Victoria's Secret are under fire today, for their rather bold 'Perfect Body' campaign...

And quite rightly so.
Their new range of lingerie claims to encapsulate everything that a perfect piece of underwear should - but their message? Is completely muddied by their incredibly insensitive advertising. The models, each one barely a size 6 hints that in order to have the perfect lingerie, you'll require the perfect body, too.

Intentional? Who am I to say. Damaging? Completely.

On the flip side we have Meghan Trainor - a brand spanking new artist with her latest hit 'All about that bass'.
Now, whilst I think it's fabulous to have a woman speak out and say 'HEY! It doesn't matter what size we are, we're all lovely' Meghan is also giving a pretty shallow-minded perspective on women's weight.
With lyrics such as 'I'm bringing booty back, go ahead and tell them skinny bitches that' - insinuating that if you're skinny, you're not as attractive. Well, it's not exactly the cheerleader approach we should be taking for each other, is it?

With mixed messages like these what exactly are we meant to do? If you're above a size 14? Not acceptable. If you're under a size 14? Not acceptable. And we only have ourselves to blame. We spend our lives whittling and moaning about how there is so much pressure on us as women to have the perfect body. Yet we are directly behind both extremes.

Both messages are unhealthy. They promote low self-esteem and body-image issues in equal measure. Perhaps we could just stop shaming each other? Accept that we are all different, whatever our size it shouldn't matter.

What makes me sad though? That Victoria's Secret will more than likely have to remove this advert (which I completely agree with). Meghan Trainor? She'll continue to hold on to her number one spot she's had for weeks on end, why? Because we've purchased the record and supported it. Just like we've brought that underwear.

If you're 'skinny' it doesn't mean you're perfect.

But don't think that 'bringing booty back' is an excuse to shame women who aren't.

We should all be in this, together. 

It ain't no secret that Antipodes and I go way back - they're one of the only beauty brands I have formed a full on love affair with and there's no splitting us up, fellas.

When I heard that they were launching a makeup range I pretty much wet myself with excitement. If their foundations were going to be anything like their face masks I knew we were in for a good time.

So let's get down to it.

There's a bad vibe surrounding mineral foundations. Statements kicking about consist of: 'It'll cling to my dry patches', 'It's too cakey'', 'It won't make my skin glow' etc. etc. Admittedly I'd been kicking it in the same judgemental boat, until now.

As an extension from their skincare, Antipodes have had their makeup dermatologically tested so that it's suitable for sensitive skin – hallelujah! Containing Vinanza Performance Plus® (an antioxidant extract from grapes and the skin of a kiwi) – it helps to achieve a great coverage whilst keeping the skin hydrated with a flawless and dewy appearance. Never before have I known a foundation, mineral or liquid that works it’s magic on oily, blemish-prone and sensitive/dry skin, but that's exactly what this promises.

Going hand in hand, the sister to the foundation is the translucent finishing powder – it’s purpose? To help keep your makeup in place for longer and minimise any excess shine. It’s the best I’ve ever used and whilst being matifying still manages to let the foundation shine through with it’s dewy glow…definitely magic.

Now let’s have a chat about the Kabuki Brush. It’s made up of natural hair, which if I’m honest did put me off a little, however it’s by far exceeds the quality of any other synthetic brush I’ve ever used. The natural hairs don’t pick up excess product, so you’re guaranteed to get the perfect application every time and won’t be wasting any makeup.

There are currently 4 shades of the foundation available which isn’t the largest range of the bunch, but you’d be amazed at how many different skin tones suit the same shade. I’ve been wearing light-yellow but I also have the pale pink which works well with my skin, too.

This foundation hasn’t left my face (apart from bed-time, obviously) since summer; I just can’t get enough. It’s that no makeup, makeup experience that every girl craves and Antipodes haven’t faltered at any hurdle. The earth minerals help calm and reduce blemished skin and there isn't a pore in sight.  I am seriously impressed. 100% my favourite mineral foundation, ever.

Kudos to you, Antipodes.

Available in countries all over the world:

– RRP: £23.45
: RRP: £19.50
– RRP: £23.45

Also available from Feel Unique, .

(un-edited photo to show full results of the makeup)

Dress: She Inside. Shoes: . Watch: Olivia Burton via .

Shift dresses: my ultimate wardrobe staple. They’re the perfect piece for those days you can’t be bothered to put too much effort in – you throw them on and BOOM, outfit done. I love the navy shade of this one and the deep v-neck gives it a little more interest – plus for under £20 you can’t really go wrong. Not to mention that it’s such a transitional piece; it will go perfectly with thick coloured/black tights or layered up with jackets and coast come winter, which makes it a must have this A/W.

Now, . Can we just take a second to soak up all the beauty.

They are quite possibly the best little leather shoes in my collection – but with a patent buckle and faux pony hair to the main body they’re certainly not your average. I love them for a slightly quirkier work shoe, or simply just for evenings out on the town (I’m old now ladies, heels aren’t always an option!). Clarks have certainly upped their game recently, I’d 100% recommend stopping by their site before you make your next winter boot purchase!

What's your winter staple?

