Style + Design Archives - Page 6 of 9

Light Testing On The Beach

Things didn’t go according the plan. For once I didn’t really mind it.

“Let’s go to the beach and shoot you in a swimming suit.” J suggested a couple of weeks ago. That, by no means is a suggestion of a fashion or beauty shoot to present me in an attractive way. J just wanted to shoot “something” – any human’s skin, to test out some lighting gears on the beach. There are so many photography gears we’ve accumulated and the collection is ever growing. Very often, I would be the Ginnie pig as a live object to shoot. Many times in order to be able to get out of the house in 2 minutes, I would just go to these “test shoots” in track pants with messy hair and zero makeup.

But wearing a swimming suit? The prospect of seeing photos my muffin tops on our big Mac screen freaked me out a little. Thank God Sydney’s weather has been cloudy and rainy non stop in the last couple of weeks. That doesn’t mean that we are not going to do the test shots on the beach. It just means I didn’t have to wear a swimming suit and flash my unflattering tummy in front a HD camera. What a relief!

Those are of few test photos on the day. Some were shot with a beauty dish; some with a higher power strobe; the first one in pure natural light.

My mum once told me that the best way to deal with floppy “chicken wing” arms is to ALWAYS wearing long sleeve shirts. No matter how much I disliked the advice at the time, in a way, I’m still truly my mother’s daughter. This blue elastic waist jumpsuit is perfect for comfort and hiding the places I’m not comfortable to show.

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Location: Sydney

Photos by: CandidTown Photography

14 November 2015

Paris Photo Diary: It Is Always A Good Idea

Europe, Style Diary, Travel

I stood in front of a scale in the supermarket, trying to match the pictures with those fruits I just picked up to buy. You need to get the labels for the fruits first before proceeding to the checkouts and I couldn’t read the names in French next to the pictures on the scale.

Just then, a hand merged from the side and within a few seconds all the buttons were pressed for me, labels done. Before I couldn’t say “thank you” in French, he quickly flashed a broad smile and walked on. That was just another friendly stranger in Pairs.

Have you heard about the saying that Parisians are “arrogant”? Well, don’t believe in rumors:). I had a Parisian lady kindly showing us directions without being asked and apologizing “My English is not so good.” at the same time. I haven’t met anyone politer than that. I guess there are different kinds of people everywhere in the world. When you are feeling happy, you notice things and people make you happy. Travel makes me happy.

Some people dream about changing the world. Some people dream about saving the planet. Some people dream about growing up being a doctor. I dreamed about seeing the world and dreaming all day. Paris is a sweet dream that you can touch and feel. Paris is a real beauty without any need for Photoshopping.

Merci Paris. You are always a good idea to many people, myself included.
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Photos by CandidTown Photography.

12 November 2015

Letting Hair Down @ The Entrance

Style + Design, Style Diary

Australia has a lot coastal yet sleepish towns. You wouldn’t call The Entrance in Central Coast NSW exactly that because it does attract quite a few visitors. Generally there’s not much happening there in my opinion. There’s the pelican feed but after watching it a couple of times, you’ll get over it quickly. There are beaches, but there are beaches everywhere around Sydney. So you get it, the Entrance is not on my “To Go” list.

Having said that, we went to The Entrance again the other week, unexpectedly. We planned to go to Long Jetty to watch sunset and take some awesome photos because there’s been so much hype about Long Jetty sunset and I always wanted to go and check it out.

We left Sydney a little early and thought there would be some nice place to go for a late lunch around Long Jetty area. Obviously it was a plan without research. There wasn’t any place to eat along the jetties. There was public BBQ facilities however – with a group people cooking sausage rolls. Feeling the hunger even more because of the smell of sausages, we decided to drive to The Entrance to have something to eat. After all, It was only a 10 minutes’ drive from the jetties to The Entrance town center.

Surprisingly, it was an extremely busy weekend at The Entrance. Looked like it was a vintage fair or some sort . There were plenty of market stalls, people dressed up in 50s costumes singing and dancing with a band. There were cute vintage cars floating around for people to admire (but not touch).

See the pelicans in the background?

Lunch was Grilled seafood pack for 2 from the biggest local fish and chips shop. The grilled fishes were not cooked, apparently they were not that experienced cooking grilled fish – almost everybody just ordered deep fired fish.

Never mind that, those fried chips gave us enough fuel to keep going.

In the couple of hours before sunset, we even had time to drive over the bridge to explore the idyllic sand dunes on the other side of town with almost nobody around. Loved it!

