Happy Halloween!!!

 

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween! It's one of my favourite "holidays" of the year. I've always been obsessed with all things Halloween, the dressing up, the films...the candy! Although Halloween is officially today, I celebrated it Saturday night.

My friends Matthew and Hannah had invited me to their friend's annual house party. After debating between whether I should be go as a Lumberjack and be typically Canadian or a cat, by using the spur of the moment Tesco costume purchase. After consulting the house party's facebook page, it was decided that I should combine the two. Alas, for Saturday night I was a Lumbercat! I did convince a few people that it was a Superhero from a Canadian Television show back in the day.

LUMBERCAT!

Matthew as his favourite author Raymond Chandler

The Host, Pete, as a zombie?

I had such a good night, although it proved impossible to get a cab home, so was left to public transport. As much as we complain about it, I was sure thankful as I wasn't prepared to wait around in fancy dress for an hour attempting to get a black cab! The fact that clocks went back an hour definitely threw me off though, as I was ready to call it a night at 2am, then bam, it was 1am again!

Regent's Canal

Earlier Saturday I had met up with my good friend Francesca to do something we hadn't done in over a year, go to Broadway Market. It's a market that takes places on Saturdays near London Fields in East London. I used to go all the time, but with my past travel schedule I hadn't had the time. Although it was freezing and would rain on and off, it was great to catch up. We had lunch at one of our favourite pubs, The Dove Freehouse, she had bangers and mash and I had a delicious Bison Burger, I did take half of it home though as it was far too big for me to finish comfortably!

Our tasty lemonade and elderflower sodas!

I also got to work on my cooking skills yesterday eve when Francesca came over for a quick dinner. I decided to make Beef Bourgonge and I must say, it was rather tasty! With the cold weather coming I'm going to do my best to cook some good 'ol comfort foods! 

I also just wanted to let everyone know that is being affected, or knows anyone being affected by Hurricane Sandy that my prayers are with you and that we are all thinking of you. It's hard to watch all the devastation on the news but feel so helpless from the other side of the pond.

Widening Horizons!

This week began with the theatre, and two events. But things didn't really slow down, my only night to just chill, was Wednesday eve. As much as I love doing things in the eve and catching up with friends as well as meeting new people, I ADORE cooking dinner at home and being in bed at 8pm with some popcorn and a film.

Alas, although I did stay in Wednesday; during the day I met Hollei for lunch in town at one of my favorite spots, Vitaorganic, just on Wardour Street in Soho. On a whim we decided to head over to the British Museum which H hadn't yet visited and I hadn't been to in a year or more.

British Museum

 I don't have much of an attention span when it comes to museums, and thankfully neither does Hollei. So we walked around our areas of interest, Ancient Egypt and Asia, along with a bit of Chinese Jade. Along our quick browse, we saw about 30 people gathered around this one big rock, and we thought, what the heck are they looking at. So in order to find out we all went to the side they were staring at, and voila! The Rosetta Stone!!! It was so neat and we now completely understood why there was such a crowd gathered! It is a very important piece in language so I'm very glad we stumbled upon it.

Rosetta Stone

Thursday evening I finally went to go see Frankenweenie. I'm a die hard Tim Burton fan and have been watching his films since I was a wee one. I'm a little bit odd that way, growing up I insisted on watching The Nightmare Before Christmas and Edward Scissor Hands several times a week each. The film was brilliant and perfect to get me in the Halloween spirit! However, I don't think that many people realise that it's a re-make of a film with the same name from 1984. 

Afterwards I met up with a few friends to have a drink at the bar Indo, just on Whitechapel. It's a hole in the wall place but really cool and serve incredible pizza. On the walk there we spotted this...

More Halloween! Or just a mannequin's leg that somehow got left on the public bench..

I ended the week with an editorial yesterday, the premise was gothic so it also helped get me into the Halloween spirit.

The day was finished up with a trip to the Om Yoga show with Hollei which was very interesting, and had a lot of yummy samples too! 

London has gotten FREEEEEZZZZING! I'm currently sat in front of my heater with two jumpers on and a hot tea beside me..

keeping warm on the bus

Tonight is a Halloween party so I will have stories and pictures from that in a few days time! STAY WARM!

Invites Galore!

Nothing too exciting took place this past weekend. I did a solo shopping trip to Westfield Stratford to see what all the fuss was about. The shopping centre is massive with all the shops you could want. However, my mistake was not thinking about how busy it would be on a Saturday, so what was meant to be a relaxing shopping trip turned out to be rather manic. That eve Laura came over for dinner and we headed into town to see Morwenna dj. That night led to a slight hangover on Sunday, so the day was spent with the company of Hollei and browsing around Brick Lane markets.

