First off I have to thank you Jeannie Bugs for writing, posting, tweeting, emailing the most amazing questions and letters to me. THANK YOU so much. And I don’t mean just for watching How Do I Look or seeing what I’m wearing next, but for being so powerful in your own ways to encourage one another and recognizing how special you each are.

I got this letter this Sunday and it just hit me like a Cupid’s arrow that I had to share. I love when Style spreads love.

Thanks Sophie.
“Our daughter, Sophie, loves your show How Do I Look.  Every Monday, she would watch your show before brushing her teeth and going to bed.  When I ask her what theme she wanted for her birthday, she said a “Jeannie Mai” theme; not Barbie or Hello Kitty, Jeannie Mai.

The funniest thing was, as I was getting ready to go to work, Sophie looked at what I was wearing and said, “Mom, what would Jeannie say?”

Anyway, my daughter is teaching me to appreciate being a girl and making sure I take care of those things that I didn’t care about before, fashion and hair.  She and I are bonding over your show, so thank you for that.  As you can see, she wanted to make sure her best pink jacket matched her socks…

Sincerely,
Roe Narvarte”

I couldn’t help but to respond like asap.

Click here to view the embedded video.

JEANNIE MAI REDEFINES TASTE

T: Jeannie, when someone asks what you do for a living, what do you say?
JM: I say I’m a television personality, slash ambassador for Girl Power.
You’ve been quite busy over the last year. What are some of things on which you’ve been working?
T: You’ve been quite busy over the last year. What are some of things on which you’ve been working?
JM: Between shooting the 12th season of How Do I Look and adding a special episode in Australia, I’ve joined the ranks of Yoplait and Avon to encourage women to express their individuality and stay healthy at the same time. I shot what I think will be the best fashion reality show ever called Fashion Star for NBC starring Elle Macpherson, Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson, and John Varvatos, right before flying out to Sao Paolo, Brazil to co-host Miss Universe. Between appearing on segments for the Today Show, The Doctor’s, and Nate Berkus, I wrapped the life changing series of Biggest Loser as the stylist for makeover week, meanwhile taking makeovers to a whole new level with Ellen Rakieten of Oprah, Ken Paves and Cat Deeley with her new pilot, then slid in a holiday special for Style Network starring myself and my adorable hubby, airing this Dec 11 if you’re able to catch it!
T: How was Brazil?
JM: Brazil was amazeballs! How can one country be that over populated by gorgeous women??? But the best thing about Brazil was the people. Everywhere I went I was completely swept off my feet from the hospitality and warmth of loving, proud Brazilians. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
T: How did you start hosting your show?
JM: I’ve been a familiar face on Style Network for many shows and appearances before HDIL. It was just perfect timing that the show decided to evolve and I was brought into place.
T: Like a lot of new show hosts, you probably did not expect it to last as long as it has. What do you think has fueled its longevity?
JM: Although “How Do I Look” has lasted a great time, it still uncovers something we need to learn more about: self worth. Many guests on my show just don’t understand how worthy they are to dress the way they deserve. Therefore they find themselves struggling in relationships and losing more self confidence by the second. HDIL not only reinforces these women on how to see themselves differently, but I take them through a tough, yet very real experience to get them to see what they can do to change their lives immediately.
T: Where do you see lifestyle television going, especially when you see the changes in television versus online broadcasts, as well as scores of new programs across networks?
JM: To be honest, makeover shows are not going to go anywhere because every single person could use a makeover. Secondly, We are obsessed with makeovers, we are constantly wanting to see what can become bigger, better and more beautiful. The only thing I do see possibly changing is that viewers are watching more thing online than onscreen, so we will probably see more programming streaming their shows online.
T: Do you have any designers that you believe we should keep our eye on?
JM: I have been lovin’ the fierce jewelry from Ben Amun, like these incredible Metal Spike Earrings on opensky.com. I also really am feeling Willow & Clay. They make super cute yet chic clothes that you can wear day or night! Luckily, You don’t have to search for the designers I love, because I bring them straight to you! If you go to opensky.com/jeanniemai you can get these fab items all in one place at a discount because you are friends with me!
T: We’ve noticed you like to make a statement with shoes. Is there a style philosophy behind that?
JM: I believe that shoes shouldn’t make you want to walk; they should make you want to strut! Therefore all of the shoes I wear describe my personality, the direction I’m heading and can hold the entire outfit on their own.
T: Any favorite foods (or drinks)?
JM: Mai fave foods are anything that have unique combos or twists, for examples a peanut butter sandwich with bacon or lemongrass inside of ice cream, I love how artistic chefs can get by fueling foods together in interesting ways we never tired. I also have a little gritty part of me that’s obsessed with tripe, tendons or pig ears. I think it’s the Asian in me. I say I’m like Andrew Zimmer. Except that it has to be cooked and that I’m a tad better dressed.
T: Is style a way of branding oneself?
JM: Style is absolutely a way of branding yourself, its been proven that people take 3 seconds or less to judge you based on your appearance. With that being said the colors, style and manner I which you present yourself will complexly deliver a message to the people who see you, you just want to make sure that message is what you meant to say.
T: What do you recommend to others building a brand?
JM: When it comes to branding yourself, first simply it by thinking about the three most unique traits about your personality and lifestyle that sets you apart form everyone else. Next figure out a trademark line, which would describe you in one sentence to anyone that asks. Begin to style yourself in the right colors and textures that makes your brand clear.
T: Is there a brand Jeannie Mai?
JM: The brand Jeannie Mai says. Fashionista, Foodiva, Wearapist. “Where my style and heart bring you full flavor.”
T: So what’s next?
JM: What I would like to do next is to teach wearapy across the world. Wearapy is my theory that clothing can enhance your mood in situations in your life. Through me women will learn the power how they can empower themselves and their life situations all in one look.

