THE BOOTED BLOG INTERVIEW ::: ANGELA CHRISTOFOROS

The multi-faceted Angela Christoforos gives us perspective on large and small markets. This fashionista shares her talents and thoughts using many different outlets and we are very fortuitous to be able to hear from her on our Blog!!!

Angela, Thank you for doing this interview!

What were your first thoughts when you found out there was a Blog called “The Appreciation of Booted Newswomen”? 

I thought that it was very unique, I’ve never seen another blog like it that’s tailored specifically to Newswomen fashion!

What do you think of the Blog?  Have you had a chance to look at it much? If so, have you looked to see what other women in the television industry are wearing, not only in boots, but in clothes in general? 

I think the blog is interesting, it’s fun to see how 

newswomen in different TV markets dress.

Have any of your colleagues in the 

business mentioned the Blog to you? 

Nope, they’ve never heard of it before!

Have you always been a Boot Lover? 

Yes, especially when inclement weather 

or the season calls for it.

Do you always buy new Boots every fall 

when the new fashions come out? 

I usually buy at least 1 or 2 new pairs when the fall/winter season comes around. Usually in neutral colors, like black and brown.

Where are your favorite spots to shop for Shoes and Boots? 

I love Steve Madden shoes, and love to shop at places like Macy’s and T.J. Maxx for good deals on designer brands.

Is there a certain pair of boots you wish you had? 

What is the Style, Color, Height, Heel? 

I already own quite a variety, but every time the new season arrives I always have an itch to update my collection. I think every women needs a pair of flat boots, heeled boots, wedge boots, and of course rain boots for different occasions. Since I am a one-man-band reporter, I need flat shoes while I am out on the field, so it’s very likely I’ll be purchasing a new pair of flat boots this upcoming season.

Is there any style of Boots that women wear 

that you absolutely would NOT wear? Why? 

I think it all really just depends on the occasion. It’s probably not appropriate to wear stiletto 5-inch heeled boots during the day while running errands or at work, but those same boots could look great for a night out with girlfriends.

You are a reporter at WAGM-TV in Presque Isle, Maine. I bet a lot of people haven't heard of Presque Isle, but I am sure it's fantastic.  What can you tell us about the city and it's surrounding area? 

Presque Isle is a very rural area. It is in one of the most Northern parts of the Country, right on the border of Canada. It’s a part of “Aroostook County” in Northern Maine. It is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, skiing, snow shoeing, and riding 4 wheelers! The pace is certainly a bit slower than the hustle and bustle of city life, and has a very “small town” mentality to it. The community is very close knit, and the people are very friendly. I had never heard of a “tractor pull” until moving up here to Northern Maine. Agriculture is a huge part of the economy in Northern Maine, you can’t go for 5 minutes driving without seeing a large potato field!

I know you worked for a few news outlets in Boston. 

How far from Boston is Presque Isle? 

Driving it’s about 7 hours away. But there’s an airport in 

Presque Isle that flies straight to Logan airport in Boston, 

and that flight is only an hour and a half.

What’s different about working television news in Boston and Presque Isle? Do you have to work harder 

or differently to find your stories? 

There’s a big difference. For one, Boston is one of the top 10 markets in the country, and Presque Isle is one of the smallest. It’s all based on DMA, or in another words your viewing audience. The more viewers you have, the bigger the TV market is. Presque Isle is a good starter market for beginners, a place where you learn how to do the job well and pay your dues. In Boston crimes happen on a daily basis, in Presque Isle they are a far more less frequent. My stories vary on any given day from hard news to feature stories. At my station, we are very connected to our community and cover several stories pertaining to events going on through our community.

You write a column for Dirty Water News, which 

bills itself as Boston's Best Entertainment News. 

Is that both a printed and online newspaper? 

What topics do you cover in your column? 

