Leave the gun, get the biscotti. ♔

published without finishing yolo
nothing goes together yolo
12:12AM yolo
tag yolo yolo

-my girrll Lana Del Rey, Dark Paradise. doll layout to Camille.

Maury Simone, GWW.

"The Calendar", by Panic! at the Disco.

-"The Meaning of Soul" by Oasis.
 
wooo for cleaning out my drafts and finding a set already finished with candice in it...I'd say that's an accomplishment
 
too bad I'm not a fan of it, but anyway this lovely layout goes to @cestmiriam
 
I will post a story for this week's events. sorry I feel awful for always saying that! It will most definitely be updated.
 
That dress is on my dream wardrobe list; I absolutely love it.

-"Princess" by Matt Nathanson.
 
I absolutely love making dolls (first started by Camille, credit to her), but this took me so long to complete! Most likely because I'm a perfectionist with the proportion and skin tone. Although this is far from perfect, I like it. :)
 
I just wanted to thank everyone for all the views, likes, and comments on my sets. I appreciate them! You are great.
This is all new for Maury. She's never been pampered nor has been the object of attention. That being said, while Maury is logical and concise and tends to be conservative, the fittings helped her reveal her VS charisma and jerked a performing, playful aspect of her. The fittings do check the size of the costume, but also the vibe it gives with the model. They make sure everything looks perfect, from the skin tone to the design; and also bring any area of the model that needs improvement to attention. Maury loves the escape that comes with the fittings-it's like a sultry version of dress-up, and the model must project the VS brand through the lingerie/costume. Maury embraces the challenge of connecting with the audience and her first major live exposure. She loves the fittings because they're reassurring and slightly nerve-wracking at the same time!
 
Maury first tried on a simple green lace one-piece lingerie with cutouts, then a stunning red Valentine's Day number. The staff also looked at a dramatic yellow outfit for PINK and a whimsical floral purple set, but nothing fit like the one above. She was honestly amazed by all of them; but the final outfit was surreal, and by far her favorite, because she would never pick it for herself yet it made her radiant. The last outfit was Cinderella-themed, with all the grandeur of a princess minus any tackiness. A demi bra made up of a breathtaking combination of jewels attached to Cinderella gown-styled puffy sleeves and cropped intricate blue sleeves. The thong bottom is shimmery lace with, again, jeweled accents. The wings are purely the winding, swirly Cinderella's carriage-they are also embellished with crystals!
 
This feels so...foreign, I muse. This cannot be real. I'm walking to fittings for the VSFS, which I'm modeling in in a week. Is this really me? This can't be happening.
 
I push these thoughts out of mind and yell, “Hold the door, please!” towards the direction of the elevator.

Caroline luckily stopped the doors, and I gratefully stepped in. “Here for fittings?” she asked, picking up conversation.

“Yes! You too?”

“Yeah. I’m excited to see what they’ve come up with this year.”

“Me too. I hope they give me something that’s super sexy.” I smirk. Honestly, I'm so nervous right now I don't know what's coming out of my mouth. Obviously I'm going to pale in comparison to Caroline!
 
“I’m more of a glamour girl.” C flashes me a grin.

The elevator stopped, and we walked into the room together.

“Caroline, Maury!” Monica exclaimed. “Right on time. Maury, you’re going over with Dominic, and Caroline you go over to Alicia.”
 
I take a deep breath, and take slow, measured steps to the man she points to.
 
"Well, hello you stunner, are you prepared for your fitting?" A crisply-dressed brunette in front of a board of already-photographed models addresses me. The whole room is buzzing, from the directors to the seamstresses to all those providing feedback to the other models, and the bright white lights are almost blinding.
 
"You must be...Maury," Dominic approaches me with the rack, all business. "I have a feeling the outfits will look just as planned!"
 
I blush and add, "Thanks, sir, I would hope my work pays off." He grabs my arm and leads me over to the curtain, and places my first outfit in my hand. I'm proud of my shaking hand for not dropping the beaded piece right on the spot!
 
My reflection in the mirror is not what I expected. I've never worn something so intricate, so detailed. I've never been given so much of someone's effort and attention.
 
