Style Diary Archives - Page 2 of 4

This year at Mercedes_Benz Fashion Week, I learned to sit back and enjoy watching the show more, instead of being busy taking photos. After all, I’d received loads of runway, and backstage photos from the PR agent to use for my blog.

Below are just some of my atmosphere shots to help me remember this full-on event of the year.

20 May 2016

“PARADIS” MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 19: A model prepares backstage ahead of the Swim show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 19, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 19: A model poses backstage ahead of the Swim show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 19, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 19: Models pose backstage ahead of the Swim show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 19, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 19: A model walks the runway in a design by Duskii at the Swim show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 19, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)

Australian Luxe Wet Active brand, duskii, presented their Resort 17 Collection “Paradis” at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in SWIM, on Thursday May 19 2016, 3:00pm at The Runway, Carriageworks.

“Paradis” is a collection inspired by the cultural mix that inhabits the North African kingdom of Morocco.

From the historic raids of the Marrakech Medina to the allure of the Moroccan hammam and oasis of the Jardin Majarelle, “Paradis” tries to transport you to a world of Arabic Africa and bohemian glamour.

Which one is your top pick from this collection?

19 May 2016

Emma Mulholland Resort 17 MBFWA Runway

Not typically my cup of tea even when I was a teen but definitely interesting to watch.

You kids have fun!

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 18: Models walk the runway during the Emma Mulholland show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 18, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 18: A model walks the runway during the Emma Mulholland show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 18, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 18: Models walk the runway during the Emma Mulholland show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 18, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 18: A model walks the runway during the Emma Mulholland show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 18, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 18: A model walks the runway (shoe detail) during the Emma Mulholland show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 18, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 18: A model walks the runway during the Emma Mulholland show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 18, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 18: A model walks the runway (shoe detail) during the Emma Mulholland show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 18, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 18: A model walks the runway during the Emma Mulholland show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 18, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)

18 May 2016

Resting Worried Look

My natural resting worried look

The side eyed bitch face?

The boring “nice” smiling face

You’ve probably all heard of the term “Rest Bitch Face”. I guess that face belongs to cool people.

When my face is in a natural resting state, I look worried. It’s a 100% Resting Worried Look. In the old days, I normally put my boring smiling face on in front the camera. Not any more. J & I go out to shoot quite often & we’d have a lot of fun shooting in different locations and for different looks/expressions. Truth to be told, J is much more natural in front of camera than me. It took me years to shake off that awkward smile when the camera is pointing at me.

Nowadays I could do calm and relaxed look. Seriously, who wouldn’t feel relaxed when you have this calm ocean view right in front of you?

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Photos: CandidTown Photography

Saba top with silk frills, Tokito skirt & Manolo Blahnik shoes.

28 February 2016

Location Scouting – Little Bay

One of the reasons I love my job is that we get to explore different locations with different perspectives. Though I’m a Sydney sider and have been to Sydney Little Bay a few times, one particular job led us to revisit this place for some fresh shooting ideas.

Starting from last year, I made the effort to remember having a few outfits photos taken while scouting locations. As always, we left in a rush so I just had my favorite Ray Ban sunglasses on and quickly grabbed a straw hat on the way out.

Needless to say, I’m a designer handbag addict. This is the first time I bought a cheaper clutch online. It looked good online and the feature of a detachable golden chain to convert the clutch to a hand-free sling bag convinced me it’d be a good buy. I was pretty happy to take it out the first time and have some photo taken with it. The thing is, that golden chain kept coming off the hock that is supposed to attach it to the clutch.

So after a few minutes, there I was, holding on my clutch with the chain dangling in one hand, my sandals in the other, camera bag on my shoulder, climbing the stairs up from the beach. Looks a bit untidy, but such is reality right?

Ladies, trust me, expensive handbags are so worth it!

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23 February 2016

White on White @ Botany Bay Sydney

A pleasant afternoon walk around my favorite bay area in Sydney – Botany Bay, where Captain Cook landed nearly 250 years ago.

I’m not someone who wear shorts often but like buying them all the time for some reason. This pair of white shorts is the only one of many other white ones that I can fit into right now. It matches nicely with my white long fish tail top.

