A couple of months ago, LittleMissMatched approached me with a really awesome opportunity. They wanted to see if Mazzy was interested in picking her favorite items from their new collection and then modeling them for their spring campaign!
I wasn’t sure Mazzy was even familiar with the word “model” so I didn’t use that term when I asked her if she wanted to do it.
“Mazzy, would you be interested in going to the LittleMissMatched show room, picking your favorite items and then taking some pictures wearing the clothes in a photo shoot?”
“What does the stuff look like?”
I pulled up LittleMissMatched online and showed her all the fun mismatched socks, the brightly colored flip flops, the playful best friend necklaces and the doughnut shaped pillows. Everything they sell is bold and happy and puts a smile on your face.
“YES!!!!”
That was easy. She was totally on board.
A few days later, we went to the show room so Mazzy could see the new line and make her picks. She walked around, eyes wide, touching the dresses and leggings, and enthusiastically pulling down pieces that interested her.
“Can I pick this one???” she asked about a bright pink dress with a heart cut-out in the back. “Sure,” they told her.
Then I would suggest something that I thought was cute and she would totally shoot me down, like she’d made a mood board the night before of exactly what she was looking for and purposefully forgot to give me a copy.
But that experience was nothing compared to the actual shoot a few weeks later.
It was in a photo studio in the Meatpacking District and before we even opened the door, I could sense what was waiting for us on the other side. This was the REAL DEAL. I’m not sure what I was expecting but the set-up was exactly like you’d imagine a studio shoot with real models.
It was in a huge dark room with a white backdrop and lights all directed at one person. There were make-up and hair people, stylists, creative directors, brand managers, etc. all dressed in NYC black scattered around the room amongst racks of clothes and craft services. There were lookbook pages taped to the walls and a big mirror with lightbulbs around it in the back.
When we arrived, two other models about ten years-old were finishing up their shoot, as the photographer yelled out instructions for them to follow. “Turn! Smile! Jump!” The girls were tall and beautiful and even at the age of ten, totally intimidating.
The brand manager and the stylists came over, excited to see us, but Mazzy looked a little shell shocked.
“Mazzy, do you want to just sit over there and watch them for a little?” I asked gently.
Mazzy nodded silently, never taking her eyes off the two girls.
The two of us went up to the front so we could see them up close and sat off to the side, on the floor, huddled together, her hand clutching mine, my arm wrapped around her shoulder. I didn’t know what she was thinking exactly so I played out the different scenarios in my head. Bottom line— I was not about to make Mazzy do something if she didn’t feel comfortable.
After a good ten minutes of watching, she leaned over to me and said quietly, “Mom, I don’t want to do it.”
“Okay,” I said. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. But if you pay attention, the girls aren’t doing anything that hard. All they are doing is following instructions from the photographer.”
We watched together a little longer. I thought about how I would explain to LittleMissMatched that we would be going home.
Then the stylist came up to us and asked if Mazzy was ready to try on her first outfit and get started.
Mazzy looked up at her and nodded.
“Are you sure, Mazzy?” I asked.
She nodded a little more vigorously this time. “Yes, I’m sure.”
Mazzy followed the stylist to the dressing area to get changed and get her hair done. Her mood flipped as she looked through the items she had picked out and the accessories the stylists had chosen to go with them— flower hair barrettes, beachy flip flops and bracelets.
Then we waited for the photographer to call her up for the shoot.
“Are you ready, Mazzy?”
“Yes. I’m ready.”
Mazzy stepped in front of the camera and I swear, she just turned on a switch.
It was like she had really paid attention to what the girls before her were doing and used everything she had just witnessed to her advantage. Smiling, twirling, jumping and really listening to what she was being asked.
You could feel the whole room get excited instantly, because obviously, nobody had any idea what Mazzy would do when she was put in front of the camera. But honestly, once she was out there, she looked like she was born to do it.
More than anything else, and the part that made me the most happy— you could tell she was really enjoying herself.
Mazzy changed from one outfit to the next, with new hair styles and accessories to match, and got back out there, owning every moment.
I was half proud and half terrified!
Everyone kept coming up to me to comment on how well she was handling herself. Yes, she looked beautiful. Mazzy always looks beautiful. But it was her confidence that really floored everyone in that room. I was floored.
I wish I had half that confidence.
After it was over, Mazzy told me that this was her “favorite day ever” and asked if she could take everything home.
“Well, sweetie. These are all samples but once the line comes out, we can probably get some of the stuff.”
Later on, in the elevator up to our apartment, after Mazzy had time to reflect on the experience, she asked me a big question.
“Mom? Was I a model today?”
“Ummm…yes, today you were a model. But days like today do not come around often!”
I’m 5.4″ and Mike is 5.10″. A modeling career is probably not in my daughter’s future. Although, I must say, if there is anyone that can turn that standard on it’s head, it’s Mazzy.
Wanna see the pics???
