I'm racing to get this post up because Andy (Stylescrapbook) is coming over in 20 minutes and I'm supposed to pack up my desk and bake cookies and prepare pizzas and cocktails. Edited these pictures in record time because I'm desperately trying to get something decent up on my blog everyday - I just feel so guilty after such a hiatus and feel like I really owe you guys. I don't feel so inspired to snap pics of my outfits sometimes but all the response from my video has got me feeling pretty reinvigorated!

Meanwhile - how great are these earrings? A design by my fellow blogger and ultra talented babe Lainy Hedaya from Haute Inhabit. A bit congrats to her for this collection!

Mojito time!! x

flats, Mode Collective

pinstripe pants, ACNE from Netaporter 

earrings, Haute Inhabit for Eluxe

Wish You Were Near shirt, Equipment

I think it would work with an all black ensemble too, kinda film noir. I'll give it a go maybe next week, something sexier. I have some sexy new red heels… if only I had a slinky black dress or a black pencil skirt, maybe some ray bans. It's a really fun to piece to style. 

As for the booties - am I not recalling some kind of forest creature in these? I love a quirky piece, the kind that divides opinions. I feel like a fawn in them, teetering around in all their fluffiness. Next I need to style them with a dress, something that features far too less of on my blog. Maybe the trench as a dress!!

Anyway - today the weather is bad again in Stockholm. I'm needing to create so many sunny filters for my photos! Though I'm sure you know, I do love the cloudy days for light. Regardless I'm chained to my desk so I guess it makes no difference. Nothing like a good candle and a nice up of tea to bring some cheer to a cloudy day.

Tomorrow I'm finally posting up my MBFWA editorial - which I'm so damn excited about. Studio work is somewhat of a final frontier for me so I'm thrilled to share what I'm capable of. Will have the pics up in about 12 hours. Counting down!

trench, Vintage

shirt, Zimmerman

jeans, Mih Jeans

booties, Senso

bag, Kenzo

The hardest part of being a new photographer is acquiring resources. Basically because every shoot you do is a combination of elements  and the end result can only be as strong as the weakest part of it. If you don't have great equipment, good light, good location, great people on your team - you can never really achieve everything you hope from your endeavour. That's why I'm so excited to post this, because I'm finally at the stage where I can co-ordinate some amazing resources, an incredible model - one of the brightest talents hair and makeup talents in Australia - and a premium studio to shoot in… not to mention some of Australia's best fashion! What does mean? Well it does conclude that the weakest link is myself! Thankfully, this shoot turned out exactly as I dreamed and I had the best time snapping it. I hope you like!

Thanks so much to all the designers involved for contributing these looks to my editorial, to Max May, Valerija and  for doing what they do best and Mondo Studio and my incredible assistant Nikki To for making things so easy for me. I love my job!!!

Photography and concept, Me

Hair and Make-up, Max May (Max Made)

model, Valerija (Chic)

styling, Jess Pecoraro (Ministry of Talent)

photo assistant, Nikki To (Mondo Folio)

Special thanks to Mondo Studio @mondofolio

Designer brands - Toni Maticevski, Michael Lo Sordo, Aje, Bec and Bridge, Ginger and Smart, Karla Spetic and Alice McCall. 

I really love the 90's, I know I've mentioned it here on my blog more than a few times. When I spoke to Chris the make-up artist about my love he mentioned he thought it was 'the era that fashion forgot'. How dare he! Then again, not everyone loves a shoulder pad…

My fondness of the 90's stems back to my own discovery of the fashion industry, I remember as a child of about 8 or 9, finding magazines and 'the supers', being totally enchanted by the glamour of it all. So I fell in love also - with clothes. My favourite looks of the 90's were this effortless style - and I love the hair! Big and whispy. Anything Cindy Crawford or Claudia Schiffer.

So these jeans are fabulous right? Or maybe you don't think so - another reason why I'm a fan, that divided opinion. Keeps people thinking. There's an 'Art Attack'   or Ken Done element about them. More blasts from the past!

