GREY DOUBLE DENIM

Snapback - Raccon Brand
Grey Denim Shirt and Jeans - Primark
Biker Boots - New Look

Sorry it has been so long. I had been working very hard to make sure I could make Christmas pretty special, and it was. I've also been spending a lot of time with my niece, which has been the most special thing of all. She can pee, poop and vomit all over me, and I still think she is the cutest thing alive - that must be the definition of real love. She even gets bits of my pizza, my actual pizza...and you know how I feel about melted cheese.

Well fashion wise, I have been dressing down a lot. With no man to pretend I want to impress, with increasing laziness, it is so much more desirable to throw on jeans, as opposed to carefully planning out an outfit, and perhaps having to use the iron....the horror.

How was Christmas and New Year for all my blogger chums?

Gems x

WINTER IS COMING

How do I know when winter has arrived? I start tucking my tops into my underwear, instead of just my trousers, as I feel like I need that extra layer of protection. Winter is here, as my tops are now all firmly tucked into my knickers to prevent any drafts, or as my grandma used to say "cold on your kidneys" - she didnt like those low slung jeans me and my sister wore in our teenage years.

So the parka has come has come out of storage (i.e. where it has been crammed under my bed), the biker boots are on, and the wooly hats that make me feel like a cute little gnome adorn my head daily...I don't deal well with the cold, or the heat for that matter, like a typical Brit. I want to be room temperature at all times...I'm not your typical Geordie that will go out without a coat on in a blizzard, well not anymore.

Parka, Noisy May - Similar Here.
Tartan Tee, Select -  Similar Here.
Faux Leather Trousers, H&M - Similar Here
Biker Boots, New Look - Similar Here.

Wrap up because, Baby it's cold outside...

Gems x

HILLBILLY TUXEDO

The double denim look - also known as the hillbilly tuxedo (sorry Cletus) has always been a look that has passed me by. Because I have huge teeth, I often feel like I look goofy enough, without taking on the hillbilly favourite, denim just everywhere. A stick of corn in my mouth and an attractive cousin by my side and I would be all set. Am I sterotyping a bit?

Denim Shirt Dress (tucked in), Boohoo - Same Here.
Skinny Jeans -Primark

 I'm sorry for the poor quality pictures - I think I have lost my confidence in front of the camera, convinced I am losing my looks as each ay of my 30's progresses. Soon I will become Mrs Havisham-esque - hiding away in a darkened room, covered in dust and a raggedy wedding dress that I will never wear up an aisle, as no man would ever marry my ugle ass.

I also have a double denim look in all grey, you know that colour that really suits my littering personality.

Does double denim work for you? How do you wear it?

Gems x

SHE'S SO BARDOT

Bardot Dress, Belt and Earrings, New Look.
Heels, Primark.

It's not often you see scruffy old me all dressed up, so you really should make the most of this one - Gemma looking all sophisticated, is rarer than Kanye "I'm a lyrical genius" West being humble. But since I was going to a wedding, I didn't think casual jumpsuits, or teenage streetwear, would cut the mustard. So I went for a pretty dress, heels and I'm even wearing earring...in my actual ears, can you believe it?

I caught a guy at least twice my age, starring at the butt in a mirror as I walked, so I'm gonna count that as a win.

How are my little lovelies doing? I hope you have been enjoying the sun, at the expense of your career like me!

Gems x

YOU HAVE TO GO THERE TO COME BACK

I have to be honest, I wasn't sure if I was ever going to be able to come back to blogging. When you life changes so drastically in a way you both didn't expect, or didn't want, it can be hard to be reminded of what you have lost, and of all the challenges you now face. For 4 weeks, Fashion, Well Done was something that served to remind me of a life I no longer had.

But, I have to remember why I started it in the first place. It was always supposed to be a way for me to boost my confidence after decades of anxiety. And as a way to interact with other people. Already feeling isolated, it didn't seem to make sense anymore to isolate myself further by leaving the blog behind.

I can't be sure if it will last, I may still find it painful to continue. But for now I'm back, hoping that it will have a positive impact and make my world seem a little fuller. Still I laugh a little more every day, and I have a family that are there with me when I don't. But, I don't think I will ever not miss what is gone - sometimes you just have to play with the hand that life has dealt you.

I don't know how many outfit posts I will be able to publish over the next few months as I no longer have a photographer, but I will try and keep involved and commenting. I miss all my blogger chums, you have all been so supportive in the past so I have no reason to believe you wont be now.

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

GRUNGE LACE

I'm sorry for my absence the last few weeks. Unfortunately, I have been having a difficult time with anxiety and depression - maybe due to all the pressures of the holiday season. I have been working hard and hopefully I will continue to improve and build my confidence over the next few weeks and get back to myself.

There has been a lot of tears and a lot of fear, but with the help of family, friends, and of course Ryan, I have made it through Christmas and I'm hopefully ready to take on all the challenges that 2015 will bring. If you have been feeling lost over the holiday season, you are not alone. It can be hard to discuss those feelings with loved ones, when everyone is so happy and jolly. But, you have nothing to be ashamed of - don't cut yourself off and pretend everything is OK, it is perfectly OK not to be OK. It isn't your fault, you don't do it to yourself, it is something that happens to you.

So anyway, now that I have got the hard stuff out of the way, I can get back to the good stuff...clothes and shit. You might remember a few weeks ago, that I was all googly-eyed and in love with my lace dress from Lulu's Boutique. I've already worn it in a Gothic style, but for a recent jaunt to the shops, I wanted something more laid back to I looked to the '90s and went grunge.

Layered with a checked shirt and teamed with some knee high boots and a bobble hat, and it was grunge perfection. Of course the look could not be complete with a messy plait, so thank you to Wonderful Hair, for your amazing human hair extensions, for helping me achieve the grunge plait of my dreams.

Lace and Organza Dress, c/o Lulu's Boutique - Same Here.
Checked Shirt, F&F - Similar Here.
Biker Jacket, Matalan - Similar Here.
Over-the-Knee Boots, New Look - Similar Here.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to 2015.

Gems x