Isn’t she lovely? Our very own Jeannie Mai fits right in with Tinseltown’s A-list on the Golden Globes red carpet in her stunning custom red satin gown by Italian couture designer Ines Di Santo. The How Do I Look? host couldn’t resist going Old Hollywood glam, and styled her famously blue-streaked, jet-black locks into retro, long curls.

The fashion expert sparkled like the stars with glittering jewels and box clutch. She’s even got the pose down!

Make sure you watch your girl as she hosts The Golden Globes Pre-Show on NBC. The gorgeous gal, along with Carson Daly and Natalie Morales, will be chatting with the nominees and presenters. And keep coming back to mystyle.com as we break down the night’s biggest fashion and beauty trends!

Hi friends, happy friday to you and yours and mine. Since its fashion friday, I wanted to share with you one of my favey accessorights atm.

The Dekkori shoe accessorie. These amaze lil gems do wonders and can give you numerous interchangeable options to make your shoes stand out, but his however, is something you need to see for yourself.

Click here to view the embedded video.

So there you have it friends.  Follow me on opensky , then Tweet me which shoe you want to dekorri, and I will personalty suggest the  perfect dekorri for YOU!

Dekkori on Opensky

I dunno if it’s bcuz I know our special How Do I Look (link) Australia
episode is airing, or if hanging out with Elle MacPherson at the TCA triggered it, but I miss Australia.

I miss the beautiful weather, the sexy accents, the warm smiles from
everyone around, and the yummy delicious meat pies! Most of all I miss
our dear lovely Bridgette and her wonderful family. Man, I cannot WAIT
for you guys to see this HDIL episode in Australia. It is absolutely
my favorite episode, mostly because Bridgette was just so darn lovely.
In just the first scene, I was already feeling so soft hearted for her
tough start but I knew I had to stay firm. I’m really anxious to see
what you guys think about the episode. Please do tweet me while you
watch, and look out for my recapped blog after the show.

In the meantime, I’m also going to insert some of mai fave foods
discovered out there. Obvi. Tim Tam  anyone?

MUAH Mates!

That’s right, I am totally in Australia mode until tomorrow’s very special “How Do I Look?” season finale live from Sydney Australia! Mai crew and I flew all but 14 hours to get down under to make YOU over.

Catch the Season finale of “How Do I Look?”  on Style Network at 10pm.

Will you be throwing another shrimp on the barbie with me?

Golden Globes 2012: Charlize Theron, Elle Macpherson, Kate Beckinsale and Nicole Kidman show off white hot style on the red carpet

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Last updated at 7:35 AM on 16th January 2012

It’s the first award ceremony of the season and the opportunity for Hollywood to make a serious fashion statement.

But tonight stars shied from colour stepping out instead in pale, cool and snow-inspired hues for a series of white hot looks.

Charlize Theron wore one of the most dramatic dresses of the evening and her Dior couture gown set the tone for the plethora of stars stepping out in light coloured ensembles.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO…

Dramatic: Charlize Theron arrived in one of the most unique designs of the night wearing Dior couture

The 36-year-old actress looked incredible in the plunging gown which boasted a thigh high split, a flowing train and an oversized bow detail wrapped around her waist.

Charlize was not the only starlet stepping out in a pale dresse with Elle Macpherson, Kate Beckinsale and Nicole Kidman among those also showing off the trend.

Australian supermodel Elle decided to dress in a statement white Zac Posen gown with a layered fishtail skirt.

