Xander Evitts || Elite Model Q&A
Elite: Favourite photographer you have worked with?
Xander: Simon Harris
E: What was your first modelling job?
X: Men's Health
E: Where is the worst place you have ever worked?
X: I was a bin man last summer, it's not as bad as it sounds, I worked outside getting a tan and it was great exercise (and I got paid).
E: What is your favourite film?
X: Austin Powers
E: Guilty pleasure?
X: Chocolate chip cookies
E: What is the last dream you remember having?
X: You don't want to know
E: Favourite person in the agency?
X: Charlie, but I like everyone.
E: Best thing about London/Paris/Milan?
X: London - The clubs - I love the music!
E: What did you want to be when you were younger?
X: Very, very rich.
E: Marmite: Love/Hate
S: HATE
E: Who is your celebrity crush?
X: I don't really have one, but Nicole Sherzingerrrr…
E: If we took you to Starbucks right now what would you order?
X: Water
E: What song is most played on your ipod?
X: Timbaland ft. Keri Hilson - Scream
E: What did you have for breakfast today?
X: Porridge
E: How would you describe your style?
X: Simple
E: Which established model do you most admire?
X: Probably David Gandy, he is doing very well and he's British.
E: How much is a pint of milk?
X: I don't drink milk but I can tell you that soya milk is 60p for a litre.
E: Tell us a joke.
X: What did the biscuit say when it fell off the table?… Oh crumbs!
E: Describe yourself in 3 words…
X: 1: DOWN 2: TO 3: PARTY
A Series of Mishaps
Thursday started off . . . a little rocky. I woke up in plenty of time, ate breakfast at home (never happens), and had a nice chat with Summer before heading to work. But, sometimes I can be a little oblivious to the forecast. So when I put on my cotton maxi-dress (that's too long for me btw) and canvas Toms, let's just say I wasn't prepared for the apocalyptic weather awaiting me outside.
Seriously, y'all, it was torrential. And I couldn't find my umbrella. Because of rain-induced traffic, I arrived at the high school just in time . . . with not a parking space in sight. Literally not within any reasonable distance. After driving around and around and around, and with the late bell ringing, I finally parked in front of a gate (NO PARKING ZONE), put my hazards on, and prayed that if Balboa decided to tow, that they'd figure it was a teacher's car and make an announcement: "White Honda Civic about to be towed! Get your shit together, Ms. Kiefer!"
My plan was to teach class (while praying the whole time that my car wasn't being towed) and then run out and move it to a legit spot immediately. Which is what I did . . .
but the damn thing wouldn't start. Perhaps because I'd left my hazards on too long. By this point, I was DRENCHED. I called AAA and sat in my car awaiting help. At last, help came, in the form of a former-Balboa-student-turned-AAA-driver. He jumped my car, and off I went . . .
only to hydroplane across 6 lanes of freeway. I am not exaggerating when I say that my car began to spin out of control, and did multiple donuts all across the freeway. Probably four complete circles, from the left lane to the right exit ramp. At one point, I was staring in the face of a semi-truck heading in my direction (head on). This was certainly the closest encounter I've had with death, and it was only a miracle that the semi-truck could see far enough ahead to understand what was happening and slow down in time. He (and all the other cars) stopped completely on the freeway while I spun. I've never experienced anything like it.
My stomach was in knots for hours. And I went straight to the tire place and replaced my back two tires. This was the scariest thing that's ever happened to me. So thankful I'm alive.
And then today I overslept and missed my plane. But all is well in the world now, as I sit in 24A writing this blog post, browsing twitter, and sipping my vodka tonic. ;)
Speaking of twitter, I'm new to it! Come find me, as I need more awesome/funny people to follow.
I hesitated for a couple years but then realized that if I jumped on the twitter train, I could follow the Jersey Shore cast. And why do I want to do that? To see the Sitch tweet about #GFI (Grenade Free Italy) and to get updates from Vinny like this:
Happy Friday, y'all! You'll be hearing from me (and Summer!) soon!
