FOR THE GLAMOROUS

I have to start by saying a huge thank you for all the messages of support on my last blog post - it really was quite overwhelming to know that so many lovely girls are there for me, like the friends I thought I had werent. But, it did make me sad that so many wonderful people had experienced something similar their lives, and if it brought up painful memories, I really am sorry. If any of you need anyone to rant to, I am only an email away.

In the future, I do plan to talk about all my battles with mental illness and all that comes with it in the hopes that both myself and others can stop feeling so ashamed and isolated. But, today I thought maybe I would just keep it light and show lots of pretty pictures of my fabulous new Glamorous jumpsuit that I got for a steal on eBay and it was brand new with the tags.

Strappy Jumpsuit, Glamorous - Same Here.
Floral Biker Jacket, QED London @ TKMaxx - Same Here.
Block Heels, Primark - In Stores Now.
Gold Skinny Belt, H&M - Similar Here.
Mirror Bar Necklace, Punky Pins - Same Here.

When it arrived I was nervous that I wasn't going to get it over my ample bum - I did buy one from H&M without trying it on and I pretty much got stuck in it, I did fear I was going to be forced to wear it forever. That jumpsuit has since met the sewing machine and been transformed into trousers and a crop top, once I was pryed out of it of course.

But with this Glamorous beauty, I need not have worried, it fit beautifully and I felt like I belonged at Studio 54 whilst wearing it. Just give me an afro wig, some novelty sunnies and the goldfish platforms and I'm good to go!

Jumpsuits are definitely by clothing of choice for the moment, what items of clothing are you crushing on right now?

Gems x

GOING TRIBAL

I'm going to the cinema tonight to see the new Planet of the Apes movie and if someone doesn't say "Get your paws off me you damn dirty ape!" during the film an usher is going to have some popcorn thrown in their face. I'm looking forward to it, and I will be rooting for the apes, but I can see why some of the humans proper hate them - if it wasn't for that virus James Franco made, you would still be flingling your crap at each other, so don't look down your knows at me...ape jerks!

Anyway, I think I was a little late to the tribal/Aztec print party, but I like to think fashionably late - only the nerds without dates get to the party early. I love this smock dress from the Dorothy Perkins sale, which I picked up for just £7, what a bloody bargain. I've worn it a few times and it is so comfortable for this mini heatwave we have been having here in the UK. The only down side of the sun is that I have seen way more man boobs than I am comfortable with, often in shopping centres too - this isn't the Algarve.

Aztec Smock Dress, Dorothy Perkins - Same Here.

 

As you can see, I am still loving my false nails - these black and clitter beautys from the House of Holland collection from Elegant Touch are just amazing and they lasted an amazing 9 days before one popped off when I was changing the bed. So, yes I highly reccommend you give them a look for an instant manicure - I particularly like these Press On Abstract Deco nails, so perfect for summer.

Nails - Royal Explosion by House of Holland for Elegant Touch - Same Here.

Name Necklace, Punky Pins - Same Here
Dopamine Necklace, I Love Science Store - Same Here.

What films have you seen at the cinema recently? I saw The Anomaly with Noel Clarke a few weeks ago and it was the best Sci-Fi film I had seen in a long time, so if you get a chance to see it, I would.

Gems x

P.S. Thanks to all the enteries in my Dorothy Perkins givaway, the winner was Kim N and she has been contacted. She is delighted with her win  he birthday is coming up next month. Congratulations Kim, stay tuned for another giveaway soon.

GEMMA CAN BE GIRLY

Sorry for being a little bit crap on the blog front recently, I have had a few bad days with anxiety and have just been concentrating on getting my confidence back...and napping. If there is one good thing about anxiety, it is that it gives me a good excuse for napping, watching what you want to on the TV, and to not do the cooking - us crazies could be onto something here!

Anyway, today was a good day, so I thought before I put some more David Attenborough nature shows on Netflix and have my Sunday snooze, I would share a little person style to you, because how will you go on with your lives without it? his dress was a birthday treat and at just £12.99 from H&M, a pretty good bargain too. It is a little it more girly than my notmal style, I usually avoid pink like it may be laced with disease, but this one worked for me. It must have been the low back - business up front, party behind!

