Oh, miss pretty

Desperately Seeking: Backpack business

2009-10-13T04:37:00.000-07:00

In all honestly, I never again considered donning a backpack after about grade 7, when, at my school at least, it became passé not to encourage future back and shoulder problems by turning in favour of shoulder slung school bags.
Until a few days ago, that is, when I purchased rollerblades as a means of exercise/amusement/transport to nearby areas (I’ve never truly trusted myself on a bike, despite how cute one can look on one, but have a decent enough background in figure skating to trust myself gliding about on blades). I can’t help but feel like I’m digressing to a younger self by blading around and considering carrying what I consider to mainly be used as book bags (not that I haven’t been partial to the thought when spotting a luxurious but practical leather number adorning a chic back).

I can’t fumble about with a side bag though, so I need something to sling over both shoulders that’s comfortable, cute, and practical.
Urban outfitters has two options that seem to fit the part, but I’m not sure exactly how “convertible” their convertible bags claim to be.
Ideally, these bags would work well either way to allow me two uses (a large plus on my budget), but I’m not sure if I trust it.

The options I’m considering (and I haven’t looked elsewhere, which is probably unwise) since I can’t afford a real leather bag at this point, and need something quickly…are the Deux Lux Messenger Backpack (top) or the Deux Lux Drawstring Bucket Bag (bottom) in black.

I’m buying tomorrow or the next day, as I would like to be blading before the real cold settles, so any quick recommendations or opinions are more than welcome.

Work

2009-09-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

I'm doing some shoots for designer Jane Record of Chocolate Martini while I'm here in Hong Kong, and my time is swiftly running out. Deadlines are approaching and I'm not too happy with what I've done so far. Of course people rarely appreciate their own work or find it up to par, I'm just stressing a bit. The shoot I've done so far was a blast. Great model named Kelly put up with the whole day ordeal like a superstar. Sadly, I found all the elements in most of the images weren't in sync. The shots of Kelly looking fantastic didn't do the dresses justice and vice versa.

I need to get some editing done and put together a look book soon. Am shooting a different model on Friday. I shot on location throughout Hong Kong and chose to do something simple and pretty. Here's a sneak peek. I need to perfect these and figure out how to make them cohesive. Hopefully I can put something I'm happy with together after the next shoot.

Also, if you don't like the dresses in these pictures then I haven't done them justice. They're so flattering on almost everyone.

Check more out at

http://www.chocolatem.com

Louise Brooks hair

2009-09-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

After growing tired of looking like a Mon Chi Chi, I decided I would grow my hair out again. I've been sporting an Agyness Deyn/Edie Sedwick (around the time of the fire period) style pixie cut for a while now, and let it get unruly. Growing it out means many awkward stages to come, so I intend on quite frequent visits to my hairdresser to keep it in check through the whole process.

After some deliberation, we decided the best way to go for now is a Louise Brooks-esque bob. It's quite a harsh cut, and I'm having a bit of a hard time getting used to it, but it's certainly growing on me (no pun intended). I may even try incorporating some more 1920's style pieces in my wardrobe.

(excuse the photo quality, it's just a snapshot. Also excuse the state of my face, it's four AM here and I'm wearing last nights make up.)

I'm hoping it will grow out nicely.

Commitment Issues.

2009-08-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my unofficial, unannounced hiatus. Life has been hectic.

If anyone cares to know, here's a little info on me before I return to regular blogging.

I was born in Australia, but only lived there until I was 7 before moving to Hong Kong for 8 years. I now Consider Hong Kong home, seeing as I spent my adolescence there. Sadly, I've had to spend the last few years in Canada. I don't dislike Canada, just the area I lived in, and anywhere feels dull compared to my Asian utopia.

After travelling to Bali for a little while I'm back home in Hong Kong. I've been interning for a new designer, and am now shooting for her, while also setting up my own photo shoots and being far too social.

Hence the disappearance. I'm soon back to Canada for around six months, but will be moving home again after...if all goes to plan.

Not that anyone needed to know that, it just explains the disappearance.

I've been busy.

Photography focus: Lina Scheynius

2009-05-17T23:55:00.000-07:00

Lina Scheynius is probably my absolute favourite photographer at the moment. Her images seem to have no preplanned construction at all, but give off the air that she has made moments fall into view that are only noticeably beautiful to her. There's something so natural and honest to her photographs, a vulnerable atmosphere to something that at the same time retains such subtle emotional depth. Most of the work on her site is personal. Photographic diaries that make no attempt to conceal sexuality or reality.

I honestly don't know what else I can say, so if you haven't yet seen her work, behold the beauty.

I'm so tempted to put so many more than I have, but I have to stop myself. GO! See for yourself.

See more at: http://www.linascheynius.com/

Want to see something cute?

