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

Shine on

June 5, 2014

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love

Quite possibly my all time favourite quote by an absolutely divine and inspirational woman. The ripple effect is a wonderful thing. To watch this universal law unfold brings much joy to my heart. I feel immense radiating love knowing that by shining my own light so brightly, by authentically sharing who I am and passionately following my heart’s call, that I may inspire others to do the same. I am in deep gratitude today to all those who stand as beacons for me, sharing their love, light and inspirations so bravely and lovingly.

It really feels so good to pick another person up, and to be picked up. Something I came across recently on Instagram really sums it up quite well – ‘Kindness doesn’t cost a damn thing, sprinkle that shit everywhere”

Shine on my brothers and sistars and sprinkle that golden light of yours everywhere you can.

Oh and yeh this is the most perfect Flynn Skye dress ever! Not just a dress indeed ;)

Love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Outfit Details

Not Just a Dress – Flynn Skye

Necklace – Lola Pepper boutique

Belt – SCFxLUVAJ

Custom ‘Gypsy’ ring and ‘Follow your heart’ Bracelet, Lotus + Arrow stamped rings – Wingostarr Jewelry

Turquoise rings – Vintage (similar) + Spell (similar)

Turquoise cuff + Zoda bracelet – Scarlet

Chyrsocolla bracelet – Soul Loving Jewelry

Silver cuff – Embella Jewellery

Hat – Yellow108

Layer Up

June 1, 2014

It’s the first day of winter here in Aus and it’s definately layering time in WA…..icy, desert cold mornings, warm, bright, blue sunny days. One of my favourite things about this time of year is rocking lots of different layers. Kimonos and long tees under fitted jackets are a favourite look of mine, paired with either jeans or shorts. Layering jewels is always so much fun and so easy with Goldbarr. And Rue Stiic basics provide me with an amazing canvas to adorn with all my jewels. The quality, texture and cuts in this range are all perfect.

Definitely grab yourself some Rue Stiic and check out all the amazing jewels I’ve stacked – Goldbarr Versailles + Behati neck pieces, Lost Lover, Forever soles + Free People.

Layer up lovelies and never be afraid to share your inner gypsy! And whenever you get the chance to shed your layers, immerse yourself in nature, feel your bare feet on the earth and dance upon the sand.

Love and gratitude,

Helen

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Long Sleeve top – Rue Stiic

Behati + Versailles neckpieces – Goldbarr

Atalar necklace + Spirit ring + Elephant ring + Filigree ring + Anatolian anklet + Coin anklet – Lost Lover

Boho goddess barefoot sandals – Forever Soles

Metal Bead Rosary – Free People

Rings – Little pieces of hope | Wingostarr Jewelry

Bonitas – One Teaspoon

Dreamweaver bag – Spell designs

Messer hat – Brixton

Boots – Hobbs

Leather jacket – Steele (last season)

Hobo + Hatch

May 3, 2014

A few weeks ago…or maybe even a month now (WOW!) I had the pleasure of visiting the Hobo + Hatch pop up shop down south in the beautiful town Cowaramup, in the Margaret River wine region. The vibe and beauty of this town and shop was so relaxing…I didn’t want to leave! If you get the chance to stop by on your travels it’s a must! So many of my favourite labels like Rue Stiic + Arrow Divine all in the one place. And what a space it is! So perfectly decked out with peacock chairs, divine tapestries, worldly jewels and cow skulls. See pics below!! I was lucky enough to pick up one of their yakadiyak wool/cotton shawls and it’s been keeping me warm and cosy during this sudden seasonal shift right into winter! And not only are they divine, each purchase supports communities in Nepal. “By purchasing from our Yakadiyak range you’ve helped make a small difference in the lives of others. We will continue to donate our time & money to the Nepalese community that touched our hearts & forever changed our soul” – Leona, Hobo + Hatch. Nothing better than wearing conscious clothing. Feels soooo good in so many ways :))))

These photos featuring this beautiful scarf, were taken a couple of weeks ago when summer was still hanging around for one last party :) The golden light in the afternoon seems to intensify during this time of year. The sunsets are so brilliant and deep, just like the autumn leaves. It’s yet another magical time of year with so much beauty to be thankful for.

Photography – Bobby Bense, Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Shawl (natural) – Hobo + Hatch | Instagram | Facebook | Visit in person shop 2, 64 Bussell Hwy, Cowaramup, Western Australia

Daisy flower crown – Eterie

Dress – Spell Designs

Necklaces – Soul Loving Jewelry moonstone mala | Chinta rose quartz | Spell Designs Gypsy

Kimono – Myee Carlyle

Bangles – Free People | Sunahara | Shayote Isis wrap

Beanie – Spell Designs

Cloudbreak anklet – Roadtrip Jewellery

And here are some photos of the Hobo + Hatch pop up store and bts hanging out with owner and beauty Leona..and seriously loving her outfit soooo much! Shop it HERE + HERE + HERE xx

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Vintage, Shells & Mermaid Spells

April 28, 2014

Photographer – Bobby Bense, Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Stylist – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Sunrise at the Ganges necklace + Belt – Trinkit Hunter

Around the world necklace – Penny for your Thoughts Jewellery

Flower Crown – Eterie

Tank – Novella Royale

Crochet bottoms – She Made Me

Kimono – Myee Carlyle

Bracelets – Shayote designs | Penny for your Thoughts | Free People | Sunahara

Wild feather cuff – Natalie B Jewelry

Magic spirits of the deep

I would like a tail, not two feet

beauty be upon me

fish all kinds let me see

when I’m finished in the sea

let my feet return to me.

A wonderful afternoon playing at our treasured local beach dressed in vintage shell trinkets from the amazing Trinkit Hunter, mermaid jewels from my fave Penny for your Thoughts, and Eterie daisy chains. Such a carefree day exploring the beach, gazing out to the horizon in the hopes of glimpsing a dolphin or two, and working some mermaid spells fulfilling my childhood fantasies of becoming a real life mermaid ;)

Spend your days dreaming, conjuring, creating magic….immerse yourself in all that you love, all that inspires, all that brings happiness and joy to your heart. This is the essence of life and become a point of attraction for creating even more bliss and wonder to your days.

With love and gratitude,

Helen

Helen Janneson Bense

Lace Love

June 19, 2014

Festival fever

June 11, 2014

Shine on

June 5, 2014

Layer Up

June 1, 2014

Hobo + Hatch

May 3, 2014

Vintage, Shells & Mermaid Spells

April 28, 2014

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Helen Janneson Bense

Lace Love

June 19, 2014

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Festival fever

June 11, 2014

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Shine on

June 5, 2014

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Layer Up

June 1, 2014

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Hobo + Hatch

May 3, 2014

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Vintage, Shells & Mermaid Spells

April 28, 2014

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Tribe