Indie Luv Eco

EKOLUV

2012-06-03T02:36:00.000+10:00

With the launch of EKOLUV drawing near, I've decided to stick to one main blog. This blog will be updated time to time on more personal food adventures and lifestyle but since my boutique is all about fashion and time does not allow me to keep up with 2 blogs. I now have a new blog which I will be giving more focus to please show your support and follow at http://ekoluvr.blogspot.com (Website launching soon www.ekoluv.com) Thanks everyone and looking forward to connecting with you all on my exciting new fashion blog for EKOLUV! <3

xx Em

2012-05-05T03:34:00.000+10:00

Was very happy when I found out a work of mine was published on the Vogue Italia website here
Great addition to the portfolio :)

Food Does Matter

2012-04-29T01:28:00.002+10:00

I encourage you all to take a look at this movie called "FOOD MATTERS" this film sets out to better educate us and also remind us of the common sense there is in eating healthy. It's not rocket science and anyone can follow these simple suggestions into their diets. I believe that being healthy is not a matter of downing some fruit now and then but it's a lifestyle. To be healthy you not only have to eat well but have balance. That is nourishing the mind, body and soul. When your body is in perfect harmony it lives at it's most optimum bringing about the greatest degree of happiness. Your body is then functioning like it is supposed to, it is now truly ALIVE!!! Go to www.foodmatters.tv

Here is the official trailer....

Here are some pics of what I prepare and eat to stay healthy!

Earth Hour 2012

2012-03-30T06:39:00.002+10:00

Good morning lovelies, just a reminder about this Saturday which celebrates the annual Earth Hour event for 2012 on March 31 from 6:00 PM and depending on where you are will determine the time to switch your lights and other power off!!!

What is Earth Hour?
Earth Hour is a global call to action to every individual, business, school and community to take a stand against climate change.

Many celebs, companies, organisations and other individuals are getting in on the event this year, what are you doing? Can you spare an hour in your schedule and join the rest of the world in co-operating? Earth Hour is not just an event to promote awareness of global warming and environmental issues but also for us to come together as a people and effect change, no matter how small it may seem coming from a single person, together we can all make that difference. So get your candles out and prepare for a lovely eveing ahead, maybe you could use this time to meditate in silence or simply be amongst others and go to the nearest event in your city, whatever you decide will have an effect so I ask you to consider about making that a positive one :)

Here is an awesome quote from WWF Director General James Leape:
“Earth Hour will send a strong signal that people all around the world are deeply concerned and expect their leaders to take action before it’s too late. Climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions and it’s clear that the people of this planet are ready to get involved and find the answers.”

Have you ever seen a country, city or town go completely dark? It’s pretty impressive! Those who decide to participate really commit to it. You’ll see landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Mount Rushmore, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Sidney Opera House, the Empire State Building and even the Las Vegas Strip going dark.

This year I will be in Manila, Philippines for Earth Hour. Manila is one of the most known populated and polluted places in the world and so I couldn't be happier to be here for this. What better place to start! It's incredible how many people are involved in this over here. I am attending the above event, there are many other events just like this one all over the world. To view what's on in your city click here

If your in Manila then I invite you to join me at this event, details as follows....

Makati City, with the cooperation of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Ayala Land, Inc., and the Makati Commercial Estate Association, Inc. (MACEA), celebrates Earth Hour 2012 on March 31 from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the Ayala Triangle Gardens Fountain Area. Be entertained by performances as you wait for Earth Hour to begin. Learn from experts, such as executive director and co-founder of Earth Hour Andy Ridley and other environmentalists who will talk about what you need to know about Mother Nature. To RSVP contact GeiserMaclang at 403-4357 to 58, or 0917-522-4624, or email events@geisermaclang.com.

FASHION MUST HAVE'S

2012-03-28T18:55:00.000+10:00

If you haven't already seen 7 FOR ALL MANKIND'S recent campaign then your missing out!

WATCH JAMES FRANCO'S ART FILMS FOR 7 FOR ALL MANKIND'S 2012 CAMPAIGN HERE

If your looking for the coolest pairs of jeans around then look no further than the 7 FOR ALL MANKIND CAMPAIGN COLLECTION! Featuring gorgeous floral prints and soft pastel denims making the jeans in this collection this season's must have's!!!

MY FAVOURITE JEANS FROM THE CAMPAIGN COLLECTION <3
The skinny 2nd skin legging jean in Kauai Floral!!!!! MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE!!!!

Skinny 2nd skin legging jeans in Garden Party- My 2nd fav! <3

The skinny 2nd skin legging jean in light lustre shimmer. This comes in a soft pastel pink too, super gorgeous too! I love these ones!

SHOP THE CAMPAIGN COLLECTION HERE

All images shown are copyright of 7 FOR ALL MANKIND.

EMILYKATE FOR FROSTING MAGAZINE

2012-03-20T21:31:00.000+10:00

Check out EmilyKate in Frosting Magazine - an Australian jewellery publication that showcases high-end designers, mainstream brands and eclectic independents....

Glitter in the sand
Click Here to view full feature on Frosting Magazine Site

Glitter in the Sand is the work of fashion and editorial photographer Elizabeth Grinter from Queensland, Australia. Elizabeth has captured EmilyKate jewellery on a magnificent cloudless day.

WHAT IS EMILYKATE?
Breaking the boundaries of what is ‘fashion’: providing luxury, high end jewellery for the eco-conscious individual without compromising style…
By incorporating vintage finds and materials into the creation of all pieces EmilyKate is able to recycle and repurpose items that would otherwise be wasted, to manifest pieces which have a unique character and soul and the beauty that is imperfection by creating one-off or limited designs.