J was not very happy that I used the picture of me standing again the red, rusty door for instagram:

“It was only the very first test shot, and the pose is so boring.”

“But I love it so much!” I said, “It’s unpretentious and it’s me.”

“You are trying too hard to blend in. Too afraid to stand out.” J concluded.

I thought about that for a minute. Maybe he’s right about me trying too hard to blend in but I still love this photo of me standing in front of that gorgeous door!

15 February 2016

High Waisted Bikini – Wollongong Beach

Wollongong is about one hour and a half’s drive from Sydney. Over the years, I’ve grown fonder and fonder of this coastal town. The beach is nice and long over there and it’s not overly crowded like Sydney beaches even on a nice sunny day.

I was finally brave enough to take some beach shots in Bikini 2 months ago. Now finally brave enough to put a few pictures up on my blog… Ha. I know what my older sister is going to say: Take them down! How can you put bikini photos online?? You look like a ….! Mum doesn’t even know I have a blog. Can’t even imagine her reaction if she finds out. Well, my family is not that open minded.

It’s marked to be a set of high waisted bikini but still didn’t go high enough. Nevertheless, I love the color and style of this set so they are good enough for me.

I’m still on the hunt of a perfect set of high weighed bikini. So if you know where to find them, please do let me know!

8 February 2016

In Love With This Crazy Shadow

Style Diary, Things To Do In Sydney

Never thought it was that windy. J and I went out for a walk just before the sunset the other day around the neighbourhood. The sun was glowing softly and the temperature was just perfect but oh my. The wind.

It was surprisingly windy, so I kinda regretted wearing a flowy silk dress and hoped there was a hairband handy to tie my hair up. We managed to have some photos that looked calm but that naughty wind kept blowing my dress up, my hair all over the place. My hands were very busy pulling my dress down and holding my hair away from my eyes so I could see the world. One thing for sure to remember: always wear great underwear!

On the flip side, we had a lot of fun playing with light and shadows against a red wall. The crazy wind, my crazy hair and crazy shadow just worked perfectly together. This is the picture I’m falling in love with:

Do you like my shadow?

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Photos: Candidtown Photography

Topshop black silk dress, Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag, suede boots, necklace from a boutique in Germany.

29 January 2016

Pearls & Black Lace At Kirribili

Kirribili is one of my favorite vantage points that offers brilliant views to Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Those photos were taken last month on Boxing day ( 26th December). It was heavily overcast when we first arrived and the rain started rushing down after 20 minutes or so. You can probably see some rain drops in the last photo.

I decided to wear a white top with this black lace skirt to go with a classic black and white theme. This white top is quite unique not only because it’s pleated in different ways but also because it has 2 different kind of straps: one shoulder strap has 2 rows of small pearls. A long strand of pear necklace is then inevitably added to compete the outfit.

Instead of pure black or white shoes, I picked these pair of Manolo Blahnik leather sandals with those hot pink crystal rings on them. Hot pink isn’t at all serious as black and white but given it’s Christmas time, public holiday and all that, a bit of right color seemed appropriate.

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Photos: Candidtown Photography

19 January 2016

Morning Meandering In Manns Point Park

Style Diary, Things To Do In Sydney

Views to the city from Manns Point park

views to the City from Manns Point Sydney

Manns Point is a unique park in Sydney that has 2 levels. I only explored the upper lever the first time and thought it was an hidden narrow park with great view to the city. This time we discovered its stunning lower level and the walking trail connecting the lower and upper lever.

It was early in the morning so again I had messy hair and zero makeup, even my pants were slightly wrinkled but all of that didn’t really matter. How I enjoyed the tranquil water view dotted with yachts, the morning fresh air and the little hike to the top!

While walking to a bench to take a seat, this little furry friend followed me all the way and stayed to play for a few minutes. Dogs sure love cuddles and a good pat!

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15 January 2016

Wide Leg Pants At Wollongong

Australia, Style + Design, Style Diary

The Breakwater lighthouse behind me

On the right: The Flagstaff Hill lighthouse

Wide leg pants are back. I’m not a trend follower but I know this because a couple of PR agents sent me photos featuring some rather ugly wide leg pants.

