Former ASU student, Gabby Soto, gives us advice on how to break into the modeling industry, tips on saving money when shopping and what she thinks is the hottest trend right now!
How long have you been modeling and acting? What advice would you give other young girls who are trying to pursue the same career?
I have been pursuing modeling and acting since age eighteen. Although my agencies scouted me several years before, finishing high school was important to me. Of course, having my pictures taken and seeing commercials of myself on my favorite television programs was exciting, but so was being a regular teenager and attending school (where I spent most of my time daydreaming about strutting runways and posing in haute couture.) My advice to other young girls hoping to enter the industry high heel first, would simply be… work hard, stay consistent, be kind to everyone you meet, and listen to your inner voice; it’s the best (and most accurate) map you’ll have to finding the road of your success.
When you’re not writing for The Root Of It, how do you enjoy spending your free time?
When I am not writing for The Root Of It, trust me, I am constantly thinking about what I can write for The Root Of It. Magic is everywhere, and when something special stumbles upon me, I automatically want to share it with my fellow dreamers. Of course, my life consists of great friends and family, who support my anxiety fueled passions, and it’s a great day when I spend it with each and every one of them. During the day, I snap pictures of the neat things I discover (which can be anything from a divine Marc Jacobs bag, a cotton candy colored sunset over the ocean, or the meal I didn’t set on fire.) When I truly have time to myself, I spend it working out, whether I go for a jog outside, yoga class or sweat it out at the gym, taking care of my body makes me feel good and allows me time to gather my best thoughts. Most days I do a lot of volunteer work and when nighttime comes, after a long day, it is time for research! Or, what is better known as the excuse used for the hours spent reading the countless Vogue’s you can find everywhere in my room.
Who are your favorite fashion models, designers, bloggers and what fashion magazines do you read?
Kate Moss is not only my favorite supermodel; she is one of my biggest fashion inspirations. She manages to look chic while walking around the city in combat boots and skinny jeans and she owns the pages of any high editorial spread she graces.
How would you describe your sense of style?
I would describe my sense of style with two words, “effortlessly chic.” I love wearing my Zara denim cut offs, combat boots and a slouchy Alexander Wang tee. Personally, I believe in the old saying “less is more” … I always over accessorize of course!
Where do you shop/Who are your favorite designers?
When I open the door to my favorite room in my humble abode, I see the coat that kept me warm roaming the streets of New York City, the little black dress that landed me my dream job… and the white one that landed me a hot date. Some of the designers who have helped me create those special memories are, Alexander Wang, Elizabeth and James, Free People, Helmut Lang and Rag & Bone. I also love to shop Zara, Top Shop, and Brandy Melville online!
What advice would you give to girls who aren’t so fashion savvy?
I believe having a true sense of self is the most successful way to achieve great personal style. Most young woman tend to follow trends they see different body types, high end models or celebrities wear, never really owning a piece of clothing that really expresses who they are, but rather who someone else is. If you know who you are, what you like and what you wear well, you’re introducing yourself to the world in the way you want to be seen. What isn’t fashion savvy about a girl knowing who she is?
Is it possible to have a magazine worthy look without spending a fortune?
Yes, yes, yes! If you were to ask anyone who shops with me, they would tell you how much I love a good deal (while rolling their eyes and laughing.) I’ll look through my favorite blogs, magazines and follow my fashion icons before shopping so I walk through the doors only searching for key pieces to complete a look, which also saves me money!
What is the hottest trend you are following right now?
You can find me in my leather jacket, plaid flannel, oversized Free People sweater and combat boots this fall! If you are on the hunt for trends this season, look out for leather trimmed anything!
Do you have any tips for Fall/Winter outfits?
One word… LAYERS.
What is your favorite part of picking out an outfit?
I’ve been dressing up since age three, when I thought making headpieces out of clear garbage bags would be a profitable business. I’ve been dressing other people since I figured out that business wasn’t taking off. We often forget why we do something in life, and for me, I am reminded of why fashion and styling is what I love in the one moment someone puts on an outfit and loves who they are. For me, it is the moment they look at the person in the mirror and feel beautiful. That’s it. That’s the moment I love.