31 May 2019

Travel Diaries: Helen-Jayne in Byron Bay

The beautiful coastal town of Byron Bay in New South Wales, Australia, is the focus of our wanderlust in this week’s Travel Diaries. Known for its long, sandy beaches and blue waters, as well as its vibrant shopping and dining experiences, this seaside destination is more than just a surfer’s paradise – join us as we unlock its hidden gems in our exclusive Q&A with recent visitor Helen-Jayne, fashion writer and photographer at Style Structure.

Tell us about your holiday destination…

This month, I ventured to Byron Bay just before attending Australian Fashion Week. I’ve visited twice before but only for work and not a holiday! It’s very different to other parts of Australia such as Sydney and Melbourne – it has a relaxed, laidback vibe and the cafes take a huge interest in good produce and flavour. My favourite place to stay is Rae’s on Wategos – it’s a boutique hotel with only seven rooms, all individually designed, and the views of the sunset over the ocean are magnificent. My favourite coffee house is Woods Bangalow (which is the town next to Byron Bay) and for lunch, my haunt of choice would have to be The Mez Club which serves the best Mediterranean cuisine.

How would you describe your holiday style?

I like to pack outfits that can be restyled to save excess luggage fees, so neutrals are always a winner! Colours such as beige, white and khaki work well together so I just mix and match. I am a big fan of linen and breathable fabrics. They are light, comfortable and instantly make you feel you are on holiday.

Tell us about the pieces you’ve packed and how you’re wearing them…

Most of what I’ve packed has a safari feel – a trend which was popular during Fashion Week during last September and February. The fit and cut on the beige shorts are perfect to wear with a plain white tee or linen blouse. I also love how this look can be dressed up for the evening with strappy heels or dressed down with flat sandal or trainers for the daytime. The white jacket was perfect for the cooler morning coffee runs! It’s not quite summer back home so it would be a good piece to wear there. The tonal trend is one I have been really drawn to this season, so I have opted for a head-to-toe fresh white look. Again, the linen caught my eye – nothing better than a relaxed fitting trouser.