CHEEKY

This outfit is a fairly old one, before I had the haircut, but I'm still in need of a new photographer. Applicants will be greatly recieved, preferably non creepy or at least only marginally creepy, no photoshopping my head onto naked bodies, unless the body is better than mine of course.

By the way, if you get a chance to try some Persian food, you need too. People may tell you that garlic has become your main scent, but it is totally worth that, and the meat sweats that come with it.

Any other world foods I should be trying.

Gems x

A WINTER WALK

I have to say a big thank you, for all the support on my previous post. I think for some people it is really difficult to talk about their problems with anxiety or mental illness, so if I can just encourage one person to speak up then it will be worth it. There is no need to be embarrassed or suffer alone, no matter what you feel, there will be someone who understands you.

Since I had been so anxious for a few weeks, all the times I went out felt like a bit of an ordeal (reminder to self: you survived all those 'ordeals'), I felt I deseved a nice winter walk when I felt better. A trip down to the Sunday quayside market, passing through the castle keep, on a cold fresh day, was a real pick me up.

Jumper, White Stuff - Same Here.
Jeans - TK Maxx.
Biker Boots, New Look - Same Here.
Parka, Noisy May - Same Here.
Bobble Hat, Fat Face.
Satchel, Nice - Similar Here.
Hair Extensions - Competition win from Wonderful Hair.

The parka was a fabulous sale find from ASOS and it is now only £20, so get your hands on it quick - it is super warm, and appears to be waterproof, which is going to be useful in the North East of England. Everything else were Christmas gifts (how luck am I?), including the gorgeous satchel from Nica, it was love at first sight. And thanks to the super quality of my real hair extensions from Wonderful Hair, I have realised that bad hair days are a thing of the past. A few clips and I have long glossy locks to make a mermaid spew up her seaweed in jealousy - take that Ariel!!

How have you been keeping warm on these cold winter days?

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

GOTHIC LACE

I love black lace! It is probably one of the most perfect fabrics, because it is so versatile. It can be classy and elegant, cool and grunge, and even a little dark and Gothic. I think back lace may be my go to look for the Winter season and perhaps beyond - I tried one dress from Lulu's Boutique and that's it I was totally hooked.

Lexi Lace Dress, c/o Lulu's Boutique - Same Here.
Caramel Hair Extensions, Wonderful Hair.

The cut of the dress is sensational, the fit is exquisite and the organza overlay is just to die for. The organza is tailored so it fits to the form and the lace underneath flares out a little underneath, to flatter, by helping to slim the hips and accentuate any bum.

Since I have quite pale skin, I thought it would be a great opportunity to try out a slightly Gothic look, so I went for a berry lip and popped in my Wonderful Hair Extensions, which I won in a competition with Etail PR - I know I am one lucky girl.

Rose Quarts Necklace, c/o Lulu's Boutique - Same Here
Pastel Nails - Ciate London.

 

 

So if you are looking for a fabulous dress for party season, you really should think about stopping my Lulu's Boutique. Here's where you can find them:

Website: www.luluslondon.com/index.html
Instagram: www.instagram.com/luluslondon
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LulusLondon
Pintrest: www.pinterest.com/LulusLondon/

How would you style black lace?

Gems x
*Dress provided by Lulu's London for the purpose of this review, but all opinions are my own.

DUST IN THE WIND

I never told you guys the story about when I got blown over by the wind. About 12 years ago there was a seriously strong wind whipping through the streets of Newcastle - it caused travel disruption, power cuts and a lot of trees suffered its full fury. I was walking from college to the bus stop when an almighty gust of wind whipped me off my feet and threw me unceremoniously to the floor and into a large skip bin.

Cuts all over my face, rips in my jeans and smelly garbage water all over me. I was a bloodied and bruised, and of course pretty darn embarrassed. So I hid behind a little water fountain until my dad came to pick me up, I did my best to walk to the car with dignity, but I'm not sure I really pulled it off.

Fluffy Jumper, AX Paris - Same Here.
Shift Dress, Primark.
Biker Jacket, Matalan - Similar Here.

I can laugh about it now, but I still get a little bit wary when the wind starts whipping up. A little thing like me can get swept up into the clouds never to be seen again. Luckily on a recent super windy day in The Toon, I was lucky enough to survive with my feet on the ground, although I did look a little windswept at times.

I think I have my winter laying sorted, with a cosy cropped jumper worn over one of my dresses with some thermal tights. I might have to let my dresses go soon, but I'm not ready to yet, besides I was informed by Etail PR that I won a dress of my choice from Hybrid (as well as some Wonderful Hair products) and I chose an amazing faux leather gun metal shift dress...I can't wait for it to arrive!!

How do you layer up for winter?

Don't forget there is still time to enter my competition to win a bundle of beauty goodies.

Gems x

FLORALS FOR TOMBOYS

There is so many super gorgeous florals in the shops right now for the Autumn/Winter season., but as a former tomboy, I really struggle with them. Sometimes when I think about myself and how I look, I still see the sixteen year old, round glasses wearing, bad-skinned uber nerd, who had the curves of a ruler. That Gemma wore nothing but tracksuits (the baggier the better) and was painfully shy - she would neer have worn a pretty floral dress, just in case someone noticed her.

Floral Dress, Ribbon @ Bank - Similar Here.
Biker Jacket, Matalan
Necklace, Oasap - Similar Here.
Stiudded Bag, Birthday Gift

Even now, if I try anything too feminine on, I feel incredibly uncomfortable - like how I imagine a dog feels when it is forced to wear a dress. You have to wrestle that dog into the dress and then it spends the rest of the day looking miserable!

I wear a lot of dresses, but none of them are too girly - no frills, never any lace or crochet details, and anything with sequins is out. I tend to go for bold prints, denims and something with a bit of edge. That doesn't mean I can't do florals, I just make sure I accessorise with leather and studs to keep my tomboy vibe. I tend to avoid feminine colours and dainty prints too - My goal is never to be called 'A Lady', it would feel like an insult.

I loved this Ribbon dress from Bank on first sight. The fit accentuates what little curves I have, and the neon print, whilst being floral, is not in the slightest bit girly.

What are you're tips for wearing Autumn Florals?

Don't forget to enter my UK Giveaway for beauty goodies.

Gems x

CASUAL FRIDAYS

Chiffon Tee and Wedge Trainers - Primark.
Skinny Jeans - Levi's.

I think I have finally beaten that cold virus that turned me into a snotty, grumpy, moany mess. Now I get to be grumpy because I have loads of work to catch up on - I know the common view of a Freelancer is someone who doesn't get out of bed until lunch and sits around in their pajamas all day (for me it is usually food stained sweats). But we actually work pretty hard, and we get no sick pay or paid holidays, so being ill can be hard on the pocket.

So whilst I have been franticaly been catching up with work to make some money to keep the cobwebs in my pocket company, I haven't been too concerned about my appearence (which, is good because crypt keeper comes to mind everytime I look in the mirror - Happy Halloween). Every day recently has been casual Friday, with jeans and tee being my go to look. I just don't have the time to wrestle with tights and impossible dress zippers - the fear of pinching my skin is extra stress I don't need :)

How do you guys dress for Casual Friday?

Gems x