Rachel's in Fine Taste

Barbizon Rochester grad, Rachel Smith, appears in the latest issue of Fine Taste Magazine. In the over eight page spread, Rachel models fashions by Tracy Reese, Betsy Johnson, Christopher Freeman and more.

Rachel is currently signed with Vision LA. She also recently completed a photoshoot with Michael C. Hall of the hit TV show Dexter for Bullet Magazine and is featured on the cover of California Apparel News. Rachel was part of the winning 2010 IMTA NY Fashion Team for Barbizon.

Check out Rachel's full editorial for Fine Taste Magazine here.

Alumni Spotlight: Carley Johnston

Featured Alumni: Carley Johnston

Age: 21

Barbizon School: Tampa

Carley is based in Miami, FL and travels internationally to Germany & Spain. She is signed with Next Worldwide and has appeared in Level Magazine, Seventeen Magazine, Dillards, Abercrombie & Fitch, Cosmopolitan, Cosabella, JC Penney and Stil Magazine (pictured).

Josilyn Hits Fashion Week

Barbizon Grad Josilyn Williams, walked the runway this September for top designer Nanette Lapore, during the most important fashion week of the year, NY's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Josilyn, who is signed with Revolution Management & DNA Models in NYC, also modeled for Macys.com and V Magazine for their powerhouse September issue.

Check back for updates on Josilyn's amazing success.

Nikki's on iTunes!

Barbizon New Hampshire grad Nikki Guarino has been in LA making it big! This 2008 grad and seriously talented singer, just returned from recording four new songs in LA. She was produced by some seriously notable Grammy Award winning producers. We also hear that two of her songs were written by Gina Schock of the Go Go's who has worked with such artists as Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, John Mellencamp and Alanis Morissette.

Check out Nikki on Facebook and go on to iTunes to buy her music!

Jayne Goes Commerical Crazy!

Congrats to Barbizon Tampa grad Jayne Hall! After graduating Barbizon in 2010, Jayne has been busy on the commercial scene. She recently shot two commercials for Universal Studios Mardi Gras and booked a commercial for Pep Boys.

She has also appeared in Destination Safety Harbor Magazine and recently auditioned for a Carrabba's commercial.

Jayne is currently signed with Louise's People, Foley and Emerge.

In a letter to Barbizon, Jayne's Mom wrote:

"I tell you, Barbizon has been one of the best things ever for this girl - she has SO much confidence. She has really tapped into what makes her "tick" and is totally going for it and doing great! Her agents love her, and are very encouraging for her future as a commercial actress and model. Keep your eye out for Miss Jayne Hall - she is going places!"

In Print: Josilyn Lands V Magazine!

Josilyn Williams, a Barbizon USA grad from Birmingham, has been busy since signing with Revolution Management, Inc. Recently, Josilyn made her way to NYC for her test shoots and booked a job with V Magazine for their powerhouse issue in September!

Check out Josilyn's test shoot photos and keep an eye out for more success stories on Josilyn.

Carlo Lands PSA Campaign

One of our favorite Barbizon USA guys, Carlo Taormina, is officially entering the scene! Barbizon USA took Carlo along with our stellar crew to the IMTA (International Model Talent Association) Competition and he quickly became a favorite of the attending agents and managers.

We recently received an update that Carlo has booked a National Cyber Bulling PSA campaign. He is signed with L&M Modeling and Talent Agency based out of New York and Baltimore.

Carlo will be attending this year's annual Passport to Discovery Cruise and Barbizon Competition in Washington DC.

Lauren's Radiant!

Check out Barbizon Little Rock grad, Lauren Reeder! She's been modeling in the Asia markets and just updated us with this amazing shoot she did in Shanghai. We think she looks AMAZING!

Lauren is signed with Bellissima International and G Management.

Fashion Crave: The Little White Dress!

-Written by Miss Summer (Barbizon Instructor)

Perfect summer dresses are a must. Regardless of where you're located or what you're doing, you can't go wrong with a summertime frock. Thankfully, the fashion trends are reading into what we want - easy to wear, day-to-night dresses that work anywhere and with everything. Introducing this year's up and coming trend, the little WHITE dress!

Dress: MICHAEL Michael Kors $175

www.michaelkors.com

The little black dress is a thing of the past while the the little white dress is the angel on your right shoulder. Not only is it perfectly fitting for the heat waves of summertime, but it works in the chill of the night as well. No worries, the perfect LWD isn't something that will break the bank - almost all retail stores carry different versions, styles, and fits so finding one that works with your budget won't be a problem at all. Buy them in more than one style, mix and match! Depending on what your summer plans are, depends on what accessories to pair it with. The good news is that anyone can wear the LWD at any time and be the fashion forward icon that we all yearn to be.

Dress: Forever 21 $22.80

www.forever21.com

Afternoon BBQ where you're meeting parents for the first time? Try something a little more casual and loose. Think strapless with a flowy fit, beachy waves in your hair and a summer scarf for a pop of color. Don't forget your Tide-To-Go pen (BBQ and a white dress...) and a pitcher of lemonade so you don't show up empty handed!

