I've always felt the need to steer pretty clear of wearing pink, avoiding the embarrassment of walking out the door and hours later catching on to my unwitting reference to Barbie.  Today I'm a little more confident about the hue - but I prefer it only in a particular context... and never as fuchsia.. The worst of colours!! Ironically this teddy coat is almost fuchsia (even mores so with my filter) but more of a muted tone, dusty rose. A vital detail!

I'm actually really big on colours, you might notice from my photography and editing - I make alot of adjustments with colour in post production. Colour is mood and feeling, just like a particular scent can transport you to a distant memory - I think colour can create particular feelings and return you to certain climates. Matching the right hues on an outfit can signal a particular  season of the year - and it's quite an art form! Stylists need to have a really good sense of colour, which I think comes in part through instinct. You have to feel it out! I'm guilty of finding it a bit grating to see people wear the wrong colours together... like blending brights and pastels incorrectly or wearing warm brown with black... yikes! Haha.

Though we mustn't judge right? I'm guilty of so many a fashion faux pas - that's the pot calling the kettle black if ever so.

Anyway, me and my pink coat - on  a perfect (still damn cold!) sunday in Stockholm, toughened up with some bad ass knee high boots and leather mittens - plus gold hardware! Forever a fan of my Larsson and Jennings watch.

coat, Ganni 

boots, Frye

watch, Larsson and Jennings

jeans, Rag and Bone

bag, Chloe

turtleneck, ASOS

earrings, Country Road (similar)

leather mittens, Yvonne Kone

(all photography, me)

Something I've hinted at over the past few months - a photography course, designed by me and detailing everything I know about the art form - is coming soon! Well - it's only a week away now and it'll be available for purchase from my site. I'm so excited about it and I hope you'll like it.

The course is going to be really like a conversation about photography - it won't be so technical - because I'm very instinct driven when I shoot. You can scan youtube for technical hints, but it won't teach you alot about finding your style and becoming a better photographer. I'm going to share everything I know about looking through a lens, using videos and pictures... do you guys think it could be something you'd be interested in?

Count down!

Gold bling lifts every outfit. Even this attire I'm rocking right now - could be converted to couch friendly sunday sloppiness  without my fancy bag and maybe some ugg boots. A gold earring and a blinging watch - you're up a couple levels of fancy. So easy! I actually think an oversize gold watch is truly a great investment.  It's a sort of placebo for helping you feel dressed up!

I'm getting settled into the Stockholm darkness and cold now - but it kills me to have such a short amount of time useful for shooting pictures! It means I have to be incredibly organised to snap outfits - and to try and get a few shot over the weekend when I have more time spare. I'm currently working out of an office closer to the centre of town - which means classic office hours, something I find essential to keep for the sake of productivity. I need to have a very definitive close up to the end of the day - where I stop editing and walk home, closing my brain off from work mode. In truth I do continue emailing sporadically while I'm at home but I won't be working on large creative projects that consume my mind.

I find it so bizarre to leave and arrive at the office in darkness - but the swedes make the most of bad situation, by placing Xmas lights EVERYWHERE. The city centre looks absolutely wonderful this time of year - I must remember to go and snap some pictures to share with you all. Unfortunately it doesn't look like snow until after Christmas - which is a shame. When the snow is on the ground it's the most incredible sight - the light seems to emanate from the ground, where the sky is pure black - and most buildings here are all in warm tones from cream to yellow, orange and red. Why am I describing this!? I should just take some pics. Soon soon, hurry up snow.

watch, Michael Kors

jeans, Cheap Monday (similar)

jacket, Burberry Brit 

sneaker heels, Tommy Hilfiger (in brown)

bag, Michael Kors

Dad's are notoriously difficult to buy presents for - so often they end up with the classic bottle of whisky or gift card. I'm pretty sure my Dad would be happy with a bag of candy with a bow around it but I think I'll try a little harder...

The secret lies in buying him those presents he wouldn't usually buy for himself or those that he never knew he wanted...

Starting with,

Taschen: Luxury Toys for Men - maybe you can't buy him an Aston Martin, but here he can drool over pics of one! A dreamers guide.

Socks: Paul Smith Socks - My Dad would never spend so much on socks, but after wearing a pair of these he'll wonder why he hasn't given his toes more love before.

