There seems to be one person that just knows. If I believed in God and had a bible of life, how to do things incredibly well and how to fail tremendously, this person would be the author.

They would be my God.

That person is . Whenever I am getting too big for my boots because I did something amazing, or, shrinking like a wall-flower because I 'couldn't' do it, Laura brings me back down to earth like a tonne of bricks - with her ridiculously clear outlook on how life should be.

Today's blog post, I needed to read - I needed it in my life at that precise moment. And that, to me, is what a fabulous writer is about. Having the control, the knowledge, to make you (completely selfishly), feel that what they've written is for you.

Regardless of who you are, what you are going through. Whether you think you it's relevant right now or not, you need this blog post in your life.

.

You're welcome.

Co-Ord Shorts: *, Co-ord Top: *. Leather Jacket: *. Bag: Becksondergaard. Shoes: . Fedora: Urban Outfitters.

Green is my favourite colour, but rarely does it make it's way in to my wardrobe. You know how I'm partial to a bit lot of black - but when I spotted these co-ordinates from I couldn't resist. If not for the vibrant turquoise shade it was the pompoms that stole my heart and literally make me squeal with joy.
The best thing about two-piece sets is that they're versatile - today I've paired them together, but individually they can both make an outfit pop. I think the top would look wonderful with a pair of leggings and a kimono - Ark have some amazingly affordable ones in their latest kimono section on the website!

My leather jacket has been permanently attached to my body since it arrived in the post - I'm rarely a hot bodied person and this baby from keeps me nice and toasty. I love the cut, the zip detailing and the chunky collar and how I'll be able to transition it from Summer to Autumn - a piece that never goes out of fashion. Not to mention that it's so much more affordable than most on the market!

It was also about time I admitted defeat on the search for my lost fedora and picked another one up. It's a special reunion, that I'm sure you can appreciate - gone are the days of my exposed bed-head.

Dress: Urban Outfitters. Dr Martens: *. Bag & Headscarve: . Necklaces: & .

I'd fallen out of love with my style posts. The effort of even washing my face seemed like it would require every single muscle in my body - and quite frankly that was one too many.

I'd gotten myself in this rut of simply getting dressed to take photos, instead of living and potentially documenting that via photography. And that's no fun at all.

More and more I feel my blog is becoming a place for IRL (in real life) moments. The ones that help build and shape us as individuals. (Hold up, I'm not preaching I'm some kind of life guru, just sayin' - I want to write about what matters, to me).

I'll still be sharing my wardrobe with you guys, because, it's my passion. But I don't want it to be a chore - I want to have fun, start living a little more and enjoying this wonderful world we live in.

So here it is. Me remembering why I started this blog, in an outfit that I've not taken off since I bought it. Quite possibly the most effortless dress I own, picked up in the Urban Outfitters (always fabulous) sale - it needs no description.
For forever and a day I've wanted a pair of - but none have screamed out to me. Not until these, what can only be described as Jesus sandals, appeared on the internet. It's safe to say they've completed my life and are stonkingly comfortable - contrary to popular belief.

Oh, and when you can't be arsed with washing your hair - beautiful headscarves are the answer, obv.

Today is my birthday - the day I turn 25.

And this second half of the year is where everything changes. There are so many things in my life that I am sat on the fence with - whether it be my career, blog, friendships, relationships or myself I just appear to find it near on impossible to make decisions based on me, because, well, what if it’s the wrong one? Well enough is enough.

Body confidence is something I’ve never had. I remember starting a new school when I was 11 and it was the first time I’d ever had sexuality pressed on me, looking back that seems so young, but these worries are inflicted on us early and from then until now I’ve been a nervous wreck about the way I look. 
There’s no denying I am a small build, to some it might seem a blessing and for the most part I’m grateful for it, but behind closed doors I have to fight to keep weight on and if my appetite slips I face battles with the public and my loved ones about how I look. 

Breasts? What breasts? That’s been my main demon to fight. I’ve been with Daniel for almost 7 years but for the first 6 months of our relationship my bra was firmly on, no touching, nada. I’ve been through a lot lately, none of which I’m ready to share but if one positive thing has come from it, it’s that I’ve learnt I need to love myself before anyone else can. I need to embrace my body, because it’s the only one I’ve got. I need to own the skin I’m in and celebrate what my mumma gave me (even if she was being a little bit stingy ;)). 

So when Laura shared her photos for project I almost died on the spot. She was naked and beautiful and confident.  My second thought (after thinking, good GOD this woman is the bomb) was: envy. Why didn’t I feel like that about myself? Why didn’t my body curve in that way? Why didn’t I look so utterly beautiful in my own skin? Because I hadn’t owned it. Because I hadn’t let myself appreciate those imperfections I’d detested for so long. It was like the universe was screaming out to me, that this isn’t the way it should be. I am beautiful and I am sexy and I am strong and so, when messaged and asked if I’d like to shoot with her, like, get naked and put it on the internet, I said yes. I mean, it wasn’t as simple as that, I fought with myself for weeks about whether it was the right thing to do and the night before was the only time I was 100% sure it was going to happen. But if there was anyone I was going to do it with, it was her. Her work is raw, emotional, you feel it – and that’s art. If I was going to celebrate my body I didn’t want it to be about being obvious, I just wanted to be me, what you see is what you get. 
 

I felt empowered, free and liberated but it wasn’t until Alex sent me the edits through that I felt amazing. Everything I’d ever scrutinised about my body just fell away and it was (or is) quite possibly the best I’ve ever felt. 
Tears prick the back of my eyes as I write this down - anyone who finds themselves battling body confidence will understand the feeling of relief to feel comfortable, confident and beautiful. I am what I am and I’m making it work for me. From this day forward I won’t put my body down. And if I ever feel like it I’ll look at these photos and smile, because why shouldn’t I be proud that I can get butt naked in front of a woman I’ve never met and share the results of it on the internet? 
The wonderful who’s skills are that of a goddess. There are few people in this world who within just a few hours can make you feel like an old friend, someone who simply understands and believes the way you do. That can capture your feelings, your life with the click of a button. She is a force to be reckoned with and I’m so privileged to have worked with her. 

Lastly, myself. Because I’m naked and ‘aint no-one responsible for that but me.

WHAT I WORE: Virgos Lounge Dress. Triangl Isabel Licorice Lingerie Set. Handmade Cream Set.