DAYA BY ZENDAYA clothing

I’ve been in NYC for the past two days going to meetings all over the city. I haven’t had time to sleep thattttt much, but how important is sleep really? I got here on Wednesday and checked into the YOTEL Hotel on the West Side. The first night I stayed I realized there was something going on with the pipes in my room, so I didn’t sleep well. I told the staff and they told me they’d let me switch rooms, so I did… and I ended up in a room bigger than any other room at a hotel I’ve EVER stayed in. It’s literally been a dream I wish I could spend $800 on every single night! Click the social icons at the bottom of this post to see pics of me eating lots of cookies in my hotel room, because that’s all I actually do when I travel.

I’ve been meeting with some different teams, from SheKnows Media to my good friend Gretta Monahan (we’ve appeared on Rachael Ray together) and right now, everyone is talking about social media. After 13 Reasons Why came out, the conversation has only grown and become more real. If you haven’t read my 13 Reasons Why article, you totally should, and not just because I’m biased: but because my article is making people talk, a lot. If you check out the Rolling Stone Facebook page, you’ll see some pretty negative comments under the post with the article. I’m used to the Internet, and the negativity that can come out of it, but I definitely wasn’t expecting such a negative response from the article. On the other hand, we were trending for TWO days, so that’s pretty rad. But it brings me back to my initial point: social media isn’t a beautiful or healthy place for vulnerable teens to voice their opinions on. All of the people who commented on the article were commenting on my writing, and how “stupid” RS was to publish an article like that, but why are people talking negatively about me? I was simply asked to write an article on my opinion on the show. I’m not writing about you, or your kids, so keep your mean viewpoints off of the Internet, for real! Just like you see in the show, no one really realizes how much words can affect a young person. Be careful when you write stuff that you might think is funny, because there is always a chance someone might take a comment the opposite way.

I keep getting asked by parents and older people in the industry about what advise I’d give them on talking to their kids about social media, and the show. As much as I think (and still think, even after people commented opposing views on the article) that 13 Reasons slightly glamorizes teen suicide, I do believe that the show brings up so many valid points. We’ve got parents talking to their teens about their bodies. We’ve got faculty in schools talking to kids about how to prevent bullying and get help.

We’ve got people admitting that they have a mental illness, and they’re feeling comfortable enough to finally reach out for help. 

These are all things that probably wouldn’t have happened so quickly if it wasn’t for this one viral show, that went viral solely due to how teens use social media and the power of the Internet. 

Why does the show glamorize teen suicide? Because Hannah Baker doesn’t die. She lives on through tapes, and blames her decision on 13 people. You can’t blame the decision to harm yourself on someone else. When suicide occurs, the person dies. We don’t see the pain and suffering her family and friends endure (like people would in real life) because she’s still “living” through the tapes.

So why don’t likes matter? Because as much as getting a ton of likes on a picture or post may make you feel sexy or successful, you don’t need the Internet to make you feel that way. You need yourself to make you feel like you’re worth the world, because you totally are. What you see online isn’t real life, and celebrities don’t wake up looking like they do online. Post your favorite pictures, but don’t look to the web to make you satisfied with who you are.

You’re good enough without Afterlight, VSCO, or FaceTune. You’re just as sexy as Kim Kardashian, whether you have a body like her or you have a body like me.

*If you’re a parent reading this, start talking to your kids. They probably won’t open up to you like you want them to, but they don’t have to share everything they’re going with to you immediately. Make sure you don’t become a helicopter parent, but make sure you don’t back off so much that they don’t know who to talk to when they’re dealing with something. The best you can do as a parent is make your child comfortable with talking to you.

Xo,

Alexa

I don’t know why, but I’m from a super small town. Like the kind of town where you walk outside of your door and everyone knows everyone.

In high school, I used to spend my days skipping class or avoiding gym by coming up with some type of injury to get myself landed in the office.

So, I’m not sure how I never met Deanna. I had two best friends who were two years older than me, and even though I was kind of scared of them too, I definitely said hi to them in the hall.

