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: shoot

January 22, 2015

Body Confidence

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and are calmly and slowly easing in to 2015.

This year has been bright and busy for me personally and for that I am most grateful and thankful.

Today, in The Australian Women’s Weekly (AWW is a monthly publication), my Body Confidence editorial came out. I love the six-page story which features four other gorgeous curvy girls and myself naked.

Body Confidence -- as featured in The Australian Women's Weekly

Body Confidence — as featured in The Australian Women’s Weekly

It was the first time I stripped down to my skin for a shoot and it was liberating, thrilling and a little frightening at the same time. My agent assured me AWW wouldn’t do anything that wasn’t beautiful or respectful.

I was so happy and excited to be a part of the Body Issue and the result of our photo series which was inspired by the Renaissance artists speaks for itself.

Get yourself a copy or see it online.

Thank you AWW for understanding, accepting and promoting that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. I am a fan.

L.
xoxo

2 Comments
December 23, 2014

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2015!

With only days left before this year ends and another one begins, I start to marvel at how fast time flies and how much my children have grown, comparing this year’s Santa photo to last year’s.

What a year 2014 has been — the global events that have shaped and changed our world forever and etched themselves into history. There are so many wonderful things to be grateful and thankful for and then for some, unfortunately there isn’t.

During my last week of work for 2014, a man took innocent people hostage in a Sydney cafe — what a time, what an outcome and what an amazing city — it’s just one of so many events that occurred this year, both good and bad.

To all those who are lost, hurt, suffering and mourning at this time, my heart goes out to you.

I have some behind-the-scene shots of the autumn catalogue I shot for Modern Curve which happens to be one of my last shoots for 2014.

Hair and make-up final touches

Hair and make-up final touches by Annette McKenzie

One of my favourite looks on the monitor

One of my favourite looks on the monitor

Little Black Dress alert

Little Black Dress alert

The spectacular Hamptons style location house

The spectacular Hamptons style location house

Waiting for the thumbs up to start shooting

Waiting for the thumbs up to start shooting

The fabulous pool area of our location house

The fabulous pool area of our location house

I love the interiors of our location house

I love the interiors of our location house

What are your plans for the holidays?

What are you looking forward to?

What are you most grateful for?

Who will you be spending this special time with?

I truly wish you and yours all the very best over the holidays and festive season. I look forward to seeing you in 2015!

From my family to yours,

L.
xoxo

Leave a comment
September 20, 2014

Juggling work, travel and family life

I cannot believe how busy I have been these last few months with work, travel and family life. It really is a juggle most of the time as a working mother and a struggle some of the time coordinating all the sectors of my life and career, let alone my husband’s.

My time has been split between the US, Europe and Australia of late. My body has been in so many planes and times zones — I sometimes wake up and am not sure where I am.

My latest shoot in Sydney, Australia for Ezibuy provided some fun and happy behind-the-scene shots I’d like to share with you. Please see below…

Sydney - Behind-the-scenes of the recent High Summer Ezibuy shoot

Behind-the-scenes of the recent high summer Ezibuy shoot

Sydney - did someone say something funny?

Did someone say something funny?

At Mondo Studio Sydney shooting Ezibuy

At Mondo Studio, Sydney shooting for Ezibuy

Checking the monitor --wearing a maxi dress

Checking the monitor — wearing a maxi dress

A multi-coloured maxi dress ready for high summer

A multi-coloured maxi dress ready for high summer fun

A hot pink number on the monitor

A hot pink number on the monitor

Happy days shooting the cover try for High Summer in studio

Happy days shooting the cover try for the catalogue in studio

Juli Balla and Craig Beaglehole on hand to make sure all is in order

Juli Balla and Craig Beaglehole on hand to make sure all is in order

The amazing photographer, Juli Balla and I -- in-between a cover try or two

The amazing photographer, Juli Balla and I — in-between a cover try or two

Our Rosebay location house

Our Rosebay location house

In Sydney city on some amazing balcony

In Sydney city on some amazing balcony

How do you make it work with family, life & career?

What strategies help your family survive and cope with all the juggling?

Be well till next time.

L.
xoxo

Leave a comment
April 22, 2014

Never a dull moment

Where the magic of beautiful hair and make-up happens

Where the magic of beautiful hair and make-up happens

Our beautiful sunrise

Our breathtaking sunrise

A quick selfie before we start shooting

A quick selfie before we start shooting

The location house was beautiful with spectacular views

The location house was stunning with spectacular views

Images of a shot on the computer monitor

Images of a shot on the computer monitor

We witness a boat on fire and report it to the emergency department who send helicopters and water police out to investigate

We witness a boat on fire and report it to the emergency department who send helicopters and water police out to investigate — never a dull moment!

The pool was to die for and basically situated on a cliff

The pool was to die for and basically situated on a cliff

It's a wrap for the day -- I take my glamourous do home

It’s a wrap for the day — I take my glamourous do home

Leave a comment
April 1, 2014

What is the best eye make-up remover?