It is a bi-weekly printed entertainment publication distributed throughout Boston, and it is also available on dirtywaternews.com. I write a fashion column as well as a local celebrity column. I write articles on fashion trends, local boutiques, as well as designer profiles on local talent. In my local celebrity column I spotlight up and coming talent in the Boston area and conduct similar Q&A interviews like this one. Local celebs range from actors/actresses, models, singers, designers- really anyone doing something worthy of recognition.

You have a blog, Keeping Up With Ang.

What do you blog about? How often do you post? 

What do you enjoy about blogging? 

My blog is a way of showcasing events, stories, and projects that I’m part of. I share everything from video clips to news stories, articles on fashion and Hollywood celebs, beauty product reviews, lifestyle & advice articles, photo shoots images, inspiration, travels, and more. It’s basically my virtual corner of the web where I share my career, projects, and personal journey.

You have worked as an actress in commercials and as an extra in films and TV shows. 

Is that a career path you still may follow? 

That is something that I would like to continue doing on the side!

How well did being a former pageant contestant (competed in Miss Teen Massachusetts and Miss Boston pageants) help you prepare for a career in the media? 

Pageants are a great tool to help prepare for a career in the media because it really is a great vehicle for developing communication skills, as well as presence and etiquette. Communication skills are vital in this business, and the interview portion of pageants really help prepare contestants to polish their interview skills and present themselves in a positive manner. Something that is indeed useful in any industry.

I read that you are a passionate advocate for Autism Awareness.  What message would you want to get out to people who may not know or understand much about Autism? 

Autism is a wide spectrum, and affects each person with autism differently. My brother is high-functioning, talented, and intelligent but he still needs services to aid him with his social skills. Autism takes a large toll on a family, and unless you have a family member of your own with someone it can be difficult to understand the daily struggles that these families are faced with. You can read more on my brother on my website -> 

http://angelachristoforos.com/austism-advocacy/

If someone wanted to help out with Autism Awareness, is there a favorite organization of yours that works on Autism research or helps families of those with Autism that we could donate to? 

I love to work with Autism Speaks. I do the walks yearly, and have organized fundraisers in the past to raise money for the organization.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP OUT AUTISM SPEAKS, EITHER VIA DONATION or VOLUNTEERING,

PLEASE CLICK HERE 

If someone offered you the choice of these four jobs, 

which one would you take?  

1) Host of the Today Show      

2) A reporter on 60 Minutes 

3) Host of Entertainment Tonight   

4) Broadcast Journalism Professor at Suffolk University

I’d have to say I’m tied with 1 & 3!

Are there places other than what we've mentioned (WAGM, Dirty Water News, Keeping Up With Ang) that our readers should be going to look for your work? 

I also frequently update my facebook fan page-> http://facebook.com/christoforosangela and I have my own website at www.angelachristoforos.com

THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH ANGELA!!!

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD to SEEING and HEARING MORE FROM YOU in the FUTURE!!

We are now a perfect FOUR for FOUR with our Interviews!! 

Four WONDERFULLY ENGAGED, 

INTELLIGENT WOMEN have granted us interviews.  

I feel so thankful and humbled that they would 

take the time and effort to do this for our Blog!!!!!

Black Suede Surprise: A Kiran Chetry BLAST FROM THE PAST

Purple Suede Sensation Mélissa Theuriau

photo courtesy of Ladies in Satin Blouses Blog

photo courtesy of Ladies in Satin Blouses Blog

photo courtesy of Ladies in Satin Blouses Blog

THE BOOTED BLOG INTERVIEW ::: VANESSA FREEMAN

Vanessa Freeman Shares Her Wonderful Experiences And ALWAYS POSITIVE Outlook With Us

Vanessa, Thank you very much for granting us an interview!!!!

What were your first thoughts when you found out there was 

a Blog called "The Appreciation of Booted Newswomen"?

When I stumbled across the Booted News Women blogs, I was blown away for two reasons.  One, because this is an awesome way to check out what my favorite news ladies are wearing. And secondly, by the sheer span of markets the Booted News Women blog covers.  You have news women of all calibers featured on your site; all brought together by one of my favorite accessories.... BOOTS!!