Seriously, y'all, it was torrential. And I couldn't find my umbrella. Because of rain-induced traffic, I arrived at the high school just in time . . . with not a parking space in sight. Literally not within any reasonable distance. After driving around and around and around, and with the late bell ringing, I finally parked in front of a gate (NO PARKING ZONE), put my hazards on, and prayed that if Balboa decided to tow, that they'd figure it was a teacher's car and make an announcement: "White Honda Civic about to be towed! Get your shit together, Ms. Kiefer!"
My plan was to teach class (while praying the whole time that my car wasn't being towed) and then run out and move it to a legit spot immediately. Which is what I did . . .
but the damn thing wouldn't start. Perhaps because I'd left my hazards on too long. By this point, I was DRENCHED. I called AAA and sat in my car awaiting help. At last, help came, in the form of a former-Balboa-student-turned-AAA-driver. He jumped my car, and off I went . . .
only to hydroplane across 6 lanes of freeway. I am not exaggerating when I say that my car began to spin out of control, and did multiple donuts all across the freeway. Probably four complete circles, from the left lane to the right exit ramp. At one point, I was staring in the face of a semi-truck heading in my direction (head on). This was certainly the closest encounter I've had with death, and it was only a miracle that the semi-truck could see far enough ahead to understand what was happening and slow down in time. He (and all the other cars) stopped completely on the freeway while I spun. I've never experienced anything like it.
My stomach was in knots for hours. And I went straight to the tire place and replaced my back two tires. This was the scariest thing that's ever happened to me. So thankful I'm alive.
And then today I overslept and missed my plane. But all is well in the world now, as I sit in 24A writing this blog post, browsing twitter, and sipping my vodka tonic. ;)
Speaking of twitter, I'm new to it! Come find me, as I need more awesome/funny people to follow.
@clairekiefer
I hesitated for a couple years but then realized that if I jumped on the twitter train, I could follow the Jersey Shore cast. And why do I want to do that? To see the Sitch tweet about #GFI (Grenade Free Italy) and to get updates from Vinny like this:
Happy Friday, y'all! You'll be hearing from me (and Summer!) soon!
Bobby Sabel || Shortlist Mode Magazine
Bobby Sabel looking suave for the new issue of Shortlist Mode.
Caroline Brasch Neilsen || Love Magazine
Starring in this editorial from the Androgyny issue of LOVE magazine, Caroline Brasch Nielsen looks every inch the superstar in a mix of mysterious masks and gothic make-up. What more could you want on a day like today, let Caroline take you to the darkside...looking fierce the whole way there.
Finn Donnelly || Jack Wills Easter Collection
Check out the lovely Finn Donnelly in the latest offering from Jack Wills and their Easter Collection video campaign. The lucky things flew to South Africa for the shoot and look at what fun they had. He couldn't even resist a cheeky flash for all you girls and guys, but you'll have to watch until the end for that.
Ming Xi || Vogue China
Look at our lovely Ming Xi in this 70's inspired shoot from the March issue of Vogue China. She could have jumped straight from the glamourous Studio 54 onto the pages of Vogue. Ming never gets it wrong and this is no exception, although we could probably dress her in a paper bag and she'd still work it!
Sadie Phelps || Elite Model Q&A
Elite: Favourite photographer you have worked with?
Sadie: David Dunan, I got to lie one the floor for most of the time AND he said I moved my hands well.
E: Where is the worst place you have ever worked?
S: At school.
E: What is your favourite film?
S: Gummo… I haven't see it yet but it's gonna be 'the one'
E: What is your nickname?
S: Sades
E: Guilty pleasure?
S: Story of Issac (E: A song by Leonard Cohen, don't be guilty Sades!)
E: What is the last dream you remember having?
S: I threw a small, ridiculous suitcase at someone.
E: Dream job?
S: To sell candyfloss on a massive hill, with lots of white fabric blowing from the trees.
E: Favourite person in the agency?
S: Elliott [the agency mascot], he barks sometimes and looks funny when he runs.
E: Best thing about London/Paris/Milan?
S: Milan - Ice cream, Paris - Their way or nothing, London - It's called "Great Britain" for a reason.
E: What did you want to be when you were younger?
S: Archaeologist
E: Marmite: Love/Hate
S: L O V E
E: Who is your celebrity crush?
S: I've never had any.