I have another Levis post coming from another era next week… Till then x

photography, Michael French

concept, model and styling, Me

hair and makeup, Chris Coorod

all clothing, Levis

These two pieces aren't available yet so its really quite the tease for me to share so early - but I'll be sure to wear them in outfit posts once I have my hot little hands on them. I'm crazy about the cute little toucan and parrot prints - they really bring about that vintage 50's feeling I was searching for.

That romper is sure to be a staple for me this summer. Can imagine with a cute pair of plimsoles and some colourful shades? Get me out in the sun on the Swedish archipelago. I'm ready!

You can also check out the summer lookbook I photographed with my girl Rebecca (Raspberry n Rouge) HERE.

Sorry for the short post, I'm tired :(

All clothing, Zanita x Pimkie

I could really wear these Friend of Mine overalls everyday, such cosy soft leather, so versatile and as flattering as a drop crotch overall could possibly be. Do any of you remember me wearing this Isabel Marant jacket a couple years back? I remember Jess put of a photo of me on her instagram, wearing similar attire, black pants and white sneakers, someone comments "Look out Jess, there's a 80's break dancer trying to take your picture!". Well guess what folks - it's hammer time!! (technically 1990 but for the sake of this joke, lets roll with it)

Anyway! Retro feelings aside - I had a fun day filled with fruitful meetings and a move into a new office here in Stockholm. It's great to be in a work environment, surrounded by young entrepreneurs getting shiz done. Inspiring. Working from home has it's perks, but it does lend to spending half the day in your pyjamas which certainly isn't dressing for success.  It's good to have a routine and get out of the house each day - and its fun to explore new areas of Stockholm. Such a great city.

I'm getting geared up for loads of travel and work over the summer now - Monday night I'm flying to my beloved Amsterdam. Can't wait!

overalls, Friend of Mine

jacket, Isabel Marant

sneakers, Adidas

backpack, Barbara Bonner

ring, Swarovski

watch, Larsson & Jennings

nail bracelet, Amber Sceats

tee, Levis

Check out my beauty Q&A on Max Made HERE, where I talk my favourite beauty tips and products.

Thanks again Max!!

trench coat, Michael Lo Sordo

bracelet, Amber Sceats

This is definitely a look that anyone can really pull off right? A classic look, trench, striped tee and relaxed jeans - all in a modern fit. So that's the era I'm representing in this post, right now! This Levi's project has been so much fun, getting into character for each editorial… though this is one where I'm really just being me, maybe on a casual sunday. Super effortless and chic, such a great formula - a trench and jeans.

One more to go! Can you guess the era for my final series?

photography, Michael French

concept, styling and editing - Me

hair and make up, Chris Coonrod

all clothing, Levis

And I once had an old lady approach me and tell me I looked really fabulous in my green suit. People say jumpsuits are hard to pull off but I really think this cut and style suit a lot of body types. I've actually had it since last season - and I have featured it on my instagram but not on my blog - partly due to consistently be separated from my main wardrobe during long periods of time. Mih Jeans currently have this amazing shorter white version available and its on my must have list.

By the time this has posted I will have long departed Amsterdam and landed back on Swedish soil. Its such a luxury to see Europe and know I'm not going to endure that dreadful jet lag from a long journey back to Oz for quite some time. There's not much that thrills me more than knowing I've got the whole summer to travel in Europe!

pics by Rebecca Laurey (Raspberry n Rouge), editing by me

jumpsuit, Mih Jeans

sandals, Senso

bag, Kenzo

sunglasses, Valentino

bracelets, Amber Sceats

Excited to put up a new post from Amsterdam - even more so because I'm wearing my new favourite shirt from Vika Gazinskaya collaboration with my favourite brand - And Other Stories. 

Other than that - I'm actually running out the door because its REALLY hot and sunny outside here in Stockholm and its absolutely a crime to be inside on a hot day in the summer here… so much hibernation in the latter part of the year! Also my new office space is actually in a basement - so I need to be less of a cave creature and more of a sunlover. Did you all know that a little bit of Vitamin D actually PREVENTS skin cancer? Just enough though! Don't get too excited. I'm still a pale skin lover.

