Brooklyn beauty Denise Vasi is taking her career to the next level with a new role as Randi Morgan on ABC’s “All My Children.” After establishing herself as as a top fashion model, this cover girl is ready to show the world she is more than just a pretty face. ESSENCE.com caught up with the budding actress as she prepares for the holidays.
Interviewed by Qianna Smith
Vasi heads to French Connection in SoHo, New York, to find a great holiday dress at an affordable price. When asked what tips she has for women looking to update their wardrobe for less, she shares, “I’d say go with affordable luxury clothing. Designers now have labels at discount chains; shop there to find fashionable clothing at a great price. Isaac Mizrahi started the craze with his line at Target and then designers like Vera Wang for Kohls.”
Take your style to the next level with a great accessory. If you are looking to glam up a basic outfit for less, Denise suggests wearing “a great pair of dangling earrings or a bunch of stacked up bangles. Go with gold-toned custom jewelry. Try a patent leather belt or an interesting pair of colored stockings or tights.”
In addition to “All My Children,” Denise Vasi’s acting credits include the upcoming Disney feature film “When in Rome” and music videos for Grammy-winning recording artist Common and R&B singer Mario. Always looking to put her best foot forward, Denise says her style is reflective of her mood and that her must-have shoe of the season are booties. Booties are made to be seen, so pair them with a hot skirt or dress.
’Tis the season for looking your holiday best, so turn up the volume with a pop of color. Don’t shy away from bright hues this Christmas. Go for shades in canary yellow, emerald green, scarlet red, and golden metallics. Finding a great coat is very necessary for any fashionista, because this is the first thing people look at when they see you during the winter. Denise dishes she heads to H&M, Zara, and Topshop when she is looking for a great deal.
Denise has been modeling since she was 12 and has booked campaigns for Fiorucci, Dollhouse, American Eagle and Old Navy. The current face of Olay’s Spring 2009 on-camera advertising campaign says she wears a lot of black, and who wouldn’t, when black is so beautiful.
Charging full speed ahead into her acting career, Denise explains, “The opportunity to join ‘All My Children’ came to me at a very important time in my life. I understood that in order to do this job, I really had to focus on it 100 percent.”
With an extensive shopping list that includes her two brothers, best friend Yeal, mother, and grandmother, Denise says, “Who am I not shopping for?!” If spending is not an option for you this Christmas, go with a gift from the heart and create a scrapbook or photo album, suggests Denise.
Making a pit stop at the SoHo Wine & Spirits, Denise shops for a “safe” gift. Giving a nice bottle of wine or champagne is a great gift for a professional associate, colleague or acquaintance because it is a gender-less present and you can find something that is moderately priced as well.
Looking forward to spending Christmas at her grandmother’s home, Denise confesses that her family helps her grandmother put up a Victorian-style tree each year, which the family decorates together. When asked what she wants this year for Christmas, she shares, “A love letter from a boy.”
Just call Denise a beauty expert. She has been featured in numerous on-camera and print campaigns for leading cosmetic brands like Olay, Bobbi Brown, Nexxus and Urban Decay. The soap star stops at Sabon to pick up some yummy-smelling bath and body gifts. The Sabon “body scrub” ($24, Sabonnyc.com) is one of Denise’s favorite products and is packed with Dead Sea salt crystals and essential oils, which works great for exfoliating the skin.
Denise swears by CoverGirl Great Lash Mascara, L’Oreal True Match Blendable Foundation, Olay Quench Body Lotion, and St. Ives Apricot Scrub. All products are available at a drugstore near you.
After getting the goods for her family and friends, Denise is ready to head home to her beloved Weimaraner pet pooch Blu.