Running errands? Choose a LWD that is comfortable to wear - a lightweight tunic or t-shirt style is perfect. Complete your look with a skinny belt, whether traditional leather or a pop of color, and clear sandals (yes, they're back!) Carrying a neutral bag will finish this perfect look off and make it look like an effortless, chic style.

Shoes: Aldo $80 Cape Coral

www.aldoshoes.com

Night-time event? Pick any dress you like! Try a neutral pump and metal bangles. Leave the earrings at home; summertime is for the simple look, don't overdo it with accessories. Carry a neutral, patent leather clutch and relax - tonight is your night and you look fab!

About the Author

Miss Summer has been a Barbizon Instructor in Tampa, FL for nearly two years. Launching her modeling career while she was just a teenager, Summer got her start when she competed in the IMTA competition. Putting her modeling career on hold, Summer found her niche as a Barbizon Instructor, Barbizon Director of Education and as a college student studying magazine journalism. Summer also writes a blog monthly for The Network Talent Community. A true fashionista, she's inspired by Michael Kors.

Barbizon USA Staff Member Models Vera Bradley Summer Collection

Barbizon USA staff member, Kara Hively, is kicking off summer for Vera Bradley. Kara, our regional marketing coordinator for the Southwest region, recently completed a photoshoot for the popular handbag company in New Orleans.

Highlighting their summer collection, Kara can be seen in Vera Bradley's video of the photo shoot (shown below). You can spot her toward the end of the video, in a white blouse and green capri pants, toting the sure to be popular "dockside canvas tote." You can also spot Kara in a pink blouse and straw hat.

Kara is a native of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; where Vera Bradley holds their corporate headquarters. When Kara is not booking models for Barbizon's promotional opportunities, she is modeling for such companies as HSN and Neiman Marcus on a regular basis.

Congrats Kara on a fantastic shoot!

Cheering for Erin!

In August we gave you an update on Barbizon USA graduate, Erin Moran, and her shoot for American Cheerleader Magazine. The shoot recently appeared in the December issue of the magazine and we received the tearsheets! Congrats Erin!

Eating Healthy While On Set

-Written by Miss Summer (Barbizon Instructor)

EXCITING NEWS! You've just been booked for a shoot where you'll be wearing some of Marc Jacobs most fabulous haute couture pieces spotted on the catwalk in his SS 2011 runway show. You're a smart model so you start planning ahead. You know you'll be on set for 7-8 hours without a break. It's going to be outfit after outfit with shooting in between including hair and makeup changes and they're doing a behind-the-scenes special. You're not getting out of the camera's sight. What are you going to eat? AND YES YOU NEED TO EAT! It's going to be a long day...and no one wants a grumpy, ready to faint, model on set.

Eating right and staying healthy starts the night before. Always be sure to get a great night's sleep. No amount food or water can measure up to the energy you'll get after a solid 6-8 hours of sleep. Something you should know about how your body burns up energy is that it does it in layers. First, it will use up any carbohydrates, then proteins, then fruits and vegetables. With that said, carbohydrates are going to give you the most energy but protein will make your energy last. Start the day off with low-cal but nutrient dense foods that will give you the energy you need minus the bloat you don't want for your shoot. Try having a whole grain, english muffin half with two egg whites, fresh baby spinach, a tomato slice and maybe some melted cheese. An orange or nectarine will be great company with that, also.

That hearty meal will hold you over for at least a couple of hours, as long as you're not running marathons. To save money, pack your lunch and snacks! Vending machines are not the way to go and any errand-running intern is sure to find THE most expensive and unhealthy sandwich shop right around the corner. Think easy and healthy snack foods that are sure to boost your energy. A handful or two of almonds will work wonders on energy levels. Sliced apples and peanut butter, a banana, even something as simple as goldfish are all great choices for snacking healthily. Bring plenty of water with you (stay green and pack a refillable, BPA-free, aluminum-free bottle). Water will keep you hydrated and will, amazingly enough, keep you from over-snacking. Also keep in mind that something as complicated as a philly cheesesteak will not work on set, that's a sit down kind of meal (and loaded with empty calories!). You need snacks that are going to be fast and easy (and not ruin your makeup!)

Stay away from sugary sports drinks. The energy obtained from a Gatorade or VitaminWater only works until the crash. And when a sugar crash happens, the only thing that's going to help it is more sugar - don't poison your body with overloads of sugar and take yourself through highs and lows, especially when you need to be on your A-game. Think about this - VitaminWater gets its flavoring through sugars and carbs. One bottle has 2.5 servings - meaning that when you drink the whole bottle, you're really ingesting 150 calories (empty calories!) and 39g of sugar. That's the same amount of sugar from eating three of McDonald's hot apple pies. A multivitamin will provide the same (if not more) vitamin nutrients and does it without the sugar. One other thing that seems like a great idea but isn't...coffee - which has such high levels of caffeine that the VitaminWater highs and lows will be nothing compared to the rollercoaster of energy that coffee gives.

