Spring is Coming and With It, Fashion Show Auditions!

Emma Fall Fashion Show 2015

Spring is fast approaching, and with it the Spring Fashion Show!

Emma will audition in March for a spot walking the runway of the Cataraqui Centre.  The show is April 2nd with 2 "shows" - one at noon and one at 2pm.

I expect it will work much the same as the fall fashion show Emma was selected for in September.  She had fun (as did I) but I remember it being a busy time.

We are hopeful that the mall people will choose Emma again to model something cute for the stores.  I'm under the impression they will choose someone who's "worked" for them before.  That seems to be how this "business" works sometimes.

Besides last fall's fashion show, Emma has not really done much as far as the Mode Elle world is concerned.  She had one "real" audition - you can read about that here - and she didn't get it.  I didn't much think she would as it had something to do with food, and we all know how adventurous Emma is with her eating!

So stay tuned to hear about Emma's next adventures in modelling.  I'll try to take lots of pictures and create posts when I've got something fun to talk about.

Fall Fashion Show 2015

Emma participated in her first real runway fashion show at the Cataraqui Centre last weekend.  She got to wear Sears and I think she loved every minute of it!  Mode Elle provides the models and organizes most of this event.

The kids had a rehearsal Thursday night for 1 hour - it included trying on the clothes (then immediately taking them off so they were still in pristine condition for the show), and doing a practice runway walk.  It went alright - busy, as there were a lot of kids, a lot clothes, and not a lot of listening.  One of Emma's cousins is also with Mode Elle so she was there as well, but she models the womens clothes and had two 3-hour rehearsals.  Glad we aren't involved with all the choreography yet!

Fashion Show Hair

Saturday morning we got ourselves all ready - showered, dressed in easy-change clothes (for her) and something comfy for hanging at the mall all day (for me), snacks packed and camera ready-to-go.  I had no idea whether I was supposed to do her hair, or if they may do it.  It was a little lacking in the communication department as far as that goes.  So after her hair was all dry and brushed I just twisted the front sections back and left it at that.

My Niece Colleen

We got to the mall at 10:30 and started our day there with a snack.  The coordinator woman had told us to meet at the stage for 10:45, so by 11:10 things finally started to happen.  Everyone did a walk-through of the show with music but without the fashions on.  Then it was quick-change time while I tried to snag (and keep) some seats up front for people to meet me at.  It actually worked out fine, and I met some nice moms there.


After getting changed I left Emma with the other kids and mall people and went back to my seats to visit with my family for a bit before the show.


There were 2 shows, one at 12 and one at 2.  I took pics at both, so I have tons of photos.  It looked pretty professional (the shows, not my photos) and I was impressed with the various looks of all the models.


I'm still trying to master the integration of photos and text on my blog.  I apologize if the loading is slow or it looks sloppy.



The show went on for at least 40 minutes, with lots of the models changing and returning to the stage in short order.  The last number they did was to Madonna's "Vogue" and it was choreographed wonderfully.

Now I'm sure you're all wondering where my photos of Emma are.  I just thought I would save the best for last!  After going over with her the need to look like she's having fun and enjoying herself, I think it finally sank in.  She put on a smile and walked down the runway like a pro!



I enjoyed my first "stage mom" job, although it won't stop me from grumbling about how long I had to be at the *mutter mutter* mall on a Saturday.  The bright side was I had a lot of family and friends come by to see Emma (or I just flagged them down while they were shopping) so I wasn't really alone at all.  That also means I barely had any time to read my book!  I was somewhat looking forward to that, but I had fun anyway.  Can't wait for next time!

First Modelling Gig - My Little Pony

On Wednesday last week I got an email from Charline at Mode Elle.  She outlined a fun opportunity for Emma, but it was happening the next day and also Friday afternoon.  Now I know I've said a million times that I'll happily leave work to deal with these modelling or acting things that come up, and Thursday evening I could have managed, but with it being a holiday weekend there was no way I could easily have left the store in the middle of the afternoon on the Friday.

Luckily Patrick was able to rearrange things so Emma could get to both shows.  This event was at the local mall (Cataraqui Centre) so getting there was not too traumatic, and Rose tagged along on Thursday evening.  Well, guess what?  The event organizers wanted Rose to model the clothes as well!  I didn't know if she'd do it.  The first show for them was 6:30pm and Rose is usually 85% ready for bed at that time.  

