LUXEMME CHRISTMAS VOUCHER GIVEAWAY!

Everyone Should Sparkle This Christmas 

Luxemme is a luxury ladies brand, with plenty of gorgeous garments, but they also have a really big heart. Last year they worked with many charities, sending clothes to those in need - be it the homeless and those that didn't have a family to share Christmas with.

This Christmas they are spreading a little bit of joy, by giving away free £15 vouchers for the site to anyone that registers...including you. You can give these vouchers to friends and family as Christmas gifts, or treat yourself to something that you wouldn't otherwise be able to. Luxemme really does want to help spread some festive spirit to those that don't get their fair share. They would make a great secret Santa gift, don't you think?

So get following Luxemme on social media and sign up to get your free vouchers which will arrive in the post in time for Christmas -

• Facebook - /Luxemme
• Twitter - @luxemme
• Instagram - @luxemmeuk

I'd love to receive a Luxemme voucher in my Christmas stocking as for me they are of the best online stores to go for womens playsuits and as you know Gemma loves a good playsuit or jumpsuit. The clothing quality and designs are fantastic, but their prices are really affordable, and for a starving writer, price is definitely a factor for me. Luxemme’s designers seem to take inspiration from the latest trends but add their own twist in order to make each item unique, and I'm not really a follower of trends, I like something a little different. I just love their style and have a Luxemme wishlist a mile long.

If you want to spread the cheer like I do, and make someone smile a little wider this Christmas, go on and order your free vouchers.

Are you all getting excited for Christmas? This little giveaway should help.

Gems x

I'M COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS WITH UGLY DUCK CLOTHING

I went to see the big reveal of Fenwick's window in Newcastle yesterday, and it has really put me in the Christmas spirit. Snow machines and real-life reindeer, would have melted the heart of the Grinch himself. It really was rather magical, and so, for the first time in years, I find myself quite excited for the upcoming festive season. I actually may not have to do any panic buying for Christmas presents this year...wouldn't that be the treat.

Each year my sister has a Christmas jumper party, so I have to find the cutest holiday jumper I can, and the selection at Ugly Duck Clothing, is hitting me right in the cuteness centre of my brain. I am loving some of the other novelties they have in their Christmas shop, it was hard to select just a few favourites, but here they are...

What is your favourite piece from my Christmas selection? Visit the Ugly Duck website, to see the collection in full. And be sure to follow them on Instagram as they have a competition running, where three lucky ducks can win the item of their choice from the Chrimbo shop.

Gems x
*This was a post created in collaboration with Ugly Duck Clothing, all opinions are my own.

WINTER IS COMING

How do I know when winter has arrived? I start tucking my tops into my underwear, instead of just my trousers, as I feel like I need that extra layer of protection. Winter is here, as my tops are now all firmly tucked into my knickers to prevent any drafts, or as my grandma used to say "cold on your kidneys" - she didnt like those low slung jeans me and my sister wore in our teenage years.

So the parka has come has come out of storage (i.e. where it has been crammed under my bed), the biker boots are on, and the wooly hats that make me feel like a cute little gnome adorn my head daily...I don't deal well with the cold, or the heat for that matter, like a typical Brit. I want to be room temperature at all times...I'm not your typical Geordie that will go out without a coat on in a blizzard, well not anymore.

Parka, Noisy May - Similar Here.
Tartan Tee, Select -  Similar Here.
Faux Leather Trousers, H&M - Similar Here
Biker Boots, New Look - Similar Here.

Wrap up because, Baby it's cold outside...

Gems x

JOULES DESIGN A WELLY COMPETITION

I've fancied myself as a bit of a fashion designer many times, not all of them successful. There was the time I bleached my jeans and smelled like a toilet for a week, or the time I turned my denim jacket into a vest and looked like George Michael, circa 1989. But I still think I will be having a go at the competition from Joules to design their own pair of the iconic Joules wellies. The winner will get their design put into production....yes actual production, to buy on the website (www.joules.com/)...with all the proceeds going to CHARITABLY JOULES. A great little competition for a great cause.

