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

ON POWDERED GROUND

Leopard Dress, H! by Henry Holland - Similar Here
Fluffy Jumper, AX Paris - Same Here.

Don't you just love it when you find something new that you probably never would have discovered during your everyday life? I was feeling sorry for myself (you know because I'm a big baby) and laying in bed watching a movie called 'The Truth About Emmanuel" - it was a lovely bittersweet movie and I highly reccommend it. Anyway, when the credits rolled and absolute angel started singing so I had to find out who it was.

The angel was Agnes Obel, an amazing singer/songwriter from Denmark and the song was "On Powdered Ground". The song is so beautiful and serene, it reminds me of how still and calm things are on an early morning in Autumn, when the sun shines and the birds sing freely with no one around to disturb them. Hence the pictures of me looking all tired because it was a little early for Gemma.

Please give the song a listen and let me know what you think? I've become a big fan of her ethereal songs and beautiful piano compositions and makes such a wonderful change to all that drum n' bass I'm assaulted with everywear I go.

Have you discovered anything new and exciting recently? Then share!

Gems x

CAUSING MISCHIEF WITH RACCOON BRAND - PART 1

Like most of you I'm sure , I love discovering new brands, and I've been lucky enough to discover some real awesome ones through blogging and my work as a freelance writer. My latest discovery and obession is American streetwear label, Raccoon Brand, founded by filmmaker, Jesse Barack. I am loving their cheeky graphic tanks and tees, all featuring a mischievous raccoon or two - each style is unisex so us non-girly girls can rejoice at the masculine cut and more relaxed fit.

'The Night Is Yours' Tank in Black - Same Here.

The brand's designs are all inspired by night adventures and mischief, and is therefore the perfect choice for anyone that has a cheeky alter ego that is barely being contained:

"As the moon rises, society's grip loosens an many of us transform into mischievous versions of ourselves."

- Raccoon Brand

So why the raccoon you ask? Well for a start they stole a raccoon from a laboratory when they were in college, and really is their anything more mischievous than a raccoon? They look like little bandits and often cause trouble during their nocturnal antics.

So, as soon as I pulled on my 'The Night Is Yours' tank, I felt like being a little bit naughty. So I didn't make the bed...that's right, I'm bad!!

Is there anything cooler than this tank? And I'm sure the raccoon knows the dangers of second hand smoking, before someone yells at me. How are you guys liking Raccoon Brand?

Be sure to check out the Raccoon Brand Store, as well as their Facebook Page and Instagram. Stay tuned for more mischievous adventures with Raccoon Brand coming, I managed to get the boyfriend in a tee for a monkey about :)

Gems x

* T-shirt provided to me by Raccoon Brand for the purpose of this review, all opinions are my own of course, Gemma is not for sale.

LILY ALLEN FOR ELEGANT TOUCH

I have made no secret of the fact that I am a huge Elegant Touch fan. It is my go to brand for all things nails, and I have become a total convert for false nails after believing for way too long that they were too difficult to apply, or that I would end up with fingers stuck together for all eternity. Oh Gemma, how wrong you were! They are so easy to apply and you have a gorgeous manicure that lasts for 10 days - so I have totally been making up for lost time, as I'm sure you have seen in many outfit posts...

1. House of Holland in Royal Explosion.
2. Elegant Touch Express in Bright Marble.
3. House of Holland in Tie Dye For.
4. House of Holland in Block Heads.
5. Candy Dip in Blueberry Crumble.
6. House of Holland in Sweet Tooth.

I became quickly obsessed with the fabulous collections by fashion design legend Henry Holland, so you can imagine I was jumping for joy when Elegant Touch announced that they were collaborating with nail art queen, Lily Allen...yes she of beautifully bejewelled and quirky printed nails. I just knew it was going to be some serious nail candy and I was right.

The Lily Loves Nails collection pays homage to Lily's hometown of London and are inspired by her trademark high fashion meets street style. The seven different oval and stiletto shaped designs are named after song titles and themes from Lily's albums, and show the flair she has for nail art - confident, quirky and cool.

1. Knock 'Em Out.
2. Hard Out There.
3. Sheezus.

Not for the shy and retiring girl, the Lily Loves collection features explosions of glitter, metallic shapes, matte prints, jewels and London landmarks - perfect for adding a pop to any outfit! Apply with glue or use one of the awesome Elegant Touch Super Adhesive Tabs if you like to switch up your manicure often.

The nail art queen herself says: "I'm thrilled to be collaborating with Elegant Touch on the Lily Loves Nails collection. It's a dream come true. nail art is a huge part of my life and a vital part of my personal style. I love changing-up my nails, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day, and I'm so excited to bring out this collection so you can choose your favourites and do the same!"

With so much loveliness to choose from it was hard to pick just one set to grace my nails with first, so after a long internal debate, I finally settled on LDN - I really fell for all the London landmarks silhouetted against a beautiful evening sky. I love the soft oval shape, that can be easily filed to a shorter length for my days spent at the computer, without losing any of the design...

