Almost go time!

A lot goes on behind the scenes to get me TV ready

Nikki Parkinson Fashion 34 Comments

Sponsored by Nuffnang

By the time the final autumn-winter 2012 Emerson at Big W advertorial screens on Channel Seven’s The Morning Show this morning, I MAY have got used to seeing and hearing myself on television.

Somehow I doubt it though.

The reality is that while that uber-glam version of myself is beaming back at me from the flat screen in our lounge room, I’ll most probably be sitting at my desk, watching in a house dress, my hair a mess, having hastily pulled it back off my face before the school run.

(I know! And they say fashion and beauty blogging is glamorous.)

The reality is there’s A LOT that goes on behind the scenes to make TV presenters look, well, presentable. They still look like them. Just better versions of them.

That was the case with me, anyway. I’m sure Kylie and Larry just wake up looking like that …

Anyway, I thought you might be curious to know a bit more about the whole process – from being asked to work with Big W and Emerson – through to what you will see this morning on the telly.

It was more than a bit exciting to be called up by Steeledrum PR to be asked if I’d consider being the Big W Emerson talent for their proposed television advertorials. (Happy dances may have been performed 😉 )

Consider it? It was such a no brainer really. In terms of brand alignment and my blog, Emerson is such a great fit. I loved the clothes already and I knew you – my Styling You readers – did too.

So, I said YES and before I knew it was I was booked on a plane to Sydney.

It was about the time of the flight confirmation email landing in my inbox that a wee panic may have set in.

Number one panic reason: OMG, what am I going to wear?

Number two panic reason: Umm, I’ve never done this kind of TV before … uni journalism doesn’t count and being on the receiving end of the odd TV news interview doesn’t really either.

EEEK. This is the real deal. I’m going to be paid to be professional, to represent someone’s brand.

Can. Not. Stuff. It. Up.

Which is why the guy next to me on the flight probably thought I was a real loopy, muttering away to myself as I read and re-read that script over and over again.

By the time I touched down and arrived early the next morning at the Willoughby studios where the Morning Show advertorials are filmed, I knew my $5 rib tee from my $9 jean and $20 platform shoes. AND I had my outfit sorted.

AND, importantly (!), I was put into the capable chair of hair and makeup artist Annette.

Annette’s been making TV people look good for 20 years, so I let her do her stuff, with just the simple request: can you please take 10 years off?

At least she laughed.

Annette works her hair and makeup magic on me on set. I'm wearing Big W Avella top $29.94 and Emerson heels $18.96

Annette works her hair and makeup magic on me on set. I’m wearing Big W Avella top $29.94 and Emerson heels $18.96

Is there a mike in there?

Oops … up again … need to be miked.

 

Now if only that piece of hair wouldn't keep coming across your face ...

Now if only that piece of hair wouldn’t keep coming across my face …

... there is goes again (I think I need Annette to just walk around with me all day)

… there it goes again (I think I need Annette to just walk around with me all day)

Almost go time!

Almost go time!

Yes, MY mike is working. And yes, those tees really are just $5

Yes, MY mike is working. And yes, those tees really are just $5. I’m ready to tell anyone who wants to listen!

But enough about me, you want to see the models’ outfits, right?

It’s all about that $5 rib tee, for which Emerson at Big W is famous. It comes in either a 3/4 sleeve, long sleeve, scoop or round neck and you’ll find a variety of colours in store.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: layer, layer, layer … with those tees and with key accessories to create a look that you can call your own. I’ve highlighted some of those key styling points from the outfits below. And yes, all the accessories are Emerson too.

The $5 Emerson rib tee at Big W styled three ways

The $5 Emerson rib tee at Big W … styled three ways

Note the pop of colour we’ve done on all three outfits – the rust coloured cardi, the red ballet flats and the leopard print heels. These are all such simple additions that will lift a basic outfit to the next level.

I’m also a big fan of layering a piece that will give the illusion of elongating your body (we all like that, don’t we?). In the outfit on the left, we’ve done this with two long necklaces. In the middle outfit, we’ve added my accessory friend, the scarf.

An outfit that has impact is also one that is finished with accessories that add impact. In the “off to work” outfit on the left, we’ve added a two-tone, chained handbag. In the “out with the girls” outfit on the right we’ve added a stack of bracelets and bangles and a cute patent-look clutch. Oh and a red lippy, of course.

So simple really.

For more tips and see it all in action, switch on The Morning Show today from 9-11am. And for more on the Emerson range at Big W, head in store or check out the Emerson section of the Big W site.

Which is your favourite piece from those featured above?

Comments 34

  2. I haven’t seen the segment, but congrats! I loved seeing what happens behind the scenes. For a 5 minute segment, there is so much effort that goes into it.

