Monday: "For what it's worth, it's never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you're proud of, and if you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start over,"  - F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

The perfect quote to jumpstart your week and remind you that only you are in control of your life and the direction it goes! Mondays are all about new-found beginnings and set the scene for the rest of your week. Think of this quote when you want to declutter and start the week anew. 

Tuesday: "A beautiful day starts with a beautiful thought," -unknown. 

 Continuing the theme of positive energy to fuel our week, this quote from an unknown source pulls us back into the basics of wellness and positive energy in our life. Use this impactful quote to reflect upon your first weekday and remind yourself that we can manage how well our day goes by how we choose to act!

Wednesday: "A little progress goes a long way," -unknown.

 Sometimes it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by work, school, or even just life in general. Life is busy, and a day can speed by like a blur with all the tasks at hand. Sometimes it might feel hard to keep up. This Wednesday quote is a simple and gentle reminder that midweek is here - and it's okay to go at your own pace. Any step in the right direction will carry you closer to your goals.

Thursday: "If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit," -Banksy.

 Thursdays can be grueling to many since it’s close but not quite close enough to the weekend. While we have gotten past the midweek "hump," Thursdays almost tease us with the promise of a relaxing weekend that lay just beyond our grasp. With that being said, this quote from Banksy reminds us to not quit on our weekday progress, but rather rest a bit and then forge ahead asap! 

 This small but mighty quote reminds us of the principles (most taken from the pseudoscience based on positive or negative thoughts, called the Law of Attraction) of how we can attract or "manifest" whatever we want in our life. To make it simple, we attract what we are ready to receive.

 Remind yourself to keep it positive as you go into the final day of the traditional workweek and be ready to receive all the good things a weekend can bring.

 The long-anticipated weekend has officially arrived! It's Saturday, and the day is rife with endless possibilities. Start your weekend with this quote as a reminder that you should prioritize happiness in whatever form that comes.

Sunday: "Happy people build their inner world," - Dalai Lama.

 As we reflect on the past week and relax on Sunday, do yourself a favor and read this quote in anticipation of the week ahead. Challenge yourself to make time for the process of wellness and mental health as you unwind from an eventful week and plan for the next one.

 Keep that positive energy flowing, talented people! Be mindful with your days and adopt a lighthearted attitude when you can. It will help all of your days go smoother...even the Mondays! 

 1. Preparation is Key!

Remember this: Online interviews require the same amount of preparation as in-person interviews, if not more! 

Be sure to do your research after landing an audition or meeting, whether researching the client or agency you will be auditioning for, thinking of questions to ask, how you'd answer questions potentially given to you, etc. It is critical to do everything carefully not to appear to be 'careless' or 'uninteresting' during the interview. 

Make sure to wear professional or at least appropriate attire when you are interviewing or auditioning. Dress as if you are in person; remember to stick with solid colors and clothing that fits you well.

Another critical item easily overlooked - have a strong WiFi connection. You do want to lose connection or have lag time during an important interview or audition.

Prepare yourself to be ready ten minutes early for a Zoom audition/interview. Being prepared to log on early allows for a sufficient amount of time to relax, troubleshoot any technical issues (which happens more often than you'd think), and collect your thoughts, all the while looking every inch the professional for being prompt.

Remember: if you are on time, you are late. 

2. Practice with your platform! 

Practice makes perfect, and the same goes for Zoom auditions. If you are still a student or have even had to use Zoom before for other engagements, be mindful of how you look in the camera. Practice how you talk, where to look in the camera, the right time to utilize the mute button, joining meetings, etc. 

It's essential to have the application you are using downloaded onto your laptop or computer as well. Don't download Zoom the day of your audition or even an hour or thirty minutes before. Have the application ready, learn how to use it beforehand, and make sure any necessary updates have been installed.

3. Good lighting.

Although this may seem minor in comparison to other Zoom etiquette tips, arguably one of the most critical elements for a virtual meeting is, in fact, good lighting!

Check the lighting before your meeting. Wipe off your screen and camera with a cloth, so your desktop camera does not appear to look blurry. Try not to sit in a dimly lit room, in the dark, or with a window directly behind you (backlight will make it impossible for you to be seen clearly). 

