The ‘Straight to You’ journey

The ‘Straight to You’ look book finally dropped a couple of of weeks ago! Inspired by 60s style and spliced with a contemporary edge, I’m beyond chuffed to release this beautiful baby into the world. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m not going to lie, the path to this point was a little like the Byron Shire’s notoriously pot-holed roads—bumpy as all hell.

Here’s a glimpse into the ‘Straight to You’ journey and the people who made it so special!

A winding road
It’s about a year since our last look book Cinema Paradiso dropped, and back then I felt things were about to really move forward for this little vintage business. But not long after, my beautiful Mum died, which was devastating, and then the universe decided it wasn’t quite done with throwing curveballs my way. Over the next couple of months, I also lost two other very special beings in my life. It really threw me off balance and there’s no doubt the past 12 months have been the hardest of my life.

I questioned everything, and even had moments where I thought I needed to close the Green Door. But just the thought of taking that step was super upsetting after dreaming about having this little business for so long. So, I trusted my instinct that Green Door was too important to let go of, even though I couldn’t quite see the woods for the trees at the time.

I gave myself some time and space to grieve and heal, and then, over time, all my energy and passion started showing up again (oh hey guys, missed you!). It was sitting in my favourite local café, Keith’s in Murwillumbah (more on Keith’s later), that I was hit with the jolt of inspiration I needed and the creative concept for this look book was born.

A band of merry legends: community, collaboration… and coffee!
When anyone from Sydney or Melbourne first contemplates moving up to the Northern Rivers, one of the first questions they ask is, ‘is there good coffee?’ Well, I was no different! But for me it was, ‘is there good coffee?’ and also, ‘is there a cinema?’

Safe to say we lucked out big time on both fronts by living near Murwillumbah 😉 And it’s clear that I haven’t strayed far from my core concerns (a gal’s gotta be consistent after all). Look book 1 was shot in our beautiful local cinema, The Regent, and look book 2 was shot in my favourite café—the legendary Keith’s (@keith_murwillumbah). Can confirm: the team at Keith’s knows how make a bloody good cup of joe (and don’t get me started on those Friday night cocktails). As an added bonus, Katie and Matt (the owners) have a seriously good eye for kitsch, eclectic vintage styling. Let’s just say Keith’s is kinda like my spiritual home, so I couldn’t have asked for a better space for my next shoot. Thanks Katie and Matt!

I do these look books not just for the pretty pics, but because I love the idea of collaborating with other creative people to bring a vision together. We’re so lucky to live in a place filled with epic humans doing so many interesting and inspiring things—the hustle is real round here! Murwillumbah has such a good energy about at the moment, with lots of rad new creative businesses popping up without compromising the sense of charm and history of this fab little art deco town.

So, here’s a big nod to all the legends that brought their heads and hearts to this latest look book.

Behind the lens was Sanne, the beautiful photographer I found on Instagram (@swphotographylennox). Sanne is based in Lennox Heads and just starting her photography business. I approached her on Insta and she was totally for bringing this to life!

Working her hair and makeup wizardry AND serving looks in front of the camera was Elisha of Little Pony Tales (@littleponytales) in Stokers Siding, who also happens to be my creative fairy godmother! I met her not long after I moved and we have been having creative fun since—she is an amazing hair and makeup artist and also has so much fun in front of the camera. I love her confidence and the playfulness that she brings to our shoots, she’s such an inspiration for just getting out there, doing the damn thing, and following your passion.

And last but by no means least, that other total dreamboat wearing the Green Door threads with such style is the lovely Georgia (@ggeogiaparkerr, who actually did the make up on our Cinema Paradiso look book last year. This year she switched it up from makeup to modelling, and she (clearly!) is just super talented and confident in front of the camera. Her energy is infectious and we just love this sparkly little bombshell.

It was thanks to this bunch that my vision came together and we got such a fab outcome—I couldn’t be more grateful to them.

Life lessons via look books
So now it’s all done and dusted, I gotta say it feels pretty damn good to look back over the last 12 months and be feeling like I’m nearly back at that really inspired place I was, before shit went south.

No doubt life will continue to throw things at me, just like it does to all of us at various times, but I’ve learned that it’s important to acknowledge those hardships and take the time you need to get back to a good place. And when you do emerge (and trust me, you will!), the feeling of getting back to yourself is just so bloody amazing.

So, here’s to making shit happen, no matter what, and not beating ourselves up about the journey. Enjoy Straight to You! Ax

Visit our online store to view the latest vintage ♥️ you can also find us at Clem’s Cargo Marketplace, 38 Tweed Street, Brunswick Heads NSW. Open 10am – 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.