E: If we took you to Starbucks right now what would you order?
S: Cafe Nero all the way, Starbucks hate poor people.
E: What song is most played on your ipod?
S: Crystal Castles - Baptism AND Salem - When You Sleep
E: What did you have for breakfast today?
S: Quavers with water
E: What is your life philosophy?
S: The worst parts of your life make brilliant stories.
E: How would you describe your style?
S: Tight, black and simple.
E: Which established model do you most admire?
S: Lara Stone's got da booty and Alice Dellal's in yo face.
E: What's your Facebook status at the moment?
S: I'm in a band, I'm singing…Portugal gig soon
E: How much is a pint of milk?
S: Why is it STILL measured in pints?
E: What is your fashion week survival strategy?
S: Tube 'Travelcard'
E: Describe yourself in 3 words…
S: Creative, bright, YOUNG!
Places You Don't Wanna Go: Prisons, Jails, Hospitals
If I told you I'd taught at the high school, met with an observer, had a hair appointment, driven across three bridges, had a phone meeting, taught at the prison, and been to the office where I'm volunteering to pick up audio equipment--all today--would you believe me?
Well, 'tis the truth, and you better believe I'm hanging out with a glass of Cabernet right now after all that. And the kicker is that I have to be at the jail two counties away at 7:30 in the morning.
Amidst all that havoc I listed above, my stepmom called and told me that my daddy is in the hospital! They suspect he has a stomach ulcer. :( I spoke to him today and he sounds just fine, and the doctors say it's all routine and probably not serious, but I still can't help but panic because a) I love my daddy and b) I'm an anxious freak. Therefore, I've been googling all the things that could be terribly wrong with him. My sister (the calmer Kiefer daughter to say the least) had to say "Claire--step away from the computer!" I sure know how to work myself into a frenzy.
He's on a business trip in Minneapolis (of all places to get stuck in the hospital!) so my stepmom flew up there this afternoon just to make sure he's A-OK. Fortunately she remembered to bring Alter-natius with her, since the real Ignatius isn't allowed on planes. They texted me this pic tonight:
It may not be the real Ignatius, but at least my dad has a beagle in his immediate proximity. And trust me--the stuffed Ignatius is a better choice as a hospital guest. No one deserves to have the actual Ignatius in the building with them when they're recovering from surgery/birth/tests.
Please send all your positive thoughts to my daddy and cross your fingers that Friday (when I'm stepping on a plane headed to NYC!) gets here soon.
Weird news: Tonight when I got to San Quentin, they were removing all ~1,000 beds from the H-Unit, in order to replace the springs on the metal bunk beds with a straight-welded "cookie sheet" slate. Why? Cause it occurred to the higher-ups that inmates could theoretically make shanks out of the "springs" in the frame (no, it hasn't been happening--I asked. This is "preventative"). This is what the prison bunk beds looked like until today:
Well, 'tis the truth, and you better believe I'm hanging out with a glass of Cabernet right now after all that. And the kicker is that I have to be at the jail two counties away at 7:30 in the morning.
Amidst all that havoc I listed above, my stepmom called and told me that my daddy is in the hospital! They suspect he has a stomach ulcer. :( I spoke to him today and he sounds just fine, and the doctors say it's all routine and probably not serious, but I still can't help but panic because a) I love my daddy and b) I'm an anxious freak. Therefore, I've been googling all the things that could be terribly wrong with him. My sister (the calmer Kiefer daughter to say the least) had to say "Claire--step away from the computer!" I sure know how to work myself into a frenzy.
He's on a business trip in Minneapolis (of all places to get stuck in the hospital!) so my stepmom flew up there this afternoon just to make sure he's A-OK. Fortunately she remembered to bring Alter-natius with her, since the real Ignatius isn't allowed on planes. They texted me this pic tonight:
It may not be the real Ignatius, but at least my dad has a beagle in his immediate proximity. And trust me--the stuffed Ignatius is a better choice as a hospital guest. No one deserves to have the actual Ignatius in the building with them when they're recovering from surgery/birth/tests.
Please send all your positive thoughts to my daddy and cross your fingers that Friday (when I'm stepping on a plane headed to NYC!) gets here soon.