Emily Kate Symes is an Australian international model, stylist and eco-designer.
Photography by Elizabeth Grinter
Jewellery by EmilyKate
Makeup/Hair by Candice Frost
Styling by Hazel Suarez
Model Katrina Millar (Tamblyns)

To view the whole feature click here

Inspiration

2012-03-18T21:48:00.001+10:00

"I believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. From the moment of birth, every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affect this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. I don't know whether the universe, with its countless galaxies, stars and planets, has a deeper meaning or not, but at the very least, it is clear that we humans who live on this earth face the task of making a happy life for ourselves. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama

According to the law of inertia, the hardest part is getting started. It all gets easier and easier from there. So true boldness lies not in extraordinary accomplishment, it lies in simply getting started. Start with ten minutes, with five minutes, even with ten seconds in the direction of what is true, good and beautiful. The important thing is to make a clear intention and follow it up with a clear action. Just like planting a seed and watering it, the universe takes care of the rest. Why not get started on what you have been postponing, on what is really important now?

Healthy Cookups

2012-03-14T01:04:00.000+10:00

So it has been a while sinced I've blogged but without proper net connection I have been unable to do so whilst travelling so until I get some new content on here (plenty of new content) I would like to share some quick and easy raw and cooked healthy recipes with you all...

Sometimes it can be quite challenging eating healthy when your very busy and on the go but with a little preparation and forward thinking eating raw is quite simple and easy and doesn't have to be as difficult as it seems. Having the patience to prepare a raw meal rather than grabbing a meat pie at a 7/11 that is processed and has been frozen then re-heated and been sitting in a tray all day will pay off in the long run, certainly your body will thank you for it. You will not only look better after making more healthy concious choices with your diet but you will feel better too. So give it a try, treat your body to something uncooked giving your body a boost of the full nutrients in a food it deserves!

One afternoon on a weekend while I was back in Australia, we decided to cook a version of San Choy Bow an oriental dish usually containing minced pork and eaten with lettuce leaves.

We made a vegetarian version of this using the following ingredients...

Raw salsa with tomato, red onion, corn, corriander, mint and pompegranate.

We then grilled Barramundi to use as a subsitute for the minced pork for those that eat fish.

Served fresh and raw with lettuce leaves straight from the market that day.

Then added chili sauce to taste and Bon Apetite! <3

To utilise the rest of the salsa the next morning I made a scrabled tofu with pesto sauce and sauteed spinach (cooked), buckwheat cruskits (not raw and can be bought at coles in a pack of about 8 or so for only $2) with Tofutti cream cheese spread with Tomato and rocket and Pink grapefruit to serve. MMM DELISH!!!

Moda Creative Featuring EmilyKate

2012-02-23T11:15:00.001+10:00

About a month ago now I participated as designer providing my jewellery label EmilyKate for the Moda Creative Event showcasing the best in Summer Fashion at Cloudland, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Qld, Australia. The event consisted of 4 fashion shows showcasing labels such as Camilla, Jets and Jets Swimwear. One of Brisbane's best stylist's Elisha Casagrande was onboard for the event and therefore styled my jewellery from my Ethereal Beauty Collection with suitable outfits on the night. I was so happy with the job she had done, she had styled each look which had enhanced and showcased my label representing exactly what EmilyKate is about - sheer luxury, vintage, goddess and ethereal. The models looked gorgeous and I was pleased with the results!!! :) There was also a men's swimwear fashion show to end the night which excited the ladies.

Visit www.emilykate.com.au to view full collection, to purchase items please email Emily at: contact@emilykate.com.au. Mention the MODA EVENT when purchasing to receive (free shipping within Australia!) Emily Kate is available at stockists within Australia and The Philippines. Please check list of Stockists on the website.

Here are some pics from the event.... unfortunately these were the best quality pics I could get from the night but to see the jewellery close-up please go to the website here

Sydney trip and Shoot for upcoming label GIA Lookbook

2012-02-01T22:23:00.001+10:00

So I went for a road trip to Sydney from the Gold Coast about a month or so ago to visit my dear friend Dee and so booked a shoot in Sydney while I'd be there. The drive down consisted of myself, Dee her fiance Adrian and their extremely lovable dog Levi which I eagerly wanted to kidnap, he is just so adorable with the best personality and is a Cavoodle breed. I got to have Levi next to me on the whole trip down so I was super happy! :)

I had a fab time hanging with Dee went to Manly to the famous Harris Farm Independent Grocer and to this cute French Patisserie and cafe called "Little Belgium" where I ordered this delish Lemon meringe pie.... mmmm ONCE IT HITS YOUR LIPS!!!!!! HAHAHAHA ;)

One night we all decided to have a nice dinner at home together so we prepared a Pan fried Salmon steak served with a fresh quinoa salad and the Sweet Dill and Mustard sauce for the Salmon we had bought from Harris Farm earlier...

So I met up with my friend Kimberly and went to the only Certified Organic Cafe in Australia called "Organic Produce" on Crown st, Surry Hills. It's not everyday that you get to go to a quality organic place like this... it took these guys 6 years to get certified organic - every single ingredient they use is certified so you know your getting the best of everything! The food was simply amazing and I highly recommend you go there If your in the area. I ordered the scrambled tofu on toasted sourdough rye and rocket salad. I also had a fresh vegie and fruit juice and got a raw desert treat to top it off! :0 I was in heaven!

I did the usual trips to Bondi and then Paddington to walk along Oxford St and checked out the boutiques...

Here are some "behind the scenes pics from the GIA lookbook shoot...
I had a fun day, it was a great team! I love my job and feel very fortunate that I get to work with such talented individuals! :)

Sneak preview of the final pics to be chosen for the GIA Lookbook....

