48 HOURS IN HONG KONG BY JASMIN HOWELL

There is something which draws me to big cities - I love the hustle and bustle, the sounds the sights and Hong Kong is no exception.

Zimmermann Hydra Broidery Playsuit via Designer Forum | Lack of Color 'Spencer Boater' hat 

Location, Hotel Icon, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

I've returned to Hong Kong for only my second visit and I feel even more in love with this cosmopolitan city. I'm working on a new passion project, that sees me experience some of the best sights, sounds, tastes and style my favourites cities have to offer in just 48 hours.

If you have any Hong Kong tips - please send them my way either via instagram / twitter @friendinfashion or EMAIL me. I'd love to include all your favourites as well!

I can't WAIT to share more of this, and all of my travel tips with you soon - be sure to stay tuned for more coming really soon.

This trip, I stayed on the Kowloon side, in the amazing Hotel Icon. Icon by name and also by design. The rooftop pool is an absolute high-light with magnificent views across Hong Kong.

The location was perfect - right in the heart of the action and only from Hong Kong's biggest shopping mall - Harbour City! Valentino and Balenciaga were at the top of my shopping list.

Much love to my amazing French makeup artist and photographer who spent a gorgeous balmy evening running around the streets of Hong Kong.

Make up | Ana Makeup HK

Photography | Marion Tessier Photography

Follow the adventure on instagram @friendinfashion

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

SOMETHING IN THE AIR

There's something in the air in Palm Springs...

Something that has me channeling a Slim Aarons portrait.
The heat, the architecture, a retro dream-state.

I'M WEARING

Twin Set / Bronx and Banco

Platform Heels / Windsor Smith

Jewels / by jasmin

FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE ON INSTAGRAM @FRIENDINFASHION

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

SHADES OF GREEN | #COLOURSOFTHESTRANDMELBOURNE

Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of shopping up at storm at one of my favourite Melbourne shopping destination - The Strand Melbourne, to celebrate an exciting new giveaway just for YOU... 

The Strand Melbourne are celebrating all things colourful and are welcoming you to partake in their inaugural photography competition - #coloursofthestrandmelbourne.

From July to September, The Strand Melbourne will be giving away a fabulous, colourful collection of luxury fashion and featured accessories, each month, from their shops including Acne, Funkis and Gorman, and all inspired by one key colour.

First up (you guessed it), the colour is green, which is where I take inspiration for this outfit (all sourced from The Strand Melbourne, naturally). Now here's the exciting part!

For your chance to win, simply snap a picture in July featuring the colour green (it could be an outfit, or a location, or your favourite food - the sky's the limit) and upload it to [www.thestrandmelbourne.com.au].

Enter as many times as you like, and best of all, your photos will be housed in a digital gallery on The Strand Melbourne’s website.

Happy snapping!

I'M WEARING

Cardi / Feathers
Shoes / Habbot
Bangle / Dinosaur Designs
Bag / Funkis

Socks / Gorman 

FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE ON INSTAGRAM @FRIENDINFASHION

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

FIT. EAT. REPEAT. | #SWEATSTYLE

Do something today, that your future self will thank you for...
 

It is with great excitement and pleasure, that I announce the release of the FIT. EAT. REPEAT. website - www.fiteatrepeat.com

In the past, finding a regular and consistent fitness routine that captures my interest and works around my hectic lifestyle has been a challenge. That is until I found boxing, which I've been working hard at for the last year (you can check out my progress at instagram @fiteatrepeat).

Fitness to me isn't about being super skinny or working toward unrealistic body image examples. To me FIT. EAT. REPEAT. is all about becoming a healthier, fitter version of you.

No fad diets, or unrealistic work-out schedules.

To share my journey to health, fitness and well-being, along with my incredible personal trainer, Ruan Kotze (F.I.T.E PT), I've created www.fiteatrepeat.com - a website dedicated to realistic health and wellbeing.

Each week, I will be sharing some amazing workouts and tips, some of my favourite healthy recipes as well as (almost importantly), what I like to call #SWEATSTYLE.

As a fashion blogger, looking stylish while working out is equally as important, so I'll be road-testing my favourite workout styles and sharing with you the best looking and the best to wear while training.

First up, are these workout goodies from the new #HMAUSTRALIA active wear range. 

Not only are these pieces amazing to wear (no digging or slipping), just the right amount of stretch, and comfort, but being H&M they are guaranteed to be a fantastic price point. 