One of the reasons I don’t follow fashion trend for the sake of it is because not all styles would fit me well. Wide leg pants are exceptions. I like them. It was pointed out to me quite a few times that my legs are relatively short (though overall I can be classified as tall in person) and not as straight as they should be. Wide leg pants don’t show my flaws that much. For that reason alone, I like wide leg pants, but not the ugly ones.

As the saying goes: Fashion comes in cycles. Wide leg pants, are IN not for the first time. I had many of them from a long time ago but have cleared them out over the years. The only one left now is this pair of Chloe white pants. They are not that wide legged but still count.

Now back to the location: Wollongong. We were not even planning going to Wollongong that day. We were driving to Port Kembla and Wollongong is just on the way. We took a wrong turn & were immediately drawn to this row of large rocks. It was an easy decision to pull over have some photos taken there.

There are 2 light houses in Wollongong not far from each other. The bigger one the hill (The Flagstaff Hill lighthouse) attracts a lot more visitors on average but don’t you think the smaller one ( The Breakwater lighthouse) and its harbour surroundings are more photogenic?

11 January 2016

A Little Zombie Walk On Austinmer Beach

Australia, Style Diary

Zombie walk on the beach… a happy zombie for once

Sydney has been raining literally non-stop for a week now. Without even a minute break from those heavy rain drops from the sky, one can only sit inside and dream about beach weather.

Those photos are from my last trip to Austinmer Beach a couple of weeks ago. Autinmer beach is about one and a half hours’ drive south from Sydney, close to Wollongong city centre. Why drive so far to a beach while there are so many wonderful beaches in Sydney? Perhaps the scenic drive is quite enjoyable; perhaps that large rock platform has our names on it; perhaps it has this little shop that can cook up the best fish and chips. Whatever the reason, a day trip to Austinmer beach always manage to make me feel energized and happy.

And that’s all that matters. Do whatever makes you happy, whenever you can.

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Silk top from Marcs, Ray Ban sunglass.

6 January 2016

Happy 2016!

Photos: CandidTown Photography

Many many years ago, I drove two of my girlfriends to the Canberra flower show. Like all girls who love flowers, we took lots of photos with those beautiful flower blossoms. When we got back to Sydney and looked at the photos together, someone pointed out: “Yvonne, you have the same smile in every photo, with mouth widely open.” Yes, I was trying to do the right thing – smile for the camera. But it wasn’t natural and it looked so awkward!

Nowadays as a photographer, I always let my clients know that, you don’t have to force smile to look good in photos. If you want to project a friendly image, just think about something that makes you happy and you’ll smile naturally.

Of course it’s never that easy to look natural in front of the camera and I’m always a work in progress.

We had this quick impromptu shoot early last month during sunset. The sun was going down quickly and I had 2 minutes to get dressed.

My hair was messy and I had zero makeup on my face. But it didn’t matter, because hat + sunglasses = best hair & makeup. With that, I was ready in 2 minutes. Who wants to waste time on makeup!

Invest in good hats and sunglasses and you’ll always look somewhat stylish.

I hope you’re all having a fabulous time with your loved ones.

Here’s to a healthy, prosperous & very happy 2016!

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Crochet dress, Ray Ban sunglasses, Dolce & Gabbana handbag and a large floppy hat

2 January 2016

Walking Along Sea Cliff Bridge

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

Sydney has so many nice beaches but whenever there’s a chance, we’d drive along the coast for a day trip either to the North or South. For the last couple of years, we’ve driven along the Sea Cliff Bridge increasingly number of times to the south coast where we found our favourite fish and chips shop and the favourite spot on the rock to watch the day go by after a dip in the water. Here’s my mention of the Sea Cliff Bridge around 3 years ago:

View from Sea Cliff Bridge, photo taken in Jan 2013.

To give you a better idea of what the bridge looks like, here’s the view from the above:

Photo found on Internet, from Pinterest.

The driving experience on those cliff hugging roads is always amazing. No wonder it is the most featured location on car ads. If you drive pass this bridge one day, stop for a few minutes and take a walk on the bridge. It’s a treat to walk along the pedestrian path and enjoy the uninterrupted ocean views.

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