WHAT'S IN A NAME

As regular readers will know, earlier this year I became an Auntie for the first time, and it has easily been the best thing that has happened to me so far in my life. So when a few months ago, my sister asked me if I would be a Guide Parent for little Imogen at her Naming Day, I was pee-in-my-pants delighted. The little cutie pie means the world to me, and I love spending time with her, she is such a character and she makes me laugh constantly.

For the special occasion I wore a lovely blue lace dress from Missguided and surprised myself by reading the promises I'd written without any nerves, in front of a lot of people.

In case anyone needs some inspiration for naming day promises, why not take a little look at mine...prepare for epic soppyness...

Imogen, first of all I promise my love, complete and unconditional. I promise to nurture your interests and inspire you're imagination, and to be your partner in crime.

When you need to rest your head, I promise to lend you my shoulder to lean on. When you need someone to hear you, I promise to lend you my ears. And when you need comfort I promise to always open my arms to you.

I promise that your laugh will be my greatest joy, and to watch you grow is my greatest privilege. And finally, I promise that you inspire me to be a better person, so I can be the role model you deserve.

I love you my little chicken.

Auntie Gems x

SCHOOL GIRL CHIC

Yes, I admit that I am a total whore when it comes to leopard print, I am destined to be one of those old ladies dressed head-to-toe in leopard print, taking the crazy cat lady thing to the extreme. But, I have recently developed quite the fondness for tartan - it is school girl fashion but all grown up, so it's not creepy or Japanese anime. As in the word of Peter Griffin - "Everyone in Japan is either a school girl or a monster."

I'm in a bit of a bad/sad mood today because I'm feeling under the weather - the whole head in a vice feeling, does not for a happy Gemma make. I'm also having a bit of an attack of the green eyed monster - no not the hulk, jealousy stupid. It's my older sister's birthday today and she is off on holiday to Lanzarote in a few days. Of course I hope she has a lovely time and a fab birthday, but I o wish it was me.

So happy birthday Rach...

Tartan Dress, Missguided - Similar Here
White Shirt, ASOS - Similar Here.
Faux  Fur Coat, Next - Similar Here.
Over-the-knee Boots, New Look - Similar Here.

What prints are you loving at the minute?

Gems x

 

STARS & STRIPES

I'm sorry to say that this outfit is a few months old...the pictures were taken just before I entered my blogging and life funk and I just never got round to posting them. Well hopefully this CBT will give me the kick up the bum I need to put the icing on the cake on what is a really good life. Next phone appointment is on Monday and the following Monday I will meet my therapist in person to start the really hard work...just gotta ignore the urge to run down the street screaming and flailing my arms.

So I wore this outfit for a fab meal out to an Indian restaurant...I swear the waiter was one of the most beautiful men I had ever seen, it made blush a little bit, much to my boyfriend's amusement.

Shirt - Glamorous
Shorts & Bag - H&M
Tights - Missguided
Shoes - Tribeca

So chums, does anyone have any exciting plans for the weekend - think I might bunker down with a good book and some movies and ride the cold weather out!

Gems x

I AM LEOPARD HERE ME ROAR!

I am so sorry bloggers, I know I have been terrible recently, I have just been so low on motivation recently after some problems with work. As a result I am rather far behind on outfit (and any other kind of posting). Being a long-time sufferer of depression I take set-backs really personally, letting them really hit my self esteem - luckily I have an amazing boyfriend and family, which help me get right out of that funk.

So anyway, excuses over - I promise I will really try to be better for you guys and get back to my blogging best. So this is a super cute little dress I bought recently in the Missguided sale - yes my addiction to leopard print is as strong as ever - it is just perfect for all occasions.

Dress, Missguided - same here.
Shoes, Matalan - same here.

How do you guys deal with blogging funk?

I don't want things to affect something that I really love so an advice would be appreciated.

Gems x

MISSGUIDED - AUTUMN/WINTER 2012

Well it's been a bit of a Missguided week on Fashion, Well Done and it just has to continue as I fell in love when I saw the online retailers Autumn/Winter 2012 collection on Look. The collection  is Missguided first foray into designing, so the pieces are totally unique to the brand and feature luxurious sequins, edgy sheers and plenty of glitz and glam. It's Missguided at its best, the tough rock chic touches have me drooling at my keyboard - the edgy little black dresses are rocking my world and sure to cause some turmoil to my bank account.