But doing good for mankind, is not the only incentive to enter. The winner will win a £5000 luxury forest holiday for 3 days in a golden oak treehouse (imagine all the luxury £5000 will get you...oh my). Ten runners up will receice a £250 joules gift card...amazing!!


Now where are my coloured pencils, and where are my wellies and the nearest puddle for inspiration...


Send your enteries in via this link, and maybe see me splashing about in puddles in them, one day soon.


Good Luck to all the budding designers...especially me!!

Gems

HILLBILLY TUXEDO

The double denim look - also known as the hillbilly tuxedo (sorry Cletus) has always been a look that has passed me by. Because I have huge teeth, I often feel like I look goofy enough, without taking on the hillbilly favourite, denim just everywhere. A stick of corn in my mouth and an attractive cousin by my side and I would be all set. Am I sterotyping a bit?

Denim Shirt Dress (tucked in), Boohoo - Same Here.
Skinny Jeans -Primark

 I'm sorry for the poor quality pictures - I think I have lost my confidence in front of the camera, convinced I am losing my looks as each ay of my 30's progresses. Soon I will become Mrs Havisham-esque - hiding away in a darkened room, covered in dust and a raggedy wedding dress that I will never wear up an aisle, as no man would ever marry my ugle ass.

I also have a double denim look in all grey, you know that colour that really suits my littering personality.

Does double denim work for you? How do you wear it?

Gems x

WHAT'S IN A NAME

As regular readers will know, earlier this year I became an Auntie for the first time, and it has easily been the best thing that has happened to me so far in my life. So when a few months ago, my sister asked me if I would be a Guide Parent for little Imogen at her Naming Day, I was pee-in-my-pants delighted. The little cutie pie means the world to me, and I love spending time with her, she is such a character and she makes me laugh constantly.

For the special occasion I wore a lovely blue lace dress from Missguided and surprised myself by reading the promises I'd written without any nerves, in front of a lot of people.

In case anyone needs some inspiration for naming day promises, why not take a little look at mine...prepare for epic soppyness...

Imogen, first of all I promise my love, complete and unconditional. I promise to nurture your interests and inspire you're imagination, and to be your partner in crime.

When you need to rest your head, I promise to lend you my shoulder to lean on. When you need someone to hear you, I promise to lend you my ears. And when you need comfort I promise to always open my arms to you.

I promise that your laugh will be my greatest joy, and to watch you grow is my greatest privilege. And finally, I promise that you inspire me to be a better person, so I can be the role model you deserve.

I love you my little chicken.

Auntie Gems x

THAT CHEEKY RACCOON

I've made no secret of my love for American Streetwear label, Raccoon Brand. I'm a big fan of those cheeky raccoons, and all the mischeivious antics they get up to. I have plenty of garms from the uber cool brand, but my all time favourite has to be this chilled out smoking dude, despite the fact that he is way cooler than I am - I would describe my level of coolness as 'Hobbit Enthusiast'.

Cardigan, F&F - Similar Here.
Jeans and Belt - Primark

I've learned to accept that I'm never going to be one of the cool kids - I watch documentaries on electricty...for fun, have an obsession for anime, and read science fiction novels, as well as gushing to anyone who will listen about the latest scientific discoveries. Look at this hi-res picture of Pluto...LOOK AT IT!!!

Speaking of being a book worm, I'm looking for some new book suggestions, something a little different. Let me know in the comments.

Gems x

MANICURE MONDAY 05

BUDGET EDITION

Anyone who knows me will know that I get the most pleasure out of the simple things in life - a cup of tea, a good book, and five minutes to myself to paint my nails. By the way, the used book addiction has got seriously out of hand...I promised myself I wouldn't buy any more, and then I bought nine more...it's a good job I don't have much of a life and therrefore have plenty of time to read them. I have already started 'The Farm' by Tom Rob Smith, and it is quite the page turner. I almost sacraficed my Sunday nap for it...I didn't obviously.