Not too often can one say this, but it was when Monday came around that the fun truly began! I had been invited by my friend Gavin to attend a play at the National Theatre that his friend had a role in. So, Monday evening we both got dressed up and met at Southbank to attend the play. Before the performance,  we went to dinner and shared a bottle of wine. Gavin was the perfect gentleman insisting of taking care of the bill, and constantly opening doors for me. I felt like a princess!

The play was called Scenes from An Execution by Howard Baker. It was laugh out loud, each line was delivered flawlessly and I was riveted by everyone's performance. I hadn't been to the theatre in over a year so the experience was magical and refreshed my love for it. I highly recommend going to see it, you won't regret it. http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/scenes-from-an-execution

Once the play had finished we met up with Iarla, Gavin's friend who had been in the play. Iarla then proceeded in taking us up to the "Green Room" where there was a bar and all the fellow actors and their friends were enjoying a show well done. It was wonderful chatting with everyone and hearing the different views about the play. To my surprise, John Lithgow who is best known for his voice in Shrek and his role from 90s sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun was in attendance! I was slightly starstruck and was ecstatic when Iarla took me over to meet him!

Tuesday the week continued to be great. I spent most of the day relaxing and sending emails. The highlight of my afternoon was when I received a package from my friend and fantastic designer Christian Blanken. He had sent me the most fabulous pieces! A brilliant winter coat, a leather jacket and a dress shirt. I am so grateful for his kindness.

It came at a perfect time as last night I had two parties to attend. The first was for the opening party of American gym, Equinox located in High Street Kensington. Then to an agency dinner and drinks at soon to be open Bodos Schloss, an Austrian chalet themed restaurant and disco.

So sporting a Christian Blanken vest, jeans, heeled boots and Christian Blanken coat, I headed west.

When I arrived at the location for the Equinox launch, I was shown a lift that took me to the fifth floor, the main floor of the gym. The gym was all dark with party lighting but the facilities were incredible! It definitely didn't look anything like the gyms I had previously attended! The machines were all state of the art, some of which I had never seen before. Although I was in the middle of a massive gym, no one was working out. Everyone was mingling, drinking cocktails and eating some of the absolutely divine food that was going around.

A scene from the party

To mix it up my fellow model and friend Leomie, my old booker Annie, and I decided we should do some photo ops on the machines. Everyone seemed a little surprised at first, but were soon joining in.

Annie and I "using" the cross trainers

 On our departure from Equinox we each received a goody bag that included a long-sleeved shirt, an umbrella, and a 3-day guest past to use the facilities. I am for sure going to head west one day to use the gym as it looks unbelievable. Also, the fact that it's a gym used by high status clientele, it will be great for people watching!

We now all proceeded over to Bodos Schloss just down the road. Once stepping inside it really did feel like being in another country. The walls were all wooden like a true chalet and the decorating was all spot-on. The feel of it gave you the impression that you would walk outside into a snow storm upon departure!

entrance

Several different tasting plates were brought to the table and the food was absolutely delicious, all Austrian of course. After dinner a brass band along with accordion came out and the place slowly began to turn into a disco, but that was my queue to start heading home as I didn't want to be stuck in West London after the last train. The food, decor and atmosphere of Bodos Schloss were great, however the service was a little sub par, I felt the staff wasn't yet confident of the menu and there were quite a few hiccups with our meal, like our desserts being forgotten and then being offered a shot of liquor instead.. Hopefully when it opens to the general public all these issues will have been sorted.

I was so glad to be invited to both events last night and that I was able to go in style sporting Christian Blanken. It was wonderful catching up with all my bookers and fellow Premier model Leomie. I'm looking forward to the next event already! 

I Won the Week

Since my post earlier in the week, my days have continued to be nothing but positive and filled with great times. Besides my Toni and Guy weekends, work has pretty well been non-existant, most girls I know will agree. It's always like this, people are recovering from fashion weeks and next week things shall be back to normal. Until then, I'm continuing to fill my days up rather well!

Tuesday evening I was browsing thru facebook, like most people are guilty, and a girl I know Georgiana had her status stating that she had extra tickets to see Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House for 8£ and if anyone was interested to let her know. So of course, I jumped at the chance! I had wanted to go see it and looked online a few weeks ago, only to find that it was all sold out. I thought Cheska would be interested and rang her up.

Royal Opera House before curtain up

Our seats were in what I like to call "the nose bleed section" with obstructed view, but hey, it was Swan Lake! I love the ballet and the last time I had been was about 2 years ago when my dear friend Emily gave me tickets that her and her boyfriend were going to use but were unable to. So it was wonderful to have the opportunity to go again.