Had the Sand dunes all to myself.

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Location: The Entrance

Photos by CandidTown Photography

5 November 2015

Floral In The Secret Garden, Sydney

Style + Design, Style Diary

Mosquitoes love me. The feeling is not mutual, at all.

I must have the sweetest blood & I’m known as the “mosquito repellent”. If you don’t like mosquitoes bites, stay next to me. You’ll be safe.

It was nice Spring day in Sydney with the highest temperature at 21 degrees. We decided to go to explore the Secret Garden in North Sydney after 5pm.

“Should I or shouldn’t I (take the repellent)?”

“It might still be too early for them to be alive.” I walked out of the door without bringing any repellent for protection.

Well, wrong decision. While we were there, I was ruthlessly attacked by groups of mosquitoes.

Regardless the pain, the garden was gorgeous! A hidden gem perfectly landscaped with an amazing views to the Sydney harbour and the Harbour Bridge.

Always bring repellent to a park or a garden in warmer weather. Unless, you are with me.
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Photos by: CandidTown Photography

30 October 2015

Jacaranda Blooms in Sydney

Style + Design, Style Diary, Things To Do In Sydney, Travel

The whole state of New South Wales is blooming. Because of Jacaranda.

Photo taken on 24 Oct 2015 in the University of Sydney.

During the months of October and November, Sydney and NSW is awash with the purple bloom of jacaranda season, signalling one of the most beautiful times of the year in the state.

There’s something especially romantic about Jacaranda that I can’t fully describe. But in an attempt to fall back in love with Sydney, I decided to go and look for all the beautiful things about Sydney again. My perfect spot for Jacaranda bloom is the University of Sydney. Why Sydney University? Because it’s old and beautiful. Quality older buildings are hard to come by in Sydney due to Australia’s short history, but the University of Sydney Great Hall is truly breath taking. I’ve been living in Sydney for 18 years, it was only last Saturday that I asked J to take a photo of me standing inside the University of Sydney like that. It’s kind of silly, and I felt like a tourist, not a resident of Sydney. But hey, who cares.

Pay tourist

Ok, here comes to that famous Sydney University Quadrangle jacaranda tree after being cloned:

Love love the architecture:

There are many other magnificent jacaranda trees in the University of Sydney, like the two in the first photo on top, next to another fabulous sandstone building inside the campus.

And this one, alongside the pond and palms trees.

You can see blooming Jacaranda trees almost everywhere in Sydney in October.

26 October 2015

How I Attempt to Be Comfortable and Stylish on A Plane

Style + Design, Style Diary, Travel

Do you like flying? I mean, flying on an airplane as a passenger. As a resident of Australia, a continent that is so remote to any other continent, traveling overseas is always going to involve some long hours on the planes. But I kind of like long distant flight. The transit between each connecting flight is a killer – but let’s not talk about that today. Let’s have a chat about how I attempt to be comfortable and stylish on a plane today.

You may ask, why do you like long distant flight? First of all, being a reckless person; I’m not afraid of flight or … should I? Knowing that I’m going to explore some new places or revisit some favorite places always excites me. The fact that I’m going to be stuck in a small space for many many hours doesn’t bother me that much. I do sitting well. Besides, it’s going to be the perfect “me” time! No phone calls, no emails, I’m going to have uninterrupted hours to catch up with the latest movies, read a book, play a game or have a nap, without feeling guilty. Yeah, I’m one of those few people who can sleep on a plane. And, there’s no need to worry about what to eat and cook… Those pleasant and ever fashionable flight attendants will bright me meals and refreshment.

However, long distant flight can get uncomfortable. My big problems are dehydration and the sharp ear pains when the plane is landing. So over the years I’ve learned to take more care about being comfortable on a plane and take the following with me:

Plenty of water.
Small individually packed lubricant eye drops.
A small tube of face & hand cream.
Panadols (pain killer) for headaches caused by dehydration and low quality sleep.
Chewing gum for those ear pains.

The stylish bit is mainly referring me looking at stylish flight attendants of different airlines – their perfectly cut designer uniforms, immaculately cared hair, statement ties & scarves; and admiring their ability to stay so stylish and fresh all the time on a plane. Then I came across this cool infographic that tells us all about Australia’s top airline styles and the interesting stories behind their flight attendant collections:

It is known that major airlines and designers are teamed up for those fabulous uniforms but wow, this info-graphic shows a lot more in details! No wonder Singapore airline flight attendants are always so attractive – their outfits are personally tailored for each flight attendant, and grooming exports create their very own make-up guide!