I love that the range has pieces to suits all shapes and tastes, from cropped tights to shorts - long sleeves to crops. I've been living in these grey tights - you can wear them high waisted or rolled over to revel this fluro pink waist band.

Something for everyone, and a fantastic range of colours.

Definitely worth a try.


Photos / Sam Howell

FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE ON INSTAGRAM @FITEATREPEAT

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

BY JASMIN x MAGALI PASCAL | PART II

I'm thrilled to share the second instalment, Magali Pascal...

If you've been following my instagram (@friendinfashion), you would have noticed me wearing A LOT of white lately. I think there is something so minimal and chic about dressing in one colour, and having darker hair and features, I love the contrast of wearing all-white.

I also love statement dressing, and this incredible detailed dress, by my good friend, French designer, Magali Pascal has to be one of my all time favourites.

This is the second part of my collaboration with Magali Pascal, to celebrate the arrival of by jasmin fine jewellery (my jewellery label) in Magali Pascal stores across Bali.

FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE ON INSTAGRAM @FRIENDINFASHION

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

SPELL AND THE GYPSY COLLECTIVE

Spell & the Gypsy Collective Fleetwood lace dress | Pencey boots | Samantha Wills hair clip 

A short while ago, my gorgeous friend Mel Carrero came to Melbourne, and of course we had to shoot together.

It was a super chilly, winters day in Melbourne, so naturally I felt compelled to whip on this vintage lace maxi dress, with splits up to there.

Despite the near freezing conditions, running around the back-streets of Fitzroy with Mel was an absolute pleasure.

All in the day's work.

Follow the adventure at @friendinfashion on instagram

Photos / Mel CarreroMake up / Shannon Butler

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

CROPS, CHANEL & PENCIL SKIRTS

YB by J'Aime crop top & pencil skirt | Chanel wallet on chain | 
by jasmin fine jewellery

I think one of the hardest challenges when styling a crop top is finding the perfect accompanying skirt, pants or pair of shorts to team with it.

I love just a flash of midriff with a crop, so I tend to be drawn mainly to high waisted styles, in turn avoiding too much skin on display.

The silhouette of a pencil skirt is spot on for me and adds instant sophistication to any outift.

What do you like to wear with a crop top?

Follow the adventure at @friendinfashion on instagram

Photos / RAZ

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

WESTFIELD MOST HUNTED

To coincide with Westfield's latest campaign, I have picked my #mosthunted fashion purchases to share with you, across three of my favourite trends for the season.


1. Print on Print /
I love fashion statements and doubling up a print is a really simple way to create a bold look.
I couldn't go past this Country Road tropical twin set - sweater & shorts.

2. Sports Luxe /
Where the gym meets the streets, wearing Nike crop, Seed pleated skirt & Urge sandals

3. Monochrome / 

Always a favourite of mine - black and white is such a classic look, but this frill crop top, from Seed, and Target high-waisted trousers add a splash of modern.

Your Chance to Win /
Be sure to share your #mosthunted item on Instagram or Facebook for your chance to win a lunch for you and a friend with Westfield Style Ambassador Giuliana Rancic and the stylish Bill Rancic in Queensland, plus 5 nights in the beautiful Hayman Island and a $1000 Westfield gift card.


Photos / Juncture Creative

Follow the adventure at @friendinfashion on instagram

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

FIT. EAT. REPEAT.

 Private Party Kanye tank | Nike Crop, Shorts, Roshe Run

Never having been particularly fit, I've made it my goal to get into shape in time for summer.

 In the past, travelling has made it particularly difficult to keep any kind of regular fitness routine going, in between different time zones and living out of a hotel, so being back home for a little while has really made this much more achievable.

I've tried a range of different work-out options - from group classes to yoga, but it isn't until I tried boxing that I really found something I enjoyed…a lot! 

Ruan Kotze, a fighter himself is my trainer of choice - and is the perfect balance of talent, expertise and motivation. He sure knows how to get the best out of me each and every session, even when I'm ready to give up and think I can't push myself any further. 

The second vital element to my new found fitness commitment is my training partner and lovely friend, Nadia Bartel (Chronicles of Nadia. Having a work out partner is exactly what I need to reinforce my commitment.

 A few solid weeks into training, I still have a long way to go, but after each session, I can definitely see and feel small improvements. 

Boxing for me is a fantastic all-round workout, it's fast and energetic which keeps me occupied. 
I'm feeling strong, healthy and fitter than I have in a long time. 

