New Standards and Health Guidelines for Models

It's scary to think that the models of today have gotten skinner and younger. Shrinking right before our very eyes. It can't keep going on like this. It's just not right. Eager to see the changes and giving the girls a break.

“The CFDA remains deeply committed to our message of Health As Beauty and Diversity during Fashion Week and throughout the year. Fashion Week has become a powerful voice which reaches millions of people across the globe and we should not underestimate the consequences of the messages that we send.We have received pledges from all the top modeling agencies – including DNA, Elite, Ford, IMG, Marilyn, New York, Next, One, Supreme, Trump, Wilhelmina, and Women – that they will not send out any models under the age of 16 for shows.Our newly launched Ambassador Program will continue this season with veteran models from DNA, IMG, Marilyn, Next, and Women providing advice and support to up-and-coming models.We each have the power to impact the lives of women. Together, we can let the world know that diversity and Health Is Beauty are what we stand for.”

Current Guidelines:

• Educate the industry to identify the early warning signs in an individual at risk of developing an eating disorder.

• Encourage models who may have an eating disorder to seek professional help in order to continue modeling. And models who are receiving professional help for an eating disorder should not continue modeling without that professional’s approval.

• Develop workshops for the industry (including models and their families) on the nature of eating disorders, how they arise, how we identify and treat them, and complications if they are untreated.

• Support the well-being of younger individuals by not hiring models under the age of sixteen for runway shows; not allowing models under the age of eighteen to work past midnight at fittings or shoots; checking IDs to ensure that models are the appropriate age; providing regular breaks and rest. Consult the applicable labor laws found at www.labor.state.ny.us when working with models under sixteen.

• Supply healthy meals, snacks, and water backstage and at shoots and provide nutrition and fitness education.• *Promote a healthy backstage environment by raising the awareness of the impact of smoking and tobacco-related disease among women, ensuring a smoke-free environment, and address underage drinking by prohibiting alcohol.

So AWESOME!

XXOO,

Yoanna

Ever Evolving Diet and Exercise

Whether you're naturally slim or someone who finds it a challenge to maintain their figure, I dedicate this blog to you. After my desire to get serious about modeling peaked in my late teens, I knew there was a major hindrance to me succeeding in the market due to my clothing size at that time being a 12 -14. I wanted to be a part of high fashion. Let's face it, I have absolutely nothing against plus-size modeling and I don't get why there are such negative connotations with being curvaceous; a couple of my friends are in high demand in the plus-size market and are enjoying the success and attention it brings. I, however, feed off of the trademark, high fashions of Vogue and Women's Wear Daily. In order for top agencies to consider me for modeling, I knew I had to get serious about the weight loss I needed to undergo, and I viewed it as a sort of a challenge that had to be done the right way. While attending college and sitting in the courtyard after a lecture, I thought long and hard about how was I going to get down to a sample size and maintain it.First and foremost, I had to learn the basic fundamentals of nutrition.

It came as a shock that sipping on smoothies and snacking on fat-free gummy bears was not the road to a much desired, lean frame. It was also crucial to learn the appropriate form of exercise in order to achieve a lithe and feminine frame. Even when the occasion called for a "weigh-in", I refrained until I thought I had reached my goals. I didn't want it to become an obsession. Like every girl growing up, I wanted to be deemed attractive and the opportunity to wear fashionable clothing made it even more exciting.It took well over a year to complete the physical transformation before landing a highly coveted contract with a top modeling agency, but a spin on my fate came when my submission was sent in to be on America's Next Top Model. I met the final deadline and the casting process began.I am in no way an expert on nutrition, I don't hold a doctorate degree under my belt. I can only share the small changes I made along the way and that I seem to always return to. Especially after having a baby, these changes really helped regain my body.

- Shifting to Soy & Almond Milk (with less than 8 grams of sugar). Starbucks' Soy Milk doesn't count since it's laden with loads of sugar. Refrain from Dairy products

.- Watch out for creamy salad dressings, overdosing on fat and nuts.- Cutting back on fruit and increasing vegetable intake.

- Drinking water throughout the day

.- Be cautious of the amount of bleached, flour products, such as pastas and rice; switch to Ezekiel bread if you need bread.- Decrease intake of fatty meats, increase fish and lean, hormone-free poultry. Exercise-My friends tease me about my exercise routines, they find it comical that I 'm always researching the latest trends. I must admit that I am bit eccentric. From all my experiences through out the years, I have come to really cherish my workout routine. It's a combination of strengthening exercises and cardio. Somehow women get pushed into masculine workouts, boot-camps, and weights. I' ll be honest, I find sweaty dudes and their grunting-noises pretty amusing and being shouted at to repeat reps rather frightening. I prefer working with a series of Pilates exercises that are always evolving, yoga, gyrotonics, bar classes, resistance bands, or just using the Bosu. But most importantly, consistency is the only way to achieve and maintain results.

