The Perfect Coach Backpack

As much I love the idea of holding a clutch or a handbag, I can’t escape from the fact that a backpack is best suited to my photography work and life style. I’m a fashion photographer on the move, so carrying a backpack makes sense for all the ridiculous amount of heavy gear (wait, more like tissue paper and shopping receipts) that I put in my bag.

Huge thanks to Coach Australia, I was completely won over when Georgina from the St Collins Lane Flagship store understood my needs as a mum with a 4 year old and a photographer; and immediately showed me the “Manhattan Foldover” backpack.

Ohhh…..it was perfect in every way. Just let me explain why:

  1. Efficient and Multifunctional
    • It is spacious and has three separate, inside compartments – I can fit my laptop, hard drive, book, my lunch, camera and two lens. YAS!
    • Has two outside zip pockets – one for my lipstick and keys, and the other for my iphone. YAY! That means I don’t have to rummage through the inside compartments for my keys when I’m in a hurry.
    • It has an outside zip to access directly into the inside compartment. WINNING! That means I don’t have to undo the clip closure to get my wallet!
  2. Unisex
    • Though the Manhattan Foldover backpack is a part of the Men’s Collection SS17, I honestly believe this bag is perfect for a girl, even better, the right fit for a petite asian girl like me.
  3. Modern and good looking 
    • The zip details, clip closure, and stitching of this backpack makes it look modern and luxe. To top it off, I had my name embossed on a Coach tag at the St Collins Lane store which added a personalised touch;
    • This bag can go hands-free or hand-carried like a tote!
  4. Comfortable
    • The straps are well padded, and are adjustable which means no matter how heavy the bag may get, I am rest assured that my back is taken good care of. I’m sure my Oestopath would be happy about that.
  5. Quality Leather
    • What makes this bag so extra special is that it is crafted in Sport Calf Leather. The type of leather used in baseball gloves, and it will age and soften overtime.

So can you see why I am so impressed with my new backpack from Coach?

Thank you Coach for my beautiful backpack! Ok guys, if you are like, overwhelmed with too many choices, just go and speak directly to Georgina or one of her staff at the St Collins Lane store. They know their stuff inside out, and be more than happy to find you the perfect bag!

Images taken by Alan Woo.

black leather backpack // COACH
sweater knit dress // ZARA
boots // ACNE
socks // COS
black coat // AMERICAN APPAREL

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Nuan Cashmere x Ballettonet Pop Up Event

Coveted online brands NUAN Cashmere and BALLETTONET showcases their collection for the first time together at 494 Collins Street until 30th June.

 

Last Thursday, VIP guests were treated to an exclusive preview of NUAN Cashmere’s ultra luxe investment pieces made from 100% pure long yarn cashmere; and Ballettonet’s Italian made ballet flats and high end sneakers. It was the first time these two brands were showcased together. In fact (also a fun fact), remember the shoot I did with Jess Dempsey with the gorgeous Ballettonet’s ballet flats designed by Erin Maxwell from Love Shop Share; styled with the black weaved cashmere cardigan (see HERE)? Well, our styled shoot had connected these two brands together and look at where they are today!

Until the end of June 2016, they will be open to public right here:

494 Lt Collins Street Melbourne
MON – WED 10-6PM
THURS 10-7PM
FRI 10-6PM

Get in quick and invest in a beautiful cashmere ensemble and a pair of luxe sneakers. You won’t be disappointed, because I’m wearing the ECO CARDIGAN DUSTER as I’m typing. I can’t tell you how incredibly warm, stylish and divine it is, which is perfect for this chilly Melbourne weather! Even Jess Dempsey is trending it right here.

For more press information, please send your enquiries here, mail@ballettonet.co or info@nuancashmere.com.

[Scroll to the end for more details about NUAN Cashmere and Ballettonet]

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NUAN

NUAN has built its reputation with dedication to classic, elegant and modern styled collections created from 100% cashmere of the highest quality. NUAN also can provide tailor made cashmere for discerning clients including bridal parties.

BALLETTONET

Ballettonet sources handcrafted shoes direct from Italy’s finest footwear families. Their philosophy is about choosing quality, supporting transparency and being inspired by simplicity. Made for women on the go.

