Outfit with a Side of Update

Hi loves,
So I've been a bit of a mess lately. Life's been a tad bit crazy and fashion hasn't been much of a priority for me lately. Being sassy and stylish has gone out the window, while being cool and comfy has crept in through the doorway. There are some people out there who can pull off the latest trends; I, for one, am not one of them. All I can do is dress in what I like and be myself. Don't get me wrong, I love to try out trends every once in a while, but at the end of the day, my simple and "boring" outfits are what I feel best in. I guess you could say that I just haven't been fashion inspired as of late.
Well, since it's been a while since I've done any outfit shoots, I thought I'd post this shoot from last year that I never got around to posting up since life got too busy. I'm becoming a broken record since I feel like that's all I ever say to you guys, but I am deeply sorry. I'm finding my groove. I don't know whether I should keep this blog or move to YouTube, or if I should just be solely an "Instagram blog." Social media and the blogging community changes every day, so finding my place within all that is going to take some time. I'm quite an indecisive person, so this may take longer than expected. Please be patient with me.
In the meantime, enjoy this look! I had fun styling and shooting it! x

Heart Style Grace

Hi loves,
Long time no outfits. It feels so incredibly great to be back with styling outfits, shooting them and then editing. Although I did notice that I'm also back to being super awkward in front of the camera, and that's something I need to work towards again, but I'm just glad to be back to doing something I actually really enjoy.

Not only is it fun to play around in my closet and style outfits, but my love for photography comes peeking through as I go through every photo. In a way, I instantly feel so much better about myself. Personally, I think it's so important to stay connected to the things you love. They're the things that keep you motivated and inspired.

I mean, every woman goes through a period in their lives where their confidence and self esteem can sink down to their lowest. I have to be honest, my low points were at their peak most recently and it took a lot of self motivation and, in the wise words of Kylie Jenner, realising things and figuring things out to get me where I am today. Nobody's perfect, so I'm not admitting that I've totally got everything down and perfected, but I'm in the process of getting there, and it feels amazing to be happy with and within myself.

Styling outfits and photographing them always gave a little boost to my self confidence, so I'm really glad I'm re-connecting with my love for fashion. It's been a long time since the last time I appreciated styling this much. Hoping for so many more consistent outfit posts.

My Little Darling

Hi loves,
I've put fashion on the back burner a bit lately just because I've been getting myself into all of this beauty. Learning and experimenting with makeup has just been so much fun, and I feel like the beauty community is so much more uplifting than the fashion community.
I realised I hadn't posted this outfit, and I went back and forth on deciding whether I should upload it because so much about me has changed since this was shot. In the end, I decided it was best to upload this considering I really do love this outfit, and thought it still represents my current style.

Also, partly because I've cleaned out my closet and half of the items pictured below have been removed from said closet.

Plaid to the Bone

Hi loves,
{So just quietly, I accidentally forgot to post this outfit last year before I cut my hair, so just be aware, no, I did not get hair extensions, because to be honest, I don't even miss my long hair at all!}
I confess to having a wee-bit of a beauty addiction lately. I'm amazed at how much I'm loving makeup lately because I used to be so afraid of it. Afraid of how I'd look and afraid of what people would say. But the beautiful thing about the beauty community is nobody judges, just genuinely helps. It becomes encouraging, unlike the style community.
We're always being told to "make sure your style is the most you it can get" but then we're constantly being judged on what we wear, how we look, and who we choose to dress ourselves in.
Once you've finally found what you feel comfortable in, and love to put together, you suddenly get shot down and called "boring" and "plain" when you didn't even ask for their opinion, and were simply just being you.

I guess the reason I've been so reluctant on posting outfits lately is because I'm tired of constantly being put down for my wardrobe choices. My style is for me. I'm aware that I post photos of my outfits on the internet for the world to judge, but at the same time, it's purely based on the fact that I want others to feel inspired to dress in whatever the hell they want, and to write about whatever the hell they want. One quote about style that's always stuck with me is "style isn't what designer you're wearing or how much money you have, but how you put things together and wear yourself." And one thing that I've always done with my style is made sure it was something I put together that I absolutely loved and most importantly felt my most comfortable in.

