Hvar port with it’s crystal clear water

This June there is a very special event happening in Croatia. Called For Festival and held on Hvar island – the St Tropez of Croatia , this small an intimate event (maximum capacity is 2000 people) will be as unique as it’s locations are stunning. With venues in Hvar town and across nearby islands, it’s a little bit like island hopping to see acts like Tame Impala, Solange Knowles, James Blake, Nicholas Jaar , James Murphy, 2manydjs, Horse Meat Disco,Tensnake and many others in a gorgeous setting all whilst sunning your buns and enjoying the Adriatic sea. Since I visit Hvar every year, I thought I’d write my top 5 for everyone going to For festival (or Hvar ) on things to see and do while visiting this awesome island…

Get a little boat and choose your own adventure

1. Rent anything from a small motorised boat (you don’t need a licence for these) to a fancy yacht and sail around the Pakleni Islands. This set of 20 or so islands are one of Croatia’s most famous nautical destinations with pine forests, pebble beaches and azure sea. Rarely rough or dangerous water conditions make this a fun and adventurous day excursion with many places to visit – check out Jerolim, Zdrilca, Stipanska or Palmizana for some great beaches, awesome restaurants and cute outdoor bars.  Best of all you can visit some of  For festival‘s venues like a true pirate in around 15 minutes from Hvar town – Carpe Diem sits on one of these small islands as do Veneranda and Ammo Beach Bar

Bonj les bains

2. Carpe Diem – This venue is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful clubs in the world. Monopolising the entire small island of Stipanska, Carpe Diem boasts an outdoor dancefloor in an olive grove, luxurious day beds running down to crystal clear waters, bbqs on the beach and amazing DJ acts .

3. Have a spa treatment in a cabana by the sea, stretch out with morning yoga under the old pines or simply rent a daybed or sunbed followed by a few cocktails at Bonj “les bains” . This gorgeous “bathouse” is part of Hotel Amfora but anyone can pay to visit and enjoy some sun and Adriatic sea in total luxury.

Konoba Manego is an intimate and authentic way to experience Croatian nibbles

4.  Visit the local markets and stock up on artisan bread, Dalmatian prosciutto, the famous Croatian Paski cheese, fresh figs , olive oil, nougat and wine such as the Mali Plavac  then hop on a rented scooter and visit some of Hvar’s popular beaches : Dubovica , Sveti Nedelja, Milna or Zarace for a fun ( and utterly delicious! ) take on a summer picnic

Gorgeous view from the Amphora hotel over Pakleni Islands

5. Take a sunset stroll around the 700 year old stone town of Hvar  (Croats used to call it For, hence the name of the festival ), trek to the old fort then pick up some lavender souvenirs (the island is known for it’s lavender fields) and grab a bite at a wide variety of authentic Croatian restaurants.Dig into yummy local cheese, cured meats, salted sardined and local tipple in an authentic rustic setting at the Konoba Manego situated up the steep stone steps in the old town for a late afternoon chillout session. If lobster linguini or truffle gnocchi is more your thing visit one of our favourites Luna restaurant but  if you fancy a peasant stew called gregada with sea bass , potatoes , onion and wine simmered to perfection visit Macondo situated in a narrow alley over the main square or Lucullus where everything is delicious. Yaksa is a place to see and be seen featuring a modern take on classic Croatian food, Paradise Found serves great seafood pasta and fish platters, and Zlatna Skoljka is an authentic slow food restaurant serving delicious Croatian fare with a twist. Offering great views of the island and roast lamb , restaurant Panorama is just up from Hvar town, but if you really want an authentic and unforgettable experience and unsurpassed views of the whole of Hvar try to find Konoba Humac – what this semi abandoned shepard settlement lacks in electricity it more than makes up in coal fire. Order lamb, veal, goat or octopus a day ahead , then arrive when the meal is nearly cooked , settle back with some home made wine or a selection of liqueurs and wait for some roasted perfection while watching Hvar’s golden sunset . Octopus is prepared under the peka with wine and herbs – it is a traditional form of cooking where food is placed under a steel bell that is heaped with burning coals, then cooked for hours for unbelievable tenderness.