So anyway, here are my favourite pieces of the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection from Missguided, you can see the full line on Look, here.

I so want the leather sleeve mac and the black leatherette dress - Missguided seems to have just been rooting around in my brain, designing the pieces that are sure to bankrupt me by Christmas...at least I will be one well-dressed tramp!

Which are your fave pieces from this fab collection?

Gems x

JUST A LITTLE MISSGUIDED

You have probably heard me wax lyrical about Missguided - I have a serious girl crush on their clothes, particularly their fabulous monochrome stripe pieces, just like my lovely little dress I have sported before on this blog, just a little more dresses up for a night out. When I bought this dress, I knew I would get a lot of wear out of it for its versatility - dressed up or dressed down, it still makes me feel cute as a button, without being too girly.

If I wasn't on another self-imposed spending ban (I splashed out getting some pieces from my new favourite trend, Urban Rebel) I would be hammering the Missguided site right now, but instead of spending myself into the poor house, I am keeping my eye on some cheeky little Ebay bargains, because you know Ebay finds don't count as spending.

So anyway, I popped on this cutie dress on for a Sunday morning of tea and scones (I'm all sophisticated and that) and cheese scone with a bit of jam on was the revelation of the day!

Dress, Missguided - In the sale now HALF PRICE!!
Spiked Loafers, Matalan - Same Here.
Studded Belt and Spiked Bracelet, New Look - In Store Now!

Are any of you lovely ladies (or guys - I don't judge) fans of Missguided or monochrome stripes? i just wish I could cure my addiction to both!

Gotta go, my Olympic Fever is acting up!

Gems x

TREND ALERT - URBAN REBEL

Not being a particularly girly girl, I was getting so bored of feminine florals and overly pretty pastels, I was pretty pleased when more edgy influences were making their way onto the high street. It's time for the Urban Rebel to take on the girly little princess - it's about tough leathers, crosses and plenty of hardware embellishments, think skulls, stud spikes and rivets.

I have already firmly dipped my toe into this trend, I'm currently awaiting on the delivery of a pair of fake leather trousers and I already have plenty of hardware jewellery, a pair of studded loafers and a stud embellished jersey dress - I predict there will be many more pieces in my wardrobe throughout the next few months.

I haven't done a little collage for a while, I have been so busy with work that I have been concentrating on outfit posts mostly as they are quicker - just have to put on some clothes and pout about for a few minutes. Well the collage is back with a few Urban Rebel inspired outfits, one to rock during the day and one to work at night....Enjoy!

Day: Earrings, New Look; Spike Shoulder Dress, Glamorous; Spiked Loafers, Matalan; Leather-Sleeve Jacket, H&M; Studded Bag, OASAP; Zebra Socks, Forever21.

Night: Shoulder Stud Tee, Topshop; Imitation Leather Trousers, H&M; Cross Necklace, New Look; Spike Bracelet, Missguided; Chain Strap Bag, Romwe; Studded Wedges, Tribeca Shoes.

What do you think of this trend? And how fabulous are those wedges from Tribeca Shoes - I wish I never discovered them, I want about 20 pairs!

Have you guys been enjoying the Olympic action? Yesterday I was so proud of the Team GB Mens Gymnastic Team - they did awesome winning a bronze medal!

Gems x

ROCKING THE ROMWE!

This outfit post is long overdue, considering I wore it over 3 weeks ago for my birthday meal courtesy of the boyfriend. Incidentally, the dress was a gift from my generous boyfriend as part of the epic spoiling of me he did for my birthday. From online retailer Romwe, this little dress is perfect for me as I do love a little bit of punkish fashion, that is not over the top - a little bit edgy, but also really quite versatile (I wore the dress as a top a few weeks ago). And seriously how cute is the little belt with pouch that came with the dress...so adorable!

Just so you know I didn't wear the sunglasses out to the restaurant, I just wanted to pose in them for a bit because they were new...what a victim/loser I am!

Jersey Dress, Romwe - Similar here.
Tights, Missguided - Similar here.
Wedges ASOS - Similar here.
Envelope Clutch, H&M - similar here.
Sunglasses, Collar and Stud Bracelet, H&M - In Store Now.

