One of my friends and fellow models, Vuli Ahmedi, has organized a wonderful fashion event to benefit an important cause – ending bullying. As Mrs. Albania International, Vuli has been committed to this cause and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness to stop bullying. The fashion show is August 27, 2016 at 6pm in the Minooka Village Community Room (121 McEvilly Road, Minooka, IL 60447). It’s going to be a fabulous show as the models are from One Magnificent Model. Admission is free and donations will benefit Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Author Archives: Angela
Model & Talent
If you’re looking for trade show models, promotional talent, runway models or commercial print / lifestyle models, I’d love to work with you!
Trade shows & Promotional/Special Events: I’m happy to help you make your next trade show or promotional event a success. My marketing background makes me an excellent representative for companies at trade shows and events. I have strong sales and public speaking skills. I am very aggressive as far as approaching as many people as possible who pass the booth. I understand the importance of engaging attendees and gaining leads to increase sales and overall brand awareness.
- Trade show model – I’ve worked over 40 trade shows nationwide. Duties include: spokes model, booth hostess, product demonstrator, and sales assistant.
- Promotional model – I’ve worked nearly 50 promotional, corporate and special events. Duties include: atmosphere model, brand ambassador, character model, event planner, event emcee, hostess, demonstrator, and sales.
Runway: Runway fashion shows and informal modeling for boutiques, charity events, hair shows, ladies luncheons, and bridal expos.
Print: Commercial print, lifestyle, fitness and beauty – Some companies I’ve done print work for include: Argus Brewery, Craftsman, do.Active Products, Groupon, Homewerks Worldwide, JL Adornment, Kankakee County, Pivot Point, Walgreens, and Unilock.
I enjoy what I do and look forward to hopefully working with you!
For additional information, competitive rates, and bookings please contact Angela at ShesSoPoised@gmail.com.
DuPage Senior Citizens Council presents 5th annual Dancing with the Starz Gala
If you enjoy dancing and are looking for something to do next weekend, check out the DuPage Senior Citizens Council’s Dancing with the Starz Gala on May 7th. The gala, now in its fifth year, is a wonderful and entertaining evening benefiting an excellent cause. Local celebrities are paired with professional dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studios to showcase their ballroom dance skills and even compete for a prize. This year’s event will be held at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.
The evening will begin with a reception, live entertainment and open dancing. Then, a live auction & raffle followed by dinner, dance performances and the celebrity dance competition.
The 2016 celebrity dancers are: Senator Tom Cullerton, State of Illinois, 23rd District; Patty Gustin, Naperville City Councilwoman; Rosina LaPietra, Small Business Owner; Michael Gragnani, Turano Baking Company; TC Leonard, Grant Staff; Paul Audia, Audia Motion & Still Photography, Dr. Mary Ann Hollis, Partner-Grove Dental Associates; David Miranda, WGN Radio 720; and Jason Samatas, Lexington Health Network.
The Dancing with the Starz Gala benefits the many services DuPage Senior Citizens Council provides to homebound elderly including: “Meals on Wheels,” health and wellness checks, home maintenance, and activities.
I had the opportunity to be part of this wonderful event as a celebrity dancer (competition winner) and committee member and had a blast.

Dancing with the Starz Gala – Help support the DuPage Senior Citizens Council & enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, and fun! Tickets are available at www.dupageseniorcouncil.org
The popularity of this event has grown year after year. I know this year’s dancers will be awesome! Their performances will be judged by a team of celebrity judges at the gala, however fundraising makes up 40% of their scores. Voting is open for the dancers and is $1.00 per vote. Visit dupageseniorcouncil.org for additional information and to purchase Dancing with the Starz Gala tickets.
Latino Fashion Week’s spectacular closing night
Although Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015 recently ended, the fashions presented were “Timeless.” As stated on LatinoFashionWk.com, “the theme for LATINO FASHION WEEK®, “TIMELESS,” celebrates the ability to create fashion that is beautiful to the eyes, stimulating to the spirit and forever imprinted on the soul.” This year’s fashions did just that. The clothing and styles presented for men and women of all sizes throughout the week were amazing to see. I attended the closing night show and it was truly a moving experience.
I was impressed that the designers took the time to match music with their collections for this event. The music selections really added to the experience and feeling of the show. For example Adan Terriquez, a Mexican born designer, showcased his gowns while models glided down the runway to a passionate Mexican inspired tune. As you can see in the photo below, Terriquez creates colorful quinceañera dresses and beautiful dramatic evening gowns perfect for black-tie or red carpet events.
Ukrainian designer Roksolana Bogutska presented her bohemian chic fashions in the next segment of the show. This collection was beautiful and timeless. I especially liked her mix of textures and fabrics. She mixed velvet with silk prints on several long dresses and it totally worked. She presented many luxurious coats and vests detailed with fur and embroidered in rich colors.