Golden sunset from Konoba Humac over Hvar and Pakleni Islands

With limited numbers and varied locations around town and islands, it really is a festival like no other. It means more fun, music and dancing and less crowds, lines , boredom and restrictions. It really shouldn’t be called a festival – it is more like choosing your own adventure on one of Europe‘s most beautiful Mediterranean islands. Which adventure will you choose?

Dig into some local fare with a view ( and a few grapes!)

Score your tix now here!

I’ll race you to the beach!

I was recently asked about my love life by Russh TV and I decided to tell it like it is. Cracking open my secret vault , I told them all about my past trials & tribulations . Check out the video below and have a chuckle with me!

Wearing Nobody jeans and an Alexander Wang t-shirt

Watch the video here!

British based designers are known for marching to their own drum and coming up with collections that are innovative and unique. On my travels recently I passed through London and decided to check out some poptastic eveningwear on for size while running around Soho. The weather was kindly uncharacteristically sunny and it was such a gorgeous day to shoot.

In this photo I am wearing a Michael Van der Ham dress and Nicholas Kirkwood pumps (available at Sax Fifth Avenue )

Check out the full Vogue.com.au post here !

Photographed by Mikolai Berg in London

There is something about turning off the busy 10 highway from Los Angeles onto the 111 toward Palm Springs. It’s as if time slows down and the 21st century falls by the wayside, replaced with hot air, desert vistas and an unmistakable whiff of absolute quiet. Distinguished in a way that only a palm fringed , Rat Pack seen it all , senior citizen mecca can be , Palm Springs doesn’t need to shout from the rooftops that it’s cool. It just is – and you either get it or you don’t.

I first visited Palm Springs years ago with my best friends simply because we wanted to make a quick getaway out of LA for the weekend and catch some warm rays. Well the town certainly obliged with the rays – if ever there was a place that confirms the Albert Hammond lyrics : “It never rains in southern California” – this is it. It’s hot here – real hot, but I like that – the sweat and the feeling of being on a holiday adds to the euphoria I get when I travel to this town. This time there was a reason to visit that was about more than just getting a tan – Coachella was on , I’d never been and I’d always, always wanted to go.

First stop was checking into The Parker Palm Springs. Once Gene Autry’s Melody ranch, this hotel saw every star worth their salt revolve through it’s doors in it’s 70 year history. Beautifully decorated in a kind of style that combines mid century with hippy 60s and accents of the 70s ,this hotel is stylish without being stuffy. Staff wear bubblegum pink ( I wanted to steal a men’s suit jacket in small sooo bad! ) ,there is a lemonade stand that serves mean gin&tonics – perfect for a round of croquet on the lawn, Norma’s restaurant has lobster frittata with caviar on the  breakfast menu for a hundred dollar kind of start to the day and the grounds !  The grounds are absolute magic – overgrown in an expertly landscaped way, with wild roses, citrus trees, bougainvilleas ,fire pit lawns, and maize like paths intercepted by dozens of amazing jewel coloured hummingbirds- I thought they were little fairies in the afternoon haze. It was the perfect place to shoot, chill and daydream.

The wickedly retro foyer at The Parker PS

Get your lobster frittata with caviar at Norma’s for breakfast !

Palm Springs vintage dress steal, vintage snakeskin belt and Little Joe Woman fedora

Beautiful grounds at The Parker – it feels like being in a fairy tale

I recommend the Lanai room , it’s spacious and boasts a private patio with a lovely hammock -perfect for an afternoon snooze in the sun

Little Hummingbirds are everywhere – this little guy was flying around me so fast I was lucky to get a picture

Shooting for Australian Vogue at the Lemonade Stand

The next day, just before hitting the festival, we popped into a house party that Soho House was holding for the very first time. During Coachella , day house parties are a welcome respite for artists and friends from the busy festival. Soho house held theirs at a gorgeous mansion, complete with manicured lawns,cold pressed juices by the pool,cocktails by the pond and delicious bbq nibbles. It was kind of hard to leave this heavenly desert oasis and all the hard work of lying on the lawn!