I peek my head out from the curtain and bear a huge grin, "Whose ready?"
 
Monica chuckles and nods, and I strut out in front of the white background. I'm loving every moment of it and enjoy seeing everyone's various reactions.
 
"That's a keeper!" Ayla comments from the doorway. I don't bother wiping the huge grin from my face as Char joins her and sits in the nearby makeup chairs next to Evie, Naomi, and Thea.
 
"Alright, we will call you back in a few minutes to try on your second number," Domininc states, and Monica moves on to the next two girls.
 
I bounce over to Ayla, Klara, and Char, relaying Lo's and Monica's message to Thea, "Hey guys!" I begin, "Thea, Lo said she wants to see you, but I'd love to save your spot for you."

"Yeah, sure" Thea slides off delicately and I hop up to the chair, doing my best to enter the conversation with Naomi and Charlotte. Oddly enough, Klara remains silent.
 
It leaves me to my own thoughts, and Ayla has to call me a few times before I realize I have to go back to the actual fittings.
 
"Wait until you see this one," Dominic whispers excitedly in my ear, and as Monica quickly fixes my hair, he pulls an ensemble from the rack that leaves me speechless-the deftness of the bra, the fact that my butt will practically be bare, and the height of the heels don't even compare to when he tugs at a pair of extravagant wings that swirl with crystals. Between the choker and sleeves, and the carriage-lookalike wings, I realize I am Cinderella; I am royalty. I try not to tear up, and pose instead.
 
My childhood was not wands and tiaras, but instead a constant corrupted circle of fighting for survival and becoming an adult. So the nod to the princess is almost overwhelming.
 
Finally, Dominic adds a delicate tiara atop my curls, and I shoot a fierce look to the camera. I'm never living that destitute life again, I promise myself, I have no option other to be an Angel. The air is light and fun, yet Monica holds her breath as I take a definitive step towards the camera.
 
She's beaming at me, and it's as if I'm on top of the world.
 
xo, Maur
 
(SUCKIEST STORY TO DATE, I'M SO SORRY)

Choose a song for the girls to make a lip-dub to.
I chose "Domino" by Jessie J.
Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJtB55MaoD0
Lyrics: http://www.metrolyrics.com/domino-lyrics-jessie-j.html
 
- Explain why you chose the song.
Let me start off by talking about my thought process. I was considering doing a song by the actual featured artists, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, or Bruno Mars, but I only came up with ideas for "Only Girl" and "Umbrella". However, I thought neither quite fit the lip-dub's vibe. I even thought about "Pocketful of Sunshine" (the special "place" would've been a secret, exclusive room representing the PINK label). I stumbled upon "Domino" because it is a feel-good anthem that is definitely top 40 without being too bubblegum-pop. It makes everyone want to dance and fits the effortless look of fun and glam edge the VS models aim for.
 
- Give a summary of what the video would look like.
I think this video would be a perfect solution to both those who enjoyed the bubbliness of the recent shows and for those who thought the present shows lacked the sex appeal of the early 2000s-2005 or so.
 
To get straight to the point, the video's main goals would be to generate hype for the show, celebrate the Angels and models chosen, and show the event coming to life. The video would depict a day look and ideal vs. the dramatic, extravagant costumes of the show. The video would begin with a montage (for lack of a better word) of the Angels quickly reenacting the castings, first in simple outfits with lots of winking or sultriness. It would also include glimpses of the actual fittings! I wanted to really emphasize a day and night idea, so first the girls will be depicted singing in the empty seats in the arena. Parts of their outfits would be from the Supermodel Essentials line, (I feel like it's overlooked!) and be very relaxed boho-New York but still fun. The video, between the beginnng, the castings, and the nautral fun and beauty accented, would then turn to a edgier, glittery take of the show. I chose to use studs, sheer fabrics, and glitter to give more focus to both the lingerie and costume aspect of the show. I was inspired by a former VS shoot by Michael Bay that used a wind machine and a shiny, waving steel grey background material in combination with the music video for "Domino". I thought it would be cool to incorporate how Jessie J stood in front of the screen with patterns and movement projected on to her. The models could be dancing and singing with shots of their wings, VS patterns, or even the lyrics projected behind them. Because I noticed that the VS videos were simple and cleanly edited, I thought this would intrigue the audience but still remain simple to execute through the same screen used by Bay or even computer editing. The video closes with the moments leading right up to the show-so that the castings, fittings, and outfits come full circle. The models express their joy of being chosen for the show and the montage celebrates their determination. :)
 
