You probably think I’m mad to even mention the next autumn trends when we haven’t even hit the beaches yet for spring/summer however, I simply want all of you to have a head start on what’s hot for the cooler months next year. Something to look forward to!

What I’m seeing so far in New York for our fall/autumn season is:

Ballet flats
Black, White & Grey
Browns & Earth tones
Cardigans
Heels
Olive
Sequence
Suede
Wedges

Just letting you know…

Have a great week.

Be well.

L.

Well, the time has come and gone for our first (family of four) trip to Australia. Getting prepared, packing and organising four individuals is something else. How and why do we accumulate so much for what feels like a brief moment? I feel so grown up all of a sudden.

When I travel on my own for work these days, no matter how far it is it seems to be a walk in the park in comparison. I have all this free time on my hands. It really is a spoil and something I’m getting used to again albeit slowly.

I have two trips on the horizon as soon as I return home to New York. Although they are domestic trips, they still require 3 – 4 hours of travel time each way. It’s nothing really for me anymore. Amazing what we become accustomed to.

Our trip to Australia was lovely and it went by so quickly. Mila and Levi loved having family around. Mila especially thrived with the attention she received (like any two year old) and Levi was so patient and happy with all the new faces he was meeting. Family members and friends were regularly stopping by to meet him.

Now it’s back to reality and back to our precious home in the Big Apple.

Have a beautiful week.

Be well.

L.

During our media time last week, we filmed the key trends for this year's warmer weather. As mentioned in my last blog, there are a few to watch out for. The Sara spring/summer collection includes a nautical return, embellished tees, sequence, denim and bright, bold colours that spice up any wardrobe.

I also shot for David Jones. It was a fun day spent making beautiful pictures. I wore some different Sara pieces that I hadn't worn/seen at the shoot a week prior. The buyer is full of surprises!

My week also had family flying up from Melbourne for the weekend. A close friend and her family also flew up to Sydney from Melbourne to spend time with us. We ventured to the Aquarium and surrounding area for the day. Our children loved the sea creatures they saw. Mila was beside herself with excitement. We love seeing and spending time with those we love and cherish.

Less than a week to go and we return to the heat wave in New York. Quite a concept isn't it?

Enjoy your week.

Be well.

L.

Congratulations to Janna who was the Perfect Pose winner. Janna and her lovely sister Lisa came and spent a morning with the crew and I in the studio this week. We shared some laughs whilst on set and some additional tips on how to look your best in front of the camera.

We just finished shooting the spring and summer collections for 2010. We had a great shoot that lasted just over a week. The location days in Sydney were chilly to say the least, especially the early mornings.

I was a great source of entertainment for those living in the south of Sydney, shooting swimwear on the beach in the middle of winter with my Ugg boots on and wrapped in blankets in-between shots. Thank goodness for the outdoor heater our producer Andrea organised to keep me warm!

You can expect to see bright, bold colours for the next two Sara collections. Some key trends include nautical, ruffles, embellished tees, sequence and denim. The colour mint is one of my favourite this season.

It won’t be long before you see the next Sara catalogue.

It's wonderful being back.

Be well.

L.

We made it to Australia. The flight went very smoothly considering it was the first time Steve and I traveled with a toddler and baby. The kids did very well on our journey from New York to Sydney. Levi slept most of the way and we somehow managed to keep Mila in her seat with books, activities and a DVD or two.

What was the most difficult aspect you ask… juggling two needs at the same time. Divide and conquer is what we seem to do at the moment. Thank goodness I had Steve to help me with the kids… this time anyway.

Have a warm week.

Be well.

L.

I love shoes… to buy them and to wear them. Yesterday I bought these gorgeous emerald coloured heels that oozed yummy from the shop window. I had to have them. They have straps in all the right places and I cannot wait to hit the New York pavement in them.

Shoes and accessories are for me, playful and fun for the most part. You are free to express your cheeky and daring side without taking too many risks. It completes a look without having to make one.

Strappy, sexy sandals are everywhere this summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In nudes, black, metallics and bright crayon-hued tones. Anything and everything goes this season and in a matter of months, the southern hemisphere will be smiling with delight and what choice!