Happy weekend to all of you!!

Photos by Rebecca (Raspberry n Rouge), editing by me

shirt, Vika Gazinskaya for And Other Stories

pants, Zimmerman

shoes, Wittner

bag, Kenzo

sunglasses, Spektre

bracelets, Amber Sceats

And what a great monday it is! I'm high on life today - the weather is what dreams are made of - and though I am actually stuck inside with work, I can feel the good energy off the street. Got my new playlist on repeat, perfect dreamy summer sounds. Hope you like!

Posting this now - then getting to work on a second post for today!

artwork by Meagan Morrison (check her out!!)

Part two of my series for Nasty Gal - to alert you all of the fabulous fact that your favourite online store is about to be landing in Australia.  Unfortunately for myself and my my fellow Antipodean human beans, shipping costs have been a righteous burden on us - clutching our credit cards and obsessing over online purchases, wincing at the checkout. Slowly but surely my favourite online stores have one by one hauled ass down under, buying up warehouses and shipping around Oz with reasonable prices. Hooray!

This is a look which is kind of a go-to silhouette for me, a fit and flare skirt and a long line with the trench - always flatters those of us who are majorly tall and built like swimmers. Don't ever ask me if I'm a swimmer. I'm not.

Anyway! Thanks Nasty Gal - we're excited to have you! :)

heels, Nasty Gal

trenchcoat, Nasty Gal

nude tee, Nasty Gal

skirt, Nasty Gal

backpack, Barbara Bonner

This silk kimono-style dress makes me feel like a million dollars. So comfortable and breezy, that sexy low back and the slouchy effortlessness. I need it in ten colours. Unfortunately for me it only comes in black and this bright pink colour - which I actually really love but gives me 'Barbie Doll' paranoia. The plight of blondes everywhere! Haha!

I'm posing up a storm in these images but that's what a floaty dress inspires from me. I know some of you have asked me how I'm so comfortable in the camera  and let me tell you, taking a good photograph is a SKILL, not something that comes naturally. I don't believe in the phrase "You're so photogenic!" because I really think that anyone can take a good pic if they just learn their angles and relax in front of the camera. I've got more on 'How to Model' coming soon - in a course I'm going to be producing. Exciting stuff and a lot of hard work ahead for me!

Today is cold in Stockholm, makes me pine for those sunny Amsterdam days even more so….

pics, Rebecca Laurey (Raspberry n Rouge) - editing, me

dress, And Other Stories

shoes, Asos

bracelets, Amber Sceats

You can't really hide from the theme of this post - the 80's! I've got a love hate relationship with this era - flashback to when I was a kid and my Mum had enormous permed hair and my Dad has this enormous handbag moustache. Not exactly chic. Then again, discussing with Chris, my talented hair and make-up artist - the eighties was just fabulous! All the colour and fun, what's not to love? Ok well maybe green eyeshadow and glossy pink lips can stay behind… but the look still makes me smile.

Many thanks to Levi's for having me involved in this little fashion challenge - I loved styling up each look and presenting in a theme. Thanks also to Mondo Digital and Michael French for his photographic talents - and Chris for his MUA genius. 

photography, Michael French

concept, styling and editing - Me

hair and make up, Chris Coonrod

all clothing, Levis

I often get questions about my beauty regime - and have avoided questions because so often the products I use change, like a flavour of the month. Lately I've been a little more dedicated, with exception of a casual rotation. There is a few elements to my routine I won't ever change - and it's all to do with consistency. I have pretty dry skin - and I used to get breakouts but no longer, mostly due to taking the Acne drug Roaccutane.  I did find a few tricks that helped, simple things like drinking loads of water and avoiding too much sun, not eating much (or any!) sugar. I also discovered HOW to best moisturise my skin. The key for me was finding a balance between how strong my cleanser was i.e. how much oil was going to be removed from my skin if I used a harsh cleanser - and then also how much moisture my skin was going to need after washing it. So many skin problems are caused by tearing the natural oils out of the skin with chemical cleansers and then not replacing the moisture afterwards - causing the pores to overcompensate and create to much oil, sebum - or react with oversensitivity. So if you want lovely skin - you need to understand what kind you have (dry, combination, oily) and then find the right products to serve it right. For the most part its going to be trial and error!