Eliminate and avoid all shadows on your face, but keep in mind that you also don't want to look washed out. 

Natural lighting is a good option if it will last the whole meeting, or you might want to consider using an LED video light! 

4. Location.

In addition to excellent lighting, the location where you set up for your call is equally as important. 

You want to set up at home or any personal space that offers little to no distraction. Do not go outside or in a public setting like a Starbucks Cafe. These both attract too much noise. Typically, when you are at home, you are in a safe area and can control the environment. You want a quiet space with limited distractions, and this is best achieved in your bubble!

With that being said, don't forget to alert members of your household that you will be in a meeting and ask them to stay out of that specific room for the duration that you will be on Zoom. 

Keep in mind the space you have as well. Have enough space so you can walk, do photo movement, or improv, etc. 

Do not be driving in your car while Zooming! Not only is this unprofessional, but dangerous to yourself and those around you.

Additionally, try not to be in your bedroom when on a Zoom audition. If you must do your Zoom meeting in your bedroom, do so seated at a desk with a solid background or plain wall at your back. You want to avoid having your bed on camera at all costs, and you must not be lying or sitting in bed while on Zoom! 

5. Body language.

Body language is important now more than ever, with auditions being online. Instead of sensing someone's body language and seeing them in person, all of this now has to be done online. Consider these tips:

• Make sure your eyes are in line with the desktop camera.
• Look at the recruiter when speaking, but make sure your eyes go to the webcam when directed for a commercial, monologue, etc. 
• Frame yourself properly! (Watch the video at the end of this article to reference how your framing should look.
• Show good energy/enthusiasm! 
• Speak up and speak clearly. 
• Maintain good posture throughout.
• Occasionally nod when listening to a speaker (this shows engagement in the conversation).

Note - if you feel too comfortable, you probably don't look professional!

 6. Create your online persona. 

 Creating your online persona is just your About Me on the web! Make sure to practice and keep it current! 

 On Zoom, there is an option to have a profile picture before when you are on the camera and even when you turn your camera off. You should attach a professional headshot of yourself there. Your profile picture should communicate who you are as a professional. 

 Also, make sure on Zoom that you include your first and last name when logging on to a meeting. There are many instances where people do not fill in their on-screen names and end up being seen on screen as "iPhone" or "user______." 

 Just like in an in-person interview or audition, you may be asked about yourself. While this is online, the value and importance of a quick summary of yourself are critical. Your elevator pitch should state who you are and connect your professional attributes to why you want to work with the recruiter and what about you would be valuable to them.

 7. Other Quick Tips & Tricks. 

• Use a laptop or computer! You should typically never use a cellphone unless technical difficulties arise, causing you to switch over to a different device. A cell phone should be a last resort.
• Test your technology! WiFi, laptop/computer, troubleshooting, charging, etc.
• If someone walks into the space in which you are conducting your meeting and needs your attention, excuse yourself, mute your microphone, then take care of the situation. When you return, apologize and continue with the interview/audition.
• Turn your cellphone off.
• Ensure your camera is never off (unless dealing with an unforeseen situation during the meeting). Having your camera turned off signifies disrespect during an audition/interview. 
• Stay calm, and stay smiling!

For more insight on Zoom, and other tips and tricks to be successful on camera, please take a look at our video on Zoom etiquette here.

This past year has been a stressful and challenging time for many of us. Since April was National Stress Less Month, we figured we would continue the live-healthier momentum into May! It's essential to bring attention to self-care and how it can positively impact your everyday life in a myriad of ways. Remember, taking time for yourself is never selfish; it's mandatory for your body and personal needs. There are many ways to care for yourself that are easy but often forgotten in our busy lives. 

Pro-Model and Talent Management wants to share a few of our favorite self-care tips to implement into your everyday life!

Blake starred in the movie "A Simple Favor" alongside actress Anna Kendrick and kept to her character's role as a total girl-boss, frequently wearing suits during her red-carpet appearances for the film.

This Ralph Lauren Suit was worn during the London premiere for "A Simple Favor" and complimented Lively's skin tone and  hair perfectly. Here, she shows that she is having fun and feels comfortable in whatever she wears, whether a stunning sequin ballgown or a baby pink pants suit from Ralph Lauren.

