Style

Alignment

July 7, 2014

“Within the depths of authenticity lives integrity; waiting for our return. When we arrive, we are met with effortless joy, abundant living, peace and wholeness–nothing lacking, nothing broken. This is soul equanimity, the state of pure alignment with will of Source and will of self” – LaShaun Middlebrooks Collier

You know those moments where everything just aligns so perfectly and for an instant you can see the entire bigger picture and the divine perfection in it all. Those moments of absolute realisation and clarity that lift you to new vibrational heights. I find most of these happen to me when I’m out in nature. Walking on the beach, watching the sun set, climbing boulders in the hills, swimming in the ocean, chasing rainbows.

These photos were taken during yet another stunning WA sunset. I was feeling more aligned and clear than ever before. Deeply connected, embracing the magic of the moment, feeling the love and expansion of my heart. I was so happily adorned in a whole lot of lace and some divine vintage turquoise.

I hope these images bring inspiration, love and light to you all.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Lace Blouse + Shorts | SHOP my current favourite lace tops – FP Swiss Shirt | FP Mimi Tunic | FP Mermaid Lace top

Sunglasses

Necklace + Ring – Child of Wild

Flash Tattoos

Silver bracelets + cuff – Embella Jewellery

Turquoise bracelet – Soul Loving Jewellery

Hat

Flying free

July 2, 2014

I gaze upon this expansive landscape, taking in every inch of this golden horizon. I feel the glowing sand beneath my feet, the warm sun kissing my skin, the salty taste of the air. The wind gently lifts me and I am flying free.

These things and more bring a sense of freedom to me. To really feel free though, no matter what is going on, no matter where I am, I find the key is right there within myself. It’s in the unconditional acceptance of self. My daily morning mantra is “I love and accept myself just as I am.” It reminds me each day that I am already enough, and there is no need to control the flow of life. I trust in life. In love. In myself. And I feel free.

As I peel back every layer, examine every unquestioned thought, I discover a peaceful path of love and acceptance. I find the truth, the untruths, simply what is. I surrender to this seemingly vulnerable state where freedom, peace, love and connection exist and it brings me great joy in this amazing life we are blessed with.

May you find the peace within and allow yourself the time and space to simply be.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Photographer – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling/Photography – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Amazon Kimono – Indigo Lane boutique

Sunglasses

Lace Shorts

Bralette (similar)

Turquoise necklace + ring – Child of Wild

Flash Tattoos

Rings – Global Princess | Hunter Gatherer | Anna Beck | Lunarsea | Eastern Soul

Bracelets – Embella Jewellery | Soul Loving Jewellery

Hat

Lilac and Lace

July 1, 2014

A blend of soft flowy laces, cotton gauze and light wool, cool lilac tones, topped off with some ethereal crystals and earthy shells. This has to be one of my favourite outfits I’ve styled. And I’m wearing two of my favourite Byron bay designers in the one shoot! Each piece holds so much beauty, though together they create a little magic for me. I felt like a bohemian princess as I strolled along my local beach. Definitely an outfit that reminds me of the goddess within.

Have fun with your wardrobes lovelies and keep on playing dress ups. Do it for yourself, because at the end of the day, it’s your thoughts and the way you feel that matter most. Never stop exploring, experimenting and bravely sharing who you are through your style. Let your creativity and joy shine on!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Model/Styling/Photography – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Desert Light Kimono + Bakari Moon Neckpiece – Myee Carlyle

Lace top

Fedora

Lace Shorts

Shell bracelet + hilltribe ring – Lunar Sea

Rings – Global Princess | Hunter Gatherer Jewellery | Eastern Soul | Mermaid by Hand | Nik Dreamer

White howlite wrap bracelet – Shayote

Custom Boots – Wilde Flower Design

Ocean Therapy

June 25, 2014

As I walked along the warm, glistening sands, watching the turquoise water smoothly form into perfectly shaped waves, I listened to the crashing sounds and the quiet peaceful in between. It was there I felt the heart beat of the great mother.