Moisturisers: Right now I'm using Grown Alchemist and Embryolisse - kind of alternating between. I've gotten a bit unreasonably hung up on ageing lately so I'm using the moisturisers for the begining parts of getting wrinkles. So strange because I love smile lines on others my age - it adds a beautiful character to the face… I should really learn to take my own advice. Anyway - I always apply my moisturiser IMMEDIATELY after getting out of the shower. I find it helps with absorption and avoids that nasty tight feeling from the water drying on your skin (maybe this only happens if you have characterised dry skin).

Cleansers: I'm using A Derma Exomega Emollient Cleansing Oil (is this name really necessary?)  for my face and body wash and its actually brilliant. Has a beautiful scent and never over dries my skin, lasts ages. I also use And Other Stories body wash when I'm travelling because then I don't need to use perfume, I smell like a sugar cookie. Eve Lom is the most incredible facial cleanser - but sometimes I'm a bit lazy/in a hurry and don't use it. You really need to apply some time to give yourself a good cleanse - I think it's best for dry skin. Leaves it dewy and amazing.

Hair: Don't really use any kind of shampoo/conditioner regularly - but I'd die without dry shampoo, Batiste is the best. Doesn't give you that weird white snow head and plenty of new volume. Bumble and bumble Sea salt spray is great for texture too - but thats something thats best for when my hair is a bit soft and flat, loses it curl. The shape of my hair is determined by the weather and water quality which really keeps me on my toes. Whats in store tomorrow?!

Perfume: I discovers Atelier Cologne's Rose Anonyme while in Amsterdam - at an incredible beauty shop inside the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, I think its called Skin. It's the most sensual rose scent - obviously a bit difficult to describe online and also kinda pointless. Confident and romantic is what I was going for and thats what I found in this scent. If you're in Amsterdam I'd highly recommend buying a perfume from Skin. 

Scrub: I'm kind of addicted to scrubs - and though so often its recommended to do only 2/3 times a week - I usually scrub everyday. I just feel like my skin gets a bit dull without it! I love Frank's coffee scrub and Grown Alchemists for their face and body. Anything that doesn't rip oil from your skin.

Body Moisturiser: Here's where I'm favouring scent - and I love Marie Stella Maris rose moisturiser  (made with shea and coconut) and then a good argan oil for dryer parts like legs and arms. Right now I'm using Avril.

These are just some of the products I like right now - I'm a pretty firm believer you can have some AMAZING skin with a good lemon juice and sugar scrub (make it yourself) and some quality body oil - even olive oil! You don't need to break the bank, just be consistent with the care of your skin. Also stay out of the sun and drink LOADS AND LOADS of water. Seriously, water intake can make or break the quality of your skin.

Hope I've helped some of you with my tips! Remember, I'm not an expert - but this is just what I've learnt from my experience with MY skin.

I don't usually post up my Press on my blog but I don't have time today for a proper blog post (but i have something fabulous tomorrow! Much excite!) and this is going to have to be it. It's a 'one item three ways' feature for Aussie mag Shop Till You Drop - alongside journalist Emma Freedman and designer Pip Edwards. Sorry for the bad scan and also bad hair day… bleugh so flat….

Happy Friday all!

You might not remember the very first day we met - but I certainly do - it was nearly 8 years ago.

