THE HOUND

Yes that is a reference to Game of Thrones and one of the coolest TV characters there has ever been 'The Hound' - I think he single-handely boosted the sales of fried chicken across the country. If you're a fan of GoT, you will know what I'm talking about. If you're not a fan, you're obviously not watching it right; maybe you're facing away from the TV or something, or you have forgotten to open your eyes.

Houndstooth Playsuit, Boohoo - Similar Here.
Neon Belt, New Look -  Same Here (In the sale for £1.50)

Not only do I love The Hound, but I also love houndstooth (check out my linking skills), it is my second favourite print after leopard print, I love me some streetwalker chic. Monochrome is so easy to wear, as it suits all skin tones and is flattering to all body types, so I don't think any girl can be without a little bit in their wardrobe.

The super cute houndstooth playsuit from Boohoo was an eBay bargain at just 99p - it was like new and such a lovely soft material. It did come with a matching tie belt, bu I decided to add a pop of colour with a neon plaited belt from New Look. Red lips are always a monochrome must, although I would wear red lipstick with my pajamas.

It seems like houndstooth is going to be one of the key trends for the Autumn/Winter season, so I have picked out a few of my favourite high street finds, in case you feel like getting in on it.

The Hound: 1) Houndstooth Blanket Wrap, New Look; 2) Herschel Clutch Bag, ASOS; 3) Houndstooth Shirt, Topshop; 4) Chenille Houndstooth Mini Skirt, Marks and Spencer; 5) Houndstooth Loafers, Peacocks.

What do you lovelies think about the houndstooth trend?

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

CHARITY AND EBAY HAUL ACTION

Money has been tight recently, but as a fashion blogger, I feel constant pressure to be always wearing something new and my bank balance can't handle that, plus the cobwebs that line my pockets are getting lonely for the company of money. I'm probably not the only fashion blogger to feel this way and it probably isn't right - The vast majority of us don't have big collaborations with retailers and everything we buy has to come out of our own pocket.

With finances not at their best, I have been spending a lot less recently and when I do buy something, it has to be a great deal, or something from eBay or a charity shop.

 I have to say I have been seriously impressed with the quality of clothing in the charity shops - long gone are the days of musty smelling pieces you are sure someone must have died in. Their death was caused by the frightfulness of their hideous clothes. I bought two gorgeous Primark dresses from the British Heart Foundation shop for just £5 each - one of them was brand new and the other was in great condition, so I don't think anyone died in them, which is a bonus.

I have worn both and I love them, so keep a eye out for some outfit posts coming in the future. The yellow and monochrome shift dress is particularly lovely on, it's one of my new faves.

Now to eBay - how difficult is it to go crazy bidding on some heinous crap, just because you don't want anyone else to beat you. Well I have managed to curb that competitive instinct and have learned to put a maximum bid on a desirable piece and then just walking away. I have been so lucky recently, paying no more than £4 for any of these dresses and the Topshop number I got for free as my sister bought it from eBay, but it was too small for her.

H&M Conscious Collection

River Island

Topshop

But i have done the tiniest little bit of high street shopping. I fell in love with this minty kimono in H&M a few weeks ago and at just £9.99 I knew it would be a great investment for summer, now I just need some sun.

Kimono, H&M - Same Here.

 What do you guys think of eBay and charity shops?

Gems x

ULTIMATE & REALISTIC - APRIL 2014

CLUB TROPICANA EDITION

Club Tropicana, drinks are free,
Fun and sunshine - there's enough for everyone.
All that's missing is the sea,
But don't worry, you can suntan!

Ah do you remember the days where songs had real meaning and dealt with the real issues, like Club Tropicana by Wham - before that song came out I was constantly worried that I wouldn't be able to suntan, or that there wouldn't be enough sunshine and fun for every one.

Yes for this months Ultimate & Realistic, we are heading off to Club Tropicana in homage to all the fabulous tropical prints that are flooding the high street, as well as being popular with high end designers. Juicy fruit prints, exotic animal prints, tropical floral prints...what would you choose? I think I would choose them all since I have been going wild on colour recently....seriously wild!

