FORGOTTEN OUTFITS OF THE DAY: PART 3

I know I've been a terrible blogger of late, especially to all of my lovely girls, you know who you are. I guess I have just been focusing on other aspects of my life - work, new friendships and thinking about all the things I need before moving into the new place. On what planet is an iron a fun purchase? And thinking about decorating just sends me into panic mode, everytime I'm in the wallpaper section of B&Q I want to crawl into the foetal position, until someone picks for me.

I'm still in need of a new photographer so there are no new outfit posts for me to share with you right now, so i't time for another batch of pictures that were rejected because I hated my face. But, to treat you to something new, here is a picture of me, dressed as Jareth, The Goblin King from Labyrinth...just something I wear om your average Tuesday...

Seriously, I would wear this everyday - why did the pirate shirt ever go out of fashion? Anyway, back to the non-ridiculous (well mostly)...

Feeling a little like a French Prostitute in: Dress, H&M

Being annoyed by the wing in : Jacket, USC
Preppy Tee, Primark
Leatherette Trousers, H&M

Showing some cat lady chic in: Coat, Next
Tie Dye Dress, Primark
Leatherette Trousers, H&M
Satchel, Next.

Playing in the old back yard in: Dress, H&M
Leatherette Jacket, Matalan.
Jumper, Dorothy Perkins
Belt, New Look

Sucking in, wearing the world's tightest pants from H&M
Sporty Tee and Bag, Primark.
Leatherette Jacket, Matalan.

Any suggestions on where I could find a new photographer, and how many outfit posts do you dismiss?

Gems x

THE SUN SHINES FOR ALWAYS

Well, the sun doesnt actually shine that often here in the North of England, but when it does shine, you have to make the most of it, because some gale force wind and chilly rain is sure to be following close behind. So on a sunny day just before Christmas, I decided to brave wearing a dress and get some air and a few pictures - I'm really running low of outfit pictures, there is only so many times you can take style shots of a parka zipped up to the neck, stupid winter.

Faux Fur Jacket, Next - Similar Here.
Shirt, ASOS - Similar Here.
Dress, Bank - Similar Here.

How do so many bloggers go out in freezing temperatures with bare legs and no jacket, and take loads of stunningg style shots, looking serene and beautiful. If it was me I would look like I was being tortured by a sadistic photographer, hugging myself against the cold and sobbing. Maybe I am too much of a wimp for the fashion blogger game.

Does any blogger have any tips for taking good fashion shots inside, when the weather is raging outside? It has been so windy in Newcastle the last few weeks, within a split second being out of the door and I have been blown into the nearest tree, like a scrappy plastic bag, or look a hot mess.

Did anyone get snow this week? I was so disappointed not to have anyone, I must be the only person in the country who likes it.

Gems x

STREET STYLIN'

'Flutterby' T-shirt, Percy Cute - Same Here.
Faux Fur Coat, Next - Similar Here.
Faux Leather Trousers, H&M - Similar Here.

So this is where I reveal the extent of my nerdyness - I went to see the first showing of 'The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies' last night at midnight and I have to say it was awesome. All the other midnight showings I have been too, have been really quiet, but this one was packed of Hobbit enthusiasts, but sadly no one dressed as an elf, or orc. So if you do plan on going to see it, I recommend booking in advance.

Anyway to the fashion stuff. This outfit was worn a few weeks ago, whilst the leaves we still clinging onto the trees, as unexplicably as Callum Best clings onto a career. I love simple street style looks, so my Percy Cute 'Flutterby' tee got another outing, teamed with my trust faux leather trews from H&M. As the weather was colder than a witches teat, the faux fur beauty from Next was needed to stop me from complaining all day long.

Is everyone all ready for Christmas? I look at the massive pile of wrapping I have to do, and it makes me want to cry!

Gems x

ON THE GRID

Yes the title is a reference to 'Tron', the greatest movie of all time! When I first so the Sci Fi classic back in the pre-teens, I was blown away by the special effects and seriously wanted a magic disk thing and a light cycle of my own. From a nerdy kid to a super nerdy adult - I've made my peace with it, we can't all be the cool kids, otherwise how on earth would they validate themselves than by thinking they are better than us. Bitter? Me? Well yes actually, what was so wrong with doing my homework on time?

Monochrome Check Shift Dress, Coco & Cleo - Same here.
Red Satchel, Next - Similar Here

Anyway, I picked up this lovely grid print shift dress in the Coco & Cleo sale, for just £5. For that price it is a total bargain - the material is of reat quality, the fit is lovely and I can see getting plenty of wear out of it. I do love a shift dress, but because I have a small frame (10 year old boy small), I tend to add a bit of shape with a waisted belt. A red lip and satchel to add colour, and my trusty leather jacket and I hope I pulled off simple chic.

I'm so full of cold at the minute, I resemble a swamp monster, so I'm sorry I'm not commenting or replying as much as I usually do. Once I'm feeling and looking human again, I will be back. Don't forget I'm selling a few bits on eBay, so check them out, you might be able to grab yourself a bargain.

