Every woman has a little secret ... above is a photo from my own inner angel transformation last month.  

In just a few weeks, on Dec 10, the  2013 Victoria Secret Runway Show that just taped a few days ago will air on CBS. I always look forward to watching because it motivates me to stand taller, wear heels, eat better and try harder with my own beauty regime. 

Here is a little sneak peek video to watch of this year's show:

Don't be too hard on yourself ... these girls have advantages beyond good genes to looking this wonderful: stylists, professional makeup artists,  extra hair, and perfect lighting! There's a reason their call time is 9am for an 8pm show! It takes alot of effort to look that good! 

Here's a few of their tricks: 

HAIR

What you might not realize is that most of the Victoria Secret models are wearing hair extensions. Models' hair is typically damaged from the constant products and styling required for multiple photo shoots and appearances. Watch this video to see how they are matching up extensions for one of the models, at minute 7:08 to 7:30. Most of us don't have stylist to help us every day so read on to learn about a new design hair extension that anyone can put on themselves in less than 30 seconds.

The best human hair in extensions to buy is REMY hair, it is 100% real and cuticle correct meaning the cuticles all lay in the same direction which makes it soft, silky and less apt to tangle. Because it's REAL hair, so you can color it for a perfect match to your own, but a word of advice - because this hair is already processed you do not want to lighten, only deposit color. Lowlights, toner or all over color. Unless you can find a perfect match I suggest taking it to your stylist to color for you.

Real hair is also measured by weight. For my own hair which is long, somewhat fine but lots of it, I find that 120 grams is the right amount to add fullness and body.

If you take care of your hair with mild, sulphate free shampoos and avoid blow dryers, your hair should last from 4 months to a year at least.

Clip in extensions are great, but they can damage your own hair sometimes and the tracks can be hard to hide so people might notice.

My favorite hair extension design is called a halo and it is literally a whole set of extensions on a transparent wire which requires no glue, no clips and gives no damage to your own hair. It literally takes less than a minute to put on and you just pull your own hair over top to hold it in. You can shake your head up and down - side to side, and it doesn't come off!

Here I am getting glammed up with my Halo Hair Crown prior to my own Victoria Secret-esque shoot. Order yours {HERE}

BRONZED SKIN

Victoria Secret runway girls and women in athletic competitions always get a tan on before competing. A tan will automatically make you look a bit thinner

Of course nothing can replace regular workouts at the gym and a healthy diet, but you can fake more muscle tone by applying tanner or bronzer strategically in areas that you want to define.

The trick is doing it in 2 steps. First an all over color and then a second layer or contour bronzer. For the second step you will want to add deeper color to the sides of your stomach - this is to make the love handles disappear. (Use this same concept for slimmer thighs) Then flex your muscles and make a line down the center of your abs and finish with horizontal lines to define your muscle tone.

My favorite self tanners are St Tropez and Phenomenal by Vita Liberata (the world's first 2-3 week tan!), for bronzer use Lorac's Tantalizer - especially wonderful to add some shine down the front of your shins.

PERFECT LIGHT
We don't always have control over this, but one thing that makeup artists always make sure to do is add highlights to our face with light reflecting products, often using 2 different colors of foundation to contour the face. Check out my post {HERE} about how to do this expertly. 

To perfect a  fuller pouty lip, draw a line straight across your cupid's bow in a pinky tone just a tad darker than your own lip color before adding your favorite lipstick - finish with a dab of gloss in the center. I have no idea why, but this trick gives an optical illusion of bigger more kissable lips!

DE-BLOAT

Strictly limit sodium. and drink lots of water to flush out toxins. 
Eating can be as simple as fruits and vegetables as long as you stay clear from gassy veggies like broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower. And avoid dairy and starches. Read a few more in depth tips on how to de-bloat {HERE}

SKIP the GYM 

One thing every one of these Victoria Secrets girls' will tell you is that they work out every. single. day. But models don't hit it hard core, many do Pilates, yoga and jogging. They tone, and watch what they eat so their weight doesn't fluctuate. 

