If you have a body, you are a model.
Calling all real women!
We’re looking for women of all shapes and sizes for an upcoming photo shoot. Curvy or small, boyish or tall, we want to hear why you'd be perfect for the job. If you’re one of the four women selected, you’ll win full hair and makeup done by an on-set stylist, a photo shoot by Soulmates Photography, an hour of free shopping with Reina Style Consulting and 20% off your next purchase at Mabel and Zora.
To win, leave a comment on this post telling us why you should be one of the models. Winners will be notified by email, so be sure to leave contact information. All entries are due by April 1st, and winners will be notified by April 3rd.
Own your inner catwalk and show us how it's done.
This entry was posted on Monday, March 15th, 2010 at 3:05 pm and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
March 15th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Um…
I'm 5'3", 40lbs over weight, and shaped like a pear – there are NEVER fashion helps for the likes of me.
(pick me, please!)
jen
March 15th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
I'm a stay home momma of three young kids. I should be one of your models because when we're running late to school in the morning, I'm not afraid to throw on a pair of heels with my sweatpants because they're the only shoes next to the door…and girls, when it happens, I OWN it.
March 15th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
This contest makes me so happy! I would LOVE to be chosen for this contest. Melissa Tomeoni from Soul Mates Photo is one of my FAVORITE photographers. She took a boudouir session of me, and I have never felt prettier! Like most girls, I have a history of not loving myself, but that is in the past. I am confident, beautiful just het way I am, and I am READY to strut my stuff!! I have a baking blog, and I want others to know it is possible to be who you are and love every minute of it! Thanks for putting this on!!
March 15th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Oh my im turning 30! I want a moment im my life where I have an oportunity to feel like the beautiful person I want to be…Would love the oportunity for someone to make me feel glamorous young and beautiful…it seems like im gonna be 30 and i have missed that milestone…being a big woman doesnt really help me feel like the young,sexy woman i feel i can be inside…please help me feel beautiful.
March 15th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
A makeover & photo shoot – not only does it sound fun but I've always wondered what it might be like to have my make-up done right and put into some stylish clothes. I've always been a little shy about getting dolled up but inside I really love the idea and know I can follow some direction in a photo shoot. I'm an ex-athlete with broad shoulders and other challenges but my mom always said "…I clean up well…".
I'm also a new mom but the baby weight is coming off pretty fast. I just received word I can start working out again so I imagine I can have another 5 lbs gone by early April.
I'd love to be chosen as this sounds like a fun way to start a new beginning.
March 15th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
When I first read this, I thought "Oh my gosh, this is for me!" I guess you could say, I have always had a secret dream to be a model, or at least be in a photo shoot. Growing up, I always felt like the ugly duckling…going through times of insecurity and feeling self conscious. Now that I'm 25, I feel like I know who I am and have the confidence to be myself…and I can proudly say that I feel beautiful! What better way to celebrate this by being in a photo shoot! I'm not the tall, skinny model type, but I would say I'm the girl next door…average height, average body type. But I can represent many girls who feel the same way. It would be such an awesome opportunity for a "girl next door" to model in a photo shoot! Not only that, but I have worked with Melissa on my engagement photos, and will be working with her again soon for my wedding. I just love her! Well, all that is left to say is, "Pick me!" I would rock it! I would fulfill a dream of mine!
March 16th, 2010 at 10:02 am
I love the idea of real women modeling their real selves! I am 6 months prego with #2 and think pregnant photos are always beautiful even though as a pregnant women I don't feel that way. I'd love to have the memory preserved and be made to feel beautiful in this unique moment. Melissa would totally get my style, vintage meets outdoorsy + funky fresh. Plus, I’m known as the photographer but am never photographed. I’d love the chance to be the beauty in the beautiful.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:29 am
I've been a fan of Soulmates Photography since I began following them on Twitter, so I appreciate the opportunity to be chosen for this contest.
I'm almost 37-years-old and pregnant with my first baby. Finding the right guy was a long time coming, and because it took it me longer than most, the baby had to wait. Now that our baby is on the way, I'm facing many of the fears that I'm sure most women experience when awaiting the arrival of their first born. For me, I question whether I have the energy to chase a toddler around at 40. I wonder if I'll be able to continue by career, as it's taken priority in my life for the last ten+ years. I wonder if I'll be healthy and strong enough to go for number two at some point. And at the same time I'm trying to wrap my mind around all of the changes that my body is going through right now, both emotional and physical, as I've been very used to consistency and predictability up until now.
