AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Well the first giveaway from Fashion, Well Done is over and the winners have been selected via a random number generator. I want to say thank you to all that entered and to anyone who stops by for a visit, for your support...it really means a lot to me.

So the winners are...

Blue Framed Sunglasses: The Brunette

Floral Framed Sunglasses: Satu

Rainbow Spiked Bracelet: The Secret Blogger

 
Orange Studded Bracelet: Szappanbubi

Congratulations to all of the winners and for those who didn't stay tuned because there will be another giveaway coming soon set to be better than this one...

To the winners, I will be in touch shortly via email to get the necessary details.

Gems x

CARTOON STYLING!

I am a bit of a big kid at heart and immature humor is sure to have me giggling like a naughty school girl, so it is probably no surprise that I am addicted to the likes of Family Guy, American Dad, The Simpsons etc. Well a weird thought popped into my head, some of the poor women and girls in these cartoons have been wearing the same outfits for over a decade - poor Marge Simpson has been wearing that lime tube dress for over 21 years.

Now I know cartoons are not real (except Spongebob of course, that's a rather riveting documentary series), but those poor girls, forced to wear the same outdated outfit for the remainder of their lives (on television) - yes they never age, but they are never on-trend either. So I have took it upon myself, to restyle my animated chums in a more up-to-date fashion, while being aware of their unique signature style.

First up is the long-suffering Meg Griffin from Family Guy - ridiculed for her looks, both in school and within he own family, the poor girl is desperate for a makeover to give her that much needed confidence boost.

Top, H&M; Moto Baxter Jeans, Topshop; Pieces Knitted Hat, New Look; 0703 Frames Black, Cutler and Gross; White Plaque Skinny Belt, River Island; Dear Diary Lipcreme, Mac; Cream Metallic Hidden Wedge Hi-tops, Blink @ New Look.

Next up is Hayley Smith from American Dad - unfortunately her hippy chick look was dated way before the series started. A sexy firecracker like Hayley, should have a hot look that she can take to the drum circle, but also to the club at night!

Knot Front Shirt, Topshop; Blue Flared Jeans, New Look; Mix Bows Headband, Dorothy Perkins; American Peace Necklace, Punky Pins; Volcano Flatform Sandals, ASOS; Ying Yang Skinny Belt, Topshop; Cream Puff in Fairy Cake, Collection 2000; Belly Bar, Argos.

And finally we have the ultimate cartoon siren, Marge Simpson - The woman deserves a new wardrobe, 21 years in the same dress, dealing with a buffoon of a husband, senile father-in-law and probably the scampiest of all scamps, Bart Simpson. So I have updated Marge's look to the a glam evening look, for the night out she so desperately needs!

Lime Bandeau Maxi Dress, Miss Selfridge; Necklace, H&M; CJG Stud Peeptoe Court Shoes, Topshop.

So what do you think of my restyle of these cartoon lovelies?
I may make it a regular feature if you guys think it's a good idea, if you do please give me some suggestions on which to restyle next and I shall share the love for you in the next edition

And finally before I go, don't forget to enter my Very First Giveaway, that is open internationally!

DON'T WAIT UP!

I'm completely running out of outfit posts - I work from home as a freelance writer, so most of the time I'm tramping it up in my pyjamas or sporting a rather shameful pair of joggers! But at least I can say I do try to make the effort when I head out - I don't want you guys thinking I am a horrible slob (although on a Sunday evening that is exactly what I am).

So anywhere this is what I wore out to a simple lunch out followed by a little bit shopping - I was testing out the hippy look with this neckerchief (worn as a headband) that my boyfriend bought me from Topman (he didn't know what it was but thought I could make use of it, pretty sweet huh?)

Printed Tank, Miss Selfridge - similar here.
Skinny Jeans, Primark - similar here.
Pixie Boots, Ebay - similar here.
Neckerchief (as headband), Topman - similar here.
Studded Bag, Thrifted - similar here.
Cassette Necklace, Punky Pins - same here.

Have any of you guys been trying out any new styles that aren't your norm?

I could also do with some suggestions of what to wear to a wedding party - I'm totally stumped, the last wedding I went to I felt unbelievably overdressed, which led to a rather strange woman following me to the toilet and saying I looked like I belonged in Closer magazine - I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not!

