Hollywood Mom Blog

HOLLYWOOD LIFE: Your Life & Style “IS” American Idol

Posted on 27. Apr, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

by Tamara Gold, Editor of the Red Lipstick Report, HMB Contributor

Do you go through your day feeling kind of pitchy?

Or perhaps no one is listening to you and you want to yell out, “Hey dogg, listen up, listen up, listen up. Okay, dogg…..”

You even go to your favorite store, touch a few tubes of the new Tom Ford lipstick line and think, “I’m just not feeling it.”

Your husband hums in the shower and you find yourself saying, “Honey, I love you, but I’m worried about your song selection. With all the great pop songs out there what were you thinking by humming ‘Yellow Submarine?’”

What I’m thinking is that life mirrors “American Idol.”

Think about it a moment: Just like on “Idol,” we wake up every morning, style ourselves in the best way possible and then go out on that great stage of life to put on our best performances. Sometimes we win; other times we’re stuck in the bottom three. A detractor can makes our lives miserable. Other times, our personal Simon says, “You went from zero to hero. Well done. “

What are the deeper lessons of Idol that apply to your life, business and personal style?

Just like Simon tells us on Idol, please stay true to who you are.

It’s time to recognize your own unique talents and stay true to the best vision of you. Think about the singers on Idol who are some mish-mash of what they think everyone else wants them to be as an artist. Suddenly, they’re schitzo!  One week, they’re crooning a country song and the next they’re doing some Zeppelin. It’s confusing because everyone else wonders, “Who is this person?” Just like on Idol when you figure out the best version of you then stick with it. Think about Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry who were always true to their unique visions. No one had either of them singing show tunes. Those songs just didn’t fit. People who are true to themselves can’t be anything else but beautiful and authentic.

Just like Paula used to tell us on Idol, show us a little more personality.

Don’t hide out. Your personality makes you magnetic and unforgettable. This is true when it comes to your personal style. Perhaps you’re like Crystal Bowersox this season and you dress like you live in a Seattle coffee shop. You know what? She’s perfect because her clothing reflects her true personality. Can you imagine how uncomfortable she would feel if they forced her to wear a tight mini skirt and low-cut shirt? Don’t let others dictate how you will present yourself to the world.

Do it your own way – because the world has enough cookie cutter types.

Your goal is to stand out from all of those who are simply auditioning. You don’t want to look like that cookie cutter girl with the same outfit, the same hair and even the same makeup. Your individuality will make you rise from the pack, and often this does start with clothing. Siobhan Magnus might wear a short tulle skirt with legwarmers and cowboy boots next week, but somehow it all works because she has style to stand out for the rest. Look at Adam Lambert. Like him or not, he commands the room from his ever-growing hair to his pointy-shoes.

Realize that everyone isn’t always a fan.

You can’t go through the day worrying if everyone will vote for you. There will be people who don’t like you or those who judge you harshly. Remember that Simon was rude to Jennifer Hudson and basically told her that she stunk. She was low in the top ten when she got kicked off “Idol,” disappeared and came back to win an Oscar and have a hit CD. Your detractors can and will be wrong. I’m sure Daughtry isn’t still upset that he didn’t win Idol or even come in as the runner up.

Make sure to appreciate the Ellen in your life.

There will always be someone who desperately wants you to win and sees the positive in you. He or she will make you laugh and smile like Ellen does on “Idol.” Cherish this person and let their compliments sink in.

Realize that we all make bad song choices.

Big Mike, I feel your pain on Beatles week. But realize that we all make a bad decision or two in life. You might even do it in front of a lot of people like those Idol contestants. But the key is you put yourself out there and someone will “get” your tune.

Finally, just like on Idol, polish yourself, grow and evolve as you go on.

Think about the Idol contestants on week one vs. the finale of the show. Of course, they’ve had major makeovers from top industry pros. They’ve been polished up and the gold has been tumbled until it shines. Most of the ladies begin as regular people and look like beautiful stars when it’s over. You can work on your own hair, face and clothing in the same manner. Realize it’s not an overnight fix.  Heck, it takes those idols all season to really look fabulous.

Oh, one more. Everyone is a winner.

Yes, if you put yourself out there, stay true to who you are and focus on doing your best then how can you not become a winner?

Right, dogg?

Hollywood Makeup Artist, Writer, Style Consultant, and Mom to 2 adorable performers, Tamara Gold publishes publishes the “Red Lipstick Report” e-zine. Beauty & Style. News & Reviews for Real Women. Information, Inspiration, How-To Videos and Spotlight Interviews with Industry Experts keep you feeling and looking your best…in all areas of your life and your business.  If you want to create your own authentic personal style in your life, creative endeavor or business, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to The Red Lipstick Report at www.TamaraGold.com.

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Profile: With Zenia Photography, Head Shots are a Day at the Beach!

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

When? Yesterday, on a quintessential sunny, So Cal Sunday morning.
Where? The Pier in Santa Monica.
What? A day at the beach with Zenia of Zenia Photography.
Why? Our child actor Jordan needs updated head shots people. She turns 11 this week and her last head shots were taken at  the tail end of year 9. We’ve gone from a 9 year old child to an 11 year old tween in these few short years.  Her pictures need to reflect that change.

While Zenia was shooting Jordan in a variety of locations around the Santa Monica Pier, I was snapping them both thanks to my iphone camera and my favorite, new iphone accessory the iGo Green Charge Anywhere (courtesy of  the hip chicks at Los Angeles Mom Blog ). For each of Jordan’s outfit changes, Zenia found backdrops with colors and textures that could have fallen out of a 120 count box of Crayolas.  I’ll be doing a full post on Zenia Photography in a few weeks with a handful of Jordan’s new pics. For those of you who need your kid’s head shots done pronto, call and book your appointment with Zenia directly at (310) 751-0615.

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I’m ready for my close-up Mr. Phillips

Posted on 08. Dec, 2008 by Hollywood Mom.

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Profile: Playbox Studios – Professional Headshots at Blue Light Prices!

Posted on 07. Dec, 2008 by Hollywood Mom.

When it was time for my child actor Jordan to get her head shots taken earlier this year, we were referred to her agents’ top pick: Playbox Studios in Burbank, CA.

Until December 20th, Playbox Studios is running the “Actor’s Bailout Package,” a photography special for children under 17. The deal provides for 3 different looks, an hour and a half of time, light hair and makeup – all for $350.  Nice deal when you consider I dropped about $475 for the same photo package nine months ago.

As I mentioned, this studio is one preferred by Abrams Artists and assuredly several other top agencies.  The photographer Brad is great with kids, the studio is well run, orderly and easy to get to.  Want new photos of your kids in time for pilot season?  Then call Jennifer at 1-866-PLAY-992 and book your appointment at Playbox Studios before they’re booked up!

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