A photo posted by Gemma Davison (@fashionwelldone) on Oct 3, 2015 at 3:53am PDT

So, when it comes to painting my nails, I have been favoring metallic shades recently and Poundland, have a surprisingly large collection of nail varnishes, and some gorgeous colours. This rose gold shade caught my eye and it is a great little polish for the price. Two coats is all that is needed, and it dries super quick, as well as being pretty resisstant to chipping, which is useful for a clutz like me.

A photo posted by Gemma Davison (@fashionwelldone) on Oct 4, 2015 at 1:20am PDT

Another line of nail polishes I have been impressed with, is from Kiki Cosmetics,They have a great range for just £2.50, including this delightful mermaid shade, that survived an afternoon of decorating. I will definitely be adding more to my collection, or recieving them gratefully as Christmas gifts...hint, hint!

A photo posted by Gemma Davison (@fashionwelldone) on Sep 28, 2015 at 1:48am PDT

What budget beauty buys would you reccommend? Gems x

CASUALLY GREY

You will have to excuse the terrible quality of these pictures, I just once again found my camera and I'm not used to the lighting in my new place. That really isn't my own angellic glow floating around me, I just think the light was too bright behind the camera.

I still am an angel though, I gave an old woman five pence to pay for her purchase in Wilko last week, totally because I am a good person, not because I was getting impatient with the amount of time she spent slowly going through her coin purse, irritating the crap out of me and everyone else in line.

Jeans and T-Shirt - Primark
Necklace and Belt - H&M
Boots - Don't Remember

Since I've moved, money has been a little bit more on the tight side - nothing to keep the cobwebs in my pocket company - but, since I lost a lot of weight on the heartbreak diet in the new year, I am in desperate need of new clothes. So these acid wash grey jeans were a bargain at £7 from Primark, as well as the £1.80 t-shirt. I've never been prouder to look so cheap.

I keep saying I'm going to inject some colour into my wardrobe and end up with grey - it's a good match for my glittering personality. Any recommenadations for boosting my wardrobe for little cost?

Gems x

BACK AND WITH A GOOD CAUSE

I've finally moved into my new home and manaed to find my camera, so I can say with certaintly that I shall be back blogging on a regular basis. Sorry to all of those who I bore with my generally nerdiness and weirdness, but I need something to do in breaks between Netflix watching and sitting.

I come back to you initially to talk about a good cause and charity from a girl that means the world to me, and is a real inspiration. She has set up a charity to fund a non-profit gym for women that have been the victims of abuse, finding incredible strength after her own harrowing experience, which thanfully ended with her attacker in prison. But so many women are not so lucky, and te lovely, selfless Sara wants to give women a safe place, a sancturary.

The lovely Sara Kate

 She has a Go Fund Me page,  where you can help her raise those important funds. She isn't asking for huge donations, every pound will go towards helping those that need it. And once she reaches 150 donations, she will pick random people to recieve prizes. I've donated and hope to raise some more money for her by selling on eBay and donating half the profits.

So if you can donate, it would really mean a lot, and if you cant please share the page wherever you can.

Gems x

MONDAY MUST HAVES: BOOHOO FAVOURITES

An upcoming move means that money has been tight, leaving poor Gemma to screen shop on all my favorite internet stores, without ever pressing the 'add to basket' button. Although there was one time, when I simply could not resist - it was a beautiful cobalt blue lace dress from my all-time favourite, Boohoo. They had 20% off all dresses at the time, so it would have been rude not too.

That's one of the reasons why I love Boohoo so much - they always have great discounts and deals on shipping. At the time of publishing they have 20% New In, 25% off Shoes and Accessories, and £1.99 Next Day Delivery, where you have up until 9pm to order. You can keep an eye on the latest discounts on this page.

 I have been lusting after so much at Boohoo, and with my birthday approaching in a few weeks, that shopping basket is going to be full.

1. Mia Stretch Print Plaited Jumpsuit
2. Kat Button Front 3/4 Sleeve Scarf Print Jumpsuit
3. Clarissa Zip Front Chambray Jumpsuit
4. Gail Grid Check Bandeau Jumpsuit
5.) Amiee Embroidered Panel Jumpsuit

I'm a jumpsuit obsessive, so it is always the first category I click on. I have a few Boohoo jumpsuits and I'm eager to add to my collection, both casual and more dressed up. How amazing is that chambray number...I've already cleared the mental space for it in my wardrobe.

