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Representative of the unique Hawaiian islands, Maui consisted of diverse environments ranging from volcanic craters to sandy beaches. I first arrived in the calm waters of Maui and immediately embraced its picturesque coastline with an excursion to Wailea beach which was lined with exclusive resorts. The highlight of this visit was relaxing on the peaceful idyllic beach in addition to swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. Umbrellas and beach chairs are a must for ultimate comfort and sun-protection.

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The following day I visited the volcanic crater in Haleakalā National Park. After a long bus ride up the mountain to an elevation of 9000 feet above sea level to the Pu’u’ula’ula Summit, I experienced a magnificent view of the Haleakalā crater with its Mars-inspired landscape and an eerie desert. Remember to wear extra layers as it is surprisingly chilly and windy. The colours of the crater including red-ochre sand and grey ash blended beautifully in a surreal way. It felt like I was walking on Mars. Surrounded by unique desert flora, one learns that the volcanic landscape is naturally and spiritually linked to the Hawaiian culture. The juxtaposition of volcanic rock and sandy beaches on Maui is incredibly breathtaking and I anticipate that I will return to this magical paradise.

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Photographs by © MCTL

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My first encounter with Hawaii was experienced on O’ahu’s North Shore, an absolutely beautiful region with chilled beach and tropical vibes. Turtle Bay Resort located in Kahuku provided comfortable accommodation, delicious dining and cultural activities, as well as a stunning locale to swim at secluded beaches and to view magical sunsets. Walks around the resort and its beaches, as well as reading in the sun on an ocean-view balcony contributed to a sense of freedom and relaxation in this tropical paradise.

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En route to the Haleiwa market village, I even spotted a turtle on a small beach which was idyllic. Full of souvenir shops, surfboards, local art, cafes, and food trucks, I drank and ate a coconut and couldn’t believe how sweet and delicious it tasted.

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An organised trip to the Polynesian Cultural Centre involved sipping on more coconut water, watching a canoe dancing pageant representing the nations of the Polynesian Islands, and exploring the centre’s activities with a canoe tour ride and 4D film. Of course one must dine like a traditional Hawaiian at a luau, complete with wearing delicate leis, and eating a meal of roast pig with tropical buffet selections which enhanced the entire experience. To conclude the day, there was an amazing performance with Hawaiian hula and an impressive fire dancing performance.

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Another highlight at O’ahu was watching the final of the 2014 Billabong Pipe Masters. It was fantastic watching the competition on the beach and being close to numerous international surf competitors which strode past me on their way to the surf. It was surprising how exciting the final was, including the round in which Gabriel Medina won the surfing world title. Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach catered for the crowds with local food trucks. I particularly embraced tropical fruits with the help of tasty acai bowls, smoothies and papaya boats. Overall, the atmosphere was electric and I felt a part of the rich Hawaiian beach culture.

Dining by the beach watching sunsets and a last morning swim in the tropical waters of Turtle Bay Resort transitioned into a new experience – boarding a cruise. Checking in at the ship pier in Honolulu and setting sail that evening was the beginning of another fantastic adventure. Stay tuned for more travel posts that explore the Hawaiian islands.

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Photographs by © MCTL

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Twelve-hundred photographs, various souvenirs and a full suitcase later, I returned to Sydney relaxed, tanned and pumped for the new year. Hawaii was the most perfect, beautiful and amazing end to 2014. Soaking sun-rays from Oceania in the land where palm trees sway and coconuts are abundantly edible, fulfilled my holiday dreams of paradise.

For 6 days I relaxed on the fabled North Shore of Oʻahu Island in Honolulu County, where I stayed at Turtle Bay Resort. Here, the palm trees rocked powerfully from trade winds, and sunsets gleamed from my magical ocean-room view. Highlights included a car-trip to the market village of Haleiwa, a bus-ride to the Polynesian Culture Centre for a traditional luau, and attending the final of the 2014 Billabong Pipe Masters. These experiences provided the perfect balance between the rich Hawaiian culture, the chilled vibes of the North Shore and the resort-lifestyle, more laid-back than in Australia. The Hawaiian locals were also very welcoming to share their heritage and personal stories.

I spent the next week cruising on the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America where I was able to be valuably immersed in exploring more of the Hawaiian islands including Maui, Hawaiʻi, and Kauaʻi. Day trips on the islands featured excursions to the Waimea Canyon, Haleakala Crater, Wailea beach, Rainbow Falls, Kona farmer’s markets, and Fern Grotto, just to name a few.

Before returning to Sydney, I spent a few days soaking up the relaxed vibes in Waikiki. Impressed by the shopping, acai bowls, breathtaking beaches and mountain coastline, Waikiki confirmed my wish to travel back to Hawaii sooner rather than later.

For some people change is insignificant, but after this long-earned break I learnt that travel and exploration of foreign places forms a great deal of one’s identity. Most importantly, one’s environment is vital in influencing style and outlook. Even the archetypal Hawaiian print became a staple item during my Hawaiian interlude. Above all, my love for this beautiful paradise has only just begun.

