As the April issue hits the stands and appears in mailboxes all over the area, one question still remains, “Who’s that girl?”

For those of you who haven’t figure it out yet, our mystery cover girl is…drum roll, please…me! Weird, huh? My two-day fashion shoot went a little something like this:

Back in November, I created this color-blocking concept to focus specifically on spring accessory trends. I envisioned strikingly beautiful pieces on vibrant backgrounds for bright and cheery pops of color.

Before setting out with photographer Lori Smith to collect bags and bags filled with goodies, she asked if I was interested in doing a little leg and hand modeling. Sure, why not? I thought. No one will know it’s me.

It was settled. We would incorporate a few limb shots to mix up the overall appearance. On our first day of shooting, we labored over the details of each set up to successfully complete three of the six shots. On day two, once I arrived at Lori’s studio, she asked if she could stick me in front of the camera for three beauty shots.

AHHH! What? Me? I work for the magazine, remember. Suddenly, I was whisked away and found myself sitting in a chair at Enzo Giarratana European Concept Salon having my hair sprayed and straightened into sections of ribbon-like pieces that were eventually pinned to create the pretty chignon-inspired ‘do. Back to Lori’s house, and I was having my makeup done while I painted my fingernails. I hardly even had a chance to decline the offer!

We did the green shot first then flew right back upstairs to do a quick makeup change as I, again, painted my nails to match the turquoise backdrop. A few shots here and a few shots there, and we were on to the purple page. Twelve hours later and we were finally finished shooting for the day, because Lori and I decided to shoot stills of each model shot just in case.

There ya have it. I guess our accidental photo shoot worked out! And now you know the behind-the-scenes story of our April cover girl.