I've never let the fact that I don't have 6-digits in my bank account stop me from enjoying the perks of fashion. Frankly, I don't think you should let your income affect the way you play around with your style. My favourite style icons know how to integrate high fashion with high street and affordable. Now I admit I probably will never own Saint Laurent, or Dior or Chanel in my own personal closet, but I'm always going to be trying to make sure my style is as me as possible and that I'm simply happy in what I'm wearing. Money doesn't create great style; you do.

Don't ever let anyone tell you how to style yourself. Styling should be something fun, and something for you. I find that it's a step into self-love and a boosted self esteem. Who doesn't feel great in an outfit they absolutely adore?

The fashion community has changed, considering Forever 21 once was the "it" store, and now it's considered one of the "sh*t" stores. I think people forget that trends come and go, so buying affordable pieces during the trends is rather responsible. But splurging on staples and basics is a definite thumbs up!

I guess in fashion there are rules, but rules are meant to be broken, especially in this case.
But just remember that whilst praise feels great and all on your recent model-inspired Instagram outfit pic, being yourself feels even better. The only reassurance you need is from yourself. Stop looking for it from other people who don't even know you besides from your internet personality, and start accepting yourself for what you love and who you are.
It took me a while to figure that out and to let it take affect into my life.

Beach Vibes

Hi loves,
Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to be living in a beautiful country like Australia. I'm so fortunate to be able to live comfortably, and happily in a place that lets me be me.
I can sometimes take a lot of things for granted while living in this country; the house I live in, the food on the table, the interesting weather, and also the access and beauty of our beaches.
I've got to admit, I'm not at all a fan of Summer, the heat, and the beach. I don't like finding sand in places they shouldn't be. I don't like the struggle of trying to get dry and changing in dirty public restrooms. I don't like burning my skin no matter how much SPF I lather on myself. I don't like birds staring at me like I'm a piece of meat. I don't like wearing my bikini because to be honest, I'm ashamed of my mummy body.

It's not something that's so easy to embrace. I know I preach self-love and embracing your beauty almost every outfit post I put up, but it's easier said than done.

When I slap on a bikini, I know I have this body because I was strong enough to carry a baby, and deliver that child into this world. I know that, my friends and family know that. These strangers don't know that. They can blatantly judge me and think that I just don't take care of my body. And that's what's hard about this: pretending like you don't care what other people think, when deep down, you actually kind of do.

I preach loving yourself because I want you all to work on yourself, to make sure you love you.
Of course I know it requires a lot of progress, so there's no rush. I just want to make sure you eventually learn to love yourself, and embrace all of your flaws and imperfections.
I'm certainly on this journey along with you all.

Be My Valentine

Hi loves,
Happy love day!
Love, love, love. One of the most incredible things you can ever experience in life.
Now, I don't want to get sappy, and start reciting poems and what not, but I love seeing just how happy couples, and people in general, get during Valentine's Day.

Today, I'm celebrating my 10th Valentine's Day with my boyfriend. Funny thing is though, all we want to do is cuddle up in bed, under the air-conditioning, and watch Netflix till we fall asleep. It's not really different to how we normally do things, but whatever, after 10 years, you get comfortable, and being together is all that really matters on this day.

I originally had planned to do gift guides for V-Day, but I ran out of time (as per yoush) and I realised I haven't posted an outfit yet this 2016, so voila!

Definitely one of my most loved and favourite outfits, so it's perfectly fitting for this day.

The Looks of 2015

Hi loves,
So, first of all, where the heck did 2015 go? One minute it was January 1st, next we're celebrating Christmas. It honestly is crazy how time flies as you get older.
This year has consisted of many hardships and heartache, but nonetheless, lessons learnt and happiness expressed.
One thing I'm very proud of is the outcome from The Looks of 2015, so without further ado, here's a re-cap of the many loved looks from 2015.

Top (L-R): Feeling Flustered, Embrace Your Beauty

Bottom (L-R): Simply Floral, Weight a Minute

Top (L-R): Camels and Leopards, Oh My!, Do You Want to Build a Blanket Fort?

