Q&A: Ari Zucker Wasn’t Always This Hot

As Nicole Walker on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives,” Ari Zucker has been a waitress, a golddigger, a campaign publicist, and a model. But in real life, she’s worn just as many hats, starting out as a model, a hostess, and even a gymnastics instructor before taking on daytime TV and CSI: Miami. It’s hard to believe a time when she wasn’t all-that-and-a-bag-of-Baked-Lays, but she took us for a walk down (wardrobe) memory lane…hey, we’ve all been there!

Recessionista: We know you’re not just a pretty face (hello, Emmy nomination!), but you did get your start as a model. What was that like?

Ari: I started modeling when I was 16 years old. I was discovered rollerblading in Venice, CA. My parents would only let me do photo shoots or work around my school schedule, which was smart on their part. After I graduated high school, I left for Paris and thus began my years of hard work, not only modeling, but also as a children’s gymnastics teacher and a hostess. Through modeling, I was able to travel around the world to Australia, Japan and back to Paris. I was able to get steady work in Los Angeles for JC Penny, Target and many bridal magazines. Modeling was a great job for me, but definitely not a career. I had high hopes of being a veterinarian!

R: Paris?? Le sigh… What did your years of modeling and jetsetting teach you about throwing an outfit together on a budget?

A: I actually didn’t learn how to put myself together until later on in life. I was an outdoorsy girl, and still am…but now with more style. It was all about learning my body type and dressing for myself, not for the trend of the moment. Only now do I barely have to look in my closet to put my pieces together. I usually dress up for work even though I have hair, makeup and wardrobe. It makes me feel good. My go-to items are usually jeans, a cute blouse, and fun jewelry. I love accessories, or a really cute dress and boots! I never know if I’m going to have a last minute meeting or plans with friends.

R: “A cute blouse and fun jewelry” — have you been shopping in our closet?? Where are your fav places to shop?

A: I’m a boutique shopper. I’m not big on labels. Don’t get me wrong, I like them, but I would rather go to a cute boutique and get something a little more “me” than buy designer. I have no problem with being thrifty. When you’re proud of what you wear, that’s when you’ll look great!

R: We know you’re based in L.A…any shopping recommendations for our L.A. readers?

A: I hit the local boutiques in my area, like Voila and Diana’s Boutique!