Thursday Evening Show

This is how the show went:  The Moblees opened the show (which was free in centre court of the mall), then the girls came out in their My Little Pony clothes, and afterward there was a My Little Pony show.  Each of the girls had been given a little pose to do on the "red carpet" but from the looks of it, Emma and Rose gave each other strength that first night.  Still super cute, but not quite confident models yet.

But then fast-forward to Friday afternoon - they were more confident (and less tired!) and they had a lot more fun.  Part of it, I'm sure, was that they were at the mall for 2 hours before the show on Thursday, but had a much shorter lead time Friday.

Friday Night Pre-Show

Both Rose and Emma performed better Friday afternoon.  Rose walked out without clinging to Emma for dear life, and Emma managed to have a very professional looking model pose on the "red carpet."

Rose's Pose

Emma's Pose

When they were done with the show, the young lady Twilight Sparkle had the models come back up on stage for a promo pic.  The girls were beyond excited for that!  Emma even understood that that meant they may use this picture for advertising purposes.  She's dying to get into commercials or magazines!

My Little Pony Fashion Show

I'm actually quite sad that I missed all this excitement with the girls.  I'm not very disappointed that I missed being at the mall with 1000 toddlers and their parents.  We've been to some of these shows in the past and it's just crazy busy, loud, and exhausting.  I am very glad the girls had a wonderful time, especially Rose who really had no idea what was going on.

Emma is now looking forward even more to the fashion show the mall is putting on in two weekends.  She made the cut at her audition and will be modelling something in two Saturday's time.  One of her cousins, who is new at Mode Elle, will be modelling as well.  I have managed to take the time off to get her to the rehearsal for this one.  And, dear readers, I plan to craft another nice long blog post with photos during or after that event and it's rehearsals.  So stay tuned!

And So It Begins...Her Modelling Career Starts Tomorrow.

This stuff is going to be so last minute!  Got an email tonight from Mode Elle for another modelling "job" but she has to be at the mall at 4:30 tomorrow, and also for a second show at 1:30 Friday.  Yikes!

I warned my boss that this is how it's going to be, but I will feel badly when it is me that has to take her.  Patrick is available for these times this week (and it's a holiday weekend coming up, so I really shouldn't be leaving the store early...) but it's going to be my turn one of these days.

It looks like she'll be modelling some My Little Pony clothes before the shows in the mall both tomorrow and Friday.  And she gets to keep the clothes!  She's so excited.  I'm very sad I won't see either show.  I'm not as sad that Patrick has to entertain Rose from 4pm until 7 or later when the show finishes!

The whole reason I started this blog was so I could follow along with Emma and all the neat and fun things she gets to do.  I guess it's finally starting!  I'm going to have to get over this "working mom" guilt of having to take time off work for this stuff.  I mean how can I blog about it all if I'm not there??

Anyway, if Patrick takes some pictures I'll be sure to share them with our loyal readers.  If not I may just try to write about what Emma thought of the show.  Either way she's going to have a great time!

Emma's First Audition

Tonight Emma has her first audition.  Sadly, I have to be at work, so Patrick will take her.  It's here in town, and it's for the fashion show at the mall.  I know, it's not really a big exciting deal, but I think it's the perfect first audition.

I hope everything goes smoothly for her.  She almost froze up when she did her end-of-course performance.  She told me afterwards it was because Rose shouted "That's my sister!" and pointed, and Emma did not want her doing that.  For this audition I don't think she has to perform much, just do a runway walk, so she should be comfortable with that.

We are going to put her in her pink polka dot dress.  She wanted to wear it this morning, for all day.  I said no.  Then I had to lay it out for her: What if you do painting today? or play outside in the dirt? or spill your lunch?  (This is how my thought process goes every morning when dressing the kids - or helping them dress themselves)  She thought through the logic and chose some "play clothes" for the day.

We also had the joy of a morning shower for Emma before leaving for day care.  That went much more smoothly (and quickly) than I had imagined.  Hair combed out beautifully and everything!  I'm almost dreading the days I'll actually have to blow dry her hair and try to do something with it.  That will require purchasing a hair dryer and/or curling implement.

When I dropped the girls off at day care I gave Emma so many instructions I'm sure she's forgotten them all already.  Put your hair up when you're eating!  Wash your hands any time you do anything!  Don't play in the dirt!  Don't paint or marker on yourself!  Brush your teeth when you go home to change!  Make Dad take your picture when you get there!  And HAVE FUN!!!  (Standard Mom nags.)

