Nittaya - Closet for a Cause

Picture Perfect

2011-05-25T17:12:00.000+10:00

It has been almost a whole month since my last blogpost. It is definately way too long but when I stop and remember that I'm eight months pregnant and only just finished work (yesterday!), I cut myself a little slack.

I miss Nittaya, the clothes, the people and the creativity. Hopefully over the next couple of weeks before my world becomes somewhat different, I can get things moving along again. And afterwards?.... well we'll just have to wait and see how things go.

Despite the business, there have been a number of things going on behind the scenes. I was privileged enough to photograph my beautiful sister Sarah for her very first headlining gig, which was a great successs! Photographing her was really easy, especially with the gorgeous location, and those blue eyes.

A few weeks ago we held a stall at the Ladies Night Out Market. I would like to thank Tania Grimshaw for running the stall; she did an incredible job and the night was a great success.

Last but not least we will be at Plenty Valley Christian College tomorrow with our beautiful collections. It's been almost a year since we were there and it was a wonderful day. Hopefully tomorrow will be just as successful. PVCC girls - we would love to see you there!

I hope you like these photos. This one is one of my favourites so far. Nothing can compare to natural lighting! Over the next few weeks we'll be shooting the beginnings of our Winter collection so stay tuned. oxo

Autumn

2011-04-28T17:53:00.000+10:00

I just love the late afternoons this time of year. Even though it's a little chilly, it's so beautiful to be out just as the sun starts to go down. The natural light is incredible and means I barely have to do any re-touching at all. This week marks the end of Autumn... sad I know... but at least there are still lots of Autumn leaves everywhere you look.

Sarah de Haan

2011-04-25T17:22:00.000+10:00

I am very privileged to have three wonderful, talented and exceptionally beautiful sisters. I've already featured my youngest sister Katie on this blog and now it's time to introduce you to Sarah.

She has an amazing gift in writing music; in describing events, stories and people in ways you couldn't imagine. Soon she'll be having her very first headliner at the Wesley Anne in Northcote. Recently we went to the local Hawkstowe park reserve to shoot some photos for the gig flyer (which we'll feature soon). The location was just beautiful, especially in the late afternoon. I was really impressed with the variety of places to shoot and ended up with lots of great photos which I'll save for another post. Sarah was very natural to shoot ... she has this calm beauty about her.

We had a great time although we returned to find we'd left her keys in her car and spent an hour trying to break in before Sarah turned the coat hanger to just the right angle and popped open the lock! I am in love with this photo below. So much so that it is my current desk top background. Isn't she beautiful?!

Old favourites

2011-04-20T17:17:00.000+10:00

Nittaya was founded in October 2009 and since then we have been committed to growing and developing so we can better help those in need. Those of you who have been around for a while have probably noticed our gradual changes, hopefully in a positive way. Over the last year and a half we have found some amazing pieces. Here is a selection of beautiful items that have been around for a little while and are somehow still available! If you're interested in any of the items we would love to hear from you at info@nittaya.com.au

The wide leg blue pants are super hot! In excellent condition, these vintage pants are sure to become an amazing part of your wardrobe (Size 6-8). Another unique find was this hot pink leather skirt (Size 8-10). The next two skirts are brand new, made by Australian designer Hunnah-Lea. You can see more of her work here: www.hunnah-leadesigns.com.au

Coming up to Winter we can't get enough of our coats, jackets and blazers. We love the colour of these two, aswell as the length - perfect to wear with high-waisted pants or a skirt. And the shirt! Oh how we LOVE this rose print retro shirt. It feels incredibly sexy on.

Lastly, we have the autumn blouse with a cute pussy bow tie at the neck, a super chunky purple winter cardi and this gorgeous slim line black blazer. Hope you like. Remember, if you're interested in purchasing any of these items just email us at info@nittaya.com.au

Autumn Collection

2011-04-03T14:03:00.000+10:00

It's been a while since my last post. So busy with baby plans, friends wedding plans and sister's engagements (times two!), not to mention photoshoots, work and being pregnant! But it has been a wonderful few weeks full of excitement and great expectations. I thought I'd take some time out to show you some of the latest collection, some of which you might have seen, and others which will be uploaded to our facebook page tomorrow night - www.facebook.com/ilovenittaya.

I've been coming across some beautiful dresses for the cooler season as well as gorgeous jumpers and jackets that make you want to curl up in front of an open fire. Here are some of my favourites.

As winter is still to come, I have taken the opportunity to squeeze in some items for the few sunny days we have remaining. I am in love with this floral maxi skirt and would be keeping it except for my pregnant belly not allowing me to wear it! The prom dress just makes me all excited inside, as though I were getting ready to go to a party. It really is one of a kind.

One of the best things about the cool weather is being able to rug up and feel all cozy. Bring on the woolen jumpers I say! And as for looking fantastic in the cold, you can't go past this divine rose silk blouse. Wear it with tights and a mini, velvet leggings or even jeans and it looks amazing. Hope you like oxo.

REVIEW

2011-03-22T09:49:00.000+11:00

Recently I went shopping with my sister for her engagement party. I hadn't been shopping for a while so it was great to see the current fashions. In particular I loved the beautiful clothes in Review. Last years Prada and Louis Vuitton collections, celebrating feminity with 50's silouhettes, have clearly influenced these latest designs. I have been looking forward to seeing how these styles would infiltrate mainstream fashion and now that they are here I am not the least bit disappointed! The only problem is that my pregnant figure doesn't particularly allow me to wear these divine high-waisted skirts! I will just have to enjoy seeing everybody else wear them.

