I recently did an interview with Style Inc, an awesome blog that features many women I admire. Check out their blog for some good Friday brain fodder and below for my feature's transcript!
On personal style:
Some days I do not get out of t-shirts and slides and on others I like to satiate all my different personalities’ preferences. It’s a little bit United States Of Tara in my style department.
On the journey into modelling:
I was shopping for shoes in a New Zealand store when an agent approached me. It all happened quite quickly from there and by the time I was 16, I was travelling and supporting myself.
Advice she would give to her younger self:
Some people will love you and some people will hate you and that’s ok. You will meet amazing people and see beautiful things and have experiences that you’ll cherish forever. Relax and trust the Universe has got your back.
Taking care of herself:
I cannot lay still to get a massage or facial - it’s a struggle to get me chained down to anything for too long. I like foot massages though (because I can still do stuff on my phone), pedicures, pilates, yoga, laps in the Icebergs pool, walks on Bondi Beach and cooking food I’ve just bought from the markets. These things feel like self care to me. I am pretty into organic food and superfood supplements. Going to bed early is awesome for me but rarely happens. I also do Silva Method, meditation and journaling when I get a chance.
On her current wardrobe:
Overflowing, schizophrenic, with lots of vintage and colour. My wishlist items at the moment are probably the Balmain gold tie up slides, the baby blue Gucci bag and the Alaia studded heeled sandals
On travelling:
I just love travelling, period. If there was a way for my daughter to get an education and not miss her friends, I’d travel the world non stop like some gypsy caravan. I like it everywhere. I just went to India and Sri Lanka and I loved it there. I love Europe and South America and any island paradise. I’m Croatian so I love the Croatian coast. I really want to do Maldives and Iceland and Africa.
Her perfect day:
Wake up slowly, having the chance to remember my dream, then a snuggle with my boyfriend and coffee in bed. My daughter waking up after me, then a coastal walk to Bronte and a swim in the rock pool. Cooking up some pecorino, zucchini, wild mushroom and truffle eggs with a side of crispy bacon..Going to the Art Gallery of NSW, followed by lunch at Rockpool or Fratelli Paradiso. An afternoon nap..then perhaps a bbq on my rooftop or Icebergs for dinner and cocktails with friends... Does my daughter ever wake up after me though? NO! hahaha.
Life lessons she’s learnt along the way:
Do what inspires you, work hard and the Universe will conspire in your favour. Be truthful, for truth sets everyone free and allows for choice and growth. Don’t be set about expecting a certain outcome- sometimes things are not for you and better things are coming your way. Don’t give up easily, always persevere, but if something isn’t working despite all your efforts, let it go humbly and lightly, it is not for you. Prepare for the worst but expect the best. Intention and mindfulness are tools that are worthwhile mastering. Be kind, always
.
Tanja’s favourites
Flower: Gardenia or wild rose
Book: Anything by Henry Miller, Bukowski, Kurt Vonnegut or Tom Robbins
Coffee: French pressed with raw cream
Starsign: Aries
Place to drink after dark: 10 William Street
Favourite cafe/restaurant: Icebergs, Sean’s Panaroma, Rockpool, Fred's
Songs currently on repeat: The new Kid Cudi album
Most treasured wardrobe item: My Chanel 2.55 bag. I’ve had it for 10 years and it’s still great.
Go-to outfit: Bikini, wrap dress and slides. If I have to leave the beach, it’s pretty much a free for all.
Designers: Gucci, Givenchy, Proenza, Balenciaga, Frame… And of course all my Ozzie favourites like Ellery, Dion Lee, Christopher Esber, Romance, Toni Maticevski etc
Eyewear: Prada
Perfume: Right now it’s Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc because it smells like summer and Coppertone tanning oil.
Skincare: Any organic face wash, Nude skincare exfoliating bicarb foam, vit C serum, Lepaar face oil.
Game-changing beauty item: Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar Bronze & Glow
Day-time beauty favourites: Charlotte Tilbury beach stick in Moonbeach
Evening beauty favourites: CT’s eye shadow compact in The Golden Goddess
Travel must-haves: Silk Slip eye mask, natural hand sanitiser, SK- II face mask, LEPAAR face oil, The Beauty Chef coconut lip balm, Grown Alchemist hand cream, a good book, my Mac computer, a large bottle of Evian, some organic snacks, magnesium, vit C, Arma Force and last but not least a full Banjo & Mathilda cashmere tracksuit pants and sweater combo . I am basically a travel accessory hoarder and have crazy carry on!
Most happiest when: Everyone around me is happy and healthy, I have inspiring projects on the go , weather is good, I have beautiful produce in my fridge to cook and have paid all my bills way in advance. Good sex never hurts this equation either, let’s face it.
