How Does She Look2? – Jeannie Mai Inspired Sidewalk Shoot With My Friend Nao

Dec, 21st, 2013


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This was the second time I photographed my friend Nao. She has a casual, comfortable style. Click Nao’s first make over to see what she wore last month.
 
Since I knew her dress size and height, I did most the shopping several days in advance.
 
My inspiration this time was a Guess by Marciano dress Nao said was really nice. I thought, “Mmmmmm, sounds like a photo shoot opportunity to me!” She laughed and I started piecing together her next outfit. I paired the dress with a camel color wool coat to pick up the nude bands in the dress. I searched in vain for a rust or burgundy colored beret and gloves but ultimately settled for black. We picked up the heels and stockings on the day of the shoot.
 
Special thanks to: 1) Local designer Cindy of Zareen.ca for providing a stylish wool coat on short notice and 2) Jackie for a natural make-up touch-up at MAC Cosmetics on Robson St.
 
 
Several of these images were featured in the Community section of the Asian Pacific Post newspaper.
 
Nao’s wearing:
 
Beret Parkhurst (The Bay)
Coat Zareen
Gloves Parkhurst
Dress Guess by Marciano
Stockings Calvin Klein
Heels Aldo
 

Sidewalk Shoot – My Friend Elya is “Going Somewhere…”

Nov, 23rd, 2013


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As Elya described her wardrobe, her coat sounded like a perfect match for her skirt. She originally suggested a sweater but I felt the sweater’s pattern competed with her plaid coat and pleated skirt. Instead I suggested a plain white blouse. The combination was a welcome change to the black & grey winter colors Vancouverites love. I learned Elya will graduate this summer with an Interior Design degree.
 
 
Several of these images were featured in the Community section of the Asian Pacific Post newspaper.
 
Elya is wearing:
 
Blouse: H&M
Skirt: H&M
Watch: DKNY
Purse: Marc Jacobs
Ankle boots: Georgio Fabiani
 

How Does She Look? – Jeannie Mai Inspired Sidewalk Shoot With My Friend Nao

Nov, 17th, 2013


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
My friend Nao has a casual style. She was adventurous enough to take part in my Jeannie Mai, “How Do I Look” inspired styling makeover. We went shopping and collected an armful of skirts, blouses and dresses. Like any shopping experience there were some hits, misses and “Heck no!” moments. My first choice of a high waist, maxi length pencil skirt was too tight and two sweater dresses weren’t flattering. As an afterthought I grabbed a burgundy blouse off the rack. Then I found a pair of black stretch pants and a grey blazer. I could feel things falling into place when I found a matching purse and a pair of heels. At that moment I thought, an outfit was born! I liked the combination and more importantly so did Nao.
 
We rushed off to MAC Cosmetics (on Robson St) for burgundy lipstick and a daytime, natural make-up touch up. Special thanks to Gentille “Miss G”!
 
We started shooting with barely 30-minutes of daylight remaining. I was a bit worried because Nao has never modeled and the light was dropping with each passing minute. However I didn’t realize how comfortable she was in her makeover outfit. It definitely shows in the photos.
 
After the shoot I asked her for her thoughts. She still prefers her jeans & sneakers but she was grateful for the opportunity to explore a new look.
 
 
Several of these images were featured in the Community section of the Asian Pacific Post newspaper.
 
Nao is wearing:
 
Blazer: Anne Klein
Blouse: Sachin + Bagi
Pants: Labijou
Purse: Arcadia
Heels: Guess
 

Mine & Yours Launch Party

Nov, 2nd, 2013

 
Day 2 of the Mine & Yours Launch party!
 
During my Friday night visit Jigme held up a full length, body contouring dress and said to Courtney and myself, “I think I’ll wear this tomorrow.” I thought, “Whoa, if you’re wearing that, then I’m coming back!”
 
It’s amazing the the number of eye catching outfits they have in their store. It’s a photographer’s dream. Just before we stepped outside (into the cold & raining weather), Jigme grabbed a jacket off the rack.
 
Please visit Mine & Yours at 1060 Hornby St. (near Nelson) or phone 604-620-8885. Or click Mine & Yours, my interview with… to read the inside scoop!
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Several of these images were featured in the Community section of the Asian Pacific Post newspaper.
 
Jigme’s wearing:
 
Jacket: Alice & Olivia
Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA
 

Celina Jade, My Sidewalk Shoot With…

Oct, 19th, 2013

 

Photo Credits: Victor Fraile, The Power of Sport Images

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shopping With Shado
 
I recently had an opportunity to shoot with Celina Jade. My timing was perfect because two days after our shoot, the Arrow cast member was headed home to Hong Kong. On CTV Celina plays the martial arts character Shado. However today she wore two outfits that expressed her “Sidewalk” style.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Celina actually enjoys shopping and it’s been her experience that it’s difficult to find pieces when you’re looking for them. Yet, in an ironic way, the good pieces are available the moment you stop looking!
 
When it was time to warm-up and change outfits, we randomly stopped at the nearest coffee shop. That’s when I learned Celina loves Vancouver’s coffee.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hi Celina!
 