1. Guns 'n' Roses Sleeveless Tank
2. Mya Mid Rise Relaxed Boyfriend Jeans
3. Boutique Daisy Waterfall Leather Look Jacket
4. Isabel Acid Wash Pocket Patch Denim Shorts
5. Gemma Toe Cap Trim Ponted Skater Flat.
6. Nicole Short Sleeve Crop Top
7. Helina Grey Marl Melange Joggers

If it is't jumpsuits thay get my sartorial juices flowing, it is streetwear. I may be approaching 32, but more often than not, I can be seen dressed like a teenage skater, and long may it continue. Boohoo have a great selection of denim, graphic tees and faux leather jacket, that no streetwear fan can be without. Those shoes are destined to be mine, don't you think? They are named after me after all.

What have you been lusting after on Boohoo's virtual racks?

Gems x

BEAUTY LOVES - BERRY LIP AND LIQUID LINER

I must admit, I probably do take more selfies than necessary. But, like most women I have some periodic self esteem issues, so when I'm having a good face day, I feel the need to share it with the world, for their approval. Every 'like' is a little boost - especialy when most days I look like I have been dredged from a swamp most mornings, and not a nice swamp.

When it comes to working face days, the berry lip and/or liquid liner have been my beauty saviours - making me less crypt keeper more cute.

Berry lip courtesey of H&M, goofy teeth are models own!

Liquid Liner from W7

What hae been your beauty saviours this month?

Gems x

CREATIVES 02 - ICED RAINBOW

It's time for the next installement of my 'Creatives' interview series, where I feature the independent brands and artists that deserve some extra recognition. This time round, it is quirky, handmade accessories label, Iced Rainbow, founded by the lovely Tom, who was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

Where did it all begin for Iced Rainbow?
It all stems from being a keen creative when I was growing up - always drawing and I loved art, cooking, music and woodwork at school.

What is the story behind your unusual brand name?
Well... we all like a bit of sparkle and colour right? So.... my name comes from the meaning 'anything iced in all colours of the rainbow'. I work with sparkle and colourful pieces every day. It also means I'm a colourful person, bright and bubbly, and I try to show that in all my designs.

What challenges do you face being a small brand?
Honestly.... like every business it doesn't come without its challenges, so I'd have to say its exposure and just making your brand/designs stand out.

Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspirations come from many things: nature, experiences, holidays and that my mind sees things in a different way to others, like all creatives really.

I love your Majestic Hare pieces, do you have a personal favourite?

Thank you those are actually a story in themselves, as for having any favourites well I couldn't possibly pick one but.... if I had to choose it has to be my new colour pop, monochrome and floral rings because they add a bit of quirky fun and style to any outfit.

You have an amazing range of jewellery, plenty of which is unisex. Do you have a particular person in mind when you design?

I wanted to appeal to men and women of all ages, so I based most of my designs on both. As for having anyone in mind when I make anything - except for what I think people would love - I just let the creativity flow, take note of what others want, or suggest, as well as taking note of current trends.

Your designs have been worn by the likes of Beverly Knight an Nicole Scherzinger. Who else would you love to rock some Iced Rainbow beauts?

I can't say that I've thought about it much but if I had to pick it'd have to be Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Kodaline, and Mumford and Sons maybe, just to name a few.

What is next for Iced Rainbow?

Just to expand my product range more, as most of my designs are limited edition.

So, next time you're thinking about picking up some quirky accessories, why not check out Iced Rainbow. Here are some of my personal favourites...

1.) Wings of an Angel Charm Necklace.
2.) Magestic Hare Charm Necklace.
3.) Fields of Gold Barley Charm Necklace.
4.) Men's Osiris Double Leater Bracelet.

Dont forget to follow Iced Rainbow on Facebook and Twitter, to get all the up-to-date news and releases.

What are your faves from Iced Rainbow?

 Stay tuned for the next installment in 'Creatives' coming soon...

Gems x

SHE'S SO BARDOT

Bardot Dress, Belt and Earrings, New Look.
Heels, Primark.