Bottom (L-R): Earn Your Stripes, Secret Garden

Top (L-R): So French, So Chic, Run, Don't Walk

Bottom (L-R): Sweet Bouquet, Don't Baroque My Heart

Top (L-R): Be-You-Tiful, Miss Shop x Barbie: D & The Glitter Shoes

Bottom: (L-R): Miss Shop x Barbie: Confidence, Embroidered Dream

(L-R): Miss Shop x Barbie: Make Unkindness Your Motivation, Miss Shop x Barbie: The End of the Beginning

Reading last year's Looks of the Year had me beaming with pride. The first thing I wrote was "2015 is the year I will be a better blogger", and I can proudly say I have achieved that, because although I post once a week or so, it's actually a major improvement from last year's schedule.

My goal for Heart, Style & Grace for 2015 was to explore my options. I didn't want to spend the entire time focusing on just outfits. I realised how much I loved writing interest pieces - shopping, lifestyle and travel (although, there is more to come with that travel tag.) And thus the conclusion, that's what I am good at.

The reason I like taking outfit photos is because the pictures speak for themselves. I usually don't have to say much in an outfit post because of that reason, but I passionately love writing, so the interest pieces consisting of things I care about and want to help people with is in my area of (sort-of) expertise.

With 2016 casually rolling through, I'm here to set another goal for myself and my first love: Heart, Style & Grace; and that is for me to strive for progress, not perfection. I get so caught up in making sure everything is perfect, but reality is nobody's perfect, I apologise for quoting Hannah Montana. The fact that I define my blog as natural and normal (since I don't photoshop my photos), I want 2016 to be the year we try to enlighten on how being yourself and being goofy is perfectly fine and also pretty fun!

Without further ado, let's end my babbling here. I hope you all have a fabulous New Year, celebrating with bellies full of food and hearts full of love.

I'll see you all in 2016, with my short hair I have yet to unveil.

Filled with love,

Danica xo

Miss Shop x Barbie: The End of the Beginning

Hi loves,
How crazy is it that we're already up to the final chapter of the year 2015?
Time escaping us this quickly reminds me of something one of my teachers from fashion school told us one day during a class; "When you're in your 20's, time feels like it's flying by. I remember going from 20 to 29 in the blink of an eye. You guys need to enjoy every single minute of your twenties because soon enough, you'll be in your thirties, settling down, and writing a completely different chapter of your life." Obviously it wasn't in those exact words, but it comes really close.

Even though I'm only 22, I feel like the last two years have sped by and I haven't had a chance to breathe and take it all in. I jumped from being a teenager (with a baby) to worrying about bills and my future. It may not seem like it, but 2015 has been one of my hardest years to endure. I'm hoping for a great December and an even better 2016.

Without further ado, the final instalment of the Miss Shop x Barbie feature. Enjoy!

Don't Believe Me, Just Watch

Hi loves,
I've always had a fond liking to watches. All through primary school, I would wear my latest water-resistant watch, and create a watch tan on my left wrist. Back then, it was function over fashion. I just wore that watch because I liked keeping track of time. I've always been a rather organised person, and watches become a very important part of one's day when trying to stay organised.

I had a brief period where I stopped wearing them (and tanned my left wrist), but I've finally rekindled my little obsession. Growing quite a collection already, I've got a watch to go with any outfit and mood.

Miss Shop x Barbie: Make Unkindness Your Motivation

Hi loves,
I actually bought this sweater in a size XL because I just prefer wearing them with leggings and sneakers when I'm on the go on a gloomy cold day. That's just a disclaimer before you guys comment saying "that sweater looks waaaayyy too big for you!" because yes, I know it already, thank you.

