flight | Hold the Glamour

October 5, 2013

What makes a fashion model, a model?

What does a ‘fashion model’ mean to you? What thoughts come to your head? How would you describe one and what separates one from another in your opinion? What age is too young and what age is too old? Please… talk to me!

This week I have had two beautiful yet interesting women called ‘models’ come to my attention in the news and for obvious reasons I was riveted. I wanted to know more.

The first was 85 year-old Daphne Selfe from the UK. The Today Show called her ‘the oldest working supermodel in the world’. I was intrigued. I watched as this beautiful and confident woman in her old age spoke about her life and career which has spanned over 60 years.

What a remarkable woman and talk about the career she has had — who can speak of that? She still looks amazing and makes an effort to look her best with her long greying hair. I simply love the lines on her lived-in face. What a fabulous story it tells and reveals. Like I said… I am intrigued.

http://www.models1.co.uk/details.aspx?modelid=1601&subID=7773&mainsubid=7773&sexid=2

The second woman I knew nothing about until two days ago was Nicole Trunfio. Not only is Nicole a sexy and beautiful Aussie chick — she is so hot right now and has been for ages. What a fabulous career she has had thus far. Nicole has this classic, curvy, sexy beauty that makes you feel appreciative of being a woman. OMG! I love her look.

http://www.nicoletrunfio.net

It really is incredible how many successful people there are in the world. There are so many that standout in the modeling/fashion industry, that I am still meeting so many of them along my amazing life and career journey. It is phenomenal and it still blows my mind.

Tomorrow, I’m hopping on a Qantas flight bound for New York. I have to get packing so stay tuned for more ‘fashion model fun’!

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September 20, 2013

My week in pictures

Sydney – On the Anzac Bridge, on my way to work with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background

Sydney – location house in Coogee shooting Sara by Ezibuy

Sydney – Coogee location house views

Sydney – shooting the cover of the Holiday catalogue

Returning from the USA – Sydney spread below

Sydney – location house in Bilgola

Sydney – The crew setting up for another shot in Bilgola

Sydney – a beautiful Bilgola bathroom

Sydney – the Bilgola bedroom with views to die for

Sydney – It’s a wrap says our producer Andrea Rowe

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September 12, 2013

Stayed tuned…

I’m currently sitting at Sydney international airport, waiting for my flight to Los Angeles and San Francisco. I have a few days of work on the West Coast of the USA which is always fun.

The weather is fabulous this time of year and I look forward to eating at my favourite Japanese restaurant in San Francisco.

I’ve been shooting on location for Ezibuy this past week and will return to Sydney in a few days to finish the Holiday shoot. I wore these great harem-type pants in navy and black that I simply have to get.

Mid-week, I’m shooting a TV commercial in Australia so it’s busy times indeed. I love it.

I have some great pics to share with you and will have plenty more in my next post.

Stay tuned…

xoxo

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February 20, 2013

Handy travel tips that make life easier

Since my last post, I’ve traveled out of New York a couple of times to Philly and Little Rock again. This time I got stuck in Little Rock, Arkansas. Funny how I can make it home during one of the biggest storms (Blizzard Nemo) in our area in a hundred years however, I can’t get home because of a thunderstorm.

On Monday early evening I was to fly out of Little Rock to New York, via Chicago. A thunderstorm delayed my outbound flight to Chicago and immediately it threatened my connection to New York. I had the choice to risk it and see what happens, end up in a hotel in Chicago or stay put in Little Rock. I decided to stay put.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to work yesterday however, it messed up my plans I had with Mila for the day as well as a bunch of errands I had to run and packing for my next trip.

Yesterday I woke up at 3.30am and caught a 6am flight out of Little Rock to Chicago where I connected for a flight to La Guardia. It was snowing when I arrived in Chicago. I arrived home around 1pm, approximately 14 hours after I was originally due to arrive. This is not the glamourous side to the business.

Little Rock, AK – My 6am sunrise from the plane

Chicago – It’s snowing when we land

You see I’m at JFK airport right now, awaiting my Qantas flight to Sydney, Australia. I start shooting for Ezibuy on Monday for a week and I’ve finally stopped still for what seems like the first time in days.

The endless preparation that goes on before I leave on big trips such as this one is incredible. The kids, house, me and business keep going on and on. Is it like this for all working mother’s? Is it like this for all people who travel a lot for their occupation? The constant juggling and planning never stops.