I'd love to be able to participate in this photoshoot so that I can have a memory of my pregnancy that I can be proud of, and one that I can share with my baby when he/she is old enough to appreciate it. I'll be on the "older Mom" wagon but I want my child to think, even though I wasn't 25 and hip, I was still beautiful and somewhat trendy when I brought him/her into the world.
Thanks for your consideration.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:48 am
i'm a stay at home mom of 3 small children. somewhere over the last 8 years i've lost my sense of style. i'm 36 5'3" a size 6 and would like to bring myself into 2010. someone my kids and husband would be proud to walk with and someone i would like to smile back at in the mirror. i have FANTASTIC long black curly hair (my favorite asset) and green eyes. i'm a funky girl at heart that just needs to be unearthed again. i'm not shy of the camera and would TOTALLY work it. i would LOVE it if you picked me. thank you for your consideration.
-jamie
March 16th, 2010 at 11:13 am
YES! Melissa from Soulmates did our wedding, and engagement, as well as a little side shoot – She is AMAZING, and we have loved everything she has done for us! As much as I would LOVE the makeover and photo shoot, I already have way too many pictures of myself from the engagement, wedding, and portrait sessions I did recently
SO it may be a little overkill to have more done! HOWEVER, my best friend is the perfect candidate for this! She is gorgeous, and is a beauty professional herself (she does my hair) – so she doesn't get to get pampered nearly as much as the people she works on. She is a real woman, with curves, and is beautiful inside and out. She has been with me through a very difficult year, and deserves a treat! Please pick her! Nothing I can get her would be as great as this, and I would love to make her feel like the superstar I know she is!
March 16th, 2010 at 11:18 am
I do own my inner catwalk, and I love it!!
In the past two years I've gone through a lot of things, some not so good and some great. These experiences have really shown me how strong I am, and when I put my mind to it I can get through anything. I'm an athletic gal, who loves the outdoors, her friends and family, oh and being girly girl!
I'd love the chance to let my inner catwalk run wild!
March 16th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Why me? Love thinking about my image and clothing. Love shopping and trying new things. A different demographic than others who have commented: my children are grown, in fact I have grandchildren. I'm a professional woman with an interest in making myself and my life the best possible.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:22 am
FASHION I love, ME I love, My BODY I love!!! I think its time to show the world that beauty is within and WE must embrace our inner beauty before we can focus on the outer!!! Yes, I am 5'9 and a bit heavier than I should be… However, I LOVE my hips and butt and would love to show others HOW to LOVE theirs
)
March 16th, 2010 at 11:24 am
I am so excited about this! I love Melissa with Soulmates, and her work is AMAZING! She did our engagement, wedding, and a little portrait session for us in the last year, and we have loved everything she has done. Needless to say, we have more than enough pictures of ourselves to last a while, but I'd like to take this opportunity to nominate my best friend, and maid of honor at my wedding. She is FABULOUS, curvy, and always has great hair (she is my hairstylist) – I think she is a rock star, and I'd like her to feel the same way! She has been there for me through a really rough year, and no gift would be enough to thank her – but I think a day of pampering, photos and overall diva treatment would be a good start!
Pick my friend!
March 16th, 2010 at 11:58 am
I decided to make 2010 the Year of ME! Embracing me… loving what makes me unique and special….stopping the negative self talk of comparing with "ideals". I have found this attitude to be so empowering!!!! Changing my attitude has made me love what before stood out to me as different and bad. Now I'm shakin' my hips, being bootylicious and proud of my thighs. I would love nothing more to flaunt my newfound confidence!
March 16th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
the responses are fantastic! i am almost in tears but smiling from the heart as I read these. I am so SO excited for the opportunity for women to love on themselves a little more and more. cheers to you ladies! keep the contest going!