My favourite item at Review is this full black satin high-waisted skirt. While the length is fairly long, I think it is perfect, and I love the way the tulle underneath has created a fuller look. After all this admiring I feel I might have to find a way to make this style work - even with a bump!
See more beautiful review items here http://www.review-australia.com/

One fine day

2011-03-15T19:05:00.000+11:00

On a very hot day in January, some friends and I headed to the beautiful Abbotsford Convent. Once a month they have a farmers market, but if you visit any other time they have a beautiful bakery, cafe, and restaurant open. This particular day we had a bite to eat at the yummy lentil as anything, then strolled around the magnificent grounds.

I fell in love with the beautiful gardens, particularly the wisteria flowers. It was easy to imagine spending the entire day here, having a picnic, reading, with a glass of wine. I would love to photograph a collection here one day, hopefully in the the not too distant future.

Dusk

2011-03-13T17:59:00.000+11:00

One of my favourite times to take photos is late afternoon. The sun is just about to set, so you can't leave it too late, but it creates the most beautiful, warm, natural light. These photo's were taken in January with my beautiful sister Katie. Now that we're in Autumn and it's starting to colder, this lighting may be harder to come by. But I'll chase it down! Hope you like oxo

St Andrews market

2011-03-09T17:36:00.000+11:00

Whenever I go to St Andrews market I feel relaxed, inspired and peaceful. Rain or shine, this unique market is always bustling with people. I love the sense of community; meeting new and interesting people, finding treasure in other people's trash and eating incredible food with complete strangers. The people are always so kind and friendly that you can't help but feel a part of the family. Sure the 6.30am starts are a killer but once the day gets going you soon forget about your lack of sleep. Besides, there's always time for a snooze when things are a bit quiet!

My dear friend and Nittaya model Tara loaned me these gorgeous homemade flags for the stall. We had so many comments about how great they looked that we're considering making some of our own! The market is always a great opportunity to showcase what we do here at Nittaya. People love hearing that all the profits go to charity, particularly in the last few months when we have donated to those affected by the recent natural disasters. As well as our current items being available, we also have a sale rack where all items at the amazing price of $5!

A few things you must try at the market: the bakery at the end of one of the upper aisles has the most amazing raspberry danishes I've ever had! Unfortunately I don't have a picture, but every time we're at St Andrews we set up the stall then go and get a danish. They melt in your mouth and the raspberries are so sweet. I must confess that last time we were there I had two! (One for me and one for baby) There is also a stall that makes lemonade and while it is a little on the tangy side, it is absolutely delicious and perfect for those warm days. Lastly, I'm not sure how often this is available but sometimes there is a young lady doing henna and as you can see it looks incredible. It lasts a few weeks and is super cheap!
I hope to see you at the market someday - if you ever visit make sure you come and say hello!

Meet Nittaya

2011-02-21T17:38:00.000+11:00

In June 2009 I headed to Northern Thailand to work in an orphanage and local schools. It was an incredible experience, my very first overseas and one that would inspire me. Thailand itself captured me from the word go - the scenery, food and most of all, the people. We stayed at an orphanage in Northern Thailand and were privileged to experience real culture! The food, cooked Mamma's each meal time, was tantalizing. There were 100 children from 4 - 18 years of age living there.

We worked in a local school for two days, teaching English. It was challenging coming up with lesson plans teaching numbers, colours and feelings. We sang and danced - anything that the kids might be able to relate to. Back at the orphanage we decided to do something for the community. It turned out that the toilet block needed cleaning! So we cleaned and scrubbed then painted it blue and lavender. The kids were thrilled with the result!

At the orphanage I was privileged to meet a young girl, who insisted I call her by her nickname, Ning. Although I could not understand her language, nor she mine, we got to know each other through the limited words we did know, signals, lots of hand gestures and pointing. She had a mother who lived far away, she was in her final year of schooling and wished to go to university the following year to study social science but said she wouldn't be able to because there was no money available for her to go. I told her about my husband and how I played the piano. It was incredible to feel so connected to someone even though we could not understand each other. Every day we would talk, discover and laugh together. She was beautiful, funny, warm, inspirational, ambitious, and spirited. Meet Nittaya.

On returning to Melbourne I felt so connected with Nittaya I wanted to do something about it! And not just for her, but for anyone who needed a bit of extra help, all around the world. So I decided to launch Nittaya, an organisation that raises money for those in need through the sale of incredible fashion. With pen to paper I set about planning, researching and designing what Nittaya would do, be and how it would function. Soon after we had a launch event which raised over $700 to send Nittaya (the girl) to university. Through buying our clothes and accessories, you have helped numerous amounts of people all over the world. Thank you so much for your support!

New collection

2011-01-17T19:51:00.000+11:00

Welcome to my blog - a place to share inspiration, new collections, ideas, passions, and general love of life! I look forward to sharing with you, I've already got some incredible things planned including the story behind Nittaya. But for now...

I can't believe we are already well into January! Despite the lack of sun it's still wonderful that it's summertime and so we have some beautiful new items for you. They can be purchased at facebook.com/ilovenittaya. Here are some of my favourites.

I hope you all like them, can't wait to hear what you think. The amazing model is my dear friend Tara who makes every shoot super fun and the results always amazing so thankyou! Lastly I just wanted to remind you that all of our profits untill the end of January go to the QLD flood relief appeal so please help us make a big difference to those in need.

Feel free to leave your thoughts. Untill next time oxo