Special mentions and sponsors for the NUAN x BALLETTONET EVENT

artwork paintings // KATIE MCKINNON
flowers // KATE HILL FLOWERS
food // FIRECRACKEREVENT
furniture // SILLA FURNITURE
cushions // NUANINDIGO
shoes //BALLETTONET
garments // NUAN

MBFWA 2016 Backstage with Body Shop at Karla Spetic

 

Tuesday was all about going behind the scenes with my favourite Australian Designer labels, and Karla Spetic was one of them. Remember the skirt with the road in the middle, well yes that was Karla Spetic. Her whimsical resort 2017 collection, titled “MEMORIES” were a combination of violet, white, navy and blue colours; sheer, rib knitted and embroidered fabrics; frilly ribbed high necklines; quirky cut outs and scallop edging and of-course her signature digital prints with lavender being the main feature. My absolute favourite pieces were definitely the wide legged pants with slits on the side and the rib knitted dresses and that pinafore top with ruffle-trimmed rectangles placed at the center like stamps on an envelope. These pieces will be the perfect addition to my ever growing athletic-chic wardrobe for photographers on the run!

Congratulations to Karla Spetic’s beautiful collection and thank you ONEDAYDREAM PR for having me backstage with the wonderful Body Shop Australia team who created the dreamy and natural beauty looks for Karla Spetic’s models and keeping their body silky smooth and smelling good with the new British Rose body butter. For toes, Butter London ‘Cotton Buds’ Nail lacquer and fingernails and ‘Horse Power Treatment‘ as top coat.

Enjoy xx

Flat white slides // TEVA
Hair // WELLA PROFESSIONALS
Beauty // THE BODY SHOP
Nails // BUTTER LONDON
Jewellery // SEBBROWN

 

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The last pic was the crew from Body Shop! Go team x

 

Melbourne Central Guest Level Street Style

words // JERRY HSIEH
street style // KAREN WOO

 

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Isobel’s effortless look teaches us about the power of staple pieces. Her grey sweater dress and navy suede biker jacket make a winning combo for the colder months ahead and would easily compliment everything else in the wardrobe. The same could be said about her white Stan Smith kicks. A gentle sprinkle of street edge, I say fly.

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Aiden’s outfit embodies the essence of autumn. I was instantly drawn to his relaxed fitting trousers, which turned out to be one of his original creations. Sign me up for a pair please!

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Why stick to standard black or navy get ups when you can look as fly as Olivia in her business attire? She sets the benchmark of dressing for work with her fit that amplifies personality #businesswearinspo. I especially love her chunky, textured knit and green Camilla and Marc blazer. The silhouette of her look is on point to say the least.

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All eyes on Laura as she brings sophistication to the city. Miss dandy long legs shows off her figure tastefully with a fitted burgundy turtleneck and black leather skirt with side tie ribbon detail. Her strappy heels from Mollini add another dimension to her outfit.

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I’m a sucker for pastel and so should you! As autumn leaves pile up on the sidewalks, you will start to notice the colours of Mengyi’s casual fit on the streets. Her frayed striped pants elevate an otherwise understated look.

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Cathy’s elegant ensemble had me singing praises. The colours of her striped jacket are reminiscent of a painted canvas and blend harmoniously with her maroon flats. She finishes her look with a bold lipstick, chunky gold bracelets and a refreshing amount of confidence! Her outfit shows age is irrelevant when it comes to looking good. Being a tastemaker and understanding what works is the key to standing out from the crowd.

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I love the simplicity of her outfit, the contrasting denim textures and blue hues look refreshing against her white under layer and sneakers.

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Helen has the layering game down pat. I love the grey knit peaking out underneath her grey coat, which provides a subtle contrast of textures. Helen is also a strategic image sculptor. The funnel neck on her coat helps to elongate the neckline and the cuffing of chinos lends the same effect for her legs.

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Jackson’s fit is not only extremely well put together but also endlessly versatile. Navy and brown are matches made in heaven. His quilted navy vest and brown Christian Kimber saddle shoes make a formidable fashion statement.

