Freya Plunge Bras - Girlish, Fun, and Sexy!

Freya is a Scandinavian goddess of love and fertility. Freya, the lingerie company, has created a new line of plunge bras and named them for girls everywhere. Freya plunge bras reflect a spirit of fun and fashion that will make women everywhere feel like a goddess every day.

The spunky Freya Frankie model is a good case in point. A close look at the pattern reveals a profusion of colored polka dots on a white background. Far from being a dull repeat of something seen a million times before, Freya has filled this design with a spirit that is always new. Large red and pink circles overlap and alternate with blue to really bring the look to life.

The Frankie is unpadded, too, so this model is strictly for those looking for the totally unassisted look. But, thanks to the low-cut plunge and sheer mesh, cleavage gets every chance to shine here. Girlish, fun, and sexy, it's sure to be a favorite for many.

The Freya Deco moulded plunge model offers an entirely different look. A stark, hot pink fabric gives it an unbroken expanse. Here, emphasis is entirely on the cut. The low neckline creates cleavage that is enhanced still further by a bit of fashion engineering. The effect is achieved by 3/4 cups set slightly closer together than usual. It's finished with picot trim and charming little bows at the gore and strap join.

The Freya Celia model provides a fine opportunity to point out some contrasts. A full-cup plunge, it offers a floral pattern that evokes an aura of spring - full of warmth, fun, and lightheartedness. A lovely lace strip along the bustline provides a delightful touch. Take a closer look and you'll find a two-tone satin bow at the central gore.

Somehow, though, the Celia plunge bra is more than just the sum of its parts. There's no other model in the line that surpasses it in design excellence, but the effect is achieved very simply. It's also done in a way to maximize comfort, courtesy of a blend of Polyamide, Polyester, and Elastane.

Another girly design joins the lineup in the Freya Carolyn model. Another nature theme is used here, but one with a more complex execution. Underwired for firm support, it's a garden of flowers and vines in subtle greens and pinks.

Mesh topped cups and lack of padding provide a bit of revealing bustline that provides a womanly element to the girlish pattern. A double ribbon bow at the central gore gives it a lovely finish. All in all, a very fine piece of lingerie.

That fine work continues with the Freya Jessica plunge bra model, a design clearly intended to raise the pulse. A delicate yellow half cup below gets a subtle small, white polka dot pattern overlay. The top half cup is mesh that creates one of the most revealing looks in the whole line. That reveal is accomplished by sheer lace finished with a lovely yellow scallop border.

Model of woman's bra

What is a bandeau bra?
If you don't know, a bandeau bra is a type of bra consisting of a band of stretch material worn around a woman's chest. It is much like a tube top, since it often does not have hooks on the back for closing it. Instead, you simply pull it over your head and leave it up to the elastic material to hold the bra up. Many of these bras come with straps to put on though, if you need more support. It is also common for a strapless bandeau bra to have extra support features, such as moulded cups and underwiring.

What can I use it for?

    Wear a colorful or lively patterned model underneath a sheer blouse or top, for a sexy - but not indecent look.
    Wear a seamless bandeau bra for comfort, underneath a shirt at work, or at home - for maximum comfort.
    Wear a lace bandeau bra underneath a black shirt, with a couple of the top buttons undone.
    Wear a bikini top type on the beach and get a tan where you normally have tan-lines from wearing tops and dresses with shoulder straps.
    Wear it under a strapless dress!

But I have large breasts!
You can still enjoy the benefits of this sort of bra - although you may need to wear it with straps or get an underwired model - or both. One of the advantages of choosing a non-underwired model is the comfort it gives you. I would choose a model without underwiring - and simply use it with shoulder straps instead. Think of it as the bra you wear to relax.

What are good brands to look for?
Some of the brands that have bandeau bras in their lines are Maidenform, Fashion Form and Braza. These all have models in discrete colors such as black and white - good for when you want the bra to be less obvious. A really nice one is Fashion Form's Long Tube Bra, as it covers more of the upper part of the torso. A great choice for when you want it to be visible, but not excessively flirty. Braza's Wild Card model comes in a larger range of colors, so if you are after something a bit more extrovert, chances are Braza has it.

I feel that every woman should try on a bandeau bra sometime - it has a special feel and look to it that you may have missed without even knowing it.

Becoming a Model - How To Get a Modeling Agency Overseas

One of the most fun things about being a model is traveling. You get to visit all sorts of locations and meet wonderful people. If you really want to experience another city, you should try to live and work there as a model. Many cities with a significant fashion industry have a season where they use many girls for runway, fitting, and all the usual print work. If you're wondering how to get started, then keep reading.

First, decide where you want to go. Some of the more popular cities models travel to are: Paris, New York, Milan, London and Tokyo. You can also go to Hamburg, Cape Town, Miami, Taipei, and many, many more. If you're currently modeling and want to go through your agency, let them know you're interested in working overseas. Maybe they already have a connection with someone. If this is the case, your current agent will become your mother agency. They will be able to collect a portion of the commission your overseas agency makes from you. If you would rather go on your own, decide on a few cities to really target.

Now, do your research. Do lots of searching online for different agencies. See what their requirements and needs are as far as height and experience. Also, find out when is the busiest time of year for them. If there are many modeling agencies in any one city, it is usually a good sign there is a lot of work there. You may notice that European cities like Milan and Paris prefer girls to be very tall, where in Asia they prefer the shorter end of the model spectrum.

