Merida

Wearing: Temperley London dress, Jimmy Choo clutch and sandals, Shourouk earrings, Wanderlust Co rings.

This is one of two looks from my shoot with Jimmy Choo on location in Marrakech a few weeks ago, and perhaps my favourite. I had assumed this strapless Temperley London dress was too big for my lack of curves, until while trying it on I realised the curves seemingly came built in!

You may have noticed how rare it is for me to wear my hair up. This is a personal self confidence issue that I have had since I was young, potentially originating from a few too many “Cheers big ears” taunts. The moment I stopped having to hairspray every flyaway back in to a slick bun for strict daily ballet classes I quickly embraced the security and confidence of free flowing hair. I would never have thought much of it besides habit and preference, but it seems little details like this are what a small percentage of people spot and pick apart online.

While mentioning this rare bout of self confidence for the shoot on Instagram a few weeks ago it seemed to act as an invitation to some who further chastised every aspect of my looks from my weight to eyelids (?). I’m only lightly touching on the subject of bullying of all kinds, and increasingly online bullying, that gets deep under my skin. I am fast believing that ignoring is potentially a waste of educational opportunity.

I’m not super comfortable with my hair up. I’m genetically tall and thin, as my whole family is. I might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I am certainly healthy and happy. I only hope that anyone throwing around needless, judgemental criticism from the safety of their computer screens finds their own inner peace. Everyone needs a little more positivity!

Photos by James Thompson