Livin’ La Vida Liz: In London

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Liz Calvario

So I headed to London on April 3-4, 2014, the first stop on my 10 day European grand tour.

Our time was short there but it was amazing. We (Brittney and I) landed in Manchester and took the train over to London where we met up with my friend Hilary and our exploration began.

We saw the London Tower castle and saw the ruins of a London that once was. We walked around a bit more and as the night was getting darker we saw the bridge light up. This was my time to head over to the Backstreet Boys concert at the O2 Arena. Yes, it’s true I saw them there all by myself and it was AMAZING.

Riding the metro alone was invigorating, I was a bit scared but the feeling of being free and independent in a foreign city was thrilling; plus the metro connected right to the arena and everyone rode it after the show so I wasn’t alone.

Of course I had to take the phone booth pic, it’s a classic. The next day we had a mid-day plane ride to Dublin so we went sightseeing in the morning and saw Big (#Booty) Ben and Buckingham Palace. Helloooo Prince Harry 😉

That was about it, as we had to catch a train to the airport and depart to our next destination.

What a grand day!

Recap: “Livin La Vida Liz: In Paris”

Livin’ La Vida – Janelle Blanford Part II

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Liz Calvario

Welcome back to Part II of “Livin La Vida: Janelle Blanford“, a couple weeks ago we met model Janelle and learned about how she was discovered and what she would like to accomplish.

Now let’s find out a little more of what this rising star does. First let’s see what her daily routine is all about. While everyday is different what would the most typical shoot day be like for a model on the go?

“My days are always different. So I’ll walk you through my most typical day. I hit snooze about 5 times, roll out of bed, put on skinny jeans and a boyfriend tank. Spend about a half hour in traffic dancing to whatever’s on my playlist at the time. Show up to my shoot, spend in hour in hair and makeup, shoot all day – dance around in front of a camera and call it ‘my job’. Scrub all the makeup off, rush to a casting or two and then go enjoy dinner with friends and my sis.”

Sounds like a fun-filled day! But how does one even prep for a shoot? Do I get a bagel and run off with a latte? Let’s see what Janelle does,

“I usually shoot every day. So I guess I’m prepping everyday! I do simple workouts that I learned at a workshop every other day for thirty minutes just to stay toned. And once a week I do a facial mask to keep my skin looking fresh.”

OK, so maybe no bagel. While every shoot is different and at times you don’t know what to expect, the thought of being the subject, dressing up and having fun is pretty cool. So what new projects are in store for Ms. Blanford?

“I recently shot the campaign for a new cosmetic line called, Miss Adoro. I think it’ll will be carried in Target soon! I just had my Pantene editorial spread come out which was such a fun experience. As for coming up… I usually don’t get to know what I’ll be working on until a few days before. People can keep an eye out for my usual clients, Ya Los Angeles, Make Me Chic, Naked Zebra [and many more].”

Someone so into the fashion world but have some favorite icons they look up to, right? While I look up to Victoria Beckham and Rachel Bilson, let’s see what Janelle’s favs are,

“Who’s everyone’s fashion icons?? MARY-KATE & ASHLEY. I just did a inspirational shoot with a model friend completely based on our favorite shots of the twins. I find myself dressing very much like them. And I’m very much in love with the 60s. I want to be Audrey Hepburn.”

So all those shoots must be accompanied by some pretty sweet music! Queue the video montage! Haha but really though, what fuels little J and gets her ready for work?

“I make a new Spotify playlist for each season, right now it’s a lot of Miley‘s new album, Parachute and Augustana, always! I also have so many talented friends that I’m constantly impressed by and jamming to. Check em out.. Nick Santino and the Northern Winds, Brighten, Roy English, Hot Chelle Rae, Paradise Fears, Machine Heart, Jackson Guthy, Oh Honey, Boys Like Girls, Albert Stenaj, The Summer Set, Ryan Cabrera, Nylo, Novelties, Boyce Avenue, The Cab, MKTO, Madeline Fuhrman and Artist vs. Poet!”

One more thing! What can Janelle NOT live without? If anyone cares, mine is my iPhone, a good magazine, and a double latte! OK, enough about me,

“I think there is nothing better than a person that smells delicious. So I don’t leave the house without my signature scent Couture Couture by Juicy Couture. As for two things that are usually glued to my hands, a good strong coffee and my iPhone.”

