The Frockabilly Finishing School Tutors | Wellington Pin Up Photographers

The Radical Self Love Manifesto | Wise words from an expat

Gala is one of my favourite bloggers because she writes about fashion from a place of love.  She worries more about the woman on the inside of the clothes but celebrates the art of the clothes as well.  Gala has come through anorexia, a disease of self hate and has come out of it a holistically loving and strong woman.   I get pain making you more open to love.   Because you always have a choice to let pain make you better or bitter.  Never like the taste of bitter so why would one want to live their life like that?  Here's to a wonderful day....do something magical.

Cupcake Queen Tiara | Who will be the A La Mode Cupcake Queen?

So do you think you have what it takes in the Kitchen?  To you live to watch cooking shows and think that Martha Stewart is a hack next to you?  Well then get baking and show us what you have to offer in the cupcake department.  On the 1st of October at the A La Mode reVamp Party  there will be competition held to see who has the most mojo in the cupcake kitchen.   And the prize?  The Title of the A La Mode CupCake Queen which comes complete with the Tiara above....which I made with my own two wee hands last Saturday night while curled up on the couch....isn't she beautiful....my partners daughter is already coveting it....She is quite the cupcake guru...do you think you can beat her down :).  Let the games begin. 

Click here for more about the A La Mode reVamp Soiree complete with Burlesque dancing (pg rated),  Swing dancing, Vintage Hair and MakeUp demonstrations, Glove peeling class, Face Painting, The launch of the Frockabilly Finishing School for young women 13-79.

Mwwwaaaahhh daaahlings.

Lauren the Jewel | Wellington Fashion Portfolio Photographer

Lauren is a really a rare Jewel.  Trite to say as I met her in a jewellery store.  But what a beautiful creature she is inside and out.  She was so excited about the shoot and her enthusiasm was absolutely contagious.  We had so much fun.  It became quite editorial 1940 Glamour with a modern quirky twist in the end.  It was good fun turning the new studio into a forest for the day.  And didn't Lauren make the perfect nymph? 

Will You be the A La Mode Cupcake Queen of 2011?

Cupcakes are to be brought to the reVamp Soiree at 109 Jackson Street by 2pm on 1 October 2011

Please feel free to print the below image and attach as an entry form to your plate.  YUMMMY  Looking forward to judging the winner

A La Mode reVamp Soiree

You are cordially invited feel free to RSVP here

Wellington on it's Head....my latest flight of fancy

So I got inspired by this photograph (whose it is I have no idea can't find a link with clear information).  I love it though I love the flow and the pose and the fabric.   Oh the fabric.  Wind organic movement, rich luxurious fabrics  count me freeking in!  So I got inspired and I will start working very soon on a piece with Kaarin Macaulay the head costume tutor from Toi Whakaari.  The pieces, that is inspired by the natural features that surround Wellington.  My vision is for 3 dresses to be created from the images I have in my head.  Now I just have to figure how to get them out of my head and into Kaarins and then pull them  back into my camera.  I have visions of using cranes to get the models up high enough for the Wellington wind to interact with the dresses.  Praying that this idea is not one of those that is better in theory than in practice.  We will see. we will see. I can't wait.  I will be creating one of the head pieces out of lots and lots of wire to sculpt.  Then my greater vision is for the dress to be turned on its head and illuminated to make an amazing feature for a huge ceiling.  A flowing organic chandelier....   So excited!!!!!!  Now we just need to get the grant to pay for the bits and we are off sailing.

Gorgeous Gracy

Grace is one of those magical people that come into your life.  She empowers women as a burlesque teacher and makes you chuckle and grin when you are around her.  When I put the call out to for help getting my studio in order Grace volunteered to paint and distress my wee wonkey cart.  I can't wait to see it when it is done.  And it has been so lovely having her company while I do the place up.

A La Modes New Studio | Wellington Photographic Studio

I just love the Make Up Bar...however I had do much fun decorating it.  Poor Jess did her shoot here and had to clear away all of my pretty stuff from the counter top... Oh well at least I go this shot off.

I went to the farm and Pruned our beautiful twisted willow tree to create a display above the makeup bar.  Sam says it looks like lightening.  I love it.

Besame Cosmetics | Wellington Make Up Artists

My box of Besame Cosmetics arrived today!!!!! So pretty spent the morning playing with them then set up our tester tray....It is so pretty.....absolutely loving the red lipsticks...and the mascara smells beautiful...when was the last time you could say that?

Jess Wright used them on Tracy's shoot today....her words, "Ohhhh my god!!!! I love this stuff!!!!!"