April Marie: Q and A with Fashion and Swimsuit Model

San Diego, California.

When one think of this picturesque resort town of 3.1 million that borders Mexico, chances are likely that breathtaking locales such as Oceanside and LaJolla, F/A-18 Navy fighter jets flying out over “Fightertown USA” in Miramar at the famed Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School and nighttime trips to Tijuana are the first thing that come to mind by many.

Blessed with perhaps the most picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, Balboa Park, palm trees, the world-famous San Diego ComicCon and a happening nightlife district in the Gaslamp District, this longtime military town—and home of the U.S. Navy—is also home to some of the most beautiful women anywhere in the world.

Well-known San Diegans such as Hollywood A-list model/actress in Cameron Diaz, former Playboy model Kendra Wilkenson, Brie and Nikki Bella of the WWE and Victoria’s Secret model, Lindsay Marie Ellingson call this SoCal enclave home.

San Diego is also home to some of the most passionate sports fans in America, while teams such as the San Diego Padres and San Diego State Aztecs, perhaps no team better represents the 619 better than the beloved Chargers.

Also known as ‘The Bolts” to locals, the San Diego Chargers have been playing in San Diego since 1960 after moving down from Los Angeles in their first year as an AFL franchise. Hall of Famers such as quarterback Dan Fouts, All-World tight end Kellen Winslow and wide receiver Lance Alworth have donned their famed powder blue uniforms.

Future Hall-of-Famers such as quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates and running back LaDainlian Tomlinson have helped in mold the Chargers in perennial Super Bowl contenders.

While the Chargers have called San Diego home for nearly sixty years, the Chargers much-hated owner Dean Spanos has decided to exercise the option of moving the Chargers back north to Los Angeles in 2017 and join the recently relocated Rams after a failed vote (Measure C) for a new stadium that was defeated by voters.

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With a move to LA pending, spirits of keeping the Bolts may be down, but are never out in sunny San Diego.

And much like her beloved and sunny hometown, die-hard Chargers fan and in San Diego-born fashion and swimsuit model, Alicia Marie, is simply gorgeous and breathtaking to gaze upon.

Despite being 5’1, the petite Filipino-American beauty–and Miss Florida Top Model 2014 winner–has posed for the likes of Florida-based clothing brand, FloGrown and Earthbound Clothing. Now based in her current hometown of Destin, Florida, Marie is ready to take her modeling game to the next level.

Below is my Q and A with the lovely April Marie as we discuss her love of all things West Coast, her beloved Chargers moving to LA, winter fashion tips, repping petite models, Steph Curry, Blake Griffin and whether or not her Warriors will face archrival LeBron James and the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

 

Name: April Marie

Age: 19

Height: 5’1

Birthplace: San Diego, CA

Hometown: Destin, FL

Measurements: 32A-23-29

Dress Size: 1/2

Shoe size: 5/6

 

R.C. What brands have you modeled for?

A.M. “Earthbound & FloGrown Clothing Company”

 

R.C. Which one do you enjoy modeling for the most?

A.M. “I love fashion so I enjoy modeling for all kinds of clothing brands!”

 

R.C. Where has been your favorite place to shoot?

A.M. “At the IBMS Company’s Shoot Camp here in my current home town Destin, FL.”

 

R.C. What is the most exciting aspect of modeling?

A.M. “The most exciting aspect of modeling is the networking part. You meet a lot of amazing models who all share this common hobby, career, and/or interest with you. And you even meet a number of photographers who all have a variety of different styles of photography so you get to create & shoot different looks!”

 

R.C. With fall winding down and winter right around the corner, what fashion and style tips and trends do you have for looking good when the temperature drops?

A.M. “Jackets! Hoodies, bomber jackets, or plain zip ups for a comfy casual look!

Wanna get dressed up? Try all kinds of coats until you find THE ONE! Whether it’s a faux coat, long button up coat, solid color/printed coat, even a fur coat! Jackets & Coats are the PERFECT cherry on top for an outfit in fall & winter.

You can stay warm & still look fashionable! Now go find that PERFECT jacket/coat!”

 

R.C. Within the industry, who is your inspiration?

A.M. “My inspiration begins with all of the petite models who didn’t let their height stop them from reaching greater heights in their modeling careers! Twiggy- British 60’s iconic supermodel at just 5’4 walked Chanel & Versace shows. And my FAVORITE- Devon Aoki is also known as the SHORTEST high fashion model posing for Chanel & even becoming the face of Versace! You go girls!”

 

R.C. What is your secret to staying in shape?

A.M. “BEING ACTIVE & eating healthy foods! I LOVE my fruits & veggies. I could eat apples, berries, oranges, pineapples, mangos, & peaches all day. But I believe being active is just as important. As long as you’re doing SOMETHING! Me, I love to dance–hip hop & Zumba are so much fun to do ESPECIALLY with friends & I get a really great work out from it!”

 

R.C. Outside of modeling, what are your hobbies?

A.M. “Hanging out at the beach, going on road trips with family & friends, & going to new places- New towns/cities, new restaurants, new stores! I love going on adventures!”

 

R.C. Sports question: Who are your favorite teams and clubs?

A.M. “San Diego Chargers & Golden State Warriors! I’m a Cali girl! :)”

 

R.C. What’s the deal with your boy in Golden State Warriors center—and groin-kicker extraordinaire—Draymond Green popping off about my Cavs? Do you think we are heading towards Round III of Cavs and Warriors in the Finals?

A.M. “I’m just a Blake Griffin fan… And he disrespected Draymond last night!”

 

R.C. You’re a Warriors fan, yet like Blake Griffin? How is that possible?

A.M. “I like (Steph) Curry & (Blake) Griffin! It’s just the way it is! I’m just a Cali girl who’s a fan of and respects a number of Cali athletes!”

 

R.C. Since you’re a diehard Chargers fan, what are your thoughts of the Bolts moving to Los Angeles?

A.M. “Since I have family that is in both Los Angeles and San Diego, I have no problem with it! (the pending move) just brings them closer and closer to the LA games! 😉

I actually think it’s pretty neat that both sides of my families’ favorite city teams are going to collide. I got one side of my family that is all LA fans—Dodgers and Lakers—and one that’s all about SD Padres/Chargers! So this will be interesting!

Now, LA fans will become fans of a previous San Diego team and San Diego fans will remain fans of a team that will now belong to the City of Angels.”

 

R.C. Who is your all time fave Charger?

A.M. “LaDainian Tomlinson!”

 

 

R.C. Will you remain a fan of Chargers—if—they end up moving to Los Angeles—or support another?

 

A.M. “Yes, I will still be a fan!!!”

 

R.C. Bring a native of San Diego, have you ever been to ComicCon?

A.M. “No, I have never attended a Comicon event!!!”

 

R.C. What are your favorite cities to travel to?

A.M. “Back home the city of San Diego, New York, Orlando, & Los Angeles!”

 

R.C. What advice would you give to women aspiring to get into modeling?

A.M. “Don’t ever give up! Don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of you getting into modeling! Not even your height! ;)”

Special thanks to April Marie for her time and assistance during the interview process. All Images used with permission and are the rightful property of their owners. Follow April Marie on Instagram on Instagram @ItsAprilMarie and on Facebook here.