The Lake District

Driving through the UK: Day 1 - THE LAKE DISTRICT, CUMBRIA, ENGLAND.

“The fleeting hour of life of those who love the hills is quickly spent, but the hills are eternal. Always there will be the lonely ridge, the dancing beck, the silent forest; always there will be the exhilaration of the summits. These are for the seeking, and those who seek and find while there is still time will be blessed both in mind and body.”

— Alfred Wainwright

Had to get out of the car for a photo... and narrowly avoid the tiny cars speeding round every corner!

Being the Anglophiles that we are, Nathan and I recently decided to book a trip to England. He had never been before and it seemed ridiculous, considering we live in New York which is *only* a 6 hour flight away. The last time I was in the UK was 8 years ago, and it took me nearly 24 hours (all the way from Sydney) to get there!

We love to be on the road so we knew our journey would take the form of a road trip and we planned the route so that we could see as much of the country as possible in 8 days.

We began our trip in Manchester (airport, car rental, etc.) and drove northward in hopes of reaching Edinburgh, Scotland by evening. We decided to veer west, as we wanted to pass through the Lake District.

We drove through the picturesque town of Windermere, following the steep roads down to the lake, after which we headed toward Ullswater Lake, where the views from the winding roadside were breathtaking.

The day was grey, of course, but it was all part of the charm and it's easy to see how and why so many great writers and poets were inspired by this district. William Wordsworth referred to the Lake District as, "the loveliest spot that man hath found," and children's book author and illustrator Beatrix Potter holidayed there in her youth, and loved it so much that she ended up owning and preserving land throughout much of the area later in her life.

Like most beautiful places, the camera doesn't nearly do it justice. The mountains, the valleys, the infinite shades of green. Lakes and rolling mist... ancient-looking stone fences and, of course, countless sheep.

Not to mention, we spent most of our time in the car (moving) so it was near-impossible for me to get a good shot (I'm a terrible camera woman, to boot) but I did my best to record a few clips and make it into a little video, which I've also shared here (scroll to the bottom to watch!).

I have no regrets; as I'm now firmly convinced that the passenger seat of a tiny car really is the best way to see England. (NOTE: We also drove by Hadrian's Wall, but we only got out of the car for a moment and didn't walk alongside of it so I didn't get a good shot but I can confirm that it's amazing, and worth a visit).

Everything was grey and perfect.

Views like this for miles...

So happy (and a little cold!)

Admiring the view...

So many Brontë vibes.

Had to wear my vintage lambskin jacket to match my woolly roadside friends...

The stone fences which made everything look frozen in time!

Designated Driver <3

---

...SOMEWHERE YOU FEEL FREE.

Whenever I go back to Sydney, it takes me a little while to readjust. Lockout laws, Sydney traffic, train trips and the most easygoing (and slow-walking) people around... Earlier bedtimes (jet lag doesn't help), long days at the beach, finding out how unfit I am; exhausted from "doing nothing" and, worst of all, constantly accused of developing the dreaded "American accent" (although, funnily enough, never by close family or friends... apparently I've always had my "own way of talking." I chalk it up to being a citizen of the world).

Worldly citizenship aside, I will always be first and foremost an Aussie, and it isn't just my Grandad, clasping my hands and staring imploringly into my eyes, telling me that I am "Australian first, never forget it" that reminds me of this (patriotic bunch, us Aussies!).

I get back in the bush. I start running again. I readjust to days spent in the sun and nights in with family. I walk more slowly, say thank you and sorry constantly, drink alllll the coffee and EAT EVERYTHING. I spend time in nature and soak my worries away in salt water. And I get the itch to travel, stronger than ever, the urge to see as much as possible of the wide brown land that I can... I road trip and state hop and it's still never enough. One month or three, it flies by and I find myself wishing I had more time.

But the day inevitably comes when I'm packed and ready to fly out, and part of me wonders "what the hell am I doing? Why would I ever leave?" as I kiss my family goodbye and make my way back to the States, with nothing left but a light tan and a bunch of photos to carry me over until the next time.

But there will always be a next time, and for that, I am eternally grateful. <3

Wardrobe: Necklace by Bagatiba; Vintage Scarf; High-Waisted Bikini bottoms by Reformation; Jumpsuit from ASOS; Silk Slip by La Perla; Hat: Lola Cap by Lack of Color.

