#VINTAGE LOVE My Life as a Fashion Model: Confessions of a +40 Something Regarding Life in Front of the Camera

Not Famous. Just Floral. Plus 40 fashion model, Bella Q, poses in a signature vintage rose print.

No one recognizes me on the street, probably because I am in no way famous.

When I was younger, I remember a number of people coming up to tell me that I was beautiful, and why wasn't I a model? I realized that it was meant to be a compliment- that question, "are you a model?" I remember saying I'd rather look like the rich women who could afford to buy the outfits, than to look like a model. It was a profession that never was tempting to me, personally.

I'm not the typical fashion model material. I'm 5'6" and have crooked teeth, permanent dark circles under my eyes (there since childhood) and a few curves too many to make a perfect clothes horse.

Trust me, when I started the Citizen Rosebud project, the last thing I wanted to do was pose in front of the camera, so it's funny that it turned out this way. Six years in, I am open to finding a few models to use, and am much more comfortable behind the lens than prancing about in front of it. But Mother/Necessity, etc, etc, being being what it is, when I couldn't find a willing victim to shoot, I had to step up. And stepped in front of the camera.

It's an odd thing, taking your own photos. You see, I play both fashion model and fashion photographer. And I do my own editing- which, thanks to PicMonkey, I enjoy quite a bit. It's doubly strange to be your own model and photographer- major meta. Life loops in on itself, and perspective gets a bit, uh, weird. 

When the going get weird, the weird turn pro. Full time vintage seller makes me a part time fashion model.

It is especially strange to see my own mug staring out at me over on the shop. W-I-E-R-D. So let me put this out there, if there's a Seattle soul who'd be interested in modeling for me, PLEASE CONTACT ME. I am open to that idea. Because cavorting in front of the camera, modeling vintage and pre-loved clothing is kind of a strange job. And I do it. There ya go- at the ripe old age of 48 and counting, I am a fashion model. 

But, ya know what? Strange as it may be, I'm enjoying the fact that this falls under my umbrella of life experience. What a gas. So if you're looking for some encouragement to get out of your own comfort level, and put yourself and your dreams front and center, I say DO IT! And, as "the"y say, we more often regret the things we didn't do, than regret the things we did. 

Now Wearing: 

• vintage red hat, available here
• polka dot silk tie, available here
• Laura Ashley vintage floral dress, sold 
• vintage red paper umbrella, thrifted
• 9West booties, thrifted

Linking up to the Style Crone for this month's Hat Attack!