As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
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 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
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A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Lifestyle · June 5, 2025

Look Effortlessly Chic in Your Engagement Shoot 

Few occasions demand “effortlessly chic” photos quite like an engagement shoot. It’s a one-time event that you’ll look back on for years — and, ironically, it’s often meant to be a surprise.

With that kind of pressure, a little planning goes a long way. Besides, is anyone actually confident about nailing a photoshoot as happy tears send mascara down their face? Whether you’re the plotting partner (knowing your fiancé-to-be wants to look their best) or a future bride (conscious of ensuring pictures do it justice), strategy matters. Here are the tips for effortlessly chic engagement shoots.

Few occasions demand “effortlessly chic” photos quite like an engagement shoot. It’s a one-time event that you’ll look back on for years — and, ironically, it’s often meant to be a surprise.

*Disclosure – This is a collaborative post

Choose Timeless, Neutral Colours 

Nobody wants clashing colours. Of all the things that could throw off a proposal shoot, unaesthetic outfits are definitely amongst the top contenders. Think about your partner’s outfits and don’t forget to consider the ring; engagement rings can contain all types of gemstones and even metals. Would your partner pick white or yellow gold? Or maybe a bright silver?

Avoid bright and bold clothes, and play it safe with timeless neutrals. Softer tones like beige or blush won’t clash with the ring and are easily photographed.

Coordinate with Your Partner, Don’t Match

Speaking of your partner’s outfit, don’t fall into the trap of attempting to identically match. Instead, think “aesthetic pairing.” Coordinating with colour and style is a subtler way to achieve effortlessly chic engagement photographs. 

It should be about balance and cohesion — not identical prints. For instance, a smart-casual shirt with rolled sleeves would suit a flowing yet modest dress. Wanting to consciously take Hailey and Justin Bieber approach? Fair enough. But, ultimately, most rules around couples’ dressing hinge on gentle alignment.

Dress for the Setting

Setting matters. It’s not just about coordinating with your partner; dress for the actual environment. A polished dress might be perfect for an inner-city rooftop bar but on the beach? It quickly becomes stuffy-looking and out-of-place. Maxi-dresses are much floatier and cohesive in natural scenery.

Whether dressing for a beach setting or aiming for chic forest-walk aesthetics, be conscious of shifting to your environment. For now, at least, dedicate yourself to a chameleon-like approach to days out with your significant other.

Add a Touch of Bridal Style

Technically, this proposal is the first step in your wedding journey. Enjoy it, and embrace the bridal aesthetics. For one,delicate and feminine hair accessories don’t have to wait until the big day. Why not add a little bridal hair flair to your day out? It’s manifestation, if nothing else! Lace bows, white or ivory clasps, or even pearl or diamond jewellery add a bridal nod to standard outfits.

Comfort Is Key

Comfort translates immediately to photographs. To look your best? Dress your most comfortable and confident. Practice a few looks and spend an extra few minutes feeling your absolute “best” before heading out. Feeling good in your own skin is the most important step for effortlessly chic photographs.

In: Lifestyle

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