Sydney | Hold the Glamour

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 by Annette McKenzie

One of my favourite looks on the monitor

Little Black Dress alert

The spectacular Hamptons style location house

Waiting for the thumbs up to start shooting

The fabulous pool area 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

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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…

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

Did someone say something funny?

At Mondo Studio, Sydney shooting for Ezibuy

Checking the monitor — wearing a maxi dress

A multi-coloured maxi dress ready for high summer fun

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

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

Our Rosebay location house

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

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June 28, 2014

Behind the scenes of a spring & summer catalogue

I recently finished shooting the spring and summer catalogues for Ezibuy in Sydney and we managed to find ourselves in some truly beautiful and magical places.

See the location shots below where you gain an insight in to the crews and my days at work.

On location with our own private beach in Sydney

One of the fresh spring looks — I love my stripes!

The crew hanging out in-between shots

A cover try on the jetty and a white cane chair as a prop

A cover try on the jetty with a white cane chair as my prop

A close-up of one of the cover tries on the monitor

A stunning art deco location house in Mosman is our studio for the day

A 6.30am start in the middle of winter and the sun is starting to appear and bless us with its warmth

It’s a 6.30am start in the middle of winter and the sun is starting to appear and greet us with its warmth

In our RV on Balmoral Beach, Annette McKenzie is creating hair magic

Balmoral Beach at 7am

In studio – it’s time for evening wear and I’m wearing a fabulous black maxi dress

Is there anything you would like to ask about our shoot or any other?

Is there anything as far as spring or summer fashion you are interested in or curious about?

What is your favourite thing about spring and summer?

Till next time…

Be well.

L.
xoxo

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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’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?

xoxo

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March 7, 2014

Samartis + Ducker

Sydney – Samartis + Ducker photographic studio opening

Last night I was invited to the opening of Samartis + Ducker’s photographic studio opening in Sydney. I met Jeremy Ducker for the first time last year and was introduced to his lovely and charming wife Leona Edmiston – a successful Australian fashion designer.

Dijana Mulhearn & I share a selfie at the opening

Nick Samartis is an international photographer now residing in Sydney with his family. He and Jeremy have collaborated and produced this beautiful space where you have the choice of a small white set/stage and a gorgeous interior for additional shot options all in the one large area. They have done a great job.

The photographic studio

The party started at 6.30pm and guests mingled outside the studio entrance. After an hour or so, everyone moved inside to continue their toasting and kind exchanges.

The crowd is growing

Dijana & I having a laugh

Many celebrities turned out in support of the opening. They included DJ Damon Downey who was spinning some fabulous tunes inside the studio. It was hard not to notice the music or his über cool outfit (black tux with black Bermuda shorts). Channeling Pharrell Williams at the recent Oscars perhaps?

The food was like a medieval feast

The food table was simply amazing — nobody dared go near it for a long time. Once a couple of game and brave guests had a go, the rest soon followed. You couldn’t make your way to the food after a while — people were busy stuffing their faces and I couldn’t blame them!

The mezze table was irresistible

Wait staff waltzed around the party with delicious finger food, canapes and an assortment of drinks.

Danielle Spencer was one of the many guests who attended

Other familiar faces that attended the opening include Danielle Spencer, Peter Mochrie and Deborah Hutton.

It was a successful night in my opinion — wherever there is laughter there is fun and wonderful memories.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Samartis-Ducker-Limited-Superstudio/776465089047965

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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

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

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

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

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?

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January 9, 2014

Glowing green

Happy 2014 to you! Hope you’ve had a great start to the New Year.

The holiday break was short and sweet with a lot of yummy food and delicious wine celebrated and consumed with family and friends.

With the festive season so recently behind us, it was back to work on Monday shooting for Ezibuy in Sydney, Australia. It was time to return to healthy eating habits like drinking Kimberly Snyder’s Glowing Green Smoothie for breakfast.

I make and drink it when I’m home and not on ‘holiday’ or traveling as it’s challenging to do so. Most of the time is good for me and then I have it made at a juice bar when I come across one during my travels.

Not only does it taste good, it does good for your complexion and health. I love it. At least I know it’s a fabulous and healthy start to my day.

Kimberly Snyder’s Glowing Green Smoothie

Ingredients
12-16 oz filtered water
1 head romaine lettuce
1 cup spinach
3 celery stalks
1 apple (cored)
1 pear
1 banana
Juice of ½ lemon
1 cup ice (if desired)

Instructions
Place all the ingredients in the blender jar in the order listed.
Turn on your blender (Vitamix is one of the best to use) and quickly increase the speed to HIGH.
Run the blender for at least two minutes or until the ingredients are completely smooth.

Serves: 5-6 cups.

For more beauty tips, healthy recipes etc. from Kimberly, please see below.

http://kimberlysnyder.net/

Do you have your own recipe of a ‘green smoothie’ you love? If so, what is it?

What healthy breakfast can you not go without?

Next up, I’m back to the US of A. I hope the great freeze will be well and truly over! Fingers crossed… Till next time.

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November 13, 2013

The airline lounge experience

Why are airline club lounges more crowded than the general airport? I’m currently sitting in the Air New Zealand lounge in Sydney awaiting my flight to the US and there are people everywhere. It is bursting with activity. I head to the farthest end and find a seat looking out at the tarmac.

There are travelers from all over the world and the lounge is busy with phone calls, laptops, conversations regarding business and the well-deserved holiday.

Generally, to gain entry into one of these lounges you either have to pay for an annual membership (where applicable) or travel enough like I do that you automatically get access because of your status with the airline or group.

The passengers descend upon the complimentary food and beverages like it’s the last meal on earth. It doesn’t appear very attractive or civilised really. I laugh when I see the notion of ‘free’ or ‘complimentary’ enter the human psyche. It’s like a feeding frenzy!

The lounges generally provide the comfort and services the airport doesn’t. From nice sofas/chairs and furnishings, to free Wi-Fi and power points/plugs everywhere to name a few (so travelers can charge their electronic devices whilst using them). I personally have two devices that need power top-ups when I travel like this.

I’ve spotted many a celebrity or personality at an airline lounge. The last was Ivanka Trump in New York recently. She was eating olives and sipping white wine. I wonder who I’ll see next?

What is the best airline lounge experience you’ve had?

What made it a great experience?

What can you recommend to the airlines to improve their service or experience?

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