After an exciting editorial shoot today in Sydney (more to come about that when I’m allowed to discuss it), I flew to Melbourne to start shooting for a new client. Beautiful day, beautiful weather in both cities and states.

I removed my make-up before leaving the Alexandria studio and used the best eye make-up remover I’ve ever applied to my face with round cotton pads.

I’m all about natural and organic in life however, some shoots I have more eyeliner, eyeshadow and mascara on and around my eyes to sink a ship. Sometimes I need to call in a big gun like Dior.

Dior Instant Eye Makeup Remover

Dior Instant Eye Makeup Remover

Dior’s Instant Eye Makeup Remover is gentle, instant and not too greasy. It removed my make-up so easily and quickly — I simply had to share it with you if you’re not already familiar with the product.

Have you used Dior’s make-up remover before?

What’s your favourite and why?

Is there a ‘natural’ alternative you can recommend?

L.

xoxo

Leave a comment
January 13, 2014

Shooting for Modern Curve by Ezibuy

Last week the crew and I finished shooting the autumn catalogue for Modern Curve by Ezibuy in Sydney.

Keep an eye out for a great pair of black-coated jeans, some cute rain coats and a studded black top I loved — very rock n’ roll indeed.

I have some behind-the-scene photos below.

Enjoy the rest of summer Southern Hemisphere and have safe fun in the sun!

A fabulous location house we shot in at Potts Point

A fabulous location house we shot in at Potts Point

We shot by the huge windows, getting beautiful light for our pictures

We shot by the huge windows, getting beautiful light for our pictures

It's another location day in Walsh Bay, with the talented Deb Bowen styling

It’s another location day at Walsh Bay, with the talented Deb Bowen styling

Modeling one of the cute rain coats I mentioned above

Modeling one of the cute rain coats I mentioned above

Deb Bowen making some final adjustments to my outfit

Deb Bowen making some final adjustments to my outfit

A make-shift studio was made to ensure we had beautiful light to shoot on such a grey day

A make-shift studio was made to ensure we had beautiful light to shoot on such a grey day

In the studio shooting one of the cover options

In the studio shooting one of the cover options

I love what Annette McKenzie has created with my hair -- it's a new fresh approach for Modern Curve

I love what Annette McKenzie has created with my hair — it’s a new fresh approach for Modern Curve

My messy but finished hair is my new personal favourite. I think we have started something Annette!

What hair style do you love most for yourself?

What is the craziest hair style you’ve had?

Do you like to change your hair colour or style often?

Leave a comment
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’!

Leave a comment
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 – 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 – location house in Coogee shooting Sara by Ezibuy

Sydney - Coogee location house views

Sydney – Coogee location house views

Sydney - shooting the cover of the Holiday catalogue

Sydney – shooting the cover of the Holiday catalogue

Returning from the USA - Sydney spread below

Returning from the USA – Sydney spread below

Sydney - location house in Bilgola

Sydney – location house in Bilgola

Sydney - The crew setting up for another shot in Bilgola

Sydney – The crew setting up for another shot in Bilgola

Sydney - a beautiful Bilgola bathroom

Sydney – a beautiful Bilgola bathroom

Sydney - the Bilgola bedroom with views to die for

Sydney – the Bilgola bedroom with views to die for

Sydney - It's a wrap says our producer Andrea Rowe

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

Leave a comment
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

2 Comments
August 16, 2013

Did someone say retail therapy?

There is nothing like some retail therapy to make you feel good. I don’t go shopping often however, when I do I’m in the mood for a few new things.

San Francisco - Union Square

San Francisco – Union Square

I recently returned from San Francisco and after my shoot, I went along to Union Square for some shopping. There were a lot of people from all over the world spending money and taking advantage of one sale or another. Whether it be high-end or mainstream — it was busy!

San Francisco - Saks Fifth Avenue & Tiffany & Co.

San Francisco – Saks Fifth Avenue & Tiffany & Co.

Hotels and retail stores line the Square and the tourists and travelers are everywhere. Did someone say there was an economic crisis going on? You’d never know in San Fran! It was crowded and I persevered — I’m not a huge fan of crowds, ever! As a result, I tend to move through the stores fast. I know what I like and what I’m looking for so off I go.

San Fran - H&M store in Union Square

San Fran – H&M store in Union Square

In H&M I bought a light blue blouse and some clothes for Mila and Levi. A little bit of fun and colour for my babies — coming in to a change of seasons.

H&M store Union Square

H&M store Union Square

At Gap, I bought some basic t-shirts and a navy top — I’m really into blue at the moment and can’t get enough of the colour.

Gap store in Union Square San Fran - Denim America

Gap store in Union Square San Fran – Denim America

At UNIGLO, I bought two pairs of slim, stretchy jeans that I’m loving and wearing right now — they were on sale too!

I’m feeling good about my purchases and I didn’t have to spend a fortune to get a few new pieces I can mix and match with my existing wardrobe.

What have you bought recently that you are loving?

What are some of your favourite retail stores & why?

Do you prefer to shop online or buy directly from the store?

Do you try the clothes on before you buy (when you can)?

Leave a comment