Stay tuned for more updates on the mall fashion show front.  I think they take most of the kids who try out.  I know the Quinte mall posted a giant list of all the people they wanted - one of the boys who was in Emma's "class" at Mode Elle made the list, so there's hope!  I think it'll be a week or more before we hear back.  The show itself is Sept 19th, so I'd expect to hear by early next week.  I'm going to have to take the Thurs afternoon before off as that's fitting and rehearsal.

I'll be watching the clock anxiously all day today.  6:00 won't come fast enough.  I really, truly hope she has a good time!  Send me some good vibes in the comments

Toodles!

Emma's Ready To Go!

Emma is now officially listed at (with?) Mode Elle.  Her headshots can be seen here.  Or if you keep scrolling (and, hopefully, reading) they will be in this post as well.

 I think Emma's very first photoshoot went very well.  She was nervous (of course!) but the end result is fantastic.  I can't really believe this is my little girl!  She looks so much older.  I think it'll only get better from here!

            

This last photo, we were told, is a great headshot.  I tend to agree, but I'm a little biased!

We overheard Charline booking an audition for a client the other day before Emma's class.  It seems like it's literally about a 2 day turn around and you just have to be ready to go.  They don't really even ask you if you want to go - it's your responsibility to let them know when you're not available. I'm still intensely interested to see how it goes from here.  I guess I'm going to have to be ready to be chauffeur mom once in a while!

I will do my best to keep up-to-date here for anyone interested to follow along.  Please comment if you have any questions or there's anything you want to hear about.  And if you're interested in hiring Miss Emma, we have to go through Mode Elle or we can get in trouble!

Toodles!

Soon-to-be Adventures in Modelling

Emma July 2015

We are still anxiously waiting for Emma's head shots.  Her Mode Elle classes are winding down (I think there are 2 more, one of which is a showcase).  Next week we're at the cottage, so Patrick is going to bring Emma back from Sharbot Lake just for her hour session.  It's a good excuse/opportunity to visit the grocery store again, and pick up anything we forgot at the house.

There is a mall fashion show coming up in September.  The audition is at the end of Aug, but the show itself is the 19th.  That's the day we were going to plan Emma's birthday party, as we're at a wedding the weekend before (which is her actual birthday).  I'm sure we can plan it for the Sunday, but I made the mistake of mentioning this conflict to Emma so she immediately decided she did not want to do the fashion show.  I'm trying to explain it to her - that we can pick a different day for the party - but sometimes she just shuts down and won't absorb what you're telling her.

I think it will be good for her to do her first audition at the Mode Elle location where she's been learning all this stuff.  She really has no idea (I don't think) what an audition even is.  I would like her to go through the process before we sign her all up for things that will be happening elsewhere (like Toronto...)  I know she will need practice to figure out how to audition for things.  Heck, even I don't know what goes on at these auditions!

Any of you readers have some advice, or been to an audition in the fashion show world?  Please share your experiences and tips in the comments!

Emma's First Photoshoot - with Miguel Jacob

First Manicure

Well the big day has come and gone.  Emma is well in bed (and hopefully asleep).  She had a great day!


We started the day with a shower (which is still a new concept for her) and then a trip to my esthetician for a manicure.  She has had one pedicure before but not her fingers.  We were only "allowed" clear polish, but she was okay with that.  She was good and patient.

Pre-Styling Hair

We got to Mode Elle about half an hour early (on purpose) so we played with the stuff we brought including our hair baubles. She loves this giant bow we bought on our shopping trip expressly for this shoot.


There were 2 other girls there in various stages of photoshoot readiness.  One was a 7 year old, who, when the photographer asked her, said "I've done this before" with such conviction you'd think she was a seasoned model.  Her mom piped up with "Yes, once before."  It was cute.


We had a hairstylist (who was also the makeup girl, but Emma was not "made up" as no six year old should be), as well as an actual stylist who helped us make outfits from the clothes we brought.  Big surprise she chose the things we had pretty much chosen for ourselves.

Soft Wavy Hair

The hairstylist told us that Emma has the softest hair she's ever felt.  Then she proceeded to produce beautiful soft waves with a curling "wand" - like a curling iron without the clamp part.  Very quick and neat.  She then shooed us away to wait until the stylist was ready to help with the clothes.  I couldn't resist taking some phone photos of her soft, wavy hair.