In saying that, I really didn't want to put a disclaimer so soon into the blog post, but has anyone else noticed how so many bloggers/vloggers have to put immediate disclaimers in their posts/videos because they know how much backlash they're already going to get?
I find it really upsetting that so many people who are putting their interests and passions on the internet get so much hate for being who they are and liking what they like.
What's even worse is that these haters come from a place of anonymity. These people trying to connect with others like them have to deal with people who constantly nit-pick on everything they do as anonymous users.
You tell yourself that because they're anonymous, they don't matter. Their opinions automatically vanish into thin air because you don't know who these people are. But that's it right there, they tear you down, left, right and centre, and you have no clue on whether this is a complete stranger or a friend afraid to tell you the truth. That's when it starts to drive you crazy. You begin to misplace your trust in people. You begin to close off. And as far as I'm concerned, that's the worst thing you can do to yourself. You're letting these anonymous haters control your life. You're taking back everything you said because you feel the need to justify yourself in every aspect of YOUR life when they shouldn't even have that privilege in the first place.

Of course I've had my fair share of haters. I think everyone who's ever put their life on the internet has, but I've learnt to fuel that hate into motivation and strength for myself. I used to take it to heart, and I used to question myself and my interests, but now I find it to be a great way to give me a purpose. Let your fear, and the people who bring unkind words into your life be your motivation to be a success and to fulfil your dreams and goals.

Embroidered Dream

Hi loves,
So the other day I was having an extreme case of writer's block. You know how you hop onto your phone and open up Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Snapchat when you're procrastinating? Well, I was on Instagram and saw some of my most-read bloggers had posted new posts. Now normally, I don't have time to read through them, so I just scroll through and find inspiration through the photography, but this time was different. I found myself wanting to read what these bloggers had to say.
Bloggers these days have such distinct voices. Some preach literature, some write playfully; whereas I'm trying to find my balance. I love writing like I'm talking to a bunch of friends, other times I like writing as if I'm reporting for a big shot newspaper.

When you start a blog, they tell you to make sure you have a unique voice. That's the best way to be heard. Three years later, and I'm still trying to find my own voice and my own purpose with this blog.
Hopefully this new leaf on the blog is a great new beginning for something more..

Miss Shop x Barbie: Confidence

Hi loves,

First off, never in my 22 years of existence did I think I would ever wear a dress with the 'Barbie' logo written all over it, but I've got to admit, I quite like it.

I feel like I found a new confidence wearing this dress. It's pretty amazing how a simple piece of clothing can do so much for one's self-esteem. That's what I love about fashion. It really can change a person, and for the most part, for the better, you know?

Finding your confidence can be quite tricky. People often mistaken confidence with being conceited which is why you have to make sure you find the right balance.
It seems like today's society has everyone brainwashed into thinking confidence = arrogance.
I've met several people in the last couple of years, and you can distinctly tell the difference just from a particular vibe when they speak to you.

Confidence is so important, and I just wish so many more girls had them; in what they wear; in what they say; in what they do. Feeling insecure and unsure of yourself can be soul-crushing, so start by wearing a bright coloured lipstick, or pair those heels with that skirt and go shopping - find your confidence in something little, and build up to it. The more comfortable you are in your own skin, the better you will feel. Trust me.

Miss Shop x Barbie: D & the Glitter Shoes

Hi loves,
So a few weeks ago I went shopping, and didn't realise until I got home that everything I had bought was Barbie related. I got really excited and thought out loud "this would make a pretty fun feature on the blog!!!" - yeah, I tend to blurt stuff out randomly like that and it awkwardly confuses whoever's around me. Quite entertaining, really.
Anyway, growing up I loved Barbie. I remember when I was still living in the city, my kindergarten best friend at the time was living in a city loft with her mum. She asked me to come over one day after school, so I did, and I remember walking into this section of the loft where she had all of her Barbie memorabilia. I'm talking dream house, play tent, rug, galleries of Barbie dolls - you name it, she had it. And I remember just falling instantly in love with that entire section, it was so upsetting when my parents came to pick me up. I was more devastated about leaving the Barbie gallery than my friend, tbh.

That was when my love for Barbie started. My mum's collected various Barbie dolls my entire life (there was this limited edition Cinderella Barbie doll that my mum kept in the box for YEARS that none of us could touch) but when we had to move out of the city and into the suburbs, mum had to sell it because we couldn't lug all of those dolls around with us. I was so deeply saddened.

