LYDIA HEARST

In our home we have many movie props from old film productions.

I started out like any other model - I didn't use my name as leverage. I went out with a portfolio and pounded the pavement and it was surprising how many people wouldn't see me because I was too short.

Because of the way I am built I photograph taller than I actually am; it's an optical illusion. The way you're naturally built is not something you can fake - you either photograph taller or you don't.

I'm thrilled to be working with Miss Me again as I stand firmly behind the brand's messaging to help empower women and help them feel confident without compromising comfort.

I actually will not be returning to 'Gossip Girl.'

For me, I would say that horror is my absolute favorite form of entertainment.

My idea about being in a relationship is like it's a whole other form of creation.

Whatever I'm wearing has a bit to do with however I'm feeling that day.

I am all business, I am all work.

And I think when you're playing someone who is a real person, it's extremely important to take the time and put in the effort to learn about who they are to be able to respectfully portray that.

When I was little, my parents took me to the San Diego Zoo. I was about 5 years old, and I got a tour of the zoo that hardly anybody else has ever had.

Horror is one of the few genres that allows you to explore areas in film that normally you wouldn't otherwise.

I'm so fortunate to be marrying the man of my dreams. I knew that I was completely in love with him and he's the love of my life, but who knew what the future held? Then he swept me off my feet and asked me to marry him.

I much prefer people who are very in tune with themselves, very musically inclined - no pretty boys.

There was a solid six-month period where I was going out on castings and I was laughed out of the room because I'm much more petite than other models.

Every girl needs a pair of Miss Me jeans for that extra boost of boldness and fearlessness for whatever situation stands in their way.

I am a rebel.

Horror itself is such a magical genre.

I don't smoke, but people say that you get secondhand smoke. But this is a country that was founded mainly on the tobacco industry - tobacco and coffee. It's so surprising that they are now essentially making cigarettes illegal, when that is where the whole country came from.

A lot of my family going back were cowboys and barrel racers, and I'd say I'm 50 percent high fashion and 50 percent cowgirl.

I started at the top. My first job was the cover of 'Italian Vogue,' which is the equivalent essentially of winning an Academy Award. So, there was nowhere else to go from there.

If somebody were to feel the necessity to reduce themselves to a desperate state to achieve what they perceive to be their goals in life, people who work in fashion, who are models or photographers, shouldn't be judged because of untoward acts of others. As the saying goes, it takes two to tango.

I truly just want to be happy and continue to work hard; I love life and every opportunity presented.

Most people buy shoes and clothing, but I buy a lot of DVDs.

Honestly, I think more people need to hydrate and drink more water during Fashion Week. It's the only way to survive.