Coo-coo for Coco Rocha

Had to express my love for Coco Rocha. She's absolutely positively AMAZING! This girls angles are ridiculous! She is very pretty but there is something that's different about her on the inside that makes her stand out. If you haven't looked at her work... wake up!

Behind the Scenes of My Commercial: "This is Not My Job"

Hello again! Just wanted to update you guys!

Yesterday I filmed MY commercial with the magnificent Cedric Perry. We have been friends since my freshman year of college and we are both in pursuit of major things. When he pitched the idea to me I was nervous beyond belief. I've never done anything like this BUT I'm always up for a challenge so I agreed to do it! I've been blessed to have amazing friends so when I asked Tatiana and Ky Asia to help out they didn't hesitate to say yes.

The day was long but it was well worth it! The moment Ced said "5,4,3..." it all became clear to me that THIS is what I was made for! I knew I said I wanted things to happen.. but its different being in the moment when it IS happening. There is nothing that we can't accomplish, it takes time, effort, and energy but the rewards all well worth it! I'm excited to show the world that this stopped being talk for me the moment I spoke about wanting to model and act. The journey has only begun. There is more work to be done but I've got my game face on! Stay tuned guys.

Here is the sneak peek video:

Photo Shoot with Anthony Winters

Hey all! Just wanted to share my newest image from my last photo shoot! I shot with the magnificent Anthony Winters! I was terrified because it was the first shoot that I've ever had with a photographer in New York. My sister and cousin came along to help me out. This was my first trip to Brooklyn and it was about 12 degrees outside. After reaching the location and defrosting I had to turn on fierce. Anthony was amazing! Easy to work with, knows what he's looking for and the best part... he's my phrat brother (ha!). My hair was done by Jason Martinez and makeup by Hencys De La Rosa. I enjoyed the whole experience and can't wait to do it again!

Desarée Franchon

On the train to NY!! (my sister's gonna kill me for this one)

Cherelle stops to take pics in 12 degree weather.

The finished product!!!

Relationships: Find someone complimentary to you.

A male friend of mine frequently discusses his life as a bachelor (it is eventful to say the least). He is dating a few women trying to figure out what he wants out of a woman, how they would fit in his life, and if he wants to be in a relationship. Through many of the stories he has given me much insight as to how men think and the difference between what women think men are trying to say and what they are REALLY saying.

From our discussions I have come to have my favorite and least favorite of his 'lady friends'. There was one specifically who I deemed as my least favorite. I had drawn the conclusion that she was not fit for him because she consistently asked him for money, would frequently use his car, and seemed to not offer anything other than intimacy. Of course I made it a point to voice these feelings to him (hey how could I resist?) and expressed that any woman that was self-respecting, self-sufficient and to an extent, self-reliant would not ask for what she does. For a while he continued to keep her around but expressed he was unhappy because she has his car and didn't pick him up on time or another reason. One day during our discussion I was beginning to tell him I don't understand why he still deals with her and then.... I had an epiphany.

Although I saw her as unfit, he didn't. Not because he was keeping her around for intimacy but she was providing all the things he felt HE needed as a man. He enjoys being able to provide, hence giving her money and letting her borrow his car. When he needed food she didn't mind cooking and if he needed groceries she would shop for the both of them when she received her source of income.

See, every man doesn't need the same thing from a woman. Some may need a woman who cooks, some men may prefer to cook. Some men require that they are the only provider for the household, while others are turned off if a woman doesn't have a career. What I failed to realize was that it's not about a man and woman possessing the 'right' characteristics it's about them completing one another. Where one lacks, the other should make up for and vice versa. Dedicate today to finding out what you bring to the table and what kind of person would best fit what you want and need out of life today, tomorrow, and years from now. It may not be the same as your friends but it's for YOU, the most important party in your life.

Signed,
Desarée Franchon

My Intereview for: OhYouFancy.net

Hey guys!! Tonight I had an amazing interview with Jenell McMillon for her blog ohyoufancy.net. Jenell is a friend of my cousin and she has dedicated her blog to pure fashion. She interviews people in the industry, post updates in the fashion world and gives great advice on the latest trends. She is an upandcoming force to be reconed with so watch out!

You can check out my interview for ohyoufancy.net by clicking the link to the site below! I give my insight thus far on the modeling industry and my experiences. This is only the beginning people so take a look!http://ohyoufancy.net/desaree-rutledge/

On the journey to the top,
Desarée Franchon

Mary Tyler Moore. Classic Beauty

When I was around the age of 7 I LOVED watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show on Nick @ Night. She was effortlessly beautiful to me. A woman who had a good head on her shoulders and exhibited inner beauty along with her physical beauty.. I knew that;s how I wanted to be! Of course I was a fan of the clothing in the 70's

Ode to Chanel Iman.