God, I need a tan...

Floral Skater Dress, H&M - Same Here.

Dopamine Necklace, I Love Science Store- Same Here.
Name Necklace, Punky Pins - Same Here.

I'm after some more cute summer dresses,that can be still worn when it gets colder to spend the remainder of my birthday money one, so would love some recommendations. If I don't spend it soon, I will do the unthinkable and end up spending it on groceries, I'm not Lady Gaga, I cant wear those!

Oh and don't forget you still have a few days to enter my Bithday Competition to win a Dorothy Perkins clutch and necklace, follow the link.

Gems x

ABSTRACT FLORALS WITH PRIMARK

So, as you know it was my birthday on Sunday and I turned 31 - how that happened I still don't know, that pact I made the Devil was essentially useless, who would think you couldn't trust the Devil. To distract me from my fledgling wrinkles and my growing obsession with Storage Hunters - I hate almost everyone on it but I just have to know what is in those storage bins - the boyfriend took me on a shopping spree.

This abstract floral dress from Primark is one of the many things I picked - I loved the slightly relaxed shape, the cute sleeves and the awesome print, that is floral but not girly. I popped a thin waist belt on with it to nip in some of the extra material around the waist as my mine is so small and the material was quite stiff so it looked a little odd - like I was hiding something weird under there.

Also, it's the premiere of my ombre hair on the blog, what do you guys think?

Shift Dress, Primark - In Stores Now
Skinny Belt, New Look - Similar Here.

'Gems' Necklace, Punky Pins - Same Here
Dopamine Necklace, I Love Science Store - Same Here.

Don't forget to enter my competition to win a Dorothy Perkins clutch and necklace, you have until the 22nd of July.

Gems x

PRETTY PASTELS FROM PRIMARK

I wish I could take good blogger photos outside - I always feel a little bit too self conscious. Maybe it is because direct sunlight turns me from moderately attractive to hobgoblin, or that the tiniest bit of wind will fling my hair in any direction but a good one, or that I just don't really want people looking at me and judging. Any tips from some fellow bloggers for taking piccies outside?

But, at least I do love my outfit, and all mint ensemble from Primark that cost just £12 in total - £4 for the top and £8 for the trousers. The shade works great with my dark hair, but not so great with my pasty skin, maybe I should invest in a good fake tan, something that won't make it look like I was born to a couple of Cheesy Wotsits.

Top and Trousers - Primark, In Stores Now
Bag - Gift

House of Holland Block Head Nails, Elegant Touch - Same Here.

How cute is my new necklace from Punky Pins? I won it in a Facebook competition of theirs and I nearly cried because I never win anything. I had one of their very first name necklaces years ago and when it broke I was devastated, so 'm really happy to have it replaced with the Mirror Bar Necklace.

Mirror Bar Necklace, Punky Pins - Same Here.

Speaking of competitions, don't forget to enter my Elegant Touch Competition - you can win three sets of their fabulous express nails, but you better hurry it ends on the 30th of June. Earn multiple entries to increase your chances.

Gems x

THE LOVE AFFAIR CONTINUES

It's no secret that I am a big fan of leopard print, the problem is that prostitutes also seem to be a fan of leopard print, well that's what the movies tell me anyway. So I always try to wear my leopard print in a way that doesn't scream 'Street Walker'. I think my keeping it to one leopard print item per outfit you are pretty safe to walk the street without being offered money for unspeakable acts.

This H! by Henry Holland dress is one of my all time favourites, which was bought for my by my boyfriend last year for my 30th birthday. It has such a flattering fit, even with my rather large behind, and has the cute front pockets which I love. It nips in on the perfect spot on the waist and looks just as good with a relaxed shirt underneath.

Dress - H! by Henry Holland - Similar Here.
Shirt - H&M - Same Here.

Cute Necklace, Punky Pins - Similar Here
Sweet Tooth Nails by House of Holland, Elegant Touch - Same Here.

Do you girls love a bit of leopard print as much as me?