EKOLUV PHOTOSHOOT BEHIND THE SCENES & SNEAK PREVIEW

2012-01-27T23:36:00.000+10:00

Hello lovelies, well it's been a while since my last post but I have been a very busy little bee getting my high fashion vintage eco and sustainable lifestyle boutique EKOLUV up and running. So here are some pics from "Behind The Scenes"....

It was a great day at the studio, I had a fantastic time organising, directing, styling and modeling at the shoot. I was very happy with my creative team. A big thanks to Paige Craswell -Model, Jacqueline Storm & Consuella Schimdt - Make Up artists, Jon Wallis - Photographer, Hazel Suarez - Assistant stylist all of you were amazing!!!!

EKOLUV is a High Fashion Vintage Eco and Sustainable Lifestyle Boutique - showcasing not only the best designer vintage fashion but also premium Eco Designer, Fair Trade, Sustainable fashion wear and Health/Wellness/Beauty and Lifestyle products. EKOLUV will be launching soon, stay tuned!!!!!

SNEAK PREVIEW...

All accessories from EmilyKate www.emilykate.com.au or contact Emily at contact@emilykate.com.au for all sales inquiries. EmilyKate will be available to buy online at EKOLUV High Fashion Vintage Eco and Sustainable Lifestyle Boutique launching soon!!!

Eco Material Girls

2012-01-17T19:27:00.000+10:00

My friend Anna and I had such a great time shooting for our blogs, here find snaps from another one of our recent style shoots....

My Outfit
Cut out Dress - Nookie, Jacket - Topshop, Shoes - Novo, Cat Eye Sunglasses, Accessories- "Maya Necklace" (Sterling Silver with Carved Elephant Black Onyx, Turquoise, White Coral and silver charms, "Love at War" Ring - (Sterling Silver with etched detail) - All by EmilyKate at www.emilykate.com.au for all sales inquiries contact Emily at contact@emilykate.com.au

Anna's Outfit -Top - Reworked vintage. Bodice - Ksubi. Trousers - Reworked vintage.

Clogs - Sportsgirl. Watch - Tag Heuer. Earrings - Diva. All other accessories- necklaces- EmilyKate @ www.emilykate.com.au or contact@emilykate.com.au for sales inquiries.

2012 baby rock out in style!

2012-01-08T21:21:00.000+10:00

Okay so it's the start of 2012 and what better way to start my 2nd post for the year with a style shoot. My friend Anna and I had such a great day shooting for both of our blogs. To start the day we went to a little cafe on James St, Brisbane, Qld, Australia - called Little Pantry. If you don't already know this hidden little gem then you must check it out If you are in the neighbourhood! We needed energy for all the shooting we had to do and so we ordered and devoured a delightful and fulliling breakfast - 2 poached eggs on rye toast with Smoked Salmon, Asparagus and Haloumi. I highly recommend this breakfast, so tastey what a great way to start the day, after we stuffed our faces I chugged down my usual soy chai and off we went to find locations so we could bring you these lovely pics! We just had so much fun and can't wait to bring you more style posts, stay tuned fashionista's! Enjoy! ;)

My outfit for the day

White t-shirt - Zara, Printed Silk scarf worn overlay as top, Taupe Suede Mini Skirt and Black Lace cut out detail booties - All Kookai, Black Leather Biker Bag - Dolce & Gabbana, Cat Eye Sungalsses, Accessories - "Love at War" Ring - Solid Sterling Silver 'one of a kind' custom made with etched detail and ''Maya Necklace" - Sterling Silver with carved elephant in Black Onyx, Turquoise and white Coral and other Silver charms- all EmilyKate at www.emilykate.com.au, for sales inquiries email Emily @ contact@emilykate.com.au

Anna's Outfit
Top - Reworked vintage. Bodice - Ksubi. Trousers - Reworked vintage.
Clogs - Sportsgirl. Watch - Tag Heuer. Earrings - Diva.

Thanks guys! I love bringing you these style posts shall keep them coming every week... Until my next post my pretties.... PEACE OUT! :)

XXEM

A Foodie Affair For The New Year

2012-01-03T23:34:00.002+10:00

Happy New Year!!!!

So its the start of the new year and I am already so excited for whats to come in 2012, I know it's going to be a great year, lots of adventures and busy, busy, busy while I embark overseas in the next couple of months to live and work abroad modeling, still working on my label EmilyKate and starting my newest endeavor EKOLUV an online (Eco/Sustainable/Fashion and Lifestyle boutique and of course posting for this very blog that I'm so happy to share with you all. Stay tuned as I will have at least 1-2 posts a week this year, as you will be able to follow me on my journey....

My resolutions for 2012

Laugh more
Love more
Travel more
Eat healthier
Learn french
Live and work in at least 3-4 countries this year
Learn the art of raw vegan cuisine and experiment
Do some charitable work
Get fitter

and many others I haven't listed here

What are your resolutions? It definitely helps to have a list of resolutions/goals or some idea of direction to start the new year in a positive and motivating way.

Suggestions for prepping yourself for what you envision to achieve in 2012....