Lively, also famous for her feisty wit, joked that she even wore the pink suit look better than the legendary actor Robert Redford and clapped back at internet trolls who judged her suits and jabbed that she didn't look feminine. At one point, Lively even responded to one: "Would you note a man wearing lots of suits during a promo tour? So why can't a woman? Just sayinnnn. No double standards, ladies." 

Lively stole the show at the 67th Cannes Film Festival in 2014 when she wore this burgundy gown with a thigh-high slit designed by Gucci. The color compliments her complexion, and she wears it well with her 5'10 height.

It seems that Lively can wear just about anything and look fantastic, however despite the thigh-high slit and the sharp color of her dress, what pulls this look together is her hairstyle. Her braid (a hair-do rarely seen on the red carpet) adds a nice touch and compliments the high neckline of her dress. Her braid/ponytail is tasteful and playful, reminding us that this celebrity really can do just about anything with her look and still maintain her regal presence. 

Her vintage makeup and hairstyle were a perfect pair for this monochromatic look, and she even matched with her husband that night, making for a picture-perfect couple (yet again). Her elegant jewelry was perfect for this particular dress. It made a statement, and of course, leaves us to wonder: could anybody have pulled this dress off as well as her? The answer - likely not. 

Versace, 2018 Met Gala:

Undoubtedly one of her most unique red carpet looks to date; the actress wowed Met Gala goers that year, and fashion-lovers worldwide, in the Versace masterpiece. According to Harper's Bazaar, the dress took 600 hours to make. Its intricate detailing and long train are a good explanation for this. 

Her gown matched perfectly with not just the theme of the Met Gala that year ("Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination"), but also the red carpet itself, which adorned the same red, gold, and cream color that are represented in the dress. The top of the dress features a gold corset that shows off her fantastic figure. The train of the gown is a deep red with gold embroidering throughout. Intricate beading in this gown resulted in it being a fashion masterpiece. To top it all off, a gold headpiece made Lively look like a literal goddess.

While many red carpet looks could be argued to be her best, Lively has so many fashions that just cannot be judged and compared to each other. It's easy to appreciate the actress for her beauty and tremendous talent. She always leaves her fans eager to see her wow the world with her next red carpet appearance. We can't wait for it either. 

Written by: Alyssa Lambo

Image is taken from globefact.com

After a year of remarkable change and social distancing, it is no wonder that the 93rd annual Oscars award show was historical and memorable in its own right. 

Unlike previous years, the Oscars were not just hosted at the Dolby Theatre. The award show was held in various locations to prioritize the public health and safety of those in attendance. A spokesperson from the Academy said: "To create the in-person show our global audience wants to see... adapting to the requirements of the pandemic, the ceremony will broadcast live from multiple locations." 

Other than its unique filming, this year's Academy Awards is making history for other reasons. To start, there have been more actors of color this year to be nominated for awards than there have ever been in the history of the Oscars. Thirty-two percent of the nominees are also women, yet another historical statistic. 

This year's show was projected to cost over $40 million to produce. According to WalletHub,  the Oscars red carpet alone (which, to its credit, is 50,000 square feet) costs $24.7 thousand, and one 30-second commercial is projected to cost $2 million. 

While the awards themselves are the essence of the Oscars, the fashion worn by Hollywood's elite are something we all look forward to as well.

While the ladies this year received more spotlight as nominees and winners than usual, the men's fashion on the red carpet was truly an unstoppable powerhouse. 

Pictured to the left is Coleman Domingo, who starred in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" alongside Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman (before his sad and sudden death in August 2020). Domingo made a statement in this sharp pink three-piece tuxedo on the red carpet. In fact, Domingo looks like he is matching the carpet in the pink tones! He looks fantastic and is a great introduction to the fashion-forward gentleman at the Oscars.

Showing that sticking to basics isn't necessarily a bad thing - Riz Ahmed (one of the Best Actor nominees for his role in "Sound of Metal") looks sleek and suave in an all-black ensemble by Prada.