Ballet flats are still so hot for those that are afraid of heights. In ALL fabulous styles like animal, floral metallic, neutral and the forever classic… black!

Lastly, there is the embellished flat strappy sandal that screams flashy (but not corny)! With big stones or tiny crystals, the beaded flats complete your simmering summer look… no matter what it is.

You have so much to look forward to ladies!

Have a fantastic week.

Be well.

L.

Yesterday I went shopping for the first time in a long time… it was sale time! Two of my favourite stores were manic with shoppers everywhere… me included. I didn’t know where to start.

I purchased a few blouses, some t-shirts, delicious candles, a couple of inspirational books and a pair of black pants. A good start I thought for the season that’s already begun over here in New York. As I see it, it never hurts to join in on the fun… especially when it’s sale time.

One of the best things about the retail industry is that you can purchase a whole bunch of things and return whatever you like without questions asked (certainly each store policy varies however, as long as you haven’t worn/damaged/destroyed the item, it’s alright to return and it’s made easy).

When I buy a lot of things, I like to come home and try things on and return what I don’t want without the stress and time it takes to wait in line and try items on in an overcrowded store.  That’s how I like to shop… and I’m a big fan of on-line and catalogue shopping too. Retail therapy made nice and easy!

Happy shopping.

Be well.

L.

This week I’m going away for work for a couple of days and will therefore be away from my two babies overnight… Arhhhhhh!

Mila is used to it by now and no longer relies on me for her nourishment like Levi however I’m not sure how mummy is going to go being away from her four-and-a-half month old baby.

I’m nursing Levi and his only food source at the moment so it’ll add a little more pressure for my darling husband during the night time feeds especially. You see, when Levi wakes, he wants his milk yesterday and fortunately thus far I’ve been there to accommodate. Steve is going to have to sprint very fast to warm up the breast milk that I have stock piled for months for such circumstances. Thank goodness for the breast pump!

I can leave home knowing that between my husband and our nanny Mollie, our two precious ones are in the best hands possible. It’s an emotional thing for me since it’s the first time away for so long since I had Levi.

I’ve been traveling for work a lot already and have only been on day trips (long ones at that). Once I get through this one, I know the rest will be easier… especially on mummy! Hey, I might just get a chance to read a magazine or book!

Have a happy week.

Be well.

L.




 

I feel a little like Carrie from Sex and the City right now as I stare at my computer monitor, wondering what to write for this week’s blog?

What will the subject matter be, as Levi sits at my feet in his bouncer chair whilst ‘talking’ to me, laughing and kicking his legs up in the air and our part-time nanny Mollie, dresses Mila next door after her bath?

I sometimes feel like Carrie and do tap into my old ‘Carrie days’ pre-babies, although currently I have a very different life to the famous character.

With Sex and the City due out in theatres this week, I’ve asked my sister and one of our closest friends since high school to wait for my return to Australia before we hit Gold Class and experience 2. A girlie night of fun and laughs no doubt!

We each have a little of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte and I find it interesting and hilarious when I overhear girls/women doing the same with each other… I don’t think we can help it can we?

When I manage to watch the Sex and the City re-runs my heart fills with joy and excitement as I now recognise New York intimately. I started watching the series whilst still living in Australia... It brings back so many memories of fun, friendship and fashion.

Take what you will from SATC… it all means something different to all of us. Some of us are fans and others are not. It’s OK… whatever works for you.

It never hurts to have a little Sex and the City wherever you are in the world.

Celebrate what your week brings and I hope you enjoy the film if you go and see it.

Be well.

L.

Next month, we’ll be shooting the Sara spring and summer catalogues so my family and I are heading to Australia for the first time since last year and when Levi was born almost four months ago.

Steve and I are looking forward to arriving in Australia and spending time with family and friends (not looking forward to the flight though!). It will be a busy time there is no doubt.

Levi will be meeting most of his family for the first time and I’m sure he will love all the attention a new baby gets. We have grandparent’s flying in from the Gold Coast and Melbourne to meet and bond with our precious little ones. It's so important for all of us as we live so far away from our families.

On another note, I’d like to wish my darling sister a happy birthday too! May your weekend bring you lots of fun, laughter and love.

Enjoy your weekend.

Be well.

L.