Reflect and take time to have a quiet moment with yourself and meditate to be more in line with the deepest part of yourself, to be in touch with your inner-most desires. (This helps you to have a more clearer idea of knowing yourself and what you want in life)
Next make a list of all the experiences you envision for yourself, objects you may want to acquire, things you want to accomplish, other goals and direction you see for yourself and set realistic time frames to them. E.g. This week, This month, 3 months time, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years etc.
After make a mind-map so you can map out your list and get a clear picture of what you have listed
Now after you have made your mind-map create a vision board, creating a vision board helps you visualise yourself having already acquired, achieved and experienced these things. (Cut out bits and pieces from magazines eg pictures, words, art that relate directly to what you envision for yourself. Put up the vision board in a place where you will see it at least a few times a day especially when you wake and sleep so your bedroom would be a good place.
Say positive affirmations out loud declaring that you already are or already have these things you want in your life and be grateful for all that you have and all that you are. e.g “I am prosperous and loving” (Affirmations are very powerful- they make your thoughts into words and then into statements that are/become your reality) -key is not to hope for it for one day I will.... but rather that you already are and have these things. Remember the key to success is the thought that you are a success rather than you are a failure.
Finally action, action, action!!!! I cannot stress this enough! It's no use having all these ideas and doing all the above If you are not setting things into motion, every bit of effort counts and you'll see soon enough that you are on the right track to being closer to your goals and in line with the life that you desire for yourself.

So to prepare for the coming year mon amour et moi both cooked up a feast of some deliciously good treats to start the new year with a bang! I'd like to share these with you....

BREAKFAST

Buckwheat pancakes with berries, whipped cream and maple syrup

What a lovely day it was, we just sat and ate this delicious breakfast by the water, heaven! :)

I just bought the Buckwheat pancake mix from Coles - the brand is Orgran

Tools you will need to cook these yummy pancakes...

Non-stick frypan

Whisk

Large mixing bowl for pancake mixture

Medium size metal mixing bowl for whipped cream

Spatula

Non-stick flip

Ingredients...

500 grams of assorted berries (fresh is best but I just used frozen berries)

Orgran Buckwheat Pancake mix

250-300ml Fresh Cream

3 large Free Range Eggs

60g Butter

120 ml Almond Milk

200ml filtered water

3 teaspoons Maple Syrup for batter and the rest to pour on top (as desired)

3 teaspoons Vanilla Essence

In large mixing bowl melt 20g butter in microwave for about 15 seconds, now crack and mix in 3 large free range eggs with the butter and wisk away until smooth and no lumps. Add almond milk and filtered water and wisk, then slowly keep adding Orgran Buckwheat pancake mixture until batter is thick and smooth. Next add the maple syrup and vanilla essence for flavouring and to follow about 200g berries into the pancake mixture and whisk again until smooth.

Next get the fresh cream shake it and pour into the metal mixing bowl and whisk until fluffy and refrigerate while making pancakes.

Now heat the frypan with 10g butter and pour on the pancake mixture (I wanted thick fluffy pancakes so I put a lot of batter on the pan - batter should make 5 large fluffy pancakes), once you see a few bubbles come through then you know it's time to flip, serve once golden brown.

Repeat for each pancake and voila! You have warm fluffy berry pancakes to serve up with maple syrup, whipped cream prepared earlier and berries on top as desired! Yum! :0

LUNCH

Hummus, Babaganoush, Vegie chips, Herb Crust Bread, Falafel and Organic Haloumi

Tools you will need to prepare this feast...
Food processor
Fry pan
Oven
Spatula or other utensil to flip the haloumi
Serving plate

Ingredients
Pre made Falafels
Chickpeas (fresh is best but I used canned)
Salt
Pepper
Bread
Mixed herbs
Garlic Paste
Lemon Juice (fresh is best but I used packaged lemon squeeze)
Eggplants
Zucchini
Pumpkin
Extra Virgin Olive oil
Tahini (optional) for Hummus and best used for Babaganoush
Paprika
Cumin
Organic Haloumi

Vegie Chips
Preheat oven to 220 degrees C for about 20mins, while you wait cut up very thinly sliced pieces of vegetables ( I used, pumpkin,eggplant and zucchini) and sprinkle with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Then place in the oven for about 20mins or until crispy and golden brown and serve.

Hummus
In a food processor place a can of chickpeas and 40ml of lemon juice, 60ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a teaspoon of paprika and also of cumin and of salt and 3 teaspoons of garlic paste and blend until smooth. Now serve with added paprika sprinkled on top and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Babaganoush
Chargrill large eggplants until black and peel the skin off, now place grilled eggplant into preheated oven and bake until soft for about 20mins. In a food processor take the eggplant, 60ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil, add 40ml of lemon juice, a teaspoon of paprika and also of cumin and of salt and 3 teaspoons of garlic paste and blend until smooth. Now serve and enjoy!

Herb Bread
Firstly preheat oven to 200 degrees C for about 20mins and place the sliced bread in to bake until crispy for about 30mins or so. Then make a mixture of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and mixed herbs together to paste on top of the bread to re bake again for another 10mins to infuse into the bread. Then serve!

Falafel and Haloumi
In a frypan place a teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and heat the pre-packaged Falafels and the Organic Haloumi until golden brown.

SNACK

For a healthy and quick snack between meals try Hummus with Carrot Sticks (or other vegetables you desire)

Use hummus (as prepared earlier) and just chop up some carrots and voila! You have yourself a very healthy and tasty but quick to make snack!

As presented by my male model here hehe... You see this healthy snack never looked soo good!

DINNER

Vegetarian Lasagna - Shaun (above) cooked this special meal for us! C'est Magnifique!

Tools you will need to make this delicious dish...
Oven
Ceramic baking pot with Lid
Chopping Board
Good Knife

Ingredients
Pumpkin
Celery
Spinach
Eggplant
Zucchini
Tomatoes
Onions
Garlic
Tomato pasta sauce
Lasagna Pasta sheets
Flour
Water
Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Mixed herbs
Oregano
Nutmeg

For Sauce
Chop up the onion, garlic, tomatoes, and celery and after a few mins add in tomato pasta sauce and stirfry until its reduced to a mulchy consistency and set aside.