If you're headed to the beach in your bikini and want your thighs to look their thinnest, skip the heavy weights the day before. Hitting the iron too hard can make lactic acid build up and make your muscles temporarily swell. 

If you look at the photo above taken on my 49th birthday last week,  you are probably saying to yourself ...

"Well, I already have that skinny arm on the hip trick mastered, is that all you got?"

However, as obvious as this one seems, many women are still not using this pose to their advantage!

I am often asked by magazines for quotes about the tips and tricks of posing for better photos, and there's a lot that goes into getting a perfect photo, the lighting, the makeup, the styling. I'll be doing more televised segments about all these, but yesterday I got the chance to talk about the importance of posing for Arizona Midday - take a look here:

The skinny arm on the hip trick is completely overused on the red carpet because it does incredible things for women ... smaller waist, longer legs and creates curves. It's best if you choose the arm closet to the lens of the camera for this trick and remember to lower your shoulder. However, if you don't want to look like a teapot in all your photos, you can get the same effect if you understand why this pose works.

The basic cheat being used here isn't the hand on the hip, it's the bent elbow and separation of the body and arm, that makes this work. If must have light between or the width of your arms next to your body will make you look bigger than you actually are! You don't have to over-exaggerate it every time to get the benefit of this trick. Simply put a slight bend to your elbow and pull your arms away from your body. Or hold on to something, a purse, a drink, a  pocket .... It will make a massive difference in your pictures.

Placement of the hands is key. A model rarely shows the back of her hands. The reason? They aren't pretty and they look big. The sides are much prettier and dainty. Secondly, never clump your fingers together, instead let fingers relax and be apart.

One of the biggest mistakes women do is place their hands lower than they should when working this pose. If you do, the part of your body you will draw attention to is your hips, the widest area of your body. Instead cheat the hands up a little higher on your waist and this will give you the illusion of longer legs ... Nothing wrong with that!

Most of the time you will want to keep the weight of your body on your back foot, however if you need to fake some curves you can do what I did in the top photo and keep your weight on your front leg instead or try popping your hip toward the camera.

The other important thing to do when standing for a photo is to angle your body to the camera. We must create the angle, because the lens of the camera will flatten you out to a 2D version of yourself and make you look wider than you are if you don't! So angle yourself to the lens of the camera pointed at you. The worst thing you can do is stand front and center to the lens. This is why people say the camera adds 10 pounds. Face the camera and place your hips and feet at a 2 or 10 o'clock position to it. Then create a smaller waistline by turning your face to the lens, twisting yourself without moving your feet. Ahaha - instantly you have created a slimmer waistline too!

Practice. Practice. Practice. The mirror is your best friend and a perfect tool to teach you how to develop your own signature pose. Like I said in this video, if you try to emulate Taylor Swift's cross legged go to pose without checking yourself first, you may just end up taking a photo that looks more like you have to pee your pants instead of a young goddess with long legs.

Finally, with social media and sites like Instagram and Facebook, it's nearly impossible to get out of taking a group shot now and then, assuming you have a life outside of the world wide web. To get your best group shots just keep in mind that anything closest to the camera will look the biggest. If this happens to be you, just take a step back or hide a part of you behind the person next to you. And never get sandwiched between two people and let your arms flatten next to your body. Just remember the tips above and try to work in a slight angle and to keep some space between your body and arm for great pics on girls night out!

So many pictures, so little time ...  Hope this helps!

XO 

Shelley

I love seeing the online shows during Fashion Week in New York, Paris and Milan, but as a model I am secretly inspired more so by the photos of the models off-duty in their street looks, than on the catwalk in designer couture. During Fashion Week a model's influence seems to be greater on the street with the paparazzi following their every move outside the shows.

Yes, models are typically skinny, but many of them do not wear skin tight clothes. On the catwalk, models wear the most luxurious, expensive and newest designs, but it's the model's off-duty, street style that we covet most. Here are some photos of models in what I call the standard model uniform. To understand their choices you must keep in mind that they live a jet set life with early morning calls, running around town for go-sees, late night fittings and endless hours in front of the cameras often working in stilettos. It's no wonder that when they have down time they reach  for easy, comfortable pieces that always work with other and ooze a "I wasn't even trying hard" attitude, smothered in style.

