There was an interesting article in the Toronto Star this week which included an interview with Jeanne Beker who talks about her new book entitled:”Strutting It: The Grit Behind the Glamour”.  Jeanne Beker is probably best known for appearing on the beloved series Fashion Television for many years, but she also designed a capsule collection called “Edit” for The Bay, and appeared as a judge on Canada’s Next Top Model.

The book, she says, is for young girls, to paint a REAL image of what it takes and what it means to be a top model. She focuses on discussing the hard truths of really making it as a runway model, and says that many girls just don’t have what it takes, whether it be the height, shape or that striking look. She says, “The camera makes the final decision and there is magic in that. Something incalculable and unpredictable takes place as the shutter opens and closes. It can transform an extraordinary face into an icon. Or not.”

If you or anybody you know is seriously considering a career in modelling, yes it is important to be realistic, but know that you don’t have to be five foot ten, with perfect measurements to have success. If you do dream of being the next super model stomping it out on the runway, I’m sure you already know that road isn’t necessarily easy. Many people are lead to believe that this is all the modelling business has to offer. There are ads everywhere, and while some of them use celebrity endorsements or famous runway models, the majority of them are meant to speak to real people- which means they cast real looking people in them. Jeanne Beker is very right in the fact that there is an inexplicable formula for what makes a good model, but it’s not necessarily your hip measurement or height, it’s more about a look and character- and who knows maybe you’ve got it?

For the full article from The Star check out :

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/933772–jeanne-beker-on-what-it-takes-to-be-a-top-model

http://www.cocomodels.ca/

During these long cold winter days, one of the best ways to liven things up is to start shopping for your new spring wardrobe and doing so doesn’t have to be a huge investment for your wallet. By mixing it up a little you can create a closet full of great new looks, it’s all about mixing up silhouettes, neutrals with bright punchy colours and prints which means you can re-use some of your old favorites from last year.

This season, some of the first spring garments to hit the stores have been the brightest and most playful we’ve seen in a while. The runways were lit up with super bold hues like oranges, red, neon hues and styled by colour blocking. This season, even if you don’t want to go crazy with colours you can pick up a feminine blouse, a statement shoe, or a bag in a bright hue to easily update your look. If all the colours are still just a little too much for everyday you can always mix them up with the camels, neutrals and earth inspired tones that have been around a little while and the best part is that you probably already have some of those in your closet.

While Mad Men inspired 60’s clothing is still beautiful and classic another look that made an interesting appearance is the sportswear that ruled the 70’s. It’s all about casual chic with high wasted voluminous buttons, midi and maxi skirts, denim, and the still popular menswear inspired jackets and blazers. Just make sure not to totally cover up your shape and pair this look with stacked wedges, chic sunglasses and use a belt to highlight the waist.

The next big trend we saw for the season was all about statement-making prints such as florals, animal prints, stripes which were always big, bold, and paired together. For the true fashionista don’t be scared to wear patterns together. This can be achieved by wearing different patterns or the same one by wearing a bold maxi dress. If you’re a little print-shy, you can use those same neutrals you paired with your bright punchy colours and use them here to tame down this trend. This trend is also very budget friendly so if you’re not scared of a little vintage shopping you can find some amazing statement pieces if you’re willing to look.

For Spring 2011, whatever your style, and whatever your budget, there really is something for everyone in the stores right now.

(photos from flare.com)

http://www.cocomodels.ca/

Much Music seems to be hitting all the right notes recently with their programming for New Music Live. New Music Live has had a run of big names acts like Bedouin Soundclash, Kardinal Official, Stereos, Finger Eleven, Natalia Kills and most recently the cast of Pretty Little Liars.

Pretty Little Liars (based on the books by Sara Shepard) is one of the biggest shows currently airing on Much right now. The series follows four friends as they band together against an anonymous foe who threatens to reveal their darkest secrets after their friend goes missing.

Shay Mitchell, Ashley Benson, Troian Bellisario, and Lucy Hale got a first-hand look at how many fans they have in Canada. They were very surprised by the mass of mostly girls who flocked to Much Music Head Quarters to see the ladies.

New Music Live is about to have their biggest guest yet with Justin Bieber coming Tuesday, February 1st. Bieber will be here to promote his new movie, “Never Say Never” which comes out on February 11th.

Fans were given the chance to see Mr. Justin Bieber, by being in the audience on Monday January 31st or retweeting the Bieber message on Twitter to win a spot at the live show.  Check out twitter.com/nml.

As swarms of young girls in Toronto freak out and attempt to get tickets to see him you can watch the show from the comfort of your home and not be caught up in the mass of girls vying for the attention of Bieber.  New Music Live airs Monday-Friday from 5pm-6pm on Much Music.

http://www.cocomodels.ca/

On February 27th, James Franco and Anne Hathaway will host the 87^th Annual Academy Awards.