Bechamel
In a small pot/saucepan heat the butter until it crackles before you add the flour and stir.. then you add water and stir until it becomes creamy in texture, keep stirring and add a little mozzarella and parmesan cheese and keep stirring while adding a bit more filtered water until it thickens to a nice creamy consistency for sauce and then it's ready to use.

Vegetables
Chop up the pumpkin, eggplant and zucchini into medium sized strips to lay flat for lasagna

Now prepare the ceramic pot and put in a layer of the sauce, on top add a thin layer of Bechamel, then add a layer of Lasagna pasta sheets, then more bechamel, then layer the chopped vegetables and then the sauce and then more bechamel and keep repeating until you fill up the ceramic baking dish. For the topping after the last layer of sauce and bechamel add spinach and then heaps of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese for the topping. Bake for 40mins with lid until golden brown, remove lid then bake for another 10mins to get a crispy cheesy golden brown topping. Serve and Enjoy!

After a weekend of non-stop eating I am stuffed literally! Now on the treadmill tomorrow to start getting back into my fitness regime. Until next time my lovelies!

LOVE AND LIGHT!

XX EM

Vintage Stylin

2011-12-29T10:58:00.000+10:00

Anna's outfit - Top- Jigsaw, Shorts- Wrangler, Bag - Vintage, Ring- "Love at War" Solid Sterling Silver with etched detailing by EmilyKate at www.emilykate.com.au or contact@emilykate.com.au for all sales and info inquiries.

Hello my precious fashionistas! Have I got a style post for you! So I finally get a chance to catch up with my good friend Anna, If you don't already know Anna T Pham Director at Blushion' Style, you are yet to discover this hidden talent in the fashion scene! Anna T Pham started out working in Fashion Retail whilst studying fashion design where she made her debut creating a few pieces towards her collection for her course. Anna had been making her own outfits/styling and altering/reworking clothing for herself and others for the past few years before heading into the direction of fashion blogging for her blog Blushion' Style - http://blushionstyle.blogspot.com/

After getting all snap happy and chatty about all things fashion, I get a chance to sit down with this multi-talented lady....

5 minutes with Anna.....

So what inspired you to work in the field of fashion?
Fashion has always been apart of my life one way or another. I grew up watching my parents make clothes and it kinda started from there. I would help out by sewing labels onto shirts to making my own Barbie clothes. I was inspired mostly from my mum though. She was very fashionable and still is! I would watch her get dressed and be inspired all the time.

How has working in fashion retail helped you persue your career in fashion as a designer/stylist?
Having worked in retail for almost a decade sure has its benefits! Apart from the amazing discounts and a decent sized wardrobe, I have also taken away with me valuable skills and knowledge about the fashion industry on a retail level. Especially from a consumers perspective. Understanding about consumer behaviour has helped me as a designer and a stylist as I have a better understanding of what consumers would want under different circumstances and situations.

Tell me a little about your business Blushion' Style...
Blushion' Style is just a fun blog about my fashion inspirations. I blog about what inspires me, street style and my outfits. I have also recently added a Made to Measure service.

So I hear you also do tailoring/altering/reworking of garments as part of your business? Please tell me more about that and what other services you provide etc...
I have been making clothes for myself for a long time and I always get requests from friends and family to custom make clothes for them! I started to make good money from it so decided I would make this service available to my readers. The Made to Measure service - includes bridesmaids dresses, party wear, designing and alterations. I will soon add a reworked vintage service too.

So your passionate about all things vintage, in what ways do you think vintage/recycled or reworked fashion makes a difference to our environment?
I love vintage clothes! Not only is it unique in the sense that no one else will have the exact outfit I have but it is also the most eco friendly way of dressing. Recycling old clothing by giving it new life through dressing it differently, or reworking it saves it from landfill. It's just an additional bonus for me that every time I wear vintage clothes, I know I am making a positive contribution to a better, healthier future.

What are your thoughts on Eco, Sustainable and Fair trade fashion?
I think its really important. The fashion industry is a multi billion dollar industry and for any business to be successful, it must have all of the three P's - People, Profit and Planet.

What is your favourite Eco fashion label?
Stella McCartney

What are your favourite trends at the moment?
I don't really follow trends very heavily. I kinda incorporate it into my own style - which includes, peplums, collars, wide legged pants and anything high waisted. These styles will always be on trend for me.

Where do you see fashion in the next 5 years?
Hhmmm that's a hard question to answer but it would most probably be repeated. If we look back in the past, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. They all have their distinct styles. The naughties however incorporate all these eras together and each season, it just kind of takes turn to be in the spotlight. We did for a while, dress mostly in black due to the reaction to the GFC. Maybe if something really significant happens in the economy, that could also transcend to our fashion choices.

What are your goals/direction you see yourself acheiving in the near future?
I just want to be happy and successful in what I do. Happiness is the most important thing. You gotta be happy with what you do, otherwise you won't be successful!! :)

Well that pretty much sums up our interview. Thanks Anna and what an interview it was! I really look forward to seeing great things from this young lady, look out top international designers this girl is the next big name in Fashion!

Look out for more featured artists and creative people in the industry I will be featuring on the blog... Until next time folks......