Weird news: Tonight when I got to San Quentin, they were removing all ~1,000 beds from the H-Unit, in order to replace the springs on the metal bunk beds with a straight-welded "cookie sheet" slate. Why? Cause it occurred to the higher-ups that inmates could theoretically make shanks out of the "springs" in the frame (no, it hasn't been happening--I asked. This is "preventative"). This is what the prison bunk beds looked like until today:
from, since I obvs can't take my own pics inside
and this is what they will look like from here on out:
Whew, what a relief that our state government is doing that. Feels good to know that our tax dollars are being put to such good use!
Misha Patel || Grit Magazine
Misha Patel is the main feature in this editorial for the new issue of Grit Magazine. Our fresh-faced superstar wears a masculine mix of knitwear from James Long, J. W. Anderson and other upcoming brit-pack designers. We can't wait to see more from this Elite rising star.
A Slow Weekend is Good for the Soul
It's quite rare that I get to enjoy a laid-back weekend. But it's so nourishing, and I'm ever grateful when it happens. Here's what I did:
Friday night:
My friend Anna came over with take-out Thai, and we chatted on my couch over wine and delicious food. It was great catching up with her, and it was also great being in bed by midnight. ;)
Saturday:
I slept late! Then read some of this:
which I love so far, and then eventually moseyed on out of the house, and hit up the Jeremys 60% off sale! Bought this little dress and this robe:
Goodness I think that robe is pretty. And both for a grand total of less than $30, thanks to the megasale. It was worth wading through the crowded aisles of women clamoring at designer deals! Although my heart is crushed that I missed the 60% off SHOE sale the weekend prior. People, Jeremys carries Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Louboutin, Prada, etc. etc. . . what did I do to piss off the gods enough to miss the 60% off shoe sale?! Then again, had I known about it, I very well might have emptied my bank account, so perhaps it's a blessing in disguise.
After shopping, a bunch of errands, and darting around dodging raindrops all afternoon, I came home and stayed in by myself Saturday night, wearing slippers that Summer sent me and watching a movie that Micaela sent me. So cozy!
Sunday:
Despite wanting to sleep in, I woke up early and ate some yogurt, granola, & raspberries so I'd be energized for yoga with my friend Audrey. We went to the Berkeley lululemon's free Sunday morning class, which was mellow and energizing at the same time--just what I needed. I managed to hold my crow pose for about 2.2 seconds, but then toppled over and twisted my wrist. Eh, no pain no gain, right?
Friday night:
My friend Anna came over with take-out Thai, and we chatted on my couch over wine and delicious food. It was great catching up with her, and it was also great being in bed by midnight. ;)
Saturday:
I slept late! Then read some of this:
which I love so far, and then eventually moseyed on out of the house, and hit up the Jeremys 60% off sale! Bought this little dress and this robe:
Goodness I think that robe is pretty. And both for a grand total of less than $30, thanks to the megasale. It was worth wading through the crowded aisles of women clamoring at designer deals! Although my heart is crushed that I missed the 60% off SHOE sale the weekend prior. People, Jeremys carries Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Louboutin, Prada, etc. etc. . . what did I do to piss off the gods enough to miss the 60% off shoe sale?! Then again, had I known about it, I very well might have emptied my bank account, so perhaps it's a blessing in disguise.
After shopping, a bunch of errands, and darting around dodging raindrops all afternoon, I came home and stayed in by myself Saturday night, wearing slippers that Summer sent me and watching a movie that Micaela sent me. So cozy!
Sunday:
Despite wanting to sleep in, I woke up early and ate some yogurt, granola, & raspberries so I'd be energized for yoga with my friend Audrey. We went to the Berkeley lululemon's free Sunday morning class, which was mellow and energizing at the same time--just what I needed. I managed to hold my crow pose for about 2.2 seconds, but then toppled over and twisted my wrist. Eh, no pain no gain, right?
crow pose, from
Can y'all do crow pose? I can get there, usually, but I can't hold it for long. Something to work on, I suppose. My favorite pose is pigeon, cause it stretches my hips so gooooooood . . .