Gems x

LIEBSTER AWARD

I was given a great surprise this morning when the lovely (and I mean seriously lovely) Josie from Josie Loves Shoes nominate me for a Liebster Awards. Josie is one of the nicest girls ever and she is truly inspirational the way she keeps her sense of humour dealing with cystic fibrosis. Not only that, she has a seriously enviable wardrobe, with a stunning collection of Zara shorts and the longest legs to show them off to perfection.

For a few pictures, I thought I would show the outfit that was a guest feature on A Country Girl Does Norfolk, as a figured a few of you may not have seen it...

Dress (worn as top), Sodamix - same here.
Skirt, Primark - similar here.
Necklace, Punky Pins - same here.
Belt, Dorothy Perkins - similar here.

 

So here are the answers to my questions from Josie:

Give me a shoe memory! Favourite pair, first pair, the pair that got away...

I have an extremely long second toe, and I mean extremely long - wearing out my first pair of killer peep toes I was horrifies to see the toe in question was hanging right over the edge of the peep-toe dragging on the pavement.

Cringest moment of your life?

When I was around 14 the family went on holiday to Spain - it was around about the same time I discovered boys. So me and my sister were having a game of pool on the table that was right next to the swimming pool, there was a group of young guys chatting on the sun loungers so I was making an effort to impress them, pretending I was all professional, lining up the perfect shot. I was walking around the table chalking up the cue in a way I though the pro's did it and I walked straight into the swimming pool...fully clothed...complete with cue! The cute boys were laughing so loud I could here it under the water...I should have just drowned myself!

What's your favourite book?

It's a tie between Watership Down and Plague Dogs, both my Richard Adams - I love a good story about plucky animals and each time I read them I am as moved as I was the first time. The end of Plague Dogs never fails to make me cry, if you have read it you will know why!

Favourite Disney character and why?

Well I'm not choosing a cartoon character, I'm choosing a character from one of their live action movies and it has to be Tron, and they why should be obvious...he's awesome!

What's your favourite place to shop?

It changes all the time really, but at the moment it is Triple S (they sell the likes of Glamorous, Motel Rocks, Reverse etc) just because they had an amazing buy one get one free sale on at the weekend and I got 4 amazing pieces for just £10. I almost did a little wee right there in my pants.

Favourite blog right now?

Well apart from Josie Loves Shoes (which I honestly check everyday) it is Fashionalization by the super sweet Emma Gaudet. She is just an ace person in general and her blog is so diverse and interesting - there are outfit posts, inspiration and some wonderful photo shoots with her friends. Great blog from a great girl.

Would you rather snog, marry or avoid an old Jack Nicholson, a chubby Seth Rogan and Jedward?

Well I would have to avoid Jedward if I also wanted to avoid the murder charge. I find Seth Rogan quite annoying too as his only joke is to do with him being a fat loser so he would get the snog so I woudn't have to put up with him for long. And that leaves me marrying an old Jack Nicholson, but since he is ancient he might die soon and as the richest I could be a very well of lady after a few months of discomfort.

Who's your favourite fashion designer? 

It's a hard one, but I am going to say Henry Holland - his collections are fun and quirky and always with heaps of colour. His collections are what I want to wear if I could afford it, instead my current designer of choice is Primarni!

Do you have any pets?

I don't, but I did used to have a hamster called Wispa - he would run around in his wheel so fast that he would get flinged out into the bars of the cage - didn't seem to bother him that much. He is still buried in his little house in the garden of the old house...I hope!

What's your favourite film?

I can't pick just one, so I'm gonna pick the one which I quote the most in my day to day life...Anchorman! “I wanna say something. I’m gonna put this out there if you like it, you can take it, if you don’t, send it right back. I wanna be on you!"

Who's your favourite model?

To be honest I don't know that much about models, weird for a chick with a fashion blog I know, but I never find my inspiration coming from models, because come on, no one is really that attractive. So I'm going to say Naomi Campbell, because I find her diva tantrums hilarious!