Phaidon: Marlon Brando, Anatomy of an Actor. A profile on an great icon of yesteryear - if he's not a fan he'll be after this. Great to give alongside a copy of the Godfather on DVD.

Wooden Alarm Clock. Your dad can wake each day just that little bit more stylishly with this puppy.

Beddit Sleep Monitor. This is one of those gifts he never knew he needed - the sensor is placed under the sheets and records sleep quality and duration, breathing, heart rate, and snoring. Tracks your sleep so measures can be placed to improve it! Clever.

Gucci Card Wallet: Very stylish and a total safe bet.

Hope this helps :)

So if you've been able to watch the latest episode of Fashion Bloggers then you'll know this shoot took place in gorgeous Hamilton Island, on Pebble Beach at Qualia Resort. A bit of an impromptu undertaking between myself and my awesome friend (and fellow blogger) Nadia Fairfax, who most impressively pulled together styling for an entire editorial out of her suitcase.

I feel really lucky to have had Nadia alongside for my trip to Hammo' - she's one of the most energetic and inspired people I've come across in my travels. We've only known each other a short time, but I'm more than a little sad to say I won't get to see her much in the next few months, due to my crazy schedule. I love it when you make a new friends who you connect with right away! Though I can say, it's easier to make friends in Australian than it is in Stockholm - I'm guessing that's just because I don't speak the language. It's a challenge to find 'your people' when  you're staying in a new city - but that's also something I like about it, you really have to put yourself out there, meaning you're probably going to learn something new about yourself.

Hope you enjoy these images, beautiful Nadia Fairfax - stranded - mostly stylishly.

Photography, Me

Styling and Modelling, Nadia Fairfax (check her blog!!)

Shot 1 - Photographers own Sarong

Shot 2 - MLM Skirt (Worn as dress)

Shot 3 - Fella Swim Top

Shot 4 - MIKOH Bikini // Viktoria & Woods Trench

Shot 5 - Fella Swim Bikini // Kaliver Skirt

Shot 6 - Bec & Bridge Singlet // Fella Swim Bottoms

I've always wanted to do a shoot underwater - the trouble is - it's actually incredibly difficult to open your eyes and hold a relaxed expression when you can't breath. This piece of silk was something I purchased as a trial for the Australian Ballet shoot - but realising the tulle would be more effective for that shoot, I vetoed the silk. Knowing I would have the chance to shoot Nadia, I brought along this fabric to our visit to the Great Barrier Reef - So happy with the result!

It was actually quite the trial for post of us to dive under water each time to snap shots, leaving up both quite short of breath - and I'm not really the strongest swimmer. I kinda wish we persevered for a little longer to get more images but using a GoPro, we really had no idea how they were going to turn out. Sometimes it's going to be worth giving it a go just for one shot - and it's always better to have a few strong images than to include a few duds. A photoshoot is only as strong as the weakest image.

Photos of Nadia by me - photo of the fabric, David Hutton (Sodus)

Model, Nadia Fairfax

Thinking of reviving my red lip phase again, it's just such an easy and effective look! But I'm so anti-make-up lately, an idea mostly borne out of laziness but also in order to start to prefer my face without all the fuss. Blame Lena Dunhum!

I'm working on my course today - breezing through this post quickly. How are you all feeling about the super frequent posting? It's bloody hard work! But also doubly rewarding. I also wanted to ask you all how you feel about my youtube? I haven't done much lately but it's something I really enjoy and want to do more of. What kinds of things would you like to see me talk about?

Back to my outfit, the return on my grey scarf is a winter staple - I really need another colour.  The coat I've had for around 4-5 years, very classic style. Served me well! All in all quite a simple look - enhanced with bad ass pointed boots. Fun!

Look forward to your thoughts, x

coat, Country Road (similar)

bag, Chloe (omg still in stock?)

jeans, H&M (similar)

boots, Sigerson Morrison

scarf, I love Mr Mittens

watch, Michael Kors

Feeling a bit depressed now as I post up these shots... damn it looks so beautiful and dreamy! And those beaches with the orange rocks? Like a snap out of the 70's. I think resurfacing these shots later has actually made me love them even more, I feel lucky to have had my visits to Ibiza this summer. Oh to escape!

