Lunch with Victoria's Secret Models, Erin Heatherton Spills Her Beauty Must Haves & Her Fitness Struggle

Picture this: a perfect spring day in NYC and the sun is shining in through the glass roof of Imperial No. Nine, the restaurant off the lobby of the Mondrian Soho onto different shades of pink roses that lined the long wooden table.  What looked like a chic bridal shower was just another beauty event, only this time I found myself at a garden themed luncheon for Victoria's Secret with three models: Lindsay Ellingson, Erin Heatherton (who I grabbed to chat) and Toni Garrn. 

The beginning of the event we were having cocktails and mingling when I asked Erin if I could ask her a few questions about the new fragrance, Love is Heavenly, and she pulled me over to the bar so we could talk in private.  After noticing her six inch Louboutin's I realized she probably needed to sit down and scored an exclusive, really raw interview.

"It's parallel to this kind of day we're having, a beautiful spring day," Heatherton explained when I asked her how she'd describe the scent.  "Optomistic and feminine, like being in love.  You know, the a quiet, playful happiness you have inside."

I couldn't agree more.  As a fan of Heavenly, which I used to exclusively wear when I was younger, Love is Heavenly is just as light with a citrus twist.  An uplifting daytime fragrance available in Eau de Parfum, Body Mist (my fave), Lotion and Moisture Cream.

As for other beauty must haves, she credits her great skin to Dr. Colbert, who's her go-to derm and loves his skincare.  "I like to have fresh, glowing skin and love cheek stain," she says.  "Besides that I use tinted lip balm and a lash curler."  After long flights or when she feels stressed to prevent pimples she rotates between Ren and the Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Face Masks.  I've never tried either and can't wait!

"For a while when I was doing this job I looked right, but didn't feel good," she confesses.  "I ran, but it was a chore, until I started noticing results."  Growing up Heatherton was an athlete and never had to work to be in shape, when she hit her 20's, things changed.  "Now I put in hours sweating and boxing and it adds to my confidence at the end of the day.  Sometimes you don't want to be photographed if you don't feel right."

Brooke Burke Dishes Her Guilty Pleasures

Last week around 3pm I was anxiously awaiting a call from Brooke Burke.  At 3:03 my phone rang and an apologetic Brooke immediately placed me on hold so she could quiet the kids.  The California based mother of four, model and co-host of Dancing with the Stars has landed herself yet another gig – a partnership with Suave, encouraging women to indulge in themselves without feeling guilty.  Hey, why not? You wear so many hats, what's your favorite and how do you do it all?

Family comes first always.  I love what I do.  I'm so blessed to host DWTS, love blogging and find Modern Mom very therapeutic, but all of that is the icing on the cake beyond my family.  I feel all of my jobs compliment each other so I can do it all.

Do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs?

Yes, set reasonable goals.  Write a bucket list of everything you want to accomplish.  I believe every woman should dream and have aspirations, but after writing your list start chipping away at them.

You always look stunning on DWTS.  What's your secret?

Less is more for me, but I love Cellceuticals, topical vitamin C's, a good gloss and mascara.

Have you always been into fitness?  What's the secret behind your beach body?

I do Pilates Plus, eat very healthy and believe in small, smart meals.  I've always been into fitness and have learned what works for my body and lifestyle.  It's all about taking out time for yourself, too.  As a mother, others come first, but you can't lose your sense of self.

How does that relate to your partnership with Suave?

That's why I was excited to partner with Suave.  Their campaign is all about "me time," which can be just ten minutes a day, even just enjoying your simple shower and making it luxurious with one of their body washes.  I make sure to take time out for myself to do things like work out.  It's all about being organized and making the time.

(You can visit the Suave Facebook page to enter their Smart Splurge Contest).

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

Cooking is my ultimate escape.  I love going to farmers markets and making salsas and sauces.  It's theraputic.  With four children and a family of six, the kitchen is my conference room.  I drink wine, red is my favorite, and light candles.

NYFW's Rising Stars Are Under 10 Years Old

Backstage at The Academy of the Art University I was surprised to see that two of the shows stars were under the age of ten!  As they were getting primped their parents weren't far behind and they looked like they've been doing this all their lives – funny thing is, they have.

The modeling scene was familiar to Nico, 9 and Jacqueline, 9.  Both who appeared in Target ads and have walked the runway for NYFW before.  "I have a picture of myself pointing to the big Target billboard that I'm in, in Times Square," said Jacqueline.  "It's pretty cool."

Nico is home schooled all year round and loves modeling, but has aspirations beyond the modeling world.  "When I grow up, I want to be a marine biologist," she says.  "I think sea lions are really cool."

Jacqueline, who has appeared in Rebound with Catherine Zeta-Jones aspires to be an actress and see herself on the big screen one day.  Looks like she's on the right path.

What were you doing when you were 10 years old?

Endless Eye Candy at the Tim Hamilton Redux, You're Welcome

After a covering backstage for Costello Tagliapietra at Milk Studios, I wondered up to the 8th floor and found myself pleasantly surprised by what I found (to say the least).  The sounds of music flooded the halls and I entered a room full of gorgeous men – yes, eye sex worthy.  Let's just say my job of reporting on beauty trends was long forgotten. The room was full of about 30 male models rocking the latest by Tim Hamilton drinks in hand, laughing and talking with each other.  I felt like I was at a cocktail party, some even made me feel like I was at a fraternity formal.  The DJ spun club music and took a break to allow a solo guitarist perform. Photographers were walking in between the models to capture the moment and I, well I just decided to mingle, Belevedere and cranberry in hand.  What girl wouldn't?

Of course, I interviewed one of the finest gentlemen about the collection, drinking while modeling and what he finds sexy about a woman.  His name?  Who cares.

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