Is it more complicated to be a woman? Is it simpler to be a man? Does it matter? Isn’t just that we love who we are the most important thing? And I love the strength portrayed by transgender model Hari Nef, who features in the new H&M Autumn collection campaign…

… a wonderful mix of everything we want to be with its minimal and clean aesthetic (see the shirt and jeans I’m wearing) to the more folk vibe of the pleated skirt and boho print dresses. I find it a funny struggle – trying to know who you are through all the many roles of creative, freelance, mother and wife. One of the reasons I started my blog was to hang on to ‘me’ as motherhood took over; I still wanted to retain some of the person I was before I had a baby.

As for femininity, it’s a funny one. I feel more myself (always have!) with short cropped hair. I find it simple, practical and the right expression of who I feel myself to be. Sometimes I dress more like a boy because of it, but sometimes I like to contrast with a flowing dress or high heel. Because the truth of many of us it that we are a mix, sometimes this, sometimes that. It’s the accepting and channelling of that in an anxiety-free way that’s important I think.

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Scroll down for my interview with my super-inspiring and beautiful friend Caro…

She wears: Bomber, jeans & cap from the new H&M Autumn collection.

I wear: Shirt & jeans also from the new collection. 

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MY INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN

As part of this post, I was asked to interview someone I find inspirational. I was thrilled when my good friend Carolina agreed to take part. Carolina – photographer, videographer and previously textiles designer – is probably one of the most creative and stylish people I know, as well as a mother of three. She juggles, as we all do, family and work but always sees life through a passionately creative eye. This was the chance to ask her more formally, things, as a friend, I had never previously asked.

What inspires you in your work?

Inspiration comes from all sorts of visual things, all sort of objects or spaces, historical references I find in books, films or science discoveries, dreams too. It’s an alchemy. The alchemy is something that happens by circumstance but it lies inside you always.

What is your preferred medium?

In what I do I usually always need a sequence of mediums, that’s why photography became important because it was an alternative to painting or drawing for the preparation of a screen print artwork. But I am definitely a Jack of many trades and not a master of one.

What does femininity mean to you?

Femininity is the greatest gift a woman receives when she is born. It must be cherished and acknowledged otherwise it might leave you. Always remember to stay in tune and connected with who you are.

How would you describe your style?  

I’m a Milanese who lives in Hackney, I like style but love quality. Mixing elements in my wardrobe. I’m definitely a contemporary girl. 

When are you happiest?

I am at my happiest with my family, or friends, or both. And always happiest when by the sea!

AND FINALLY…

Sometimes I feel boyish and sometimes I feel ladylike, my mood changes daily – how about you? And who do you find inspiring? I’d love to know. You can share with the tag #ladylike. Do check out the collection, in addition to this outfit, I’ve just snapped up a couple of the great dresses and tops too!

Created in collaboration with H&M