Spring Break: Day 1

Today was a kick-ass start to my spring break. While not everything went according to plan (very sick kiddos at work and wonky scheduling on my part), there were still little things to appreciate. It ended up being chilly and snowy all morning so I lit some candles to try and trick myself into believing it was, indeed, warm out. It didn't work.

The highlight of my day is my new little friend, my spearmint. The cat seems to have taken a liking to it so I will have to keep an eye on that one and make sure she doesn't eat it all while I'm not looking. I plan to have quite the little garden this summer. It seems the first step is to build up my herb garden in my kitchen. I was initially going to grow my own everything but my impatient/lazy side got the best of me in the gardening section this morning. I caved and got a spearmint plant that someone had already grown for me. The first thing I did after transferring my little friend to it's new home was to put a couple of leaves into a cup of nice hot green tea. Mmmm...

WHAT I LISTENED TO: Edith Piaf on Pandora Radio, this is my go to station! I highly recommend listening to this station while... well, while doing anything really. The music makes me feel like I'm in a far off country side with the ones I love and my tension melts away. It is also perfect for doing classwork. The majority of the songs are in French and I can only understand a few bits and pieces, so it isn't as distracting.

Golan and I have made some not-so-new year resolutions, lifestyle changes really. We have committed to being healthier, more fit versions of ourselves. So far, so good! One of the little tricks I use to keep myself from snacking on less than healthy foods (popcorn is my major weakness at the moment) is to keep fresh fruit sitting on the counter. Not only does this ensure that I don't forget about my fruits and let them go bad, but I'm more likely to eat my healthy choices when they are right there in front of me. The fruit also brings some much needed color into our monochromatic kitchen.

Slowly but surely I am becoming more confident in my culinary skills, but sometimes a girl need some inspiration! Today I turned to an old favorite, Skinny Bitch. Don't let the name scare you away. Skinny Bitch is a vegan cookbook bursting with flavorful and inventive recipes for every occasion. I am not vegan myself so I simply use meat where ever I see a meat substitute and it turns out just fine. I cannot wait to bake some Lavender Shortbread Cookies for tea time later this week! 

I know that our lifestyle change will require continued effort and dedication, but I am also aware of what this will do for my mood, my ability to focus on work, my energy levels and so much more. I am tired of feeling like a slave to my cravings and immediately regretting my decision to cave. Sure, I will shed fat and tone up, but that is a bonus really. It's all about feeling great about myself and my body. It will be extremely difficult for these first few days, but I am already gaining more control and I like the results so far! I highly suggest that anyone take whatever steps you can to improve upon yourself. 

Stay tuned for a photo diary each day during spring break! I have some DIY projects planned, cooking posts, and more. Let me know if you enjoyed this or have an suggestions in the comments. Please be sure to share with friends and subscribe! Thanks for reading! x

A Model's Perspective: Victoria Monette

As a model trying to break into the industry, I am constantly searching the web for advice and tips from successful models. I thought "Why not ask my own questions of someone I know in the industry?" So I did just that. Victoria Monette has launched herself into both local and global markets as a model. Victoria and I attended the same high school in Texas and she has served as a personal inspiration ever since. Although she has traveled the world and has worked for the likes of Zac Posen, MissVogue and Oscar De La Renta, she remains humble, kind and rooted in her faith. Victoria is currently signed with seven agencies worldwide including Stars Model Management, RED Model Management, Leni's Models, Page.713, Major Models and London Mgt Group. She took time out of her bustling schedule to answer some of my questions about the latest on her career and gave some tips and tricks she has for aspiring models like myself. 

Photo credit - Victoria Monette via Instagram [@victoriamonette]

Fashionably M.French: How long have you been modeling? Victoria: I got signed when I was 15 and did local modeling jobs between Houston & Dallas. But I was also in high school and wanted to have the whole high school experience. It wasn't until after I graduated and started attending LSU that my modeling career really took off. I was on a plane to head to photo shoots and runway shows more than I was in my classes so I was having to work with my professors via email to get all of my notes and assignments. I had to make my modeling schedule work around my school schedule. My goal was to attend my dream school & still do what I love. I am proud to say that I accomplished just that my first year with all A's & B's. I prayed about it and decided to pursue modeling full time! : ) So full time I have been modeling almost 3 years! Its definitely been an amazing journey with so many opportunities that I never thought I would be getting to experience in this industry.

Fashionably M.French: You began your modeling career in Texas. What valuable advice and experiences did you receive at Page.713 that have helped you in your career?

Victoria:Page.713 taught me all the basics of becoming a prepared model that a client wants to work with. From bringing the essential necessities to every job to being easy to work with on set! Your impression that you make to every client is very important as that is what sticks with them.

Fashionably M.French : Would you say there was one booking that launched your career to the next level?
Victoria : Honestly, I think just staying true to who I am and letting God go in front of me on this journey! He has gotten me signed in the 7 markets that I am signed in & I think that is what has launched my career to the next level. Being able to travel the world, book jobs and gain new modeling experiences is a blessing : )

Photo credit: Victoria Monette via Instagram
[@victoriamonette]

Fashionably M.French : What was it like walking for Zac Posen?