Sounds like perfect must-haves! Here’s to a great career for this lovely doll. We’ll be watching her on the billboards pretty soon. To know more about Janelle, follow her on her social media sites below and we hope you’ve enjoyed this feature of “Livin La Vida”.

Twitter- @janelleallisa

FB- Janelle Allisa

Instagram- @janelleallisa

Website- janelleallisa.wix.com/janelleblanford

xoxo Liz Cal!

All photos courtesy of Janelle Blanford

If YOU would like to be featured on a segment of “Livin’ La Vida” email me at LaVidaLizC@gmail.com

Livin’ La Vida: Janelle Blanford – Lights, Camera, Action!

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Liz Calvario

Every once in a while we meet someone who is great on the inside as they are on the outside. There is no doubt that model Janelle Blanford is an American Sweetheart.

In this week’s “Livin’ La Vida” segment we meet a Southern California model who reaches for the stars and shines just as bright as them.

Meet Janelle, raised by her mom with her three sisters she says that they were and are still extremely close. Growing up in a household of all girls must be super fun but don’t take it from me, Janelle gives me more inside scoop on her childhood,

“They [my mom and sisters] are my best friends. My sisters and I would make up dance routines nightly and perform them for anyone willing to watch. At the age of 10, I tried out for a dance team and continued on as captain until I was 16. I’ve always been a performer. I like creating but most of all I love the outcome of whatever I am working on. I put myself fully into my projects and I’m inspired by the people closest to me, my family and friends.”

So how did modeling come into her life?

“I was scouted by Ford Models when I was still in high school. I hadn’t ever really thought about being a model before. I was at a Teen Vogue fashion show on the beach and I was watching Jesse McCartney perform when I was approached. I was kind of blowing her off and was annoyed that she was interrupting me watching Jesse.”

Oh we know NOBODY messes with us and JMac! How awesome though, it was as if it were meant to be. Janelle’s a pro by now with plenty of features and ads, the leading lady in The Summer Set‘s music video and not to mention you can spot her daily on MakeMeChic.com‘s website. But of course there must be something more that she would like to accomplish?

“I realized that I got really comfortable with my job. It was all coming too easy. I didn’t really have to think about what I was doing. So I recently signed with a theatrical agent and I’m going to pursue more of the acting side of things. But I’d love to continue with modeling. [Hopefully projects that are] bigger and more challenging. I’ve had billboards in Vegas, Texas and New York but I want one here in Los Angeles. I wanna see it in person. And I want tears in my favorite magazines. I want to continue to be proud of the work I’ve done and I want to push myself.”

Pushing oneself is always the hardest, with challenges left and right, there must be some sort of motivational quote or speech she gives herself and of course it comes from none other than her mom. The quote?

“‘How bad do you want it?’ I apply that to everything in my life. If you want something bad enough you’ll find a way to make it happen. Always.”

There’s no stopping this girl in her quest for the top. Every artist and creative mind has a list of people, places and things that they want to work with, be in or see. Janelle has a grand list of her own. Here she tells me,

“I got to shoot with John Russo for my Pantene shoot. He’s a photographer I’ve admired for years. It was actually really intimidating. I’d love to work for clients such as Levi’s and The Gap. I love how simple and clean their ads are. And one day I’m going to walk in the VS fashion show… Even if it’s only for PINK!”

Well, how bad do you want it J? I’m sure she’ll get there in no time! This gorgeous brunette is setting her bar high and we’ll be on the lookout for her billboards all across LA one day. Come back next week for another installment of “Livin’ La Vida – Janelle Blanford“, where we’ll find out her daily must-haves, how she preps for a shoot and upcoming projects and make sure to follow Janelle on all her social media sites as she makes her dreams come true!

Twitter- @janelleallisa

FB- Janelle Allisa

Instagram- @janelleallisa

Website- janelleallisa.wix.com/janelleblanford

xoxo Liz Cal!

All photos courtesy of Janelle Blanford

“Livin’ La Vida” – William Callan (Part II)

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Liz Calvario

Welcome back to Part II of “Livin’ La Vida William Callan“. Get all your inside scoop on this up and coming photographer who will leave his mark in fashion photography. In case you missed it last week we caught up with William Callan, small town photographer with big dreams and aspirations. Refresh your memory with Part I, HERE!