XX Em

Eco Friendly Street Style

2011-12-21T01:43:00.000+10:00

Street Style Post - All clothing vintage from EKOLUV- Eco/Sustainable Lifestyle and Fashion Boutique - Coming Soon! (Launching in 2012) Vintage MGXX White Top, Brown Waist Belt, Silk Pattern Skirt and Taupe Suede Bag. RayBan Aviators

All Accessories - EmilyKate - www.emilykate.com.au- Eco Luxury Vintage Jewellery
"Maya Necklace" - Sterling Silver with carved elephant black onyx stone, White Coral and Swarovski Crystal
"Love At War" Ring - Solid Sterling Silver Custom Made Ring with etched detail

Eco Transport

2011-12-10T12:45:00.001+10:00

Hi all,

It's been a while since I have posted but I have an amazing company I would like to introduce you to, the things this company is doing and working towards in making a difference in the world environmentally and socially is outstanding and I want to share it with you....

BAMBIKE

(Bamb EcoLogical Technology Inc.)

There are many companies getting in on the bandwagon into 'Greener' technologies and therefore many advancements have been made in terms of Eco transport including hybrid and battery powered vehicles and bikes, more research and use into renewable energy sources, the offset and trade of carbon emissions and of course the use of efficient energy sources such as hydro electricity, wind turbines and solar energy.

Now you may ask what is Bambike? Bambike is a socio-ecological enterprise that hand-makes bamboo bicycles with fair-trade labor and sustainable building practices. Bambike builders come from Gawad Kalinga, a Philippine based community development organization for the poor, working to bring an end to poverty. They are also working on a bamboo nursery for reforestation and have plans for a reef rehabilitation project. Bambike is a company that is interested in helping out people and the planet, dedicated to social and environmental stewardship. Their goal is to do better business and to make the greenest bikes on the planet.

Bambike Builders (aka BamBuilders) are incredibly skilled craftsmen. They hand-build the greenest bikes on the planet.

Nel, Ferdie, Ramil, James, and Fred (shown from left to right) are all members of a community development program called Gawad Kalinga (GK). They live in the rural town of Victoria, Tarlac in the Philippines. Before they were building Bambikes they were working a number of part-time jobs, driving pedi-cabs, welding, farming, and other odd jobs as day laborers.

Gawad Kalinga’s mission is to build communities to end poverty. Bambike shares GK’s vision of a poverty free Philippines and contributes to the cause by hiring GK villagers, providing them with sustainable livelihoods. The Bambuilders now work full-time at the Bambike workshop, inside the community where they live, close to their families.

What does this mean for us and for our current transport methods?

Demand for the use of 'Greener' transport worldwide is on the rise with the advancement of society's awareness on the effect we have on our environment and the impacts our current methods of travel have on our future and for future generations to come. This advancement in 'Greener' 'Cleaner' thinking means not only small scale business's but also global corporations are already underway with 'Greener' transport and the use of 'Greener' technologies. For example the well known Toyota Prius Hyrbrid Motor vehicle that was released a few years ago and several hydrogen cars now in existence, with most of them being concept cars. These eco-friendly driving machines include the Chevrolet Equinox, the BMW 745h and the one that's currently available for lease in California, the Honda FCX.

Some of BamBike's products include; their infamous Street bikes, All-terrain bikes, BamBeach Cruisers, BambRacers, and Custom Bamboo bikes. They are currently looking into upgrading certain models of the bamboo bikes with added features with the advancement of 'greener' materials and technologies into developing newer models of bikes for different climates and landscapes, thus appealing to a worldwide market. With the brand already selling their bikes in San Francisco in The United States, as with the rising demand for more greener methods of transport, we may very well expect to see some of these bikes cruising our beloved Australian terrain, sooner than we think.

Email	bamb.bike@gmail.com
Website	http://bambike.com

Spread the Love!

2011-11-14T16:23:00.000+10:00

Hello my pretties!!!

Here is another video of the final installment of Smile's clothing drops in Indonesia. Spread the Love! Share with your friends and buy an item of clothing from their website here

Remember ONE FOR ONE - Just by purchasing a piece of Smile's clothing you are giving back to a child in need. This can help a child in a profound way such as providing a school uniform so that he/she may attend school and therefore have a chance at an education which we all easily have the luxury of.

You may view all their videos of different destinations from their trip on Vimeo here

Smile Clothing Indonesia. from Smile Clothing on Vimeo.

Published feature on EmilyKate

2011-11-13T12:48:00.002+10:00

A FEATURE ON EMILYKATE

Published by RY on November 12th, 2011

In the beautiful yet often deranged 7 year autobiographical film that I have been directing with the fashion industry, I very seldom have had the opportunity to catch up with my good friend, international model & designer, Emily Kate Symes. Its rare we are both in the same country let alone at the same shoot, yet somehow we ended up on the same remote island far far away. “Coron island, Calamian Islands of Palawan, Philippines” reads the casting brief, with a little map and an X over the top of where I had to be on the first Wednesday of August just gone. So its 9:05 on the morning of the shoot. I just got off a plane from Melbourne & its stinking hot, about 107 degrees, Im still in utter amazement of where i actually am, yet completely confused as to where I am supposed to be. Also, I’m unable to speak a word of ‘Tagalog’ which is the Philippine’s local language. Perhaps by the grace of god I hear the all too familiar message tone of my iphone ring loud and clear from bag… “Your Late, PS. Nice getup loser”. Holding the biggest smile of relief, I glanced frantically across the beach looking for Em. I literally did a double take when I first spotted her relaxing in a pastel peach, mint green and lilac kaftan with a bikini underneath and big beach hat. “Guess what? …. Got the hat for $4.00” she cheekily laughed as we swapped high 5’s and hello’s.