I had arrived in Sydney, green as can be - direct from a country town in the West. It was my first Sydney Fashion Week and my only chance to make a first impression on the Australian fashion industry as a new model. The day before shows were due to begin I hadn't booked a single gig and I was resigned to giving up. I wasn't a good runway model, too broad and athletic, a terrible walker and mostly definitely lacking that effortless cool of so models before me than ensured their place in the best designer runways. Last minute, I was called into casting for one of Australia's brightest new talents, Toni Maticevski. Of all the shows lined up in the week - this was one I REALLY wanted to get and also one where I knew I wouldn't have a chance. I remember seeing your face as I prepared to do my walk - sympathetic. My nerves must have been written all over my face. I tried on one of your beautiful gowns and found it fitting me well - which was some kind of miracle - thank goodness for the stretch fabric. My experience of the castings told me so far that this was just a formality, a gesture to give false hope. Yet moments later my agent called to say I was booked and I was elated. Then the day of the show came and I was so excited,  I felt like I was really a part of something special. I remember you were so sweet and generous to every model there, a handwritten note and a gift on each of our racks. Thanks so much for your kindness Toni! I loved being a part of your show. I'll never forget it - and I've been a great fan (and now a friend) since then.

So this shoot is a kind of birthday wish to you, Toni. Nicole and I love so much what you do, your talent and work are such an inspiration and always a surprise, I'm constantly marvelled by what's next. You're a beautiful person and we are so proud to call you a friend.

Hope your birthday is filled with happiness!

Love Zanita and Nicole xoxo

I found a picture from my first MBFWA runway experience with Toni HERE  and HERE.  You can also see the FTV feature HERE.

Photography and Editing, Me

Styling and Modelling, Nicole Warne

Hair and Make-up - Vic Anderson

Photo assistant, Leah Traecey

Our beautiful flowers were provided by the incredibly talented Saskia Havekes at Grandiflora florist

Special thanks to Mondo Studio for the loan of their incredible space and equipment

All clothing, Toni Maticevski Orange Beaded Dress and flute orange coat MATICEVSKI Hazzard Overcoat- Fluro Finale Beaded Bustier and skirt Two piece grey skirt and jumper MATICEVSKI Voyage Sweater - Haze Grey

Soft Focus Skirt - Haze Grey Black cropped top and white frilled skirt MATICEVSKI

Cropped Cage Mesh Tank - Black Asylum Long Line Skirt - Polar White
Black gown MATICEVSKI

Morality Gown - Black.  

I'm sorry for my hiatus! I was on such a good run - but  I had a weekend away with friends and now I'm in Ibiza for some work. Excited to share whats coming ahead! Next week I'm back again and its going to be blogger mania.

For now I'm glad I have my talented friend Sina who is providing me with some great content - her tutorial of a natural make-up look, which is totally my jam. Check out Sina's Blog, her story of a make-up artist who travels the world, full of great tips and tutorials.

Video for Sina Velke BLOG

I feel like a right shithead for only posting once last week. Classic case of avoid something because of guilt, I actually had some images I could have used for a post but decided to focus on other work instead. I've always got more than I can handle at any given time, so its really a case of priorities… I'm sorry! I'm back now. Going to post everyday this week (famous last words).

I wore this outfit to cycle into Stockholm city centre for lunch - at the Smaka på Stockholm (Taste of Stockholm) where their's food stalls galore. A beer and a burger in the sun and I'm back home to work. It's so great to be out on a bike though, if you get a subway card here you can also take advantage of the city bike program. Means you don't have the added stress of securing your own bike around town, just grab a city bike and replace it back at one of the dedicated receptacles which are located all over the place. Cycling is such a brilliant way to see any European city!

A note to add on my shoes - they are by Ix Style - and every pair sold helps to finance and provide clean water for children in need around the world. Each set is handcrafted by 900 female artisans in Guatemala, who reinvest 90 percent of their funding back into their small communities. These shoes are not only chic but helping to improve lives of your fellow human beings! Love me some consumerism with a conscience! You can get your on Ix Style sandals HERE.

Good to be back! xx

sandals, Ix Style

shirt, Maison Scotch

pants, And Other Stories (Vika Gazinskaya collection)

bag, Zara

hat, Lack of Colour

gold bracelet, By Charlotte

silver ring and bracelet, Efva Attling

I just really didn't want to put this off any longer! So please excuse all my umming and arghhhing and pulling at my face. I'm having a bit of a come down from drinking 3 cups of coffee this morning. I blame Sweden for getting me so hooked!

I'll be answering some more questions soon - feel free to keep sending them in :)