- Create a story of your model on the set of the video.
I watched Rus cue the music for the umpteenth time as Evie, Lo, and Caroline began to descend down through the seats, singing along and letting loose to Jessie J’s power vocals. They’re modeling the PINK and Essentials line beautifully and everything is projecting high energy.
 
“You’re like a shot of pure gold/I think I’m ‘bout to explode,” they finished their antics of pointing to the camera and dancing. The music cut and Rus’s smile dismissed them for a quick water break.
The music picked up again, this time at the chorus, and some of the models waiting began to dance along.
 
“Alright ladies, time to get some shots in front of the screen!” Rus bellows with a grin as we all hurry towards him. “Maury, Camille, Alana, let’s go!” He beckons us, and he grabs my arm first.
 
I look straight into the black lens and thank God the lighting on the runway doesn’t blind me. I take in my embellished outfit of simple feathers, studs, and satiny fabric; and run my hand through my shaped curls. I feel like I’m straight from the music video, but definitely with A VS twist.
“Rock my world until the sunlight/ Make this dream the best I've ever known/ Dirty dancing in the moonlight/ Take me down like I'm a domino,” I fake-belt, completing a couple takes until Rus moves on to Isabel and Ayla.
 
I bolt right for my oversized bag, right as it begins to vibrate. I quickly silence it, and answer to Don’s cheerful voice, “Hey Maur! How’s it going beautiful?”
 
“I’m the luckiest girl in the world, Don,” I breathe, “this show will be spectacular.”
Xo,
Maury

-Damaged by Danity Kane.
 
☆ Friday :
Karaoke night! We're all heading to the Upper West Side's hippest Karaoke Bar, complete with drag queens. Drink, sing, have a good time and try not to make a fool of yourself.
 
sorry this took so long!
 
Included: @deercat @the-glamourai @sophiaspastic @haute-hippie (Isabel. Achilles, Lo, and Evie)
 
"Oh no, you are not going out in that," a pair of strong arms, emitting warmth, wrap around my waist. Practically hearing Don's grin through his voice, I arch my back and lean against his chest.
 
"Why ever not?" I respond, "it's not even formfitting!"
 
Don just groans, and I laugh and wink, chiming, "Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful!"
 
Yet something changes in his expression, and I can't quite pick up on it. He reaches for my face, but loud beeps quickly break his trance.
 
I open the door slightly, suprised to see Isabel hollering from a striking yellow car. "I texted Evie and she said you need to move your a** to the bar already! Your chauffeur awaits," she giggles and makes a playful little bowing motion towards the vehicle.
 
"Now you have to let me go," I smirk back at Don, "but don't worry, I'll take care of myself." I add seriously. He pecks me on the cheek in response.
 
"Sorry I had to tear you away from lover boy." Is runs her hand through her chocolate waves, "oh, and cute shoes. muy caliente," she grins.
 
"Gracias, chica."
 
"De nada, bitchatcho," Isabel winks and exclaims, "Oh, we're here!"
 
Ten minutes later, while I'm nursing my first drink of the night and Evie and Lo are making their rounds, I watch as Achilles searches to find the first karaoke victim of the night. I'm still a little shaken by all of the drag queens and bright lights-definitely not something I'm used to-so I don't notice when Isabel shakes her head no to a fierce-looking Achilles.
 
"Maury," Achilles snaps, suddenly in front of me, "you'll go up, correct?" She crosses her arms over her chest.
 
Lo and Isabel arch their eyebrows, faintly interested, while Evie claps, "Oh, come on Maur! Go on and loosen up! We need to check off that list of firsts of yours!"
 
I'm just about ready to answer with a defiant "No" but I can feel all my walls built up high starting to crumble at the enticement.
 
