I use my social media and blog to talk about fashion and feelings.  I use fashion to convey how I’m feeling, or conversely change how I’m feeling. If I wake up feeling a bit low, I’ll often slap on a bit of bright lipstick and a colourful outfit to get me out of the lull. I do believe that what we wear has a lot to do with our confidence and how comfortable we are in our own skin and the way different people express themselves through fashion is a fascination to me.  I’m not afraid to discuss deep, controversial issues or rather I enjoy connecting to people through them! I will often share my own journey and personal struggles with you, especially over on Instagram.

I remember my mum’s outfits.  She was so glamorous and sophisticated to me as a kid. She would take me shopping and always encourage me to buy things I liked (the more flamboyant the better), it didn’t matter that is wasn’t on trend, we bought things we loved.

It means I notice when my thoughts about my body are not positive and then work through it. It means not putting myself down. It means acknowledging and appreciating how amazing my body is.

You have the power to change how you feel, it’s not easy, it will take commitment and a lot of work but if you do put in the effort the benefits are so liberating.

Happy, confident and strong.

All of the above, I don’t restrict myself!

Dress for yourself – there are no rules.

Check out your local vintage/2^nd hand shops.  I have a great shop local to me called Gigi’s Dressing Room where they have a fabulous range to buy or rent. Also buy good quality items rather than lots of cheap ones that don’t last.

I use my platforms to talk about all things fashion, with feelings thrown into the mix. For me, fashion and feelings are intrinsically linked. I am passionate about diversity and inclusiveness. My aim is to inspire women to believe that they can achieve whatever is it they want to.

I started my ‘Style Me Sunday’ blog in July 2012, after I became pregnant with my second girl. I wanted a creative outlet to talk about the things I love most and something that would work around my daughters. It soon became apparent that, for me, just talking about fashion was a little boring and unfulfilling and whilst I still LOVED fashion, I wanted to talk about more than just what this season’s must-have colour was.

To trust in myself.

I have many. Overcoming my fear of public speaking was a major hurdle for me. Also being on the cover of Rock n Roll Bride was a pinch me moment. You don’t often see brides with afro hair in magazines, let alone the cover.

Honestly, it can be hard to deal with negativity, we are all human after all.  I try to ignore the negativity but if I do respond to negativity on my Instagram I respond in a positive way.  There is no need for other people’s negativity to bring me down and, ultimately, I understand it’s usually about them not me.

Do whatever it is you love, don’t try to be like anyone else. Focus on your own uniqueness.

Dancebox classes have been a game changer for exercising for me.  Because I love the class I try to go 4 times a week, I don’t really see it as exercise, I never look at the clock and I hate it when it ends. It took me a year to get up the encourage to actually go, but once I did, I never looked back. It’s always worth pushing yourself outside your comfort zone for something that you really want to do.

Mindfulness

Apart from the dancing, it’s the usual – spend time with the kids and family and a few good nights out with friends.

Home- there is nothing quite so grounding as kids and family.

Every morning before the kids go to school I tell them to have fun and try their hardest, if they do that I’m happy with whatever they achieve.

Do what makes you happy. Happiness is different for everyone. Don’t fall into the trap of doing what’s expected really look into what nourish you.

Loving yourself is not a fad, if you have self-worth, you will treat yourself with love, kindness and respect.

I am lucky enough to have many inspirational women in my life who I love and learn from daily. My Mum, however, is the first and original.

I love the snake print items, but honestly everything, it’s all so comfortable.​