What a Beauty

I think Emma has a perfect no-expression face.  You just have to catch it, I don't think she can "put it on" whenever she wants to.  I've had luck finding it in my last few photo taking days


Anyway, then we got to prepare our "first look."  The stylist chose the pink polka dot dress we bought specifically for this occasion.  Emma was so excited.  We got it on and she wanted to put on this dollar store hat she loves and ask to wear it for the photos.  I told her no but that I would take a few pics of her in it.  The shots I took did not turn out fantastic, but I'll put one in anyway.

Polka Dot Dress
"First Look"

The hairstylist took her back in, gave her hair a gentle comb out and put that big black sparkly bow back in.  That was her completed look.

The photographer (Miguel Jacob) was really great.  He was so friendly and approachable, I was pleasantly surprised.  He managed to get some good smiles and poses out of Emma.  I did not try to take any photos during the actual shoot, as I thought that would be in bad taste.  It was very serious and professional with the big umbrella lights and white backdrop.  A bit intimidating for a first-timer but the people were all so great I think she had a lot of fun.  I know I did!

"Second Look"

Then she got changed and had her hair put in a messy topknot and the "second look" got photographed outside in an alleyway.  I've always liked the stone wall look in photos and I think hers turned out great.  I did see a few pictures the photographer really liked.  He seemed impressed with some of the photos himself.

We had a great day.  When Patrick asked Emma if she liked it she said, "YES!" and when he asked her if she'd do it again tomorrow she said, "Yes.  Where?" and looked like she was ready to go out the door right that minute if we needed to do it again.  I guess that's a good sign.


We finished our road trip with some ice cream and a few minutes of "park" time (there were goats and a climber behind the ice cream place) and then everyone fell asleep in the car on the way home.  Just the way any fun day should end.

Toodles!

Power Outage Causes Bedtime Struggles, But All Is Resolved

Tonight Emma had her Mode Elle modelling/talent class.  Took Rose to a few stores, and changed her into jammies (in case she fell asleep in the car on the way home - she woke up at 5am today) while we waited big sis to finish.  I got a message from my neighbour asking if my power was out while we were "shopping."  Of course I wasn't home so, no idea!  Then hubby calls 10 minutes later to tell me he stopped at home between his day job and evening work and guess what! - The power's out.  Guess neighbour was right.

Kids were kind of intrigued by the idea of no power, until I explained to them what that meant.  No tv or movies when we get home (we wouldn't have done that anyway, as it's Rose's bedtime by the time we get home); no nightlights (catastrophe!); and - horror of horrors - no toasted english muffins or anything else that requires cooking.

The power was not on when we got home - nor was hubby still home to assist the power-less bedtimes.  The battery backups in the basement were beeping like crazy, and Emma wondered why the dryer was buzzing so often and, wait a minute, it doesn't take batteries, does it?  Sometimes the way her mind works astonishes me still.

Anyway, Rose got to bed okay - it was dark, she was worried about it, so we had to find flashlights because the light from the hallway was just not good enough tonight.  I actually managed to find a few, some with rechargable batteries - and luckily there were a few with enough charge to last a few minutes at least.  Once she accepted the scenario she was asleep quickly.

I was starting to get worried - Emma was wearing the battery down on my phone playing games and I was not really looking forward to straining to read by candle or flashlight as the sun went down.  My big plans for the night were blogging and having a Palm Bay while watching tv - with a chaser of going to bed by 9:30.  I know, exciting night, right?

Well, wonder of wonders, the power came back on about 15 minutes before Emma's bedtime.  So she finished wearing down my phone and then she went to bed - not much fuss, just a story and then some reading-on-her-own time.  So now I am living the dream, drinking my Palm Bay and watching some tv while blogging.  Life is good.  And it's not even 9pm!

Toodles!

Tomorrow We're Going Shopping!

Somehow my weekends are rapidly filling up this month.  With the end of our extra-curriculars and the end of school, time is counting down like crazy.  I just realized that this is the last free weekend I have to take Emma for a new outfit and new shoes before her talent headshot photoshoot at the end of the month.  So while Patrick takes Rose to ballet, Emma and I will troupe around town trying on all manor of clothes and accessories.

I don't think Emma has clued in to the idea that she won't be doing her free art at the Tett this week.  I hope she doesn't catch on, I really don't want to spend then entire day out and about.  I like the girls having their weekend afternoons at home, outside, with their friends.