What a way to make an entrance: The 36-year-old actress looked incredible in the plunging gown which boasted a thigh high split, while Nicole Kidman opted for an off-white fitted gown with gold studded detail

She’s still the body: Elle Macpherson wore a dramatic strapless dress with layered fishtail train

Delight in white: Kate Beckinsale wore a strapless Roberto Cavalli gown with delicate sequin embellishment and chiffon pleat detail around her skirt

 

The strapless gown showed off her figure to perfection and she accessorised the dress with a series of chunky metallic cuffs stacked up her arm.

More…

• ‘If I’m like a virgin Ricky, come over here and do something about it’: Madonna bites back at Gervais… after leaving Elton John red-faced
• He’s back and naughtier than ever! Beer-swilling Ricky Gervais drops the F-bomb after joking about the size of his penis and Jodie Foster’s ‘Beaver’
• ‘What a magnificent year it’s been!’: Kelsey Grammer reveals wife is pregnant with TWINS as he scoops Golden Globe gong
• British invasion! Kate Winslet, Idris Elba and Downton Abbey earn gongs at the Golden GlobesJ
• ‘It’s a golden night for us’: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt scoop award for best dressed couple
• Tebow time! Maria Menounos copies quarterback’s trademark pose on the Golden Globes red carpet
• Golden Globes 2012: Charlize Theron, Elle Macpherson, Kate Beckinsale and Nicole Kidman show off white hot style on the red carpet
• Golden Globes 2012: Newly engaged Jessica Biel wears a bridal-inspired dress (but where’s her fiancé and a diamond ring?)
• ‘To my little girl, whose bravery and exuberance is my example’: Michelle Williams makes moving dedication to daughter as she leads American winners at the Golden Globes

 

The 47-year-old also revealed some of her fitness secrets as she made her way up the red carpet and said she likes to keep active to maintain her shape.

‘I think its really important to put some time aside to do some physical exercise to feel good. I go sport I surf, I waterski, I ride horses, I do what I can I mix it up.’

Me and my man: Nicole walked the red carpet with the best accessory – her husband Keith Urban

Figure-hugging: Angelina Jolie looked incredible in her tight satin dress with a thigh high split and red detail

 

Golden couple: Both Angelina and partner Brad Pitt are nominated and Pitt said ‘it’s a golden night for us’

Nicole Kidman opted for an off-white oyster coloured gown with metallic studded detail by Versace.

The golden embellishment complemented her hair colour to perfection and she stepped out with her best accessory, husband Keith Urban.

British actress Kate Beckinsale also keep on the white trend and wore a strapless Roberto Cavalli gown with delicate sequin embellishment and chiffon pleat detail around her skirt.

Like Elle, she also had opted for chunky wrist-wear but opted for silver and glittering diamonds.

Snowflake style: Jessica Chastain, Jessica Biel and Amanda Peet

Monochrome maiden: Kate Winslet stepped out in a black and white Jenny Packham gown

Black is best: Mila Kunis went for a dark style in a Dior dress

British actress Kate Beckinsale wore a strapless Roberto Cavalli gown with delicate sequin embellishment and chiffon pleat detail around her skirt.

As ever, anticipation was at fever pitch as Brad Pitt climbed out of a car only to open the door for partner Angelina Jolie.

The 36-year-old actress looked breathtaking in a white and red satin Versace gown.

The look of love: Stacy Keibler matched the carpet in her dress but George Clooney certainly looked smitten with his date

 

Simple yet stunning: The scarlet dress boasted a cowl neck and hugged the aspiring actress’s figure to perfection

Speaking about being up for nomination Brad said: ‘It’s certainly nice, I know how hard she has worked on this film and it’s nice.’ He added: ‘It’s a golden night for us.’

Angelina, who is nominated for her directorial debut In the Land of Blood and Honey said: ‘It’s important to revisit this history. I was nervous about the people in Bosnia watching the film, those who had survived war and rape. And the country has received it well and that means everything to me.’

Jessica Chastain chose figure-hugging Givenchy, Jessica Biel donned Elie Saab but wasn’t wearing and engagement ring and Amanda Peet stepped out in a tiered asymmetrical gown by Marc Jacobs.

Lady in red: Reese Witherspoon showed off an hour-glass shape in a timeless scarlet gown by Zac Posen

 

Shades of plum: Emma Stone dressed in a plunging Lanvin gown, Tina Fey also opted for a purple shade while Glee actress Dianne Agron for an intricate red dress

Pretty in pink: Natalie Portman was one of the few who decided to be bold with her dress colour

Tummy mummy: Jessica Alba showed off her incredible trim figure in a strapless Gucci gown which was covered in sequin embellishment

Speaking about being up for nomination Brad said: ‘It’s certainly nice, I know how hard she has worked on this film and it’s nice.’ He added: ‘It’s a golden night for us.’