Prices range from £6.99 to £8.99 (quite the bargain for 10 days of fabulous nails) and are available now through the Elegant Touch website and in Superdrug stores.

Thank you Elegant Touch, for another fabulous collection. What does everyone else think of the Lily Loves Nails line?

Gems x
*Nails provided to me by Elegant Touch for the purpose of this review, all opinions are my own.
 

I HEART INSTAGRAM

So last week I was tagged by the lovely Josie of Josie's Journal to do the 'I Heart Instagram' tag. Me and Instagram haven't been together long, but it is turining into quite the beautiful relationship...

So here it goes with the questions, I hope I don't bore you...

What's your Instagram handle?
I thought I would just keep it simple and use by blog name @fashionwelldone. With working for some fashion brands and blogs, I have other Instagram accounts that I help with, as well as more passwords to remember. So keeping it simple means I don't risk locking myself out.

How many accounts do you follow?
I'm still quite new to this Instagram thing so I only follow 206 accounts right now. So if you do have Instagram, please leave a link to it in the comments and I can stalk you, I mean follow you.

How many followers do you have?
I'm just a mere minnow in the Instagram world right now with 126 followers, but they are all so sweet to me, I wouldn't change them for 100,000 followers.

What are your favourite hashtags?
I don't have a dog of my own, so I have to make do with getting all misty eyed over pictures of other people's dogs, so #dogsofinstagram is a winning hashtag. I'm also a bit obsessed with knowing what other people are wearing so #wiwt #OOTD and #personalstyle are some of my other faves.

How often do you post?
Once a day at least, but since I still am a bit of a novice I don't know what I should be posting, any advice?

How often do you check your Instagram feed?
About 5 times a day, I don't want to miss anything - I may be a little bit nosy.

What is your favourite filter?
I quite like Mayfair, can hide a few imperfections with Mayfair - I actually resemble that house elf from the Harry Potter movies, but Mayfair makes it look like I have a working face.

Smartphone purist or rebel? 
I think I am a bit of a rebel, mainly because my smartphone is not that high end. I am due an upgrade, but EE make me angry with their pestering so I haven't got round to it.

Favourite 3 IG accounts?
I can't do that I love so many, but I am going to give a shout out to Paula from Thirteen Thoughts and Sophie from So Inspo, because they always leave super sweet comments.

I'm going to tag, the lovely Christina from Diaries of a Sunflower and my kindred spirit Keit from Beauty in Insanity.

Don't forget to leave me your Instagram links.

Gems x

THE JUMPSUIT OBSESSION CONTINUES

I haven't been this obsessed with anything since my childhood (well 13 year old) crush on Ash from Pokemon - yes Pokemon the cartoon. I've always had a thing for guys who are ambitious, dedicated and loyal and Ash was all of those things. I would watch every morning before leaving for school and I knew all the words to whatever song they played at the end. Pretty innocent of me considering what some of the girls at my school were already doing by then.

Jumpsuit, Boohoo - Similar Here.
Grey Flats, Primark - In Stores Now.
Name Necklace, Punky Pins - Same Here.

So this new obsession is jumpsuits. I can't get enough of them - their comfort and sartorial awesomeness, way out weights the toilet issues. This casual jumpsuit was a recent purchase in the Boohoo sale and I have barely had it off (and not because it got stuck over my rather large bum). The drawstring waist gives it a sport luxe feel and I can't wait to try it out with some sporty heels and my metallic clutch.

Thanks again for all your continued support about my opening up about mental illness. I don't think I could really face up to it if it wasn't for you guys.

OK I must be off because I've gotta catch 'em all!

Gems x

MYTHICAL CREATURES

So I promised I would talk a little bit more about my experiences with mental illness and after reading the comments on my last post about being given the cold shoulder, I started thinking about the common myths surrounding depression and anxiety. The things people with mental illness and just normal people, believe to be true. Plus this leaf printed playsuit from H&M makes me feel like a mythical woodland creature, prancing between the trees ( I didn't actual do that I promise). I have to include a little bit of fashion of course...you're complements on my dress sense sustain me better than chips, well marginally.

Playsuit, H&M - Similar Here.
Biker Jacket, Matalan - Similar Here.
Shoes, Primark - In Stores Now.
Skinny Belt, New Look - In Stores Now.

So to the myths..

• You're the only person to feel this way - Sorry, but your just not that special. You may feel like the only person in the world, but there are probably several people on your street experiencing something freakishly similar. Depression is so crazy common that it doesn't even make you stand out these days - if you want to be different why not wear a hat, no wait everyone does that now too...sorry!

• You're making yourself ill - You're not doing it to youself, it is something that happens too you, thanks to a silly chemical imbalance in the brain. You can't help it, but you can learn to manage and deal with it, with medication and therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy worked wonders for me. So the next time some chick tells you to cheer up and stop making yourself ill, punch her square in the boob; if it's a guy, I think you know where that punch should go.