Daniel Kaluuya opted for a classic vibe in Bottega Veneta. A clean look for a clean sweep! Kaluuya won Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Fred Hampton in  "Judas and the Black Messiah." 

Sacha Baron Cohen wore a mocha suit from Ralph Lauren, spicing it up with a matching bow tie and brown loafers, paired with a white shirt and cream trousers. Departing from the classic black tuxedo (as Ahmed and Kaluuya did), Cohen still looked awesome for the Oscars and really showed off his style with this eye-catching pairing! 

A two-time nominee for his work on "One Night in Miami," Leslie Odom Jr. channeled his inner Oscar statue in a gold Brioni suit paired with Cartier ascents. 

Co-directors for "Two Distant Strangers" made fashion headlines in their matching gold and black suits, which somewhere found on their outfits bore the names of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, respectively. 

As for the women on the Oscars red carpet, Zendaya left her mark in a beautiful flowing yellow gown that showed off her length and figure. Fans of Zendaya and viewers of the Oscars quickly took to social media praising the celebrity for her appearance at the Oscars... however, she wasn't the only one.

Vanessa Kirby was ravishing in a pale pink dress by Gucci. The dress featured a column skirt with a long train, which did wonders for this actress's figure. 

Amanda Seyfried looked fabulous when she walked into the award show wearing a dramatic couture red tulle gown from Giorgio Armani Prive. Her hair and makeup only helped compliment her look with a matching deep red lip and a wavy "old Hollywood" reminiscent updo. 

Glenn Close, whose 2021 Oscars spotlight came dominantly from her performing the "Da Butt" dance by E.U. for a live audience, was radiant in a blue long-sleeved tunic embellished with crystals by Giorgio Armani. 

However, of all the fashions of the night of the ladies, actress Carey Mulligan really pulled off something dramatic and different - setting her apart from the rest and leaving a memorable look on the Oscars red carpet. 

Mulligan, who was nominated for her role in "Promising Young Women," was an absolute show-stopper in this shimmery Valentino couture gown, featuring a cut-out top and a strapless neckline. 

Other fashion honorable mentions include Andra Day in a silky gold number by Vera Wang, Aldis Hodge in a black and white suit, Tyler Perry wearing an Armani jacket paired with a satin shirt and trousers, Kemp Powers in a cream jacket and tuxedo, Regina King donning a "Cinderella blue" crystal embedded Louis Vuitton gown, and Angela Basset in Alberta Ferretti - a cherry red gown with a large bow attached to her back (it's safe to say that Basset definitely made quite the red carpet impression).

In many ways, from the various filmed locations, fashions, and even to those who took center stage to accept their Oscars, this night was nothing short of historic and groundbreaking. The amount of diversity in this year's Academy Awards was fully noted. Costume Design and Best Makeup & Hairstyling went to "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." Actress Yuh-Jung Youn accepted the Oscar for Supporting Actress for her role in "Minari." 

The cast and crew of "Nomandland" did an absolute sweep at the 2021 Oscars. Best Actress went to Frances McDormand for her role in "Nomandland", and the director, an Asian American, Chloe Zhao, took home the Oscar for Directing. In the end, "Nomandland" also snagged Best Picture. 

Disney's "Soul" won Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Score. Best Actor went to Anthony Hopkins for his role in "The Father," however Hopkins himself could not attend to receive his award, so the Academy accepted it in his stead. Also, the late Chadwick Boseman became the first-ever person of color to be nominated for an Oscar posthumously. He was also a nominee for Best Actor.

Despite the delay and the concerns over this year's Oscars, the Academy and all of our beloved celebrities made this award show something well worth the wait. Whether that came in the form of fashion, acting, or live entertainment, the 93rd Academy Awards was one to watch and something we will soon not forget... that is, until the next one!  

 Written by: Alyssa Lambo

Known as "the People's Princess," Diana Spencer was a breath of fresh air compared to the British Royal Family of her time. Princess Diana was the former wife of Charles, Prince of Wales. Princess Diana married her prince on July 29th, 1981, in what's been described as a fairy tale wedding that aired to over 7.5 million viewers worldwide. The ceremony took place at St. Paul's Cathedral, with about 3,500 guests in attendance.