I needed a makeup artist for a shoot last year, and someone referred me to Deanna. So I slid into her DM’s, and it’s been a true friendship since then. She’s the kinda girl who you only want to see succeed, you know? And how many people out there do you want to see succeed, vs. feel like you’re constantly competing with?

Enjoy reading her interview!

A: What’s it like being a makeup artist in 2017?

It’s a pretty competitive platform. Now a days you’ve really gotta find your thing that sets you apart from everyone else.

A: What sets you apart from the next top celeb makeup artist?

Besides my personality, I’d say the fact that I can do some special FX makeup also helps to set me apart. I don’t really post that many photos or videos with special FX but keep your eyes peeled this fall!

A: What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs that are just getting started?

Just stick with it. I started doing YouTube videos freshman year of high school and didn’t really gain any traction until currently. BE CONSISTENT!!!! I can’t stress that enough. It’s something that even I am still working on. But there is a significant difference in the attention my channel gets when I post consistently. Just don’t let anyone’s mean comments deter you. There’s always gonna be someone who’s rude for no reason.

A: What is the hardest part of being in the business under 25?

Money. It takes money to make money and honestly being 21 and supporting myself it’s hard to justify spending money on makeup. And most of the money I make from doing photo shoots goes back into buying more makeup for more shoots/videos. Even though I love makeup I have to be able to say “okay I want this foundation but I also want groceries this week sooooo it’ll have to wait.”

A: What has been your greatest success so far?

I just recently started having a few small companies reach out to me which is super cool. It’s awesome knowing that people are liking what they see on my channel.

A: What is your ultimate goal?

I’d love to be able to do a collaboration with Tarte one day. They’re definitely my favorite makeup line and it would be so amazing to be able to create something with them.

Images via Jessie Rose Photography

One of the reasons I’ve worked so hard to establish M.I.N.T. as something more than a project that is stronger than D.A.R.E. is because there is always something going on behind the surface. Whether that means someone dealing with something behind closed doors (have you read my Rolling Stone article?) or dealing with tons of chaos behind the scenes at a shoot (did you models don’t always show up?) you and I always have something going on. Occasionally, an outfit I’m supposed to wear won’t fit me as well as I expected- and that brings on tons of negative thoughts in my head. Did I eat too much before this? Did I eat too much this month? How about yesterday?

How about- I stop saying words like that?

It’s easier said than done- but I’m someone who always needs something to work on. And for me, that’s what I always need to work on- loving myself.

I hired a photographer in Sacramento to come and highlight some moments behind the scenes that you guys don’t see. The early mornings, even though I always get to witness the sunrise in a new city, the notes, and the prep are all key steps to getting me prepared that most people don’t see. On this particular day, I had two segments to prep for, two models to count on to show up, and two pages of notes to remember to not screw up.

When I first started a few years ago, I remember I used to get extreme anxiety on set. I still get tons of anxiety, don’t get me wrong, but the more I’ve managed to be successful at my job, the less anxiety I have. So when things don’t go as planned, I still get really anxious. That’s something I’ll have to learn to overcome as I get older.

At the end of the day, we’ve all got something. I’ll be anxious AND obsessed with chocolate until I die- who cares!? What’s life if it’s all too easy, all of the time?

Xo,

Alexa

A few weeks ago, I was on Selena Gomez’s Instagram (some may call that trolling) page, and I saw her writing most of her captions about a new show called 13 Reasons Why. Selena Gomez recently got out of rehab, and has openly talked about her battle with lupus and mental health issues. I figured I should do some investigating…

so I did. I watched the show, I texted my friends and other teens about 13 Reasons Why, and most importantly, really though about how the show made me felt. As someone who has endured bullying, depression, and an eating disorder, I’ve been through it all. I know what it feels like for your girlfriends to one day push you out of their group. I know what it feels like to eat in a bathroom, to feel alone, and to feel utterly sad.