And finally before I go, don't forget to enter my Very First Giveaway, that is open internationally!

ULTIMATE AND REALITSTIC - JUNE 2012

Regular viewers of my blog will know that each month I like to put together little collages of my current wishlists - one collage covers what I would buy if money was no object, the 'Ultimate'; and the other collage covers what my actual budget could stretch to, the 'Realistic'. This month I have been lusting after little leopard print sundresses - easy to dress up and easy to dress down, just need the sun to put his hat on and come out to play!

In June, I have decided to create the Realistic wishlist out of pieces that can be found within your local supermarket - why not get a cute little dress or rocking pair of shoes while buying that loaf of bread, they are just as essential I would say!

The Realistic (All supermarket finds)
Animal Print Sundress, George @ Asda - £12; Pretty Polly Animal Print Tights, Tesco - £10; Pretty Polly Back-seam Tights, Tesco - £6; Yellow Bandeau Bikini Top, George @ Asda - £2.50; TIA by Made Triple Ring, and Hammered Brass Ring Tesco - £6 and £4; Metallic Tote Bag, Tesco - £12.50; Ella Shoes Metallic Peep-Toe Heels, Tesco - £22.
Total: £75

The Ultimate (All Net-A-Porter finds)
Leopard Print Cotton Blend Jersey Dress, Matthew Williamson - £395; Seamed 15 Denier Stockings, Agent Provocateur - £25; Tiger Printed Tights, Wolford - £35;  Jonny D Ruched Bandeau Bikini Top, Norma Kamali - £170; Hinged Rose Gold-Plated Crystal Ring, Eddie Bongo - £365; Stacy Brass Snake Ring, Chloe - £175; Large Chelsea Leather Shoulder Bag, MICHAEL Michael Kors - £295; Idochine Leather and Patent Wedge Sandals, Camilla Skovgard - £395.
Total: £1855

If truth be told, the 'Ultimate' wishlist is probably never going to be within my grasp, I earn less money than i could in sacrifice to do what I love, so I think for that I can accept the 'Realistic' wishlist. Still it's nice to dream...


What be on your ultimate wishlist if money was no object?

If you want to know what I have been liking, loving and loathing this month, head on over to Futures to check out my Guest Post!

And finally before I go, don't forget to enter my Very First Giveaway, that is open internationally!

Gems x

ALICE BY TEMPERLEY - PRE SPRING/SUMMER 2012

I'm an impatient girl - I hate waiting in queues, I hate waiting for the next installment of my favourite TV show, and I hate waiting for someone to get out the damn bathroom when I need the toilet! I do like to know what's coming - what movie is set to be the next blockbuster hit, what is the next breakthrough beauty product and of course what is going to be hitting the shelves as the next big fashion trend.

So I am loving that some fashion houses are releasing previews of their Pre-Spring/Summer 2013 collections - gives that little insight in what could be filling out wardrobes a year from now. My favourite collection so far comes from  Alice by Temperley, the sister brand of Temperley London founded in 2012 and aimed at a wider demographic with it's easy-to-wear pieces and lower price point. Like its designer sister, Alice by Temperley has a loyal celebrity following, which includes Beyonce, Daisy Lowe, Amber Le Bon and Rihanna.


Here are some of my favourite looks from the Alice by Temperley Pre-Spring/Summer 2012 Collection...

My favourite look has to be the monochrome tunic with the skinny leather trousers, it is such a classic and stylish look that will see you from season to season and will fit any occasion - I am completely in love. The delicate lace, intricate embroidery and geometric tribal prints are also pretty stunning and the silhouettes are so elegant and feminine without being too overly girly.
Photographs courtesy from Glamour.com

What are your favourite looks from the collection? Come on don't me shy :)

By the way my guest post for Country Girl Does Norfolk is live now, so please check it out here.

And finally before I go, don't forget to enter my Very First Giveaway, that is open internationally!

Have a smashing weekend everyone!

Gems x 

REMEMBER KICKERS!