I hope everyone is feeling good!

Gems x

FORGOTTEN OUTFITS OF THE DAY - PART 2

A few weeks ago I shared with you a selection of outfit posts that I had deemed unfit for the blog back when they were first taken. There was many reasons the photos had been rejected - make up was drag queen like, I look too nerdy and butch in my glasses, the lighting was poor or you could see my little jelly roll, the result of years of cake abuse.

What I learned from this experience is that the flaws I so often see in myself are not visible to others. What you may see as a flaw other may see as something beautiful - I've long been a little bit conscious of my big ass teeth, but really, why worry they are nice and straight and have no staining. Plus I am sure to beat anyone in an apple bobbing contest.

So if you have discarded pitures because you think you look awful in them, I can tell you it is a cathartic experience just putting them out there, so here are so more to laugh at or enjoy, your choice...

How could I forget about my Topshop tea dress? I'm so sorry baby, I will never hurt you again.
Faux Fur Coat, Next.

I often feel a total dingus in my glasses, hence the eyes on the floor 'Dont Look At Me!'
Tee, Waxed Jeans and Metallic Vest, all H&M.

I just couldn't cope with the raggedy hair extensions in these pictures and I still hadn't mastered the tripod.
Printed Vest, Cheap Monday.
Printed Jeans, Dorothy Perkins.
Open Shirt, H&M
Checked Jacket, USC.

Rushed make-up application makes for a dirty lookin face, but I really do love this casual look, I'm sorry I neglected you.
'True Love' Tee, ASOS.
Leatherette Trousers, H&M
Over-the-knee Boots, New Look
Satchel, Next.

So many emotions in one set of photos, from super happy to fearful perhaps?!
Faux Fur Jacket and Short Sleeved Sweater, Next.
Zip Detail Shirt, ASOS
Skinny Jeans, Levis.

I've always been a bit conscious of my boyish physique (no boobs), and I think this outfit accentuates my lack of curves up top.
Striped Shirt, H&M
Blue Jeans, Dorothy Perkins
Studded Loafers, Matalan.

I absolutly love this dress and this outfit, but for some reasom my lips are black in almost every picture, what is that?
Dress and Tights, H&M.

I have never been comfortable with my bare legs, white, veiny and always riddled with mystery bruises :)
Dress, H&M.

So if you do decide to share some of your less than favourite pictures on your blog, please leave me the link, I would love to see them. I bet they are no where near as bad as you think.

Gems x

RETRO FLORALS

I'm not a girly kind of girl - I mean I wore tracksuits and football shirts until I was 18, come to think of it, I didn't get my first boyfriend until I was18 too, do you think the two might be related. So still having a hefty dose of tom boy running through my veins, I just can't go to girly, it just isn't me no matter how beautiful pinks and pretty flowers look on other people. I would just feel like a man in a dress - not even a drag queen because they at least have some glamour.

I still do like floral prints, but they can't be to floaty, frilly or fussy - the girlier they are, the more manly I'd feel. So I was delighted when I saw this lovely retro floral dress in a charity shop a few months ago (it was the last thing I actually bought myself - how bad is that for a fashion blogger?). It has a slight 50's feel to it, with the button down style and contrasting sleeves.

To add a bit of edge, I teamed it with my spiked boots (which have a strange rattle in the heel - what the hell is that?) and my faux fur beauty as it was still a little but chilly...

Floral Dress, Primark via Charity Shop.
Studded Bag - Gift
Boots - Discount Shoe Store.

Are you girly, or do you have a more tom boy style?

Gems x

ULTIMATE & REALISTIC - MAY 2014

SUGARED ALMOND ADDITION

You know what I love? Sugared almonds! That thick sugar shell and soft, sweet nut within - eat ten of them and your halfway to diabetes town, but I challenge you to just eat one. Not only are they delicious, but the look bloody lovely too - I would love a mini prom dress made out of sugared almonds, might be some bare flesh by the end of the day, having a little snack when I'm hungry.

All those lovely candy shells in pastel shades are so hot right now - you can't move through the highstreet without feeling the sugary vibes from all the sweet shades. Usually I am a fan of greys or bold and bright, but I think pastel shades have won me over, I have already bought a pair of mint jeans and once I have more than lint in my pockets I plan to buy more....most likely on the realistic side of things.

ULTIMATE: Tate Dress, Goat - £450; Durham Green Leather Biker, J Brand - £829.50; Leather Pumps, Gianvito Rossi - £415; The Rockstud Medium Neon Leather Trapeze Bag, Valentino - £1,465.
Total: £3159.50

REALISTIC:  Lace Cape Dress, Warehouse - £58, Light Green Cropped Biker Jacket, River Island - £60; New Look Turret Purple Sling Back Heels, ASOS - £17.99; PU Shopper Bag, Next - £28.
Total: £163.99

Just a saving of 3 grand, I'm not sure it's worth it!

What do you prefer, the Ultimate look or the Realistic look?

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