Ultimate: Printed Stretch Mini Dress, Just Cavalli - £450; Damsen Neon Matte-Leather Sandals, Jimmy Choo - £625; Square Frame Acetate and Leather Sunglasses, Bottega Veneta - £695; Can't Clutch This Textured-Leather Clutch, Marc By Marc Jacobs - £245.
TOTAL: £2015

Realistic: Draped Dress, H&M - £19.99; Carvela Jessica Ankle Cuff Heeled Sandals, ASOS - £68; Small Square Sunglasses, Topshop - £16; Hot Pink Suede Envelope Clutch, eBay - £17.90.
TOTAL: £121.89

I love the Just Cavalli dress, but £695 on sunglasses? You would have to be more mentally ill than me to pay that -especially if your likely to sit on them like I am.

What do you think of tropical prints?

Gems x

TRENT ALERT - MOODY BLUES

Yes, yes, I now I can be quite the mood cow, but this has nothing to do with my epic tantrums - I just don't see why animals are used in advertising alright, a bumble bee can't use a mobile phone and a dog can't apply for a mortgage, it's just stupid. OK rant over!

The title refers to the beautiful blue shades that are just flooding the high street at the minute and making my empty pockets ache. Gorgeous sky, cornflower and placid blues are everywhere and as they suit most skin tones and pretty much every hair shade, they can be worn by anyone and everyone.

Wear them head-to-toe or just dip a toe in with calming blue accessories. If you are worried about fading into the crowd with too many cooling tones, mix your blues with hot pink and mustard yellows for a real stand out look.

1) Rhinestone Necklace,  Zara.
2) Cross Body Bag with Sleek Curb Chain, ASOS.
3) Cami Dress by TFNC, Topshop.
4) Blueberry Muffin and Cornflower Gleam by Models Own.
5) Blue Leather Trench Coat, River Island.
6) Light Blue Patent Block Heels,  New Look.
7) Pleat Back Top, Warehouse.
8) Blue Cotton Skinny Crop Trousers, Dorothy Perkins.

So what do you think? Will you be joining the blue man group?

Gems x

ULTIMATE AND REALISTIC - MARCH 2014

'I LOVE YOU MAM' EDITION

Mother's Day is coming up, and whilst I still have no idea what to get her, I still wanted to pay tribute to her in my own way. I know everyone says that their mum is the best and for them that is probably true, but my mum (or mam as us Geordies say) really is the best. During my struggles with mental illness she was always there to take care of me - she made a lot of sacrifices and I am incredibly grateful.

I joke a lot of the time with my mam about her fashion choices - it's not that they are bad, she always looks great to me, but she does kind of stick to her trademark look. Then again, she has found a style that works for her and sticks with it, there is nothing wrong with that, and she has certainly had less fashion disaster than me, who can't stick to one look.

My mam loves a good pair of black trousers and all things monochrome, so inspired by that (and the fact that I love my mam a great deal), here is my Ultimate and Realistic wish lists for March 2014. However, since I am a leather fiend, I had to choose leather, instead of a simple black pair of tailored trousers....

Ultimate: Cycle Printed Stretch-Organza Top, Dion Lee £425; Leather Trousers, J Brand £879; Typhoon Leather Pumps, Jimmy Choo £450; Flower Clasp Leather Clutch, Red Valentino £396; Windows Gold-Tone Resin Ring, Marc By Marc Jacobs £50.
TOTAL: £2,200

Realistic: Imitation Leather Trousers, H&M £24.99; White Blurred Zebra Print Woven Vest, River Island £16; Upper East Pointed Court Shoes By CJG, Topshop £115; Pink Oval Diamante Clutch, Quiz £29.99; Black and Gold Raised Diamond Ring, New Look £4.99.
TOTAL: 190.97

A saving of a measly £2,000, it's hardly worth it! I actually prefer the shoes from Topshop, but if I has the money I know I would splurge on a pair of Jimmy Choo's, not to wear I'd wreck them, but just to look at and show people that came round.

So what has been on your wishlist this March.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Gems x

MONOCHROMATIC

I seriously starting to get bored of the night terrors that are caused by one of my medications. Last night I terrorized by XOR (yep the 1980's logic game you were forced to 'play' at school), chasing me through that weird and seriously dull maze of chickens and fish...what do they have to do with anything?

So I'm a wee bit tired today, which explains the fairly poor pictures...still I'm loving my squeaky pants - the way they make that funny 'whaa, whaa, whaa' noise when I walk, it cracks me up.

