Who takes your photos?

I do for the most part.  On the odd occasion there may be photos from another source and they are always credited where possible.

How do you take your photos?

I use a tripod (aka plant stand!) and a remote control.  I prefer using a remote to a timer as there is no running backwards and forwards.

What camera do you use?

For all the daily outfit photos I use an old Olympus point and shoot digital. It is an MJ something model (all the print has rubbed off) and about 6 years old.

For photos that I take out and about as well as some detail shots I am able to use a more sophisticated SONY DSLR 500.  When I eventually get a  remote for this one I’ll probably start using it for outfit shots too.

Which video camera do you use?

All my early videos were done on an old tape recording handi cam! The quality was poor and the light levels were difficult to control. So now, thanks to KODAK I have the very handy and teeny tiny Zi8!  It is smaller than my iPhone and does everything I need for tutorials  and vlogs.

Do you do all your own editing?

Yes, although I am certainly no expert and I fight with my PC a lot, I manage to make something acceptable with those limited skills.

Can I use your photos?

If you ask permission and include photos credits and link backs, you may.  Please do not download and use any photos without appropriate credit as this is considered a breach of copyright.

How did you learn to sew?

I grew up in a house where my mum sewed with regularity. She encouraged our creativity even though in the beginning my sewing skills extended to tape, glue and staples!

I always had grand ideas of what I wanted to make, but it took many years before my skills caught up with my imagination.  I learnt a lot of basic things from my mother, not least that unpicking is okay, and that there are some sewing rules you just can’t break.  I also gained a very good understanding about fabric, its composition and usages from mum and our many shopping expeditions.  Growing up before ‘fast fashion’ the only way to keep updating the wardrobe with trends and not go broke was to make it yourself.

When I decided to make a concerted effort to improve my skills I enrolled in fashion school with my baby brother, who by the way, could sew me under the table at that point!

Do you spend a lot of money on your outfits?

That all depends, but on the whole no.  I do believe in buying the best quality you can afford particularly when it comes to staple pieces.  This doesn’t mean paying through the nose for something that is just a high end brand though.  I buy vintage where possible as you always get far better quality for your dollar than for it’s modern counterpart.  I also buy a lot second hand and make many of my own pieces.

I don’t have a high wardrobe turn over and still have some things in there from 15 years ago!  So although if I added up everything in each outfit it may add up, but it certainly isn’t cash I’ve shelled out all at once.

Do you have an ‘everyday’ wardrobe?

What you see on the blog is what I really wear, everyday.  I don’t have the spare time to get all fancied up just to pose around for the blog and it is also important to me that what you both see and read on these pages is honestly the real me.  Here is a longer post I wrote about just that.

But what about cleaning? Don’t you get dirty?

Well I don’t clean in my Sunday best so to speak, but I do clean in the same everyday clothes you see here.  The difference is that I change heels for flats, put on a full apron and wear rubber gloves.  Other than digging holes in the garden, cleaning isn’t really a terribly grubby job.  It seems that we have just become conditioned in the last fifteen or so ears, to believe that housework is done in ratty old clothes with hair askew, not at all like the advertising images from the 1950′s with the fancy housewife.  While I don’t wear huge skirts and petticoats, I do bother to do my hair and face, as well as wear something that I could go to the shops in without embarrassment.  It is no more difficult and seeing good hair in the mirror as I clean it is infinitely preferable to looking at Witchy Poo hair!

Are you a hairdresser and how did you learn about hair styling?

Nope, I’m not a hairdresser and no I’ve never formally trained in any kind of hair styling.  I just like to experiment with my hair to achieve certain looks. It doesn’t always work out, but when it does it gives you a great boost.  Given that I only really work on my own hair it can be difficult to extrapolate my advice to everyone’s hair types, but I have a fairly good idea of what works on different types of hair and I’ll try and let you know what that is on each tutorial.  Even then, if your hair is very different from mine you’ll probably still be able to take a general inspiration from there and create something all for yourself.

How do you get that blond part of your hair done, which part is coloured?

To answer that, best check out these pics.

Do you use whitening products on your skin? How do you stay so fair?

No, not at all. I wear sunscreen everyday both on my body and on my face – even in winter!  I always carry a collapsible parasol in my handbag and try to avoid direct harsh sunlight where possible.  The Australian sun is particularly harsh with high UV levels, so it only makes sense to protect yourself in as many ways as possible.  Also, good sun protection is the key to avoiding premature aging, so if you want to save a fortune on wrinkle cream -cover up!

How old are you?

Old enough not to have to answer that question!

Do you have household staff?

No. I often wish I did but I can be a bit of a control freak and like things done my way.  This does mean that there is often three weeks worth of ironing before I get to it, but I have a very understanding family. I’ll start taking applications for Butlers the minute I can afford it though!

Do you have an assistant that helps with the blog?

Also no.  I know I often need help to manage things but it isn’t a viable option.  Super Kawaii Mama is a one woman show for the most part but I do occasionally outsource projects where possible.  Things like coding and illustration I get help with these days, but in the beginning had to do everything myself.

How do I follow your blog?

You can add me to your RSS reader by clicking on the orange icon on the right hand bar and follow me on the other sites listed with the other icons.

Can I link to you?

Certainly.

How can I advertise on Super Kawaii Mama?

Just click here for more information.

What is the deal with sponsored posts and ads?

Because maintaining this blog has become a full time job, I need to find wayas to make it pay for itself and come at least someway to compensating for the huge amount of hours I pour into it. So to keep me writing I accept sponsors based on a fully transparent model.  That is, if I have been paid to post about something I will always tell you. Also, I have a policy that any product or service I endorse in this manner must be actually USED and APPROVED by me. I won’t be bribed into telling you something is great if it isn’t, ’cause that is just crap.  You are welcome to ask me to review your product, but that doesn’t guarantee I’ll write about it if it doesn’t pass the test.

I would love to feature you / interview you etc… Do you take requests?

Sure, just email me some details and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Can you help me with my own personal style?

While I’d like to help everyone, it just isn’t possible with only 24 hours in the day.  Firstly I recommend checking the archives for the answers you are looking for as well as tutorials that might apply to you.  It there is something specific, try the search function entering the terms you are looking for eg: “Larger size vintage”.

There are over 600 posts in the archives so there is a good chance you’ll find something helpful there.

You are still welcome to contact me with your request and  I’ll attempt to get back to you where possible.

info@superkawaiimama.com