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FPme Australia x

July 5, 2014

I still remember the day I opened the email from Free People inviting me to Sydney for their FPme Australia experience! I was jumping for joy in my computer chair and dancing my happy dance :) Then to discover I could bring along one of my best friends, Nat from Melbourne, who I hadn’t seen in sooooo long! It was seriously a dream come true.

From beginning to end, this was the dreamiest, most amazing experience of my life. I could not be more honoured and grateful to Free People for the opportunity and experience.

Here’s a little about our day, and a collection of my behind the scenes photos along with some amazing photos taken by Katrina Parker who was our beautiful photographer on the day.

Awaiting us upon arrival to Sydney – the most gracious host we could ever have wished for, the hallway lined with racks of free people clothing, jewelry, accessories all ready for us to style, delicious healthy food to feast upon, and an incredible inspirational space with every single detail taken care of.

We spent quite a few hours giggling, styling, connecting while we discovered our looks for the FPme shoot and the pop up shop opening night. This was more fun than I’ve had in a long time. Sharing it with a bunch of awesome girls who love style and free people as much as I do, was simply the BEST!

That night we got all dressed up for the pop up shop opening, where I had the chance to meet so many gorgeous artists that have been a part of my insta-family for so long. A wonderful night of connection, laughter, and shopping of course! ;)

SHOP Dress, Necklace, Hat, Belt, Bra

We arose bright and early the following morning as we readied ourselves for a full day of photoshoots. This was such an exhilarating moment. The entire day I felt like a tourist, seeing more of Sydney than I ever had before. The bondi to bronte walk was by far my favourite. To be right by the ocean and watch all the different shades of blue mix together like tie-dye was magic. Hanging out with the FPme girls, enjoying breakfast, lunch, laughs and getting to know one another as we were shooting, was the time of my life. No work involved whatsoever!

SHOP TeeFlaresBomberBra, Hat

After this amazing exploration of the coast we changed into our lunch outfits and strolled the wintery streets of Sydney, followed by a nourishing and delicious lunch at the Book Kitchen. We also just happen to come across an old Valiant as it pulled up at the crosswalk. The owners happily accommodated us with a chance to photograph inside this iconic car. Such a wonderful spontaneous moment fuelled so much excitement and joy.

SHOP Dress, Shoes, Hat

And the magnificent finale for the day – watching the sun set over sydney from the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen of the city. I took a deep breath in this moment to relish in the beauty of this very special day and all the precious connections I had made.

Mallory, Jessica, Aly, Amanda, Kate, Me, Miann, Nat

SHOP Dress, Boots, Bag, Hat, Necklace, Bottoms, Bra

Check out the FPME takes Sydney posts Part 1 + Part 2 on their blog.

Special thanks goes to our amazing host, Jessica. She was just the sweetest and made everything about this trip stand out.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

SHOP Free People here

Follow me on my FPme style page

Check out more of Katrina Parker’s photography

 

Hobo + Hatch

May 3, 2014

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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

Rings – Rico Designs Rhodonite | Elephant (similar) | Sun wrap | Moonglow | Blooming flower | Mermaid by Hand wave | Heart Majestic silver knuckle ring

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

 

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