BLUE BLOOD: Photo Story and Interview

I am verrrry excited to share my debut record BLUE BLOOD, which is now available for streaming on iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify (and will also be available to sync for video content shortly!).

The following is an interview with my husband, Nathan Finochio (producer and artist in his own right, and without whom this record would not have been possible), about the inspiration behind this project, followed by an accompanying photo story, shot & styled by Rebecca Alaniz.

...

What are some of your musical influences?

The Beatles, The Mamas and the Papas, Paul McCartney, Lana Del Rey and Nancy Sinatra.

What was the inspiration behind this record?

My producer David and I approached this record with film and television in mind. We loved the idea of creating a sound that creatives like ourselves could maybe even use for their own content. Think of it as glorified "background music" if you will. This is also the reason why the tracks are largely instrumental. We wanted to leave space for other artists to insert their own ideas.

What is your creative process?

I like to get in the studio with a few ideas for lyrics and themes already written down in my phone. I will then share them with whomever I am writing, and we will begin to construct a melody from there.

Where was the album recorded?

A studio in Allentown, Pennsylvania. We made it in a short amount of time.

Tell me more about the name of the record -- why "Blue Blood"?

A. Blue Blood sounded cool, and was the working title for one of my favourite tracks. It stuck with me for a number of reasons: firstly, because it encapsulates the classic "glamour" that I attempt to convey in both my personal style and lyrical content as well as my love for the finer things in life. Secondly, it makes me think of "true blue" which is what Australians call one another or something that is particularly "Aussie". I'm proud to be an Australian, and my love of beauty and nature were definitely influenced by my upbringing.

Photography & Styling thanks to the genius that is Rebecca Alaniz (rebeccalaurastyle.com); Wardrobe thanks to What Goes Around NYC; Jewelry thanks to Seventh House PR; Wardrobe Assisting by Waldo East and SPECIAL THANKS to Fred Castleberry for lending us his lovely abode to shoot in.

Daisies by the Roadside

Driving in the countryside in Ontario, Canada during the Summer is a rather pleasant experience. The snow that ordinarily cloaks the ground for so many months of the year is all but forgotten, as farmers' fields beam green and burst with creatures and plants alike.

The lakes are filled with cheery holiday-goers and the back roads kick up dust as you drive homeward, usually in the wake of a splendid sunset.

On this particular afternoon, I couldn't help but take a moment to "stop and smell the flowers", sweeping up a few daisies that were growing wild by the side of the road and capturing the moment with these photos.

Wearing: Adidas Originals T Shirt, Topshop Suede Skirt

Midsummer in Midtown

One fine Midsummer's Day in Manhattan, this Downtown Girl found herself in Midtown, getting her hair done in a romantic, princess style then prancing down Fashion Avenue with her bestie Becca (Rebecca Alaniz) and a bunch of lovely German photographers...  Here is what we came up with. <3

Wearing: "The Valentina - Purple Haze" dress by Réalisation Par; Vintage DC3 Necklace by Bagatiba; Zara Sandals; Vintage bag from Moon in Sagittarius Vintage - check them out on Instagram here.

Photo Credit: Manuel Thorne (edits by me). Find him on instagram here and his website here.

Gilligan's

A white dress, a suede cap, a woven basket... sometimes simple is best.

Photography: Savannah Stark. Styling: Jasmine Edwards

Wearing: Lola Cap by Lack of Color Aus; Reformation Dress & Basket; Topshop VILLAIN Leopard Mules

Greene St. Hooligan

Come along with Savannah Stark and I as we take a stroll down Greene St., in Soho, NYC in search of light, beauty, and the juxtaposition of one crumbling old home that has somehow stood the test of time as it stubbornly crouches alongside its taller, more modern neighbours, like a proud old man seemingly oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the cobblestone streets in front of him...

Wearing: Dress by Reformation, Vintage D3C Necklace by Bagatiba, The Every Day Bag in Vegetable Tan by The Horse, The Paradiso Boater Hat by Lack of Color and Leather Mules by Jeffrey Campbell.

Photography by Savannah Stark; Styling by Jasmine Edwards.

Sun & Stars

“The sun, —the bright sun, that brings back, not light alone, but new life, and hope, and freshness to man—burst upon the crowded city in clear and radiant glory. Through costly-coloured glass and paper-mended window, through cathedral dome and rotten crevice, it shed its equal ray.”

— Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist

Denvre is wearing: Réalisation Par's "The Bianca - Cream Superstar" top.

Jasmine is wearing:  Reformation dress & "Lola Cap" by Lack of Color

Denvre is wearing: Réalisation Par's "The Bianca - Cream Superstar" top.

Jasmine is wearing:  Reformation dress & "Lola Cap" by Lack of Color

Jasmine is wearing:  Reformation dress, "Lola Cap" by Lack of Color & "Vintage D3C Necklace" by Bagatiba. Denvre is wearing: Réalisation Par's "The Bianca - Cream Superstar" top, vintage-style denim shorts by American Apparel & basket bag by Reformation.

Denvre is wearing: Réalisation Par's "The Bianca - Cream Superstar" top, vintage-style denim shorts by American Apparel & basket bag by Reformation (Shoes: model's own).

Denvre is wearing: Réalisation Par's "The Bianca - Cream Superstar" top, vintage-style denim shorts by American Apparel & basket bag by Reformation.

Jasmine is wearing:  Reformation dress, "Lola Cap" by Lack of Color & "Vintage D3C Necklace" by Bagatiba.

Denvre is wearing: Réalisation Par's "The Bianca - Cream Superstar" top, vintage-style denim shorts by American Apparel & basket bag by Reformation.

Denvre is wearing: Réalisation Par's "The Bianca - Cream Superstar" top.

Photography: Savannah Stark. Models: Denvre and Jasmine. Styling: Jasmine Edwards. Location: Gilligan's at Soho Grand. Special Mention: Lauren Conolan-Richards

The Secret Garden

On a recent, balmy Summer's eve, my new friend Savannah Stark (of Traditional Pattern) and I found solace in a small garden tucked away in SoHo that is only open to the public during very particular days/hours.

We were searching for a last minute location to shoot a very floral, feminine outfit and it just so happened that both fortune and Google maps smiled upon us as the garden was open and near-empty.

The perfectly controlled sunlight that poured in through each and every leafy gap like a white, golden liquid bathed our faces (and souls) as we took these photos and laughed over a shared realisation that our favourite places to create in New York City always seem to be those that don't look like the city at all.

As much as I adore the city it is still nice to escape, even for a moment and I hope these images effectively transport you to the dreamworld I prefer to live in and allow your mind to wander for a while ... <3

“Any patch of sunlight in a wood will show you something about the sun which you could never get from reading books on astronomy. These pure and spontaneous pleasures are ‘patches of Godlight’ in the woods of our experience.”

— C.S. Lewis

Credits: Photography & Edits by Savannah Stark. Styling by Jasmine Edwards.

Wearing: Reformation dress, Lack of Color hat, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, The Horse bag, Bagatiba necklace.

No Palms About It

Byron Summer Vacation Necessities:

1) Vintage-style dresses: think textures like satin and lace, and hues of coral, cream and blush.

2) Accommodation within walking distance to bars and pubs, so as to quench one's thirst with ease on those muggy, overcast evenings...

3) Lots of argan oil, to tame buoyant hair that would give Monica Geller's frizz a run for its money.

These snaps were taken in January in Byron Bay (Australia) by my darling sister, Amy.

As the weather (finally!) heats up in NYC (and my hair begins to suffer again) I felt that a throwback to our glorious family trip was appropriate. More to come, soon. Also, I need another vacation... ASAP. <3

Wearing: Topshop Dress, Vintage brooch, Zara Sandals, ASOS clutch.

Brooklyn Botanic

Recently, my friend Rebecca and I decided to spend a sunny Tuesday afternoon in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Admission is free on Tuesdays (!) and neither of us had ever been before, despite having now lived in New York for over 3 years. According to the garden's website, the cherry blossom trees were in peak bloom and we knew that if we didn't take the opportunity, we would miss seeing them for another year.

After a surprisingly quick subway ride (from Greenwich Village) we walked to the gardens. After some meandering, photo-taking, and exploring a greenhouse, we finally reached the Cherry Tree Esplanade. It truly does live up to its name. Made up of two lanes, the trees bloomed on either side of each lane and hundreds of people sat, frolicked, and photographed, despite the relatively quiet hour and day we had chosen to visit. Needless to say, we were relieved we didn't pick a Saturday!