What do you think of the Blog?  Have you had a chance to look at it much? If so, have you looked to see what other women in the television industry are wearing, not only in boots, but in clothes in general?

I love news and current events, but I think a rare gem like this, were you can check out your favorite news people and see what they are wearing is AWESOME! After all, style is an important part of the job, and with this site, you can not only see the foot game, but you get to see the entire ensemble.   

Have any of your colleagues in the business mentioned the Blog to you?

Actually, I'm the one that usually mentions the site to others 

and then they say "Oh yes! I've seen that blog before!" 

Have you always been a Boot Lover?

 I have always been a boot lover. But finding a good boot is like finding a soul mate--you can't just waltz into a store, grab a pair, throw them on and think it's going to click!  And you can totally tell when somebody has done that, there is no harmony.  When looking for a boot you have to consider your leg size and the width of the boot, the texture, color and of course the heel.  And with all these powers combined you will have a great boot that looks like its made for YOU!

Do you always buy new Boots every fall when the new fashions come out?

I do try to purchase two boots every fall season (a black and brown), but some seasons I just don't find styles that fit me.  So I end up wearing most of my boots into the next season.  Luckily I opt for classic styles that can be wore for many seasons to come.  

Where are your favorite spots to shop for Shoes and Boots?

My favorite spot for boots is Nine West and Steve Madden.

Is there a certain pair of boots you wish you had? What is the Style, Color, Height, Heel?

I wish I had a pair of suede, brown boots with a wide, thick heel.... not chunky, but not super skinny stiletto either.  It may sound like a simple style, but I haven't been able to find it just yet. 

Is there any style of Boots that women wear that 

you absolutely would NOT wear? Why?

 For some reason I cringe every time I see the Steve Madden, timberland heeled boots.  J-Lo wore them in her "Jenny from the Block" music video.  Everyone one loved them and so did I.  I remember I took to the store right after the video premiered on MTV.  (Mind you, I'm dating this by saying "debuted on MTV".....like when was the last time an actually music video was on MTV lol).  It was high school for me, and that fad was done by the time I graduated.  I actually think the style was only cute of one year after, but for some reason folks just couldn't let go.  So now, every so often I'll see that familiar style creep up and I cringe.  

It's time to lay it to rest.  

The aforementioned Boots

I read you worked as a production assistant on the Today Show. There seems to be a lot of women wearing some fantastic boots on that show.

Yes! The Today Show is fashion heaven.  I think they walk the line of classy/sexy effortlessly--from head to toe.  The attention to footwear is definitely impeccable.  Boots of all shades, textures and heights are worn on that show, but I have to say I love the way Savannah Guthrie works her boots.  And Tamron Hall is a boot lover as well.  She's shorter then Savannah, so her opts for the sky height styles.

What was it like working there (Today Show)?  Did you have a lot of interaction with the people that appear on camera?   How early in the morning did you have to be at work?  How late did you stay to plan the next day’s show?

Working for the NBC Network was an amazing experience, but not for the faint of heart.  I worked every schedule you can imagine, from the crack of dawn till the afternoon, the afternoons until night and even the overnight desk shift...watching the overnight travels of the President, Secretary of State, etc.  Working in the District of Columbia we handled all of the live hits that came out of Washington.  So if you see Andrea Mitchell,  David Gregory, Tom Costello or Lisa Myers coming live from Washington, we used the help coordinate those live shots.  So, yes, I worked very closely with all of them.  Especially with MSNBC, I assisted with "Hardball with Chris Mathews" and "Morning Joe" with Mika and Joe.  I had a blast working with them all.  One thing I learned about TV folks--as conservative and straight laced as they seem on the air, they are just as candid and inappropriately hilarious off air.  One thing I loved about working there, is that you never knew who would walk through those doors.

How would you compare hosting Living Dayton, 

a lifestyle show, to being a news reporter?