At 24, Emily is an ever growing drop-dead gorgeous natural beauty, with a personality that would bring a smile to anyone that had lived 5 lives of misery. Not only is she the national health and well being ambassador of the Philippines, Emily is a voracious enthusiast of writing (for her blog which you can visit here), the spearhead of EKOLUV, her latest venture (an online eco-sustainable-vintage lifestyle/fashion boutique) launching soon, and the founder of her Eco Luxury Vintage jewellery label EmilyKate. She also holds high regard for all things fashion styling, yoga (bikram, hatha, ashtanga), swimming (recreational), pilates, art, music, dancing, traveling and reading, as well as being an advocate of natural medicine which she lives by.

It’s 9:30 and I’m at the end of one of the longest shoots on record. I’m tired, extremely sunburnt and ready for bed. But we finally get to share some time and catch up on all things Emily Kate.

Its been a year since i was last at yours if you were cooking tonight what would be on the EK menu?
Since I spent the last few years based in Asia and with a few months of that time spent living and working in Thailand, I became even more obsessed with Thai food so anything oriental especially Thai would be on the menu.
Entree: Vietnamese rice paper rolls with sweet chilli dipping sauce
Main: Thai Panang tofu and vegetable curry (red creamy coconut curry)
Dessert: Mango and warm sticky rice with sweet coconut cream sauce poured on top

Talk to me about your jewelry label and what we can expect from the next collection?
EmilyKate is breaking the boundaries of what is ‘fashion’: providing luxury, vintage jewellery for the eco-conscious individual without compromising style. All EmilyKate pieces are handmade with love by myself using only the most rare, antique and vintage findings, materials, precious metals and stones combined to enhance the inner beauty of women, when a woman wears something she loves she feels confident and beautiful and she wears it as a statement to her being as an expression of what she wants to portray on an external level. The EmilyKate label aims to provide modern women high end quality, unique and timeless pieces to ensure her understated elegance and effortless beauty. “She is sensual. She is elegant. She is beautiful. She is….. wearing EmilyKate”. By incorporating vintage finds and materials into the creation of all pieces, EmilyKate is able to recycle and repurpose items that would otherwise be wasted, to manifest pieces which have a unique character and soul and the beauty that is imperfection by creating one-off or limited designs.

How is EmilyKate an Eco-Conscious Brand?
Eco-conscious production, recycled and made from already existing materials, stones or metals, often reclaimed from previously made items and/or bits and pieces and reworked into new ones. It’s made using vintage, surplus or remnant materials, and made locally in Australia, supporting on-shore production and using less fuel to get to you and some materials used are sourced from Australia. It’s made by hand, to order or in small batches, helping to encourage quality and craftsmanship, and to discourage “fast throw away fashion”. By purchasing an EmilyKate creation you are reducing your carbon footprint and helping the world to breathe, therefore giving back to our precious earth… My current collection Ethereal Beauty envisions women of myth, strong and beautiful women from Greek to Amazonian, Indian and Myan goddesses. Each piece represents the inner strength and beauty of what it is to be a woman and the love and light she has to share. I am currently enrolled in a jewellery (silversmith workshop) and therefore aim to advance my skills and learn how to melt and shape precious metals etc. I intend to implement what I have learnt into my future collections so you can expect a more edgier and experimental range using varied techniques to precious metals and stones too for my next collection.

I remember 5 years ago when you started focusing on your direction & design with the label, and looking at what your doing now i think your signature is still there.. like when I look at your shit I think – “yeah yeah thats emily”. How important is it to you, to remain true to your identity but still keep your pieces relevant to today’s trends?
I think it is important to remain true to my identity as a label, as in ‘identity’ I mean purpose. I don’t like to think EmilyKate has an identity as such, ‘identity’ is what separates us from each other when really we are all connected. What EmilyKate represents is something deeper than meets the eye, by wearing an EmilyKate piece you are part of something more, being eco-conscious and present to the environment, all pieces are made from fragments/pieces of the earth we live and breath from, precious metals and stones which also have various healing/energy properties. I’d like when people see an EmilyKate piece that they immediately identify with it as a statement “ hey of course I like to wear beautiful jewellery but I’m also conscious about how I go about it” buying designs that are limited help prevent ‘fast throw away’ fashion and promote unique,quality and eco-conscious production. Trends come and go the world of fashion is forever changing, EmilyKate is vintage and also contemporary at the same time and like the fashion world my label and myself are ever learning/growing and evolving too so I keep that in mind when I’m creating.

It seems like the Vintage Era had a real influence on you and your style. Where do you feel you picked up the origins of this inspiration?
I’ve always had a deep love for vintage stores and markets, I love the individuality that wearing vintage allows for. You know that you won’t be walking down the street and a dozen other women are wearing that same necklace as you. Vintage gives more room for creativity and self expression, vintage is always in fashion and never dies and I love the concept, “one’s trash, another’s treasure”. That inspired me to take the vintage direction with my jewellery along with the benefits that come along with using recycled/vintage materials it helps discourage mass production and relieves the environment of excess un necessary waste.

Away from the label, whats your position on the direction of where the fashion and modeling world is heading. I remember recently on your blog you posted about the importance of a healthy image …
Today, the industry has made leaps and bounds since the a la Kate Moss ‘Waif Thin’ era. More and more on the catwalks we are seeing healthier models a more realistic size and even campaigns featuring healthier looking models and the positive messages they promote. I love when fashion designers or magazine’s show a different type of image a more realistic/healthy image of what is beautiful. Images of women a more healthier dress size, or a picture of a woman smiling, having fun or simply just relaxing in the joyfulness and beauty of what it is to be a woman. What is cool to me is being comfortable in your own skin accepting your unique beauty in and out and that is why I started my blog to show that in many forms within the fashion industry and to provide an information resource center for this and about health and wellbeing too.