It was nearly impossible to get a photograph without people in it, but as you can see, we tried our best.

Doing my best to blend in. <3

Cherry Blossoms <3

Japanese Vibes. <3

“Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes.”

— Clare Ansberry

I love all flowers, but green ones are up there amongst my all-time favourites.

I had the Jurassic Park theme song in my head for this bit and, much to Rebecca's dismay, I hummed it extra-loudly as we walked around.

If you live in New York and are interested in visiting the garden, you can check their website for detailed information regarding the plants and flowers in season at any given time. As far as I know, peony season is currently underway, and June will be all about roses. X

Wearing: Topshop Dress, Made Me Jacket

Photography by Rebecca Alaniz

Heatwave

In memory of:

The heatwave New York experienced last week (short-lived, but glorious)...

And of Summer in Sydney, where most days are spent by the beach, in and out of the water, with friends and family like Lois Vega (the total babe featured here with me) and Elaine Kwok (the beauty behind the camera lens), who turned up at the beach this particular afternoon, camera in one hand, with the other hand ushering me into the water for an impromptu photo shoot.

Here's to heatwaves. May New York experience one again VERY SOON. In the meantime, I'll just hide indoors from the rain (it's literally storming as I type) with a glass of Beaujolais, binge-watching Friends for the millionth time whilst looking over these photos (yes, the water really is that blue. And yes, I really was that tanned). Oh, Summer. Come back to me. <3

“All in all, it was a never to be forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.”

— L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

“Summer is the time when one sheds one’s tensions with one’s clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all’s right with the world.”

— Ada Louise Huxtable

Photography & Edits by Elaine Kwok (teawithnostalgia.com)

Wearing: Somedays Lovin' Bikini, Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Subtitled Shorts, Topman Hat

Walk the Line

On a lovely sunny afternoon not too long ago, my husband Nathan, myself and our best friend Austin met for brunch in the East Village of Manhattan. Afterwards, we decided to catch a cab to Chelsea Markets and walk along The Highline. Spring is very much in the air this weekend, so I thought I'd share some snaps of our little day trip with you all. If you live in New York, or are planning to visit soon, I hope this inspires you to get outside and take one of the many walks the city has to offer (post-brunch, of course). xo

Wearing: Dress by Reformation, Hat by Lack of Color and Vintage Bag & Boots

La Signora in Rosso

It will soon become clear to those of you who actually read my blog (thank you) that I am obsessed with Italy... The food, the people, the variance in climate and landscape and, of course, the language. Italian is my favourite language, and it is my firm belief that pretty much everything sounds better in Italian. The title of this post in English translates as "The Lady in Red" but I decided it sounded better in Italian, which is fitting considering this outfit was probably very influenced by Dolce and Gabbana (albeit subconsciously) -- what with the braids, the decadent earrings and the pop of R-E-D in the form of a very feminine dress.

I've found myself gravitating toward the colour red more and more over the past year, and I'm always in search of that perfect shade -- I think it can be a difficult colour to pull off unless you select the exact right hue for your skin tone. This dress is by one of my favourite labels, Reformation and I think the colour, coupled with the fit-and-flare silhouette and off-the-shoulder sleeves makes it very romantic indeed.

“To me, flowers are happiness.”

— Stefano Gabbana

I love red for night time, but it also works in the day with straw accessories (basket bags! hats!), sneakers, gold and turquoise accents and (yes, just trust me) even the right shade of pink. I love the contrast of the two candy coloured tones. Very "Lolita".

The other thing I love about R-E-D is that you can wear it year round. I took these photos when it was much colder, but this outfit definitely works for Spring/Summer, too. <3

“Italians know that what matters is style, not fashion. Italian style does not have social or age boundaries.”

— Stefano Gabbana

Wearing: Dress by Reformation, Sandals by Zara, Vintage purse, Nastygal Earrings.

Photography by Nathan Finochio, Styling and Edits by Jasmine Edwards.

Byron Bay ft. The Horse

With Coachella (or, as my friend Anthony likes to call it, "Urban Outfitters: the Musical") on everyone's mind -- and instagram feeds -- this week, I thought I would join in by sharing a series of "festival style" blog posts. And what better way to begin than with my trip to Byron Bay? Today I'm sharing one of my favourite new Summer outfits, the bulk of which I picked up for (or on) my recent trip to Australia.