I love everything about going to the ballet, dressing up, the orchestra, the costumes, the story, and of course, the dancing! Having danced I know just how hard it is and how much dedication it takes, yet these pros make it look so easy!

Yesterday was another brilliant night! I brought my friend Laura to see a band called The Funeral Suits that I had discovered online when I was in Paris for shows. It was at one of my favorite venues, The Lexington in Islington. It's always great getting out to see live music and this gig definitely didn't disappoint!

Afterwards, we headed to a bar/club I used to frequent at least once a week, yet hadn't been to in about a year. The reason for going was that Morwenna (morwennamondays.com) and her boyfriend Phil were djying. It was quiet at first so it felt like a house party, with Morwenna's great disco tunes playing. I had a great time dancing and tasting some of Manero's home-brewed Pumpkin Liquor, as well as meeting some of Morwenna and Phil's friends that I had only yet heard about. It was getting busy just as I was leaving but it was late enough already and I needed my beauty sleep!

nail montage with Morwenna

I'm not too sure what the weekend shall bring, but next week you'll be sure to know!

Autumn Days

As I write this post, the sun is streaming in through my window, warming up my room. It may be chilly out, but autumn is here and I love this time of year. Layers of clothing and warm jumpers, pumpkin flavoured things, Halloween, oh and of course, mulled wine!

I have been keeping myself quite busy these past few days, and there's nothing better than feeling productive each day, that something was accomplished.

Friday night I went for drinks with my friend Hollei and kept it rather low key, since this weekend we were both working for Toni and Guy again. This time it was at Salon International, a massive hair show. I always like getting some samples for the different exhibitors too! Saturday was just rehearsals, so nothing intense.

Afterwards I went  for tapas with one of my dearest friends, Stacy. She insisted on buying me a late birthday dinner (bless her) and we wanted to have a mini farewell as she was leaving the following day to continue filming. Our chats were wonderful as always and the food was delicious. I highly recommend trying El Olivio in Stoke Newington.

Stacy and I

our lovely feast

 Then Sunday was a 7.30am call time. I thanked my lucky stars that I live on the DLR line (Docklands Light Railway) which meant I could leave the house at 7am to be there on time. However, most weren't so lucky, due to it being a weekend, there is usually tons of tube closures so most people had to leave around 6am to get there on time.

the sun rising as I leave my flat

It was another fun day having a laugh with everyone, but me oh my, I was knackered by the end of the it.

Yesterday after taking care of a few appointments I met Morwenna and Laura for a matinee at the cinema, we saw Ruby Sparks and it was a great film! Sort of a rom-com but with many twists. It's definitely worth seeing. I hadn't been to the cinema in quite some time, and it had been years and years since I saw a matinee so it was nice to do something different.

Later in the eve I did my first Hatha Yoga class and it was a great end to a Monday, it was all about being able to achieve the different postures by using your breath, then able to go into them deeper.

During this week Hollei and I had a chance to chat about being yourself, regardless of company, our specific conversation related to dating, and whether we should act more girly on dates, or just be ourselves. Together we decided that no, it was much better just to be ourselves. Yesterday she then sent me this picture and I thought I would share it.

That being said, until next time folks!

A little Me Time!

It's no secret that I've been extremely busy lately, so tuesday, when I had a day completely free, I was going to spend it doing things for myself. Alas, the day began with me heading to Virgin Active Health Centre, I had contacted the gym on the weekend and was going to be given a tour and membership options. The gym was lovely and there are a lot of classes, including a swimming pool, so I was sold. I hadn't been to a gym since Seoul, so it was great getting back into it.

Afterwards, I headed to the supermarket to buy baking supplies! That's right, I'm (not so) secretly very domestic! I bought all of the ingredients there, then headed to the shop beside my flat to get the baking pans I would need.

As usual, I decided to use my Mom's recipe and make Bran Muffins, they're a perfect healthy snack and something I can easily take with me on castings.

mid process

COMPLETE!

After all was cleaned I decided to take an afternoon nap and then the next thing I knew I was waking up at it was 6.50pm! I had a text from my dear (fellow Canadian) friend Matt whom was taking me to a gig that night. I quickly decided I needed to shower and I quickly got ready to meet him for a quick pub dinner. 

After dinner we headed to the venue, a pub called The Slaughtered Lamb which had a lovely downstairs area. The bands were all Canadian and they were lovely! They would include stories about the songs, and they were SO Canadian. Matthew and I had a good laugh.

