I spent all of Thursday night working on new clothing, and before I knew it, it was 5 AM. Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem, but I had to wake up at 6. I quickly showered and got in bed, and forty-five minutes later, I shot out of bed and back into the shower. Two showers in an hour long period may sound silly, but I can’t sleep or wake up without a shower. I was out the door before 7 AM and headed to Manhattan for a photo shoot with Lucky Magazine and Reebok.

Now, I’m completely used to being behind the scenes, dressing the models – but this time, I was in front of the camera. I was pretty nervous, as I am by no means the model type, nor do I have the experience. Let me tell you, it’s totally different when you’re taking self photos or having a friend photograph you. Don’t be fooled by any photos you may see of me, because 90% of the time, it’s either Bobby, Tessa or me taking them. Once someone else is behind the camera, I feel so awkward and my face starts doing this weird twitch. I have to continually remind myself to relax my face and stop fidgeting. Thus, I was pretty anxious about the day. I hate to disappoint, and I’ll admit I was a little scared they would turn me away once I got there! I know, I know, I’m a little paranoid.

Once I got there, I felt much more at ease. Despite being pretty much dead to the world at such an early hour, the queasy feeling I usually get in such situations was absent. I first met Turner, the stylist and Scott, the hair and makeup artist. They were both very friendly and laid back, in a completely genuine way. Soon afterward, I met the rest of the team (who were equally as nice and reassuring) and we started the shoot.

Since the focal point of the shoot were Reebok sneakers, Turner dressed me in leggings, a tank top and a lightweight anorak. Keep in mind that we are in NYC and it’s Winter – I was prepared to freeze my bum off. Surprisingly, however, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. My hands were completely numb but after several hours, I had no complaints. At one point, my leg started spazzing out and my teeth were chattering, but other than that I was okay. Though I’m usually not a sneakers kind of gal, I was grateful for the comfort they afforded me. They really were the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn…then again, I usually don’t even think about comfort. We warmed up inside of several stores, in between shots. Everyone was really cool and supportive, and constantly checked to make sure I was holding up and not freezing to death.

Overall, it was such a great and unexpected vibe and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The wonderful thing about Lucky is that they keep women with normal bodies and normal budgets in mind. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the high-fashion magazines and itty bitty models with extra long toothpick legs, but it’s nice to have something more within reach. The people who work there are the embodiment of the “lucky girl” movement – chic, down to earth and accessible. I feel lucky (no pun intended, I swear) to have been a part of such a fun shoot, and I’m looking forward to seeing the end result. I believe it runs in the April issue…I’m sure I’ll post it when it comes out.

In the meantime, here’s my own outfit from the day of the shoot. These were all taken after I got home, so I still have the same hair and makeup. By the way, having a professional makeup artist and hair stylist can give you all the confidence in the world. I asked if he could just be with me always and make me look pretty – I think he thought I was joking but I was half serious;)

Outfit details:
vintage fedora – borrowed from Bobby
late seventies brown corduroy blazer – from my high school days! I found it at my mom’s, in my old closet.
camel double breasted cardigan – American Apparel
reconstructed men’s shirt – made it myself from an XXL shirt.
grey tube dress underneath, worn as a slip (not visible)
maroon gloves – beacon’s closet
bow – I just serged a piece of charcoal rib knit at the last minute, because I couldn’t find my scarf.
grey tights – also from my high school days!
ankle boots – payless

Well, I’m back to work. I have a bunch of new stuff for the site, which should be up late tonight/early tomorrow. I’ll update when it’s done!

-Keiko Lynn