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse

Let's get down to brass tacks: I'm wearing an Urban Outfitters cossie (or bathing suit, for all you "Yanks"), white, high-waisted linen shorts by Subtitled that I picked up at General Pants right before my trip to Byron, rose gold hoop earrings that I borrowed from my sister (thanks, Amy) and Topshop sneakers that I received for Christmas. I don't often wear sneakers, so it was a big deal for me to choose these, and I'm really happy with both the fit and the colour -- they're quite neutral and go perfectly with most of my Summer wardrobe.

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse

My pale pink, retro-inspired shades are from Urban Outfitters (I love their square shape, it's so unique) and I actually picked them up in the Men's department (!) right before I left for Sydney.

Last but not least is my BEAUTIFUL watch, generously gifted to me by one of my favourite Aussie labels, The Horse -- part of their "Original" line, it's the perfect accessory for Spring or Summer, with its large white face, polished rose gold details and blush leather band.

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse

One thing I love about this outfit is its versatility. Pairing a one-piece swimming costume with some cute, high-waisted shorts (or my other favourite, a flowing skirt) equals summer-y, beach-y ease that will take you from the pool to the festival, or the beach to the bar, depending on where in the world you happen to be!

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse, Topshop Sneakers

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse, Topshop Sneakers

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse, Topshop Sneakers

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse

 Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse

As I've said before, I tend to opt for pieces that are both feminine and vintage-inspired, and when it comes to accessories, I don't often deviate from these habits. Although I love the simplicity of summer clothes, the New Yorker in me felt a little "dressed down" in Sydney casual wear, so I found myself often embellishing beach outfits with accessories such as girly shoes (I love mules, shiny sandals or pastel sneakers), wrap dresses or high-waisted shorts, earrings (usually hoops), hats or ponytails (which convert easily into a bun, as seen here) and my favourite new watch. This may sound impractical in theory, but I can promise you that other than the watch and the bun, I wore this entire outfit to the beach right before I shot it.

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters One Piece Bathing Suit, Subtitled Shorts from General Pants, Watch by The Horse

Photography: Amy Edwards

Styling and Edits: Me

X

The Film Star and the Folk Singer

It's no secret that I LOVE watching movies, and 'Oscars Day' is basically a National Holiday in my family's home. One of my best friends Lois (@loisvega) shares these sentiments, and as we were in the same country for once (!), we decided to watch it together. Obviously, we dressed up for the occasion, and after a few drinks, we decided we may as well turn the day into a bit of a photo shoot.

Wearing: Vintage Dress from Buffalo Exchange, Vintage Earrings.

We took some film photos for my upcoming EP (so excited!) which I won't share yet... But here are some taken on my Canon, in my little brother's room (thanks, Samuel) in front of his film collection, drinking his whiskey... When you're the eldest child, you get the privilege of taking a few liberties with your siblings...

Wearing: Reformation Dress, Topshop Headband, Vintage Earrings.

I like to think these two outfits represent two of my favourite personas: firstly, a glamorous film star ready to accept her Oscar ("here's to the ones that dream...") and secondly, an old-school, Greenwich Village folk singer. I've been listening to Nancy & Lee a lot lately, can you tell? ;)

Wearing: Vintage Dress from Buffalo Exchange, Vintage Earrings.

I love this vintage smock dress that I picked up from Buffalo Exchange about a year ago. It was one of those pieces that you almost leave behind because you're not quite sure if you can pull it off. I'm so glad I decided to grab it in the end, because it quickly became one of my favourite summer go-tos, and I get so many compliments on it! The colour and print are so unique.

Wearing: Reformation Dress, Topshop Headband, Vintage Earrings.

This beautiful white dress is by Reformation and it's one of my favourites. That's saying a lot because I own sooo many. I was gifted it for my birthday last year and I've worn it everywhere: to parties, events and even to the beach! It's a wrap dress, so it goes beautifully over anything -- a slip, a bikini, it does it all.

Wearing: Vintage Dress from Buffalo Exchange, Vintage Earrings.

Wearing: Reformation Dress, Topshop Heels & Headband, Vintage Earrings.

Wearing: Reformation Dress, Topshop Heels & Headband, Vintage Earrings.