Though Virgin is known as a budget airline, the purple scarves really added a touch of luxury.

Oh, the signature red lipsticks of Air Emirates – in whichever shade suits both skin tone and hat color:)

Feeling inspired?

In light of being stylish, a few friends of mine did ask what to to wear to survive a long flight while not looking too sloppy. Well years ago I used to wear jeans.. but not any more. I’m no fashion expert but happy to share my usual flight wardrobe. Note being comfortable and convenient to wear is on the top of my priority list:

Clothing:

A comfortable midi or max dress in warm weather. Always bring an extra comfortable jacket, sometimes the air conditioning in the plane is so strong, it can be freezing in the cabin.
Cotton pull over shirts or sweater with my beloved Lululemon yoga pants, the thick, good quality ones (not those flimsy ones that caused a media stir).
Or Juicy Couture track suits – their track suit pants form perfect shapes:). Shopping outlets in the US offer a good variety and prices for high quality cotton shirts and jackets and Juicy Couture tack suits and.

Due to me lack of patience, my flight footwear doesn’t involve shoe lace tying:

Havaiana thongs (the only thongs I wear).
Ballerina flats.
Soft leather boots.

Now back to you.

Which uniform do you like the most from the infographic above?

What do like you wearing on the planes?

What tips do you have to share to stay comfortable and fashionable during a long flight?

Tell me in the comments.

Be Comfortable and Stylish on A Plane

13 October 2015

Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival 2015

Style + Design, Style Diary

Do you understand all the fuss about fashion weeks all over the world? I normally don’t.
I’m way too lazy to follow any fashion trend, even way too lazy to brush my hair properly everyday. But I do want to look presentable and like all things pretty. So I decided to go and have a look when I got media tickets for all the shows of this year’s Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival.

Still not brushing my hair, I was wearing a hat, a small one so that nobody will take notice of me,or my hat.
There were many, many girls dressed up posing selfies everywhere. I walked past the crowd quietly, trying to rush to my seat and wait for the show to begin.

So this year’s Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival contained 3 main categories:
Ready-to-Wear Runway, Australian Luxe and Red Carpet Runway.

First up, Ready-to-Wear Runway. I know that ready-to wear-runway doesn’t mean ready-to-wear everyday (part of the reason I’m not that excited about fashion shows). But this show was supposed to be the place to experience all the highlights from the Fashion Week plus the premiere of next season’s key looks and trends. Part of my mission of this year is to be more observant, instead of living in my own world. So I was keen to find out the fashion trends for this coming Spring. Glad to report white, one of my favorite colors appears to be on trend. It made major appearances in all the fashion shows.

Here are some looks from Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival 2015 Ready-to-Wear Runway:

If you went to the show too, did you notice? The gladiator/ bandage sandals are back (and other strapped-in sandal looks)! And this is the one trend I won’t follow due to laziness and fat ankles.

Australian Luxe was a new addition to the schedule in 2015, featuring Australia’s biggest design names. The designers included: Bianca Spender, Christopher Esber, Dion Lee, Ginger & Smart, Karla Spetic, Romance Was Born.

Quite a few pieces had been shown on the Ready-to-wear Runway but there were some additional interesting pieces and lots of classic black and white.

I was looking forward to the Red Carpet Runway and all that glitz and glamour. In my opinion, this is the part where that we ordinary people can just sit back and be entertained.

Here are some looks on Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival 2015 Red Carpet Runway.

Admittedly, the looks were a bit modest compared to runway shows of big international names. But the finale was quite spectacular. I had a little video clip on my Sumsung Note. But someone advised that it is better to use a third-party video sharing service such as YouTube or Vimeo to upload videos, which means I need to figure out how to do it first before showing you the clip:). I’m on it. Promise.

After each show, you would be lead to the hub on the way out where you could taste apple cider, sip champagne and eat lollies in between flowers and shinny little cars.

More dressed up girls taking selfies. I get it now. There’s nothing wrong with loving yourself and having a good time. Life is supposed to be fun. If fashion is your thing, have fun with it! Totally.

5 October 2015

Fashion Trends For The Coming Spring

Style + Design, Style Diary

The time has arrived for a look at the styles of spring! With runway shows having been held throughout the year already, and designer collections now ready to be revealed to the masses, here’s a look ahead at some of the trends we’re seeing in numerous categories of fashion.

