Hello lovelies,

Now I was in two minds about posting these photos because I had one of those days where I felt my outfit looked acceptable whilst at home, but absolutely despised the way I looked once I'd left the house and had these pictures taken. Once I had looked through them all I was all set to delete them and spend the evening consoling myself with chocolate or cookies (not helping the problem, I know!), but I made a promise to myself last year that I would stop being so hard on myself when it comes to my blog and the way I present myself. I don't read blogs to gaze at carefully manufactured perfect people with perfect lives, I read them to feel as though I am connecting with real people - so I owe it to you to keep things real, I guess! So although these photos just enhance the fact that I need to adapt to a healthier lifestyle and lose some pounds (and believe me, I am very aware of this fact) I am going to pop this up nonetheless and hopefully I'll look back at this in a few months once my running has begun to have an effect on my shape, and use this post as a benchmark for my weight! Ramble over!

So on to the actual outfit... our flat is quite literally a sauna in the summers. South-facing and with lots of glass it just attracts heat and clings on to it regardless of how many windows we throw open or fans we switch on. Great in winter but an absolute nightmare when hit by 30-degree heat - and when the weather outside is equally hot and muggy, hiding in leggings and cardigans is no longer an option for me. Today I therefore threw caution to the wind and wore these ancient high-waisted shorts from Next, along with the comfiest, softest t-shirt I've ever picked up in the sale (also by Next, funnily enough). This top is so perfectly slouchy and doesn't cling to my lumpy bits and best of all was only about £6! I picked up a few more pieces in the sale which I'll no doubt dig out for outfit posts in the near future - comfort and light fabrics are key with the heatwave we have been having!

I've really been enjoying my natural curls recently, just styling the front pieces of hair and letting the rest dry naturally in little twirls. I've also been experimenting with braids and love this little boho style milkmaid plait - I just do a tiny braid on each side of my head, then cross them over and pin them into place. A few people have mistaken them for an actual headband so I must be doing something right!

Finally I selected a few casual accessories to complete my outfit, including this lovely coral floral necklace by Dorothy Perkins and my new Accessorize bag (another sale buy!), finishing off with the comfiest shoes I own - I've been a dedicated Converse wearer since I was about fifteen and Jon bought these grey and pink ones for my birthday this year. They're so perfect for weekend wear and I'm definitely going to take them on holiday with me this year for strolling around Brittany - I can't wait!

I hope you've all had a lovely weekend and are looking forward to the week ahead. I am so excited as I get to see my sister on Tuesday before she heads off halfway around the world for an Australian adventure - also a teeny bit jealous I have to admit!

Lots of love,
Dani
xoxo