Divine spring-like weather has finally reached us here in New York. What a pleasure it is to walk down the street without the need for coats, scarves, hats, gloves and boots. Yeah!

Everyone has a ‘spring’ in their step and you can see how a mild sunny day can change a person after such a long and cold winter… enough already!

We are starting to take our new babe out of the apartment ever so slowly. The weather has been the main factor for keeping Levi indoors, out of the cold and away from crowds where people could be sick with the flu. These are things we think about here in New York.

The parks are filled with children’s voices again and parents/nannies sitting around on benches sipping coffees and chatting (usually about the weather at this point). Argh… the delights of warmer weather.

Hope the weather is how you like it to be… wherever you are in the world!

Have a fabulous week.

Be well.

L.

 

 

So it’s back to work for me as a new mother of two little ones. I had my first casting when Levi was two weeks old and although I’m limiting myself to the kind of work I do and where it is, I’m looking forward to returning to my profession.

I’ve had a few months off and feel revived and ready to launch back into a solid year of work! Sometimes, it’s good to be able to separate yourself from your career to gain a new and healthy perspective and to be grateful for what you do and have… even a well-deserved holiday will do nicely.

So this coming week I travel to my shoots with nursing pump in hand. I have become a pro at that… nursing and working. Fortunately for me, my clients respect what I must do as a nursing mother in order to work with me. How times have changed for the working mother of a newborn babe! Yeah!

That’s what’s happening in my world… what is it that’s happening in yours this week? Have a good one... whatever it is!

Be well.

L.

 

 

Spring is approaching us here in New York (thank goodness) and there are many trends that are emerging in fashion and beauty. Take what you will on board...

Some of the HOT list includes:

• Short hemlines are in – show off your legs in above the knee lengths to thigh-high heights
• The clog sandal is a spring favourite in earthy/natural tones
• Metallic accessories glam up any outfit – shoes, bags & belts are fab against natural, skin tones
• Bangles and cuffs continue to make an outfit pop and dazzle
• Oversize sunnies are big again for spring (when aren't they though)
• Heavy fringes and long bobs (past the shoulder lengths) are a fresh look for spring 2010
• Hair is soft, loose and undone – no sculpted dos
• Soft natural highlights are in demand
• Lucite jewelry is back – go for big, chunky pieces that make a bold statement
• The hot colour for nail polish is a warm gray for spring, an alternative punch to the natural tones
• Lips should be highlighted in red, pink and coral hues for spring – make it vibrant
• The updated denim for the season is chic chambray

Have fun with fashion and beauty. Don’t take it seriously and make it your own! Have the confidence to wear it and mix it.

Have a wonderful week.

Be well.

L.

As most of you would have seen by now, the Sara Autumn catalogue has hit the streets and there are many hot pieces to access and wear this season.

Let's not forget to mention... SHOES & BOOTS! The court shoe, ballerina and Mary Jane shoe are hot, hot, hot and great staples for any wardrobe. You will love the new style of boots on offer too.

As usual, I have some favourite pieces to bring to your attention -

Sara Ruffle Sleeveless Shirt	Sara Print Frill Hem Tunic	Sara Drape Jacket	Sara Funnel Neck 3/4 Coat
Sara Tab Sleeve Cardigan	Sara Frill Shirt	Sara Longline Vest	Sara Drape Cardigan
Sara Cargo Pants	Sara Trench Coat	Sara Studded Leggings	Sara Self Stripe Longline Shirt
Sara Knit Detailed Pants	Sara Anorak	Sara Two In One Top	Sara Edge to Edge Cardigan

That should get a new seasons wardrobe in shape for the cooler months ahead.

Have fun shopping!

Be well.

L.

A big THANKS to those of you who wrote in with comments and congratulations regarding Levi's birth and arrival. It's lovely to read your words of support and encouragement.

Levi’s first week has been sleepy and quiet to say the least. It was Mila who we were nurturing and looking after… she came down with a fever/cough/cold virus that is going around viciously. It was rather frightening considering the high temperatures Mila’s fever was climbing to.

Our children have spent one day together… the day Levi came into this world. We have had to keep Levi & Mila apart to avoid him getting what Mila had. It has been tough… I can’t hug and play with my daughter the way I usually do as Levi needs me now more than ever and all Mila wants to do is see her little brother. I’m his only food source and that's why I have to remain healthy.

It’s always a fine line isn’t it? A balancing act… whatever it happens to be… career, family, health, happiness, love, talent etc etc. My family and I are finding our balance with our darling son entering our family. So far so good… may it always be the case!