Spring Fashion Trends 2015

In Clothing

For the best look at pretty much all of the spring and summer fashions that are being showcased these days, Vogue has posted an extensive collection of runway slideshows demonstrating looks from the most popular designers.

A lot of things stand out in a collection this large, but some of the main stylistic tendencies that existed between designers are as follows. To begin with, white was far and away the most noticeable colour, whether appearing on its own or paired with darker tones. In terms of style, many of the shirts and pants on display were made with wide, delicate sleeves and legs that swish and flow beautifully with movement. Bare necklines and shoulders were also very evident across most of the runway collections, and while skirts and shorter dresses are undoubtedly popular this time of year, no one’s shying away from full-length dresses. These at least are some of the broader trends popping up in spring clothing.

From 2015 MBFF Sydney Ready to Wear Runway

In Footwear

Spring and summer footwear can take a lot of different forms, and really a lot depends on the occasion. For more formal warm weather events, or for the workplace, you certainly can’t go wrong with ordinary stiletto heels (though nude, beige, and white tones are more appropriate than black). For everyday casual wear, comfortable flats are always a safe bet.

But if you’re looking for what’s trendy, one style stands above the rest: the gladiator sandal (and other strapped-in sandal looks) was extraordinarily popular throughout 2015 in the northern hemisphere, and the trend should carry right into our own spring. These shoes are as practical as they are attractive, and go with all but the most formal seasonal outfits.

In Jewellery

Jewellery trends can be more difficult to define for a given season than clothing or footwear concepts, simply because what’s seen on the runways or in catalogues is often meant to complement a particular outfit, rather than to define a trend of its own. Nevertheless, there are a few broad concepts that are setting the tone for the coming spring’s jewellery selections.

A page on current jewellery trends at Lyst has gathered enough pieces from different designers together to demonstrate these overarching concepts. Some that stand out, in particular, is the comeback of yellow gold, the prevalence of leaf and flower themes, and the popularity of geo stones and crystals over genuine gems and diamonds. Considered all together, these ideas make for a casual but creative feeling for the season’s jewellery.

In Accessories

There are a number of fascinating trends going around in accessories this season, and particularly in handbags. Naturally there are plenty of sleek, portable clutches going around, but some of the options that stand out are built more for storage than compact portability. This calls to mind a gorgeous, oversized Louis Vuitton bag we pointed out a couple years ago when Angelina Jolie was toting it around London.

That bag, in particular, doesn’t exemplify this spring’s trends, but the same size and roominess are being brought back in the form of bucket bags and backpacks that are taking over for smaller, handheld options. The bucket bag, in particular, is becoming popular all over the world, and it’s one of the more exciting alternatives to everyday purses we’ve seen in a few years.

Louis Vuitton Bucket Bag

And that’s the overview! What do you think?

26 September 2015

Hello Google – The Coolest Office On Earth

Style Diary

So Google has just changed its logo font. You must have read a lot about that on the internet already.

Today’s topic is nothing about Google font.

I want to take you through part of Google Sydney office. The part that I have been to. It’s quite a style.

I had the pleasure visiting Google Sydney office last week and the meeting room we used is named “Moby Dick”. There is a gigantic white whale on the wall which made perfect sense.

Later I was told that whale on the wall is actually a writing board… cool.

After the meeting we had a tour around the Google office. It was then I realised, that meeting room was the only thing reminded me that we were in a company’s OFFICE.

Rock climbing after a game of pool any one?

The whole place is packed with funky game stations, beautiful resting areas and kitchens next to one another stocked up with healthy food.

No wonder Google employees are happy — they never get hungry!

Watching them playing around stirred up a mixed feeling inside me. I’m not quite sure what it was.

Envious about people get paid while playing as much as they wanted?

Guilty for employees not working hard enough (you see, I used to work for slave drivers)?

Inspired by the innovative working environment and culture?

That day I totally embarrassed myself, snapping away and made way too many “wow” sound than a normal adult should have.

But 0f course, I have Google to blame.

Oh btw this is my favorite area. I’m so getting a home library like this.

You must be so disappointed in me. After seeing all these high tech toys, all I wanted is a library with a comfy chair.

Now you. What is the funkiest office you’ve been too?

Do you like working in a playful office?

What would your ideal office look like?

TELL ME IN THE COMMENT.

4 September 2015

The Winter Sun

Style Diary

Though this year Sydney’s Winter started off as the coldest in the last ten years, the past June long weekend was blessed with good weather.

J & I took this opportunity to scout locations for our up coming photoshoot. And I stood both behind and in front of the camera.