Here are my favorites:
You can go to LittleMissMatched to see Mazzy on their homepage. And you can shop all of Mazzy’s personally selected items here.
Giveaway:
I’m giving away one $100 Little MissMatched gift card today! Just leave a comment below telling me your favorite piece in Mazzy’s picks.
GIVEAWAY UPDATE:
Congrats to Lauren, whose five-year old loves the heart cut-out dress, just like Mazzy. Please email abby@mommyshorts.com to claim your prize!
Special Offer:
To get 25% off of all items on LittleMissMatched, use the code MOMMYSHORTS.
I love the pink dress with the heart cutout. It would be perfect for my twin nieces.
The sunglasses are my favorite!
That back heart cutout dress is so cute!! (But I guess that would require me to fix my daughter’s hair . . . worth it? hahaha)
Mazzy looked adorable and her picks are great! I love the watermelon heart cut out dress but my daughter would flip over all of the BFF necklaces! That’s her current obsession!!
She is, as always, STUNNING!!
Wow, that dress with the heart cutout in the back is probably the cutest thing I’ve seen in ages, and I’m not usually a fan of pink cutesy stuff.
I love the pink dress with the heart cut out…and I know that my 6 year old would love it too!!! It’s so girly, but would look adorable with a pair of converse!
LOVING that heart cut-out dress! My 6-year-old would wear that constantly.
My twins seriously need those sunglasses and that super cute halter dress!
My favorite is definitely the Watermelon Heart Cutout Dress!!
Oh my! What little girl wouldn’t love the dress with heart cutout in back! My daughter would live in it!
The pink dress with the heart is so adorable! Is it wrong to want an adult version?!
The glitter rose sunglasses are awesome!
I just love the watermelon heart cut-out dress! So adorable. PS – that confidence? It’s all thanks to you and Mike being amazing parents who empower their daughters every step of the way!
WOW, THOSE ARE FABULOUS PICS! LUCKY GIRL!
I LOVE THE WATERMELON HEART CUT OUT DRESS AND THE HIBISCUS 4 IN 1 DRESS. SUCH CUTE CLOTHES.
I love the pink with the heart cutout. It’s so darn cute.
Love the halter dress!
The watermelon heart cutout dress is so cute and Mazzy totally rocked it!
I am LOVING the pink dress with the heart cutout! And by love, I mean for me! I’m small. Maybe the largest size would fit me…??????
Mazzy is adorable! Love the SWEET TANK AND SHORT SET
Oh, the pink dress with the heart cut-out is my favorite for sure! My daughter would LOVE it!
I know my daughter would love the pink heart cut out dress and the ice cream ankle socks. Probably worn together!
I love the dress with the heart cutout! So cute. Great pics Mazzy:)
AHHH!!!! I’ve been waiting for this post. I remember this day on SnapChat, she’s a pro! She looked stunning in all of the pictures and really did look like she was having an amazing time. My favorite piece of Mazzy’s Picks is the Watermelon Heart Cutout dress.
Oh my gosh! She is adorable. Since I’m 31 going on 13, I think I need the donut BFF necklaces and possibly the ice cream socks!
Definitely the halter sundress. She looks so sophisticated yet fun in these pics. Way to go, Mazzy!
I love the white print halter dress! She is stunning it everything!
I love the 4 in one dresses! And her hair in that set is just darling! Thanks for the code, I just got my big girl a bunch of new things!
I love the watermelon colored heart cut out dress! Absolutely stunning pictures. Way to go, Mazzy!
totally the glitter rose sunglasses – accessorize!
I love the halterneck sundress! Super cute pictures!
I love that pink dress with the heart cut out! Great choice, Mazzy! My daughter loves it as well.
The Sweet Short and Tank set is so adorable! And the sunglasses… And the BFF necklaces! Mazzy has great taste!
The heart cutout dress and the donut pillow! My daughter would lovvvve these!
I LOVE MAZZY’S PHOTOS!!!! The pink dress with the cut out heart on back is probably my favorite!
Love the pink heart dress!
The pineapple shirt!
Mazzy sure has style! I love the take me to NY shirt paired with those shades! Too cute!
SWEET TREATS HEADPHONES! TOTALLY MY DAUGHTER’S STYLE 🙂
That watermelon heart dress is the cutest! Mazzy was amazing!
Looooove the pink dress with the heart! Also, the socks are auper cute!
Channeling my kid, the glitter rose sunglasses
Oh Ilana! She looks beautiful and, you’re right, SOOOO confident! They have such cute clothes and what awesome colors. The heart cut out dress is my favorite.
I love the watermelon heart cut out dress. It looks like it could be worn any day of the week and for a special occasion. Mazzy looks beautiful In All the pictures.
Our favorites are the watercolor dress and rainbow heart flip flops <3
The sunglasses and the ice cream socks are adorable.
I love both pairs of sunglasses!! She did an awesome job!!