All in all, be smart and pack your snacks. Bring healthy, nutrient-dense foods that can be eaten quickly in between hair and makeup changes, won't spill on Marc's fabulous clothes, and will give you the energy you need to last through the day - all without breaking the bank.

About the Author

Miss Summer has been a Barbizon Instructor in Tampa, FL for nearly two years. Launching her modeling career while she was just a teenager, Summer got her start when she competed in the IMTA competition. Putting her modeling career on hold, Summer found her niche as a Barbizon Instructor, Barbizon Director of Education and as a college student studying magazine journalism. A true fashionista, she's inspired by Michael Kors.

Katelyn's Stylin!

Katelyn Tilley is experiencing a serious round of success in more than one area of the industry. Katelyn who graduated from Barbizon in Washington, DC, and also attended IMTA, has been living in LA and working as an actress. For the last couple of years Katelyn has been signed with Hines & Hunt Management.

Recently Katelyn found another successful calling...as a stylist! Such a great story...remember it's not just about modeling and acting, this industry can offer so much more! Check out the on the set photos of Katelyn working her style magic!

Lauren's Heading to Shanghai!

Barbizon Grad, Lauren Reeder, from Little Rock, AR is packing her bags for her big break! Lauren, who attended the first ever Passport to Discovery Cruise in August of 2010, recently signed with G Management in LA and Bellissima Model Management. Just 17 years old, Lauren is preparing for a big trip and is heading to Shanghai, China next month! Best wishes to Lauren!

Frost is on Fire!

Barbizon Grad, Emma Frost from Austin, TX is starting out the new year in a big way! Emma, who graduated Barbizon in 2009, joined us last year for the first ever Passport to Discovery Cruise in August of 2010. Recently Emma signed with MC2 Management in Miami and Wilhelmina in New York. Now, she's doing print work for Department Store JCPenney. A big congrats for Emma!

High School, Modeling and Traveling - You Can Make It Work!

-A Personal Perspective of Getting a Start in the Modeling Industry by Miss Summer (Barbizon Instructor)

Starting a modeling career in high school can be overwhelming, don't panic! You can do it! I had only been signed with my agency for a few months before the white tents of Bryant Park went up and calendars of NYC's most elite were booked with fashion show pre-parties, and seating arrangements were all publicists could think about.

I was 16 and in my junior year of high school in my small home town when my new agency wanted me in New York for go-sees the week before Fashion Week. Go-sees, of course, were to be followed with Fashion Week itself. To be honest I was a little nervous, but I knew this was my shot and I had to work it out.

After receiving approval from my high school to take a two week work leave, I had arranged to stay with Taaseen, my agent, for at $50/night (nothing's free!) which beat staying in pay-by-week hotels with shared bathrooms. As non-glamorous as some of it sounds, I was ECSTATIC. I was 16 years old and paroling NYC on my own. I had go-sees every day and the appointment book began to overflow.

Although it was a big step, it was my dream and I loved my first traveling experience. I learned and lived more than my parents ever could have tried to teach me.

It can be overwhelming when you get your start in this industry, but just remember, take it one step at a time and stay focused. Check out my tips below for being prepared when beginning your modeling career.

What You Can Do to Be One Step Ahead:

- Always be prepared with your model bag! Include EVERYTHING (that includes an extra pair of heels that you are comfortable strutting your stuff in. Even if you're an actress, a killer runway walk shows off your confidence).

- Have at least 5-6 comp cards/headshots PER audition that you're booked for. So if you're doing more than one a day, accommodate! Also, don't forget to pack your book!

-Bring baby wipes for make up removal or any freshening up you may need to do.

- Know what the client is looking for and tailor your look for that specific audition.

- Know your schedule ahead of time. If they book you at the audition, know if you're available.

- Practice photo movement in front of a mirror and have a close friend/parent take test shots so you can see what your Polaroid will look like at a go-see.

- Depending on where you're auditioning (NYC, LA, etc) know the addresses of everywhere you have an appointment and who to contact if you're lost.

- If you're an actress, know the part that you're auditioning for and what happens with your character. If you're a model, know what the designer usually looks for and what his/her collections in the past have looked like.

- Be a smart model!! No one wants to book talent that needs to have her hand held the entire time. Be self-sufficient and able to take direction well and go with it.

- Know that every time you don't book a job, it only makes you stronger. Ask your agency for feedback from the client so you can improve your auditioning technique.

- SMILE! You can do it! :)

Point is, if this is something that you want, go for it! You're not going to get anywhere if you don't work your hardest and give it everything you have. If I hadn't gone to NYC and hadn't experienced Fashion Week, I would be regretting every second of it today.

About the Author

Miss Summer has been a Barbizon Instructor in Tampa, FL for over a year. Launching her modeling career while she was just a teenager, Summer got her start when she competed in the IMTA competition. Putting her modeling career on hold, Summer found her niche as a Barbizon Instructor, Barbizon Director of Education and as a college student studying magazine journalism. A true fashionista, she's inspired by Michael Kors.