These are a load of images I snapped while visiting to shoot the Nookie campaign, while we were location scouting and generally enjoying the sunshine.  You can see my posts from the campaign HERE and HERE, I love those shirred bikinis so much.

Photography by me.

So often I'm asked about my hair - and I've always thought there wasn't much to tell, but I do have one trick so I'm explaining it all in my youtube video... please excuse the budget product, I'm working on a better set up!

Co-incidentally, I've cut all my hair off! It's maybe a little too short, I'm still trying to figure out how to style it without looking like I've got a fluffy round head. It think it'll improve after a couple weeks of growth. They say a change is as good as a holiday! I'm the type to thrive on change.

Happy weekend :)

I'm back on the stick figure train - I love drawing these little friends! This time I've gone with a bit of a theme, selecting a couple of looks I love from pre-fall and then trawling high street stores to create a similar look. I was actually gunning to do a third one but it's actually quite challenging and time consuming to come up with just the right pieces that look similar and still look pretty cool, I ended up getting a little tired of it. Sorry!

I'm going to call these two girls Violet and Esther.

Look 1 - 3.1 Phillip Lim

knit, T by Alexander Wang (The Outnet)

skirt, Oasis at ASOS

boots, ASOS

suede chain handbag, ASOS

Look 2 - Michael Kors

coat, Monki at ASOS

dress, Cheap Monday at Urban Outfitters

bag, Urban Outfitters

shoes, ASOS

photos from style.com

So thrilled to finally be able to post these images, a collaboration between Sara (Harper and Harley), Kelly Smith (Birdy and Me) and myself.  I'm so proud of this - and by having the chance to bring together such talents, we're all the stronger for it. Sara is responsible for the styling and Kelly has included illustrations over some of my images - and then fully illustrated some of our other shots. I first collaborated with Kelly back on this post and I really can't say why it's taken me so long to pull another shoot together!

Special thank you to Lucky Magazine online, who not only featured our shoot but included an article and interview with me - talking about all things creative, blogging life, travel and beauty - You can check that out HERE.

Finally - how freaking adorable is Archie the puppy! Special thanks to Archie and his owner Chad for bringing him along to take part. He was so precious - and got super tired towards the end, falling asleep in Sara's arms. I need a French Bulldog puppy in my life!

Photography, Me

Illustration, Kelly Smith (Birdy and Me)

Model and Stylist, Sara Donaldson (Harper and Harley)

Make-up, Christabel Draffin

Hair, Frankie Endersbee

Look 1,  Top & Lover Dress

Look 2,  Jac + Jack knit, Magali Pascal dress

Look 3 +4, Dion Lee knit, Magali Pascal dress

Look 5, Jac + Jack knit

Look 6, Nanuska cardigan, Chantal Thomas bra

I decided to post these as a follow up to my previous post and collaboration with Kelly Smith - our first project together! This was a very early test shoot with model Jacqueline (previously Chic Management) and published on Harpers Bazaar Style Network, now removed. I realised I never posted it in it's entirety on my site - so it only seemed fitting to post it up now.

This shoot was styled and shot by me, on the balcony of my Sydney apartment, using the grey throw I kept on my couch as a backdrop - and holding a reflector in my teeth. Fake it till you make it right?!

Even after all this time, I'm still proud of these images - and so happy Kelly agreed to shoot with me! If you've tuned in recently to my blog, hope you like these images.

Photos by Me

Illustration by Kelly Smith (Birdy and Me)

These images were taken in a forest near my apartment here in Stockholm... I think around 2.30pm... as the sun was setting. It's difficult to find good days to shoot this time of year in Sweden, with only a few hours of usable daylight each day - and then some days that are so overcast, you might as well not bother! I do like the winter though, here it's very dreamy and cosy. I love warm drinks and candles and rugging up for strolls outside... the Danes actually have a word for it, Hygge. Making the most of a bad situation I guess! On the plus - the longest day of the year is somewhere around the 20th - so from that point it'll be getting brighter again. This year I refuse to miss out on those cherry blossoms at the Kungsträdgården!