 I would say reporting news and hosting "Living Dayton" have many similarities.  Although one is obviously harder and the other is lighter, we are still doing a community service of providing information to our community.  Just as residents need to know about an accident or a traffic congestion, it's important for them to be aware of events, fundraisers and other great ways to explore and energizer their community through involvement.  And I think involvement is the key.  A show like ours in my opinion, really answers the question "What is there to do around here?"  And I think everyone, aside from folks that live in  a major city swear there is NOTHING to do in their town--but "Living Dayton" really gives you those answers topically and makes you aware of ways you can take advantage of and give back to your community. Not to mention we shine a spotlight on so many unsung and unknown people that are keeping the wheels turning in our community.  It was definitely an adjustment for me, but I feel good about what I do.  Even though I am not reporting on a fire or a drug bust, I really feel there is balance in what we provide our community. 

  

What’s the typical work day for you? Is the next day’s show planned before you leave, or do you do you prepare the day of the show?

 A typical day starts around 8:30am for me.  Usually, the show is pretty much done from the day before, so I just prepare my notes and tighten things up.  We have our morning meeting to go over logistics and then try to do a brief meet and greet with the guests before we go live at noon.  Once we go off air, we begin producing and writing for the next day.  And of course there are a number of incidents that pop up in between, like guest cancellations, animals running wild in the studio and the occasional missing intern lol.  Just another day! 

What have you found out about Dayton, Ohio, that really surprised you?

 For me, I've know Dayton was big on aviation, of course since the Wright Brothers worked their magic right here, but I didn't realize how heavily that history is still interwoven in the community, from certain restaurants and businesses to the events that take place in town.  I'm not completely surprised given the rich history, but it is interesting to see the current adaptation and how folks pay homage to those memories.  

I have read that you have done a fair amount of theater acting.  I LOVE live theater. What has been your favorite part to play so far in that career?  What role do you REALLY WANT TO PLAY sometime?

This will make me sound like a total dork, but I loved playing Cha Cha in "Grease."  It is one of my favorite movies and I actually was in the musical during my senior year...yeah, perfect timing!  I've been taking ariel silk class, so I am very into using my angles and dancing right now. I would have to say being in a musical like Chicago that is heavily choreographed and celebrates femininity would be right up my alley. 

How well did being a former pageant contestant and queen 

help you prepare for television and theater?

 Being a former pageant queen was great for me.  I was painfully shy growing up, and knowing that I wanted do something in broadcast, I just consistently put myself in out there.  From talent contests to theatre productions.  I think I really found a natural grove in pageants though--it helped me sharpen my poise and the ability to present under pressure. 

  

For someone who has always thought they should spend some time volunteering, what would you say to them to convince them to go for it? 

 I think everyone should be for something.  I love this quote I heard on Oprah's Master Class, "Service is the price you pay for taking up space on the Earth."  And just as the earth gives back we should do the same.  I would say, start small.  Find out what cause gets you going. Maybe someone in your family is struggling with a disease or disorder, and you could speak on their behalf to help rise awareness.  It doesn't have to be a grand gesture--the tiniest thing can snowball into something gigantic.

If someone offered you the choice of these four jobs, 
which one would you take?  

1) Host of the Today Show      
2) A reporter on 60 Minutes 

3) Network News Foreign Correspondent   
4) Host of The Miss USA Pageant

If I was offered any of those four jobs, it would have to be 
The Today Show... second would be Foreign Corespondent 

Just like Ashley and Lisa, Vanessa put a lot of effort in to the interview. I REALLY, REALLY appreciate her candidness, enthusiasm, and insight. As you have read she is a woman of many interests and talents and experiences and we are very privileged to have her as a fan of the Blog.  THANK YOU SO MUCH for allowing us to interview you Vanessa!!!

CHECK OUT VANESSA on FACEBOOK

CHECK OUT LIVING DAYTON on FACEBOOK

CHECK OUT VANESSA'S BLOG

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