xo,Yoanna

Paris Haute Couture 2012

The Paris Haute Couture shows of 2012 are wrapping up and when gone will leave Paris still buzzing with the aftermath of decadent designs being sashayed on the cat-walk along with the fashion elite/celebrities who attended. I'm picturing myself in the Gardens of Versailles on a cool, balmy night with a young Clint Eastwood look-alike, dancing the night away and feeling drop-dead gorgeous! Here are some of my absolute favorites from the shows that leave me in awe, full of fantasies. A glimpse at Bouchra Jarrar,Versace,Jean Paul Gaultier,Giambattista Valli,Valentino, and Dior.

xo,

Yoanna

Young Hollywood Interview Q and A

1. In previous interviews you mention a lot of your younger fans asking you for life or career advice. In your opinion, what are some questions you get asked most frequently by your younger fans?
How to get famous, be on t.v., remind the girls that their looks can only carry them so far, have a backup plan, must finish education, re-evaluate your intention for wanting to be famous. aspire to be different and great

2. Now that you are a mother how do you balance work and family?
The great balancing act. I've learned from experience, I have no magic formula. I constantly have to re-evaluate and ask, "Am I making enough time for my son and myself?" In the beginning I took him everywhere with me, even when going to meetings and The Tyra Show, etc. I had to learn that it was ok I couldn't do everything all by myself and ok to ask for help in order to balance work and family. Also, "Am I taking care of myself that way that I need to?" I had to learn the difference between the reality of being a mother and being perfect. Your mind never rests! Once I became a mother, my mind was and is still full of worries, it is inescapable.
3. What advice would you give to young women hoping to have a successful career and eventually be a mother/wife?
It's about God's perfect timing and positioning in conjunction with your dreams. Also not settling (a big mistake) especially if God has someone better in store for you. We shouldn't allow ourselves to become or just be some " man's option".
4. While reading about you I noticed you speak two languages other than English. What inspired you to learn so many languages?
My major was International Relations; I was fascinated by other cultures, taboos, political standings and I found the challenge of Japan's alphabet system to be engaging. Our Sensei had remarkable patience and our Japanese class was made up of a total of 10 students.
5. Who would you say has been the most supportive to you and your career?
I've learned to be my own best friend and from mistakes by sharing too much along the way re: projects, people I'd met, places I'd been, etc. My primary goal is, and has always been, to be authentic to not get affected or have a delusional sense of entitlement. It's the most unattractive quality seen in males or females who have been/are given much. I try to balance mind, body and spirit, by going to Mass, keeping grounded with positive friends. And in times past, I've had a spiritual director whose brain I could pick in order to gain a different perspective on life's challenges.
6.What generally makes your life happy?
Alastair, for sure! Also, simplifying my routine and life has brought me peace. Carving out mandatory "Me time", whether it be a beauty, holistic ritual, working out, or reading a Paris Vogue magazine: it's super and makes me happy.
7. What trends should we be keeping an eye out for this spring?
Trends: school boy blazers, tailored jeans, return of feminine lingerie used as outerwear (Agent Provocateur, Wolford body suits), Vivienne Westwood boots, and I love wearing White! Reconstructing old vintage pieces and making them more body conscious and modern.
8. What toddler items can you not live with out?
Wipes (anti-bacterial or the tushie wipes kind). Educational toys, Music, Play-Dough!! Books for story time, V-tech Ipad,and enlisting Alastair in dance,drum lessons,soccer!!!
9.What are some of your favorite current projects?
I'm very excited about this past month and the doors opening to more modeling and broadcasting. After Alastair was born, I experienced getting my feet wet with appearing on the then Tyra Show several times and fashion reporting. I am traveling for work on a lot various model workshops and teaching girls the "inside playbook". I've begun modeling more now, especially in Miami with fantastic photographers and have a future trip planned for L.A. knocking on networks doors. Right now, I have few shoots coming up with various Florida magazines, so keep an eye out :)

Hitting it Hard at the Gym! List of tunes that get me pumped and ready for "Swimsuit Season"

1. Cee Lo Green " Bright Lights Bigger City"
2. Awolnation "Sail"
3.Coldplay and Rhianna "Princess of China"
4. Nicki Minaj "Moment 4 Life"
5. Kings Of Leon "Radio Active"
6. Janelle Monae "Cold War"
7. Chris Brown "Beautiful People"
8.Drake " Find Your Love"
9.The Killers " Human"
10.Keyshia Cole "Let it Go"
11.Florence + The Machine "Shake it Out"
12.Lupe Fiasco "Out of My Head"
13. Aventura " All up 2 You"
14. Peaches "Lose You"
15.Prince "Chelsea Rodgers"
16. Guns N Roses " Paradise City"
17. Mary J. Blige "Show Love"
18.Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros "Home"
19. Kym Mazelle "Young Hearts Run Free"
20. Hercules and Love Affair "Blind"
21.The Temper Trap "Sweet Disposition"
22. Flo Rida "Good Feeling"
23. Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina "Stereo Love"
24. Janet Jackson "Love Will Never Do Without You"
25.Michael Jackson "Smooth Criminal"
26. Sade "Solider of Love"
27. The Black Keys "Howlin For You"
28. Mika "Relax, Take it Easy"
29. Adele "Set Fire to the Rain"
30. Gotye "Somebody Like I Use to Know"
31. Kanye West "Jesus Walks"
32. Enrique Iglesias & Juan Luis Guerra "Cuando Me Enamoro