I wonder sometimes how I get it all done… I know my amazing husband has a lot to do with it. I am thankful and grateful for Steve who is my true partner in life and love. We are a team. I know I could not do this and have the life I/we have without him.

Anyway, I thought I’d share with you some travel tips that I have found to work for me whether I’m on the road for business or pleasure. If you have any ideas or tips you would like to share – please do so. I’m all ears.

Drink plenty of water before, during and after your trip
Eat lightly
Pack healthy snacks like carrots and nuts in case you get hungry
Pack an eye-mask and ear plugs so you can zone out the noise and light and hopefully fall sleep
Pack some reading material especially for take-off and landing (no electronics allowed in use at this time)
Sleep whenever you can
Check and double-check all flight details and your itinerary
Ensure you have all travel documents in one, safe and easy place to access
Pack a scarf and extra clothes like a cardigan so you can layer – it can get very cold on the plane
Wear comfortable clothes

I’m sure I’ll remember other things to add. Stay tuned for more glamourous travel and life moments.

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February 12, 2013

Blizzard Nemo – How do I get home?

I was on my way to Newark airport on Thursday afternoon when the driver of the Town Car mentioned the blizzard and storm heading our way to the Northeast the following day. He was asking about my trip and when I was due home. I told him the following night. He strongly suggested I check in with my travel agent as flights were being cancelled left, right and center. I had no idea! Where had I been hiding?

I called my booker at Ford and whilst I was on the phone to her, Delta called to inform me that my connecting flight from Atlanta to New York was cancelled on Friday night. It was on… Nature against me!

My travel agent changed my itinerary immediately. I had to get home on Friday night for a number of reasons. One of which, it was my husband’s birthday and we had made plans to celebrate and secondly, I didn’t want to be away from my family when crazy events like this occurred. We had to be together… No matter what.

So before I reached my hotel in Arkansas last Thursday night, a second flight had been cancelled. It was time to scramble. I asked if I could get home to New York via Amtrak (train) and my travel agent changed my itinerary for the third time. Nearly 3000 flights had been cancelled on Friday in the New York area alone. If I couldn’t fly home… I would have to find other means.

Little Rock, AK – leaving a beautiful day behind

Mid-flight – Taking off from Little Rock, AK

I ended up flying from Little Rock, AK to Washington, DC. My flight was on time and surprisingly it wasn’t full. I thought heading to the Northeast area would have been a hot mess. I kept checking and asking the airline if everything was on time and OK… Everything went smoothly and without any hiccups. I was so happy! Could this be for real? An impossibility turned into a simple reality?!

When I arrived in Washington, DC, I made my way via taxi to Union Station to catch an Amtrak train to Penn Station. I arrived two hours early and fortunately, managed to get on an earlier train. Two hours make a big difference at that time of night.

Washington, DC – Union Station

On route to New York, the train was packed and there was no evidence of snow, blizzard or storm until I reached Philadelphia (approximately 90 minutes before my final destination). It was incredible seeing and noticing the change in topography. My journey home was almost four hours on the train alone. Fortunately, it went by quickly. I spent a long part of my day traveling to get home.

An anthropologist sat next to me and we chatted most of the way to the Big Apple. She was an interesting woman. I love it when things like that happen so randomly and organically. I really enjoyed meeting Jill and discussing life, technology and family.

On a train going from Washington, DC to New York, NY

Once I arrived at Penn Station, NY, I hopped on the subway and made my way home to Brooklyn. The following two pictures I took whilst trying to walk home. The snow was pelting down and sideways. I could hardly see where I was going. It was 1am and hardly a soul on the street. It was exciting in a crazy way. I was so happy to be home… I was about to see my husband who was waiting up for me and I got to kiss my angels whilst they slept. Nothing else mattered. I was home, miraculously.

Brooklyn, NY – Out of the subway and onto the street

Brooklyn, NY - 1am and the Blizzard Nemo is still in full swing

Brooklyn, NY – 1am and Blizzard Nemo is still in full swing

Have you ever been stranded somewhere because of a natural disaster?

What happened?

What did you do?

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January 14, 2013

Extremes of anything are dangerous

In the morning, I leave Sydney for New York. I’m flying with Qantas (my airline of choice), so I am looking forward to making my journey safely and comfortably home to the Big Apple. I cannot wait to see my precious family even though it’ll be for less than 24 hours.