No. 7 Nail Colour in Cheeky Chops.

I have to say, I'm still loving my Missguided tights, they totally remind me of sexy athletic socks for some reason - what do you guys think?

Managed to get any use out of your sunnies yet?

By the way have you checked out OASAP's latest competition to win site credits to spend on their products -  It's great, beat the Monster to win cash credits every day. Just click the LINK.
I've won $13 already, got myself a lovely little ring...for free!

Gems x

BEETLEJUICE GETS A SECOND OUTING!

It's no secret that I am in love with my black and white striped jeans from Missguided, I have been raving about them at every opportunity - just in case you missed said raves, my bum has never looked so good. So last weekend the Beetlejuice pants were on again, this time going a lot more casual with statement tee and my ever trusty Converse.

Now that I have discovered how versatile these jeans are, I don't think they will be off my legs all summer. Although I'm a little bit nervous a they need their first wash after I was tripped over in the garden by a rather troublesome puppy - I really hope I don't wreck them!

Striped Jeans, Missguided - same here.
Biker Jacket, Matalan - similar here.
Converse - same here.

Dress (worn as top), Sodamix - same here.
Belt, H&M - similar here.
Necklace, H&M - similar here.

Mint Nail Paint, Barry M - same here.
MissBehave Pink Nail Splash, Missguided - same here.

Have I convinced any of you to invest in some striped jeans yet? What about you Miss Country Girl?

It is my birthday on Friday, 29 years old...I'm not even sure how that happened, I was 18 yesterday I'm sure of it :)

Anything big happening to you this weekend?

Gems x

I'M ARMED!

I'm one of those girls that doesn't wear a lot of jewellery, it is all just a little bit too girly for me - it makes me feel too feminine I think and my inner tomboy rebels. But my mind is swaying a little bit with the emergence of stacked bracelets - it takes away the overly ladylike feel of jewellery and gives it a tougher edge, which is something I can get on board with (if I can get said bracelets to stay on my matchstick wrists that is).

Image Courtesy of Refinery29

I love how heavily stacking bracelets can transform a pair of jeans and a simple white tee into a statement outfit that is uniquely you thanks to you combination of bracelets and bangles. I have styled you up a few looks to show you what I mean - the first is something that I would definitely go for, ripped jeans, slubby tee, pair of leopard flats and tons of tough, punky jewellery.

Spike Stretch Bracelet, OASAP; Multi-level Spike Bracelet, Romwe; Gold Tone Spike Bangles, River Island; Gold & Cream Spike Bracelet, Matalan.
Curve Hem Tank, Topshop; Ripped Denim Turn Up Jean, New Look; Rivet Embellished Flats, OASAP.
Verna Studded Rubber Bracelet, Missguided; Cross on Chord Bracelet, Topshop; Peace Charm Bracelet, Tesco; Silver Cuff; H&M; Studded Wrap Bracelet, New Look.

The second look I went for was just a little bit boho, with kick-flare jeans, simple cropped tee and lots of boho, hippy chic arm candy...It's not something I would usually go for, but I have to admit that I love it, once my self imposed spending ban ends on my birthday (6th of July peeps, just a week to go), I am going to go bangle bonkers!

Gold Peace Sign Cuff, River Island; Thread Wrap Bracelet, Miss Selfridge; Gold Love Bangles, River Island.
Button Crop Top, Topshop; Firetrap Blue Jenni Flare Jeans, New Look; Vintage Openwork Wrapped Wedges; OASAP.
Floral Printed Bracelet, Romwe; Leather Woven Bangle Pack, River Island; Sequinned Bangles, New Look.

What do you think of the stacked bracelet trend? Do you love it as much as me?

In the spirit of trying new things, I couldn't let you go without showing you a picture of my first ever Creepers - awesome online brand OASAP kindly credited my account with $10 so they went straight towards an amazing pair of their creepers. I went for the Casual Leopard Lace-up Creepers in the stunning green shade, I seriously can't wait for them to arrive - thank you OASAP, expect an outfit post soon!

Gorgeous OASAP Creepers.

I hope all my UK friends survived the storms yesterday - it was scary huh?

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Gems x