Audrey and I walked across the street for coffee after class, and sat for an hour chatting about boys and work and all those kinds of things. I love girlfriends, seriously. They make life infinitely better. Female solidarity--can't get enough.
I got home a little after noon, cooked up some delicious veggie curry, and worked on my San Quentin lesson plans/critiqued last week's homework before heading to babysit Freeman in San Francisco at 5:30. Slow weekends with free afternoons make me so happy. It makes a world of difference in my energy level. If I had time for yoga, savoring coffee, and reading every morning, I'd be a much more balanced person.
Butttttt . . . here's to Monday!
Sigrid Agren || Numéro Magazine
Sigrid Agren looking smoking hot in this editorial for Numéro Magazine's March issue. Sigrid looks absolutely striking and this is only complemented by the high contrast black & white photography. The shoot entitled "Eden Roc" takes viewers to a sandy shore, to see Sigrid languidly stretched out under the sun. Here at Elite HQ summer couldn't come any sooner, if it looks anything like this.
Friday I'm in Love (and my own little tribute to Japan)
I know a lot of bloggers are participating in the Day of Silence for Japan, but I thought a blog post + a link to an amazing donation deal would be just as productive!
You know, for the record, I love hearing about what y'all are loving, too. And therefore I encourage you to participate in Friday, I'm in Love. Isn't it great to discover new products/books/recipes, etc.? Why yes I think so.
1. Bare Minerals
I never believed that this would actually work--that a strictly powder foundation would even my skin tone & provide solid coverage . . . but now I'm a total convert. I tried it and I love it. And since my go-to foundation is $60, I think I'm sticking with Bare Minerals from here on out!
2. My Impromptu Kale Recipe
The other night I was exhausted and wanted a quick dinner, so it was a whatever's-in-my-fridge sorta night. Fortunately, I had some good !@#$ in my fridge, cause I threw together this kale & brown rice dish and it was so dang good.
saute minced garlic in coconut oil
add washed kale
stir-fry kale & garlic with chili flakes, salt, & pepper
when it's mostly done, add slivered almonds & craisins
serve over brown rice
3. Emi-Jay Hair Ties
I bought mine at the Dailey Method when I arrived to workout and had no hair tie with me, but then realized I could order them online. They're amazing--cute, sturdy, and hold your hair well without breaking it. Try these!
images from Emi Jay website
4. Living Social's Matching Donations to Japan!
Y'all, Living Social has already raised almost 2 million dollars toward the relief efforts in Japan! If you donate just $5, they'll match your donation and pledge $10 total. I donated yesterday--it takes just a second and is so effective! Click here to donate, and let me know if you do! :)
Happy Friday, & I hope it's prettier where you are than it is in San Francisco, where it's dreary, cold, and pouring down rain!
Happy Birthday || Hannah Noble
Happy Birthday to the wonderful Hannah Noble! Today is her 17th birthday and we are very pleased to be celebrating it with her. Hannah Noble was discovered at last years EML competition, where she went on to become a finalist. Since then she has gone on to have huge success within the industry walking for Christopher Kane, Prada, PPQ and Roksanda Illincic to name but a few and shooting some stunning editorials for Dazed & Confused, i-D, Wonderland and most recently Vogue Turkey. We are very proud of our homegrown girl and hope she has an amazing birthday!
I'm a holiday girl
Do you love holidays? In general, I'm all about celebrating and traditions. For example, I think it's incredibly cool that on Halloween night, people all across America (and other countries, too!)--rich, poor, city, rural, etc. etc. are all dressed up in elaborate costumes. It's unifying, you know?
Since pretty much my entire extended family lives within a 20 mile radius of each other in Georgia, holidays always mean gatherings, too--lots of delicious food, hanging out with each other, etc. They get together on Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, 4th of July, etc. I am always home at Christmas, but I get nostalgic on the other holidays and really miss everyone at home. I usually call my mama, and she passes the phone around so I can say hello, but I miss actually being with my family. It's gonna get harder when my sister has a kid (eventually).
