LUNA PARK

Wearing: Topshop shorts.

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?

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

My favourite "ride" in any park.

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

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.

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...

Waiting (im)patiently for food...

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

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

Wearing: Vintage dress.

Wearing: Vintage dress.

Wearing: Topshop shorts.

Wearing: Topshop shorts.

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

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