The Golden Globe winner, who scooped an award for her role on the television film Mildred Pierce wore her Jenny Packham gown with a shiny gold belt detail.

Not everyone had decided to don a pale ensemble for the evening and there were plenty of red hot looks with Stacy Kiebler and Reese Witherspoon showing exactly how to wear scarlet hues.

Showing off her curves: Salma Hayek had poured her figure into a strapless Gucci gown as she stepped out wit her husband Francois-Henri Pinault

 

Going against the crowd: Michelle Williams wore a midnight blue dress by Jason Wu, while Evan Rachel Wood appeared to have been inspired by a peacock for her feather-embellished ensemble

Speaking about being up for nomination Brad said: ‘It’s certainly nice, I know how hard she has worked on this film and it’s nice.’ He added: ‘It’s a golden night for us.’

‘She looks great, doesn’t she’, said Clooney as he escorted his girlfriend along the red carpet into the Beverly Hilton.

There were plenty of plum shades worn too and Emma Stone dressed in a plunging Lanvin gown, while Tina Fey also opted for a purple dress.

Rare appearance: Madonna, who has not been to the event in recent years arrived in an unusual silver and dark green dress

 

Flashing her metal: Nicole Ritchie looked stunning in a shimmering floor-length silver gown

Disco dancer: Glee star Lea Michelle donned a daring silver sheer detail Marchesa dress

Peach treat: Heidi Klum opted for a pale backless gown which she accessorised with bright blue jewellery

Also stepping out in colour were Michelle Williams who wore a midnight blue dress by Jason Wu, while Evan Rachel Wood appeared to have been inspired by a peacock for her feather-embellished ensemble.

Mother-of-one Michelle spoke about how she became Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn.

She said: ‘I had almost a year to prepare it was a very slow, slow process.’

She gushed: ‘Third year in a row here, so awesome this is such a great year.’

First onto the red carpet was Kelly Osbourne earlier in the afternoon.

Quick change: E! star Giuliana Rancic chalked up two costume changes in-between her red carpet duties

There was also plenty of metallic to be seen sashaying down the red carpet with Madonna in a shimmering silver gown with lush green skirt.

Nicole Richie opted for a Julian McDonald dress silver gown, which she teamed with Jimmy Choo heels and a House of Harlow bag.

Glee star Lea Michelle donned a daring silver sheer detail Marchesa dress and was extremely excited when she spoke to Ryan Seacrest before the ceremony.

Nothing mellow about yellow: Maria Menounos and Mission Impossible star Paula Patton opted for a sunshine shade

First on the red carpet: E! correspondent Kelly Osbourne lead the charge down the red carpet at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel today

Keeping it simple: Nominee Rooney Mara wore a cut out creation by Nina Ricci and said she was ‘nervous’ about the ceremony

The 27-year-old Fashion Police blazed down the red carpet in a bold blue Zac Posen dress as she prepared to perform as E! News’ correspondent.

Her E! co-host Giuliana Rancic managed two costume changes between duties – she arrived in a floor-length grey and black Monique Collignon gown and later changed into a nude Basil Soda getup.

Maria Menounos and Mission Impossible star Paula Patton opted for a sunshine shade with the pair stepping out in canary yellow dresses.

Monochrome maiden: Claire Danes teamed a black and white gown with bright red lips

 

 

Flurry of fashion: Zhang Wei Ping, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Katharine McPhee

Of course there was some stars who kept things simple in basic black but Rooney Mara showed exactly why the colour is certainly not boring in a cut out creation by Nina Ricci and said she was ‘nervous’ about the ceremony.

Claire Danes teamed a black and white gown J Mendall also with a cut out detail on the back with bright red lips.

Looking sharp: Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais stepped out in a blood red suit as he and his partner Jane Fallon walked the red carpet

Funny couple: Bridesmaid star Melissa McCarthy and husband Ben Falcone while James Cromwell and Missi Pyle posed together on the red carpet

The nominated actress admitted: ‘I’m nervous but I’m also excited I’ve got my mom with me.’

While most stars were looking their best there were some who failed to avoid a fashion disaster.

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s blue and white abstract gown by Monique lee might have been chosen by her daughter but it was not the most elegant look of the night.

Looking dapper: British actor Colin Firth and wife Livia Giuggioli walked the red carpet together

 

 

Dressed to impress: Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Laura Linney  and Laura Dern

Golden Globes presenter Ricky Gervais didn’t spend time loitering around on the red carpet, perhaps avoiding stars who he was about to insult.