To embrace my Hawaiian dreams, listen to my new Spotify playlist. I hope you enjoy the following travel diary posts.

Mahalo and Aloha xxx

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Photographs by © MCTL

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a b c d e g h

Asos black one-pice swimsuit (similar), Ralph Lauren oxford shirt, Asos high waisted denim long mom shorts, Asos leather flatform sliders, Karen Walker anytime sunglasses (tan glitter) (similar), Ray-Ban original wayfarer classic sunglasses, Asos drawstring backpack, Vintage black visor hat, Asos gold ring (similar), Asos leather black belt (similar), Chanel rouge coco (56 téhéran) lipstick, Calvin Klein one shock for her

At last the humid breeze has arrived and my attire has adapted to accommodate sporadic outings to the beach. This is what happens when street meets the seaside. In Australia (especially in Sydney), there is always an underlying chilled summer heat beach vibe and culture which I witness in full operation during the summer months.

Trendy new bars and restaurants scatter the nicely-furbished public areas of Manly, while nearby you can wander along the exclusive walk to Shelly Beach to dive and snorkle. Don’t get me started on Bondi with its beautiful stroll to Bronte and superb gelato and boutiques. There is just something very special about the cool blue ocean that runs along our coastline. Don’t you wish you were eating fish and chips on the beach watching the sunset right now?

Put the car window down, feel the wind on your face and blast some tunes (cue Calvin Harris and my summer playlist). To avoid the crowds, head to a quieter area such as the ocean pool at North Steyne Beach near Manly. As for your outfit, impress others with some vintage denim bottoms, a collared cotton shirt, fancy shades, a pair of slider sandals, and a drawstring bag to finish. Ocean visits also call for minimal accessories, make-up and hairstyling, so keep it ‘au naturel’. Don’t forget to slip, slop and slap, and seriously consider trying a tinted moisturiser with spf sunscreen to help achieve a fresh, dewy glow. Oh and make sure to don a classic one-piece swimsuit or bikini. With a glass of iced tea in your hand, I say ‘Cheers’ to summertime with ‘sand in your shoes’ while ‘staring at the sun’!

For extra comfort, let my new Spotify playlist accompany your sunny times.

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Photographs by © MCTL

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A B C D E F G H I J K L

Asos high neck sleeveless top (orange), New Look tailored culottes, Asos leather biker jacket (similar), Karen Walker anytime sunglasses (tan glitter) (similar), Zu Shoes patent leather heels (similar), Asos leather black belt (similar), Zandra Rhodes clutch (similar), Asos mini cross body bag, Bill Skinner emperor coin ring (similar), Asos gold rings (similar), Asos gold rings (similar), Vintage gold cuff bracelet (similar), Rimmel kate spring lipstick (20), Eyeko brow gel, Eyeko skinny liquid eyeliner (black), Eyeko fat brush mascara, Chanel No. 5 eau de parfum

In times of uncertainty there are two things that remain constant: I adore French love ballads with 60s drum beats (refer to Spotify playlist), and street art. Alongside my ‘nouvelle liberté’, I have a new camera, a new outfit and haircut. My obsession with culottes and Karen Walker sunglasses has also reached a whole new level I never knew existed, and the energy of the city stimulates my imagination and desire for innovation. The colours, the textures, the lines. When combined together the unique creative expression of graffiti art aligns with my minimalist style. With graphic design and vibrant contours, fashion meets art in graffiti. This incredible contrast highlights my innate creativity and passion for aesthetics. Hidden in secret lanes in Sydney, street art inspires fashion. For me, street chic is smart, edgy and individualistic which complements the idiosyncratic, colourful nature of street culture. Grab your camera and wear a striking pair of sunglasses. You’re ready to embrace street smart. If you wish, hit play on my new Spotify playlist. Enjoy. Follow @sydneyandstreet on Instagram, Twitter, Bloglovin’, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Spotify.

Photographs by © MCTL

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Asos blouse, Asos high-waisted jeans (similar), Asos sunglasses, Asos silver stone ring, Asos gold ring (similar), Casio gold digital watch, Asos leather black belt, Asos silver hoop earrings, Asos black bag (similar), Eyeko brow gel, Eyeko me and my shadow (chocolate), Eyeko skinny liquid eyeliner (black), Eyeko fat brush mascara, Chanel rouge coco (23 rouge orage) lipstick, Marc Jacobs daisy eau de toilette

Other than a 2006 pop culture reference, the title above has significant meaning for me. It’s spring, and this blog is the start of something new. As a musician and Francophile, this blog celebrates fashion, culture and lifestyle.

Inspired by the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Frida Kahlo, Anna Karina, Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy, Jane Birkin, and Francoise Hardy, my eclectic style is diverse as my music taste (believe me). An amalgamation of vintage classics and boho meets street chic in the creative spaces of Sydney, I value la mode which is accessible, adaptable, affordable, and tailored for the everyday.

Listen to my spring playlist on Spotify for inspiration and delight.

Bisous!

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Photographs by © MCTL