Behind the scenes at Real Simple
So last week, I was one of five lucky women to be photographed in NYC for a story in the July 2008 issue of Real Simple.
The story is about “upgrading your casual look” and upgrade me they did, with a hot pink and orange Tory Burch linen top and a pair of 7 for All Mankind white jeans, which actually look a lot like the ones on the 7 homepage. Except I look nothing like that, so you can imagine how that worked out.
Then, they finished me off with the cutest pair of Elie Tahari pink patent leather driving mocs (see above), and I just about fell out of my chair a minute ago when I looked them up on Zappos to show you a photo and see how much they cost. Those of you that know me are laughing right now, but upgraded I was, and I got to keep the whole outfit (minus the jewelry), plus it was tailored to fit me on set.
But anyway, enough talking. Today I present to you the photos of Real Simple behind the scenes.
As I mentioned, I stayed at the super posh Hudson Hotel, bathed in the acid green light that glows from its very pores.
My room.
That molded metal chair was about as comfortable as it looks. Say hello to Ann Curry in my swing-out wall mounted plasma TV. Like the wall lamp?
The “before” set.
Seamstress Diana working on my outfit while I’m photographed in my “before” clothes.
Real Simple photo director, fashion director and stylist waiting for me to get my hair and nails done.
(Photos by my FABULOUS, WONDERFUL makeup artist D’Angelo)
Hearing about Reese, Eva, Julia, Teri, Kate (Hudson), Kate (Beckinsale), Maggie and all the other A listers that my manicurist, hairstylist and makeup artist have worked on. Cameron Diaz is an “absolute doll” and Scarlett Johanssen is “such a natural beauty she hardly needs any makeup at all.” You heard it here first.
Building the set (it got changed about four times).
Amazing photographer David Land and Real Simple photo editor scrutinizing the Polaroids.
Lunch with fashion and photo team. Notice me, the one not eating. When I did eat two hours later, it was GOOD! (They brought new food in for me since I was dressed and couldn’t eat at lunch. Best guac I’ve ever had.)
More set changes.
Changing area with shoes, shoes, shoes.
The studio.
Molly and Elizabeth, these shots are for you!
All in my size, too!
The lovely Lynn from Pennsylvania, one of the other subjects of the story.
More set changes.
More set changes.
The FAN! Yes, like a 1970s Breck girl, I had a fan blowing my tresses. Hard not to laugh when the fan came out!
I think this was the final version of my set.
Wonderful D’Angelo, doing Lynn’s makeup.
Alejandra doing Lynn’s hair (and a preview of her “after” outfit.)
And your official preview of the July 2008 issueโa few of the Polaroids from the shoot.
And that’s a wrap!
If you aren’t on my Real Simple casting forwards list and want to be, tell me in the comments! And if you are on the list and don’t respond to the queries, why notโyou get too many overnights in New York, haircuts, hairstylings, manicures, pedicures and outfits for FREE?
I hope I’ll see you all in Real Simple. Stephanie responded to one on my list, and look at her day in the Real Simple spotlight! (She’s going to be in the July issue, too.)
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Anna Sawin is a Connecticut-based portrait, wedding, and editorial photographer. She lives in the shoreline town of Stonington with her family and has discovered the perfect cupcake. Just ask, she is willing to share her secret.
I would do it for the jeans alone! That is too cool! I’m already on the list but keep sending them to me.
What a fun time!
nice kicks!
wait, they bring you to NYC? Now I’m totally kicking myself for not responding to that casting call!!
YES, all expenses PAID!! To NYC!! You MUST respond to the next one I get!
I’m in a shoe comma right now. OMG!
That is so cool, Anna! I’m going to make sure I buy that issue, so that I can see you, and so I can get some tips – my casual look is sorely in need of an upgrade!
I’m going to have to get the July issue and have it signed and framed by two of my favorite bloggers. Im. Pressive.
If can be, I’d love to be on the Real Simple casting updates. Love your posts! Thanks.