He quickly swept his partner Jane Fallon away and into the show ahead of the stars.

Bridesmaid star Melissa McCarthy and husband Ben Falcone while James Cromwell and Missi Pyle posed together on the red carpet

Velvet spark: Glen Close looked effortlessly elegant in a velvet gown and a matching shawl

Strutting their stuff: Freida Pinto opted for a teal coloured Prada dress while Sofia Vergara showed off her curves in Vera Wang

Full bodied: Piper Perabo opted for a dramatic full skirted dress which made for a dramatic entrance

 

Party people: Jeannie Mai, Mary J Blige, Madeleine Stowe and Debra Messing

Winners of the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards, announced Sunday in Beverly Hills, Calif

MOTION PICTURES 
- Picture, Drama: “The Descendants.” 
- Picture, Musical or Comedy: “The Artist.” 
- Actor, Drama: George Clooney, “The Descendants.” 
- Actress, Drama: Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady.” 
- Director: Martin Scorsese, “Hugo.” 
- Actor, Musical or Comedy: Jean Dujardin, “The Artist.” 
- Actress, Musical or Comedy: Michelle Williams, “My Week With Marilyn.” 
- Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, “Beginners.” 
- Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, “The Help.” 
- Foreign Language: “A Separation.” 
- Animated Film: “The Adventures of Tintin.” 
- Screenplay: Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris.” 
- Original Score: Ludovic Bource, “The Artist.” 
- Original Song: “Masterpiece” (music and lyrics by Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry), “W.E.” 

TELEVISION 
- Series, Drama: “Homeland,” Showtime. 
- Series, Musical or Comedy: “Modern Family,” ABC. 
- Actor, Drama: Kelsey Grammer, “Boss.” 
- Actress, Drama: Claire Danes, “Homeland.” 
- Actress, Musical or Comedy: Laura Dern, “Enlightened.” 
- Actor, Musical or Comedy: Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes.” 
- Miniseries or Movie: “Downton Abbey (Masterpiece),” PBS. 
- Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Kate Winslet, “Mildred Pierce.” 
- Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Idris Elba, “Luther.” 
- Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story.” 
- Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones.” 

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED 
Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Morgan Freeman.

I heart Jeannie Mai! The self-proclaimed Fashionista, Foodiva and Wearapist is a powerhouse of a woman with a big open heart and impeccable style. As a television personality – the host of The Style Network’s Emmy-nominated ‘How Do I Look?’ makeover show – she educates, guides and empowers women to overcome their insecurities; to see their true beauty, and to embrace their personal style to convey power and confidence helping in the pursuit of their biggest dreams. She also appears on E! News and the (US) Today Show as a fashion correspondent.

Jeannie started her career as a celebrity make-up artist and stylist working with the likes of Alicia Keys, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston and more. If all that wasn’t enough! One of the greatest reasons I think Jeannie is amazing, is the fact she gives back to the community and contributes a wealth of positivity to the world via her inspiring philanthropic work. Mai works with several charities: Heartbeat Vietnam (a non-profit devoted to improving health care for impoverished children); NightLight International (an organization committed to rescuing women and children from sex trafficking and prostitution rings by providing employment and vocational opportunities) and more.

As well as ‘giving back’ herself, Jeannie encourages and motivates others to give back to the community with her pet project, The Prayer Box. Located in Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles, The Prayer Box encourages visitors to leave a personal prayer and take another from the box—the idea is to share expressions of love, hope and faith and to open people’s heart, mind and eyes to the prayers, plight and dreams of others. To me, Jeannie is a shining beacon of light, filled with loving-kindness and compassion—the perfect person to kick off another year of awesomeness on ConversationsWithBianca.com!

Let’s dream even bigger and better than ever this year friends and take positive action towards living our best life (something which is always growing and changing). And remember, as Mother Teresa once said, “It is not the size of our actions but the amount of love and care that is put into them that matters.” Dream big! Be awesome! Here’s to a kick ass 2012!

I’m a huge believer that we become what we believe in our life.

JEANNIE MAI: Yes!

Growing up what did you believe? What did you picture in life for yourself?

JM: I pictured so many different whirlwinds of possibilities and super powers that I didn’t just believe in one thing. The one word I remember that every position that I pictured I could be growing up (or that any women could be growing up) was: beautiful. Every woman to me was so radiant! When I say ‘radiant’ I don’t just mean looks, I mean the way they think, the way they connect together to build things to make amazing things happen, to combine talents and uplift each other – that was much more to me a ‘star-struck’ feeling than a position. No matter what position, whether she was a police woman, a doctor or she was a celebrity, every woman had that same spotlight glow on them. I think that is why I eventually started to fuse into makeup and fashion. I realised that is really the key to unlock all of the other beliefs about yourself on the inside as you can see it on the outside.