Afterwards we went to have a few drinks and chat at the place where Matthew's friend, Brian is staying. I had met Brian at the same time I met Matthew so it was really nice to see him again. After much hackling we were finally able to get Matt out on the piano.

It was the best night I had had in a very long time and was just what I needed.

But, before I end this post, check out thisismyjam.com a music application co-created by Matthew. It allows you to choose your favorite song of that week and share it with friends.

Toni and Guy Main Stage and a SURPRISE!

As I was mentioning in my last post, I was going to be working with one of my favourite clients this past weekend, Toni and Guy. I have been working with some of the people on the creative team since I started modelling 3/4 years ago. Working with the team has always been nothing but fun, so of course I wasn't disappointed this weekend.

Late Saturday morning I headed to the academy to have a bit of hair prep done, more or less the team deciding how they were going to achieve my look for the show. Unfortunately I left them rather limited as no bleach was ever going to touch my scalp again, and anything they did had to be temporary.

But with the skills this team have they put some water color in my hair (washes out in 1-2 washes) and the final look would be achieved on the Sunday, the day of the show.

That being said, we all headed down to the Battersea Power Station where Toni and Guy had a MASSIVE tent built in which the show would be held. As with previous years of taking part in the "Main Stage" show, no expense is spared.

Battersea Power Station

At rehearsals I was able to catch up with all the Toni and Guy team who I hadn't seen during London Fashion Week and to see some models I hadn't seen in a while. I was very pleasantly surprised when I had found out the previous day that my friend Hollei whom I'd met in Sydney would be doing the show as well.

Once arriving, then catching up with everyone, it was waiting, waiting, and then more waiting. THEN, it was finally turn for our group to rehearse, it's a shame we went last as our rehearsal only took about 30 minutes, including our outfit fittings. However, it wasn't just walking down the catwalk, it was a marathon down the catwalk! It's length was 60 meters, so believe you and me, my calves were deffinetly getting a workout from the stilettos with that strut! We were then free to go.

Part of the catwalk

view of some chairs from the catwalk

Sunday's call time came far too quickly however, because the next thing I knew I was back at venue. Still having a cold I wasn't feeling too hot, so I was lucky they had some hot breakfast and some sunshine to revitalize me with.

Just to ensure that everything would be set for the evening's performance, we did another quick rehearsal with all the other groups. I'm glad it took a while because I knew my hair wouldn't take too long to do, and I didn't want to be sitting around all day twidling my thumbs until show time, at 7pm!

Hollei and I glammed up

I was wrong about my hair not taking long though, after we finished rehearsal I was almost right into someone's chair, that's when the debate began. The two stylists set to do my hair could not agree on how to achieve my look, then everyone had an opinion surrounding them, which made things even worse. Alas, a few hours were taken where one person would begin something, then told no, they couldn't do that, then it would begin again. After a round-a-bout afternoon, my look was achieved!

After a few minutes in makeup, it was time to get dressed and for the show to begin. There was a lot of great energy backstage as awards were being given out and videos being shown. As I stated before, no expense was spared and there was a performance by east London rapper, Professor Green. After what seemed like several hours, which I doubt it was even close, it was time for the catwalk show. We were all watching each other on the screen backstage and it went off without a hitch. 

After everyone's hard work there was a bar waiting backstage for us with assorted cocktails and beers for our taking. After downing two little cocktails I began my journey home with Hollei. As we left the tent you could see the efforts of everyone from a distance, the lights shining from the carnival rides that were brought in for the after party, the massive tent where the event was held, and the joyful sounds of the crowd. 

As stated in the title of this post....I do indeed have a SURPRISE...something I've been waiting for for a few months now. And...here it is....my...

Colombo Campaign

That's a Wrap on Fashion Weeks!

Well ladies and gentlemen, fashion weeks are officially over! Until the next season that is. I had a very successful season walking for the likes of Comme des Garcons, Issey Miyake, Anthipodium, Lutz, and several others. It was nice seeing girls I hadn't seen since last season and seeing what I'll be shooting in editorials for the next few months!

one of my 3 looks from Comme des Garcons

Finale of Issey Miyake

Melinda and I backstage at Comme des Garcons

As much as I loved being in Paris and already miss my agency there (Ford) and all of my bookers, I'm very glad to be back in London and to see all my friends again and being able to catchup since I didn't have much time upon returning from Seoul.

But there's no rest for the wicked, as I'm back to work tomorrow doing the collection show for Toni and Guy, something I've done for several years now and always look forward to. It's like an extended family as I've known the professional team since I started! Keep posted for pictures of that and until then, here's a new editorial I did in Seoul that recently came out.

Secreto Editorial October 2012