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

FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE

Come on then, who else has completely caught Olympic fever - I feel like I have been waiting for it forever and now it is finally here, it's an awesome feeling. However, during the Opening Ceremony I felt slightly guilty that I had never heard of some of the countries, but I suppose for the next two weeks there is only one country that matters - Great Britain. That is why I decided to go all patriotic on the first day of the sporting activities, with some Red, White and Blue. I added my gorgeous ASOS Union Jack Sunnies just in case I wasn't patriotic enough!

RED shirt, Bershka - same here.
WHITE belt, Romwe - similar here.
BLUE Jeans, Dorothy Perkins - similar here.
Studded Shoes, Matalan - same here.
UNION JACK SUNNIES, ASOS - same here.

 

 

Of course even if the Olympics is on, you can't miss an opportunity to get some sun, so me and the boyfriend went of for a little jaunt. We came across a bit of a food festival at Newcastle Cathedral, we used this as an opportunity to check out the Cathedral as we had never been in before and what an absolutely amazing building - religious or not (I'm not), I would recommend anyone living in or visiting Newcastle to check it out.

Following a cup of tea we checked out some of the stalls in the courtyard and I picked up this lovely little necklace for just £1 - It was made by Jessica Babirye of the Together We Can Project of Kalule Uganda. The proceeds from the sale will help her feed her family and pay their school fees, how wonderful is that?

Since the proceeds from all their little table top sales were going to charity, I also picked up these 5 amazing wooden rings at an epic 50p a piece - aren't they beautiful?

I'll leave by saying, GO TEAM GB! And by saying another thank you to Jessica from Uganda for the necklace.

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

I'M IN LOVE...

I have been a huge fan on online brands like OASAP and Romwe for quite some time now, their clothing, shoes and accessories offer something that you aren't going to find on the high street, or maybe even anywhere else online. The originality in their pieces totally blows my mind, I can spend hours on OASAP browsing through their dresses and skirts in particular.

So when the lovely people at OASAP credited my account and told me I could use it to put towards anything on their site, I couldn't believe my luck, with free worldwide delivery I was in for a bargain. I drove myself half mad trying decide what to choose, in the end I decided to go for something that had been on my OASAP wishlist for a while - these stunning green and black Leopard Print Creepers.

As soon as I ordered them I couldn't wait for them to arrive so I could put them on my feet and prance around in them, making random people look at my feet Can't you just see the happiness on my face?

Leopard Print Creepers, c/o OASAP - SAME HERE!!!Dress (worn as top), Romwe - similar here.
Ripped Jeans, New Look - same here.
Earrings, New Look - similar here.

I teamed them with my knew favourite dress from Romwe, worn as a top and some suitably shredded jeans and I couldn't love the whole look more. It's relaxed yet stylish at the same time, and on the bonus side I walked around town in them all day and they are super comfortable, so I want to say a huge thanks to the guy from OASAP to introducing me to my new love.

How do you guys feel about my new shoes? Have a great 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

FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS

I'm hot, a little bit clammy and filled with a urge, to paint my face in a plethora of bright colours - no I don't have the dreaded Clown-itis, I have caught Olympic fever. With less than 70 days to go until the kick-off in July 27th and the Olympic torch already on UK shores, I have to say I'm getting excited for the two weeks sport and patriotism, and it seems like the world of fashion is also getting in the spirit.

Flag prints are everywhere at the minute, and what better way is there to support you country, than looking fabulous in their colours. Leave the body paint to the topless, beer-gut sporting fellow there is in every crowd and instead show your allegiance with some style.

Rule Britannia:

Union Jack Sunglasses, ASOS.

1.) Union Jack Bikini, Abbey Dawn
2.) Union Jack Watch, Timex
3.) White Union Jack Printed Tee, River Island.
4.) Silver Skull Ring, River Island.
5.) Union Jack Tights, House of Holland for Pretty Polly.
6.) Union Jack Tights, Topshop.
7.) Union Jack Shortie Briefs, George@ASDA
8.) Union Jack Denim Tube Skirt, New Look.
9.) G21 Union Jack Print Dress, George@ASDA
10.) Crafted Union Jack Leggings, Republic.Republic
11.) Union Jack Studded Bag, Religion.
12.) Union Jack Shorts, Missguided.
13.) Jacked Up Sequin Platforms, Iron Fist.
14.) Lip Tattoo and Nail Wrap Combo, Amazon
15.) Cath Kidson Antique Brass Union Jack Earrings, ASOS
16.) Stephanie Wong Limited Edition Studded Bag, Pretty Little Thing

 

Of course I didn't forget my chums from around the world...