Loads to do this week, trying to wrap up my photo course and organising two posts per day. I'm going home for Christmas to Esperance in WA so I want to try and score some time off - means I'll have to work double time to get some posting automated. So much to do! And that's a hell of a lot better than having nothing to do.

jeans, Levis

watch, Michael Kors

coat, ALC

hat, Lack of Colour

mittens, Yvonne Kone

scarf, I love Mr Mittens

boots, Zara

bag, Chloe

Looking forward to starting a new series here on my blog, alongside these shoots - interviews, with a goal to get insight about achieving certain roles in the industry. Starting on the good foot with my talented and stylish friend Sania, who landed a dream gig with Scandanavia's biggest fashion magazine straight out of University. How did she do it?!

Answers coming tomorrow on my blog :)

Photography by me

Sania wears

faux fur coat, Bitte Kai Rand

bag, Celine

shoes, Zara

jeans, Gina Tricot

Maybe this is a little kitchsy - but I love Christmas Markets! I spent the day on Sunday exploring the Markets with Gustav - and ice skating, which I love to do but I'm absolutely terrible at it! I really want to do more videos about my travels, but it's hard when I don't have someone else to film me, I'm usually a one woman show when it comes to making content.

Hope you enjoy this insight into that Christmas vibe we have here in Stockholm, it's quite special and has a really traditional feeling - very different to down under where it's EXTREMELY commercial. Unfortunately it's not as cold as it was this time last year so there's no hint of snow around. Makes everything that much more beautiful in the winter! And of course, a snowy landscape is quite alien and exciting for me, the Swedes might complain but I'm not over it yet.

God Jul means  Merry Christmas in Swedish :)

video and editing, Gustav Carlson

So as promised here's my interview with Sania, my gorgeous blogger friend from my previous post. Sania's been working as a stylist for Scandanavia's biggest fashion magazine Damernas Varld for the past two years and had the chance to rub shoulders with the industry's most inspiring people (hello Marc Jacobs!). So this is the first in my series about perseverance and experiences in my industry - what it takes to get the gig! Career dreams and all the rest.

ZW: Ok firstly - tell me what got you into fashion, what is it you love about it? 

CD: I got into fashion pretty late in my life. I didn't know much about the industry when I was younger. I've always been creative though and loved putting together outfits and discovering my personal style. My mom subscribed for Damernas Värld forever and I always read it, but it just never occurred to me that this was a product of a lot of hard work from people who had made a career from it. It was somewhere around 2009 that I realized what it was all about. Sometimes I compare it to how Harry Potter discovered the world of magic.. I am a very nerdy person and decided to find out everything about it. Looked for books or websites of some sort of "Fashion for Dummies"-sort, but that didn't go well at all haha..

ZW: You can't really learn it like that, by getting a degree - fashion it's always changing.

SCD: Yeah well I wanted to learn what fashion IS. It was something totally new... 'trends'? What does that even mean? Or what about the definition of Fashion? I studied Natural Science so these kinds of questions came natural to me I guess. So anyway, that's why I started by blog, I wanted to collect pieces of information. I wrote about the history of the Chanel Flat Bag - along with pieces about different designers and a lot of other fashion related topics.

ZW: Ok, so how did that lead into getting a role at Damernas Varld?

SCD: Well first the whole fashion blogger thing in Sweden exploded and I was very fascinated and interested in this phenomena...

ZW: How long ago was that?

SCD: This was 2010. I was still in University while I was blogging, studying Economics, something totally different. All I knew when I decided to study Economics was that I wanted to start my own company at some point and do something creative. That's all I knew, and I thought that I'll figure the rest out along the way. There was fashion magazine called CHIC and they were having a competition for their readers, where you send in photos and compete to get the 'Everyday Chic Award'. I was nominated, people voted and I won - then I got to attend their annual gala. The magazine then asked me to move my blog to their site (a very common thing in Sweden, most bloggers have a host of some sort), so that's how I ended up doing work for their magazine too. I asked them, 'why don't you have streetstyle on your website?' And they asked me to shoot it. So that's how I started shooting streetstyle for a while, they loved the pictures and decided to feature them in the print magazine, every issue. I had a byline and all and this was huge for me. From there I have the chance to do other articles for them... but then that magazine had to take a break (due to financial issues, they are back now). So, Damernas Värld had contacted me after that to move my blog to their site - with the same offer, that I could contribute to their magazine. I was so flattered and happy, it was really a once in a lifetime opportunity... my boss Martina Bonnier mentioned something about me doing fashion editorials and I seriously didn't believe it.

