Hollywood Hell

This past week has been one of the hardest times that I have experienced in a very long time.  For those who are not already aware, I work as a fashion photographer here in Hollywood.  Right now my lovely clients are almost entirely models and style bloggers like myself.

My longest-term client was a fairly popular blogger who also starred on a recent prime-time reality TV show.  I worked for her from the beginning of October until the end of December, for approximately 10-20 hours a week.  I provided her with thousands of gorgeous photos.  When she first hired me, she explained that she could not pay me right away, but as soon as she received her check from filming, I would receive a significant portion of it to cover my work up until that point.  She also stated that she would be bringing me with her to Fashion Week in New York in February with all expenses paid for.  Aside from being a work relationship, I considered her one of my best friends and was always there for her.  I  was a listening ear at any time of the day or night, I helped her clean up a cockroach infestation at her storage unit, I drove her all over LA using my car and my gas, and even paid a parking ticket that she was responsible for.

I was with her when she received her check just before Christmas.  Unfortunately, that was the last I time saw her.  She cut ties with me without warning and without compensation.  She ceased communications to avoid reimbursing me for my time and work.  Sadly, I believe that this has been her plan ever since hiring me.

She never actually intended to pay me, nor did she ever have the ability to take me to fashion week.  Needless to say, I am outraged, though not just because of money. I just have never before been so cruelly manipulated by such a predator.  I know I sound awfully naive, but I thought she cared for me as much as I cared for her.  I am yet another victim of Hollywood narcissism and betrayal.  I would never touch this self-serving industry again with a ten foot pole.

But don’t worry friends…Her actions will have consequences.

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Anyway, a little about these photos! My jeans, booties, and leather jacket are old-standbys.  I wear them all the time and just love them.  This sweet lace top is from American Apparel, and my cute little “shine” necklace is from Rocksbox.  I’m sooo in love with Rocksbox.  Incase you have never heard of it, they are a designer jewelry subscription service.  Subscribers receive an adorable ribbon-wrapped box full of gorgeous jewelry that they can either keep or just borrow until they get tired of it and want to exchange for another set.  My fab readers can have their first month for FREE by using my special code at checkout: emilyxoxo5 

Shop the look:

Jeans: J Brand

Jacket: DKNY

Top: American Apparel

Jacket: DKNY

Booties: Frye

Necklace: Rocksbox