Fashion Chicago Magazine " Annual Swimsuit 2009

Fashion Chicago Magazine had its first annual swimsuit issue. This issue is the first of its kind in the Midwest. The swimsuit edition features April Rose the announcer of ABC seven’s Chicago Huddle. The show provides analysis for the Chicago Bears prior to every game. April is one of the reasons for the show’s success. April dons a fabulous red leather swimsuit. She is looking fabulous and fierce. Also featured are a bevy of national fashion models. This is our first annual swimsuit issue. We expect this year’s issue to be bigger and better using more designer swimwear.

Fashion Chicago is eco-friendly. It’s the fist paperless magazine in the city. The magazine is unique where on-line it opens into an entire magazine. This is one of the fastest growing magazines on the internet. We feature international and national fashion showrooms. Fashion Chicago caters to Avant Garde & Haute Couture fashions. The trends presented are generally two seasons ahead. We want to be the forerunner in forecasting the latest in beauty and fashion trends. Please be sure to checkout our latest issue. Go to fashionchicagomagazine.com

Fashion Chicago Magazine "One on One with Asian Celebrity Model Isabelle Du"

Fashion Chicago Magazine (FCM): Hi Isabelle thank for granting our magazine an interview.

Isabelle: Thanks for asking

FCM: When did you get started in the modeling business? Which fashion model inspired you? (Explain)

Isabelle: Actually, it started with winning a magazine cover model contest for East West Magazine. The cover was my first tearsheet ever and after that gigs started rolling in. When you have strong tearsheets in your book, you start to book bigger work. I don't necessarily have one fashion model that inspired me per se, but there are a couple of models out there I do look out for – like Chanel Iman, Rila Fukushima, Mo Wandan, Du Juan, Devon Aoki …most are ethnically mixed and are on the shorter end of the height spectrum because I feel like I could relate to them and plus, I would love to see more diverse faces in the mainstream industry.

FCM: I see you are 5'7" tall, what are the challenges that you face being shorter fashion model?

Isabelle: There's so many that I'm drawing a blank at the moment. I think the biggest challenge is to convince people, whether they're agencies, casting directors and clients, that you're still able to do the same job just as well as a 5'10" model. But I have come to realize that if they really like your look, the height really doesn't matter at all.

FCM: Kate Moss is 5'7" fashion model. What are your impression of Ms. Moss?

Isabelle: I've heard that she's shorter haha.

FCM: In your pictures, you photograph looking tall. What techniques do use to look tall in your pictures?

Isabelle: The obvious would be heels, of course. Pair them wisely with short shorts, skinny jeans and you'll add a few inches instantly in pictures without any real effort. Physique-wise, it's all about proportions. I may be short, but I'm proportionate so it translates well onto camera. Therefore, working out areas that need improvement and knowing what your best angles will also add to your height.

FCM: How do you change physical appearance in each photograph?

Isabelle: I can't take all the credit. Make-up, hair, wardrobe, styling and even the photographer take part in molding me.

FCM: Being a fashion model has given you the opportunity to travel throughout the world. What is your favorite city?

Isabelle: Bangkok, Thailand for sure! It's very modern and there's always something exciting going on. People are unbelievably friendly and the food is worth craving for. I went out pretty much every night and made some great friends that I still keep in touch with. I'll definitely be coming back.

FCM: Who are your three favorite fashion designers?

Isabelle: Alexander McQueen, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Anya Hindmarch for her bags

FCM: What beauty and skin care products are in your purse?

Isabelle: I always carry hand sanitizer because you never know when you might need it, Smashbox's lip enhancing gloss because it works your lips like a dream and like three different sunscreens, all SPF 50, to protect my skin from sun damage.

FCM: Isabelle, you have television production and casting experience. Do you plan on working in this area after your modeling career ends?

Isabelle: Actually, originally I wanted to do production and casting! I had internships with E!'s True Hollywood Story and MTV specifically for those departments. But I decided that modeling has an expiration date so I should pursue it while I can.

FCM: How do stay in great physical shape?

Isabelle: I'm not the best person to ask about this haha. Before, I would never ever work out. In fact, I would eat fast food everyday, I'm the poster child for McDonald's. BUT, since I've been abroad, I have been working out every day and swimming every day to keep my body toned.

FCM: Thank you for chatting with us. Fashion Chicago Magazine wishes you much success in your clothing boutique . Please keep us posted on any current fashion news. Thank you!

Isabelle: Thanks for having me. Bye!

Fashion Chicago Magazine-"Feeling Fit with Chelsea"

Thank you for your overwhelming response to last months request for questions to kick off our column. I have chosen to post a question here, the others I have answered your personally. I am on a low calorie diet and I exercise (run, elliptical, aerobics class) 4 times per week, but feel that my body still feels soft and does not look toned. What should I do to get my muscles to look and feel toned? (Jenny, Chicago)

Thanks Jenny, two things we need to look at, your diet would be first on my list, followed by your workouts.

i. Your diet needs to consist of enough calories to support muscle maintenance (or development) and you need to be eating small meals 5 to 6 times per day. Each meal should contain Protein, carbohydrate (starchy and fibrous included), and fat (Polyunsaturated and Monounsaturated fats, found mainly in many fish, nuts, seeds and oils from plants). These small meals will help to keep your metabolism elevated, keeping your body from storing more fat.

ii. Your workouts need to consist of a good balance of strength training and cardio training. People looking to loose weight, all too often only focus on cardio. Weight training is essential for losing weight. Think of your body as machine that burns fat for fuel, wouldn't you want a more efficient engine?? More muscle = more calories burned….. its that simple. Being the second month in the year, I find it appropriate to talk about motivation. We start off the year with the best intentions to get ourselves in better shape and to lose those nagging pounds…… then we waive the white flag to failure! Frustrated and feeling down about ourselves, we put the task off as unobtainable. Changes to our body obviously require diet and exercise, what we often over look is the mental and emotional side of making change. Imagine how difficult it is to move to a new city where you don't know anyone. That is change! Why then do we get so frustrated with ourselves when we have a difficult time changing our habits in order to change our bodies. Be patient with your mind, get rid of your negative thought process and all of your excuses, these things will hold you back from ever making that change you so desperately want. Adding meditation exercises can help you to train your mind and your body.

NEXT MONTH will feature four printable exercises to help you succeed. Sign my guest list at www.chelseafitpro.com and be the first to access my blog, (coming soon).

Don’t forget to write me with your questions. Till next month, stay fashionably fit!

Chelsea Kmiec Personal Trainer, Fitness Model & Competitor

email:chelsea@chelseafitpro.com
www.chelseafitpro.com

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