2009-05-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.wildfoxcouture.com/

Watch the intro video. It's quite neat.

Ribbons and bows and silly, frilly things

2009-05-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

I love bows, truly. I take and collect ribbons from anywhere I possibly can (Christmas crackers, gift boxes, I've even been known to shamelessly rip ribbons of underwear in department stores and pocket them) and I am looking for new ways to wear them. I can't wear them in headband/hair clip form mainly due to a lack of hair at this time, I have hats for that.

It's also hard finding pieces with bows that can stand alone without being too masculine/feminine. Seeing so many on runways recently and I like them in sash form around the waist or neck.

Though I'm wondering if around the neck is a bit too much in this outfit.

Holgas as an accsesory.

2009-05-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

Does this bug anyone?

I know this has been happening for a while now. The CMY Special Edition Holga was featured in style.com's holiday gift guide in December 2008, and with urban outfitters peddling their whole line of lomography camera's and accessories, you know mass amounts of hip little thing are constantly walking out of the store with a lomo in tow. This confuses me because, as a photography enthusiast, I know that 120 format film isn't the easiest to come about or have developed in most places. The appeal to me is the different and unpredictable quality of image, worth the extra developing expense but I feel the camera itself being so cheap (and being made so fashionable) may be misleading.

I understand these are "toy cameras" but there doesn't seem much point if they can't even be used for fun. I know that there are 35mm lomo camera's out there, holgas included, but for the most part it seems the cameras are being bought in their original 120mm form.

Once bought are they being recognised as unusable without a large amount of effort and simply becoming closet/shelf clutter? Or are people that buy them on a whim really getting out there to have their images developed?

I'm not sure if the developing of 120 format film is only such a bother in my part of the world.

Desperately seeking: Bowler hat

2009-05-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge fan of hats. Cloche, fedora, boater, akubra, beret, flat cap, pork pie, whatever. I don't care what's "in", I'm likely to have a hat on my head regardless. I would take a new hat over a new bag or pair of shoes (excluding boots) any day. Though my collection suffers with the lack of a bowler. I've been searching for a while now, but am having trouble finding a good quality bowler from a reputable seller that I could afford. I'd prefer to be able to try one on, but at this point am willing to web it. I would definitely like one in black and possibly grey or white.

Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Photography focus: Jonathan Leder

2009-05-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

NY born and raised photographer Jonathan Leder is a personal favourite of mine.

After studying classical painting he acquired a strong start in the industry by assisting the amazing Steven Klein.

In an interview with fashiongonerogue.com, when being asked if it is love of photography, or fashion that inspires his work, he states:

"I like beautiful clothes. I don’t get a chance to shoot them enough. But I think fashion can be amazing . Look at the past, and there have been some amazing fashion photographers and images created."

Having shot for the likes of Nylon, Urban Outfitters, Newsweek, and many more, he retains his distinct style. His images never seem to be too focused on the model, clothing, location, or image itself, but more the merging of all elements to create dream-like, timeless, soft, and sensual photographs.

"“Fashion” to me is a bit of a dirty word. I’m sorry to say. Whenever I hear the word “fashion” i think of anorexic models, and cheesy runway shows where people try to sell overpriced clothing." - Jonathan Leder, from fashiongonerogue.com

See more at http://www.jonathanleder.com/

Wish I had: Her wardrobe

2009-05-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Though I lack the legs, and the confidence for a lot of the pieces, this clip from modelinia left me drooling. Vests are one of my favourite articles of clothing when done right, and Noot's collection is enviable in its variation. The leather pants? A large no for me. Though I'm sure she would pull them off.

See more videos on modelinia.com

On a side note, finally hearing models I admire talk usually manages to turn me off to them completely. Stam, for example, whom I will never feel the same way about. Happy to say this isn't the case with Noot.
Also, who's excited about the history of the supermodel series?

In the nude

2009-05-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Seeing as this site is practically naked, I thought it might be appropriate to begin with a tribute to a classic lip shade. Its impact in fashion is marked in the 60's when it took red's reign, and attention was drawn to dolled up eyes. The shade is still resonating strongly in beauty. I've harboured a slight obsession with nude lipstick for quite some time and with that have found how horribly wrong it can go (as can most shades). With too much of a tan it becomes sickly and has the tendency to merge completely into paler skin. Being lucky enough to have a face that could suit most anything, the only trouble for me was finding a shade of nude I liked. One that would keep my lips and face separate entities and wouldn't make me appear simply malnourished.
After many brands, slight variations, and frustrating attempts I found my current favourite: cream lipstick from smashbox in "NUDE", which has a slightly pink tone.

My runner up, with more sheen than the matte smashbox option, would be L'oreal Endless in "IN THE BUFF"