My daughter’s favorite is the Best Friends Necklace. All of it is VERY cute though!
Pink dress with the heart cutout is adorbs!!!
My 4 year old would LOVE the halter dress or the pink cut out dress. So cute.
I love the 4-in-1 dress. Cute AND practical! Also, who could pass up a donut pillow. As someone who rarely passes up a real donut, the donut pillow is a necessity.
THOSE GLASSES ARE SOOOOOO MAZZY!
Definitely the pink dress with the heart cutout. Great job, Mazzy!
My kid would love that heart cutout dress because the skirt is “swingy’! What cute pictures. I appreciate it still looks like a little girl in all of them.
I love the “Take me to New York” tank! We are finally bringing our two girls to NYC for the first time this May. They are so excited!
I liked the heart sunglasses. Good job Mazzy!
The socks are awesome! Love them!!
Wow she did amazing! I love the heart cutout dress!! And my 6 year old daughter would love all of it! 🙂
The hibiscus 4-in-1 dress is adorable! Mazzy did a wonderful job!
I love the pink dress with the heart cut out. My 6 year-old daughter would want to wear it every day! 🙂
The donut pillow! !! I love love love the heart dress and just about everything she picked!!!
Wow mazzy!
I love the heart cut out dress but mainly for the shots. Mazzy rocked that dressed! What a clever idea to get shots of the front and back like that.
Ps I never realized just how similar harlow and mazzy look! One of those shots is just a grown up harlow. X
The heart cutout dress is amazing!!
Adore the pink cutout dress! Such fun things!!
Definitely the white halter dress, she looks so beautiful!
Love the watermelon heart cutout dress!
Mazzy kicked butt on her modeling day! My favorite Mazzy pick is the
Donut neck roll! I want one for my next trip!
Well done Mazzy!!!!!!
I love the pink dress Mazzy picked out! What a diva! 🙂
I had my four year old peeking over my shoulder and she’s decided the doughnut pillow is the best thing ever.
My daughter had a chance to model (very informally) and totally choked, so I get that apprehension! I LOVE that heart cut out dress for my soon to be six year old!
The watermelon heart cutout dress is my favorite. Mazzy rocked it!
She looks gorgeous! Strong work Mazzy! I love the halter top dress.
Love the fruit outfit! Perfect for summer style! Mazzy could be a professional model❤️
Adore the pink dress! Go Mazzy!
Mazzy is a style mogul! All of her picks are adorable but I love the hibiscus dress and it’s functionality. My 6 year old just did a photo shoot for a new Barbie ad. I was also afraid of how she would react but like Mazzy, she was a total pro. Congrats!
Loving the pink dress! She looks so excited!
Wow she nailed it! What a proud mommy moments for sure! Love all the looks, their clothes look so cute and exactly what my daughter likes!
Mazzy looks great!! My favorite is her sitting with her legs bent and the donut pillow!
Definitely the pink dress w heart cut out!
Oh my gosh, what a lucky little girl! And “killed it” is right! I loved the snapchat story of this photo shoot so I had to check out your blog post about it right away. I love the dress with the heart cut out. I’d wear it myself if it came in my size!
The pink dress is my favorite! I love her confidence, she radiates happiness!
I absolutely love this! Mazzy looks so beautiful and confident! The pink dress with the heart cut out is my favorite!
Well, I love the pink dress with the little heart, but I know my daughter’s favorite would definitely be the donut pillow!
The pink dress is my favorite because it’s SO Mazzy! She’s gorgeous, thank you for sharing her with us, Ilana!
I love the picture of the front and back of the pink dress! She looks so adorable in all of them, and of course her in the pajamas her hair is great! Good job Mazzy
Beautiful pictures! The pink dress with the heart cut out is my favorite! Mazzy has excellent taste!
Mazzy looks so cute in all of them, but i love the pink dress with the heart in the back. It’s beautiful and perfect on her!
Mazzy looked like a natural! My daughter Rylee thinks the pictures are great 🙂 she thought that the sundress was really cute.
My daughter and I love the geometric sundress! Mazzy, you look wonderful!
Love the watermelon heart cut out dress
LOVE LOVE LOVE the white dress with the pattern on it!
She looks gorgeous! My fave is the white halter printed dress- it would be adorable for a beach day!
I love all the flip flops.
The pink dress with the heart cutout. My daughter (5.5) is gonna flip when I show her these outfits!
I love the both of the 4 in one dresses. They would be perfect for a family photo session!
She is stunning! My daughter (she’s 2.5) saw her and said “Mama! A princess!” We both liked the dress with the heart cutout!
I love the Watermelon Heart Cutout dress!
Love this and the pink dress with heart cutout! I’m glad I’m not the only one with a 5 year old obsessed pink….
The heart cut out dress is amazing!!!! She did awesome.
Wow! What a great line and awesome pics! Way to go, Mazzy! My 5 year old would LOVE the watermelon heart cut-out dress 🙂