After I watched the show, I got an email from the editor at Rolling Stone, asking me what I thought about the show. I gave her my thoughts, and she got back to me. She seemed to be on the same page, too, which is something that the teens I talked to didn’t agree with. Did 13 Reasons Why glamorize suicide, because of the drama and attention that game from Hannah Baker’s death?

It was my job, over the past 48 hours, to formulate a kick-ass piece for Rolling Stone. And so I did. I’d love to hear your comments and opinions on the article and show in the comment box below, in my DM’s, or on Twitter. And just know: you’re never alone. You can get through anything you are going through, as long as you start talking.

Read my first article for Rolling Stone here.

Xo,

Alexa

I just got back from SUCH a fun few days in California! The weather in SF/Sacramento is nowhere near sunny LA weather, but I managed to survive during the multiple hail storms that occurred!

I got to appear on two segments on Good Day Sacramento: the first one was on swimwear with Lands’ End, Crispy Green, Decorte Cosmetics and Seabuck Wonders. Talking about swimwear with my beautiful, healthy models was fun. I love working with girls who are confident AND healthy- there is nothing worse than working with models who are truly underweight, or unhappy with their bodies. Loving yourself is the key to happiness!

Watch it here!

The second segment was on fitness with Simone of Body by Simone and Janice of Tone-y-Bands- two incredibly successful entrepreneurs who are making waves in the fitness world. Watch it here!

Traveling the world, following your dreams, and meeting wonderful individuals along the way is what life is all about. Even if you hate your job right now, or wish you could switch industries, the world is your oyster. You can always do what your heart desires- just never give up.

Xo,

Alexa

Zara denim, H&M sneakers, Chaser Brand top

I host a Meetup group for awesome women in Boston (our next one is this Wednesday) and I wanted to bring it to San Francisco for a while. Last night, I decided to host my first one in San Francisco! Most of the women in my Boston group are looking to transition to running a company or doing some type of “side hustle” so they don’t necessary have any experience with running an actual business. The women who joined me last night already run their own company, so it was awesome to experience a group of women who already have their own gig going on!

San Francisco is so different than LA: it’s been rainy and grey the entire 24 hours I’ve been here, so I was surprised people even showed up last night! If you follow me on Snapchat (I just added the icon so you can follow me at the top of my blog) you’ll see my rainy adventure to get my favorite almond milk bubble tea last night. I ventured out in an actual hurricane for it, but oh boy, that tea is totally worth it.

I’m heading to Sacramento now to join Simone of Body by Simone and Janice of Toney-y-Bands for a segment on Great Day Sacramento tomorrow! I’ve actually got 2 segments line up: one on swimwear and another one on fitness, so tomorrow is going to be a very long but exciting day. Tune in to Great Day Sacramento tomorrow to catch both segments!

Xo,

Alexa

Occasionally, you come across someone who has an eye for fashion. They may have an eye for style similar to yours, or simply a cool aesthetic, but immediately, you get hooked on their page. That’s what I thought about Sophie Elgort when I came across her work a few years ago. With thousands and thousands of Instagram followers, Sophie has shot some of the biggest campaigns in the world. I met her at an event a few years ago in Manhattan (I was so little!) and knew I had to include her in a project eventually. Now that I stared M.I.N.T., it’s important for me to involve people in every industry.

Thank you for letting me interview you Sophie, and I can’t wait for you to join us on a new panel soon!

A: How do you describe the photography industry in 2017?

Everyone has access to a camera now on their phones and especially with Instagram photography is definitely something that people really appreciate which is cool.

A: What makes you interested in social media and mental health?

I think it’s important to remember that when people post on social media you are seeing only glimpses of their lives – just because it looks perfect doesn’t mean it is so it’s so important not to compare yourself. Social media is a great, I love it – use it to express yourself and show your work but take everything you see with a grain of salt.

A: What advice would you give to young adults interested in starting a business?