Emma thinks we're just going to go to the mall - I don't think that's the best place for her to find shoes.  We already tried WalMart but she's between sizes there.  I guess actual shoe stores (I miss Kiddie Kobbler) will be on the agenda tomorrow.  I just know that narrowing down choices will be quite a chore.  And truthfully I don't even know what we need for this photo session.  Because she's a child we have to take all clothes, shoes and accessories, but there will be a stylist there to help her put together outfits etc.

I'm looking forward to this excursion as an opportunity to actually talk to Emma about the endgame of this modelling and talent course.  She says she wants to act more than model (so far).  I'm unsure if she even knows what acting actually is.  Today she had to stand up in front of her whole school - she raised the most money for her Jump Rope for Heart - and she seemed to think it was a little terrifying.  I will say that I think she is less self-conscious and shy than she was, but whether that's just growing up, or this course has something to do with it I have no idea.

Anyway, if anything exciting happens on our adventures tomorrow I will be sure to share them, but until then...

Toodles!

Dance is Eating Up My Life! (not really...)

The girl's dance studio has an end-of-year performance which is actually put on as a ballet at the theatre in town.  It has 2 acts, one is ballet exclusively (I think) and the other is all the other dance styles (tap, contemporary, swing, etc.).  Of course Emma would be in both acts as she does ballet and contemporary - that means she has rehearsals every day on the week leading up to the performance.  This will not be easy for us. Patrick is out of town Wed to Fri that week and most of the rehearsals end at 8 or 8:30.  Rose needs to be in bed before that or I will have to carry her sleeping self in and out of the car every night to pick Emma up.  Also one night he is away I have to work until 6 so getting Emma there for 5 may prove challenging.  And then there's the night she has her modelling/talent class - she's just going to miss that rehearsal.  I remember this inconvenience from last year, but then she was in only one class, and only the first act and so there were half as many rehearsals.

Rose, on the other hand, has an in-studio "recital" that we will all get to see without spending $20 a ticket and all our free time taking her to rehearsals.  This is because she is in the 3 year old dance class.  And thank god, as there's no way she would be able to stay up for a 7pm performance, and we get snacks after this in-studio show.  The kids have so much fun performing and I can't wait to see both the shows, but I'm a bit anxious about all the work we have to put in it first.

And if I'm anxious about all this, I can only imagine what will happen if any "talent" people like Emma's headshots at the modelling agency we're using.  Driving to Toronto is not my favourite thing to do on a good day, but if she wants to do this, and enjoys it, then I will totally be the chauffeur mom that I need to be.  We're starting this stuff the weekend after the dance performance, as the photoshoot is at the agency's offices in Belleville.  And I have already scheduled her a manicure for that morning but she'll be disappointed that she can't have colour.  There are a lot of rules in this modelling world.

Toodles!

Encouraging Young Talent

Emma's "new talent" course is having a photoshoot coming up next month.  As a registered member of this agency she pretty much has to go and get her headshots done if we want to try to recoup any of the money that we paid for her to take this course.  The hope is when she is finished with the course she will be "promoted" for commercials, magazine work, even actual acting jobs or fashion shoots which will pay her (us!) some money and she will have a blast doing it.  The kicker is that this photoshoot with a top fashion photographer is $500 once you get the photos for your portfolio, which you need to show potential recruiters.

She is so excited by the prospect of having a special photographer take her picture. Almost as excited as she is to have a stylist help her put together outfits and hair styles.  I am overwhelmed by the whole thing.  It's all very interesting and Emma has already learned more etiquette that I would have taught her at home, as well as how to walk on a runway and design her own runway routine.  She's made new friends and is seeming a little more outgoing these days, but I'm worried she's going to expect too much out of this.

We have already discussed the outshell of money needed to continue marketing Emma at the agency.  There are fees for all sorts of things, including the online "job boards" that the agency uses to find jobs to match the talent.  We are going to give this a year and then decide if it's worth continuing.  If she is having fun and making enough money to cover the fees than we will continue for sure, but if she's not easily marketed then we may cut our losses.  My other concern (of which I have quite a few!) is that she'll be easily marketed and she'll have so many offers we won't know what to choose!  It's unfortunate that most of the jobs will be in Toronto, which is 2 hours (more if it's downtown) from home, and Patrick (my husband) and I both work full-time.  Luckily I have a fantastic boss and workplace that allows flexibility for my hours, but if I don't work I don't get paid!

I never imagined, when Emma was a tiny baby who only nursed or cried non-stop, that my life would get easier, but also infinitely more complicated, as she got older - and so quickly too!

Toodles!