I love modeling but I especially love it more when I get to do jobs that are focused around my passion for wellbeing. However, there is still much progress to be made. In the media today sadly, we are still seeing this standard image portrayed onto women, to look like ‘stick insects’ or ‘lollipops’ these images presented in the media can have profound impacts on women today. It can subtly but basically tell women you should look like this and If you don’t then it can leave women asking the all too familiar questions… ‘What’s wrong with me, how come I don’t look like that?’ and ‘I’ll never look like that, will I ever be good enough?’ I myself have felt the pressures of the industry but it is important to remain strong, to love, appreciate and accept yourself for all that you are and know that most of the images portrayed in the media through the fashion industry and more importantly modeling are mostly ‘unrealistic’. I look forward to seeing the fashion and modeling industry evolve in supporting women and promoting more healthy images that encourage, strengthen and empower women.

Where are we going tomorrow? and whats your top 4 places to visit in the pines?
We are going island hopping around some of the other Calamianes islands in Palawan.
1)Bohol
2)El Nido
3)Amanpulo
4)Coron Island

If you had to describe Emily Kate Symes in 6 songs by 6 different artists what would they be?
1)Giving Up The Gun – Vampire Weekend
2)Ashes to Ashes (David Bowie Cover) – Warpaint
3)Paradise – ColdPlay
4)Fortune – Little Dragon
5)Electric Feel – MGMT
6)Strobe – Deadmau5

Click on the link below to view the article directly from the website...

http://yourfriendshouse.com/2011/a-feature-on-emilykate/

More images of pieces from The Ethereal Beauty Collection...

You can buy EmilyKate from the Following Stockists

AUSTRALIA

LUSH WARDROBE - Boutique
Shop 115 Ocean Resort Arcade, Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba, Australia, 4557

NAMI- Boutique ( Coming Soon! Stay tuned for stock arrival in November 2011)
4/8 Lawson St
Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
(02) 6685 8081
Will be launching in other selected boutiques across the nation. Stay tuned.....

PHILIPPINES

Firma - Boutique
G/F Greenbelt 3, Makati Ave. cor Esperanza St, Ayala Center, Makati, Philippines
Tel. No. 757 4009 Fax. No. 757 4010

Tru - Boutique
2 Flr/ Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati, Philippines

Chocolate schu - Boutique
R2 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati, Philippines
Tel. No. 899 6997 Mobile No. 0927 552 7588

BAYBAYIN ME!

2011-10-31T15:51:00.002+10:00

Sooo excited to start making my ring for my project tomorrow night at jewellery class. It's Sterling Silver set with Turquoise on both sides and etched with the ancient Filipino writing Baybayin (also known as Alibata to some). I will have it etched with three words that I feel speak truth to my being. PEACE,LOVE,JOY. Looking forward to the final product! <3 :)

Here are some words as an example of the ancient Filipino writing system....

The Baybayin has found itself popular over the last decade, more and more young people with Filipino heritage are all quick to don a tattoo with the ancient writing. The fascination seems to be with the alphabet seeming almost hieroglyphic like and therefore suitable for tattoo's also in which can have a deeper meaning and sense of pride for the country of the Philippines. (eg myself) :)

Baybayin is a pre-Spanish Philippine writing system. It is a member of the Brahmic family and is recorded as being in use in the 16th century. It continued to be used during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines up until the late 19th Century.

The term Baybay literally means "to spell" in Tagalog (the current national language of the Philippines). Baybayin was extensively documented by the Spanish and is also known by the name "Alibata" but this is incorrect.

Baybayin is one many individual writing systems used in South East Asia, nearly all of which are abugidas where any consonant is pronounced with the inherent vowel a following it— diacritical marks being used to express other vowels (this vowel occurs with greatest frequency in Sanskrit, and also probably in all Philippine languages). Modern scripts in the Philippines, descended from Baybayin, are Hanunó'o, Buhid, Tagbanwa and Kapampangan script.

Breaking the Illusion of Limitation

2011-10-29T20:26:00.000+10:00

Just thought I'd share this video with you all....

"You only limit that which you label and ascribe terms to. The truth can not be so easily forced into a box."

Man Up

2011-10-27T16:10:00.000+10:00

Preview of one of my recent shoots...

I love this look as seen on the runway by such big designers as Michael Kors (one of my favourite designers!)

Styling, Makeup & Hair - Caitlin Kenny @ CK Styling, Photography - Red Eclipse Studios

Healthy Image

2011-10-27T16:08:00.001+10:00

I love modeling but I especially love it more when I get to do jobs that are focused around my passion for wellbeing. In the media today sadly the standard image portrayed onto young women still, is to look like 'stick insects' or 'lollipops' but I love when magazine's show a different type of image a more realistic/healthy image of what is beautiful. Images of women a more healthier dress size, or a picture of a woman smiling, having fun or simply just relaxing in the joyfulness and beauty of what it is to be a woman. I simply don't care that this picture may not seem high fashion or cool enough compared to other standard fashion blogs posting out there, cool to me is being comfortable in your own skin accepting your unique beauty in and out and my goal with this blog is to show that in many forms within the fashion industry.

I'm really happy to be published in such a magazine as this that promotes health and wellness...

Nature & Health Magazine Australia - August/September 2011

Perfection

2011-10-25T12:08:00.000+10:00

I took this pic while holidaying on one of the beaches on Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines. It was simply beautiful!

Whatever I see in myself, whatever I see in you, whatever I see in the outer world, is a perfect reflection of my mind in the moment. The quality of my world is determined by the quality of my thoughts and perceptions. Whenever there is pure awareness, no thoughts, whenever we are fully present, then we glimpse the world in it's full radiant perfection.
-Quote taken from Happiness.org

Left and Right Of Brain

2011-10-25T11:52:00.000+10:00