Hold the Glamour

I am a full-figure model and working mother. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend. I am a Leo. I am a first-generation Aussie and mother to two amazing little native New Yorkers. I believe that fashion is important—but so is real life. I believe that all women are beautiful and strong. I believe in working hard and loving harder. I believe in eating delicious food and drink with close friends, in breathing deep the air of new places, in laughing until you cry. I believe that when our bodies and minds are healthy and balanced, anything is possible.

Tag: cool

Saxon + Parole

Yesterday I met a friend at this very cool and chic place called Saxon + Parole on Bowery Street, New York City.

It was my first time there and I was pleasantly surprised to see something rather different and interesting as far as a bar/restaurant goes, especially after spending so many years in this great city. Everyone is trying to stand out, get noticed and be original.

NYC - Saxon + Parole Bloody Mary bar

Saxon + Parole Bloody Mary Bar

On display was this extensive Bloody Mary Bar — more ingredients that I’ve ever seen for the drink. You get to customise your own cocktail. Pure genius as you become part of the process.

NYC - Cocktail Cabinet Program

Cocktail Cabinet Program

I’ve never seen a Cocktail Cabinet such as the one I saw yesterday. The bartender Maxim explains the small bottles are filled with customised cocktails which are kept under lock-and-key for its members.

NYC - Personalised Cocktail bottles

Personalised Cocktail bottles

The members pay $75 a month for the privilege and each bottle contains approximately 15.5 ounces or 460 millimeters. That’s roughly 5-7 drinks.

For the monthly charge, your name and cocktail is written on your personalised bottle. You get immediate service upon your arrival and you can even nominate friends to drink your poison, even if you aren’t present. They are very serious about their cocktails.

Saxon + Parole bar

Saxon + Parole bar

The bar is big and vast. As we were leaving around dusk, it started to fill up very quickly. The noise level increased too. It seems to be many a New Yorker’s favourite watering hole.

Saxon + Parole dining area

Saxon + Parole dining area

The restaurant closes between 3-5.30pm, which is precisely when my friend and I were there. We enjoyed the quieter and calmer time of the day. We were able to enjoy a cocktail or two, chat and catch-up without too much going on around us.

http://www.saxonandparole.com

Have you ever been to Saxon + Parole? If so, what are your thoughts?

Is there another bar you’ve visited somewhere in the world which has a similar concept? Perhaps a completely original one?

Would you enjoy the Bloody Mary Bar or become a member of the customised Cocktail Cabinet Program?

The Empire State Building, spring & the Wythe Hotel

NYC - Jack Studios shooting a bra campaign

NYC – Jack Studios shooting a bra campaign

What a busy day to end the week. I had a shoot at Jack Studios for a bra campaign that I recently went on a casting for. When I arrived, after saying hello to the many people who represent the company and the crew, I took off my clothes except for my knickers and put on a white fluffy robe. One can’t have bra lines or clothing marks on your body when shooting lingerie.

Outside, it was a beautiful spring day that was bursting with sunlight. You see, spring has finally come to New York. I am so excited!

The view from our 12th floor studio was of the Empire State Building. A prominent feature of the Big Apple’s skyline. The views are breathtakingly beautiful. I love this city.

NYC - The view of the Empire State Building outside our studio on the 12th floor

NYC – The view of the Empire State Building outside our studio on the 12th floor

After spending two hours in the hair & make-up chair, I sat around on the comfy lounge waiting for my turn to ‘turn it on’ in front of the camera. The schedule was packed and with three models, there was no opportunity for me to sit down and eat lunch. I was up on set just before and we continued the shoot throughout. It was  grab and go for me – I managed a quick bite or two of salad and shrimp/prawns when there was a set change.

NYC - Leaving the shoot with the sun behind me

NYC – Leaving the shoot with the sun behind me

After being inside all day, I was thrilled to be in the spring time weather of the city. It is a fabulous time of year. The trees are budding and the signs of warmer weather is apparent everywhere you look. Everyone seems happier in New York when the weather is like this.

I spend an hour or so at home with my family before Steve and I get in a cab and head over to the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg.

Brooklyn - Steve and I on our way to the Wythe Hotel, Williamsburg

Brooklyn – Steve and I on our way to Williamsburg

We were attending a friend’s birthday bash that started at the Wythe for cocktails. The views of Manhattan at sunset are amazing and some of the best of the west side of the city. See for yourself.

The roof bar was full when we arrived so we had to wait about 10 mins before we went upstairs. It was a well-oiled machine. Obviously, sunset is a favourite time for many to experience the city views.

Brooklyn - Wythe Hotel

Brooklyn – Wythe Hotel, Williamsburg

I haven’t been to Williamsburg in a while and when Steve and I arrived, I was reminded how cool, edgy, groovy and chic it is. There is so much going on and it’s the place to be if you’re young, single, creative, cute, good-looking, interesting and hip!

Brooklyn - the view from the roof of the Wythe Hotel at sunset

Brooklyn – the view from the roof of the Wythe Hotel at sunset

Our night ended with dinner at the Rosarito Fish Shack. It was packed and even with our reservation for 10 people, had to wait for 30 mins or so for our table. Whilst waiting near the entry, I bumped into two gorgeous blondes from my board at Ford – Inga and Danielle Redman. Life is funny and so random isn’t it? New York really isn’t that big.

Have you been to the Wythe Hotel?

Have you been to Williamsburg?

What do you like or love about it?

Any great places to share?