One of my biggest faults is thinking too much before taking action and I work to counter this every day, so the advice I’d give is if you have an idea that you’re really excited about, try it out and take action right away. Someone once told me if you’re going to fail to “fail fast” and then rework the idea and try again. If you don’t take action at all, there’s no way you can succeed.

A: Does social media play a huge role in your business?

It does. With photography, social media is such an important platform for me to show my work – not only the work that’s published but also outtakes and my own projects. It is also really useful for staying in touch with people – I’m meeting so many different people every day and I like to keep up with everyone but it’s physically impossible but Instagram makes it a bit easier.

A: What interests you in my program, M.I.N.T., and why should more teens be talking about their bodies?

Opening an honest dialogue at an early age about confidence and body image is so important – these issues need to addressed so that teens know that these are REAL issues, that they’re not the only ones feeling the way they’re feeling and that what they’re feeling is not insignificant or irrelevant. Even as an adult it can be difficult when you see an image of a person who you think has the ideal body and it can make you feel like you’re not good enough. I also think it’s important to remember that to get that one perfect image maybe they took 100 images and picked only the best one to post.  Even if the person does look a certain way that you admire, everyone is different and you have no idea what other things that person might be going through or what other challenges they’re dealing with. These are definitely important topics to start talking about early.

THANK YOU SOPHIE! We can’t wait to have you join us on an upcoming M.I.N.T. panel!

Xo,

Alexa

Wearing Primark denim, Jack Wills top, and Nike sneakers

Second outfit is J.Crew skirt, Boohoo boots, Aeropostale top, and vintage Zara blazer

Floral pic via Hannah Pollinger

I had the most relaxing weekend. I have a very Type A personality, so usually I can’t force myself to stay in bed and watch Netflix for more than one hour. Surprisingly, I managed to watch multiple seasons of 24 (SEASONS, not episodes) on Saturday, and finish up a book I’ve been reading, too!

I’ve made a promise to myself this year to take one day per week to relax without my cell phone. Right now, my Instagram is wacking out and I’m getting ridiculous likes on my pictures, which just reminds me more about why I seriously hate social media. Like, why is someone buying me likes?! This is bizarre, but I’m too lazy to get it sorted out so I’m just going to keep tweeting Instagram until they fix it.

Taking an hour, or even 30 minutes to yourself to bake, read, or write without your cell phone is so refreshing. There’s nothing I like more than spending an afternoon at a coffee shop completely relaxing with a coffee and a book. Social media is nothing but corrupt, and many times, more stressful than enjoyable.

I’d love to get your opinion on social media- do you prefer to spend most of your weekend on social media, or would you rather spend it at a book store like me? If you have a few minutes, fill out the survey below. It helps my team at M.I.N.T. figure out the topics that teens are facing most.

If you fill out the survey below, email me at fashionlane@alifeinthefashionlane.com and you’ll AUTOMATICALLY win an awesome beauty set by Hard Candy!

Xo,

Alexa

I loved appearing on CT Style last week in Connecticut! Appearing on TV in my home state is so rad, because I feel like I’m not even working. If you love what you do (like I’ve said before) than you don’t have to worry about waking up everyday dreading going to work.

I teamed up with Lands’ End, Biore and Spruce & Co to help showcase some of my favorite spring trends. Most of you wouldn’t think of Lands’ End as the type of company to choose over somewhere like H&M or Aeropostale, but I’m such a huge fan of them. As you get older, your realize how quality clothing totally makes a difference in your life. Spending a little more money on a pair of quality jeans or leather shoes instead of buying a new pair every year saves you time and money in the long run.

Also, if you haven’t heard of Spruce & Co before, I’m hoping to keep them in some of my blog content for a while. The company is genius, and I’m a huge fan of companies that give back to the environment. I’m also someone who is always annoyed with how dirty my screen is and constantly too lazy to do anything about it, but now it’s simple to get your screen clean AND give back.

Watch the segment above!