The final designer of the night was Laura Santana from Ecuador. Her collection was filled with beautiful ready to wear dresses and jumpsuits in brilliant jewel tone colors. Like all of the designers, the details on the clothing were impressive. For example, she added ruffles along the shoulder to a couple of the jumpsuits. Other details included: beading, cut-outs, and one shoulder designs. Sananta’s dress and jumpsuits were tailored, fitted, and very feminine.
I had the opportunity to walk the runway during Latino Fashion Week at the Sophisticates Luncheon. The event (along with all of the Latino Fashion Week Chicago shows) was held at Block 37 on State Street in Chicago. I modeled clothing from AKIRA: black jumpsuit, faux-leather jacket, and necklaces. In addition to AKIRA, models wore fashionable styles by e&e Aubé Designs and sophisticated lingerie/nightwear by Moi Soli.
The great thing about Latino Fashion week is that both local and international designers are given the chance to showcase their designs. Next year will be the 10th anniversary of Latino Fashion Week Chicago. I can’t wait to see what designers and fashions the creators and staff of Latino Fashion Week will present in 2016.
Stylish & Sophisticated
Every retailer seems to have their own version of the tie neck blouse at various price points for Pre-Fall & Fall 2015. The tie neck blouse is a great staple piece to have in your wardrobe since it is always in style. The tie neck detail provides a polished and feminine look to the top. It is very versatile, and many tie neck blouses can be worn year round (depending on material & sleeve length).
Above is a work look pairing a tie neck blouse from White House Black Market with a high waisted black pencil skirt. I purchased this blouse during the summer for $68, so it is most likely on sale now. I like the subtle black & white print of this short sleeve blouse. It makes a nice layering piece to wear under a blazer. I accessorized this professional look with high black pumps and On Point Stud Earrings from Henri Bendel.
This BCBG tie neck blouse is very unique. The asymmetrical hem of the blouse adds to the interesting design.
This tie neck blouse which retails for $268 can be worn over a skirt with a belt (as shown in photo above) or loose without the belt as on the BCBG website.
A tie neck blouse can look more casual when worn with jeans or leggings and not tying a bow. Leave the scarf-like tie pieces loose as seen on Ann Taylor’s site for a dark ruby blouse.
With so many options of this classic blouse, it’s so hard to choose just one!
Sundress – glam it up or down
If you’re looking for a pretty and bright colored sundress, I recommend something like the Rosie shift dress by Lilly Pulitzer in hotty pink. This sleeveless a-line shift dress retails for $188 and is worth the price because it is so versatile. This style dress can be worn many times as it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
For a casual chic look, wear flat sandals like the Tory Burch ones shown. Since the bodice of the dress already has some shine, not many accessories are necessary. The Kate Spade stud earrings displayed and a simple bangle are perfect. A straw tote completes the relaxed silhouette.
I always wear heels, so I would pair gold strappy platform sandals with the dress. To give the dress a more glamorous look, I would also wear large gold earrings like the Kendra Scott ones displayed on the right side of the photo. They really pick up the gold lace details on the dress. Accessorize with gold bangle bracelets and a clutch purse.
Keep your make-up simple (minimal eye make-up & a bright lip) for both of these looks, especially if you’re wearing this dress at an outdoor party.

I love the bright color of this Lilly Pulitzer sundress. The left side of the photo shows a casual chic way to accessorize the dress, while the right side displays a more glammed up option.
Fruit Salad – a healthy summertime snack
Planning your meals is always the best way to stay on track if you are on a diet or just trying to eat healthy. There are so many delicious fruits available in the summertime. Try preparing a large fruit salad for yourself on a Sunday that you can eat throughout the week. If the fruit salad is prepared, you’re more likely to opt for it when you’re very hungry. It’s a great way to prevent unwanted snacking and going for something like candy or sweets. Not only is fruit good for your health, it also has beauty benefits. The vitamins and antioxidants found in fruit can protect the skin from damaging free radicals and increase collagen production.
A bit of fruit always goes well with a protein shake making the perfect snack or small meal. For breakfast, I enjoy having fruit on the side of an egg white omelet. A fruit salad is also tasty with a chicken breast for dinner or lunch.
Happy Summer 2015
For this week’s look, I chose a retro inspired sundress. It’s summery, flirty and only costs $34 on Polyvore. I like that it has a defined waist and flared skirt. We all work hard to stay in shape, so make sure any sundress you wear fits well and shows off your figure. Hoop earrings, stacked bangles, and strappy heels complete this outfit. Any cat eye sunglasses will work, but these Prada studded cat eye glasses are fabulous. They really complement the hardware on the bangle bracelet and Kate Spade straw clutch. Make-up for this look should include black eyeliner and red lipstick. Benefit’s They’re Real push-up eyeliner is easy to work with to achieve the perfect winged eye. An easy way to prevent your red lipstick from bleeding is by using a lip crayon to line and color the lips. Then apply additional color or gloss with a lip brush. Since it’s summer, you really don’t need any blush. Let your natural glow shine through!