It is so important to practice being in front of the camera as a photographer in my opinion… That’s the most effective way to try to be in a client shoes and figure out the best methods to help people feel comfortable in front of a camera, not awkward.

In love with this Winter sun and long lasting autumn colors.

Photos taken by J from CandidTown Photography

12 June 2015

The Grungy Look

Style Diary

Photos: CandidTown Photography

25 May 2015

Stripy Love

Style Diary

It’s late autumn in Sydney and the temperature could drop to close to zero Celsius in regional areas NSW.

I’m a little late in posting these pictures of my stripy dress but it reminded me of Summer:)

Got this dress from Cotton On and I absolutely love its practicality and style.

Though I have lots of dresses, this one soon became my favorite dress for the whole summer.

Love it for three reasons:

1. The perfect length.

A lot of dresses in shops nowadays are super short. Don’t get me wrong, shot dresses can be very attractive and sexy.

However I was looking for something more practical. My cotton on dress is just below the knees.

I can wear it going out as a casual dress or to work as a photographer without exposing too much flesh when I knee down.

2. The fitted tank style.

I always love fitted dress but prefer something not too tight. This dress is stretchy with a tank top. So perfect!

3. The classic black and white strip pattern.

Stripy pattern is back in style this Summer. As a matter of fact, I think it’ll never go out of style.

Black and white is a classic combination that can hardly go wrong in many occasions.

This is dress is a workhorse – it has been to many photoshoots (as a photographer) with me.

I had it on to a party and someone commented: You always look so glamorous.

Glamorous? In my $20 dress? Yes, you heard it right. It only cost me $20.

Ha ha what’s not to love.

Dress: Cotton On

Shoes: Louis Vuitton

Photography: J from CandidTown Photography

19 May 2015

2015 Oscars Fashion Highlights

Style + Design

Everyone looked so good at this year’s Oscars. Everyone is so toned and glowing with the most amazing gowns. Here are a few of the 2015 Oscars Fashion Highlights:

FEBRUARY 22: Actress Emma Stone wearing Elie Saab as she attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Actress Reese Witherspoon in a custom Tom Ford gown as she attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Actress Rosamund Pike wears Givenchy Haute Couture as she attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards. (Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage)

HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 22: Actress Naomi Watts in Armani Privé at the 87th Annual Academy Awards. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Actress Scarlett Johansson attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Entertainer Jennifer Lopez wearing Elie Saab as she attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Recording artist Lady Gaga wears a custom Azzedine Alaia gown to attend the 87th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow in a Ralph & Russo gown as she attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Actress Jennifer Aniston in Atelier Versace as she attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage)

Nominee for Best Actress Marion Cotillard arrives on the red carpet wearing Dior Haute Couture and Chopard jewels for the 87th Oscars February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. ( Photo by MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Nominee for Best Supporting Actress Keira Knightley wearing Valentino as she arrives on the red carpet for the 87th Oscars February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. AFP PHOTO / MARK RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Best Actress winner Julianne Moore arrives on the red carpet for the 87th Oscars February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. AFP PHOTO / MARK RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

26 February 2015

David Jones A/W 15 Fashion Show + Red Carpet Arrival

Celebrities, Style + Design

Those are my favorite outfits of David Jones A/W 15 Fashion Show on 3rd Feb. Love the beautiful combination of colors, the dramatic hair pieces and shoes.

The red carpet arrival before David Jones A/W 15 Fashion Show started in the evening.

The former David Jones ambassador Megan Gale (left) and current ambassador Jessica Gomes (right).

The cat walk

Selection of David Jones A/W 15 Fashion starred by Jessica Gomes

Which outfit do you like the most?

6 February 2015

The Beauty Judge

Style Diary

“It’s weird.” J commented when I put on the black and white stripy dress top. But I felt like wearing it for that occasion. Black and white pattern made me feel grounded and neutral in front of 20 girls dressed to impress.

I was invited to be judges of the international beauty competition World Battle Of The Babes, Australian final at Hard Rock Darling Barbour. J came along to take some photos of the event. Thanks to his photos, we had a much easier time scoring all the models.

I used to come to Hard Rock salsa dancing but have not been for a long time. In between the models’ outfits competition, we chatted, looked around while sipping gin and tonic. Right there in the display window next to the stage, was this black and white outfit belonged to a rock star stood, standing tall and proud. So I had to get J to take a photos of me – my dress top is totally on trend – just for the record;).

23 June 2014