Have you always been a helpful and kind person? You have such a big and open heart; where did that come from?

JM: Aw Bianca thank you! That’s a nice thing to say. I didn’t always have a selfless perspective. I always loved being selfless but it wasn’t always an automatic thing. Obviously with your teenage years you get much more self-involved but, it was right around my mid-20s that some things really happened to me that helped me to find faith. To me faith is what really fuels me. I am very particular how I talk about this because I don’t want to preach at all for anybody else. Whatever works for anybody else that is amazing!

For me, having the feeling of gratitude that I was made and born with a purpose ignites that ‘give back’ feeling that I wake up with every single morning. To not only give back to others (like to the person that hands me my Starbucks cup to somebody that I am performing a makeover on) but also to myself what I need to be fuelled and to give my best, to not walk into situations half full. If I can’t bring my optimum best I reschedule or edit the situation so that I can. Like with this phone call that you so graciously moved. It was like, ok if I’m not going to give Bianca my full attention because I’m running around getting ready or whatever, I’m going to move it until I can give you my full attention because you deserve that. It’s something that I think people can experience once they have enlightened themselves to it. It’s actually still really a selfish thing to begin with because once you experience what it’s like to be that, it feels so good for yourself that you just want to keep doing it.

You’re a deeply spiritual person; what does that mean to you? What does spirituality mean to you? What does being spiritual mean to you?

JM: Spirituality for me means to believe that I was created with purpose. That’s my whole foundation, that I was born uniquely with purpose; that I was moulded together, every hair on my head, every experience that I went through, every heartbreak, every closed door, every person that walked into my life up until today—there’s a purpose for it. It gets me excited to be my very best and to expose myself to what could happen next. It’s all chronological; it all has to do with each other. For me, it’s also praying, having a conversation with God, actually thanking him in the morning for what took place and touching base throughout the day. And, trust me I am not the most holy saint of a person. I swear like a sailor… I’m pretty raw with my spirituality too and that’s what I love, having a really good communication level with praying. I love that when I talk to God that I’m talking to him just like I am talking to you or my best friend over a couple of beers. It’s no different; you don’t get any different side of me. What is different about who God is for me as opposed to talking to just any other person is that I thrive to mould myself to be better because of him. It’s a different sense of mentorship.

In a previous interview you mentioned that sometimes people annoy you but you always choose the higher road with every single person. I wanted to ask, how do you manage to do that?

JEANNIE MAI: First and foremost you have to have the want to be better. If you don’t want to be better and you like yourself the way that you are, oh my gosh! Enjoy your life and avoid people that annoy you and do as you will but, for me personally, I love myself the way that I am but I love myself too much to leave myself the way I am. I always want to try and be better.

Let’s just say someone is really annoying me, based off the idea that I want to strive to be better, then couldn’t I work on certain issues about myself so that that person that is just being themselves wouldn’t annoy me. I’m sure there are areas of myself that I can tap into that needs working on, for example patience: Oh my gosh! I’m sure that person wore my patience thin because I have such low patience. Is that them annoying me? Or is it me allowing them to annoy me because I don’t have as much patience as I should? There’s communication: I know I rush through things all of the time and I really live my day-to-day schedule so if someone frustrated me, then I know that my communication isn’t the strongest point about me and that perhaps, I have to work on my communication, slow down and stop and listen or read through carefully. If you really want me to pour out all the things that Jeannie Mai has to work on, she won’t have enough time on this call! [laughs].

Let’s say if I was annoyed and I reacted, immediately I’m going to think about the things about myself that I can enhance or look at right now in this very instant to talk myself up a few more metres on that low end of where it is at; to work out this annoyance, to be patient and for communication and listening skills – oh my gosh horrible! It would be the fact that I don’t always focus all the time or maybe the fact that I didn’t delegate correctly; the fact that I didn’t mind my time wisely so last night I slept horribly for two hours and everyone is getting the shit end of my stick today. There’s so many things that I could work on. You know the one finger pointing at another is four fingers pointing back, you’ll get a nice good load of things you need to work on to make you a) forget about that person annoying you so badly or b) have a totally different perspective so you can at least you can manage through whatever the situation was.

All the things that you mention like patience and focusing on things is the stuff I also struggle with. I always learn from every single interview that I do. Out of all of the people you have interviewed so far over your career is there anyone that stands out that has taught you something amazing?