Soho house loses it’s Coachella virginity with these cool house parties during the festival

Rainbows, blue skies and palm trees at the Soho house party. What else is there in life? ; )

Hitting Coachella made me feel giddy with excitement. The afternoon glow of the desert sun descended on the festival and made everything look warm and gorgeous. I quickly made friends with the natural agave sweetened Margarita stand in the VIP section (yum) and clocked in some serious dance time. Over the weekend I loved seeing YYYs, The XXs, The Phoenix ,Nick Cave, Tame Impala, RHCP and Wu Tang Clan among others. The air was thick with marijuana smoke and dust and the atmosphere was totally chilled and happy. A lot of people don’t like going to Coachella as it is a 45 minute drive to Palm Springs and that can be tricky if you want to have a drink or two but I was lucky as my boyfriend doesn’t drink so I always had a designated driver. Most Palm Springs hotels however do offer shuttle busses to and from the festival so do ask. The festival closes at midnight and most afterparties are back in Palm Springs -usually The Ace hotel or The Viceroy. I really loved this festival- the hippy vibe, the nice people, the ease of getting around, the Raw food stand and the awesome Margaritas!

The glowing afternoons at Coachella

Tame Impala took everyone on a sweet trip through the rabbit hole

The Coachella Power Station Installation

I caught up with the YYY’s cutie Nic Zinner – the band played an awesome set. I’m wearing a Proenza Schouler top, Chanel bag and Scanlan&Theodore skort.

On our last day I sneaked off and indulged in one of my guilty (or should that be righteous? ) pleasures – vintage shopping. Palm Springs vintage stores are not to be missed – this is the place to still get real vintage. I picked up a gorgeous 70s paisley silk dress (shot at The Parker grounds) , snake skin belt, a beautiful watermelon 60s silk chiffon dress I wore to my friends’ wedding in the south of France and a great mint silk 70s wiggle dress that I can’t wait to wear. I love the thrill of uncovering the perfect vintage find and marvelling at the history behind the outfit. Considering Palm Springs was a playground of the rich & famous in it’s heyday, who knows what these dresses saw and who wore them to which exciting parties? I wish I had the whole day to shop hop. Check out The Frippery, De Ja Vu Vintage Finery, Resale Therapy, Secret Service and Route 66 West for some great finds at amazing prices.

On the way back I took a ride through the hills and sneaked a peek at some awesome mid century houses. The architecture tour here is amazing with Frank Sinatra’s house being the highlight – I absolutely adore this era for design.

The details and fabric of these vintage dresses are beyond !

Finally , the one thing I love doing before leaving the desert is boarding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.  This 13 minute rotating ride takes you from the Valley Station and passes up North America’s sheerest mountain face through five life zones (biomes) on it’s way to the Mountain Station at 2,596m above sea level.  You start off in this hot desert and climb up into an alpine forest that can be as much as 22C cooler . Once up, you can take a hike on the spectacular wilderness trails of the Long Valley and Mount San Jocinto State Park,  cross streams that slash through meadows of lemon lilly and azalea, cavort with wild animals such as the woodpecker and mule deer  and marvel at the way the Jeffrey Pine smells just like butterscotch – it is so incredibly peaceful, quiet and stunning up here you’ll be wondering if civilisation even exists and kinda hoping it doesn’t. No wonder this is a sacred site for American Indians.

Up up into the sky ! The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must see

Getting respite from tracking on a rock in the San Jacinto State Park while wearing my Acne boots, Scanlan&Theodore shorts, Proenza Schouler tank top & bag and Prada sunglasses

On your way back to Los Angeles drop into the Desert Hills Outlet Village. Barney’s, Gucci, YSL, Jimmy Choo and dozens more have their outlet stores here. I found a pair of boots that were sold out in my size online when I tried to get them and a couple of other bargain buys. It’s just a quick stopover! (or so I told my boyf!)

Goodbye Palm Springs! Doing my best Mustang Sally pose on the crazy hot hood of the car before exiting the desert. Wearing my Balenciaga t-shirt, S&T skort, Camilla Skovgaard booties, Prada Sunglases and Cartier watch coupled with Navajo bracelets picked up at Palm Springs

My Desert Hills scores : Jimmy Choo booties, Diane Von Furstenberg calfhair skirt and Balenciaga pumps

Right before fashion week the lovely Emily Quan asked me to do an interview for her blog Oh My Gilded. We talk fashion, food , travel, beauty and all things dear to my heart .Read the full interview here and check out her great blog. Thank you Emily !