Within 24 hours of touching down at JFK, I’m stepping on another plane heading to the middle of America for work on my next shoot. Catch-up family time is going to have to wait until the weekend (when I think I’m going to be home).

It has been a hot and fiery summer in Australia with fires burning out of control. Homes have been lost and certainly the lives of the innocent. It is headline news night after night – so sad and tragic to watch and listen to.

Global warming is out of control and we can see, notice and personally experience the impact of what it is doing everywhere in the world, whether in the Northern or Southern Hemispheres.

I know of someone who returned from Germany the other day and he describes his three weeks in Europe as freezing. New York up until recently has been freezing.

The weather patterns around the world seem to be out-of-control. Extremes of weather are dangerous. Extremes of anything are dangerous.

What are we going to do about it?

What are you doing about it?

What suggestions do you have to improve the way of the world?

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January 1, 2013

2013… Here we come!

Happy New Year! Here’s hoping for a fabulous and glamourous 2013 for all.

I’m sitting at the British Airways club lounge in New York’s JFK airport as I write my first blog of the year. My mum always said, whatever you do on the first day of the year is what will manifest and be for the remainder of the year. Does that mean, I’ll get a sleep in, be frantically packing, organising the household, kissing and hugging my family a hundred times and flying off to far away places for what remains of the year? We shall see won’t we.

I’m leaving my husband and kids for two weeks as I fly to Sydney to shoot the Autumn catalogue of Modern Curve by Ezibuy. It’s a long flight – approximately 27 hours door-to-door. I am looking forward to seeing my family in Sydney and to enjoying the warmer weather that Australia is experiencing right now. I was packing dresses and sandals this morning when Steve commented, “at least you’re heading to the sunshine”. Yes I am and without my family this time.

Wish me well as I journey Down Under.

Last night, my family and I stayed home for NYE and had a delicious meal together before the kids went to bed a little later than their usual time. Steve and I watched a couple of our recorded TV programs before retiring to bed just before midnight, cuddling and talking as the fireworks started to explode outside. We wished each other the best of the best for 2013 and fell asleep in each others arms. A perfect way to welcome a new day and a new year.

I hope your heads &/or hearts aren’t suffering too much after last night.

What did you do for New Year’s Eve?

What was special or meant the most to you about last night?

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December 11, 2012

Did anyone say ‘Taxi’?

The past week I had a trip out-of-town for work and it was as usual, pleasant and easy as I’ve come to expect with this lovely and regular client in Wisconsin. I took an early morning flight out, get picked-up in a Town Car or similar (with my Starbucks Grande Americano in hand), worked that day then it’s back to the hotel for the night. A shuttle bus takes me and the other models (straight-size, full-figured, men and women from all over the country) from the hotel to the studio and then it’s another day of work and playing it up to the camera.

Once I returned home and arrived at La Guardia Airport, not only was it bitterly cold, every taxi line or queue was also unusually long for this Wednesday night. I tend to walk a few minutes over to the American Airlines taxi rank which is typically the one people know least about and found myself behind approximately 25 people. During my wait, I noticed how many different types of New York City yellow cabs there are now. I counted at least five on this evening. They are all the same colour however, they are different in size, shape, make, model and most importantly, leg room.

Nissan NV200 – ‘Taxi Of Tomorrow’ – Image courtesy of Nissan

Being the tall chick that I am, I am usually hoping and projecting for one of the Ford Crown Victoria cabs that tend to have more room for my long legs. Then I spot the latest version of the yellow cab model emerging in to the market, approaching the line. It’s called the ‘Taxi Of Tomorrow’ and it was launched in April of this year by Nissan. I wanted it to be mine as I had never been in one to date.

Sure enough, this newcomer was mine. I was excited to experience this new yellow minivan style of cab and was hoping it was more like the London black cabs on the inside. Well, it wasn’t. I did have enough leg room however, the seats were hard and the second row of seating could still only accommodate three passengers. There were no fold out seats to seat more people like the London cabs have. I was disappointed.

NYC – Large Nissan NV200 taxi door

The doors were really big and there was an enormous amount of overhead space which both the driver and I had no idea as to why, in addition to this very large area for luggage etc. The driver drove fast and I felt like I could tumble out of my seat belt and go bouncing around this big, hard, square box. It was weird and not completely comfortable.

