SPINE OVER MATTER: A MODEL'S GUIDE TO SMART ESSENTIALS - FROM PHOTOSHOOTS TO CORPORATE
- Eli Yeung
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Between modelling and my daily life as a marketing executive, my bag has become my mobile confidence command centre. The secret to looking put-together isn't carrying your entire wardrobe – it's knowing exactly what pieces make you feel unstoppable yet practical and stylish!
THE BASICS OF SMART PACKING
Growing up in Singapore, I often heard Singaporeans describe themselves as "basic"—always in jeans and a T-shirt. But what they called basic, I learned to make brilliant and translate that into my "model-off-duty" look. It's never about what you wear; it's how you wear it, how you carry it, and how you own it.
And let's be real – when your spine has more curves than a mountain road (hello, post-op scoliosis life! 👋), the last thing you need is lugging around half your wardrobe between marketing meetings and casting calls. Having scoliosis has taught me that carrying less isn't just a style choice – it's what helps me stay comfortable and confident throughout my busy day.
THE FOUNDATION
I've always gravitated towards what I call "casual professional”—that sweet spot millennials seem to have mastered perfectly. You know the kind: polished enough for the boardroom, comfortable for castings, and stylish for after-work events. When navigating between corporate meetings and casting calls, every piece needs to earn its place in your wardrobe.
THE BASICS OF SMART PACKING
Here's something about my "basic" wardrobe: I rarely shop. When I do, it's either because something needs replacing or because I've found a piece that truly speaks to me. Even then, you'll find me pondering for weeks, sometimes months. Why? Because I've learned to distinguish between "wants" and "needs."
WHAT'S IN MY BAG: THE CONFIDENCE KIT
The Bag Itself
The Original Givenchy Nightingale Bag — My trusted companion since 2014. It is the perfect size for travel yet smart enough for evening events. When you find the right bag, you keep it. This one has seen me through countless castings, meetings, and nights out. (You'll need to scour the internet for it, but, Vestiaire Collective is a good start) [Affiliate Link]
The Wardrobe Warriors
COS Essential Tee — There's something powerful about a perfectly cut t-shirt. The way it falls, the way it photographs, the way it makes you feel ready for anything. Sometimes, the simplest piece becomes your strongest statement. [Affiliate Link]
Uniqlo HeatTech Thermal — This is my secret weapon as a tropical person living in Belfast's cooler climate. Nobody wants to be shivering during important conversations! These invisible confidence boosters keep you warm without the stuffed burrito look. Perfect for those long days of back-to-back commitments. [Affiliate Link]
The Structure Makers
Investment Jackets — A good jacket transforms your entire look with structure, texture, and depth. My top tried-and-true collection includes: [Affiliate Links]
Pro tip: Invest in genuine leather with classic shapes and functional pockets to compartmentalise your belongings for practicality—they truly stand the test of time. Also, I love to keep my trousers’ pockets empty; you'll look smarter, too!
Brandless Overshirt [Weather Dependent] — those in-between days, I go for the monochrome double denim look. It's my three-in-one solution: stylish, elongating, and requires zero thought. Efficiency at its finest! Also, I had this denim shirt since I was 18!
COS Light Blue Straight Jeans — Trends come and go, but classic jeans are forever. They are the ultimate versatile piece—pair them with any white shirt or tee, and you're ready for anything. [Affiliate Link]
The Skin Saviors
grüum Skyda Daily Defence SPF50 — The best confidence boost is knowing your skin is protected. Plus, it doesn't leave that ghostly cast under office or studio lights.
Burt's Bees Lip Balm — My secret weapon for camera-ready lips and client meetings. No matter what, chapped lips are never the look we're going for. [Affiliate Link]
Tech Essentials
Apple AirPod Max — For those pre-meeting power playlists and last-minute accent practice between Belfast and London. Sometimes, you need to create your own quiet space on a busy day. [Affiliate Link]
Anker MagSafe Charger — A dead phone never helps anyone's confidence. Plus, it's how I keep all my schedules, meeting details, and portfolio at hand. [Affiliate Link]
The Scent Essentials
The Commodity Fragrance "Book" — My signature scent since discovering it. There's something powerful about smelling like fresh paper and wooden shelves. It's professional enough for the office yet intriguing enough for castings. Perfect for those who appreciate subtle sophistication. [Affiliate Link]
AKT Deodorant SC.01 Orange Grove — When you're running between photoshoots and corporate meetings, you need something that actually works. This sustainable deodorant keeps you fresh without compromising on style. Plus, the minimal packaging looks great in your bag! [First Order 25% Off Code: ELI25]
The Power Pieces
Walk London shoes — When your journey involves multiple transitions between office and studio, comfort becomes power. These have carried me through countless London streets without compromising style.
Classic Clubmaster RayBan — Some days, these aren't just sunglasses – they're my confidence armour. Perfect for those early morning commutes or when you need to feel like your best self. [Affiliate Link]
THE MENTAL STRENGTH CONNECTION
Here's the thing about travelling light – it's not just about physical weight. Every item you don't pack is one less decision to make, one less pound for my twisty-turny spine to carry (trust me, it's already doing enough acrobatics on its own). That mental and physical clarity is priceless when you're focused on bringing your best self to the office and castings.
From marketing meetings to modelling castings, from Singapore to Belfast to London, I've learned that confidence isn't in the complexity—it's in the clarity—in knowing exactly who you are and what makes you shine. And sometimes, that means accepting that your spine might have some extra personality, but it doesn't have to carry extra baggage.
THE MINDFUL CHOICE
The biggest lesson I've learned on this dual journey of corporate life and modelling isn't about having more—it's about having enough. Enough to feel confident, enough to be prepared, and enough to handle whatever the day throws at you, whether it's a surprise client presentation or an unexpected casting call.
And sometimes, that "enough" is just a perfectly fitted white T-shirt and your favourite jeans, worn with the confidence of someone who knows exactly who they are. The real power move? Being able to walk past a store window full of "must-haves" and knowing that what you already own is exactly what you need – for both the boardroom and the runway.
Your Turn
Start with the basics:
1. What makes you feel unstoppable?
2. Which pieces give you that main character energy?
3. What can you remove to make space for confidence?
Remember, your journey might look different from mine – and that's exactly how it should be. We're all taking our own scenic routes, after all. Sometimes, the most straightforward path becomes the most brilliant one.
Catch you around the bend! 🏞️
Eli
* Some links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Don't worry – the price remains the same for you, and these are all products I genuinely use and love.
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