"Fine, however I'm prohibiting you four from picking the song!" Lo announces my agreement to the crowd, and hoots and hollers are audible from every corner as I stand and make my way over to the machine. I sway my hips tauntingly, but I'm pretty sure I'm shaking on the inside.
 
Achilles displays the qualities of a seasoned performer even as she hits the buttons on the karaoke machines. And when a provocative-sounding Dev remix blasts through the bar, her eyes shimmer and focus on the mike in my /quivering/ hand.
 
"Oh-hhh, No way in h*ll!" I laugh at Achilles, but just as I'm about to get down, I'm flanked by partiers and the drag queens, forcing me to stay put.
 
"Sing it, b*tchhh!" a few girls hiccup and yell encouragingly.
 
The first verse opens, and I can't help but think, look at me now.
 
xo,
Maur

-Red, Taylor Swift.
 
☆ Wednesday :
We're back in the good ol' Big Apple today! So take a day to relax and re-coup. Maybe hit the spa, or just chill at home with the gals.
 
"It's so good to see you," I breathe, grabbing as much of his shirt as I can and sidling up closer to Donovan.
 
Don laughs, "Now hold on, Maur. You just got home two hours ago. I want to make sure you're ok."
 
I feel my face heat up, "Don, I swear, I'm perfectly capable of spending a few days away from you."
 
"Maury, I heard what you were saying in your sleep earlier. You can't always act like your psychologically strong all the time. You were practically imprisoned for half of your life, and the other half you were on the run. It's unders-"
 
"Shut up," I whisper, then my voice grows, "we spent everyday together for 2 years in France; you should know by now I'm fine! I'm a smart girl, and I'm a model now. I am strong because I have to be!"
 
Donovan's face falls, "Oh c'mon, Maur, I'm sorry, I just-"
 
"I'm calling the girls for a day out." I interrupted him again. All I wanted to do was stay with him, but I was too mad to let it go.
 
I walk out the door and refuse to look behind me, and I hit up against something, hard. More like someone.
 
"Oh wow, I am so sorry," I look up to see a extremely thin, tall girl dressed impeccably. I squint, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but were you in Maui on Saturday?"
 
"I was." the girl says, "I'm Isabel. I was at the VS shoot. It was my first time there, and I didn't really know anyone. I'm new."
 
"That's where I saw you!" I exclaim, "I'm Maury, I'm a model as well. Actually, I'm meeting up with some of the girls right now. You can come and get familiar with them, if you like."
 
I'm surprised at my little outburst offer, and saved when she luckily agrees. Isabel hails a cab for the both of us, and I try not to think about Donovan.
------------------------------------------------------------------
"Girls, what do you think?" Char steps out from behind the dressing room curtain, posing in an embellished black dress. "Too much?"
 
"No, I love it," I say slowly, and Isabel nods encouragingly.
 
"Oh, good!" She exclaims smiling, then checks her watch. "Shoot! I forgot, I'm supposed to meet Alessandra for coffee in 10 minutes."
 
"It's okay, we'll probably still be here," Ayla laughs and looks towards Athena and Maya, who are already deep in the store's shoe department, strutting in the highest heels I've ever seen.
 
I giggle, too, but as soon as Char waves goodbye with her new purchase in hand, I can't help but frown.
 
Archi must have noticed, because she immediately turned to me. "Everything ok, Maur? You don't seem too into shopping today," she states.
 
"My boyfriend and I, uh, had a fight today."
 
"Over what?"
 
"Me." The girls look confused, but I don't bother to elaborate.
 
"Well, if he fought with you on something you did or believe in, he definitely cares. Now we just need to make him want you." Athena winks as she interrupts the exchange, returning with Maya.
 
"You're a Victoria's Secret model. You're irresistible. He should be waiting on your hand and foot," Maya jokes.
 
I ignore the fact that they are completely missing the point. "What do you have in mind?"
 
Athena's eyes sparkle; and she finds the skimpiest, laciest black lingerie I've ever seen and holds it up against me. The girls cheer
teasingly.
 
"As long as you wear this, your problems will be solved."