Around the World:

1.) Flag Print Dress, Romwe.
2.) Flag Printed Skinny Jeans, Topshop
3.) American Flag Nail Wraps by Nail Rock, Topshop
4.) Australian Flag Print Tights, House of Holland for Pretty Polly.
5.) Australian Ikon Shopper, Ted Baker.
6.) Widill American Flag Super High Platfrom Shoes, Missguided.
7.) Jamaican Flag Evening Dress, Rasta.
8.) American Flag Print Shorts, Topshop.
9.) Greece Flag Earrings, Cafe Press.
10.) Italian Flag Print Tee, Cafe Press.
11.) Flag Dress (Inspired by old French flag), AllSaints

 

Have any of you guys caught Olympic fever? Or seen any amazing flag prints, let me know!

Gems x 

TREND ALERT - FESTIVAL!!

While festival season has come to an end for all my Aussie lovelies, it is just set to begin over here in the UK, which means the shops are filling with the most amazing head wear, distressed denim and light summer parkas.

Over the previous few years, festival fashion has become a trend in its own right, no longer being confined to the muddy fields of the British countryside. I won't be attending any festivals myself this summer - one of the benefits of working for yourself means that you are perpetually poor :) - but, I still be rocking the festival style in the concrete jungle taking some inspiration from these Hollywood hotties at California's Coachella Festival.

Diane Kruger, Emma Watson an Kate Bosworth

Kristen Stewart, Dita Von Teese and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

I've took a little crack at styling the festival trend as I would wear it out on the streets (not in the night walker way), so I haven't went over the top on bare leg, animal prints and over-sized hats - the streets of Newcastle are very different from the sweaty, body filled fields of the West Country :)

1.) Denim Blue Cap, H&M; Tie Neck Maxi Dress, Topshop.
2.) Beaded Collar Backless Playsuit, Romwe; Leopard Print Socks, Forever 21; Skull Head Black Flat Shoes, Romwe; Heart Broken Ring and Glitter Cross 2 Finger Ring, Punky Pins.
3.) Soft Feather Earrings and Candy Stripe Gilet, New Look; Pleated Dip Back Skirt, Topshop; Shoes, H&M.
4.) Grecian Disc Headband, New Look; Something Else Splice Strap Dress, General Pants; Biker Wellington Boots, Barratts.
5.) Neon Hart Studded Biker Jacket, General Pants; Mint 90's Print Dress, Miss Selfridge; Backback, Romwe.

So how did I do? What do you guys think of the festival trend?

Gems x 

GETTING NAILED!

I have never been one to paint my nails too much - it isn't because I don't like the way it looks, I actually love the way it looks, but I just don't have the skills. I would love to have feminine pretty hands with gorgeous and girly painted nails, but every time I try, I don't just paint the nail, I paint most of my hand and the surrounding environment too. I'll never be a brain surgeon with hands as steady as a paint mixer.

In this economic climate (I watch the news), it's not a possibility to go and get my nails done every week, and with my epic clumsiness, I can't rule out the possibility that I will trip up and wipe out the whole salon. Well now nail technicians can finally relax, because I have finally discovered nail wraps.

If you are slow on the uptake like me, nail wraps are essentially stickers for your nails that you just file into shape. They last around 7 days on fingernails and up to a whopping 6 weeks on toe nails - totally amazeballs!

Look 1

 The Nail Wrap: Metallic Nails, Rose Rouse

• Cross Bust High Low Maxi Dress by Love, Topshop
• Wide Cut Red Belt, Romwe
• Guess D-Hondo-B Peep Toe Heeled Shoes, ASOS
• Cubic Clutch, Cactusrose
• Illamasqua SS12 Human Fundamentalism Lipstick in Liable, ASOS
• Biker Jacket, H&M

Look 2

The Nail Wrap: Sheekee Cheetalious Blue Full Cover Wrap

• Neon Hart L/S Tuck Collar Shirt, General Pants
• Runaway Jeans Teal, MINK PINK (currently on sale on official site)
• Retro Woven Black Belt, Romwe
• Pack of 20 Mix and Match Gummy Rings, ASOS
• Multi-Spike Drop Earrings, ASOS
• Villa Envelope Clutch, Forever New
• Point Toes Black Flat Shoes, Romwe

Look 3

The Nail Wrap: Getting Nailed, Trendy Union Jack

•  Cath Kidston Antique Brass Tiny Union Jack Drop Earrings, ASOS
• Stripe Sear Buckle Belt, ASOS
• Barb Heart Muscle Tee, Ksubi
• Pointed Toes Black Boots, Romwe
• Gathering Eye Square Lock Messenger Bag, General Pants

How do you guys think I did styling my nail wrap choices - I promise to show you some pictures of my efforts with nail wraps soon.
Good luck getting nailed!

