inspiration

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

Celebrating 40

October 10, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Birthday Girl – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sunsets Room, Cottesloe Beach Hotel

Styling – Pretty Willow

Styling Assistant – Novi – Sjahrir-Bradbury

Flowers – A Little Bohemia

Lighting – Micktric Events

Videography – Indiana Read

Cake – Lottie and Belle

Chalkboard Signage – Look Who’s Chalkin’

Outfit Details

Lost Love Dress

Goddess Lariat | Swarovski choker | Roxy choker | Farrah Bodychain

Flower crown

Shoes (similar)

Rings – Torchlight | Anna Beck | Samantha Wills

Hair – The Nest Hair Boutique | Jadore Extensions

Tan – Perth Mobile Spray Tans

Nails – Sienna Byron Bay (Winter)

What a magical fairytale my birthday was this year. I truly felt like a boho princess dressed in white flowing lace, dripping in golden jewels, and adorned in the most beautiful flower crown sprinkled in glitter. It was hard to believe I was turning 40 as I have never felt younger and more alive.

We were totally blessed with the amazing talents of the Pretty Willow team, who created and styled the most beautiful and inspired space. Tapping into everything I love, candles lined the entrance leading into a magical lounge reminiscent of a Moroccan Oasis. We couldn’t have been more cosy with all those beautiful creamy whites and blush tones, and the stunning scents of A little Bohemia’s sparkling florals wafting in the air. It was such a dreamy, love filled space for us all to connect and enjoy, created for the true bohemian at heart.

Our guests started the night off feasting on platters of yumminess, fun cocktails with pretty sprinkles, whilst snapping polaroids in our own bohemian inspired photo booth. Pretty Willow set up the cutest white peacock chair adorned in giant Proteas and lush greenery from A Little Bohemia. There was even a little space for our guests to peg their polaroids on so we could capture all those precious moments. Meanwhile the dance floor was heating up with african drummers setting the mood, bringing us all together in dance and laughter.

The night was filled with all my dearest friends, new and old, heart felt speeches that touched us all, and some hula hooping fun for old times sake. We feasted, we bonded, we shared, we danced, we cried tears of joy and we laughed until our bellies were stitching. We all felt the high vibrations of love swirling through the room on this very special night.

You only turn 40 once and we certainly celebrated to the nth degree with one hell of a party. I’m so grateful to all involved for bringing together the most amazing birthday ever. Special thanks go to Pretty Willow, A Little Bohemia, Micktric Lighting, Lottie and Belle Cakes, Look Who’s Chalkin’ and Indi Film.

There are not enough thanks in the world for my amazing husband, Bobby, who organised this wonderful night for me. My heart is so full of love and gratitude for this incredible man. Your unwavering commitment and unconditional love has me forever by your side and grateful for every moment I have with you.

And lastly, here’s a few of my thoughts on how it feels to be 40…..and I must say so far it’s F**KIN AMAZING! Each decade I discover more happiness and peace within myself. I’ve never felt more confident in my own skin, which of course brings about a more relaxed movement and flow through life. I’m fully embracing what is and where I’m at, super excited for what lies ahead. Here’s to the next 40 and living life to the fullest!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Sunset Lovers

September 13, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Creative Direction – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – City Beach, WA

Outfit Details

Wrap Dress White | Wrap Dress Maxi Cream | Higher Zip Boots – Marho

Jacket – Boda Skins

Jewelry – Bindi Wrap Choker (black + camel) | Warrior Necklace | Iggy Bralette

Rings – Moonstone | Rainbow Dream | Midi

Belts – Hayden | Marita

Hats – Carmen | Alaska

“That was her magic, she could still see the sunset, even on those darkest days” Atticus

I feel so grateful to witness nature’s creations each day as a new painting in the sky is born with every sunrise and sunset. I stroll along the shoreline, the sun kissing the horizon bidding it goodnight, with the promise of a new dawn, new opportunities, more magic. My passion and inner joy bubble beneath the surface ready to burst as I bare witness to the overwhelming beauty. I dance ever so lightly along the beach, embodied by my childlike exhilaration, and sense of total freedom to be myself. Aware and present, embracing the moment, my heart beats with the rhythm of the earth and I am home.

I hope you all get some nature time to soak up those magical sunset skies wherever you may be in this wonderful world.

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

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

Helen Janneson Bense

inspiration

The Edge

October 28, 2016

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Celebrating 40

October 10, 2016

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Sunset Lovers

September 13, 2016

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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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