 I hope to share more of my journey to health and fitness with you as I progress, and will be sharing some of my favourite work-outs on my YouTube (with the help of my trainer of course). Above I share some basic boxing technique, which really gets the heart going!

 I'd love to know what is your  work out of choice, and if anyone else is as hooked on Boxing training as I am!

Follow the adventure at @friendinfashion on instagram

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

ACNE

Acne sweater | J Brand jeans | Senso mules | 
by jasmin fine jewellery

Acne is always my go-to for the perfect wardrobe basics.

I found this sweater while shopping online, which, with its oversized cocoon shape is a little avant-garde, but definitely a piece I had to have.

I generally steer away from oversized styles, as I tend to down in them a little, but this one was just too special to resist. 

Follow the adventure at @friendinfashion on instagram

Photos / RAZ

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

BEHIND THE SCENES | FRIEND IN FASHION x WE ARE HANDSOME

Friend in Fashion, behind the scenes with We Are Handsome.

On location in Hamilton Island 

A short while ago, I had the pleasure of returning to the picturesque Hamilton Island, with We Are Handsome, to indulge in some sun, sand and surf. 

Here is a first behind the scenes glimpse of We Are Handsome's new swimwear collection, The Catalyst, launching later this week.

If you missed it, you can also check out my entire Hamilton Island/Whitsundays travel video diary, which includes one of my all time favourite travel experiences.

Watch the video below.

CROP TOPS & CAMEL COATS

Sabo Skirt Crop Top | Lucid Label shorts | 
Hair by Edwards & Co | by jasmin fine jewellery

I found this outfit post from a couple of months ago, which I never got around to posting. A throw-back to when my hair was a lot blonder.

I'm back to a darker brunette shade now, but looking back on these pictures - I liked the blonde - what do you think? Should I make the return to lighter locks?

Follow the adventure at @friendinfashion on instagram

Photos / RAZ

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

TWIN SETS & GIVENCHY

Backstage crop top & midi skirt | Givenchy floral clutch | 
by jasmin fine jewellery

The twin set. I'm obsessed.

Midi skirt, maxi skirt, shorts - what ever the combination, I'm into it, in a big way.

A little matchy-matchy, effortless to wear, and a fashion statement all at the same time.

Follow the adventure at @friendinfashion on instagram

Photos / RAZ

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

HAIR ESSENTIALS

General Pants tee / MAC 'Lady Danger' lipstick / by jasmin wanderlust necklace / Hair colour Edwards & Co.  Fudge Smooth Shot Shampoo & Conditioner

Because I colour my hair so frequently and I'm often travelling, exposing my hair to a lot of damage, I'm always on the lookout for new hair products to keep my locks looking healthy and shiny.

This week I've been testing out a new shampoo/conditioner combination to try and compensate for my well traveled, colour treated mane - the Fudge Smooth Shot range.

So far, I've been really impressed with the results,  after the first couple of washes, my hair was left feeling lovely and soft and even my dryer ends felt rejuvenated. The product has a lovely fresh ginger aroma (smells so good) and best of all, is sulfate free, which seems to help hold my colour for longer, between salon visits.

If you're ends are a little dry and damaged like mine, I recommend taking a small amount of your conditioner and applying it to the ends of your hair before drying and styling.

I have found that this works really well for me and acts like a deep conditioning treatment.

I'd love to hear any of your hair tips - tweet me at @friendinfashion

Try Fudge Smooth Shot Shampoo & Conditioner for yourself.

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

FRIEND IN FASHION | HAMILTON ISLAND, WHITEHAVEN BEACH, GREAT BARRIER REEF

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of spending time on the beautiful Hamilton Island with the We Are Handsome team.

Hamilton Island is a truly stunning tropical oasis, only a couple hours north of Melbourne. Think sandy white beaches and pristine crystal clear ocean.

Aside from an action packed few days on set (more of that to come), there was just enough down time to enjoy not only the Island itself, but two of my personal bucket list musts:
Whitehaven Beach and The Great Barrier Reef.

I had first visited The Great Barrier Reef a few years ago, on a boat ride from neighbouring Port Douglas, but this time, I was treated to the most spectacular aerial view (via sea plane) of this incredible natural wonder.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system and truly is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions I've ever been privileged enough to experience.