TREND OF THE WEEK - MULLET HEMS

Probably by looking at my little blogger picture, you probably get the impression that I don't have the usual revulsion towards fashion from the 1980's - my 'Frankie Says Relax' t-shirt and big hair are a dead giveaway. Well it's true I like the 1980's - it was the decade I was born, the decade The Goonies was made, and the decade that Bon Jovi were 'Living on a Prayer'. So you can imagine my delight that mullet hems (longer at the back than they are at the front) are popping up everywhere.
Business Up Front, Part Behind!

Open Fields Dress, Cactusrose $50

Mysterious Universe Tulip Skirt, Romwe $32.99USD

Wall Street Top, Stylestalker $129

Neon Hart Burnout Raglan, General Pants $49.95

Rare Lace Hi Low Hem Skirt, ASOS $40.55

Aren't they just so deliciously '80's and retro? And there are styles to suit any and every occasion - sadly the mullet haircut may never be back en vogue, but I seriously hope mullet hems are here to stay!
Visit Cactusrose, here.
Visit ASOS, here.
Visit General Pants, here.
Visit Romwe, here.

GET CREEPY!

It's time to get a little bit creepy this season, as 'Creepers' are set to be the hottest shoe style of the season. The platform sneakers come brogues are all kinds of awesome, they can be worn with just about everything - I just wish they had made it onto my fashion radar sooner, because I am in love!

Jamie King, Rihanna and Jessie J rocking the Creepers!

 I may not be an expert but this is how I would get creepy (by which, I mean style my Creepers, not stalking around alleyways and such).

Get your creep on!

• Outfit 1: Round Pearl Earrings ($12.99) and New Style Valentine Earring ($10.99), both Romwe; Isla Dobby Mesh Dress $79.99 Forever New; Underground Exclusive Rosegold Triple Sole Painted Creeper $202.75 ASOS.
• Outfit 2: Agent Ninetynine Floppy Fedora $49.95 General Pants; Dipped Hem Silk Shirt $69.99 Forever New; Subtitled Catwoman Pants $79.95 General Pants; Black Suede and Leopard Cow-hair Low Sole Creeper $75.00 TUK Shoes.
• Accessories:  Miranda Satchel $49.99 Forever New; Piece Zammi Necklace $30.82 ASOS; Punk Style Retro Black Bag $76.99 Romwe.
• Outfit 3: Neon Hart Long Biker Vest $129.95 General Pants; Neon Hart Tartan Zip Pant $69.95 General Pants.
• Outfit 4: Splicing PU Belted Cream Shift Dress $38.99 Romwe; Cable Over-The-Knee Sock $12.99 Forever New; ASOS Monroe Platform Creeper Shoe $121.65 ASOS.

Creepers are my shoe of the season, as they can be styled to almost any trend (although they will look especially fly with the modern grunge trend I'm crushing hard on) - go girly and boho with floral prints, go punk with skinny jeans and leather, or go glam with floaty fabrics - in fact do whatever you feel like, it will still be fashion, well-done!

NOTE: All Romwe prices are in US Dollars.

TREND OF THE WEEK: SPORTS LUXE

With the Olympics 2012 just a few short months away, the fashion industry is jumping on the band wagon with the Sports Luxe trend - looking chic and stylish has never been more comfortable.

Victoria Beckham S/S 2012 - Sports Luxe to Perfection!

STOP!! Step away from the drop-crotch jogging pants and college print hoody - the sports look trend isn't about traditional sportswear. Think structured dresses with racer-backs, neoprene, leather and silk fabrics, flowing trousers and shorts and quirky jumpsuits - sportswear just got glam!

These gorge pieces are all on my sports luxe wish list, I can't wait to get my hands on a pair of chic leather-look running shorts - a tougher edge the more girly silk versions.

1.) Slinky Metallic Racer Vest, Topshop.

2.) Subtitled Leather Look Shorts, General Pants.

3.) Mista Brielle Wedges, Topshop.

4.) Silk Baseball Jacket by Unique, Topshop.

5.) Honey Hued Sky Blue Sunglasses, Romwe.

6.) Black Neoprene Bralet, Topshop.

7.) Pleat Calf Skirt, Topshop.

If you get just one Sports Luxe piece this season, make it the bralet, like the neoprene (wet suit material to you and me) version Topshop has on offer in several colour. A totally versatile piece, it can be worn under a boyfriend tailored shirt for a grungy look; with a pleated maxi skirt for traditional sports luxe; or with some high waisted wide-legged trousers and large metallic cuffs for a touch of '70s glamour. All hail the bralet!