I didn't write a poem or anything but I've always enjoyed reading titles that said "Ode to..." haha. I <3 Chanel Iman. She is hands down one of my favorite models. She's holding it down in high fashion, Victoria's Secret and beyond for black models. Can't wait to be next to her in a picture! (yes I said it)

Reason, Season, Lifetime. You be the judge.

The following is a poem that was given to me a few months ago. Every once in a while it comes to mind and I read it again. It helps me with times when I may not understand someones purpose in my life or their sudden depature. Take time to read and may it help you in the way it has helped me!

A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or
a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you
will know what to do for each person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON . . . It is
usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you
with guidance and support, to aid you physically,
emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a
godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason
you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an
inconvenient time, this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our
desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you
sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON . . .
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount
of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things
you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the
person, and put what you have learned to use in all
other relationships and areas of your life. It is said
that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Author Unknown

With Love,
Desarée Franchon

The beauty that lies within

With this title I'm sure you figured this post is going to be some sort of generic explanation as to why what's inside on counts... well you're partially correct lol. I do plan on going into depth.

For those who have known me pre-college they know what I used to look like. Not that I was an ugly child (that's not in my genetic composition) but it took me a while to "come into my own". Guys weren't immediately attracted to me.. but if they took the time to get to know me they would see there was more than meets the eye. It is sad but we live in a world where the way you look and dress play a large part in how people respond to and over-all treat you.

With the shallow guys I dodged at a young age, I learned early on that I wanted someone who would take the time to get to know me for the beautiful person I am within. I knew I had much to offer any man (or boy during that age) who I decided to invest time in.

Now older, wiser, and in touch with my outer beauty as much as the inner I recognize what is more important. Yes it's nice to be pretty and have men stare from time to time but I always think.. one day I will be old and wrinkly. One day I won't have this gym body.. and if a man has based their attraction to me on the physical than there will be nothing to hold him if it may change. The reason I used the picture of Beauty and The Beast (besides the fact that I've been watching the movie everyday for the past week) is because Beauty loved the Beast through his exterior. She fell in love with the man inside, not knowing what he really looked like. Although he was scary, mean, etc. she found the inner beauty he possessed. She didn't date the typical good looking guy that everyone loved (Gaston) because she wanted more. She found exactly what she was looking for in the Beast AND he transformed into a handsome prince in the end (don't count on this happening in real life though haha).

There are many "beautiful" ugly people. Naomi Campbell is drop dead GORGEOUS but she is in the media every few months for having " Another B*tch Moment". Anyone who is worth being in your life will love you for your kindness, good heart, how you make them feel, etc. No matter how nice you may look if your attitude sucks you become harder to be around. People aren't going to come to your funeral because you looked good lol, the come based on the impact you've made in their life. The things that you've done for them, how you've made them feel and for the memories that you've left them with that cannot be replaced.

If you're not on this path, declare today as your pivotal moment. Let your inner being speak volumes as to how amazing you are and what you bring to the world. Smile, say hello to someone you don't know, or help out a stranger. Love makes the world go round! (lol ok I'm done)

Signed with love,
Desarée Franchon

Sessilee Lopez. Love her!

#Shoutout to Sessilee Lopez. One of my FAVORITE models. She puts the "F" in FIERCE. This would be an around the world and back snap according to 'Men on Film' in the 'In Living Color' skit. She makes me want to keep my haircut lol.

Hair: Natural vs. Relaxed.

Today I had a different inspiration... hair. For weeks now I've been trying to figure out what my next style is. I miss long hair and it's versatility but I do love my new cut. I love that I can change my hair and in a moments notice I can unveil a new parallel to my being (that was deep lol). I've been going back and forth about going natural (which is no joke), dying my hair a strawberry blonde/red, or staying black and getting an 18 inch weave. Now this may all seem confusing or a bit much but to those who know me... this is just typical Des.

With all my indecisive ways I have to come to a point where I asked myself... why is my hair so important? Why does my hair affect how I think people perceive and receive me? Most importantly... why do I care what other people think about MY hair?

A huge discussion within the African-American community about relaxed vs. natural hair has been going on for a few years now. I think an African-American woman with natural hair is beautiful. They have taken a big step , especially if they transitioned, to declare that are no long going to subject themselves to chemical processing. My only problem is when women who are natural down talk women who continue relaxing their hair. I think it is a matter of carrying the persona of your choice whether chemically treated or not. I have seen 'tow up' natural hair and 'a hot mess' relaxed hair lol. I am a firm believer there isn't one that is better than the other, its just a matter of preference. A matter of what makes you feel good when you wake up and look in the mirror. A matter of when a few hairs may be out of place but you still feel as flyy as you did the moment you left the hairdressers chair.

I think it all sums up to how you feel about yourself. How good you feel when you've expressed yourself through your appearance. There is no one way to define the way people should look... In that case God would have made us all the same. Represent yourself in the way you feel.. natural, relaxed, maybe even half and half if you can pull it off (I don't recommend it though) lol. Have a great day and continue loving yourself in your own skin!