P.S. I’m giving away 5 SETS of Hard Candy nail polishes and all you have to do is get a few of your friends to subscribe to my newsletter! Once you do that, email me your name and address at fashionlane@alifeinthefashionlane.com. HAPPY FRIDAY!

That’s one caption I never thought I’d be posting on my blog!

Over the past year, I’ve become very interested in money. As an entrepreanur, it’s up to me, all of the time, to make my own money. There’s a positive side and negative side to that story (way more work, better rewards) and as I speak with more parents, I realize that most young adults have totally no idea what to do about money.

Most of you are reading my blog are probably teens/kids, and haven’t thought about anything besides passing your school classes since you can remember. That’s how I was, until my blog went full-time, and I realized that money is quite important. On Saturday, I went to the Lady Project Summit in Providence, and listened to a financial team talk about handling finances. Of course, I was the youngest person in the room, but that didn’t stop me from being curious and asking questions.

If you work a regular job right now to put yourself through school, or high school, and don’t have any “side” money or a rainy day fund (put $1 in a jar x week, it adds up) this article may not be of interest to you. I still suggest reading through because soon enough, you’ll be making money and have no clue what to do with it.

For those of you that aren’t making tons of dough, but feel like you should be doing something more than spending money on food with what you have, here are some simple options.

Roth/IRA fund: 

an individual retirement account allowing a person to set aside after-tax income up to a specified amount each year. Both earnings on the account and withdrawals after age 59½ are tax-free.

What the heck does that mean? Well, a financial advisor or one of your parents will be the best person to discuss setting this fund up with, but basically, it’s a savings account that you can’t touch. I have my dad handle my IRA because I don’t handle financial stuff well (I always need another pair of shoes….) and I put in as much as I financially can. You are penalized for touching this account, which is fantastic because unless you truly need the money, you won’t feel tempted to touch it. You can put in a max of $5,500 x year.

Acorns:

I just downloaded the app, Acorns, on Monday of this week. I came across it after someone brought it up at the seminar, and I was thrilled to see something like this. Acorns rewards you for spending money in certain places (if you use HotelTonight, you get $10 for every booking, $30 for signing up for Blue Apron) but more importantly, rounds up all of your purchases to go into a separate savings account. Say you spend $2.50 on a coffee- they will put $1.00 into a savings account for you. Refer your friends and whoever signs up gets you $5 into your account, too!

Credit Cards:

This one is a toughie. I didn’t get my first credit card until last year, which was actually later than most teens get one. I’ve always been hesitant to advise teens to get credit cards because most teens don’t have any relationship with money at all, and won’t know how to handle unlimited funds. On the other hand, one day you’ll probably want to buy a car or a house, and you’ll need evidence of good credit to back you up.

Therefore, I suggest starting with a $300-500 limit on a credit card, approved through your bank. You can always up the limit. Pay off the money in a timely manner each month, and don’t forget that credits cards take interest. Upon deciding which card to choose, talk with your bank and figure out the interest rate first. From there, pick the card suited to your needs and your financial position.

Know Your Expenses

You probably won’t have to worry much about your expenses until you’re out of school, but knowing your income and expenses is really beneficial for arranging a good balance. For me, I always keep money in my IRA, my savings account, and my checking account, just in case. I also know I have to make X money per month to pay for my expenses (rent, assistant, food…) and if I don’t bring in any income for one month, I know what I have to cut back on spending wise.

Talk To Your Parents

They have experience, and can likely guide you through key steps to handling your finances. I suggest every teen get a job as early as they can, and get a savings account as early as possible. There’s nothing worse than not knowing how to handle money once you’re out of college, right?

DEBT

Here’s the one concern teens consistently come to me with- how to get out of debt. I didn’t go to college, so I can’t necessarily advise you properly on this topic. But Dummies for Investing, this article, and this one, may help. You know getting out of debt doesn’t happen overnight- but how do you get out of it without working 7 jobs? Start putting $5-10 x week the minute you finish high school (or maybe earlier) into a separate savings account, and start small. Everything adds up.

Xo,

Alexa