The King’s Speech leads the pack with 12 nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor/Actress. Rounding out the heavy hitters are True Grit with 10 nominations, Inception with 7 nominations and The Fighter 6 nominations.

As is the case every year  there seemed to be just as much buzz about the films that were snubbed. Many were surprised that Rabbit Hole starring Nicole Kidman did not get nominated for Best Motion Picture of the Year although it did score a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

We were all shocked when 14 year old Hailee Steinfeld was nominated for Best Supporting Actress instead of lead. She will be up against Amy Adams (The Fighter), Melissa Leo (The Fighter), Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech), and Jacki Weaver (Animal Kingdom). Another notable absence is Mila Kunis who was not nominated for her performance in Black Swan.

It also seems odd that Ryan Gosling was not nominated for his amazing performance in Blue Valentine and his co-star Michelle Williams was as they were an incredible duet together. Ryan’s Mickey Mouse Club co-star Justin Timberlake was reportedly campaigning pretty hard for a nomination for supporting role in the Social Network. Sadly Justin, it didn’t happen although I was secretly campaigning the new Spiderman Andrew Garfield to be nominated.

Best Picture

Black Swan

The Fighter

Inception

The King’s Speech

The Kids Are All Right

True Grit

Winter’s Bone

Toy Story 3

The Social Network

127 Hours

Best Actor

Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network

Colin Firth, The King’s Speech

James Franco, 127 Hours

Jeff Bridges, True Grit

Javier Bardem, Biutiful

Best Actress

Natalie Portman, Black Swan

Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole

Jennifer Lawrence, Winter’s Bone

Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine

Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right

Best Supporting Actor

Christian Bale, The Fighter

Geoffrey Rush, The King’s Speech

Jeremy Renner, The Town

John Hawkes, Winter’s Bone

Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right

Best Supporting Actress

Melissa Leo, The Fighter

Helena Bonham Carter, The King’s Speech

Amy Adams, The Fighter

Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit

Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom

http://www.cocomodels.ca/

On January 18th, the fashion and entertainment industry lost the renowned Judy Welch. Miss Welch died in her sleep, at her Toronto home, at the age of 74.

In 1956 at the tender age of 20 Judy Welch won Miss Toronto, which helped kick- start the remarkable career she would go on to have. She became the first Canadian finalist in the Miss World competition. Welch went on to found her own modeling agency which received international recognition for a roster of models including Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Monika Schnarre.

Miss Welch enjoyed a good party when she was alive and many famous fashion and entertainment celebrities dropped by her home in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of those parties could get pretty wild, says Jennifer Welch niece of Judy Welch. Jennifer used to stay summers with her.

Her aunt’s extravagant lifestyle led to associations with many of the era’s biggest celebrities. It was not uncommon to see members of The Rolling Stones in the house trolling for Models or to hear Bill Cosby’s distinctive voice booming over the speaker phone. Even up and coming supermodel Naomi Campbell spent some time in the house while she cooled her heels from the Ney York party scene.

When it came to love, Miss Welch would never tell if she had an affair with Elvis Presley who she met and travelled with for publicity after the Miss World competition. When asked about it she would smile and say “I’ll never kiss and tell.” Miss Welch did have a love affair with Burt Reynolds, in the 1970s after meeting him in on a Jamaican holiday.

Miss Welch did suffer from troubles with alcoholism. It was something that she struggled with over her lifetime. She closed her modelling agency and went bankrupt in the 1990s. Welch said she was driving in a car with a friend and she saw her aunt “on the side of the road selling flowers…that just made me sick, it really broke me up.”

Miss Welch had gotten her life back together and was sober for the last three years. She still kept a hand in the modelling world, sometimes referring young people to other agencies and she started making jewellery, says Welch.

Her niece says the funeral for her aunt will be private but there will be a “memorial party-she’d want people to have fun.” She is arranging the party with Miss Welch’s partner, actor Ian McPhail. They will be notifying a long list of who’s who in the fashion and entertainment industry and celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Bill Cosby, Burt Reynolds Lee Majors and more.

You can go to http://www.judywelch.com to write a message to the family in the Book of Condolences.

She will be dearly missed.

http://www.cocomodels.ca/

The 2011 Toronto No Pants Subway Ride took place Sunday afternoon; many subway riders were in shock.  Organized by Improv in Toronto, this was the fourth annual event.

Participants gathered at Queen’s Park at 3pm, before heading over to Museum station where they entered fully clothed. After boarding trains in smaller groups, the pants eventually came off. Instead of advertising their optional clothing choice to passengers, they were given instructions.

-Act as you would normally on the train.

-You do not acknowledge any of the participants.

-If questioned, tell people you forgot to wear pants and that you are a little cold. Insist that it is a coincidence that others also forgot their pants.

-Be nice and friendly.