Victoria : Zac Posen is such a sweet designer & so talented! I walked for him in Fashion Houston as well as in San Francisco and both times were truly magical! He is such a joy to work with & to be one of the models to make his beautiful dresses come to life on the runway is an honor.

Fashionably M.French : Do you prefer runway or print work?

Victoria : Honestly, I love both! They are each so different and that's what I love.

Fashionably M.French : Who is your favorite client to work with?

Victoria : My favorite client to work with would have to be BCBG Max Azria and also Francescas Collections! They are both like family to me.

Fashionably M.French : What is the best experience you have had so far?

Victoria : That is a hard one to pick because I feel so blessed to be experiencing all of this! If I had to choose one I would have to say doing the Fashion Week circuits in NY, London, & Paris!

Photo credit: Victoria Monette via Instagram
[@victoriamonette]

Fashionably M.French : The worst experience?

Victoria : Thankfully, I have not had a bad experience yet & I hope to keep it that way! LOL : )

Fashionably M.French : Do you have a dream booking?

Victoria : My dream booking is to book an editorial campaign for Chanel, Valentino, or Calvin Klein!

Fashionably M.French : You are currently working in Australia. How are you liking it? Is it your favorite country to work in so far?

Victoria : I am LOVING Australia! It definitely is a favorite market of mine to work in and I am already planning my next trip here. But I also do love working in London, Paris, & NYC! : )

Photo credit: Victoria Monette via Instagram
{@victoriamonette]

Fashionably M.French : What are some of your favorite backstage moments from VAMFF? Victoria : Some of my favorite backstage moments from VAMFF would have to be all of the different hair and make-up changes for the shows I did. Its truly so awesome what all the make-up & hair pro teams can come up with! Also, walking the runway with the likes of Montana Cox & Ajak Deng was really cool too!

Fashionably M.French : How does the backstage experience differ from that of NYFW or other shows you have done?
Victoria: It's honestly equally as crazy backstage! NYFW is more fast paced though since you can be in 5-7 shows or more a day.

Photo credit: Victoria Monette via Instagram
[@victoriamonette]

Fashionably M.French : Do you have any tricks that you use on set to loosen up?

Victoria : Being on set can be crazy with all the people involved to make the shoot a success and of course being the model that they booked, all eyes are on you to make the vision come to life so just taking deep breaths and focusing are truly key!

Fashionably M.French : What are your casting essentials?

Victoria : My casting essentials are my iPad which is my portfolio, my comp-cards, snacks, a bottle of water, a great pair of heels, a brush & my Clinique chubby stick lip balm : ) & of course a great casting outfit!

Photo credit: Victoria Monette via Instagram
[@victoriamonette]

Fashionably M.French : Can you break down your beauty regiment and fitness routine?

Victoria : My beauty regime consists of drinking plenty of water. Also, I love to use my Estee Lauder splash away cleanser and my Clinique 7 day scrub along with my Clinique moisturizing gel for after! My workout routine consists of cardio, pilates, yoga and I love to ride my bike around the lake in my neighborhood when I am home! I am a very athletic person so I love anything that is outdoors or gets my heart pumping!

Fashionably M.French : What are your style must-haves?

Victoria : My style must haves are a leather jacket or blazer, a great handbag that can go with anything, & definitely an awesome pair of heels!

Fashionably M.French : What are your makeup essentials?

Photo credit: Victoria Monette via Instagram
[@victoriamonette]

Victoria : My make-up essentials would have to be my Clinique mascara, liquid eyeliner, my favorite Urban Decay eye shadow, and a great bold lip color!

Fashionably M.French : Do you have a go-to "miracle" product?

Victoria : My go to miracle product would have to be my Bliss Oxygen Facial. Its important to be good to your skin & take great care of it!

Fashionably M.French : What are some tips and tricks for aspiring models?

Victoria : I think for aspiring models the best thing is to study & do their research. Watch all the latest runway shows, and look at all the fashion campaigns in the magazines. Also, the modeling industry is tough so it is important to be confident in who you are & to not take constructive criticism to heart but to learn from it.

Photo credit: Victoria Monette via Instagram [@victoriamonette]

Victoria isn't planning on slowing down any time soon. She will be heading back to Sydney to finish out her trip to Australia with Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Australia. Keep an eye out for print work that Victoria has done while in Australia as well. You can follow her journey either on her Twitter [ @victoriamonette] or her Instagram [@VictoriaMonette]. It is wonderful to find people who have made the journey from a small town in Texas to bigger and brighter places across the globe. Keep up the good work, Miss Monette! I, for one, cannot wait to see what she does next.

If you would like to see more content like this be sure to share with your friends and subscribe! This is the sort of content I will be putting out more regularly and I look forward to expanding my blog. Also, if you have any tips, comments or questions be sure to leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading! x

** Editorial sections of this post are the thoughts and opinions of Fashionably M.French and no compensation was received. All photos were pulled from the Instagram of Victoria Monette with consent. Fashionably M.French does not own any of the photos used in this post. **