It’s a big world out there and with many people wanting to pursue a career in photography there must be some negativity when it comes to pursuing your dreams. Even family can sometimes throw around comments that bring you down. William knows all about this,

“It definitely happens. Most of my family on the east coast urged me to get a “normal” job because they were worried about the money side of it. I just ignored them and kept on doing me. I think that it’s really important to have a firm grasp on who you are and what you want. Regardless of what someone says I’ll still want to take photos. It’s the only way I know how to function and be myself.”

Let’s turn that positivity now into Williams next step! What does he want to take pictures of next?

“Celebrities. I’ve been working with the modeling agencies out here in LA for quite a while and would like to transition into shooting more celebrities.”

But of course everyone has to have a dream job, what would William’s be? None other than shooting for the “Art of Fashion” for Niemen Marcus. Now that sounds like a dream well on it’s way to becoming true! One way that William has gathered his inspiration is by traveling and getting to know the world. After traveling in Paris and other parts of Europe he would love to do some more soul searching.

“Paris and Europe were great and taught me a lot, but I would love to travel more around America. I’ve always wanted to do a cross-country road trip and experience the diversity the US has to offer.”

All that traveling could lead to a new location to shoot at. But don’t worry he already has his dream place in mind. The Gesner House in Malibu. He says he would be honored to just be able to visit!

Now every artist has a quote or a line that he or she lives by and gets strength to keep doing what they do. For William it’s a quote by Mara Wilson.

“If I were really, really ridiculously wealthy, I wouldn’t buy a mansion, just tiny apartments in every city I love.”

Sounds like the perfect life, a little bit of you in every city that you adore and be able to visit when ever you need a getaway. As for Will he just celebrated his birthday a couple weeks ago and is already pursuing new ventures and photo shoots. He’s keeping his schedule busy and won’t stop until he reaches his goals. One more thing William himself wanted us to leave off with was a little reminder…

“Have fun and keep smiling.”

Make sure to visit WilliamCallan.com for more great shots and come back next week for another “Livin’ La Vida” feature.

All photographs by William Callan.

“Livin’ La Vida” – William Callan, One Photo At A Time

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Liz Calvario

What is it about photography that captures everyone’s attention? With a snap of a camera we hold on to a moment of life that meant something to us. So what does it mean to be a photographer? To be someone that just doesn’t want to point and shoot and take pictures of their food to put on Instagram?

In my new features of the year, “Livin’ La Vida“, I dissect and get to know talented people and their skills to showcase what they love, create and aspire to do.

William Callan, born and raised in a small town outside of San Diego, this SoCal native is headed for a bright future. With nothing but a camera and his imagination, this fashion photographer is taking pics and making a name for himself. So let’s find out more about him.

Tell me a little bit about your upbringing, background?

“I was born and raised in a smallish town outside of San Diego. It really kept me down to earth and taught me about nature and open spaces. I learned a lot about myself since I was able to grow up in a rural setting.”

So what made you take up photography?

“I never really knew my grandfather because he suffered from some form of memory loss, so when I was a kid I just assumed that it was normal and that one day I would forget my memories as well. I saw photography as a way to preserve my memories so when I forgot them I could go back and look at the photos. I grabbed a camera in hope that I could find myself later in my old age.”

How inspiring! So what type of photographer do you call yourself?

“I consider myself a people photographer. I don’t like to get more specific than that because I’m always open to new experiences with my work.”

Since you’ve been into photography for a while now, which photographers do you look up to?

“I look up to any photographer that can make their subjects feel like life long friends even though they’ve just met.”

What inspires you?

Sunlight
Beers in the afternoon
Skinny Dipping
Trampolines
Authentic smiles
Sleeping under the stars

What are your favorite things to shoot?

“I love shooting real people. I want to shoot people that are comfortable in their own environment and know how to let loose and have fun. ”

Come back next week for Part II of “Livin’ La Vida: William Callan” to find out his dream job, how he handles negative criticism and his favorite quote. Make sure to check out his website WilliamCallan.com for more great shots.

All photographs by William Callan.