 *This is a sponsored post*
I remember in my teenage years being taken to get my new shoes for that year and I would always choose a pair of Kickers, they lasted really well since I have a tendency to stomp around - for someone who is barely 8 stone soaking wet, I am very heavy on my feet. I have to say I am loving the new collection, their styles certainly have updated with the times, while keeping that certain 'chunky' appeal they are so well known for - I am seriously tempted by the Metta Low Leather Boots, I mean how good would they look with a ditzy floral dress?

What are your shoes saying about you?

It is a truth universally acknowledged that you can tell a great deal about someone from the shoes they wear. In some respects it’s definitely true, and certain items of footwear – such as ballet shoes or ice skates – have a very specific customer base.

Some of my faves from the current women's line
L-R: Kick Emboss Leather Boots; Metta Low Leather Boots; Kick Hi Fold Boots

If your shoes could talk…

Subconsciously, we all make some of these judgements about people on a regular basis – regardless of whether we base them on their choice of footwear or not. This means that others are probably doing the same to us, and also suggests that it is possible to influence how other people see us by simply changing our footwear.

Have a look at your shoes right now! Objectively speaking, what do those shoes say about you? Do they say busy mum or hardworking professional? Are they sporty, glamorous or comfortable?

…What would they say?

So, now that you are aware of the influence your shoes can have, you need to think about what it is you want them to say about you. If you want to project a fun and carefree image, then try a pair of Kickers. If you want to seem laid back and relaxed, then flip-flops or sandals will do the trick – although pairing these with socks will say something else entirely. 

Can't forget the boys!
L-R: Nevermind Men's Slip on Boat Shoes; Kick Chunk Men's Boots;Mani Men's lace Up Shoes

 If you are attending a serious business meeting or job interview, think about how you would like to come across. Pick your shoes accordingly and build the rest of your outfit around them. You’ll be amazed how easy this is to do, and how easily selecting appropriate footwear for a pivotal event can give you the confidence boost you need. After all, your shoes speak volumes about who you are. All you need to do is make sure that they’re saying the right things.

Did any of you guys have Kickers? Or maybe you already have a pair?

By the way my guest post for Country Girl Does Norfolk is live now, so please check it out here.

And finally before I go, don't forget to enter my Very First Giveaway, that is open internationally!

Gems x Gems x

COLLAR CANDY

Last Friday night, the boyfriend and I met up with a few friends for what was supposed to be a few drinks before coming back to cook some food. So I got dresses nice and out we went - half 9 ticked round and I was bloody starving, and by this point I could tell the boy needed something on his stomach. So being the wonderful girlfriend I am, I offered to take my leave to go and prepare some food while he went and had another drink (incidentally crippling hunger kicked in as I passed a McDonalds walking back to the flat and I caved, but that's beside the point).

Anyway his phone died immediately after we parted and since I had to only key to get into the building that the flat is in, logic would tell most people to catch up with me and come back, especially since the buzzer doesn't work either. But no, I was told through several frantic Facebook messages to pass my number on to one of the friends so he could ring me shortly (yeah right) when he wanted to be let in.

Anyway, hours passed and I informed the friend that I was very tired so it might be an idea for the mister to come back before I fell asleep! Another hour went by and yeah I was getting pretty darn angry, but fell asleep anyway. For some reason I awoke at half 1, no sign of the boyfriend, no messages whatsoever so I was pissed and worried. To see if I could see a paralytic mess resembling my boyfriend asleep somewhere on the street and I saw his friend frantically running across the street and yelling.

I went to the flat door to see my boyfriend staring forlornly through the letterbox - drunk was an understatement! Following some rather humorous bedside acting and some dry-wretching under the covers (thankfully I got him to the bathroom to empty the contents of his stomach) he managed to get loudly off to sleep.

If that wasn't bad enough I got BBQ sauce on my shirt - anyway, here is what I wore...

Shirt, H&M - similar here
Jeans Primark - similar here..
Shoes, ASOS - similar here.
Collar Pins, Republic - In store now!
Studded Clutch, Thrifted - similar here.

Barry M Nail Paint in Mint Green and Gold Foil

I absolutely love my new collar piece - it adds an extra bit of glam to a simple button down shirt. Do any of you have any interesting collar jewels or tips, because I'm totally after some more.

By the way my guest post for Country Girl Does Norfolk is live now, so please check it out here.

And finally before I go, don't forget to enter my Very First Giveaway, that is open internationally!

Gems x