JM: One of my favourite role models would be a man named Nick Vujicic. He is Australian and he is just an amazing man. He was born with no arms and no legs and today he presents himself in every available scenario possible because he appeals to anybody (whether it be battered women or foster children or murders in jail) to say, ‘You have everything you need in the way that you were born to make anything happen that you dream and all you have to do is just live it.’ You’re sitting here listening to this person and you want to feel bad for him but he’s living the most amazing life; he’s built houses, he’s drove cars and been in marathons. You look at someone like that and you just have to think, what am I going to whine or complain about? That goes for any other people that have setbacks in their life that they still manage to achieve. I want to remind every person out there that we have the exact same amount of days in a year as Helen Keleher or Mother Teresa and we have the exact same amount of hours in a day as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. There is no reason that you can’t accomplish being great either. It’s just how you see it and use it.

What does your show How Do I Look? mean to you?

JM: How Do I Look? is truly a show about celebration. You know when you have a birthday…sadly where I live in L.A. most people look at their birthday and go, ‘Oh my gosh! Another year!’ and they dread it and count the wrinkles on their face. To me, my birthday is the-bomb-dot-com! I get so excited because it’s a whole celebration of: my god! I am blessed. I am blessed another year! It’s that same reaction you might get if you barely miss a car accident or if you were in any near-death situation and you thank your stars and kiss the ground—that’s the same way I feel about my birthday and How Do I Look?

To me, each segment of the show is bringing each woman to recognise herself so that at that very last line she throws out at the end of the show, really is for herself to ask, How do I look? How do I look to myself? How do I look in the way that I see myself now? In that time in the show that’s when they should be celebrating that they look amazing! Nothing has changed in weight, maybe a few things that will wash off at the end of the night like make-up and hair but really, what changes is your perspective about yourself; your acceptance of yourself; your joy about who you are. That’s what How Do I Look? is about.

JEANNIE MAI: Clothing is clothing and you can always get another that will mean just as much. I think if anything, I do really love this cross that my mom gave me. She bought it and more than just the symbol of the cross (it’s not really that) it’s the fact that my mom isn’t that spiritual at all but she knows that I am. For her to go and get the cross for me as a gift, it really blessed me, and won my heart that she acknowledges something that is very important to me. Even if it doesn’t have to do with her per se, the fact that it has everything to do with who I am makes her acknowledge that and respect that which is huge!

Your mum was one of your earliest inspirations for style wasn’t she?

JM: Completely! My mum came here from Vietnam as a young girl. She grew up and raised me here (after having lived here for two years) she thought immediately that she was an immigrant and she didn’t speak English, didn’t standout like she saw the American blonde haired, blue eyes, bright, woman next to her. She really taught me that the way that you present yourself, when I say present I mean exactly like a gift, when you hand them the gift you don’t just hand them the gift. You wrap it, you wrap it so that it’s just the way you like it, whether a little boy wrapping it with clunky tape all over the place or you wrap it pristine with a bow right on point; you wrap yourself so that you present yourself in just such a way that you are saying: I am so worth opening. I’m just so full of amazing goods that you are staring at me because you’re dying to know what is inside. That’s exactly the way my mom taught me to present myself.

I watched a clip of you on YouTube where you were on stage speaking at Mira Shriver Women’s Conference. You were recalling your first day of school and said that you wore a purple tutu and shirt that said ‘Jeannie’ and of how kids made fun of you. You told the audience that you got into the car in the afternoon when your mom came to pick you up and you said to your mom, why did you let me go out dressed liked this?

JM: It was a crazy situation that led me to my understanding that what I did in that little uproar with my outfit, no matter if it was good or bad – we’re tossing that aside we’re not judging if it’s a good or bad outfit – it just brought attention to my name and who I am. In one day of school when a teacher has twenty-five kids and I didn’t remember any of them and they don’t remember anything else but my name, then I did exactly what I had been taught to do.

As a host now, do you miss being a make-up artist?

JM: Not at all because whether it is behind a brush or a clothes hanger I’m going to get you feeling good about yourself. It doesn’t really matter. I’ll figure out one way or another to make you see yourself the way that you should. Those are just tools: make-up and fashion.

I read that a pet peeve of yours was being discouraged whether that’s allowing yourself to be discouraged or having others be discouraging; is there a particular time in your life you can think of where you were super discouraged about something?

JEANNIE MAI: Yeah. After I found my faith I’ve never been discouraged like, I don’t think that there is hope. If anything, I get into my ‘hell no’ mode. It’s the mode where I’m like, hell no! This is not going to happen. I don’t get violent, I don’t get negative, if anything, I roll up my sleeves and take off the heels turn on the flats and I get in there to make things happen.