March 16th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I'd love to do this! I am 5' 5", 132 lbs, and 41 years young, I wear the smallest sizes I've ever worn as an adult! Although that doesn't apply to my bra size, 34DD. It's almost impossible to find a good bra to fit properly. And since I am older, I can't always find the styles I like in my size, I can't dress like a junior, and some women's fashions don't go down to size 5, jeans are always tricky. And when it comes to bathing suits, I need to find the right one for my body… I have baby stretch marks so I don't always feel comfortable in a two piece. I'd love a make-over! I'm sure I should be wearing more stylish clothes, I just don't have the budget, being a stay-at-home mother of two.
March 16th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
and…did i mention that although i;m a size 6 i've got serious junk in my trunk with a little waist and have a hard time finding flattering pants and skirts…i've love a professional to show me the way!
March 16th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
I should be one of your models because I'd skew your age demographic up a bit, and I think it's important for everyone to remember that age is only a number. Although admittedly, gravity doesn't seem to know that! Also, as a photographer, I'm usually behind the camera, and I'd love to spend some time on the other side. I think it helps photographers get good perspective on how clients feel, and I know, having seen a lot of your work, I'd get some fabulous tips from you
March 16th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
I haven't always had the greatest confidence in the way I look, whether it be style or shape/form–feeling disproportional, though I love my bubbly personality and character that makes me, me! I don't always feel very photogenic so I tend to be the one behind the camera, but I've always "secretly" wondered what it must be like to be "fashioned up" and to feel like the beauty being taken photos of in a photo shoot, so I took up photography to live vicariously through my subjects
. I love Melissa Tomeoni; I think her work is amazing and very inspiring to my aspirations. Winning a contest for a consultation in fashion (which, I am in need of :/) AND being photographed by Melissa would be a dream! And a pretty much amazing one at that! 
March 17th, 2010 at 8:35 am
Oh I would love to do this! I am on the verge of the empty nest, 50 and just a tad bored. Also have lost some weight in the last year so now I'm a size 0, (yes, that's a zero) and at times it's just as frustrating to be too small as it is to not be. I'd love a new look to jump start the empty nest saga of my life!
March 17th, 2010 at 9:06 am
If you have a body, you are a model. « Mabel And Zora Blog says:[...] win, head to http://www.reinastylepdx.com/blog/2010/03/if-you-have-a-body-you-are-a-model/ and leave a comment telling us why you should be one of the models. Winners will be notified by [...]
March 17th, 2010 at 9:06 am
i am a 39 year old 5 foott tall woman who is 7 months pregnant! if that body isn't amazing and strange, i don't know what is!!
March 17th, 2010 at 9:20 am
I would love to win, I am a single parent, a mother of three children. Two teenage girls and one boy who I am a full time soccer mommy to, he is in a year round league so it has been non-stop with practice and games every weekend. I am doing this all alone, working full-time, going to school part-time, and rare moments of time to do things just for me. I love being a mom and doing everything I can for my children it gives me great joy to see them happy and loving life to the fullest. This makeover would be a great bonus for me to one day feel like a model and look as beautiful as I feel inside because of my children.
March 17th, 2010 at 10:10 am
I'm your model because I have a stellar stride on a catwalk and can do it while balancing a baby on one hip and chasing two other kids in front of me!
Here's the profile: I'm tall but not too lanky, confident but coachable. Finding the right fit, at the right price, in the right window of time is magic for me. Getting a photo with both my feet and head in the same shot is practically a miracle. I'm worth each of your professional time and talents!
Here's the kicker: I'm the only female in my house – loved by a gorgeous husband, three fabulous little guys, and our loyal dog. Still, "girl time" is something I rarely enjoy, so I'll show you gratitude and glee in the process.
My friends used to call me the one with great style, but now I'm the one with great kids. I want to be both… I want help getting there… I want to show that I have it… and I want the photos to prove it later!
March 17th, 2010 at 10:39 am
I would really love to be chosen for this opportunity because I am a huge fan of Mabel and Zora, I love fashion and styling and I am used to being in front of a camera and modeling my daily outfits on my blog: http://krameymartin.com. I would also be able to promote the boutique/contest using my blog, if I won.
I'd really like to see the fashion industry grow in Portland and I think this would be a great opportunity to build on that.
I'm about 5'8," 145lbs. and athletic.
