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: La Guardia airport

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'

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

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'

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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May 8, 2012

Vogue, airports and Film noir

New York – final touches before I get on set

 

Canada – I love shoes and these were HOT!

 

Canada – self-portrait after hair & make-up

 

Congratulations to Vogue magazine! Last week they banned models who are too-skinny and under the age of 16  from its beautiful pages. According to Conde Nast International, “the 19 editors of Vogue magazines around the world made a pact to project the image of healthy models.”

Well done indeed! I certainly applaud the changes and welcome a healthy beauty being promoted, regardless of one’s size (as long as it fits in to a healthy range). This is an industry first and hopefully others will follow suit sooner rather than later.

Also last week, I worked away in New York City. Had fun and laughs with some wonderful people in the industry who I’ve become friends with. We made fashion magic happen.

Towards the end of the week, I flew to Canada for a few days. I finished up on one of my days in the city and headed straight to La Guardia airport only to discover there were only two flights that afternoon/evening on American Airlines. One of the flights left as I was approaching the check-in counter, the other was departing in four-and-a-half hours. OMG!!! Not happy.

I sat in the club lounge making calls, emailing etc. then thought I’d ask if the newly remodeled lounge had a shower. It did. So I washed my hair and had a shower at La Guardia airport in the Admirals Club Lounge. I never would have thought that I’d be one of ‘those’ people however, you got to do what you got to do and secondly, the shower was clean and new. I readied myself for work the next day (thanks goodness I had my Havaianas with me)! It was going to save me 45 minutes once I checked in to my hotel at 11.30pm. It was late enough and a long day of work and travel.

The shoot was amazing and terribly exciting. I spent my day’s shooting for catalogue that looked like it was an editorial out of a magazine. Film noir move over. I cannot wait to see the Fall catalogue come out. I love it when I can play and act out a theme… play a part if you will. It is refreshing and it certainly looked very glamourous.

After my busy week of work, I spent a further two hours at the airport waiting for my flight home to New York. Thank goodness for my Ipad that not only kept me busy but entertained.

I came home late on Saturday night to my wonderful husband, a glass of red wine and a delicious meal that he had prepared for us. A perfect finish indeed.

 

 

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