Indonesia

Heart of Bali

November 5, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Creative Direction – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Kupu Kupu Barong | The Edge View Villa – Bali, Indonesia

Outfit Details

Wild + Free Dress | Wrap around me Dress | Slice of Harmony Dress – Dasha the Label

Finally we had the opportunity to venture to Ubud on our recent Bali travels. The peaceful energy was palpable the moment we stepped out of the car. There was a zing in the air, a calming effect created by the mystical surrounds and gentle culture. It felt as though we had just entered the heart of this amazing island. The flowing river and nearby waterfalls make it such a perfect area for water explorers. I instantly fell in love with our elevated spot and our river view villa at Kupu Kupu Barong. We would end our days of family adventures with flower baths taking in the river views with an incredible backdrop of the jungle and Mt. Agung.

We thoroughly enjoyed a little pampering at Kupu’s world renowned L’occitane Tree spa and it was simply amazing…picture open air massages, perched atop of mango trees, high above the jungle where you can hear birdsong and the flowing river, and feel the essence of this mystical land.

And there was so much more… dinner by candlelight in one of the most romantic settings imaginable. An entrance lined with aromatic flowers, a twilight dinner set up for two, floating on a private pool twinkling with sunset reflections and a majestic mountain vista. It really is all kinds of heaven at Kupu Kupu Barong.

All the while I was blessed to be dressed in the best resort clothing from the divine Dasha the Label and Indie + Harper Jewels. These flowing fabrics and styles were perfect for the Balinese climate and fun family holidays with my tribe.

If you get the chance to visit Bali, I highly recommend the trek to Ubud and definitely book a stay at Kupu Kupu Barong! We are already dreaming of going back :)

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

The Edge

October 28, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Creative Direction – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – The Edge View Villa – Bali, Indonesia

Outfit Details

Elke Romper | Frida Crop + Anya Wrap Skirt | Samsara Kimono Maxi – Minx + Pearl

Hats – Navy | Delano | Smith

As the sun rose I perched myself upon the precipice, as close to the edge as I could be. The ocean breeze gently awakening me from my dreamy state, my mind quiet, my body still, a creative spark was lit, energy flowed freely through my body and a stream of endless possibilities came into view. What a magnificent and magical way to start any day!

Every time I visit Bali it brings me so many gifts. I can’t express my gratitude for this healing island paradise that is just a hop, skip and shortest plane ride ever from my home base in Perth. This adventure took us to the beautiful Edge Resort. Our stay was nothing short of spectacular. I’m not sure I can find the words to describe how wonderful this resort was. The photos speak for them self, and for all those who were following along on insta stories you would have caught many glimpses of the beauty here at The Edge.

Every single detail was taken care of, with above and beyond hospitality. The food was delicious, the space was sublime and what a view!

Enjoying some much needed sunshine and holiday time with the family, I pranced around in my Minx + Pearl outfits, perfect for that villa life vibe we were feeling.

I’m beyond excited about visiting this very special space once again, and I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone heading to Bali. And if you are considering a destination wedding, then definitely start and end your search right here.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

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

Bras N Things Bodysuits

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

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

Helen Janneson Bense

Indonesia

Heart of Bali

November 5, 2016

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The Edge

October 28, 2016

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Be Brave…Be Love…Be You ♥

August 23, 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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