Posts from August 2016

Be Brave…Be Love…Be You ♥

August 23, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Creative Direction – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Ungasan Clifftop Resort, Bali, Indonesia

Outfit Details

Rings – Moonstone | Rainbow Dream | Mandala | Midi rings

Third look – Mesh Long Sleeve Bodysuit

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring” Marilyn Monroe

I’m loving the resurgence of lacy, sheer bodysuits and bralettes, and I’m so happy that it has finally become more acceptable to wear underwear as outerwear. I’ve always been a fan of delicate lacy negligee and accessorising it to be part of my wardrobe, even when I would get the ‘You can’t wear that out!” comments. I think I spent the better part of the 90’s op shopping for silky, lacy nighties and then tie dying them. Almost 2 decades have passed and I’m still rocking the under garment look and loving it!

These Bras n Things bodysuits are pretty much a dream come true for my wardrobe. They totally work with so many different styles; from cocktail wear, bohemian chic, festival, to rock chick. On my recent Bali trip, the Ivory Ordella bodysuit was perfect for a relaxing sunset dinner at the resort. I accessorised it with layers of delicate gold jewels + a flowing silk maxi skirt…I truly felt like a bohemian goddess.

I’m always down for a little festival style and a good sunday sesh. Beach club bound, I paired this perfect plunging Kendra bodysuit with some distressed denim, silver hardware and an old school classic, the black faux leather choker, to finish of this look. I also love how easily I could layer the sheer long sleeve bodysuit for evening.

For all you lace lovers and wild hearts, always stay true to your inner style, wear what you love, forget about what other people say, let your unique style be seen, and share, share, share your magnificent spark of light with the world.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

One Love

August 8, 2016

Photographer – Bobby Bense

Drone Photography – Longest Way Round

Creative Director/Model – Helen Janneson Bense

Assistant – Sophie Ferguson

Macro Photography/Assistant Styling – Longest Way Round, Sophie Ferguson

Props – Pretty Willow

Flowers – A Little Bohemia

Stationary – The Little Press

Hair Styling – The Nest Hair Boutique

Outfit Details

Ti Adora by Alvina Valenta Dress

Canyon Moon Mesh Duster – Spell Designs

Faux Fur Stole – Review

Three Stone Love Ring – Alice Or Jewellery

Dark Romance Neck Collar + Cuff + Crystal Stud Earrings | Gold Dust Nights Cuff + Ornate Ring Set + Ring Set + Necklace – Samantha Wills

Aeon Diamond Rings | Custom Diamond Lariat Necklace – Aristides Fine Jewels

‘Summer is Here’ Hat – Sarah J Curtis

The Strathberry Nano Tote

Hair – The Nest Hair Boutique | Blakk Extensions

Nails (Aura) – Sienna Byron Bay

Spray Tan – Perth Mobile Spray Tans

As she strolls along the deserted beach, time stands still. Her beloved gently embraces her and whispers….”One Love”. Mother nature as their witness, they stroll into the golden horizon, hearts full of dreams, and infinite possibilities for their magical life ahead.

My dream was always to have a bohemian beach style wedding in my favourite and happiest of all places. To walk barefoot upon all that white sand with a vibrant turquoise ocean backdrop. I am beyond blessed after making this a reality in 2008 with my beloved husband Bobby, and now being able to co-create my vision (with a few style updates) with the most amazing team of Perth creatives. It was so inspiring, not to mention fun, creating this together. The day was perfect, and it almost felt like my wedding day all over again. The sun shone, the champagne flowed, beautiful connections were made. It’s a wonderful feeling to work with such passionate artists, who all love what they do so much, and do it so well.

This entire shoot was styled from such a personal place, a true reflection of my style and all that I love. My vision was for a neutral palette of ivory and creams, brought to life with a contrast of varying natural textures, a theme combining both delicate and bold attributes, symbolic of the strength that comes from vulnerability. There’s a magical, free flowing vibe that evokes the vision of a relaxed bride, centred by her presence, empowered by her connection to nature, strengthened by her unconditional love for her husband.

The amazing Pretty Willow and her stunning collection of bridal props, and A Little Bohemia’s floral artistry, together created the most beautiful sacred space; the perfect setting for a barefoot bohemian bride, to simply relax and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Dressed in the most divine Ti Adora by Alvina Valenta Dress it really was a dream come true. The delicate lace and flowing silhouette embodied the carefree spirit and vintage romance that I had envisioned. As an immense jewellery lover, I wanted to create multiple jewellery looks, so I paired some of my favourites from Samantha Wills, Aristides Fine Jewels and a very special 3 stone diamond ring created by Alice Or Jewellery. Each diamond represents the 3 loves of my life – my husband Bobby and our 2 children, Jade and Jacob. I love jewellery with a story, and this ring is infused with so much love for my family; a daily reminder of what is closest to my heart.

