New York Golden Hour

When you have the opportunity to shoot something a little special in New York, it’s time to pull out all the stops and channel a more romantic vulnerable side. Today’s article is slightly different to what I would usually post, but wanted to get creative overlooking the Manhattan skyline and do something a little more dressy and editorial before heading out for cocktails in the city. Maybe I have been watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s a little too much! 

Velvet is new to my closet, and held out for this dress purely for the emerald green tones that ooze class. The wrap style is perfect to cinch in that waist, and the low neckline is a little sexy. With a dress this length, I think it’s important to show a bit of skin. I couldn’t resist adding a statement gold necklace to take this look back to the 60’s. As we are heading into winter here in Aus, the thickness of the dress is ideal for a cold night out. I was actually surprised how much fabric this dress has. 

So how can you add velvet into your wardrobe? I would definitely recommend only having a few pieces, so here are my picks:

The Statement Dress

Perfect for those winter nights out. Try wrap styles that are going to reveal some skin.

The Velvet Belt

Perfect to dress up your go to denim and white tee look whilst adding texture.

The Velvet Shoe

Easy to incorporate into your closet. Stick to muted tones so that they see you through to next season instead of being a one off fashion piece.

This editorial was photographed by myself at design hotel, The Boro in collaboration with Isabelle Quinn. Hair refresh by the lovely team at Aveda salon Inch Hairdresser.

Shop the edit:

Winona Wrap Long Dress: Isabelle Quinn

Xyrus I shoes: Senso

Chain Necklace: Zara or similar here and here

Basket Bag: Zara or similar here and here

Art Series Hotel, Melboune

Last weekend, Chris and I were up and away on our travels again! This time, we took the hour flight from Sydney to Melbourne for a much needed chilled weekend. After our snowboarding trip the week before it was nice to melt into a comfy hotel room and experience some of the eateries the city had to offer. I’ve only been to Melbourne one time before and loved the diversity of brunch options and European feel to the city. I’ve been eyeing up The Art Series Hotels for a while and personally enjoy staying at a boutique style establishment over a large hotel chain. I love flicking through a hotels online gallery when each room is designed uniquely. 

So what makes The Art Series different? Each hotel takes design inspiration from a well known artist from a different creative background. The first hotel we had the pleasure of staying was The Olsen, which has 229 rooms located on Chapel Street. The hotel is inspired by abstract artist, John Olsen. He redefines the Australian Landscape from an aerial perspective. We arrived at the hotel at dusk, and being in a penthouse room we were lucky to crack open a bottle of bubbles to admire the city scape. We were so tired from a busy week we decided to order sushi to the room, enjoying a cosy night in before seeing more of the hotel in the morning. The alarm was set early for a quick caffeine fix and a meet up with a Melbourne blogger (all to be revealed in a few days). I was intrigued by the artwork and to explore the design aspect more. The pool is amazing! And being half inside half out, the heated pool was definitely inviting, especially with the steam escaping through the beams up through the roof terrace. They also have a cute coffee stand outside reception with Parisian inspired wicker furniture! Definitely got snapped for my Instagram!

We decided to grab a cab over to the next Art Series Hotel, The Blackman which is located on St Kilda Road. Inspired by artist, Charles Blackman, his art is poetic and probes the delicate world of human relationships. We were a little early for check in so dined in the restaurant downstairs for a hearty brunch and chai latte. Thankfully our room was ready in quick time so enjoyed some complimentary fudge (yum!) and got cracking on shooting my editorial style post that was published earlier this week. The room was a fashion dream, the furnishings and decor complimented my outfit perfectly! Clean crisp white sheets with golden notes throughout, it oozed European style and class. We also had a great view of Albert Park and Port Phillip Bay. It would be a perfect place to stay if visiting Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix. That evening we spoilt ourselves with Babu Burger where you design your own meal. Definitely a cheat day, I could no way finish mine! I think Chris was in hotel heaven being able to watch Fox Footy and his favourite team play in the comfort of our king sized bed! It’s so easy to have an early night in these hotels with the comfort of the beds and the quiet surroundings.

A visit to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without a trip to H&M and breakfast at The Grain Store. I love trying new places to eat, but discovered this little gem when I visited for Fashion Week, and was thoroughly impressed. Although the weather is a little colder than Sydney, it was nice to get away for a chilled weekend after the snow. Make sure you check out one of their hotels next time you are there! 

Here’s the link to their website:

http://www.artserieshotels.com.au

A Rare Weekend At Home

For the last few months, It's been tough to get a day to myself where I'm not working my job, blogging, photographing or editing. I really cherish these relaxed days and wish I could spend more time at home on weekends, especially now it's winter. I'm a bit of a home girl at heart, and actually quite miss spending those cold nights with my mum watching TV all cosy on the sofa with a good cup of English tea. When I visited home at Christmas, that's practically what my down time consisted of!

Beginning Boutique Turtle Neck: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Jag Denim Jeans: SHOP SIMILAR HERE or HERE

Urge Footwear Loafers: SHOP HERE (currently on sale)

Roc Eyewear Fedora: SHOP HERE

 Last weekend, I made the finishing touches on my bedroom setup, and FINALLY got some of my work behind the camera printed! It's been on my to do list for about three months. Seeing them displayed makes me realise how much I love what I do. I love creating imagery that tells a story, and found it really hard to knock it down to four. 

The first shot featured was caught backstage at Fashion Palette. All the models swarmed to the wings to watch the final gown walk down the runway on model, Valentina which was absolutely spectacular. I loved how all the girls were dressed in the finest stitches leaning in to all get a glimpse, then snap. I caught my favourite image of all time. I also love this image of blogger Sarah Mikaela which was caught at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this year. Her dress was designed by Betty Tran and the detailing was impeccable. One of my favourite highlights from Fashion Week this year was photographing for brand Ixiah The Label. The designs are best described as boho luxe and this runway shot depicts the brand in one runway step. The final picture I decided on was snapped At Melbourne Fashion Week at the White Suede show. I loved the texture mix and colour of the coat. The model was just spinning around to take her final steps backstage, and was drawn to her bone structure and presence on the runway. How cool is this snazzy palm tree clock? I think it fits with my Bondi house perfectly and actually matches the colour tones of my mounted photography!

Art Club Concept Clock: SHOP HERE

Styling my room with candles and sweet scents I have always loved to do, and recently discovered Glasshouse. They have a great range of seasonal scents at the moment, and their diffusers make my room smell that all more homely. Loving this black glass design, and think it fits in well with my monochrome lifestyle!

Glasshouse Fragrances Candles: SHOP HERE

Glasshouse Fragrances Diffuser: SHOP HERE

Art Club Concept Vase: SHOP HERE

Marc Jacobs Perfume: SHOP HERE

Balenciaga Perfume: SHOP HERE

The furnishings are from Cush & Co, another brand that I set eyes on last month. As you know, black and white is my favourite combination so it felt all the more appropriate to place this colour scheme in my home, adding grey accents to break it up. At the moment the Turkish towel I am using for added warmth throughout the night, but will definitely use this for summer beach days when a quick swim is in order!

Cush & Co Cushion Covers: SHOP HERE

Cush & Co Turkish Towel: SHOP HERE

This is my first interiors post, so hope it's something you like seeing. I thought it tied in well with my recent travel and hotel posts which I will channelling more of at the end of this month. I have two weekends away planned both very different from each other so stay tuned to see where I'll be heading! Very excited!!