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

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.

ROSE QUARTZ FROM LULU'S LONDON

I have to admit, I have become seriously obsessed with necklaces recently. I have never been a huge jewellery person, maybe it is because I often end up with ear trauma when I try to wear earrings and I'm way to clumsy to wear anything pretty on my wrist - it will end up snagged on a door handle  or rogue tree branch within a few seconds of wearing it. Maybe I should start looking where I'm going, instead of looking around wildly in all directions like a crazed meercat.

But I have always had a fondness for necklaces, despite the fact that I often forget to take them off  before I go to sleep, and end up choking myself. So when the lovely girls at Lulu's Boutique, got in touch and asked if I would like to review their fabulous Rose Quartz necklace*, I skipped around the room a little bit.

I love the strong geometric shape, that is juxtaposed with the delicate soft pink shade and delicate chain, and I love how the pendant is held in place, it s so interesting. In recent months, I have really moved away from bold statement necklaces, instead choosing, more simple and chic pieces, and this beauty from Lulu's Boutique, is sure to be a firm favourite over the holiday season. At just £10, it is an absolute bargain, for the amount of wear anyone could get out of it.

How lovely does it look against the placid blue of my sporty tee? And look how delightfully delicate that chain is, just look at it!! I am so in love with it and can't thank the lovelies at Lulu's for sending it to me. Don't forget to follow them on Twitter with @LulusLondon, to keep up to date with all of their fabulous new arrivals. They have some party dresses to die for, there is a couple of black lace numbers that I definitely have my eye on.

What have you been loving thins week?

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

MANICURE MONDAY 03

Sorry I have been so quiet this week, work has been very busy and there is a special person in my life that has needed me more than the blog. So I have been a bit neglectful of the blog, but I feel like my time has been spend in the right place.

I can't believe it is Manicure Monday again already, and the 1st of December to boot, how fast does time go - it is true what they say, when you hit 30 everything becomes a blur. Anyway, back to mani Monday and for this week things have went all magnetic with Sally Hansen.

I have never tried a magnetic polish before as I wasn't convinced they would work, but when I saw this Sally Hansen lovely in Poundland, well there was no reason not to buy it. A few seconds of holding the magnet over the wet polish and a cool wavy design is revealed, absolutely genius! And I have to say it is one of the most durable polishes, ever - I wore it for 4 days, without even a single chip, I am seriously impressed. I urge you all to give it a try.

And how about this for an added bonus, it goes perfectly with my gunmetal faux leather dress from Hybrid which I won in a competition. I plan of rocking them both of Christmas day - it is definitely a day for metallics, even if I will surely fall asleep open mouthed, shortly after the dinner. I will at least look good doing it.

What is on your nails on this Manicure Monday?

Gems x