Heels from Topshop

I can't seem to say no to gold heels. I have two pairs from Topshop and I'm obsessed with both. These ones aren't only vintage-inspired and glittery (two of my favourite things) but also extremely easy to walk in. I love the block heel. I also love wearing them with glittery ankle socks!

Giving the Moonlight Producers side eye because they robbed La La Land... (JKS! But srsly).

Wearing: Vintage Dress from Buffalo Exchange, Vintage Earrings.

The earrings I'm wearing here are pretty special because they were given to me by my Grandma. I wear them all the time because despite being so over-the-top they seem to go with most of my wardrobe.

Wearing: Reformation Dress, Topshop Headband, Vintage Earrings.

What did you think of the Oscars this year? Were you on team La La Land or were you glad Moonlight won? And what was your favourite film of 2016? Let me know in the comments! xo

Finding Rosie

Wearing: Showstopper Teddy by Flora Nikrooz. Holding: A Bouquet I made =)

I received this beautiful lingerie from Finding Rosie a while ago now, and I thought it would be sweet to photograph it on my Instax Mini 8 camera, considering the romantic colour palette and vintage look of the pieces. However, let's just say that I'm not exactly a "modernist" (which certainly explains my love for old film style photography!) which is fine, except for the fact that I am basically technologically illiterate... so I found myself running around Brooklyn for a week in search of a good scanner (I tried three different places -- too blurry, too dark, too low res, Internet Cafe manager too creepy, etc) and I eventually ended up just photographing them on my canon and cropping and editing them on my phone...!

Wearing: Showstopper Teddy by Flora Nikrooz, Flower Crown from Forever 21, Satin Kimono from Hong Kong Markets

The Red "Showstopper" Teddy I'm wearing here is by Flora Nikrooz and it certainly lives up to its name! It is so cute worn as both lingerie and pyjamas. I don't usually opt for red when choosing clothing, but coupled with the mesh, ruffles and floral detail, I couldn't imagine it in any other colour, and it was too beautiful and romantic to pass over.

Wearing: Ever Yours Slip by Mimi Holliday, Forever 21 Beaded, Velvet Choker

Wearing: Showstopper Teddy by Flora Nikrooz, Shirt by Zara

Wearing: Ever Yours Slip by Mimi Holliday, Flower Crown from Forever 21

Wearing: Ever Yours Slip by Mimi Holliday, Flower Crown from Forever 21, Resourced Vintage Kimono by Urban Renewal

The second piece I chose is the "Ever Yours" Slip in peach by Mimi Holliday. I love slips because of their versatility. They can be worn as pyjamas, lingerie, an undergarment or in some cases, a dress. I often wear a slip under my more sheer vintage dresses. This one is a beautiful, pale peach-pink colour and I love the lace at the bust and hem.

Wearing: Ever Yours Slip by Mimi Holliday,, Vintage Coat

Wearing: Ever Yours Slip by Mimi Holliday, Flower Crown from Forever 21,

I love that Finding Rosie only stocks a carefully curated collection of labels on their site (www.findingrosie.com -- and you can find them on Instagram here), because honestly, scrolling through pages of bras can be pretty overwhelming and everything they choose is gorgeous, so the work is done for you. I've discovered new favourites like Mimi Holliday and Flora Nikrooz (check out their Instagrams here and here, and they also stock one of my favourite lingerie labels, Lonely lingerie from New Zealand.

XO

LUNA PARK

Wearing: Topshop shorts.

nos·tal·gia (noun):

"A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations."

Luna Park, located in Milson's Point on the north shore of Sydney Harbour, is an amusement park that first opened in 1935. With its terrifying entrance (a grinning, kitsch clown face) and its old-fashioned rides, a trip to the park is certain to reignite childhood memories for most Sydney-siders. While the Rotor (essentially a large, upright, spinning barrel) is probably the most popular ride, I prefer the grandma-like pace (and views!) of the Ferris Wheel.

My friend Lois (who would ordinarily abandon me in favour of all the sickening rides she could possibly manage) took these photos, did my makeup and helped style. We share a love for all things nostalgic, which means we almost never disagree when styling a shoot.

In Luna Park, we attempted to recreate a bygone era -- one of small, simple pleasures: long summers, homemade clothes and childhood birthday parties, and first dates -- all of the things that we imagine might go with a "trip to the fair".

It's always nice when you're genuinely excited about the prop food, isn't it?