ZW: But now you have your own page in the magazine about your personal style...

SCD: Yeah - it's called Sania Stil and it has been in every issue for over two years. It's shopping tips with an outfit and snap shots from my blog and a wardrobe favorite - along with some text. Martina, my boss, even let me go to Barcelona to shoot outfits for my page when I was new. It was such a thrill. Then for the first time in May 2013, I had the chance to style my first real fashion story. They didn't really know what I can or cannot do, and they let me learn by trying. I feel really honored that they took such a risk. I had close to no experience and I was pretty much faking it until making it. To style an editorial for a magazine like Damernas Värld, you usually start out as an assistant and you have to learn so many things. There's a whole process and at this time I didn't even realize that I could get help from the assistants. Then the whole thing about borrowing all the clothes, learning all the PR offices and the brand they represent, booking a model, contacting the photographer, having meeting, steaming the clothes... all of those things were completely new to me. All I knew was from those who had done work as stylists and blogged about it. This was not the traditional way that I had learnt was the way to get to this point but I'm extremely and forever thankful for the opportunities I have gotten.

ZW: I remember the first time I saw you, I was shooting streetstyle at London Fashion Week.   I knew who you were because of our mutual friend Carolina... anyway you were running as fast as you could, in heels, trying to make it into the Burberry show before the doors closed... That must have been an awesome opportunity because I didn't get to see the show that season, can you tell me about the best/craziest experiences you had?

SCD: Haha, oh I remember that photo, love it so much!! And yes, the Burberry shows have definitely been a highlight. The fact that I get to do the editorials, it's amazing - it's such an incredible process and then you get to see the result in the magazine. The feeling is priceless every single time. We do all the pages so far ahead and it happens that I forget what I did and then open the latest issue and thinking "oh true, I did that a few months ago!" Sucks that you can't edit stuff that went wrong since they are already in print haha..

ZW: Well you have to make mistakes to learn - if you're not making any mistakes in fashion you're probably not taking enough risks!

That's true! Fashion week is also great by the way. I got to go to a lot of great shows and a lot thanks to the access I got through the magazine. The most amazing show that I think I've been to now is, POLO by Ralph Lauren in New York - did you go there? In Central Park!

ZW: I got invited to that but I didn't go!

SCD: Are you crazy!? NO ways!! Ahh Zanita you missed out big time!! But I get it, the schedule is crazy and you never know what to expect. Feeling really sorry you didn't go though...ahhh!!

ZW: Oh no! I had a really long day and decided not to go because I thought it was just a cocktail party and I was staying with a friend who was unwell... Damn it! 

SCD: Well it was so cool, Central Park was was totally dark - they took us with gold carts up to Cherry Hill where there was loads of male models handing out popcorn and girl wearing Polo, a quintet playing strings.

ZW: It sounds beautiful. (insert depressed expression)

SCD: Then we arrived at the water, we could stand around wherever we like - they had this incredible runway on the water. It's difficult to describe but it was so beautiful! Afterwards I cried a little. Absolutely breathtaking experience!!

ZW: I cried after a Rick Owens show once. It was really moving, in Paris...but I'm sorry I have to run! So could you just tell me before I leave - what kind of things you could share with me, what you would tell a girl who wanted to get a role like you have?

SCD: And how to move forward?

ZW:Yeah obviously you're someone who is quite well researched.

SCD: Well what I've learned is that one should never say 'Oh i want to work in Fashion.' That's not going to get you very far, you have to define what it is precisely you want to do - do you want to be a stylist, a writer, a designer, work in magazines, editorials, commercials... there's so much, it's very diverse. Pin down what you want, and if you don't know, then research a lot and see what interest you - and when you have an idea then find people and find out what from others in that field, how to get there. My boss asked me at some point 'But Sania, you do so many different things, what do you want to focus on?' You gotta pick a path and then put everything into it. Work hard (which is pretty easy once you find your passion) and it will all pay off at the end. You should always give a little more than you're asked to do. If the deadline is Friday, turn it in on Thursday. And another very important thing is to always be prepared to deal with unexpected situations. Don't get mad, just solve the problem. Most importantly: be nice to people!