Hands down the model uniform in NYC is always black and denim but in Miami you will see color paired with cute sundresses and shorts. L.A. models often have that laid back, eclectic almost vintage, vibe going on. One thing is certain, models create a certain msytique about themselves in a way that makes us want to know more. Here are some of a model's secret weapons when she is off-duty:

Hanneli Mustaparta

1. The basic model color is black of course because it goes with everything including itself for a monochromatic look, but when color is introduced you will notice that it is usually white, gray, ivory, camel, denim or a small splash accent.


2. Models keep it simple. Nothing fussy like ruffles. Always clean lines, nothing busy.


3. Jeans and a white tank, simple cardigan sweater or black leather jacket.

Isabel Goulart

4.  No overpowering jewelry.


5. Clothes fit. Models learn that fit, fabric and style are key. Off the runway you rarely find a model dressed trashy because even though she is skinny and could wear anything, she has learned that it is far more sexy to look and feel the fabric move over her body, flowing in the wind. You may think wearing baggy clothes to cover your bottom is hiding it but it is really drawing more attention and making it stand out.

Iman Chanel

7. Vintage. If you have something from a great designer keep it and recycle it by altering it to transform it for your own style. This goes for anything you love in your closet that you haven't worn for awhile.


8. Experiment. A model takes chances by making a statement with her clothing choices. If you are standing up straight with confidence, no one will question what you're wearing.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

9. Fresh Face. Makeup is natural. Concealer, mascara, gloss and go!


10. Flat boots. Perfect for over arched feet posing in heels all day long. Models tuck jeans and leggings in them or wear them with black tights and a short skirt.

Jourdan Dunn

11. A Large Tote. Have you ever notice how when you carry a larger bag it makes you look smaller? Plus it can carry everything needed for your next casting!


There are times when random strangers have asked me if I am a model, which got me to thinking .... What is it that gives someone that "model look"? I have modeled on and off my whole life, on hold at times for marriages, kids, careers and other interests, but I have always held out that modeling bend and I think it shows!


Last year I was in New York City where high fashion models live and walk the streets everywhere. While trying to get to my friend's house on Long Island, there was a wind storm that ripped down trees blocking the road to her house. So I parked my car and got out to walk when a fireman made his way to me asking where I was going and "ahem, are you a model?" I know you think he just wanted my number, but I was wearing my wedding ring and so was he, making me think he was legit! I had just finished a big modeling job in the city that week and was definitely feeling that NYC model thing inside me and looking the part. I had little makeup on and my hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, wearing a short white tank style dress that fit perfectly.


All models have a signature style based around their best feature. Mine have always been my legs, so of course my dress was short, and with some cork heeled sandals I looked like I had legs for days ... definitely a model-ly look for sure. I was still wearing the confidence of my big job in the city and it was obviously shining through! Everyone should know what it is you love best about your body and make every outfit revolve around that, not being afraid to show it off. When you carry yourself with confidence it begs asking the question "who are YOU?" because you vibrate at a different frequency and people can't help but notice!


Whatever else you are in life, you can still manage to look like a model if you want to. And to prove it, here is Karolina Kurkova, the Czech Victoria Secret supermodel, on mom duty. She is still a model trendsetter in these flared jeans, while she walks with her son Tobin.

Source:Modeloffduty

Determining what to wear every day is a challenge we all face, but if you want to look like a model take her cues and invest in basic, well-fitting, key pieces that you can wear with everything. It's extremely important to stay true to your personality when finding your signature style. And whenever you walk, even if it's not on a runway, stand tall with  an inner confidence and the aura of a Supermodel....you just might get a tap on your shoulder by a stranger asking you "Are you a model?" because you can see that it's not about expensive designer clothing, it's about the girl wearing a well put together, stylish look. No fidgeting allowed!

Check out my post on {How to Pack and Travel in Style Like Models Do!}