Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Modern day girl of average beauty, charm and wit










These photos are from over a week ago, maybe even two? Whenever the casting for Rachel Roy's lookbook was (I can hardly keep my days straight anymore and I keep forgetting to post outfits as they happen). I was equally nervous and flattered when I was approached about attending the casting; they were looking for "normal" girls as opposed to models. Hey, I'm a normal girl! I can do that! It's actually something that 2008 me would have turned down merely out of cowardice, but this year has been about working on my self confidence and kicking myself in the pants. Last January I made a resolution that I have actually kept and intend to keep forever - to stop turning things down just because I'm a little scaredy cat!

So, off to the casting I went. When I got there, I saw a huge list of names before my own, most with agencies. Where were the normal girls? Half tempted to lie about my measurements on the form (I didn't), I started to get a little flustered and became extremely aware of myself and just how normal I really am in comparison. I started babbling and smiling a lot when my pictures were being taken. Let's just say I won't be in the pages of a lookbook anytime soon. It was never meant to be! I may be a little too normal, a little too fidgety and a little too smiley, but the fact that they even considered me makes me feel pretty good. Pretty, pretty, pretty good.

Outfit Details:
little boy's blazer - thrifted
vintage sweater - estate sale in Fellsmere
Merrylegs skirt prototype - coming soon to Postlapsaria
navy tights - h&m
navy platforms - 80%20
unicorn tote - courtesy of Coach; illustration by the lovely and talented Kiersten Essenpreis

-Keiko Lynn


EDIT: Kiersten Essenpreis is the illustrator behind the magical unicorn girls on my tote. She is a Brooklyn based artist and this is the best way to explain her art: it's like she took all of my dreams and brought them to life. She has a blog, which you can see here.

67 comments:

it's me ...Twinkie Chan! said...

Ah, that DOES sound scary, but very inspiring to hear you go out of your comfort zone!

I LOVE the skirt!!!

The Sequin Cat said...

Cute outfit!


I too have been trying to push myself. I want to be that confident girl! So it's been karaoke and public speaking, saying yes!

Adventures of a Sequin Cat

Cypriotchick said...

i agree with the Twinkie about it being scary but just the fact they approached you must count for something... ofcourse it does considering u r always wearing fabulous outfits like the one above!Just looking at the wonderfulness of that blazer and how the blue details match it perfectly is certainly something to be admired!

Cypriotchick
cypriotchick.blogspot.com

Farah said...

how do you find little boys' blazers that fit you so well? my experience has been that the sleeves are always too slim and/or too short - not quite 3/4th length nor full length but that awkward in between. maybe my arms are just too long?

alya said...

You'll be selling a skirt like that?! I love it, I'm totally buying one when you put it up...

What Was I Thinking? said...

I really don't think you're average in any sense of the word. You're gorgeous and have a fantastic sense of style!

Emily said...

I agree, I think you're beautiful and very talented.

Annie said...

Such a cute outfit! I'm sorry to hear you didn't get picked but I think it's awesome that you were considered and went through with it!

-Annie
http://www.etsy.com/shop/anniejacks/

Kati said...

That's great that you went! Good for you. I've been trying to stop being so scared of the unknown too. It's hard, but you never regret it! Also..you are not even remotely average. You are totally hot! :) And seem like a very nice person from what I've read on your blog. Thanks for sharing!

Eline said...

SUCH a great skirt!

cupcake♥trash said...

the skirt and blazer are perfection.

http://cupcaketrash.blogspot.com

Taylor Sterling said...

wow I love all the blue!! You look darling in that skirt!!

Trains and Sewing Machines said...

cutest skirt EVER!! SO cute

MzElena23 said...

It was their loss! You looked absolutely fabulous for the casting call! ;)

Amanda said...

Ummm "average"? I highly doubt that. You have (and I'm not trying to sound like a creep or something) one of the most attractive faces I've seen as of late. Your hair is gorgeous and you definitely know how to accentuate your features with above "average" make-up work. They probably didn't pick you because they saw the same thing- a very beautiful and stylish woman who is anything but "average".

sachiiiii said...