In the picture above taken for Instagram after the Ciroc party I am wearing a Gucci dress, Vionett shoes and Prada clutch.

Staying at The Parker Palm Springs was magical! I get into the spirit with some ladylike mid century clothes for Vogue.com.au here ! In this picture I am wearing Sheriff & Cherry sunglasses, Gucci swimsuit and Nars lipstick.

The Street Muse’s blogger Melanie Galea came down to Sydney during fashion week to shoot a project for Oliver Peoples and My Theresa. I was lucky to be one of the people involved ! Here I am wearing my Stella McCartney top, Miu Miu skirt , vintage Versace bag , vintage necklace and some cool reflective Oliver Peoples sunglasses by the sunny Bondi beach. Can’t wait for European summer!

The Only Son‘s Au Ekbutr Udomphol is a young designer born, bread and currently based in Bangkok. I’ve known Au since he was studying fashion in Sydney , through his stunts at then Tsubi, Sass & Bide and subsequent move to New York to work for Imitation of Christ. His clean, edgy aesthetic translates into well cut clothes and cool , understated jewellery that possesses a certain kind of androgynous look suited for boys and girls. I couldn’t think of anyone else to round off my guide to Thailand than Au – he is simply the best man for all the  Bangkok insider knowhow!

TG:  Your label The Only Son incorporates lots of androgynous cuts and tailoring. I love the fact a girl can easily wear the TOS men’s clothes. How did you start the label and what inspires you?

AEU:  I started the label after returning from nyc in 2009, when approached by a Thai Luxury Conglomerate to start my own label.. it was the right opportunity and challenge at the right time.
As for inspiration : good music, good art, good company (such as yourself TG)

TG:  I adore your jewellery. How do the two processes compliment each other? What is your favourite piece?

AEU:  Each collection has its own concept which always intrinsically linked between the RTW and the jewelry . My new favorite piece is the Silver chain bracelet and colour coated ring.

TG:  As a born and bred Bangkok-ian, what is the most exciting thing about your city and how has it changed in recent years?

AEU:  The eclectic and unexpected mix of the old and new, without trying to sound like a tour guide I’d say the food and hospitality , the spas and the serenity escape to the temples that are located even in the busiest areas. A lot has changed with the property booming and improved transportation means new developments are everywhere. The locals now have more distinctive style and don’t really follow one particular trend as before.

TG:  If you had 24 hours in Bangkok what would your itinerary look like?

AEU: Breakfast at RMA institute, JJ market for vintage finds. Lunch in Aree then spa afternoon at Yunomori Onsen, dinner at Bolan, drinks at Moose then depending on the company.. the night could get a bit wild.

TG: What are your top 3 bars, restaurants, hotels and amazing things to do in Bangkok?

AEU:: Bars : Moose, Scarlett, Wongs
Restaurants : Bolan, Mugendai, Gagaan
Markets : JJ market and Rod Fai night market, Isawan spa at the Hyatt

TG: : When you are in Bangkok always….?

AEU:: Try the street food, visit the jj and train markets, check out the Temple of Dawn and the Grand Palace

TG:: When you are in Bangkok never…. ?

AEU:: Be misguided by tuk tuk or overpriced taxis, and never ever insult the monarchy!

TG: What is the absolute wildest place in Bangkok that could double as a set from Hangover II ?

AEU: I’d hate to say they’ve pretty much captured it all. Apart from Boys street in Surawong, across from where the movie was filmed which is the male version hence the name.

TG: You lived in New York designing for Imitation of Christ for years. How is Bangkok different to NYC and how is it the same?

AEU: As far as lifestyle, the music and art scene here  is nothing compared to NY but its improving.  And the similarity ?  There’s always a new place to go to!  Bangkok is a better comparison to LA rather than NY – it’s not that easy to get around.

TG: What is next for The Only Son?

AEU:  Flagship store, as soon as the right location comes up.

TG: Thanks Au!

Check out Au’s pop up shop in the newly redesigned Paragon shopping center in Bangkok!