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Jing Jing oozes swagger in her oversized cotton bomber, skinny jeans and pale pink Melisa platforms. The silhouette of her bomber provides a nice point of difference to the same old bombers you see on the streets. Standing tall and feeling good, that’s a mantra everyone should have.

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There is a variety of ways to spice up your autumn winter get ups. This season, keep things interesting with non-standard, textured and patterned pieces. David’s spotty white shirt and denim jacket with contrast fleece sleeves would certainly do the trick.

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Dean was on his way to a job interview when I pulled him aside for a snap. Is it too early for celebratory drinks? I have a feeling he’s no stranger to making good impressions. The leather jacket is a nice touch and his stylish pair of frames calls for constant eye contact.

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Karina is an undisguised master of switch ups. Her pairing of classic pieces such as the striped polo and white denim pants with edgier threads such as the leather wrap and pointy platform derbys create an interesting point of view. Let’s call this one the rockstar on a cruise.

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Ian stays easy in his everyday street look. As the temperature begins to drop, make sure you snatch up a versatile coat like Ian’s black one so you can brace the cold. I also like a good checkered shirt, it is my go to for lazy Sunday hangs.

 

TRIUMPH Lingerie Fashion Editorial & Photography Tips

You would think by now that both Jess and I would be so comfortable with each other, and no challenge would ever deter us. Well, lingerie was definitely one of our most recent, challenging and new experience for the both of us. It was Jess’s first time getting in front of the camera in lacey bra and knickers (wait, wasn’t she one of BONDs Boobicon Ambassador?); and my first time directing her body in a way that her curves were accentuated in all the right places for the entire 3 hours. We had 5 different looks to nail, and by the end we were pretty chuffed by our efforts. Hard work, but was all worth it.

Even though this shoot was no different to any of our usual fashion editorials, but I thought I’ll share a few handy tips to take away when preparing for a blog or editorial shoot, especially if it is your first time as a fashion blogger working with the photographer, other team members or client.

  1. Know exactly what you want to achieve, ie, colour and theme
  2. Pull together your favourite reference images whether it is the poses, expression, locations, hair, makeup and wardrobe styling. It will give your team a sense of your direction. We called this the “mood board”
  3. Prepare your outfits/looks well in advance. It’s useful if you could show them to your photographer so he or she can finalise the location of choice
  4. Brief your team so everyone in on the same wave length, and an opportunity for every to collaborate and suggest ideas
  5. Have your brief signed off by your client before you start shooting. This will avoid later disappointment or any misunderstandings
  6. On the day, bring all your outfits (steamed and pressed), any props, food and great energy
  7. Anything can happen on the day of the shoot, so be prepared to be flexible and try different things. It’s all about having the collaborative spirit!
  8. What normally helps is to go through a few images on the back of the camera (or better, tether the images to the computer screen) together so you have the opportunity to adjust any clothing, props, expressions before fire gunning another set of useless images.

What Photographers should do:

  1. Photographers should always be a part of the creative process, so make sure you are given updates and provide feedback where neccessary
  2. Scout and choose locations in advance that would match the theme and outfit styling
  3. Don’t be trigger happy on set. Compose the shot in camera, and wait for the moment before snapping
  4. Make sure all the settings (ie, exposure, lighting) is correct before shooting
  5. Give verbal direction, even if it means using your hand to guide them. If you want to move their body, always ask for permission before making contact.
  6. Make your client happy and comfortable in front of the camera, including your team members. Never demand but have an energetic and collaborative spirit
  7. Never over edit your images ie, skin smoothing to the point where the it starts to look like a plastic doll
  8. Always go through your images, cull and select only your top favourite images for presentation. Trust me, your client won’t have time to go through 1000s and 1000s of images
  9. Choose filters wisely if you intend on using them. If your client wants to keep the images clean and have clarity, then don’t use filters with lots of fade that will wash out the detail of the clothing.

Lastly, have fun on set even if it means braving the cold and stormy weather.

I hope some of these tips will be useful, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask away.

Ok good night sleeping beauties and enjoy what we have created for Triumph Australia. xxx

 

makeup and hair // AIMMEY PHAM
talent/styling // JESS DEMPSEY
lingerie // TRIUMPH AUSTRALIA

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