Q- What are you wearing today?
A- In my first outfit I’m wearing a Balenciaga blouse and Zara pants with a Marni belt. My purse is from Valentino and my ankle boots are from Diane von Furstenberg. In my second outfit I’m wearing a Chanel jacket. My blouse and skirt are from Loft 82. My purse is from Kate Spade and my heels are from Yves Saint Laurent.
 
Q- When/where would you wear outfits 1 & 2?
A- The Balenciaga top and pants would be the perfect girls brunch/ day out shopping outfit. The skirt and Chanel jacket I would wear on a lunch date to get to know someone better… it’s a quick way to see what the other persons’ intentions are.
 
Q- How would you describe your personal style?
A- Big city chic
 
Q- Who’s your favorite style icon?
A- Kate Moss
 
Q- What shopping secrets would you like to share?
A- I love the bags and shoes… those are worth splurging on… especially comfy heels like the YSL ones [I wore in the shoot].
 
Q- If you were a super hero/villain, what super powers would you have?
A- Teleportation, so I can avoid all the long flights!
 
Q- What sound(s) do you most love to hear?
A- The sounds of the ocean. I grew up by the beach… so the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shore calms me.
 
Thanks Celina!
 
 
 
Several of the images above were featured in the Community section of the Asian Pacific Post newspaper.
 
 
Photographer’s Notes:
Our time together passed quickly. It wasn’t long before we were saying goodbye and heading to our next appointments. Special thanks to Andrew Ooi of Echelon Talent Management for coordinating everything, Gienny Nguyen of THE Salon Beauty Bar for two fabulous hairstyles and the Coffee Bar for an impromptu photo set.
 
Since Gienny would be styling Celina’s hair on location she needed work quickly between outfit changes. To achieve the desired effect she thought ahead and came up with a simple plan. She curled Celina’s hair and let it dry. She created one fishtail braid and pinned it. Next she loosened the braid and pinned into an updo for the first look. When it came time for the second look, she simply let Celina’s hair down and everything fell into place. Five minutes later we were ready to resume shooting!
 

Sidewalk Shoot – My Friend Faith

Oct, 6th, 2013


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Faith has modeled in Asia but in Vancouver she works as a Commercial Underwriter. She still manages to model part-time. Today she selected an outfit that reflects her “sidewalk” style. She wears this combination when shopping with girlfriends or dining-out. Her full length coat is special because it was a gift from her father. Her sparkly top is meant to brighten a gloomy winter day. She likes the red satin ribbons and the comfortable fit of her heels.
 
 
Several of these images were featured in the Community section of the Asian Pacific Post newspaper.
 
Faith is wearing:
 
Coat: White Collar
Blouse: J Crew
Mini Skirt: Zara
Boots: Stuart Weitzman
Heels: Charles & Keith
 
 
Double Take

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Faith is also wearing:
 
Dress: Seduce
Heels: Nine West
 

Sidewalk Shoot – My Friend Natalie “…is headed uptown.”

Jul, 18th, 2013


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natalie models part-time and I’ve featured her on SidewalkRunway several times.
 
Click here to see:

 
Natalie’s wearing:
 
Heels Michael Antonio
 
Photographer’s Notes
Natalie and I met several days earlier (7.12) to photograph this dress. However my designer friend never met Natalie and the dress was never tailored to her measurements. Needless to say the dress didn’t fit properly and we postponed the original shoot. This time (7.16) I had a couple safety pins and the difference was remarkable!
 

Sidewalk Shoot – My Friend Natalie starring in “Abandoned”

Jul, 12th, 2013


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natalie’s wearing:
 
Dress Movi & Billi
Heels Michael Antonio
 
 
Photographer’s Notes
Natalie models part-time and I’ve featured her on SidewalkRunway several times. Today we met to photograph a different dress. However the dress didn’t fit properly so we postponed the shoot. As we were waiting at the bus stop, Natalie noticed a building across the street. Moments later she was wearing her killer heels and we were shooting. The shoot was completely spontaneous, unplanned and unrehearsed. We simply had fun as I encouraged her to experiment with a variety of emotions and poses.
 
Several days later as I was editing the photos I saw the bits & pieces of a story. I rearranged the images to what’s shown above. It was a very productive shoot that almost didn’t occur!
 

Happy Father’s Day! – Joel & Jona (and Skye too)

Jun, 16th, 2013


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As Father’s Day approached, Joel and Jona were the perfect choice for a father and son photo shoot. Joel is a thoughtful man of few words. I met him on two occasions but both times we were introduced by his lovely wife Skye. I suggested the shoot to her and she loved the idea.
 
Several of these images were featured in the Community section of the Asian Pacific Post newspaper.
 
 
Photographer’s Notes:
Despite Joel’s rugged good looks, he’s not a model. However his wife Skye is quite comfortable in front of the camera. I could feel her influence throughout the shoot. She coordinated the outfits and kept Jona engaged while I captured the moment. I focused most of my attention on Joel and Jona but she naturally knew when to drift into the shot for several family photos.
 
Never underestimate the power of the song, “Wheels on the bus go round and round!” Skye starting singing and immediately Jona became animated. He started smiling, dancing and clapping.