Catch a glimpse of my sea plan adventure to Whitehaven beach and The Great Barrier Reef in my latest travel YouTube video (here)

If it isn't on your bucket list already - a trip to Hamilton Island, Whitehaven Beach and The Great Barrier Reef is an absolute MUST.

You'll thank me.


SHOP | YOUTUBE | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

THE PERFECT WHITE DRESS

Cameo dress, by jasmin fine jewellery

There is nothing I love more than balmy summer nights, the fresh sea breeze and white sun dresses.

This was definitely the inspiration behind this shoot, which formed part of the campaign for my new line of travel inspired jewellery, by jasmin.

by jasmin is a collection of delicate fine jewellery, designed for the eternal wanderlust and is available online now, exclusively via Bahagia Store.

The carpe diem ear cuff and travel rings are my favourites from the collection,
which is yours?


photos/ Tina Elias

SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER

LONDON TRAVEL DIARY

Westminster Abbey / Checking in to Citizen M Hotel / view of London Eye / Selfridges, Mary Katrantzou window / streets of Soho wearing Lucette coat & Esther dress / ASOS Fashion Finder Behind the Scenes / Shopping Oxford Circus  

Generally not more than a stop-over (and always lusting for more time), my brief visits to London are always a highlight of my travels and this week was no different.

After a quick visit in Dubai, I caught the red-eye to London, checking in to what has to be noted as one of my favourite hotels, Citizen M.

Jet-lagged and tired, I went to check in, only to realise that I had mistakenly booked my room a month earlier than my arrival - rookie mistake. Thankfully the team at Citizen M were so helpful and understanding, they were able to assist me and before I knew it I was changed an bound for my favourite shopping spot Oxford Circus. What is travel without adventure, the unknown and the unplanned.

A few hours into my visit, and early credit card damage done thanks to Selfridges, Cos, Urban Outfitters and Topshop, It was time for a bite in Soho (Vitao is my favourite vegetarian cafe in Soho - worth a visit). I always love a visit to Soho, an amazing creative/grungy vibe, unique only to London. Visits to Covent Gardens and Camden made sure that my short London visit was packed with great sights, shopping and tastes.

For those following @friendinfashion on Instagram, would have also noticed during my London visit, I was lucky enough to collaborate with ASOS and ASOS Fashion Finder, shooting some of my key holiday looks for the season. The team was amazing, as was the ASOS operation, with over 1000 staff.

Such an extraordinary experience - I can't wait to share the end results with you soon.

 

I've now landed in the Cote d'Azur, where I plan on spending as much time in the crystal blue Mediterranean as possible, as well as checking out the Festival de Cannes. My favourite time of year in the South of France.

Follow my journey on instagram @friendinfashion, twitter and facebook.

BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

HOUNDSTOOTH

Manning Cartell houndstooth shorts / White Suede tank / Arm cuffs via Back Stage

As soon as I laid eyes on these incredible houndstooth shorts, I had to have them!

Manning Cartell has to be one of my favourite Australian labels, always feminine and always the right balance of on-trend pieces and classic wardrobe must-haves.

After NYE celebrations, lined up for tomorrow evening (you can check out my party outfit HERE), I'm off again on another road-trip of Australia, driving from Melbourne, all the way up North, to the Sunshine Coast.

Beaches, sunshine, and great adventures - bring it on!

Instagram (@friendinfashion), facebook & twitter to follow all the fun.

Happy new year to all of my beautiful readers.

Photos / Tina Kay

BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

SNEAK PEEK

 MINKPINK crop top & Staple maxi skirt via Market HQ / KV BIJOU necklace & bracelet / Betts sandals & clutch / Daniel Wellington watch

Here is a sneak peek at a very exciting collaboration I've been working on with Australian footwear brand, Betts.

There are lots of colourful summer fashion treats lined up, and I can't wait to share the complete project with you.

More coming soon.

PHOTOS / TINA KAY 

BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

STYLE/STALK BIJOUTERIE

On my recent visit to the States, I teamed up with celebrity accessory must-have, Bijouterie and online store, Style/Stalk to talk all things Friend in Fashion and get my arm-party swag on.

I was also asked to curate a selection of my favourite Bijouterie pieces, which for a limited time, you can shop and save over at Style/Stalk.

Wearing/ Bijouterie throughout
Vamastyle Cruising You Maxi Dress
Bebe crochet dress
Urban Outfitters plaid dress
H&M floral pants

Happy shopping.

BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | EMAIL | YOUTUBE