Do you remember when I wrote about getting naked on my 25th birthday in order to kick my body confidence issues out the door? ()

Well since then my whole life's flipped upside down. It sparked a fire in my belly. A hunger inside me. To take ownership for who I am, what I've got to give. At the end of the day, it's all me, on my own, fighting fires and rising from the flames.

Alex took my photo's that day and since then I've found a friend - a really, really good friend. She's pushed me forward in life, be-it taking kick-ass photo's for my outfit posts, road trips with sad music, watching films and eating cake or pushing me toward my next challenge - she's been a rock. She believes...in me. And I'll be forever grateful for all that she's done and continues to do. The Universe pushed us together at a time where we were both searching for something more. So thanks for that, world.

A few weekends ago, I was headed down to Cambridge to help Alex out with a shoot. She's been working on a GIANT series, which you can and I couldn't wait to get stuck in on set. Turns out her model was a no-show and Alex looked to me, with those bloody puppy dog eyes and asked if I'd do it instead.
I know I pose for my outfit photos on a weekly basis - but it's not the same as modelling. I was scared and nervous but I didn't want to ruin Alex's day, all the hard work she, her boyfriend, his friends and Claire (an incredible florist) had put in. So I said yes, reluctantly.

It was one of the most incredible afternoons - filled with sunshine and laughter, effort and sweaty bodies. It was amazing to stand back and realise how much all these people cared for Alex, how much they wanted to make it work for her. Her boyfriend Will had built her a 7ft swing, Matthew and Ed (his best friends) helped him put it up high in the trees and Claire, created an incredible floral crown and flower arrangements to climb up the swings ropes. It was totally magical.

Here are the final images...
...I know, she's a true artist.

When we'd finished Alex asked, with a muffled voice and squinting cautious eyes if I'd consider getting naked for a shot or two as well. I think I shocked her and I both by blurting out 'YES! Of course I will!'

To some, getting naked and sharing it on the internet might come across as attention seeking. For me, us, it's about showing the world that we're not afraid of our imperfections. In fact we're going to celebrate the shit out of them. I realised then, at that moment, just how far I've come since July 3rd 2014 when I got naked in-front of another woman for the first time. In the here and now, I didn't care. I felt comfortable, confident even and do you know what? There's no shame in that.
Alex is a wonderful human with an incredible power. She takes magical photographs, that inspire and provoke thoughts, conversations - what a talent to behold. But not only that, she's given women - me, Laura, all the ladies that shot with her off the back of our shoots a one way ticket to true body confidence.

Loving the skin we're in. It's a journey worth taking. A battle worth fighting.

And it's not just about the images at the end, it's about the journey you go on. And there's no photographer in this world that can take away from how special it is completing that experience with Alex.

I know so many of you out there are dabbling with the idea and aren't sure if you're brave enough. Let me tell you that you are. Because if I and all these other amazing women can, so can you.

Poncho: . Boots: . Leggings: Zara. Watch: Olivia Burton via . Necklace: .

Every couple of months I'll discover a new outfit. You know the one that you'll wake up wanting to wear every single day of the week? Effortless, easy, simple.

Hush are one of my favourites to go to for incredible quality basics. This has already been worn to death - and I know I'll be purchasing another before winter is up. It hangs like a dream - goes perfectly over any items of clothing, not to mention it's extremely cosy and warm. I love tucking my hair in to the roll neck too - it means I don't have to bother styling, which is always a winner!

My biker-esque leggings from Zara have had their fair share of wear since I purchased them earlier this year. A match made in heaven, these gorgeous with contrasting leather straps from DUO make the perfect combination for casual day wear.

Last up is the newest addition to my arm candy. An Olivia Burton dream from the . It's a slightly edgier, more masculine feel from the brands usual pretty illustrations but I absolutely love it. The dial is a nice chunky size making it a spot-on statement piece of jewellery and the black, thin strap means it goes with everything. Perfection.

Shop my look:

A few weeks ago I shared a post about one of my passions: literature.

If I'm reading, writing or simply losing myself in a tiny old bookshop, comfort will always be at the forefront of my mind.
As a fashion driven woman I spend every evening picking out what I'll wear the next day. It makes it easier you know? I'm not one of those girls that can simply get up and know what to wear - hell, I'm way too tired to even think about it on a weekday morning.

That's where my Levi's staples come in. When you think comfort and style, classic and contemporary, Levi's tick all the boxes, which is why I'll always reach for them over anything else in my wardrobe. The key to a successful but current outfit is: BASICS. You can't go wrong - they go with everything and help build a nice selection of 'go-to' staples.

My iconic Levi's pieces that I just couldn't be without have to be my , and . All three items work so well for A/W - the jacket and jeans compliment each other perfectly for that on-trend double denim look () and the utility shirt plays the part. Teamed with a pair of thick leggings, chunky boots and thick socks, come winter it will no doubt be my go-to outfit for those days I'm roaming the bookshelves and want to go for that classic but contemporary, comfortable option.

In summary, it's all about living your passions in the most comfortable way, and Levi's get my vote every time.

What's your favourite iconic item from their range?

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story using the hashtag #LiveInLevis. This could be an image, or series of images that says it all or a post that gives a bit more depth. See what other people have shared at www.levi.com/liveinlevis