So imagine how I felt when I found out Miss Shop was releasing a collaboration with Miss Barbie herself. I knew I had to get my hands on it because there was no way I was letting more of Barbie slip out of my fingers. This way, I have some Barbie back in my life, and especially in my closet.

I have four looks in this feature, so stay tuned for the other three after this one, but for now, I hope you guys enjoy this girly chic look which I absolutely adore!

Be-you-tiful

Hi loves,
When I'm shooting looks with my friend, I always try to find my best model pose. That's what a fashion blogger does, right? A part of me feels totally fierce, but the other part of me feels like a total knob. I'm determined to be an 'everyday girl' kind of blogger who looks goofy and imperfect, rather than a high-fashion kind of blogger who rarely smiles in her photos.
I think I've preached enough about self-beauty and embracing your body and loving who you are, so I won't go into that again, but if you're a fashion blogger who's starting out just like me, remember what your main priority is, because mine is making sure I cater to the everyday girl!

Without further ado, scroll through these pics to see my casual posing and cheeky smiles.

Don't Baroque My Heart

Hi loves,
My apologies because it seems as though I haven't posted in two weeks and am feeling real shitty about it. Don't worry, I'm not going back to my old ways - it was just a heck of a week last week so I didn't get a chance to post anything.

But I'm excited to share this post with you guys tonight because I've wanted to style this outfit ever since I got this aaaaaamazing jacket from one of my supervisors while I was interning at Dolly magazine {you can see what else I got from my incredible time spent at Dolly/Cleo magazines right here.}

I posted a sneak peek pic of this outfit yesterday on Instagram, and funnily enough, one of my friends commented that it looked like an outfit Blair Waldorf would wear. What's even more funny is that I freaking love Blair Waldorf!!?!!???!! Just thought I'd put that in here somewhere.. You know, just some unnecessary information because who doesn't love unnecessary information {did you know a sheep, a duck and a rooster were the first passengers on a hot air balloon?!}

This look has been long-awaited. I got the these pants so long ago, but mum kept forgetting to get them tailored for me (she's pretty talented in the fact that she sews all of my 'too-long' clothes, and she cuts and colours my hair too), until recently which is why I was so keen to style this look together. And I gotta say, I am pretty pleased with how it turned out.

This is for all of you strong independent woman who need no man or no boss to tell them how freaking great they are. You sure as hell can look stylish too.

*Raise your hand if you have to get your clothes tailored almost all the time?!*

Sweet Bouquet

Hi loves,
Sad to say, but unfortunately this is the last outfit for the 7 Looks for 7 Days re-launch feature *boooooo!* Not to worry though, I promise you, this is the beginning of something wonderful, and I'm so excited to finally be heading on this journey with all of you guys alongside me.

When I was stuck in my uninspired rut, I felt so unhappy and put down. But now that I'm back, and doing it for all the right reasons, I'm so much more happier, grateful and inspired every single day.
This is what blogging should feel like. Never blog for others, but yourself. From day one, I've always promised myself that this was going to be for me. It didn't matter if I got one hit in one day, it made me happy. But of course, other people's comments and criticisms will eventually get to you because, hey, I'm only human.

More than anything, I want to learn and grow with my blog. It's been my baby since 2011, and although I've neglected it a few times, or posted unworthy content for the sake of posting, I still have such a deep love for the community of blogging.

I'm back and better than ever, and I'm extremely thrilled for what's to come.

Watch this space, I swear, you won't be disappointed!

Run, Don't Walk

Hi loves,
Okay, so I am not at all a sneakerhead whatsoever. In fact, I despise sneakers. Give me a fabulous pair of flats or heels and I'm good to go. But something that wouldn't seem to leave my mind was the Nike Roshe Run in grey. I'd been working long hours in retail for weeks and my feet would be thrashed from wearing flats all day (shocking, I know) so I sneakily borrowed my brother's Roshes one day, and fell in love with how comfy they were to work in!
But everytime I seemed to walk into a shoe store and ask for my size in the grey Roshes, they were sold out and not re-stocking my size anymore (?!?!?!??!!), so I decided to look online and thank heavens for stylerunner.com because they had the colour I wanted, my exact size, cheap and fast delivery - such a score!