…the catwalk press that is ! I went backstage at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia and “stole” an outfit from some of my favourite designers to shoot on the new MBFWA turf – the Carriageworks. I loved the juxtaposition of the industrial surrounds and beautiful fabrics of my dresses. Check out the results now up on Vogue Australia‘s blog here!

Photographed by Alice Wesley- Smith

Pink Lou Lou is an Australian based fine jewellery label by Skye Campbell that infuses feminine details and modern simplicity. It is the sort of jewellery that you want to wear every day , jewellery that embellishes unobtrusively, melding understated adornment with beauty and sentiment.
When the designer contacted me about collaborating she mentioned her mother’s style, her amazing vintage clothes, the inspiration she had brought to the jewellery collection and my ears immediately perked up. As you know, I adore vintage clothes so I had an idea to take these cherished pieces back in time and shoot the jewellery in the soft glow of the 70s and early 80s.

Kasia Werstak puts Vaseline on the lens for a trip into the soft focused past  while I don Skye mum’s gorgeous vintage Gucci, Jot, Cote d’Azure and Ranotto and ask Skye some questions …

TANJA:   I love your gorgeous whimsical jewellery. How did you come up with the
idea to start a jewellery company after working for so long in a different field?

SKYE:   I fell into Production as I studied Fashion Design at RMIT but after years of working as a producer on Photographic, Digital and Film projects I wanted to have something of my own where I controlled the creative process right from the conception of the idea to how it is presented to the consumer. As a producer, I am right at the end of of the food chain, the product is made and the ad is already conceived, my job is then to bring it to life, on budget and schedule. With Pink LouLou I am involved in all aspects of the business and I love thinking creatively to make it all happen!
I chose jewellery as could never find the perfect present for my friends that was sentimental but not cliché with lasting quality that was also affordable. This unsuccessful search spurred the idea for the first piece which was the Map of Tasmania charm on a chain which both symbolises my home and humour. It was given to a select few who helped me through a difficult time in my life. This then lead me to think about my mum’s great everyday fine gold pieces which had by then long gone (probably due to my sister and I knicking it) but since I fondly remembered them , I thought it would be great to re-create them. Those pieces being the Razor blade charm, Delicate heart charm and Reef knot ring which are still in the range. That is how Pink LouLou was conceived . When it launched online in October 2009, the Pink LouLou Map of Australia necklace simultaneously and very serendipitously also appeared on the cover of Harpers Bazaar gracing Jennifer Hawkins (styled by old friend Mark Vassallo). That was a very exciting day!

TANJA: Your mother sounds like she was quite a stylish character. Tell me a bit about her and how she used to dress?

SKYE:My mother was a city girl who married a Tasmanian farmer 11 years her senior.  She was very pretty with a great sense of style and a wicked sense of humour (she is still all that) .Though they had an idyllic country life both my parents enjoyed escaping to the “mainland” and overseas where she loved to shop. I remember her returning from these trips with suitcases heaving with treasures. Though she loved fashion she wasn’t a slave to trends, she wore what suited her.

TANJA: How has she shaped how you view fashion?

SKYE:She taught me to rely on the classics, invest in quality but if you embrace a trend make sure it suits you.

TANJA: What is your favourite piece in the Pink Lou Lou collection and why?

SKYE:God that is like singling out a favourite child…….only kidding! I selfishly don’t put anything in the range I don’t like myself but I am very fond of the pieces that are also much appreciated by others. The Love Knot Ring has been so loved and I get a kick out the fact it was influenced by ring owned by mum.

TANJA: What is next for Pink Lou Lou?

SKYE:  Just recently Pink Lou Lou collaborated with Vanishing Elephant for MBFWA. As I am pretty much a one man band, I really enjoyed joining forces with the VE boys to produce a range that touches on our brands’ shared values. I would love to do more collaborations with clever people and brands. I’d love to see Pink Lou Lou offer more than just jewellery for the modern, classic, fashion literate girl. My mind reels at the possibilities and I have been toying with some ideas. You will be one of the first to know – stay tuned !

Check out more of Pink Lou Lou‘s beautiful jewellery on the website and store here!

Photographed by Kasia Werstak

Hair & make up by Claire Thompson