How cool is that!!! Yeah, put me on the list! Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to see you in print.
Wow! What an amazing experience!! After reading the comments, now I am really curious about this “casting call”. What is it all about? Also, those shoes are unbelieveable!!!
I would love to be on that list! Can’t wait for my July issue!
How awesome! Please add me to the list.
Sounds amazing!!! Please add me to the list, it’s my favorite magazine! Can’t wait for the July issue!!
What a fabulous opportunity! Can I get on the list, please? I love this magazine, it is my hands-down favorite way to relax.
Okay, this whole time you’ve been talking about Real Simple I’ve been wondering if you and Steph are in the same issue. I mean, HOW COOL IS THIS? Both of you guys in this magazine? And doing all this cool stuff? OMG, I am so stoked to go get my copy in a couple months! YAY!
SO very fun! Thanks for adding me to the list. I sent in some photos for the “kid space” makeover. Man, would that be so amazing!
I am dying over those shoes…they are KILLER!
That is awesome! If only you could have kept that WHOLE RACK of shoes. Mmm.
that looks like it was so much fun! ๐ very cool.
and um, i’m on your list, aren’t i?
Looks like so much fun!!!
So exciting!! You look great!
OMG, D’Angelo did my hair and makeup too! Isn’t he awesome! He was my America’s Next Top Model Miss Jay for the day. So glad you had fun! I can’t wait for that July issue. ๐
How super cool is that!!! Lucky girl!!!
Before I forget, can you send me a quick email to tell me where you got those life vest/swim trunks you posted about last year? Can’t seem to find that post and I’m looking for them for this year! Thanks!
Please keep that list going to me too! Last time I was busy and did not respond but I will be sure to make time if you please send it again. Love the photos…YOU LOOK GREAT! THANK YOU!
wow – that is so awesome! looks like you had so much fun!!!!!
heck yeah, i want to be on that list! i am a very interesting subject in need of gorgeous pink shoes like those:-)
Oh man, that is TOO AWESOME! Every single bit of it. From now on I am responding to every single casting call – evevn if I’m not really interested in that subject!
Guessing they won’t fly me out of Aus and that they are probably interested in younger types. Funny cos I don’t think of myself as that old……
But I digress! What a great photo story. Gives a lovely flavour of what was obviously a kick-ass experience!!! Wish we got the mag here to see the final product.
Ugh! I had to look at this when I was in a HURRY! can’t wait to read it! ๐
LOVE all the shoes! ๐
Put me on that casting call list! I could use a trip to NYC! Thanks.
That looks like SO much fun!!! I love the clothes they selected for you…very chic! Glad you had a great time, and I love that returning home made you happiest!
ALSO!!! How did you manage to put all those pictures up separately with little captions (or whatever you want) underneath them? I HATE the new template and can only figure out how to insert images as a “Gallery” all together and then they come out as thumbnails. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks so much!
Lucky, lucky girl! What an amazing experience! And, the part about Scarlett, it was bad enough to know she has the Hottest Man on Earth (Mr. Ryan Reynolds) – now she has to be a “natural beauty” too??? ARGH!
How awesome for you and hell yeah add me to the list!!
Thanks for the twitter follow too.
Oh fabulous! You lucky girl! I can’t wait to see the spread in the magazine.
omg. such fun!
hey, how come i’m not on the list? i guess i never asked. hee hee. OK, now I am asking. i live for that kind of thing. : )
being in front of the camera is fun for a change since i’m usually behind it.
congrats on the good time and for being in the spotlight. you deserve it. yay you!
Oooh!! Please add me to the list. What fun ๐ Who wouldn’t want to be pampered for a day. ๐ Thanks for sharing. It will be fun to see the July issue!
Pretty please put me on the list or whatever it is. It looks like so much fun!
I never knew that upgrading a “casual look” for a women would be so complicated. I guess I really shouldn’t complain that my girlfriend takes so long to get ready for a date. lol