NYC – Inside the ‘Taxi Of Tomorrow’

I did like the large windows so you certainly had a better view of the world around you however, if it can’t carry more passengers and it’s not comfortable then what’s the big deal? What are the benefits if it’s not aesthetics?

Have you experienced one of the new Nissan New York City taxis? If yes, what are your thoughts?

Where do you think the best cabs are in the world? Who does them best?

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October 18, 2012

Cutting 10 inches off and a sunrise in Dallas

When I left home yesterday afternoon for the airport, it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and it was so mild for this time of year in New York, all I wanted to do was stay and enjoy the afternoon with my family. This is one of the sacrifices one must make when work beckons, even on weekends. We shoot or travel, seven days a week. Fashion shoots are not simply Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

I was on my way to Texas and fortunately on this Sunday afternoon, my flight which was over three hours was on time (most of the other flights were strangely delayed). I felt blessed. One can never tell what the skies of aviation will dictate. There is no rhyme or reason.

Texas – The sun rising over Dallas

I woke up this morning and looked out of my hotel window and saw the sun rising over Dallas. I saw hues of blue, pink, orange and gold coming over the sky that filled in the space between the skyscrapers. I’m fortunate I get to see the sun rise and set in different cities, states and countries around the world. I simply love it!

Texas – Hair & make-up ready with backlight and sequence top shining

Whilst I was at work today, a good friend of mine called me from New York. She told me she was cutting off 10 inches of her virgin hair and donating it to cancer patients. Isn’t she amazing? Her hair is without dyes &/or chemicals and she has fabulous, thick, black, long, shiny hair that is now going to someone who really needs it and deserves it.

New York – 10 inches of hair going to cancer patients

I know someone else (a hair & make-up artist) who donates his long, beautiful, virgin hair every few years (that’s how long it takes him to grow it out). He waits until his hair gets to about six or eight inches long then he too donates it to cancer patients. What wonderful people! Giving unconditionally to those who need it most. I commend both Aileen and Stefano – you set an example.

So, I thought it was a great day at work. We were taking beautiful shots, I was wearing fun clothes and knowing such inspirational people who cut their hair off for charity. It was a good day indeed.

Have you ever donated anything of yours to a great cause or charity? If so, what?

Is there a charity the world should know more about?

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September 11, 2012

Spring in Sydney

Sydney – Setting up on Coogee Beach

Since arriving in Sydney, Australia a week ago the fabulous spring weather has been nothing but delightful. I love it here at this time of year. The days are sunny and bright, the evenings still crisp and cool. I can smell and feel the change of season and there’s an excitement in the air. The time has come to shed your winter layers and get moving, going. A rebirth is around the corner.

Sydney – My change room on Coogee Beach

Our shoot for Ezibuy goes well and we have great weather to prove it. We shoot in various suburbs in Sydney which include Coogee Beach, Seaforth, Dover Heights and the studio in Waterloo.

Sydney – Hello sunshine! Views from Dover Heights

Our mornings start at 6.30am for hair and make-up, so that means my alarm goes off at 5am to ensure I’m at work on time. By lunchtime we are well and truly in to our day and by 9pm I fall into my bed exhausted, more than ready to rest and be still.

Sydney – Studio day with a hair & make-up change

Location days are generally more difficult than shooting in the studio. You have weather, sun, reflection, equipment to maneuver and light to consider and work around. In the studio, it’s a controlled environment. You can change the background and adjust the lighting depending on whether you are shooting full length, waist-up or waist-down. I like mixing up my days in studio and on location.

Sydney – Time to bring on the glamour

I manage to have some down time with a dear friend of mine and her family on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and we have brunch at The Boathouse Palm Beach (my first time). The views are spectacular, the food is delicious (fresh Australian cuisine) and the atmosphere is beachside and truly relaxed. It is a must on your Sydney agenda and worth the 45 min drive north.

Sydney – Views from The Boathouse Palm Beach

Sydney – Lying on the grass soaking up the sun after our brunch at The Boathouse

Now, I return to my annual tax return, filing, opening of mail and general office work. It’s the other side to my, ‘oh so glamourous’ life. Ha!

What are some of your favourite Sydney spots to live or visit?

Where is the best ‘brunch’ served in your opinion?

What makes or defines the best brunch?

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Tag: flight