Thanks so much Sania!

Photos by Me :)

Ugh I hate myself for even writing that title, but it's very true - being organised works wonders on your stress levels and productivity. I just resent the fact because I'm typically very disorganised. I recently however, committed to writing two posts a day for my blog - because I really want to push it to the next level and expand my business. Meaning, less talk more action. I've got some help for this, a boyfriend and business manager - Gustav. I have a spreadsheet to plan out my posts (a spreadsheet guys!!?) and have my day planned out tighter than ever, allocating hours for all types of activities.... and that gives me an idea! Would you be interested in a video that talks about a typical day for me? Or a written post?

Back to the point, organisation. I used to be a major freestyler, with an erratic schedule and priority social life. Over the past two years - I've steadily made a shift to favour my business. Why not make the push earlier? Well it's taken a damn while to convince myself that working harder will be worth it. The typical 'scared to fail' excuse - which I'm sure is something we're all guilty of, not wanting to put more pressure on ourselves. The Aussie fashion industry was slightly later to join the party when it came to bloggers (and digital media in general), meaning it wasn't easy to transition from hobbyist to full timer - when there wasn't many clients that thought it was worth paying us for our work, despite some bloggers having 5-10 times the reach of major Aussie fashion magazines. If they didn't believe in us - why should we believe in ourselves? Of course you can understand their scepticism, we just started out as just fans of fashion... it's not really that cool! Over time our content improved and we had the chance to prove ourselves... so it became time to work. I think the industry in Australia is really up to speed with the digital revolution now, it's an exciting place to work. And now of course - I consider myself a professional. I have systems in place to get shit done and I work longer hours, make fewer excuses for myself. Strive for that entrepreneurial spirit, trying to come up with new ideas all the time. I heard once, become the business that would swallow you up for not evolving, think forward, do research.  I know I have a really long way to go - but for now I'm working hard and hoping for the best, really looking up those who've created something bigger for themselves - like Chiara or Wendy or Kristina. It all starts with being organised.

Grateful to share all of the ride with all of you!

...and so I'm wearing clothes again ;)

pics, Mia Dackeborg - editing, me

sweater, And Other Stories

pink loafers, Karen Walker for Beau Coops

bag, Barbara Bonner

scarf, American Apparel

watch, Larson & Jennings

cuff, Country Road

Christmas is right around the corner! What boggles me most about this is the fact that we've reached the end of another year. It's gone by so quickly - but I've had some pretty major adventures.

Anyway, throwing up another gift guide, this time - for the sport man/boy/child in your life. There's some super cool gadgets here, including those exercise monitor type-majigs that seem fun and I want one.

Here goes.

First up, the water bottle - but not just any bottle! Glass of course - because plastic bottles seep chemicals into your water (this is also news to me) - complete with silicon sleeve, from Target.

Then, the gift of the season - it's FITBIT (black) vs Jawbone (red). Discreet bracelets that use complex algorithms  to measure you energy output, your sleeping patterns... plus a whole load of things. All I know is that I really want one.

Headphones - by Bose, all purpose and awesome fit - I've actually used these before and can vouch for the sound and comfort. Moisture resistant.

Victorinox Swiss Army Night Vision Watch - nuff said

Nike Air Max 90 trainers, get the classic style for the win.

Kiehls Moisturiser - with SPF 15, protects against environmental stress. Great stocking filler for any guy - they never splash on good moisturisers do they? Give the gift he didn't realise he needed.

Happy Holidays!!!

FOLLOW ME: -- Bloglovin --- Twitter --- Youtube --- Instagram --- Facebook

I'm having one of those days where everything is going great, got into the office early, it's not raining, drank a Tomtelatte (translation: Santa's Latte - very delicious!) and for some reason I still feel a little glum. Pretty much the definition of first world problems or maybe just the onset of PMS (I can never tell) - so while we're on the road to oversharing... Here's 10 fun facts about me!

1. Navy Cadets. I used to be in the Navy Cadets for a couple years while I was a teenager. It pretty much consisted of sailing in tiny yachts and marching around feeling official. I was one of three girls in a group of about thirty. I had planned on joining the Navy when I finished high school but quickly realised I would likely be sexually harassed (from my experience) in the Navy and decided to explore another avenue. It's a sad fact, but if you look at the statistics for women in the military... no thanks!