OK on to nominating some bloggers myself:

• Fashionalization: Emma is such a sweetie and I'm so jealous of he pixie looks.
• Country Girl Does Norfolk: Sophie is such a fun-loving girl and so genuine, plus she has a great pair of fake litas, stop by and see how she styles them.
• The Brunette Diaries: Lisa has the best collection of girly dresses ever and she has the secret to eternal youth, I'm sure of it!
• Who Is She: Fellow northern girl Ray is a beauty guru, I'm always checking out her blog for advice.

And now for the questions:

• I have a phobia of onions, what is your weirdest phobia?
• What style of clothing, accessory etc would you like to see wiped from the planet?
• You are the Terminator, who's parents do you go after, Justin Beiber's or Hugh Jackman's? - remember they are both terrible, there is no wrong answer here. 
• What is the worst TV show ever and why?
• Most underrated actor/actress?
• What has been your ultimate fashion faux pas?

I'm so looking forward to seeing the answers!

Gems x

ULTIMATE AND REALISTIC - AUGUST 2012

OLYMPIC FEVER ADDITION

If you have stopped round here at all in the last few weeks, you would have noticed me mentioning the Olympics - since a child I have a been a huge fan of the sporting extravaganza. So in homage to the spectacle (that has been Britain's most successful since the modern Olympics started) the August edition of the ULTIMATE AND REALISTIC, is quite the patriotic one, with the red, white and blue of the Union Jack! (I need to do something to fill the time, I'm going to be at a total loss until the Paralympics start at the end of the month).

ULTIMATE:
Sophie Shirt, Equipment - £220; Suede Skinny Pants, Rag & Bone - £820; Bekett Leather & Suede Sneakers, Isabel Marant - £385; London 2012 Pandora Clutch, Charlotte Olympia - £595; 18-Karat Gold Star Earrings, Jennifer Meyer - £225.
TOTAL: £2245

REALISTIC:
White Cut-Out Shirt, River Island - £25; Blue Trousers, H&M - £7.99; Kelly High Top Wedges, Tribeca Shoes - £30; Papa- Riazzi Brit Clutch Bag, New Look - £39.99; Star Studs, Punky Pins - £3.00
TOTAL: £105.98

Yes the Charlotte Olympia clutch is amazing, but nothing beats those bargain trousers from H&M, what an amazing deal - they are so on my shopping list.  Loving the Tribeca wedge trainers too, just some awesome shoes on their website at the minute - just indulged in a pair of fab red creepers!

So how did everyone find the Olympics? What was your favourite medal - I have to say that although I am a huge Mo Farah fan, my favourite was Andy Murray's gold. It was the validation he deserved and you could tell it meant so much to him.

Oh and finally I am pleased to announce that the random number generator was in favour of the lovely Sophie from Country Girl Does Norfolk, as she is the winner of the Prairie Charms bracelet. I will be in touch via email shortly!

Gems x

A LITTLE BIT OF LEOPARD!

Sorry for my lack of posting and blog commenting, it was my birthday on Friday so I have just been enjoying the festivities (expect a couple of haul posts soon). I had a really nice day, the lovely boyfriend went out to get croissants for breakfast, before presenting me with a dress from Romwe that I really. He then took me shopping for a few extra treats and then for a lovely Italian meal in the evening. We finished the day off watching The Woman in Black, which is a right fright-fest, and after all those Harry Potter movies, I have finally realised that Daniel Radcliffe is a good actor after all - he has the most wonderfully expressive eyes.

So anyway, this is what I wore for our little shopping trip, just a simple jersey dress, statement tights and my old faithful Converse.

Dress, Boohoo - same here.
Tights, Topshop - similar here.
Belt, H&M - similar here.
Necklace, PunkyPins - same here.
My old faithful Converse

 Even though my boyfriend really made my day buying me some gorgeous wedged trainers, I still felt myself being a little down in the dumps after the day. When people you consider good friends don't take ten seconds out of their day to wish you happy birthday, or make even the slightest effort it can leave you feeling quite lonely.

So anyway, how was everyone's weekend? Wasn't it just heartbreaking for Andy Murray? Still I was so proud of him and I'm sure the best is yet to come!

Gems x