The ocean’s movement has always reminded me of a mothers cradling arms, as it sways back and forth in the most natural way. Even the sound of the waves evokes this memory and lulls me into serenity. There is nothing more invigorating and healing for me than swimming in the ocean. To float within the great mothers womb. She nourishes, nurtures, replenishes, cleanses and energises us. The salt water and fresh air, bare feet in the sand…it surely is a perfect cure all. This is my therapy these days. My ocean therapy. It keeps me balanced in every way I need.

This post is dedicated to the our beautiful earth. To say thank you for housing us, providing us with resources and nourishment. For the gift of breath, life, love and joy.

Deepest gratitude and love,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Leigh Dress – Tysa

Necklace + cuffs + turquoise ring – Gypsy River

Large Turquoise cuff, Silver band ring + Armour ring – Eastern Soul

Turquoise pendant – Soul Loving Jewelry

Belt – Free People

Rings – Gypsy Warrior | Global Princess | Heart Majestic

Small turquoise cuff – Scarlet Fashion

Hat – Catarzi

Lace Love

June 19, 2014

When it comes to all things lacey Spell really nail it every time! It’s probably obvious already from all my instagram pics and wardrobe that ivory laces are my absolute favourite. This dress, this cut, this lace….utter perfection. Quite possibly my favourite dress in my wardrobe right now. And WA girls if you didn’t already know Lexi & Roy is your one stop shop for all things Spell over here in the west.

I’m loving this dress styled without the nude slip, and belted/cropped over shredded skinnies and a biker jacket to roughen up the look. Add boots and fedora and a summer outfit transforms into winter. And of course a mountain of jewels ;)

Now that winter is finally well and truly here in WA, I’m embracing the spiral inwards as winter draws us into that introspective space. This is one of my favourite times to get really creative with my wardrobe and play with layers. My layering essentials – dusters, loose tees, a cropped bomber, the perfect skinny jeans, and a tailored vegan leather jacket. I tend more towards the neutrals – black, white, beige and grey during this season, with pops of colour thrown in to my accessories. A bright tribal bag, turquoise rings, funky coloured nails and statement necklaces. Fashion and style to me is about having fun. Wear what makes you happy, not what’s on trend. Enjoy the process of expressing your creativity through style.

And here’s a little something for those on a budget but wanting to add some lovely lace into their wardrobe. I’ve hunted and narrowed down some of my favourite lace dresses under $100 –

Sonnet Dress

Everdeen Maxi

Crochet knit lace dress

Ralph Lauren 3/4 sleeve Lace dress

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Model/Styling/Photography – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Spell dress via Lexi & Roy

Necklaces – Free People + Embella Jewellery

Boots – Free People

Hat – Catarzi (similar)

Child of Wild Flash tattoos

Rings – Global Princess | Lunar Sea Gypsy | Eastern Soul | OOAK Elephant Wrap (similar)

Cuffs – Global Princess | Alushia Sanchia thunderbird

Festival fever

June 11, 2014

The music’s pumping, the air is thick with dust, glitter and patchouli, happy sounds from happy souls surround.

Ahhhh I really do miss the festival days. Things have definitely changed a lot since I’ve had children, and it’s been awhile since I’ve seen my fair share of festival action. But I do see myself getting back there, perhaps a little differently than before…..back to that space where your inhibitions melt away, and it’s so easy to tap into that beautiful feeling of interconnectedness of all beings. The perfect fuse of style, music and art and bountiful expression creates the most contagious, rippling vibes of joy.

This festival inspired outfit was loads of fun to create. And so much fun to wear. Even though it was just me and my camera, I had a blast dreaming up all the places I would wear this to.

Sometimes life slows us down, whether it’s motherhood, illness or something else. Embrace the change, embrace the slow pace, there is so much beauty and healing in this phase of life. Keep on dreaming and know it won’t be that long before you too will be back on that stage dancing up a storm, or whatever it is your heart desires. And for now, have some fun playing dress ups, share your creativity, be brave and bold and dance like nobody’s watching.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Model/Styling/Photography – Helen Janneson Bense

Outfit Details

Serape – Nightcap Clothing

Necklace, Belt, turquoise ring, flash tattoos – Child of Wild

Rings – Global Princess | Eastern Soul | Jane + Rye | Lunarsea

Cuffs – Embella | Global Princess | Scarlet

Boots – Free People

Hat – Brixton