Despite their hopeful start, after eleven years of marriage Charles and Diana would divorce in August 1996. The princess's death would only be a little over a year later, in 1997, in a tragic car accident in Paris while being chased by paparazzi. 

As Princess of Wales, Diana was expected to make public appearances at schools, hospitals, and a number of other facilities. Over time she developed an interest in serious illnesses and health-related matters such as AIDS. Through her charitable work and genuine care about those she went to visit, her popularity with the people grew. 

She was either a president or patron of over 100 charities that included Centrepoint, Leprosy Mission, Hospital for Sick Children, the National AIDS Trust, and so much more. 

Princess Diana impacted the lives of millions as we watched her use her influence to help others. She was a true icon in every sense, including her style. Despite the sudden end of her title as Princess of Wales, it was evident that Diana had a presence and elegance. Even now, her fashion sense is still discussed and remembered fondly.

Her style has influenced many of the '80s and '90s fashions and still does to this day. Members of the current royal family, like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, often have their style compared to the late princess. Some celebrities have even tried to copy her looks. Hailey Beiber was seen doing a photo shoot in honor of Princess Di and her casual everyday street style with biker shorts, oversized sweatshirt, and her classic large blazer paired with a baseball cap.

A large part of what set her apart from royal family members was her way of communicating through her clothing. Not just in the colors she wore and in the style of dress, but even in her way to physically communicate with the public. For charities, the princess did not like wearing gloves so she could hold people's hands. She desired that skin-to-skin contact to show people that she was more like them than royalty and that she saw herself as a part of her people instead of being something separate entirely. 

Like most royals, Princess Diana had to follow a royal protocol of how she was expected to dress for engagements. Diana did this with much more style and taste than the others. She established her style through a unique use of prints, lively colors she wore, patterns, matching hats, and handbags, etc. She must have understood that looking good was a big part of her success and popularity as Princess of Wales.

However, to truly understand and respect Diana's sense of fashion, we have to go back to the outfit that turned the heads of millions worldwide: the wedding dress. 

The princess' wedding dress was designed by then-married couple and designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The Emanuel's kept Diana's dress locked in a safe and was guarded 24/7 until the royal wedding day. It was a typical '80s gown - large, overblown, romantic, etc. The wedding gown train was 25 feet long, the longest wedding gown train in British royal history. Her veil was even longer. 

Soon after her emergence in that gown, people all over the world began to pay even closer attention to the way Diana dressed. Her royal engagements and outings served as a place for the public eye to hone in on her and what she was wearing, and her style of clothes began to be featured at stores in London and eventually worldwide. 

Shortly after Prince William's birth, Diana had her first official royal tour in Australia, which lasted six weeks alongside her husband and newborn baby. We see a lot of youthful, 'girly' colors and frills on her dresses. However, on the last night of their Australian tour, we see her switch to a sparkling, fitted, one-shoulder dress that makes her look womanly and much stronger than she has dressed before, marking the start of her style evolution. Her wardrobe would continue to mature, as did her confidence in the public eye and as a royal family member.

Designer Bruce Oldfield introduced the princess to a much more glamorous, sleek "film star" look compared to her previous frilly skirt and big-shouldered gowns (which were still beautiful and in style, keep in mind). She evolved her style as her position in the royal family progressed and changed. 

Some of her other favorite designers include Bellville Sassoon, Jasper Conran, and Katherine Walker. One of her staple pieces was her coat-dresses, which she is seen wearing various ones on numerous royal jobs. These coat dresses were initially designed for her by Katherine Walker. 

This mature way of dress continued on into the early '90s, with more of her clothing becoming much more fitted yet shapely. She looks far more sophisticated than she did in previous years with the maturity of age and style - something that women even to this day still aspire to achieve. 

Another staple of her outfits was her glamorous hats, most of them designed by Philip Somerville. They were flattering and stylish - the perfect companion at a British royal engagement. And although hats have been worn many years before joining the royal family, Princess Diana's fresh take on this staple piece had her stick out from other Windsor members.

From her dazzling gowns to her fabulous hats, Princess Diana's legacy is not just as the people's princess, but their princess of style, as well. 

Written by: Alyssa Lambo