March 17th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
When I saw this post from Melissa I got very excited. Modeling and fashion are some of my guilty pleasures. I am the type of girl who waits 8 months to get a haircut then cuts it all off and dies it a totally different color. I'm not afraid of change (as long as there's a little encouragement ) I'm short (5'2") so my dream of doing a real photo shoot is limited. Though I have had a blast getting senior pictures, and pictures for my mom done. I would love the opportunity to learn what works for my body, and have a blast with some talented women in Portland
March 19th, 2010 at 8:34 am
I would love to be pampered and feel beautiful for the day. Since high school, I've been working hard at a nursing degree and haven't had much time for anything else. I'm usually in scrubs or something I just throw to get me out of the door to be to class on time. I've worked my butt off working 3 jobs to pay for school since I was 16 so I could make my life better in the future. I love clothes and fashion but it is so hard to spend the extra money to go buy new clothes and pamper myself.March 19th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I am less than 3 weeks from 30, but I look 22. It's tough trying to transition out of that 20's style when I look so young. I want to dress my age and be appropriate while doing so. I feel as though I am finally, FINALLY getting comfortable with who I am and what I look like as I approach this milestone: 5' 4", 36D, size 2/4 and have bigger guns than some of the boys. I can't help it, I'm just a muscular person and so I've embraced it. I feel like this would be a fun opportunity to show who I am. I've never been a model, but what little girl doesn't always dream about it? Perhaps my turn will come yet…
March 22nd, 2010 at 9:47 pm
I am me. To say I'm ethnic is an understatement. I've been catagorized in almost every ethnic category except white and black. I feel I represent a little of everyone girl in personality or looks. I 'm definitely not perfect in any way shape or form and I'm okay with that, I'm learning to be happy with the body I'm in which happens to be 5'2 150 lbs (I wear it well). It can be difficult to be petite and curvy (ie, try finding button down shirts with 36Ds), but its what I got so I work with it, I could use some "fairy godmother" direction though, and thats where you come in! Pick the short, spunky, ethnic girl.
March 23rd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
I'm so pumped about all of the contestants…how am i gonna choose??!!
You are all strong, proud and beautiful!!
March 23rd, 2010 at 1:33 pm
queen for a day » Blog Archive » Get your hair did! says:[...] submissions for the contest have been amazing, I don't know how I'm going to choose only 4 of you!! Well, the deal has [...]
March 24th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Oh, that sounds so wonderful! I am a scientist and I have no time to shop lately. It'll be wonderful to get a make over with the latest styles to actually see what they are
Besides that I am a tall skinny girl which is sometimes as hard as being the short, full girl. Wouldn't that complete your 4 girl collection?
March 24th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
I put everyone before myself. That's why, this year, at 33, with two jobs and a side volunteer job for a non-profit, I decided to focus on myself! I signed up for the Bar Method, got new running shoes, filled my iPod with inspiring music and have started the process of shedding the extra 30 lbs I've put on in the past few years. My clothes no longer fit, but I've found that work/life balance….finally! I'm feeling stronger, healthier and wholly renewed. I am woman hear me roar! :) I've compiled a wish list already from Mabel and Zora and plan on some self-care in the form of retail therapy. A full makeover, style consultation and shopping spree sounds like exactly what the doctor ordered!
March 24th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
I have been going through a metamorphasis over the past several months of a lot of self-directed learning and stretching in regard to style and fashion, but also, on a deeper level, in regard to self image and choosing to believe differently about the wonder and beauty I and everyone possesses. I have found a more holistic understanding of beauty, fashion, and self expression that encompasses a believe that we are all miracles, and should take a hard look at the ways we underestimate our beauty. Much love and grace to you all!
March 25th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
My taste and size (4) but not small budget match this opportunity. Retired for a few years but really young at heart. Need a new look that is stylish but authentic. Current wardrobe is from Goodwill and a few consignment shops. Too much gray in my hair and wardrobe. Ho humm….
March 26th, 2010 at 8:43 am
As a designer and amateur photographer, I love style and design. I've had 2 years experience photographing myself daily, (as a way of learning about myself) but have not had the chance to be photographed professionally. I am me… and I've always worked with I've got; wit, character, humor, fearlessness and honesty. I truly believe that beauty comes from within and when it can match up with the outside… look out world! I would love to see what I could to do with an opportunity like this. People could see me, like I do!… unique, strong and stunning.