I can’t think of any times that I got that frustrated in the last seven years. Even times like, let’s say my network says I should do things that I completely disagree with… that Maria Shriver thing is actually an example. They wanted me to wear something that was very, very tame and much more average to present on the Maria Shiver stage. That was the one time I remember taking off my How Do I Look? clothes from when I was shooting and scheduling my lunch earlier so I could change into that exact outfit and drive over there, walk into that office and say, this is exactly what I was taught in that kindergarten experience; this is exactly what I am going to bring; if you want me to speak this is the way that I am coming!

Before that, the only other time I remember feeling that way was with my mum. I found out that my mom cheated on my dad at a very young age. I dismissed her entirely from age 16 through to about 25 when I found faith. That was very frustrating, to be so angry and at the time to hate your mom so bad. It’s your mom and you’re always going to think about her and you’re always reminded about her because of all the things you’ve learned from her and you love her but, you’re not ready to forgive—that was frustrating!

Have you ever had to forgive yourself for any big mistakes?

JM: Yes. There will still be times now where I’ll think of things I’ve done in the past and think, oh that’s not good! Why did I do that? The only way that I can actually feel ok to say I forgive myself, is to make some type of amends first with the person that I have hurt, you know, by saying something to them. Otherwise it just keeps eating me. Whether they forgive me or not, as long as I say something to them and authentically share with them whatever it was that just bothers me so much about what my actions were, I’m much better at forgiving myself from that point on but it doesn’t just happen immediately like that.

I love your Prayer Box Project (where people can jot down their prayers on little pieces of paper and put them into the box) that you’ve put up at Runyon Canyon. It’s such a lovely idea.What is one of your favourite things about it?

JM: My favourite thing about the Prayer Box is that it is exposed. I love that it is as easy as a little slot that says ‘pray it forward’ and you can put anything in there that you want. You can pray for your dog, you can pray for your loved ones, you can pray for a country, you can pray for your future. I don’t think prayer should be something that’s just for someone that is religious or Christian or whatever. I think that it should just be something that you do. The word ‘pray’…it’s so weird how you do the same thing when you pray physically: you talk, you utter words, you communicate but, the word ‘pray’ symbolises that you are opening it up to one other being to receive what you’re saying; somebody that is not just human, something else that you’re having faith to believe in. That’s what I think prayer is. I love it when they fold that piece of paper and they put it into the box there’s this childlike spirit in them hoping that someone will hear their prayers. Not realising that if someone retrieves that piece of paper or not, you’ve just sent your message.

Knowing all that you do now, what advice would you give to a young Jeannie Mai?

JM: To the young Jeannie Mai I would say… I actually don’t regret anything so I wouldn’t change anything. I would definitely say, ok the philosophy that I have now, I would try to instil it upon her a little bit sooner. I would have looked at my body differently. Growing up I would have looked at my body and not been so judgemental about it. I would absolutely say that I was made with purpose and that if I just take a second to breathe and receive the things that are actually happening for me – not to me but for me – I would pick up on what I mean by that.

I know that you love when people have dreams and wishes and that you love helping them see the best in themselves. I wanted to ask, right now, what are your biggest wishes and dreams?

JM: I would have to say I want to create some type of event or organisation that can live on beyond me, where women are taught the tools that they need to move forward in life: finances, relationships, health. To have a women’s conference. I would also like to host a network of shows in the area of fashion that would not only be entertaining but also very empowering at the same time.

For more Jeannie Mai: Jeannie’s blog. Jeannie’s Twitter. Jeannie’s Facebook.

I heart you all!

The petite fashionista 5’2? Jeannie Mai is best famous as a horde of The Style Network’s two-time Emmy nominated radio module “How Do we Look?” More than only a fashion-intervention show, Jeannie empowers women to learn their loyal beauty, overcome their insecurities, and occupy conform to give them a certainty they need to assistance grasp their career goals.

Jeannie was also named a backstage conform and digital match for a rarely expected NBC uncover “Fashion Star” and after recently returning from Brazil where she hosted a 2011 Miss Universe pageant, she was named as a new on-camera conform consultant tasked with competitor makeovers on NBC’s strike authorization “Biggest Loser”. Jeannie is also a character consultant for Perez Hilton’s strike conform website, that brings in over 9 million singular visitors per month, and appears as a visit conform match on a “Today Show” and “E! News.”

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Tune in to a Bella Petite Hour (with horde Ann Lauren) for a special “Your Personal Branding”edition featuring Jacqueline Peros a Corporate Image and Style Expert and a Personal Branding Strategist, along with luminary guest Jeannie Mai a “Fashion Werapist” and a horde of Style.Networks “How Do we Look?” Together they will both tell we how to learn your personal code to get hired and how to use tone to convince decisions and constraint your man!

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