-catching styles, try lighter hoops, mesh metals, and wooden or plastic beads instead of heavy stones. For extra support, swap skinny ear wires for post styles that come with large plastic backs.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

OMG Look at her, that outfit is GOD awful! Welcome to Fall Shopping Season of 2009 and the greatest tips of what to wear and what not to wear!


So goes my fall-shopping season. See it, love it, buy it—only to let it die a long, slow death in the back of my closet once next year's hot new thing comes along. Every year, a new fashion trend or trend from way back when are launched into stores. Mannequin all dressed so fashionably with the latest new styles, and the store has a new look to sell for their customers once they step in. This is one of my favourite season of the year: Fall. Not only it's time to go back to school shopping, but in time to get ready for nasty and fringe season: Winter. This is when you go out to find the latest styles for coats, boots, scarves, mitts, hats, and of course, matching pants to go with your coat and boats. Yes, Fashionistas, its time to figure out WHAT TO WEAR OR WHAT NOT TO WEAR!

Caution! 6 Fall Trends to Avoid -and What to Wear Instead!


Problemo: Yes, this trend
is fairly called: The Shoulder Pads. Personally, I'll add in myself.
This look is ridiciously too masculine and appears to be a new edition of Lady Gaga's Halloween Costume.
I'm fine with the pointed black boots. This outfit isn't giving me a want to try it on and it has a quite hard edge and punk look to it.
Not something I'll wear daily, especially in the public. Lol.

Critics Review:

Shoulder pads appear right after harem pants on Adam's list of don'ts. "Avoid that sort of Dynasty Nolan Miller look!" he says. It's extremely severe and masculine."

Here to Stay: The Oversized Blazer---->



Trend: Harlem Pants
Problemo: Personally, I feel this outfit looks like black curtain that I can stick to my windows in living room.
These pants appear to go nowhere for me. Just looking at the shoes, Oh my, I don't recommed this outfit at all.
This is a mess that needs alot of tidying-up in order to clean the look!

Critics Review:

"We say no to the MC Hammer-pant look at all costs," Adam says. "I've seen people—tall, young, skinny people—look really chic in them, but the droopy drawers are tricky to pull off for most real women."

Please try and stick to: The Classic Khaki which are here to stay!



Take a basic trouser into '09 with a colorful bag and coat.




Trend: Sky-High Shoes
Problemo: Woah! Is it Just me or are we trying to steal Ginger-Spice well known as Geri Halliwell Platform look?

Okay, let's not go there. Girls, please don't wear these shoes. Sky-high isn't the way to go. Actually, believe
or not, the lower is the better. We don't want to look ridiculous, don't we?

Critics Review:

"You can avoid the crazy stiletto and platform spikes," Adam says.

Recommended to wear instead:
Here to Stay: Ankle Boots



The bootie made its first appearance in stores last fall, and it's back again this season in even more shapes and sizes. Plus, the heels come in an array of trendy-yet-comfortable heights.



Trend: Stirrup Pants: Definition : Stirrup pants hit their fashion zenith in the mid-80s, in 1985-1986 to be precise. They consist of a knit fabric pant that tapers gradually in towards the ankle, where they have a stirrup. The stirrup is an elastic strap that fits under your heel.

Problemo: Yes, fashion is always devrived from the fashion back from the 1950's thru 1980's. But, does this look really needed to be a come-back? Even on the best of figures, stirrup pants had a tendency to make the tops of your legs look big.They create a triangle-leg effect that is not flattering or desirable.

Critics Review:

"The legging is a very easy look to do," Adam says. But if you choose the stirrup version or wear them as pants, with tops that are too short or high heels, you run the risk of looking like a character in a John Hughes movie. "If you wore it the first go-around, it's safe to say you really don't want to wear it the second time around," he says.


Trust me, Wear instead!
Here to Stay: Leggings as Layering Pieces



"I like a legging with sophisticated layering pieces," he says. "Wear them underneath a tunic, short dress, or with a longer jacket."


<---Please Do Not to Wear, Your Mom wore it but don't borrow what she wore! lol





"The slouchy jacket is having a moment," says Adam, "but I like it because you don't think about it. You just throw it over a cocktail dress, or over pants and a shirt. It's not so severe that you can't wear it in future seasons."

Friday, October 16, 2009

America's Next Top Model (ANTM) Cycle 13 Presenting Models under 5'7": Le Petite. Is Tyra Banks Show, ANTM changing up for the better? Or is it the money that she's really after?






As many of you know or may not know, America's Next Top Model also known as 'ANTM' is one of the most favorable shows among teenagers and young adults of today especially in Canada and the US. Not only this show consists of models modelling in front of the camera and posing for photoshoots, but also you catch the glimpse of behind-the-scenes footages, catfights, competitions, hair make-overs, emotional aspect of the girls (models) and the personalities and drive to become the America's Next Top Model. 


My question to you is: After twelve mostly successful seasons of ANTM, is Tyra going overboard with the new changes on tall models to petite models in order to capture the attention of viewers for the show or is she giving the chance for petite models to show what they really got for the fashion industry?













ANTM: Le Petit Cycle 13

When it comes to Trya Banks, people have opinions. You either love her, hate her, or you think she's crazy. The only certainty is that she is incredibly successful and has used that success to take incredible risks with the latest cycle of America's Next Top Model (ANTM). 

The 13th cycle of ANTM, Le Petit Cycle 13, is radically different from other seasons because all of the models are under the usual height requirement of 5'7". This time Banks decided to let only "short" girls audition for the show.

Some people consider Banks' move ridiculous, considering that many modeling industries won't hire a woman under 5'7", whether she's been proclaimed "America's Next Top Petite Model" or not. Banks had to switch to a different modeling company, Wihelmina Models, to ensure that the winner would receive management as well as a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl. 

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Banks said that it took two years to get the network to agree to a short-model contest. The show has featured full-figured women and in cycle 10, plus-size model Whitney Thompson took home the title. 

Another change for Le Petit Cycle 13 is the absence of a regular guest judge. Model Paulina Porizkova was fired amid rumors that there was a rivalry with Banks. 

Despite all the negative gossip, Banks is clearly trying to keep the show fresh. So far, there is no permanent guest judge, but model Chanel Iman helped judge the first elimination round and reality star Lauren Conrad was the guest judge for the second. Future guest judges include reality star Kim Kardashian and Victoria's Secret model Marisa Miller. 

The show is also just as ridiculous as ever. The cast includes Nicole, who claims her nickname was "Bloody eyeball," and Sundai, who is only 5 foot 3 inches. The premiere also included Amber, who was convinced that Jesus had instructed her to participate in the show. For unknown reasons, Amber has now withdrawn from the competition. Of course, the reality show also features catfights and competition as the girls vie for the number one spot. 

If you love the crazy, Banks herself does not disappoint. In this cycle, she adapts a faux French accent, perhaps to emphasize the "Le Petit" aspect of the season. She also dresses up as a superhero nicknamed "Super Smize" to drive home the point that the girls have to "smile with their eyes." Banks' large ego is on display as she refers to herself in third-person and pretends that "Super Smize" is an entirely different person. 

ANTM has been around for thirteen cycles and it is getting tired. Since its debut, hundreds of reality shows have come on air, and hundreds more have been canceled. 

ANTM can be vapid and silly, but its staying power clearly comes from Banks' ability to mix it up, whether that includes casting tiny models or turning herself into a superhero. If nothing else, Banks' antics are amusing. 





Here are the runners for ANTM Cycle 13: 












Ciao!