“Feel by the Moon, Live by the Sun, Dance like a star” –Midsummer Star
This sunset was not like all the others. I was captivated by the iridescence and shimmering light bouncing off the sand and the sea, awakened by the vital force of the ripening moon, calmed by the gentle rhythm of the waves. It was absolutely magical!
These are those ‘me’ moments I cherish so much…when everything becomes so still, time slows down, and you can feel the space between breaths, where peace lingers, always inviting and welcoming you in. This is my meditative space, where I go when I visit the beach and immerse myself in nature. Sometimes I go deep to the space where creativity is born. Like a fire I am filled with an energy that builds as I create, fuelling my imagination and vision.
This time of year definitely calls for more meditation time. Time to nurture myself and take every opportunity to slow down, even if it’s only for a few minutes. I am so much clearer when I have rested and found a pace of breathing in and breathing out in my day. And so much more productive. I hope you all navigate this crazy season of fun and festivities with lots of self love and nurturing.
“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.
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.
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!
“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.
Shop Lunar Love HERE….the first 250 packs will come with a very special gift inside of genuine stick on Swarovski® crystals to add even more sparkle to your look. They are so much fun to wear on your face, around your eyes, fingers, hands, or anywhere you like!
I’m so very excited to announce my Flash Tattoos collaboration today!!! Together we have created this lunar inspired pack of fun and festive flash tats for all you boho babes out there! What a joy it has been to bring my vision and hand drawn designs to life with the help of the original, one and only, awesome metallic tattoo creators – Flash Tattoos.
In this pack you’ll see my love of the moon etched through all these lunar loving designs. I hope they will inspire you guys to get super creative with the possibilities these designs offer…create body chains, leg chains, neckpieces, back pieces, line your feet, ankles, and don’t forget your hands and fingers. Let your imagination soar free as you adorn your entire body! Wear these moon inspired designs to remind you of your divine feminine nature and connection to the lunar phases. Go simple with a little crescent moon popping out from your low armhole tee, or bold with the entire moon phase lining your spine! There is a little something for everyone!
Make sure you tag @flashtattoos #flashtat + @helen_jannesonbense in all your festival pics on social media. We will be sharing our favourites over the upcoming festive season :)