Dress (worn as top), Topshop - Similar Here.
Leatherette Trousers, H&M - Similar Here.

Has anyone else been having strange dreams recently?

Gems x

BRINGING LACEY BACK!

Before you think I am a total mental case wearing something so skimpy when it is so crazily cold outside, I should say that this outfit is from way back in September 2012, when we had a few days of warmth before descending into the nightmarish cold winter. I feel sad when I see these pictures because I only ever got to wear this gorgeous lace-back tee from Bershka the once in the summer months as we never had the weather...well at least it will seem fresh next summer if it ever arrives.

Has your little world come to a stand still with the weather? Still desperate for a wardrobe since I have moved in with the boyfriend, but the weather will just not allow me to get to IKEA...not that I'm too eager to be herded around the store by the IKEA nazi's...why can I not just go directly to bedroom furniture, why must I be led past all the tempting candles and nic-nacs thatI don't need but buy anyway!

Lace Back Tee - Bershka
Denim Shorts - H&M
Leopard Tights - Topshop
Studded Loafers - Matalan
Beaded Bracelets - Prairie Charms
Rings - Church Sale

 

 

So how are all my online chums riding out the wintery weather? Snuggling under blankets with some DVD's? Or a giant mug of tea and a good book? Think I might do both. Is anyone reading any good books at the minute, I am reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins...it is right up my street as an atheist with a logical and enquiring mind.

Until next time...

Gems

ULTIMATE & REALISTIC: JANUARY 2013

LET IT SNOW EDITION

All my UK chums cannot have failed to notice that Britain is in the icy grip of a cold snap that will be sticking around for quite some time. This has got me thinking once again about having to wrap up to brave the outdoors - of course this doesn't mean you can't wrap up in style, heaven forbid. So wrapping up in chic is the focus of my January 2013 Ultimate & Realistic outfit choices...I hope you are inspired.

ULTIMATE:
Burberry London Wool and Cashmere-blend Trench - £1,095, Ksubi Skinny Pins Coated Jeans - £200, Theory Abner B Cotton-Blend Sweater - £225, Jimmy Choo Leather Biker Boots - £595, Alexander Wang Diego Textured-leather Shoulder Bag - £690.
TOTAL: £2805

REALISTIC:
Topshop Premium Military Coat - £125, H&M Slim Regular Jeans - £19.99, New Look Dark Grain Red 3/4 Sleeve Top - £14.99, Barratts Studded Biker Boots - £35, H&M Bag - £19.99.
TOTAL: £214.97

There is no denying that the Burberry military trench is pretty close to perfection, but let's face it I have more chance of flying to the moon in a home made Diet Coke and Mentos rocket, than I have of affording this beauty.

So guys, what is your favourite look - The Ultimate or the Realistic?

Gems x

TOPSHOP UNIQUE - Spring/Summer 2013

London Fashion Week is here and there is always one collection that I look forward to - TOPSHOP UNIQUE. The main reason of course is that Topshop have an absolutely amazing design team, who really relish the opportunity to push their boundaries to create something entirely amazing. Additionally, some of the fab unique pieces make it into stores, making their collection the only one to hit the runways that I can actually afford...Thank you Topshop.

Always a brand to go innovative on the catwalk, for the Spring/Summer 2013 collection Topshop Unique went truely interactive when showing their collection on the 16th. You didn't have to be in the front row to catch all the action as it happened, the show streamed live with a clever little Facebook app that allowed viewers to click and capture their favourite looks from the comfort of your sofa...take that Olivia Palmero (yeah you look great, but what do you actually do).

If that wasn't enough Topshop gave viewers the chance to customise the catwalk by changing the colour of the looks and accessories and share them the very moment they hit the runway. It was like running your own catwalk...I tell you it was fantastic. I only wish I had took advantage of ordering some of the looks direct from the catwalk to have them delivered to my door way before they arrived in store...damn this being poor lark.

So here is the fantastic Spring/Summer 2012 collection from Topshop Unique...you will not be disappointed! The Space Age silhouettes, palette and fabrics interspersed with pops of vibrant yellow...yes please!

To see the collection from Topshop Unique in it's entirety, just follow the link.

What is your favourite piece? I am dying over the silver and white trousers.

Gems x