All agencies approach bringing girls to the agency differently, depending on the country. Once you send your photos, the agent may ask you to come right away. Most Asian agencies will pay your travel costs up front. They usually place you in a model apartment and give you a weekly stipend, which will be additional costs. In this case, you will most likely have a contract to sign. They want to be sure you don't go to another agency or leave after a week. A common length of time is three months. Some agents say that they will represent you once you get to their city, but they do not offer any assistance. Some agencies want you to pay all travel costs, so you can use the money you earn in whatever way you prefer. Agencies that pay everything up front are confident that you will get work, so they are your best bet. Once you start working, they will deduct the money they invested in you, plus the standard commission rate you agreed upon in the contract.

Once you arrive at your destination, it may take a couple weeks to get work. You will start by attending go-see's and castings. Once your image gets around a bit, you should start to see the work rolling in. You will meet other models from all over the world who are doing the same thing as you. In fact, often times the housing you are provided with is shared with other models. So if you're ready to be a jet setting model and see the world, get started and best of luck. It's an experience you'll never forget.

Angela Daun has appeared in Maxim, Cosmo, Ugly Betty & more. She's been the face of major cosmetics campaigns, appeared in hit movies & TV shows, and travelled the world walking the runway.

How Much Money Do Models Really Make?

Do models really make "a lot" of money and live a glamorous lifestyle? Well, I really hate to say this but the answer is yes, and, no. Let's be clear about one point to start, the vast majority of models work on a part time basis. Only a small percentage model full time, and these almost always live in the major modeling markets of the world such as New York, LA, London, Paris, Milan, and others.

Rate Matrix
Hourly Rate - Freelance: ... Major Market 40;... Small Market 40
Day Rate - Freelance: ... Major Market 350;... Small Market 350
Hourly Rate - Agency Rep:... Major Market 375;... Small Market 150
Day Rate - Agency Rep:... Major Market 3000;... Small Market 1200

As can be seen from the Rate Matrix there is a significant difference in rates between freelance and agency represented models, and, between rates in small markets versus major markets. Of course, these are generalized average rates and can vary significantly depending upon circumstances. The rates in this matrix are only for the actual photo shoot and not for what are called usage fees. Usage fees are based, you guessed it, on what the images are going to be used for. So for example, if the images/photos are going to be used in a national ad campaign where they will be seen by millions of people then the usage fees alone can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. This is in addition to the photo shoot fee. In fact in many cases the usage fees are much more than the photo shoot fee. For agency represented models usage fees are negotiated in advance of the photo session. This is not the case for freelance models where the clients usually have very small budgets and rarely offer usage fees.

The hourly rates of $350, $150, or even $40 seem very good, however one must realize that these rates are only on the jobs the model actually books. You must take into account all the auditions the model goes out on and does not get. If a given model books every third job they go out on, the rate must be prorated over the entire time spent, bringing down the average hourly earnings significantly. This is in addition to any money spent on gas, food, travel, and/or lodging.

It is not unusual for models in the smaller markets such as Seattle, Dallas, San Diego, Chicago, or Miami to make around $30,000 a year. In the major markets compensation in the hundreds of thousands is common. In the event that a model is asked to model in Europe or Asia they should be aware that many agencies take over 50% commission plus expenses thereby leaving the model almost nothing by time they return to the US. This not to say "don't do it" but be careful and do your due diligence on whoever is making you the modeling offer.

Model Children in Asia

This is a concern for the professionals in the Asian modeling industry. Owing to the ever-growing scope of the Asian market in the international economic scene, corporate brands rope in Asian models to vouch for their brands. Child models of various nationalities and regions in Asia can now be found in the international modeling scene. This growing scope of the Asian market affords much chance for the child models of this region. Indian, Chinese, West Asian, Japanese and other East Asian and South Asian child models figure much in the international media these days. Consequent upon the changing trend, hosts of child talents enter the field. You can view the modeling magazines and can feel the growing presence of Asian children in modeling.

In a recent interview with an Asian child model celebrity, it was revealed that modeling chances are aplenty for well-groomed child models. However, grooming and preparedness are the main hurdles for many. Being in the developing part of the world, Asian backgrounds may fall short of international requirements. As Agha Khan pointed out, Asian models need be groomed as young as possible. If you want your child groomed as a model, you need to take special care with regard to the upbringing of the child. Your child needs to get a balanced diet prescribed by a qualified and adequately experienced dietician. Further, your child needs to have regular workouts to keep a structured figure to have a graceful look. Also you and your child should keep abreast of the latest developments in the modeling world. This you can accomplish by having exposure to the modeling and lifestyle publications as well as the internet.

As a prelude to grooming your Asian child modeling career, you need to create the modeling portfolio. The photos you use in the portfolio should be of the best quality. Never go for any shortcut as it will spoil any chance of success at the outset itself. Procure only professionally produced photographs. Try to get the best photographer available. You can use the internet to locate a photographer near your locality, or you can use local contacts for the same, or better still, you can solicit help from the modeling agency to get the best photographer. Also, you should make every effort to locate the best makeup artist available. On the days previous to the photo-shot, your child should have proper sleep. More importantly, have a balanced diet and proper physical workouts the weeks prior to the photo-shot.