You're very inspiring. Whenever I read one of your posts, I think of myself. I'm also very shy and keep to myself, and I'm usually too scared to try new things just because I'm afraid I won't do well or someone will make a negative comment. I'm trying to work on my self confidence and it's nice to read about someone who's doing the same.

calivintage said...

i really appreciate this post! it makes me happy to hear that you went because it reminds me that i have made a similar resolution. and i can completely relate because i get so damn twitchy and weird when i'm nervous!!!!

anyway, you look great and i have a feeling there will be lookbooks in your future! and i want that skirt!!!

Jamie said...

You really pull off the blue! And I love how the skirt falls!

Mel said...

That skirt is divine! That's a really good resolution to make, and I'm glad you stuck to it! If only I could do that...

Katrina said...

What an amazing opportunity! I think your outfit for the casting is pretty killer.

If that's what normality looks like, I wish I were normal.

junebabie said...

I would say you're above average in all those areas!

(I would be terrible at something like that. I feel so awkward having my picture taken. I think you do a great job looking fabulous and normal.)

Pretty Pirate said...

oh girl, you are way above average. You are stunning and beautiful, sweet and talented. Don't let those skinny minnies get you down. I'm 5'10 and was one of those skinny minnie girls when I was younger. I always wanted curves. You always want what you don't have. Good for you for facing your fears, that's so important to do. Your outfit is darling and I love the skirt!

Mary @ StyleFyles said...

that skirt is fantastical!

nice pairing, too, with the blazer.

M. said...

IN LOVE with that skirt.

marissaexplains.blogspot.com

supayana said...

omggggg i'm gonna have to buy that skirt when start selling them on your site. so cute!

Sharon said...

You are stunning! Take it from a random stranger ;)
But kudos on trying it, it was very brave of you!

Polina said...

dont sell yourself short! the fact that you looked different from everyone else is a good thing! x

Jessy said...

That's a cute little tote. And it is from Coach?
Also love the shapes of the tulip skirts!

kitschfruit.etsy.com

jennine said...

i think it's pretty crappy that they invited you to cast then also opened it up to professional models. they're from another world. and shouldn't be compared...

you're very slender and gorgeous just the way you are.

emilie said...

The whole "normal, real girl" thing is a weird weird thing in casting... I'm an actress, I have a agent, and I am about as normal as it gets: ALMOST 5'3, ABOUT 130 lbs, AROUND a size 6 petite... no real chest to speak of and a booty.
I always get called in for "real girl" casting... and I always feel like you said, that I'm "too normal," or at least that I'm "the big girl" in the room.
I got really nervous for the last casting I went to... all the other girls were teensy, Asian and Latina (I'm white), and soooo stylish. (They looked like you!) And then, right before I went in for my audition, one of the beautiful, beautifully dressed Latina girls said, "you look exactly like what they're looking for! Why am I even here?"
So see? I didn't get the job, but you never know what people are thinking! I'm also working on just enjoying who I am, what I have to offer, and getting myself out there. We can do it!

kristy said...

note to self...
purchase little boy's blazers asap
& invest in aforementioned skirt,
post haste.

great look, miss.

Renee (eatliveshop.com) said...

good for you for going to the casting! you are beautiful and anything but normal looking! and LOVE that skirt!

Nina said...

LOVE the skirt!! I can't wait to see it on the site! Wish I had a job so I could snatch up all those Postlapsaria goodies.

The Owl's Closet said...

wow that's awesome! good for u! i love rachel roy:) just stumbled on ur blog today. love ur outfits!

TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

WendyB said...

Great pictures -- glad you went for it -- and love the bright colors.

ilovelola said...

Love the skirt!






ilovelovelola.blogspot.com

Lloyd & The Tubsters said...

Good for you! I love the blue blazer, its a unique way to wear a blazer- and it looks great.

http://unsystematicstyle.blogspot.com/

Chelsea said...

I love your hair! I want waves like that!

Meg said...

That does sound really stressful! I love your bag!

hannah said...

such a cool skirt! and i love the shoes. so many lovely details. and whatever- modeling aint for everybody- it sounds pretty nerve racking!

Charmalade said...