• You're a failure - Probably one of the worst things you can tell yourself, mostly because it is totally not true. If anyone makes you feel like you are a failure for being depressed or anxious then cut them from your life as they are toxic and a total jerk. You are having a hard time for sure, but your achievements, no matter how small, mean so much more as you have had to work so hard to get there.

• Medication will turn you into a zombie - What a load of bloody nonsense, medication will not turn you into a numb, emotionless android. They will simply moderate your brain chemistry and help to take the edge off your depression and anxiety, allowing you to really deal with the problem at hand. As somone on two types of medication I can confirm that I have never walked jerkily around the streets looking for human brains to devour. It may take a few tries to get the medication right, but they can really help once a good match is found. 

• You're a burdon on everyone - I will talk about guilt more in a future post, but it is so common for people with mental illness (or any other long term illness) to feel like they are a burdon to those around them. I have felt that way so often, especially when so many of my 'friends' couldn't be bothered to include me. Plus I would be lying if I said my family and Ryan hadn't made sacrafices for me, but I know they did so because they cared for me and wanted to help however they could. One day I hope to pay them back.

This guy has been my rock, I started really living when I met him.

Now more pretty pictures, because look at how 'normal' life can be even with mental illness, I can sit on big stones and stand next to trees with no real difficulty...

Remember, you are never alone when there is ice cream, ooh and cake, ooh and those little cracker things are salt and vinegar flavours :) If anyone wants to talk about their struggles and experiences, just send me an email.

Oh and can you give me some tips for taking pictures outside?

Gems x

FOR THE GLAMOROUS

I have to start by saying a huge thank you for all the messages of support on my last blog post - it really was quite overwhelming to know that so many lovely girls are there for me, like the friends I thought I had werent. But, it did make me sad that so many wonderful people had experienced something similar their lives, and if it brought up painful memories, I really am sorry. If any of you need anyone to rant to, I am only an email away.

In the future, I do plan to talk about all my battles with mental illness and all that comes with it in the hopes that both myself and others can stop feeling so ashamed and isolated. But, today I thought maybe I would just keep it light and show lots of pretty pictures of my fabulous new Glamorous jumpsuit that I got for a steal on eBay and it was brand new with the tags.

Strappy Jumpsuit, Glamorous - Same Here.
Floral Biker Jacket, QED London @ TKMaxx - Same Here.
Block Heels, Primark - In Stores Now.
Gold Skinny Belt, H&M - Similar Here.
Mirror Bar Necklace, Punky Pins - Same Here.

When it arrived I was nervous that I wasn't going to get it over my ample bum - I did buy one from H&M without trying it on and I pretty much got stuck in it, I did fear I was going to be forced to wear it forever. That jumpsuit has since met the sewing machine and been transformed into trousers and a crop top, once I was pryed out of it of course.

But with this Glamorous beauty, I need not have worried, it fit beautifully and I felt like I belonged at Studio 54 whilst wearing it. Just give me an afro wig, some novelty sunnies and the goldfish platforms and I'm good to go!

Jumpsuits are definitely by clothing of choice for the moment, what items of clothing are you crushing on right now?

Gems x

THE COLD SHOULDER

Sometimes you just have to accept the hand you have been dealt...

Cold Shoulder Dress, Primark - In Stores Now
Waist Belt, New Look - Similar Here.

I've been thinking about loneliness recently, mainly because my blogger chums have started to make me feel a lot more connected to the world, even if I don't get to see them in person. As many of you with similar issues will understand, when you have problems with mental illness, you may see your friends disappear - it could be a misguided fear of it catching, being no sure how to act around you, or they just don't understand why you don't make an effort any more. Whatever the reason, you feel like you have been given the cold shoulder and it only serves to make you feel worse about your self.

At first I blamed myself for being such a useless person, then I blamed them for abandoning me when I needed them the most, but now I have just accepted that it happened and moved on. Even if these friendships could be repaired, I would never trust them enough to be the real me again, so the best thing is to let them go and wish them well for the future.

I would be lying if I said it hadn't had a lasting effect on me - I find it very difficult to make friends now and I find myself being very shy and reserved in social situations, much to my own frustration. I have very few true friends now, but I'm so lucky that I could have the best friend I could hope for in my boyfriend Ryan - I have never known someone so caring and patient, the guy is a legend. Plus, I have met some wonderful girls blogging that are sweet and supportive and I'm sure they know who they are.

So, it seems like my recently purchased cold shoulder tunic dress from Primark (just £8 by the way) is the perfect choice to go with this post, because sometimes being given the cold shoulder can be good for you in the long run.

Stick On Nails, Primark - In Stores Now.

Has blogging been a bit of a lifeline for you, when things have been tough?

Gems x