I’m so grateful to everyone who helped contribute to this day. It was beyond magical and captured everything that One Love means to me.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Dreaming in Turquoise

July 28, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Rose Villa at Pandawa Cliff Estate, Bali

Handmade Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise Silver Wave Necklace

Navajo Hand Carved Turquoise Bracelets

Sasha Ivory Tunic Dress

Lace Romper

‘Summer is Here’ Panama Hat

Spray tan

Sienna Nails

My turquoise obsession continues, not only with the sea, but with these amazing Indie + Harper Jewels. I love these stunning designs that stack so beautifully together. Perfect for the bohemian nomad wandering the globe, discovering her own inner magic as she chases those turquoise dreams. Happy Travels beauties!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Sunset Spells

July 9, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Creative Director/Model – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Pandawa Cliff Estate | Uluwatu, Bali | North Beach | Sorrento Beach, Perth, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Superstar Romper | Bindi Wrap Choker | Hayden Belt | Portofino Faux Fur Jacket

Upper Eastside Playsuit | Portofino Faux Fur Jacket | Bindi Wrap Choker | Didi Boots (Stone) | Hat (similar)

Romance Lace Crop | Starlight Bodychain | Bikini | ‘Summer is Here’ hat

In my Dreams Romper | Crossover Bodychain | Mesh Necklace | ‘Summer is Here’ hat

Nails | Tan

‘The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever” Jacques Cousteau

Mesmerised by these dreamy landscapes and the mystical energy swirling amongst the pastel sunset sky, forever spelled by the wonder and beauty of it all.

So grateful for this gift of life, to experience the simple things like watching a sunset, the smiles on my children’s faces, the warm embrace of my beloved.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

My Luxury Retreat

June 30, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Creative Director/Model – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Rose at Pandawa Cliff Estate, Pandawa Beach – Bali, Indonesia

Outfit Details

Long Perfect Dress

Lani Macrame Back Dress

“Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends” Aberjhani

My family and I recently set out for some much needed retreat time to Bali with Luxury Retreats, and what we experienced was beyond all expectations. It was such an easy and seamless getaway from beginning to end. The concierge took care of every little detail, making this trip such a retreat for us all. As a mother juggling my own business, family, and rolling with the random curveballs that life has to offer, I am so very grateful when someone else takes over the reigns and plans the nitty gritty details. Luxury Retreats anticipated all our needs and created the perfect holiday for our family.

Our time at the Pandawa Cliff Estate was nothing short of total luxury. And absolute fun! The best part was having quality one on one time with our kids. Slow breakfasts with conversations about what adventures the day would bring, followed by frisby on the grass, tennis on the courts, pool time and more pool time, walks along the beach, silly games of Uno and fluffy favourites slots games, and so much amazing Balinese cuisine right there in our villa. Having our own personal chef cook all our meals, catering to our dietary needs/preferences, was just so wonderful. We all felt so well taken care of. This was truly a rejuvenating holiday for us, just as we intended it to be.

As you can see from these pictures our villa was beyond amazing. It’s definitely one of the best we’ve ever stayed in here in Bali. It was so spacious, light and luxuriously appointed, yet still maintained a homely feel, making it so comfortable and enjoyable for us. We stayed in the Rose Villa, which is one of 3 villas in the Pandawa Cliff Estate. You can even hire out all 3 villas and have the perfect destination wedding with all your friends and family, in total privacy and luxury. We were lucky enough to get a sneak peak of a wedding in one of the adjacent villas and it looked spectacular! It was a gorgeous balmy evening filled with loving vibes, twinkling lights, happy music and a magical finale of fireworks over the ocean.

One of my personal highlights of our stay was waking up each morning for the sunrise. I am the biggest fan of waking up with the sun anywhere in the world. It starts my day off perfectly and energises me in a way that extra sleep doesn’t. It’s worth the early wake up, trust me. Witnessing beauty like that, so transient, and always so unique, is a very special and indescribable experience.

We are so thankful to Luxury Retreats for our perfect family holiday. They have an incredible selection of villas across the world and the best service and expertise I’ve dealt with to date. I highly recommend them for your next vacation. Follow them here for travel inspiration from all over this beautiful world.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

The Magic Within

June 1, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Creative Direction – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia

Outfit Details

Wearing my favourite mermaid treasures from Anna Kosturova, Her Empire + Embella Jewellery

Luxe Nomad Crochet Throw Over

Dreamscape Kimono

Deep Sea Roundie

Halterkini

Necklaces – Falling Leaves | Passionflower | Lotus Love | Lotus pod

Bracelets/Cuffs – Aztec | Silver leaf | Ocean Girl | Girl of the Ocean

Anklets – Ananda | Om | Coral Reef

Sunglasses | Hat (similar)

“You are the artist of your life, you are the author of your own story”

Every day I feel very blessed to live the life that I do. I am thankful for my beautiful tribe and all the angels who have played their part in the course of my life, guiding me, supporting me, reflecting love to me, as I create the life I’ve always dreamed of. Every day the dream changes a little as I learn and grow. I follow my joy, never quite knowing where that will take me. It’s such an exciting and empowering feeling knowing you can choose at any moment what you want to create and how you want to feel. You are the artist of your life, you are the author of your own story. Write the book that sparks your joy. Paint whatever beautiful painting your heart desires. Create the life of your dreams.

Here in Bali, in this quiet space, where clarity prevails, I gained a glimpse of the expansive ability of my mind. I felt the infinite possibilities of my imagination and all that I could create. I felt limitless. I realised at the crux of it all was a need to fully embrace myself for all my unique ways…to know I was already enough. To see myself with eyes of love and compassion, and feel the magic within. To remember I was special. That we all are. We are all amazing, and somehow we forget our beauty, our shining light. Even in the depths of despair and tragedy, never forget who you are. You have the power to decide who you are, what you want to be, and what you want to create in this life.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Helen Janneson Bense

Posts from August 2016

Be Brave…Be Love…Be You ♥

August 23, 2016

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One Love

August 8, 2016

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Dreaming in Turquoise

July 28, 2016

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Sunset Spells

July 9, 2016

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My Luxury Retreat

June 30, 2016

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The Magic Within

June 1, 2016

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