I hope you find your balance in life too this week.

Be well.

L.

 

 

 

 

Our son Levi arrived on February 1st, 2010 at 1.26am safe and well (thank goodness).

He weighed just under 8 pounds (3.23 kgs) and came in at 22 inches (55.88 cms) long.

I had a speedy labour at home (it was planned) and delivered Levi in the birthing pool whilst Mila slept in her room. (I delivered Mila the same way 22 months ago).

My son and I are doing very well considering the extraordinary journey he made to come into this world. A true miracle of love and life.

Mila loves her little brother Levi and wants to kiss and touch him all the time.

We feel blessed and complete with our family of four... health and happiness is everything!

Thought you might like to know our news…

Have a wonderful week! I know I will.

Be well.

L.

 

Plus-sizes and the Australian full figured-woman were hitting headlines this week thanks to Charlotte Dawson, a judge on Australia’s Next Top Model.

Charlotte Dawson said… "There is no market for plus-size models in Australia…. it would be tokenism to put a plus-size girl through just for the sake of it. I would like someone to name a plus-size model in Australia because I can't. We could have a plus-size model win the competition and she would end up doing catalogues for Target."

As a plus-size/full-figured Aussie girl who's made a living for herself (for many years) modeling at home and abroad (and living and working as a Ford model in NYC for almost eight), I have to respectfully disagree with Ms. Dawson. It's truly a shame there is so much misunderstanding out there about who the women of Australia are and what we want-- over 50 percent of Australia's women are a size 14 or over (these figures are the same for the top five industrialised nations), and thanks to them I am a full figured-model with an exciting career modeling and representing top brands like Ezibuy Sara in Australia, Levis, Nordstrom and Lane Bryant in the USA, and a number of clients internationally.

When is the mainstream fashion industry going to understand and realise this? Why are they the only ones not to notice the changing size and shape of 'woman'?

What are your thoughts on this juicy subject?

Have a great week.

Be well.

L.

 

 

 

 

 

I'm sure all of you have heard about the devastating earthquake and human tragedy that hit Haiti last week? It is a horrible reminder of Mother Nature’s power and mystery. We are helpless against her.

Today, I attended my usual yoga class and our instructor Stephanie mentioned at the end of class that all of today’s proceeds at the studio would be going to the Red Cross to assist in the humanitarian effort to help the Haitian people survive and rebuild their precious lives.

The class and I were truly touched that Stephanie and her two co-owners, felt compelled to help and reach out in what ways they can... to ease the human suffering somewhat. A little bit here and there goes a long way.

Haiti is considered a third world country to begin with, now with the damage and toll of this recent earthquake, life is holding on by mere threads for so many in Port-au-Prince.

It is a real eye-opener when nature turns on its side like this and therefore reminds us who really is in control. No different to the tsunami in our region only a few years ago.

Unfortunately, we cannot do anything to prevent this kind of chaos and tragedy. We can simply hope and pray for the best and help those in need in what little ways we can.

Enjoy your week.

Be well.

L.

 

We aren’t quite yet in to the middle of our winter here in New York (20 days to be precise) and already the fashion retailers are hitting us with spring fashion 2010. Yes, it’s only around the corner for us (our next season) however, you in Australia and New Zealand have a few extra months to wait. It never hurts to have an edge when it comes to fashion trends… right?

What I’m seeing a lot of is stripes and flowers so far. When something busy (like a print or floral) is the main focus, I personally like to mix it with a subdued colour or denim. This gives you one focal piece to stand out in without overdoing it.

Messenger-style bags are all the rave too, whether you cross the strap over yourself or simply wear it over one shoulder.

I’ll keep you posted with more springtime fun for next season.

Have a great week.

Be well.

L.

 

 

Happy New Year! Hope you celebrated with family, friends or loved ones that made you feel super special.

It was a very quiet and unusual eve for me... my husband was working, my daughter sleeping and I watched the New Year celebrations on TV and the ball drop at midnight in Times Square, New York. With my belly full of baby there wasn’t much else I could do this year.

On New Year’s Day, we had friends over and one of Mila’s closest friends. It was leisurely, relaxed and full of laughter whilst the girls ran around and played with their new toys.

The adults ate, drank (not me of course!) and were merry… setting the pace for the next 12 months. It could not have been a better day.

I hope 2010 is bright and happy… That it is filled with love, joy, health and success for you and yours.

Be well.

L.