March 29th, 2010 at 11:26 am
My girlfriend Stef should be one of your models – she is gorgeous, but what makes her appear even more-amazing is her smile, showing how happy she is! She's a tap-dancing, mountain-hiking ballerina who just recovered from a broken ankle kickball injury.
She fits right in with Portland. 30 years from now, she'll be one of those old hippie ladies with long gray hair! tinyurl.com/stefsmile
March 29th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
What a great idea!!! Please consider this a nomination for my sister to be your next model – I couldn't think of a more deserving person! She is a fulltime mom and nurse with a wonderful heart and brilliant smile. She supports her family (including her husband, 1 year old son and live-in mother in-law) and rarely does anything just for herself. She isn't a sob story but rather a positive, outgoing, beautiful, hardworking and loving kinda gal. She does so much for so many other people it would be a treat for her to be taken care of for an afternoon!
March 29th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
What an amazing contest! I would love to be chosen. As a victim of childhood sexual abuse, I have struggled my entire life with body image issues. The past year and a half I have begun to do the hard work of facing what happened to me and learning to see it for what it actually was. It has one of the most difficult years of my life and I know there is more work to do ahead. But it has been amazing to learn to stop blaming myself for what happened and to start trying to love my body as it is. There has been a lot of healing that's happened through this work and this would be an amazing way to celebrate the work that I've done and my growing ability to love myself and my body. Thanks for offering an opportunity for real women to feel beautiful in the bodies they have been given.
March 29th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
This is the largest group of women you could touch! i work for Home Depot and there are thousand of us women who work in the retail construction job everyday , We need to feel fem yet polished. relaxed yet with a style. I am Soul Mates photo's biggest fan. We would love a photo shoot of what a real working girl could and should look like. I am 55 years old . just lost 22 lbs. walking the dog. Love color and wear size 6/8. At 30, I was a profesional bodybuilder,so i like to think I have some musle tone left ha ha! Pick me ! Pick me! You could touch every women who works for Home Depot.
March 29th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
I had the utmost pleasure of having Melissa take my senior photos! I think that I would be a great canidate for this contest because I am a senior in highschool moving on to the next stage of life as a college freshman. I was recently accepted to the University Of Oregon and hope to get my start there next fall. I need to get out of the highschool look, and move onto a new edgy sophisticated look. Although, due to financial needs for school we know all dreams cannot be acheived. Thank you so much in advance for the possible oppourtunity!
March 30th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Pick me, pick me!
At 5'4" I wouldn't be your tallest model but I fit the curvy look. I'd love the opportunity for a makeover… and I could certainly use it. As a scientist I often forget there's a world out there beyond the lab bench. I could also use some help putting together a look that would compliment my athletic body. I've got an ample chest, small waist and runner's thighs. Sometimes it's hard to find jeans that fit my thighs and waist. And I'm not even sure what to do about the current style trends…. skinny jeans and leggings on my body? Really?
March 30th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
This sounds like to much fun! Showcasing women who are not specifically "model types" is a fabulous idea! Real women need to see other real women. It's hard being a woman in a world where models are at least 5'8 and stick thin. I think this would be an amazing opportunity and tons of fun! I'm an elementary school teacher as well as a graduate student at WSU. Being a teacher, the kids are my focus, not myself. I recently got married and am learning how much fun it is to take care of my husband as well. It would be great to be chosen, but I do see several other women with great posts who seem to deserve it just as much. Thanks for considering me! Best of luck to everyone!
always, Katy
April 4th, 2010 at 11:22 am
queen for a day » Blog Archive » And the winners are… says:[...] MUCH consideration, I have chosen the winners of the Reina Style Consulting model contest!! I was overwhelmed with all of the amazing women that were willing to share a bit about [...]
May 20th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
queen for a day » Blog Archive » What a beauty says:[...] one of the Photo Shoot for the Model Contest was with our lovely friend Rachel. I liked that she called herself a "short, spunky, ethnic [...]
June 17th, 2010 at 10:13 am
queen for a day » Blog Archive » Beautiful Mama Jala says:[...] second winner of the Reina Style Contest was beautiful Jala. Jala is a graphic designer extroidinaire! She has got spunk and brains and we [...]