How do you think the style of your hair and wardrobe has changed since you moved overseas?
I wouldn’t say it so much has changed – more evolved with the climate. There’s a whole lot more layering involved, which I actually really love. Pulling on tailored trousers, knitwear and an oversized coat is a lot more satisfying that just slipping on a simple shirt dress.
As a blogger my carry on will forever be ridiculously overpacked. Without a doubt, you will always find my Canon and two lenses, at least one hard drive, my MacBook, my diary, various chargers, and a few key hair and makeup products (Pawpaw, face wipes, TONI & GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe Wave Memoriser and Shine Gloss Hair Serum).
What are you travel essentials in regards to styling your hair and wardrobe?
I’m a serial over-packer, so whenever I’m preparing for a trip I try to just focus on what I use on a daily basis. Black skinny jeans, a simple white tee, black ankle boots, TONI & GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe Shine Gloss Hair Serum, Medium Hold Hairspray, Dry Shampoo.
I generally try to be as gentle as possible on my hair and let it air dry. Usually when it’s almost dry I run a good pump of TONI & GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe Shine Gloss Serum through the ends, as well as a generous spray of Sea Salt all over. Then, as my hair is quite fine and wavy, I finish off with a few shakes of Sculpting Powder when my hair is completely dry to add a bit of volume and texture.
If I was to only use one product on my hair, it would be the powder for sure. It’s the magic tool for creating undone, natural hair.
A lot actually! Since living in London I have been brave enough to veer away from my usual blonde and give both pastel pink and blue hair a whirl. When my hair was pink I found myself drawn to other pastel shades (particularly pink – I really embraced the matchy-matchy vibe). And when my hair was blue I was wearing a lot of navy and white.
Daria Werbowy, she’s my complete alter ego but the girl has got it going on.
How do you think you’ve changed separate from the way you dress since moving?
I’m not sure I can perfectly articulate all of the ways I have changed since leaving New Zealand in 2010 or Sydney in 2012. But I guess the most significant thing that comes to mind is how much I enjoy change.
So many things! Sydney is my spiritual homeland. The weather (obviously), the endless summers, the abundance of healthy food and good coffee, the amount of time people spend outdoors, smiling faces on the street.
What advice would you give someone who’s thinking of making the leap?
Do it! Life is short and you never know where your journey is going to take you. Of course there’s no harm in doing plenty of research and saving hard before you leave, but you’ll never know what else is out there until you try it.
Where would you recommend we do some credit card damage when in London?
The newish Céline store in Mayfair is pretty dangerous if you’re feeling like dropping some serious cash. And the same day delivery from Matches Fashion is always pretty great too.
Where would you take friends who were visiting for the perfect weekend?
Broadway Market on Saturday morning for coffee and people watching, followed by brunch at The Laundry in Hackney. The afternoon would be spent hanging out with beers at London Fields (weather permitting).
What’s London’s best kept secret?
I’m not sure I have the answer to that one yet – if anyone out there knows feel free to share!