The fact that you fidget a lot and smile too much is really all just endearingly "normal" in the best possible way! I'm so glad to hear that you're kicking yourself in the pants to be braver-- I'm trying to live like that too. "Carpe diem your life," as I like to call it (it's not terribly original of a phrase).

:) Rock on, Keiko!

angela said...

I congratulate you on your courage because I know what it's like to say no just because you're afraid!

Your outfit is perfect! Love every part of it, esp. the skirt :)

rani said...

wow perfect outfit... i really love your platform shoes they're cute and adorable.. and your skirt is no doubt pretty... :D you look stunning

June Paski said...

loveee ur skirt sooo much, it's very cuteee and beautiful!!

xxx

Natalie said...

omg this outfit is sooo perfect! u look so gorgeous in it too :)

xoxo

natalieoffduty.blogspot.com

Louise said...

Your shoes are amazing!
And well done on the casting ... having all eyes on you is always daunting. I don't know how professional models bare it.

le blog de leen said...

lovely outfit :)
i love everything from the jacket to the shoes or the tights

leen

Mary M. said...

That's a Coach bag?! Where can I get one and how? It's ADORABLE!!

Anonymous said...

that Coach bag was a tote from 'Fashion's night out' designed by Kiersten Essenpreis. You can find her other AWESOME work at youfail.com

Kiersten said...

As usual, you look beautiful!! Love the skirt/blazer combo. So happy to see you using the Coach tote too, you know how to work it, girl!

And thanks for the plug Anonymous.. :)

xo

Mo said...

i love the skit !! so original !!

i think for a "normal" girl, you look pretty awesome !

Musing Around said...

Love the outfit. I'm a big fan of wearing red, white, and blue but always worry about looking like I'm getting ready for a 4th of July party. This outfit shows how working with more interesting tones of these colors can work!

Jennyfer H. said...

omg, your skirt is so beautiful! I love it.

Kallie said...

holy macaroni, thats the greatest outfit I have ever seen.

CMA said...

this is totally adorable
thanks for sharing, love it
you look amazing from head to toe, flawless darling
and thanks for the sweet comments

-cma
check out my blog @
cosmicaroline.blogspot.com

Pia said...

this is adorable.

Chopstick said...

AUGH!!! i love the skirt!!!!! can't wait til you bring it out to Postlapsaria, and hopefully in lots of different colours >:)

Lucile said...

This skirt is adorable ! I love all your outfit. And the bag is so original ! And congratulations for your bravery!

Market Publique said...

I ADORE that skirt. Let me know when you have it for sale!!!

cutandsew said...

That skirt is totally ADORABLE! I would LOVE one of those in my closet!

Keiko Lynn said...

Farah: It takes a lot of patience. Most of them will be too tight, too short, too boxy, etc. Sometimes you get lucky and find one that just fits properly! This one was obviously made for a teenager, and happens to be tailored just enough to give it a little more shape.

Keiko Lynn said...

Everyone: Thank you for all of the kind comments. Just to clarify, the title of my post is from my myspace description. haha! Someone once described me in a similar way (something like: she's very average in every way- there's nothing special about her at all); I put a little bit of a colorful spin on it to make it sound nicer:) I guess it was my way of laughing at myself and being a good sport.

Keiko Lynn said...

Mary M.: the tote was for Fashion's Night Out - they made a limited run. You could have them customized at the event. I don't think they're available anymore.

Anonymous: Thank you for adding the info - I did this post half asleep and didn't think to link to Kiersten! I feel like such a jerk; I edited to add her info. She is awesome.

Kiersten: Thank you so much! I love my tote and I am now a huge fan of your work. I edited the post to add your info, I'm so sorry for the oversight.

TigerLily said...

Love your skirt, AWESOME! and you are pretty no matter what ^o^
And one more thing, you have ah-mazing style! ^___^


twothousandthings.blogspot.com

me melodia said...

You look adorable head to toe!

Becca Jane said...

You are brave! I probably wouldn't have gone, but how cool that they invited you!

Lovely skirt as well, by the way - it's so bright and pretty!

thislovelycity said...

I <3 that skirt! Checking out your shop now...