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.

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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?

The Live in Levi's® project invites everyone the world over to contribute their own real-life Levi's®
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

Life at the moment just seems to be a never ending whirlwind of madness. Good madness, mind - but madness nonetheless.

Needless to say sleep is one of the things I look forward to most of late. It may sound silly but it's true - to function as the best possible version of myself a bloody good nights sleep is what I need.

My bedroom is my sanctuary. My quiet place. My escape. When I'm here it's for pure relaxation and that's just the way I like it.

So, what does a good nights sleep involve?

Asides from the world's comfiest bed (fact) it's the little things that help me sleep well.

I'll always have at least one bath a week to help me relax but something that's paramount for me is having wind down time before turning off the lights. I like to have a mug of peppermint tea, snuggle down in my comfies and read a book - forgive me for being old-fashioned but there needs to be a time where mobile phones are put down: allow yourself to remember who you are outside of the internet.

Almost every night I'll apply a body moisturiser with ingredients that promote a calm and deep sleep, such as lavender or chamomile and I'll also make sure I've laid out all my clothes for the next day.

You may say that all of the points above don't typically aid a good nights sleep - but it's all relative, it's about what your mind needs to relax. And it's these little things combined together that leave me with that tranquil, rested feeling.

What's your idea of the perfect nights sleep? Join in and share your tips using on Twitter!

All photographs captured by the wonderful

A few weeks ago my friend () Alex, invited me to the Peak District with a group of her friends (or to me, strangers).

My entire life I've sheltered myself, my tribe of people are small and I rarely reach out to find new members. It's become even more difficult since my anxiety kicked in, too. Not to mention that I say 'No' way more than I say 'Yes' to anything. So going away with Alex and her tribe was a pretty big deal for me. I was nervous and to be honest I wasn't really sure what I was doing. Why was I putting myself in a vulnerable position, with people I don't know?

Main point to take from above...I'd already said yes.

I sat there on the driveway waiting to be picked up and all I could think of was excuses about how I'd suddenly caught the worst flu of my life or my non-existent cat had died. I was excited to see Alex but what if her friends didn't like me? What if I stuck out like a sore thumb amongst a group of people who love each other dearly? What if?

Luckily, they're probably the nicest people I've ever met.

I spent a weekend climbing hills, playing card games, taking photographs, sleeping in bunk beds and breathing in the fresh air of reality: There is more to life.

There is more to life than settling for less. I've spent so long denying myself chances of happiness, because I'm scared I won't be good enough. Be-it meeting new people, applying for that dream job or even something seemingly trivial like how to write the perfect reply to an important email. But this weekend taught me that I am - I am good enough.

Life is about the chances that we take, the opportunities we grab, the demons we defeat.

And the people we choose to do all of the above with. There is no better medicine in life than surrounding yourself with positive people. Surround yourself with positive people, and the rest will come.

I spent a weekend with a bunch I didn't know and whilst I was there I realised, they were such wonderful humans. There really are people out there that are selfless and intelligent and driven and funny and they aren't pretentious or one bit scary. They're just living, being, existing. They made it seem easy. They brought out the best in each other, and in me. And I discovered that maybe I could do that too. Even if it did take a little while to master. I mean I got myself there and I enjoyed it, so that's one step closer - right?

And so, a whole new bunch of 'what if's' were born. What if I hadn't gone that weekend? What if I hadn't realised I was capable of so much more than I was giving myself credit for?

Because saying YES is so much more rewarding than saying NO.

And the Peak District is so desperately beautiful.

ASOS Co-Ord: Top & Skirt. Missguided Boots (Similar here). Hat. Bag. Vintage Belt. Kelseys Feathers Clip. Missguided Trench Coat.

It's safe to say everyone went nuts for co-ords last season and there doesn't seem to be any stopping them transitioning beautifully over to A/W. I own a couple, but the floral trend didn't do much for me and I've been awaiting the monochrome pieces to drop for Autumn like a dog on heat.

This fluffy set of joy from ASOS has successfully satisfied every bone in my fashion loving body. Spotted detail with a super soft texture and lightweight feel it's not only cute but the cut is extremely sophisticated. And don't let the fluffiness put you off - there's no moulting or itchiness here, just pure and utter, blissful comfort.

It's outfits like this that make me so stupidly excited for Autumn.

Shop my look here:

Over the past year I've shared a lot more of myself on this blog. I've found myself leaning more towards talking honestly about how I have no idea what I'm doing or where I'm going, over writing my next product review or sharing a latest clothing haul. Not only has it helped me grow as a person but it's really shown me how many women out there are championing each other. It's utterly refreshing.
Instead of receiving, bland, impersonal emails I'll now open messages that make me cry and feel inspired - because other women out there feel the same way I do. And that means something, to someone: to me.

Today I want to take some time out to share a pretty special campaign with you.

If there's one brand I've forever championed it's Moroccanoil - a pretty price tag they may carry, but there's no other that leaves me feeling salon-styled worthy after every hair wash: simples. And now they're upping their game tenfold by bringing together 6 women from different walks of life, to kick off their .

Headed up by their ambassador Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, herself and 5 other incredible ladies take centre stage to share their journeys on how they're making a change in the world.
From personal reflection I think it's totally admirable to be a woman who stands up, takes charge and believes in herself, to believe she will make a difference. Being a relatively pessimistic person, I find it hard to champion myself and push myself forward - so if there's anything I'll stand behind, it's other women showing me that it is possible and that just one person can really make a difference in the world. From transforming the lives and looks of at-risks girls, to rescuing abused animals these 6 women have every angle covered.

Take two minutes out of your day to watch , see how in just a couple of seconds you can be captivated and intrigued by these women - their passion, drive and self belief is worth a thousand words and join in the discussion using .

Because what beats women supporting other women on their road to success? Not much, really.
Now, excuse me whilst I pamper myself with these heavenly products and realise my inner worth. Girl Power, as it were.
*Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Moroccanoil via StyleHaul. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Moroccanoil.

Do you remember back in April when I wrote about Laura from Superlatively Rude and her ?(REMINDER: losing over 2 stone in just a few months)

It's always amazing to see someone achieve their goals, isn't it? And I think it's safe to say we were all totally inspired and proud of her.

Today, she's blogged about her journey, 6 months on. Now, it's one thing to lose all that weight, you know, change your life in such a short space of time - but maintaining it? That's another story.
Yeah, she got naked in a field and had her photos taken because she felt strong and sexy, she ran that first ever 10k race with pride, but what happens when there's no 'goal' in place? What happens when it's just doing it for you, every day, forever?

This is what:
, be inspired, because this is what a real woman looks like.

And I don't mean that a real woman is necessarily Laura's shape, hell 10 pounds heavier or lighter it doesn't matter: I'm talking about having the perfect attitude to succeed. And this woman, she's absolutely killing it.

I love you, Laura. And I'm so bloody proud to know you.

All Missguided Outfit: Jeans, Top, Shoes

If I see an outfit on someone else that inspires me, you can guarantee the first place I'll look for picking up similar pieces will be Missguided.
Their selection is endless, catering for all the current trends and those of us who steer clear of them too.

Monochrome would be the only way to describe my wardrobe and this is one of my current go-to outfits.

The ripped jeans are the perfect staple to pair with a crop or a jumper and these cutie patootie little peep toe Lily Shoe Boots are quite possibly the most adorable addition to my footwear in a while and are the newest addition to Missguided's collection.

The heels are the perfect midi-height to wear day to night and the faux suede finish with buckled detailing give them a more edgier feel - the ultimate shoe for A/W.
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