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

Fashion · July 25, 2016

{Fashion Monday} Zara Inspired outfit

Two weekends ago my little sister took me to lunch as my birthday present and then shopping where she picked me up a lovely red Zara dress and nice string top also from Zara.

I don’t often shop in Zara but I do like there clothes as they last a while but can be a bit pricey for my liking. But we were very fortunate that they had such a lovely sale going on in Oxford that we got the dress for half its original price and best part is it fit me like a glove.

Zara inspired dress

 

 

The last two weeks have been the hottest we’ve expressed in the UK so far and I am loving it. Summer is truly here and I am making the most of it. The Zara dress has been perfect one to try out and style since my sister bought it for me.

Zara Inspired outfit

I mentioned in Embrace the Heels post I shared last week that I am wearing more block heels these days than any other time and I am loving it. Block heels have become a favourite of mine and styling the Zara dress with block heels has been really wonderful.

I picked up another pair of block heels from Tesco’s F&F brand and I can truly say these are the most comfortable heels I have ever tried. They are higher than my  normal block heels but since these have a platform they are even better.

When styling block heels, I am going for comfort over style. I know some of my readers mentioned they can’t wear heels but I think if possible you can substitute with wedges or platform block heels as they are so comfortable in most cases and still look stylish.

I have been wearing the Zara dress everywhere, paring it with blocked heels, my black tote bag and simple jewellery since the weather is too hot.

In: Fashion

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Comments

  1. Laura Hartley says

    August 13, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    Those block heel sandals are amazing! Exactly the sort of thing I want in my wardrobe this summer for casual and formal events 😀

    Reply
  2. Sally Akins says

    August 1, 2016 at 4:58 am

    That dress is gorgeous, the colour is absolutely beautiful! I struggle to wear heels, but I agree with you that block heels are much more comfortable and easier to wear

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 1, 2016 at 6:28 pm

      Thanks Sally, block heels are always better

  3. WhatLauraLoves says

    July 31, 2016 at 11:49 pm

    I’m loving that little black bag, it really reminds me of the Chloe ones! xxx

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 1, 2016 at 6:28 pm

      Thanks Laura

  4. Fashion and Style Police says

    July 30, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    I love most of Zara’s pieces but I hardly remember to shop at Zara. Don’t know why.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 31, 2016 at 2:35 pm

      Same here, when I do it’s because I am with someone

  5. shannon ritchie says

    July 30, 2016 at 1:16 am

    I love the colour of that dress, nude shoes would look so perfect with this!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 31, 2016 at 2:33 pm

      Thanks Shannon

  6. Emily Leary says

    July 29, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    Oh my goodness I love everything about this outfit. That dress! <3

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 31, 2016 at 2:30 pm

      Thanks so much Em

  7. Tara says

    July 29, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    This is a lovely outfit, but given recent events I definitely won’t be shopping at Zara anymore!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 31, 2016 at 2:30 pm

      Hahaha thanks and so true

  8. Cassandra Mayers says

    July 29, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    Love that dress and the bags and heels 😀 Though I think I would prefer the heels in black 🙂

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 31, 2016 at 2:28 pm

      I think black would look really nice too

  9. Liz Mays says

    July 29, 2016 at 4:59 pm

    I’m one who needs to substitute with wedges. I can still be inspired by the look though!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 31, 2016 at 2:28 pm

      I think wedges are good as block heels

  10. Charli says

    July 29, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    The only thing I have ever owned from Zara is handbags! The dress looks lovely and I am a massive lover of block heels, I have so many of them. I love the way you have paired the dress with the different accessories xx

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 31, 2016 at 2:27 pm

      Thank you Charli, the block heels are now my go to heels

  11. Francesca says

    July 29, 2016 at 10:07 am

    Oh beaut!!! I love Zara and their footwear! Definitley need to try some block heels too they sound less damaging than stilettos haha!!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 29, 2016 at 10:26 am

      They are indeed less damaging I can issue you of that 😊

  12. Ami Elizabeth says

    July 29, 2016 at 8:06 am

    Those platform shoes are gorgeous! I bet they look fab with your Zara dress 🙂

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 29, 2016 at 9:49 am

      They sure do and thanks

  13. Joanna says

    July 29, 2016 at 7:40 am

    Such a fab outfit love the accessories and the dress is stunning.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 29, 2016 at 9:49 am

      Thank you Joanna

  14. Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says

    July 29, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Zara is my most favourite shop EVER! I always manage to find something to buy in there.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 29, 2016 at 9:49 am

      Apart from being a big pricey I do love it too

  15. Sarah Ella (Mumx3x) says

    July 28, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    I adore Zara clothes! I love the dress you picked, such a beautiful colour and I love the block heels. Great choices 🙂 xx

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 28, 2016 at 4:58 pm

      Thanks Sarah I adore the heels too and I love the dress

  16. Dean of Little Steps says

    July 28, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    I do love Zara and buy a lot of T’s clothes from them. Loving the look of this outfit 🙂

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 28, 2016 at 4:56 pm

      Thanks

  17. Ana De- Jesus says

    July 28, 2016 at 10:04 am

    I do love Zara but you are right it can be pricey. These are some lovely bits though, especially the gorgeous heels!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 28, 2016 at 11:51 am

      Thanks Ana, Zara has lovely items though

  18. fashion-mommy says

    July 27, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    That red dress is gorgeous, it is just so versatile.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 28, 2016 at 7:17 am

      Isn’t it just, thanks

  19. Bethany Naismith says

    July 27, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    What a lovely dress! I love Zara, definitely one of my favourite shops!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 28, 2016 at 7:17 am

      Thanks Bethany, I am loving it too

  20. Ickle Pickle says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    Oh that dress is just gorgeous! I have never shopped in Zara but their sale sounds good! Kaz x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 27, 2016 at 9:41 am

      I hardly shop in Zara but when I do they have some awesome sales

  21. Rhian Westbury says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    I really wish I could walk in heels like those they’re lovely. Great outfit x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 27, 2016 at 9:40 am

      Thanks, I love me some heels

  22. Jess says

    July 26, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    I love the dress, what a beautiful colour!! Those F+F heels look amazing too <3

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 26, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      The F+F heels are amazing I am loving

  23. Nayna Kanabar says

    July 25, 2016 at 9:59 pm

    The dress is really pretty I am not surprised you are choosing to wear it so often.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:58 am

      Thanks Nayna, I love it big time

  24. Nikki says

    July 25, 2016 at 9:37 pm

    Very jealous of everyone commenting on how nice the weather has been. Its been so wet and miserable here. Im loving your outfit choice 🙂

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:57 am

      Aww bless you luv, it’s rare to have awesome weather here so we are relishing it big time

  25. Viki Marden says

    July 25, 2016 at 7:51 am

    I absoloutly love the outfit choice, especially tge red and blue going together. I have never really heard about block heels but then again I am not a heel person x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      July 25, 2016 at 8:16 am

      Thanks Viki, I love me a good pair of block heels as they are so comfortable compared to stilettos

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