I'm wearing a green sweater today to avoid getting pinched (a green sweater that I got at the BCBG outlet for $9, might I add), but I don't really celebrate St. Patrick's Day. When I was 15, one of my close friends died on St. Patrick's Day, and it's kinda taken the air out of the holiday for me. Although anniversaries can be hard, I don't have all the crazy emotions around his death anymore (I mean, it's been 14 years now), but I can't help but think of Dan on St. Patrick's Day, and it makes me disinclined to rage over green beers and glittery hats.
Also, I don't eat corned beef. And also, I feel a nagging sense of cultural appropriation when it comes to "ethnic" holidays like St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo. It doesn't mean I can't appreciate them (or want to toast to Mexico over margaritas on May 5), but I almost feel like an imposter, if that makes sense.
But for those of you who celebrate, Happy St. Patrick's Day. And may all of us be the recipients of tremendous Irish luck!
Since pretty much my entire extended family lives within a 20 mile radius of each other in Georgia, holidays always mean gatherings, too--lots of delicious food, hanging out with each other, etc. They get together on Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, 4th of July, etc. I am always home at Christmas, but I get nostalgic on the other holidays and really miss everyone at home. I usually call my mama, and she passes the phone around so I can say hello, but I miss actually being with my family. It's gonna get harder when my sister has a kid (eventually).
I'm wearing a green sweater today to avoid getting pinched (a green sweater that I got at the BCBG outlet for $9, might I add), but I don't really celebrate St. Patrick's Day. When I was 15, one of my close friends died on St. Patrick's Day, and it's kinda taken the air out of the holiday for me. Although anniversaries can be hard, I don't have all the crazy emotions around his death anymore (I mean, it's been 14 years now), but I can't help but think of Dan on St. Patrick's Day, and it makes me disinclined to rage over green beers and glittery hats.
Also, I don't eat corned beef. And also, I feel a nagging sense of cultural appropriation when it comes to "ethnic" holidays like St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo. It doesn't mean I can't appreciate them (or want to toast to Mexico over margaritas on May 5), but I almost feel like an imposter, if that makes sense.
But for those of you who celebrate, Happy St. Patrick's Day. And may all of us be the recipients of tremendous Irish luck!
Catarina Ravaglia by Paulo Roversi || Cerutti 18CRR81 Lookbook SS11
Catarina Ravaglia stars in the 18CRR81 Cerutti SS11 lookbook, shot by none other than Paulo Roversi. Doesn't she look a dream?
Catching my Eye(s) of Late
When I have something BIG looming over my head, I become the most easily distracted person in the world. Suddenly, idiotic tv shows become appealing (ha, what am I talking about, "suddenly"), tasks around the house present themselves, and I even remember that I'm past due for an oil change (um, and my student loans). It's remarkable. And although I turned in my mammoth manuscript on Monday, here are some things that are (still) keeping me distracted lately:
WTF. Do y'all know that my girl is gonna be FIVE next month? And she's suckin' on a paci? What's up with infantilizing kindergartners? I wonder if she'll need her pacifier during her first book report. Or before prom, just to calm her down. Or to ease her pre-wedding jitters. Gosh.
As I mentioned, I'm participating in the lovely Jessie's etsy swap! I'm excited to be paired with the sweet Meredith from Thank You Ma'am. And while I should be focusing on her favorite etsy pics, I can't but gaze at my own faves . . . four of which are these. :) What are your favorite etsy finds these days?
My dear friends, the B's, are on an adoption quest, as you may well know. And Summer's sweet friend KLaw has created this print to raise money for the (very costly) adoption. Click here to buy the print and support the B's!
This really happened: On Monday night, as I was driving the short distance from the H-Unit to the East Gate of San Quentin (pictured above) after my (spectacular) poetry class, I almost ran over a deer. That's right: a darlin' lil Bambi was prancing around the grounds of one of the most famous prisons in America. I guess God likes to be funny sometimes? While I appreciated the cosmic irony of this bizarre occurrence, I also thanked my lucky stars that I didn't run over the dang thing. Not only cause hitting a deer would be emotionally traumatic, but . . . can you imagine a worse place to be stranded with a totaled car?
Annnnnnnnd my Micaela is having a giveaway! Click here to win this sweet (and special) "Micaela" headband, created by the lovely & talented Gracienne.
So, was this post long enough to make up for my absence the past two days? Ha. Hope you made it through! ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)