So tonight, I bring to you a post which kind of looks like I'm advertising my shoes, but really, my friend is just an ace photographer :P

So French, So Chic

Hi loves,
So sorry for the delay on tonight's post. This look has to be my favourite because it's simple, chic and french-inspired!

I've been gathering a lot of inspiration from Audrey Rogers aka Frassy Audrey whose french-chic style is so on point. But not only is her style on point, her inspiring messages throughout her posts are a clear reflection on what we all want to read from a fashion blogger. It's not always about the fashion; sometimes it's about the message behind the outfit.

Funnily enough, every message behind my outfit is "I'm wearing this today to give my closet a break." You'd think as a fashion blogger, I'd have my closet dilemmas sorted - well, think again. When you share a closet for one with two boys, things tend to get real messy and extremely difficult.
Which is why today's post was delayed; my boyfriend and I ventured out to IKEA (heh, hardly - considering IKEA's now only 5 minutes away from my house) and we bought a new wardrobe for Ethan, yaaaay! Now before you go "wait, why Ethan and not you?", Ethan's current closet is a larger one that we bought from IKEA a while ago, but because I'm needing a second closet now (#fashionbloggerproblems) we bought a kid-friendly closet instead of buying another large closet, ya get? Doesn't matter, makes sense to us *lol*

We just finished putting together and transferring all of Ethan's clothes into his new wardrobe, and we are so knackered out. I've got work all day tomorrow, so sorting out my second closet will have to wait until my next day off (which happens to be Thursday - yipee!)

As soon as I have it set-up, I promise that photos will be on it's way over to the blog.

Without further ado, day 5 of the 7 Looks for 7 Days re-launch feature:

Secret Garden

Hi loves,
Surprise! It's day 4 of the 7 Looks for 7 Days re-launch feature!
I've been wanting to style a look this like for so long now. Working in retail, I get to see first-hand what styles are going to be trending for the new season, and bohemian chic seems to be a popular one for Spring - of course.
My style is more girly feminine, but it's makes blending into other styles really easy.
All one has to do is add a girly detail (ie. a skirt) and then accessorise to your heart's content!

I had such a fun time shooting this look for you guys because the location was just stunning. Of course it could've been more beautiful if it were already Spring and nature had bloomed, but the end of Winter still makes it look quite pretty. What's even better is that it was an unexpected location. Somewhere so close to home turned out to be the perfect shoot spot.

It's safe to say that you will be seeing a lot more of this location during the Spring/Summer editions of my looks because it's honestly so beautiful, and we got the OK from the owners to use it. Yay!

So without further ado, (I know, I was just babbling on about nothing tonight, sorry!), here's tonight's look:

Earn Your Stripes

Hi loves,
Yay for day 3 of the 7 Looks for 7 Days re-launch feature!
I'm finding it extremely ironic how yesterday's weather was beautiful and warm, but I posted my last Winter look; but then today is dreary and cold, and I'm here posting my first Spring look!
Mother Nature, you sure like to make me look like a fool. Oh, dear.

Well, saying hello to Spring a little earlier than expected is always a great thing. As is Paris, macarons and Chanel.
Great things come in different shapes and sizes. I found a great thing in my epic love with my boyfriend. I raised a great thing in the shape of my ever-so-clever son. I created a great thing that I love; my blog.

It's amazing how one type of thing can come to you in so many different ways.

I never, in my lifetime, would have imagined I would start my own blog. I've always been a shy person. So coming online and feeling the pressures and scrutiny of faceless keyboard warriors was basically my kind of hell. But I have to admit, staring my blog online helped me grow my thick skin. And being a young mum, that's exactly what you need. You're constantly under a microscope where people have the freedom to judge and berate you. But thanks to the negativities of the online community, I'm a stronger and happier person - because the words you try to hurt me with, don't work anymore, and honestly, it feels great.

My advice to everyone tonight is to never let the bastards get you down. Especially the ones online!