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

SPACE NAILS

Sorry for a little bit of an absence over the last week, I have just been absolutely snowed under with work and things to do, I haven't had any spare time to sit down and blog, which sucks. That is one of the hard things about being a freelancer, if you don't work, you don't get paid, so you don't get a lot of time to yourself. On the other hand, it does make you more appreciative of your evenings relaxing and long Sunday afternoon snoozes (no one can snooze like me).

So with some of my precious time to myself, I decided to mess about with my nails and try a little something different. Inspired by Channel $'s recent 'Space' season (how amazing was the live lap around the planet, courtesy of the International Space Station), I went for sparkly black and silver together. The pictures were taking after I removed the nail varnish from all over my hand...seriously it was everywhere, I'm the twitchiest, shakiest person I know.

 

So If you haven't already guessed, I'm a total space nerd, what brings out you're inner nerd?

Gems x

A QUICK HAUL

I haven't been out shopping for ages, so when I finally had a little bit of spare cash, I looked forward to a relaxing afternoon in town, picking up a few bits and bobs for myself. I wasn't armed with much money, but there was enough to keep the cobwebs in my purse and pocket company.

As is always the case, whenever you have money, there is so little you want to buy, so I ended up getting the boyfriend a jumper and a huge bag of liquorice, because I'm sweet that way. Not that sweet though, because sheer perseverance saw me finding a few things that I did like enough to part with money, I don't spend willy nilly (hehe) like I used to.

How cute is this denim skater dress and it was only £5 in the Primark sale, I've worn it already and it does look lovely on.

 

I'm a sucker for a good racer back vest, so it better be warm this summer so I can wear this Cheap Monday beauty I picked up from TK Maxx for £7 (that's right just £7). TK Maxx is seriously stocking the hotness right now...

I fancied some nail candy and I am a big fan of the Maybelline Color Show polishes at just £3 a pop, they are great quality, So I picked up a couple of sparkly shades..

 

And since it is almost Easter and I don't so much as have a sweet tooth as a sweet lower jaw, I had to get a bag of Cadburys Mini Eggs for weekend munching!

 

What have you guys been buying recently? Or munching on anything delicious?

Gems x

CARTOON HEROES

I m so terrible at taking pictures for outfit posts by myself, I really should think about getting a tripod for my camera. I just rest it on something, set the timer and hope for the best. Most of the time it falls over and I end up getting a shot of the ceiling. I really need to start getting out on the weekends, to take some pictures outside, since there is finally some sun out there. I've jinxed it now haven't I?

I also think I need to get in shape, I should not be aching all over from giving the flat a good clean yesterday. In my defense I did pull one of the muscles tripping whilst shaking out the duvet and one of my legs is sore from bashing it off the bed, also known as the 'Shin-Shredder'.

Anyway, back to the dress - I love the over-the-top print (that's how the inside of my brain probably looks) and the midi length - but I'm still not sure I can get away with the bodycon style dress, because I'm flat of chest, but huge of ass (by comparison). I think it looks like two mismatched bodies have been stuck together.

Bodycon Midi Dress, New Look - Similar Here.

 

How do you guys feel about the bodycon? Has it had it's day and should move over for the skater dress?

Gems x

MY LITTLE BIRDIES

Here is another outfit post from the archives, but it is still one that I like a lot. I know the dip hem is no longer in fashion, but I am still a huge fan - plus I have never really been one to follow the trends, how else can you explain that I used to wear a nightie with a hideous huge cat print as a dress....in public! It doesn't end there, I wore it with a hideous old lady belt and a diabolical mullet haircut. I was 21 at the time, so I can't blame anyone but myself.

But we have all had out fashion faux pas right? At least I don't think the following outfit is worthy of calling the Fashion Police, but in ten years down the line I may think differently. Too bad we don't have the power of hindsight on these sorts of things, isn't it?

Dip Hem Top - Triple S - Similar Here
Leatherette Trousers, H&M - Similar Here.
Studded Loafers, Matalan - Similar Here

What fashion disasters have you had in the past?

Gems x

A HIDDEN GEM

I can't believe how many old outfit pictures I have hidden within the mysterious depths of my computer, many of them I don't even remember wearing some of them. I have to admit, some of them don't look good and have been swiftly deleted - I didn't even know I could make some of those faces. My boyfriend often jokes that I can't keep any part of my body still for any amount of time, especially my mouth. What must people on the street think of me.

I have had these jeans for almost a year and a half and I bloody love them, but I have only worn them a few times, because I don't have anything to go with them, they are a really awkward Shade of Grey, awkward like getting on a bus and sitting next to an old lady enthusiastically reading Fifty Shades of Grey.

These pictures were taken in the old flat and although I do miss all the space, I definitely do not miss cleaning up the mess from dirty boys. I mean what kind of person blocks the shower with their disgusting hair, then just leave it...ankle deep dirty water and all?

White Shirt, H&M - Similar Here.
Jeans, H&M - Similar Here.
Studded Loafers, Matalan -Similar Here.

Right, I'm off to psyche myself up for the errands I have to run and the articles I have to write.

Gems x