    I have to admit, I worry about the ethical part of clothes being so cheap. I don’t mind paying more if I know the workers that make the clothes are being paid correctly and have safe working conditions.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      I hear you Beauty in a Bottle. Before working with Big W, I read up on Woolworths ethical sourcing policy and I’m confident that this is a company that strives to do the right thing: http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/IROL/14/144044/Woolworths_Limited_Corporate_Responsibility_Report_2011.pdf

      My passion is to help all women feel good about themselves and I get that not everyone has a budget to buy expensive clothes – mind you, some of those more expensive clothes come from the same overseas factories … they just come with a bigger mark-up!

      Even Australian-made, does not necessarily guarantee ethically made – but organisations like Ethical Clothing Australia are doing good work to highlight those labels that are. http://www.ethicalclothingaustralia.org.au

      Reply

      1. Thanks for that link Nikki! 🙂 I’m going to do a “Against Animal Testing In April” for my blog, and its amazing how many brands don’t trade ethically! Its really made me look at what I use, and what things I am willing to give up since they test on animals.

        Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  4. Hi Nikki, haven’t been able to catch you on the telly yet I’m afraid, is there any chance that you can upload your segment on YouTube for us your diehard followers 😛

    Love how you styled the three ladies – never saw $5 tees look more appealing! I’m going to check out the Emerson range when we hit Chaddy tomorrow (that’s Chadstone shopping centre here in Melbourne) and see what the fuss is all about! Have a feeling I’ll end up with tees, jeans, leopard & cobalt blue heels & more LOL! I’ll bet it will all still come under $100 though! Wow! Wish me luck 🙂

    Reply

      1. Lol you’re right jamsandwich! Not usually a Big W shopper I assumed that the biggest shopping mall in Oz would have a store but I guess not! Nikki, can you do something about that?! 😛

        Reply
        1. Post
          Author
    2. Post
      Author

      1. Thanks and that’s ok darl. Maybe one of your lovely readers has taped it or can tape it or something? Just an idea 🙂 In the meantime I double-checked and good ole Southland has a Big W so off to there to get my Emerson loot, woot woot ;-D

        Reply
        1. Post
          Author

          1. Oh really? What a shame 🙁 Your aunty must live in Cheltenham too? Prime location if down the street from S’land!! Small world! 🙂

            Reply
            1. Post
              Author

  5. You look fabulous Nikki! I love the pop of color and the mix you’ve created. We don’t get Emerson here but I’m sure I’ll find a look alike. Like your blue heels. PRETTY!

    Also, I don’t know if I should ask you but there is no one better I can think of. We are throwing a “got engaged” party on the 6th of April and my saree is light beige.I’m very confused about my footwear and jewelry. Would you be kind enough to suggest? If you get some free time that is! You are a talented, busy woman. 🙂

    Love
    Roy

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author

      Oh, thanks so much Amy – that’s very lovely of you to say. So, my secret … I actually did an amazing public speaking course two years ago that not only helped me put together speeches and keynotes but worked on the self-doubt stuff we all have about ourselves. Doesn’t mean I don’t have the self doubt anymore, just have some tools to deal with it better – especially in situations like this. Here’s who I did it with: http://www.qlg.com.au/

      Reply

  7. Loving the Emerson range, thanks to you. I’ve got a public make-up gig tomorrow that I have to wear black pants and black t-shirt, so I went a bought the Emerson one…perfect length for moi. They never specified shoe colour, so I’m wearing the little blue flats from Emerson too! Just had to throw some colour in there.
    x Marnie

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author

  9. Just caught you on the Morning Show and how fab are you – what a natural 🙂 I’m yet to check out these $5 tees as I don’t think these really suit me and I look a bit blah. Do they have much stretch? I can’t bear to hear anymore about these super cheap jeans until they bring out a tall girl version 😉

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Thanks so much Caz. I’m using the tees as layering. For me they’ll go under my sleeveless tunic tops and dresses – I love the 3/4 sleeves best – as where I live that’s pretty much my trans-seasonal and winter daytime wardrobe sorted! I’ve bought a stack for my teenage daughter as she’s going on a school ski trip and they’re perfect for warmth and layering a couple of colours together to look great with jeans and a scarf.

      Reply

  10. I love this. I think it’s all kinds of wonderful that more and more brands we love are turning to bloggers to promote their wares. And you do it beautifully. You did before {important to note, I think!}.

    Now, do you have friends in high places that can make me an 11 in the colbolt blue heel? 😉

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Thanks Melissa … all I can do re the shoes is pass on the feedback! And yes, thanks for noting that I did promote Big W before I was paid to do so. It’s what has made it a really easy fit for me. Thank-you x

      Reply

  11. I unfortunately turned on just in time to see the tailend of your segment. But let me just say that you looked gorgeous Nikki! That make-up lady had a head start with you – but I think that you looked incredible. The Emerson range looks pretty good too!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  12. Can’t wait to see it, never liked big w range of clothes much but the new Emerson range has changed all that!
    Alrady bought the denim skinnys for $9 and am now eyeing off the those leopard print shoes!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.