How to get famous...young and restless

You can only imagine the interesting questions, I have gotten over the years.The primary questions that I receive from young ladies and their mothers are how to get famous, how to be on tv, and how to break into the fashion industry.
I try and remind these females that looks can only carry them so far; they must have a backup plan and know it is crucial to finish their education. Re-evaluate your intention for wanting to be famous or model: do you really even like fashion? You should aspire to be different and great, not just famous.Sometimes what you want REALLY isn't what you need.
An award -winning producer from ANTM, always blurted out, "Girls, remember that you learn and grow from your mistakes..."
Oh Boy, have I made mistakes. I've learned how to be my own best friend and from my mistakes of sharing too much along the way regarding projects I was doing, people I'd met, places I'd been, things I wanted to happen in my personal life, etc.
I guess my primary goal is, and has always been, to be authentic and not get affected or have a delusional sense of entitlement. It would be foolish to think the world or modeling/entertainment industry owed me anything. The "Entitlement Complex" really bugs me. It's the most unattractive quality in people (males or females) who have been given much throughout their lives or accomplished much.
Love, Yoanna
P.S. Still learning and growing

*Deuteronomy 8:17-18
The wealth or "abundance"of our lives is a gift, not just a given. That is, no more than with life itself do we have this as something we can earn or deserve. It is not entitlement but blessings in which others are meant to share

A healthy way of living always adds a glow..

Juicing is a fantastic escape from "mindless" snacking. Most Organic Supermarkets, Smoothie Stands, or Health Food Stores are perfect spots to order the following:

The Green Goddess Juice:
Celery, Cucumber, Kale,
Swiss Chard, Spinach, Collard Greens,
touch of Apple, Lemon, Parsley

For a deeper cleanse and aids in getting a flat stomach try
Romaine, Celery, Spinach, Cucumber, Parsley,Lemon, tsp of agave nectar(optional)

One of the best and also considered to be "Nature's Gatorade" is Coconut Water/Juice especially when it comes from a Young Thai Coconut and served immediately.

xo-Yoanna

Top 10 mandatory lessons I learned and that comes along with being signed with TOP Modeling and Braodcasting Agencies

1.) Take advice on changing your looks within reason! Put aside the affection you share for your hair and it’s color; if they say to cut your hair then just do it!

2.) Skincare is a the ultimate trait a client sees. It is CRUCIAL to care for your skin properly. Hair MUST be perfectly blown-out too.

3.) Teeth should not be too white (that creeps out casting directors), or discolored.

4.) Learn how to dress like a model. Tailored jeans with no trendy adornments. Plenty of blogs out there to teach you, “Daria Werbowy” is a great example. The street hooker look is dead :)

5.) High heels always, unless they are the hottest boot and current fashion.

6.) Mascara, mascara, mascara! No shadow,lip color,or penciled anything. No chippy nail polish either.

7.) One handbag only and it should be fabulous (it doesn’t have to be expensive). When visiting an agency or clients, do NOT bring luggage, gym bags or lunch bags.

8.) Be PUNCTUAL (always on time), be polite, and no chewing gum.

9.) Learn the city layout and time traveling efficiently.

10.) No making special requests or answering cell phone on a set, unless it’s your agent calling then you asked to be excused.

Remember YOU as the model, are only one of the components to a creative collaboration. xo- Yoanna

I was bitten by the fashion bug starting back to my earliest childhood memories: those of playing dress-up in my grandmother's closet, organizing her high heels from pale to vibrant colors. The highlight of our time was spent together watching CNN Style on Saturday mornings while begging her to spritz me with Chanel no. 5. The admiration I had for my grandmother made my love of all things glittery and sparkly even more intense. It was she who pushed me to per sue fashion/modeling and encouraged my dramatic transformation.
Throughout my whole life I've been deemed quirky and unique, and while it used to rub me the wrong way, I now take it as a compliment. I view the opportunities that enriched my life to align with what my heart always desired but with God's perfect positioning and timing. Serendipitous sounding? Maybe, but it's no coincidence when you have the courage to reach for the stars and let go of other peoples opinions and discouraging words. I often practice sitting still while concentrating on my dream, showing gratitude, and surrounding myself with positive affirmations and friends. Sometimes the most beneficial action is to hold your personal dreams private and not share too much! Everything happens in accordance to our thoughts and walking in the light. It is crucial we allow for the tolerance of others and their uniqueness, as intolerance has widespread consequences. xo -Yoanna