How Stylist Danielle Ward Navigates Personal Style and Motherhood
Danielle Ward, or as you may know her on Instagram, LittleFashBird, is a London-based creative with many strings to her bow—fashion styling, consultancy and digital tastemaking, to name just a few. With a background in creative direction and a passion for visual storytelling, Danielle has carved out a distinctive space in the fashion world, both online and off. Alongside her creative career, she also embraces her most meaningful role yet—being a mum to her little boy, River. Today, we chat with Danielle about how her style has changed with motherhood, the pieces that will fill her capsule wardrobe this summer and the must-have basics she builds her everyday outfits upon.
Hi Danielle. Could you tell our community a little about yourself and walk us through your career journey so far?
Thank you so much for the incredibly kind introduction firstly, such a lovely thing to read on a day where I was in full on Mum mode! I'm Danielle, a 38 year old Mum to my nearly 3 (!!) year old son River. After living in London for years with my partner and Bengal cat Pablo, we're now based in beautiful Suffolk. Career wise, I actually began as a fashion writer. I *think* I managed full marks on every English A level exam, I loved it that much, so it felt quite a natural start. But like most creatives, I very quickly felt like I wanted to do ‘more’, so after people asking me about my outfits and where to shop for what for a few years I decided to train as a stylist. This then took me into personal shopper roles in store, periods of full time freelancing with both writing and styling and then I moved to Manchester to start a business with a friend acting as Creative Director. This then meant I was using all of my skills and experience so far, plus I LOVED Manchester so much. Then it was back to London where I continued to take on various styling roles, as well as content creation and consultancy based projects (PR/social/content/events) with brands. Now I manage a combo of all the above around my son River.
How do you feel your style has changed with motherhood?
I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, as getting dressed with intent and showing up for myself in that way has always been so important. I actually think it’s even more so now River is here. My style actually hasn't changed too much at all - it's always been quite simple, considered and a lot of people say chic so we’ll go with that, but now I guess comfort and wearability play a much bigger part. That being said, I also believe in wearing your clothes regardless of the role you’re playing that day, if it makes you feel good and like ‘you’. You walk through the world differently when you feel good and for me, wearing an outfit I've put thought into makes the harder days that much easier to tackle.
Share a few foundational basics that belong in everyone's wardrobe.
Great quality t-shirts in various shades (white/grey/black), a couple of pairs of jeans that feel like they were made for you and can be dressed up or down, everyday jewels to finish off any look and a few throw on jackets that are the outfit (canvas/suede/utility/leather).
How do you balance practicality and personality in your wardrobe as a busy mum?
Build out your core edit, the 'practical' pieces (t-shirts, throw-on weather-approp' jackets, great jeans, trainers/toddler-sturdy sandals) and inject fun with jewels you love and pops of colour, print and texture on a few of those 'practical' pieces. Just because they're wearable doesn't mean they shouldn't feel like 'you'. I wear white if I want to and prettier tops that fit more into weekend category on park days - i just balance them out with other items that are a little more durable!
Which pieces will you be reaching for this summer? And what capsule staples would you recommend investing in that work well together?
I'll be reaching for quality linen separates, summer denim, great vests in multiple staple colours and cotton tops that elevate from day to evening. I'm also big on accessories/seasonal jewellery in the hotter months. One statement shell or weaved tote can transform a very minimal summer combo. Investment wise - always linen pieces that can be dressed up or down and cotton tops that aren't t-shirts or vests, those that work out of season and take your core staples from days at the park to rosè with the girls.
How do you like to elevate daytime basics at night? Any tips for making simple pieces feel evening-ready?
A statement gold earring never fails me. Switch up your earrings, add a little bag that feels more evening & a simple strappy heel.
How do you balance creative work with family life, and what’s helped you find rhythm in both?
I'm not sure I have found a balance yet, there's always so much more I'd love to be doing/creating/sharing/working on, and I know I'm among many who feel this. I've definitely leaned into the idea that this isn't necessarily my time right now, it's River's. He won't need me in the way he does now forever, so work wise currently I have my set days and the rest is for him. Also as a creative couple, Alex and I are aware that our working week is across 7 days, not 5 - so if a big project comes in and we need to get something done then we share the parental responsibilities across the weekend to make room.