Danielle Vanier: La Redoute

City life can be exhausting. Heck, life, in general, can be exhausting. It can be stressful, hectic and the weeks can speed past. Before you know it, you're worn out, feeling frazzled, and the only thing you seem to do is work, commute, sleep, repeat.

Now, that's not how life should be. Life is for living and obviously work is a vital part of existing, BUT it's so important to get a balance, so we don't burn out. As I have gotten older and I've learnt how to pace myself (because of my chronic pain condition), I've mastered the art of taking time out to just 'be'.

Taking time out for yourself is so important. You need time to recharge, reset and relax!

When was the last time you did something for yourself? More importantly, when was the last time you did something for yourself and felt no guilt? If you're a busy Mum or Dad or carer for someone, for example, you might find it hard to take time out for yourself.

If you can - I highly recommend booking in some 'me time' asap! Everyone deserves to check in with themselves, top up their physical and mental strength and look after their well being.

Here are a few things that I like to do when I feel like everything is getting on top of me, and I need some r and r time.

Spending time with my friends

I am fortunate in the fact that I live and work in London. Thankfully, most of my friends also live in this city which makes meeting up with pals, all the easier. I tend to bottle things up, which can then resurface in anxiety and worry. I know that if I meet up with a friend or my group of besties, I can share my fears, they can advise me on how to cope and also they do a bloody good job at distracting me from those worries.

I feel SO blessed with the friends that I have. I've been in London for approx 12 years now, and I've managed to collect the most AMAZING selection of friends. Uni friends, old work friends, blogging friends and even friends who I've met via social media platforms like Instagram.

My most favourite things to do with my friends are, chilling in a beer garden sipping on Aperol Spritz', grabbing brunch in one of London's fab food spots, dancing the night away at a gig or devouring a roast in my local pub.

Spending time with loved ones doesn't mean you need to spend any money. Some of my favourite 'friend time' is when they come over to mine, we snuggle up on my sofa, we order a takeaway, and we watch trash tv. It's the little things. I tend to gravitate towards this type of social time when my Fibromyalgia pain is terrible, my mental health isn't so great, and I don't feel like being out in the "real world".

Shop my look

1. *Dress | 2. *Denim Jacket | 3. *Brogues

Exploring London

One of my most favourite things to do, is exploring London on my own. I can go at my own pace, I can travel how ever I like and I can do what ever I like. Whilst I'm out and about, I like to stop off for food and drink in cute cafes, scout out places to shoot my blog outfits in, sit outside coffee shops and people watch and find undescovered places to add to my 'places I must go' list.

I like to have a go-to list of well loved places but my fave thing is finding a hidden gem and then recommending it to a friend. I love taking someone to a place they've not been to... I feel well smug ahaha!

Summer in this city is just so so amazing. It is hot and hard work when you have to commute every day and work in the city but when you can, taking time out to just lay in a park, have a bbq by a canal or sip drinks on The Southbank makes it all worth while!

Shop my look

1. *Trousers | 2. *Shirt | 3. *Trainers

Re- charging with selfcare

My most favourite place is my house. I love being out and about in London, attending events, getting up to mischief with friends BUT I am at my most happy when I am at home, in my lovely little safe place. When I'm at home, I don't need to be "on", I can look like trash, and no one will judge me. I can look after myself, try to contain my chronic pain and totally relax.

Spending time on my own at home, in my garden, in a park...where ever it may be, is SO important to me. Having Fibromyalgia means that I am ALWAYS in pain and for anyone who knows what that's like, it's tiring... really tiring. When I am on my own, I can zone out and focus on myself and re-charge. There's no expectation from anyone, you feel like you don't have to have your 'best face' on and you can take things at your own pace.

My favourite relaxing things to do for self care are binging an entire Netflix series from the comfort of my sofa, reading or listening to music outside, pampering myself either at home or in a local salon.

You have to remember, it isn't selfish to look after your well being. If you're feeling overwhelmed with life, it's so imperative that you learn to say 'no' once in a while and take time out for yourself. If you carry on pushing and pushing, you'll wear yourself out, and then you'll be no use to anyone!

Photography by JKGPhotography

Shop my look

1. *Denim jumpsuit | 2. *Trench Coat | 3. *Trainers

*This post is in collaboration with La Redoute

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Ever get stressed trawling allllll the shops online, looking for all the components of an outfit? Sometimes you just need to get everything in one place and be done with it.

I like a little mission and I've collaborated with my faves at La Redoute and my mission was to build two looks, wearing La Redoute's own brands. If you didn't know, La Redoute also sell tonnes of popular brands like Adidas and Levis and their homeware is also banging - I've got so many items on my wishlist!

Anyway, back to the task at hand! Who wants to see the two looks I put together?

Look 1 - A Daytime Look

Need some off-duty inspiration? Look no further! I have taken the cosiest jacket of all time and styled it with some super casual pieces for the perfect daytime look.

Now, it's a little chilly at the moment BUT this puffa jacket is like stepping out in your duvet so even with the bare legs; you're good to go. I picked other casual items that you can style in heaps of different ways meaning you can optimize the amount of wear you get out of your one-shop items.

I never knew I needed a white roll neck top until it arrived and I put it with the pencil skirt and jacket! I live in my standard black one but I feel like a white one is like having a little festive revamp! No daytime look would be complete without a pair of classic trainers and the colour of these really stood out. They tie in nicely with the burgundy stripe running down the side of the skirt and for a pair trainers, you can't complain about £23.40 - such a bargain!

Shop my Daytime Look

1. Jacket | 2. Roll Neck Jumper | 3. Pencil Skirt | 4. Trainers

Look 2 - A Nighttime Look

It's officially party season and if you've got a jam-packed diary - you'll need some party appropriate togs! I've taken one navy velvet dress and given it a 'Danie twist' by adding monochrome accessories.

I read somewhere on Instagram that navy and black shouldn't be worn together and my eyes rolled so far back in my head; it's a surprise I can still write this! Of course, navy and black can be worn together - just look how great they look together in this look!

This midnight blue, velvet swing dress is very comfortable and flowy and I reckon it'd be a great go-to dress - it's so wearable and fuss-free. Throw on a fluffy white coat and some seriously sexy boots - you're good to go! I love wearing heeled boots in winter instead of strappy heels, it keeps your toes warm and you don't have to worry about getting your unsightly toenails out! Need a cute little party bag, La Redoute have you covered...just look at this adorable circle bag! I've already taken it out with me for a few nights out and I can tell I'm going to reach for it all winter long.