2. Sleeves. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've ever worn anything sleeveless on my blog this year. I don't like exposing my shoulders, something I've developed from having back acne when I was younger. Now my skin is great! It just still feels wrong to show my shoulders and upper arms - and I get self conscious about having such broad shoulders too. I should just get over it I know, but sleeves are like a security blanket.

3. Tattoo - some of you would know this already, I have a pretty sizable tattoo on my back. The first time my Mum saw my tattoo she cried, which upset me because other than for her, I don't give a phuck what people think about it. To me, my tattoo is my personal piece of art - something to treasure forever. It makes me unique, makes me feel strong. My body is my own, for no one else to dictate - so my tattoo is forever a reminder to follow my own path despite what anyone thinks.

4. Sweden. It's always been a dream of mine to live in Europe, so right now I've got a Working Holiday Visa for Sweden. Australians can get these Visa's for most countries, if you're under 30 and want to travel around. I can't get a full time job here (which is fine cos I'm self employed) but I can stay for the duration of the year. I'm learning Swedish slowly, it's difficult - like any language really - but it's also a germanic language so in that, it's closer to english than others. Underbar!

5. The number 29 - it's always been my lucky number. I'm born on March 29, my Mum on July 29 and my dad on December 29. My parents recently built a house in a new development, Lot 16 or something like that... when it came to receiving a street number? A total co-incidence, also number 29. I turn 29 next year so I'm probably going to win the lottery. Stay tuned.

6. Drivers License. My Australian drivers license is currently expired, so I can't drive. What's strange about this is the sense of freedom I've gained from not being able to drive. Maybe it's because I'm walking more? Brings me to my next point...

7. Exercise. I'm ashamed to admit it but I haven't been doing any exercise lately, maybe the occasional Pilates class but nothing regular. I thought when I quit modelling and stopped exercising regularly I'd gain alot of weight but I haven't really... I've changed though, I'm more lumpy.... and not feeling as energised and happy as I should me. Time to WERK!

8. Music. I quit the Piano when I was 7 years old and I've always regretted it. I love all things music and the music industry, I find it completely fascinating - even the business side of things. I love all things music even...

9. One Direction. I like to think my music taste is pretty commendable but I just love one direction. I know it's not cool to admit it but I think they are great.

10. Singing. I'm not tone deaf - and I actually really love singing. I participated in community theatre when I was younger (I was Marta in the Sound of Music) but my voice is actually really wimpy. Like a cross between Elmo and Britney Spears. I wish I could be one of those brilliant people who audition for X Factor. Alas. Will never be.

Thanks for making it to the end of this list!! xx

FOLLOW ME: -- Bloglovin --- Twitter --- Youtube --- Instagram --- Facebook

I'm probably looking a bit elf-like with my silly beanie/hair combo and eclectic shoes, but I'm totally down with that - tis the season! Plus I love to find pieces that make me smile, even at the risk of looking a little silly. What is playing dress up if we can't have a little fun with it right? I don't want to be guilty of taking myself too seriously.

Well its just over a week until I head down under for three weeks to see my family in Esperance, my sojourn also includes a trip to Fiji (yay!) and a few days in Sydney. For those of you who've just tuned into my blog, Esperance is the town where I grew up, it's in Western Australia, the largest state in Oz -  but also one of the most sparsely populated. The town is a whopping 800km from Perth, the nearest major airport - the bonus is that it's situated on some of the most stunning coastline you'll ever see in your life. The photos never do it justice. Expect more blog posts from here!

My trip back home is the reason the darkness here in Stockholm isn't really doing my head in. It's a good time to get some work and planning done, the winter in Sweden. I've got so much coming in the next few months - including releasing a photography course to be sold online and available here on my blog and a line of earrings! 

I'm so excited... feeling ready to take on 2015 already. :)

Pics, Mia Dackeborg - editing, Me

beanie, And Other Stories

blanket coat, Burberry Brit

jeans, Levis 

cashmere sweater, Equipment

handbag, Michael Kors

boots, Beau Coops

leather mittens, Yvonne Kone

FOLLOW ME: -- Bloglovin --- Twitter --- Youtube --- Instagram --- Facebook