There were over 1000 people in attendance.

http://www.cocomodels.ca/

Although lacking the glitz of the Golden Globes and the glamour of the Oscars the People’s Choice Awards are renowned for being one of the few awards ceremonies that give voice to the people. Queen Latifah hosted the People’s Choice Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Before the show started the red carpet was filled with stars. The majority of stars went for understated looks for the night. Katy Perry and Raven-Symone stood out for being daring and avoiding simple looks. Although I wouldn’t suggest wearing the particular outfit Miss. Symone wore. Katy Perry was very colourful and looked like someone out of a fairy tale like while while she collected her 6 awards last night.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse picked up 4 awards including Favourite Movie Actress, Favourite Movie and Favourite on Screen Team. Kristen Stewart looked like she had ever lasting legs in a gold number as she accepted the awards with co-star Taylor Lautner and her boyfriend Robert Pattinson.

The Kardashians sisters were all smiles as they won for Favourite TV Guilty Pleasure. Khole, Kourtney, and Kim accepted the award beating out Jersey Shore, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and Tosh.O.

Disney stars picking up awards was another theme for the night. Selena Gomez, who arrived without boyfriend Justin Bieber took home the award for Favourite Breakout Artist after her performance of “A Year without Rain”. Gomez beat out top acts Bruno Mars, B.o.B, Ke$ha, and her own boyfriend Justin Bieber.  Vanessa Hudgens lost to ex-boyfriend Zac Efron for Favourite Movie Star Under 25. Demi Lovato received PCA for her guest role on Grey’s Anatomy and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam which also won for Favourite Family TV Movie.

Love the Way You Lie by Eminem and Rihanna won for Favourite Music Video and Song. Rihanna also won for Favourite Pop Artist. Country songstress Taylor Swift won for County Artist which left me wondering where that award is going to go considering her awards shelf already is carrying 4 Grammys and 7 American Music Awards.

http://www.cocomodels.ca/

If you were looking for the hottest spot to ring in the new year then Las Vegas was without a doubt the place to be. Jay-Z and Coldplay performed at the grand opening of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.  The invitation only party was filled with the who’s who of celebs with surprise appearances by Beyoncé, John Mayer and Kanye West.

Cameron Diaz and A-Rod were seen being very affectionate as they watched Florence Machine perform at the grand opening of the Marquee. The couple spent the night staying close to one another as they mingled with Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Other celebs sighted at this hot spot wereBlake Lively, Mark Stalling, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Pevin, Jessica Szohr, Ashley Olsen, Mark Wahlberg, and Kristen Dunst.

Rihanna hosted one of the sexiest parties at PURE nightclub inside Caesar’s Palace and then headed over to Jay-Z party were she made an impromptu performance at the after party.

If you decided to spend the night partying with Nelly then you definitely shelled out a pretty penny. A table at Nelly’ssoirée cost $3,000. On the other side of Las Vegas Kim Kardashian partied it up at her favourite hotspot, Tao. Speculation was running rampant as to how much the socialite earned for hosting this swanky night.

Not to be out done Miami hosted a slew of high-profile New Years bashes. Kourtney Kardashian was in Miami at the Gansevort Miami Beach Hotel. The Keeping up with the Kardashian star hosted the event for NewYearsEve.com.

Toronto’s very own Drake hosted a party at Wall inside the W Hotel in Miami. He hit the stage at midnight and helped ring in the New Year. These tickets started at $350 and were sold out weeks in advance.

If the craziness of the Christmas holidays is really not your thing you may be more of the New Year’s party type.  I am here to write about the essentials you will need in order to make those New Year’s parties memorable.

Let’s get started with the number one rule for New Years.  Anything that glitters, sparkles or shines is a must for your wardrobe for such an over the top event. Shoes are a great way to set the tone for your entire ensemble. Always make sure that your footwear is appropriate for the setting of the party. If you will be outdoors make sure you wear warm boots (UGGS are always a great choice as they are stylish and super warm). If your festivities are indoors then choose hot red pumps or shiny gold or silver flats.

Now that we have the shoe’s we can focus our attention on the MOST important part of your wardrobe, The Dress. The dress must be something both sexy and classy. For those who want to look a little sexier and a little less conservative, go for a mini sparkling dress. Your make-up should try to match your colours but make sure you don’t go overboard. A good example of this what seems to be the biggest trend this year which is wearing deep red lips. This look will not only bring attention to your lips but also by using a matte colour you will be able to play up your eye shadow just a bit more. Just because this holiday is all about the glam and the flash, doesn’t mean you have to look like a mutated tinsel tree! If you decide to wear a sequined dress, try wearing matte shoes or pumps.

And  most importantly remember no matter what you wear to your New Year’s party make sure you have fun and feel comfortable and don’t worry about keeping  your New Year’s resolutions until the next morning.