It's not often you see scruffy old me all dressed up, so you really should make the most of this one - Gemma looking all sophisticated, is rarer than Kanye "I'm a lyrical genius" West being humble. But since I was going to a wedding, I didn't think casual jumpsuits, or teenage streetwear, would cut the mustard. So I went for a pretty dress, heels and I'm even wearing earring...in my actual ears, can you believe it?

I caught a guy at least twice my age, starring at the butt in a mirror as I walked, so I'm gonna count that as a win.

How are my little lovelies doing? I hope you have been enjoying the sun, at the expense of your career like me!

Gems x

CREATIVES 01 - PERCYCUTE

Wearing the 'FlutterBy' Tee.

So starts my series of interview features of independent creatives - the brands, musicians and artists that don't get the support they so deserve, because they don't have a bottomless marketing budget.

I've made no secret of my love of streetwear (I will be dressing like a teenage skater until I'm 60), so when the lovely Karl, founder of one of my favourite independent brands PercyCute agreed to a feature, I was pretty delighted.

The streetwear brand creates unisex tees, tanks, sweats and jackets, with totally unique prints, sketched and designed by the man himself. Sometimes controversial, but always a conversation starter, it's streetwear for those who aren't afraid to make a statement and stand out. Let's get on to the questions...

How did it all begin for Percycute?

I have been a taxi driver for the past 20 years and in this time I have always drawn even while waiting between jobs in my taxi. My sketches became more intricate, so much so that people would get in my cab to see what I had been drawing. Many times people asked why I was driving a cab when I can draw like I do . So about 7 years ago  I decided to go back to college to study graphic design. I graduated 3 years later and then decided to try freelancing my skills as an illustrator, within this time I was getting more requests to provide t-shirt designs for other companies. After a year of this I decided maybe I should produce my own garments with designs on that did not conform to other peoples briefs, basically use my own imagination to produce what I wanted to produce, without limitation. The name Percy Cute comes form the word persecute which means to oppress as I felt I oppressed in my skills for such along time that the name suited the company I was starting. 

You're designs are seriously original, where do you find your inspiration?

The inspiration for the designs come from everyday experiences and my imagination - most of the designs have hidden meanings especially the intricate ones . Although I do find people see completely different meanings in them, as I tend to use objects to portray a feeling or word which are associated to the title of the design.

My favourite design is 'Spaceman'. Do you have an all time favourite?

My favourite design is my gorilla really its a self portrait , if you look at him he’s slightly moody with a could not care less attitude.

Karl's favouurite design, the 'Gorilla'

Streetwear is so huge right now, how will you make sure that Percycute stands out from the crowd?

I'm never concerned about what other companies do, but I do appreciate others work and my favourite brand are Hubert & Calvin . I don’t look to stand out, I look to produce the artwork that I love and put that on a garment and hope that makes me more appealing than others. The designs are all limited editions, I only make 30 of each design before I re-draw, change or retire the design.

Your brand is brimming with attitude, who would you love to see rocking your pieces?

I have had a few celebrities wear my designs but I suppose I would like to see Zayn Malik wearing them, and I know this sounds bizarre, but watching his desire for his artwork really hits home with me and of course he has a massive following. Sportsman wise, obviously Mr Beckham would be amazing and I would love Pharrell Williams to shine in a few.

What's next for Percycute?

Next on the agenda are caps - a few alternative cap designs along with the expansion of full all over prints. As for the company, the aim is to get the brand in as many independent shops as possible and make the general public aware of what we do .

I certainly can't wait for the introduction of caps, I'm a huge fan of a good snap back. Until then, I've picked out some of my favourite PercyCute pieces...

1.) My Headspace Vest.
2.) Grey Skull Jacket.3.) Bleeding Rose.
4.) Love All.
5) Spaceman.
6.) Effing Care Bear Vest.
7.) Gorilla Sweatshirt.
8.) Flutterby 1969.

Be sure to visit the PercyCute website and check out this awesome streetwear label's social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Stay tuned for the next installement of the next installment of the 'Creatives' series.

Gems x