My favourite "ride" in any park.

It's amazing how some bows, a ponytail and pink fairy floss can instantly transport you back to childhood... <3

Wearing: Vintage hat and dress.

And of course, no trip to Luna Park is complete without some of my favourite naughty snacks: fairy floss (that's cotton candy for you Americans), hot chips (fries!) and frozen coke.

Waiting (im)patiently for food...

Two of my lifelong loves: frozen coke and hot chips.

Wearing: Vintage dress.

Wearing: Topshop shorts.

Just day-dreaming about how much I love fairy floss...

Jenny was the Leader of a Teenage Gang

Of the three of us, only two can actually ride a skateboard...

If you guessed correctly - congratulations. I am the fraud on the left. (Centre: Renae Bartley, Right: Bella Thomas).

Holding a skateboard is serious business. Obviously.

I love this t-shirt. And these earrings, which were gifted to me by my beloved Grandma <3

Wearing: Stoned Immaculate Tee, American Apparel Shorts, Vintage Earrings

Myself and two real-life Disney Princesses.

Wearing: Stoned Immaculate Tee, American Apparel Shorts, Vintage Earrings, Topshop Sneakers

One of the only shots where my hair did not resemble the two ladies beside me. Bondi was ANGRY that day, my friends...

Credits: Director, Nathan Finochio. Photography, Amy Edwards. Edited by me.

La Bella Vita

"La bella vita"

MEANING:

"The good life" or "The beautiful life".

We live the beautiful life here in Sydney, Australia, and on a recent sunny, Saturday afternoon, my friend Lois (@loisvega -- new website coming soon!) and I forewent the beach for once in order to snap some film photographs of the lovely Bella, blogger and model extraordinaire (shebethesound.com) at her home in Maroubra.

Mostly drawing from my own wardrobe (and a few caps borrowed from male relatives), it was lovely to see how some of the feminine pieces I've recently accumulated (as well as my ever-growing hat collection) translated when mixed with Bella's more ecclectic, clean style as well as her exotic looks.

There is something so decadent and at once feminine about dressing up to laze about in one's own home. Whether it be in the confines of a bedroom--sunlight pouring through an open window; the courtyard of a garden; or resting on a borrowed skateboard, watching the sleepy suburban neighbourhood pass you by.

It's a firm belief of mine that the modern woman doesn't have to sacrifice glamour for comfort, or femininity for "cool" factor. We are more adept than ever at throwing together high street and low streets looks, and toughening up or dressing down girlish dresses or bodysuits with a well-chosen shoe or cap. Bella embodies this ability in her own daily style, which is one of the reasons it was such a pleasure to dress her.

I'd been dying to shoot my vintage black dress (picked up at Mirth Vintage, Greenpoint, BK) for ages, and I knew she would look great in it. Meanwhile, Lois was on hand, not only to capture the moment with her film camera, but also to help style - adding a chair here, a piece of jewellery there and toughening up looks such as Bella's beautiful Elle Macpherson lingerie by requesting the addition of a bomber (and some sass).

Wearing: Kimono and Rings, Model's own. Artwork by Leanne Thomas.

Wearing: Garbo Dress by Reformation, Bagatiba Necklace

Wearing: Cap by Calvin Klein, Urban Outfitters Bodysuit, All Saint Sandals, Forever 21 Earrings, Bagatiba Necklace

Wearing: Cap by Calvin Klein, American Apparel Bodysuit, Forever 21 Earrings, Bagatiba Necklace

Wearing: Lolita Hat by Lack of Color Aus, Vintage Dress, Forever 21 Earrings, Bagatiba Necklace

Wearing: Vintage Dress, Forever 21 Earrings, Bagatiba Necklace

Wearing: Elle Macpherson Body Breeze Triangle Soft Cup Bra and Breeze Short, Bagatiba Necklace, Model's own jacket

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Bodysuit, Forever 21 Earrings, Bagatiba Necklace

Wearing: Lolita Hat by Lack of Color Aus, Bagatiba necklace, All Saints Dress

Wearing: Cap by Calvin Klein, American Apparel Bodysuit, Forever 21 Earrings, Bagatiba Necklace

Wearing: Garbo Dress by Reformation, Bagatiba Necklace

Model: Bella Thomas // Photographer: Lois Vega // Stylist: Jasmine Edwards