THE SUN SHINES FOR ALWAYS

Well, the sun doesnt actually shine that often here in the North of England, but when it does shine, you have to make the most of it, because some gale force wind and chilly rain is sure to be following close behind. So on a sunny day just before Christmas, I decided to brave wearing a dress and get some air and a few pictures - I'm really running low of outfit pictures, there is only so many times you can take style shots of a parka zipped up to the neck, stupid winter.

Faux Fur Jacket, Next - Similar Here.
Shirt, ASOS - Similar Here.
Dress, Bank - Similar Here.

How do so many bloggers go out in freezing temperatures with bare legs and no jacket, and take loads of stunningg style shots, looking serene and beautiful. If it was me I would look like I was being tortured by a sadistic photographer, hugging myself against the cold and sobbing. Maybe I am too much of a wimp for the fashion blogger game.

Does any blogger have any tips for taking good fashion shots inside, when the weather is raging outside? It has been so windy in Newcastle the last few weeks, within a split second being out of the door and I have been blown into the nearest tree, like a scrappy plastic bag, or look a hot mess.

Did anyone get snow this week? I was so disappointed not to have anyone, I must be the only person in the country who likes it.

Gems x

SWEATSHIRTS AND SNAPBACKS FROM RACCOON BRAND

RCCN BRND Snapback, c/o Raccoon Brand - Same Here.
The Logo Sweatshirt c/o Raccoon Brand - Same Here.
Human Hair Extensions - Wonderful Hair.

In recent months, I have become seriously fond of streetwear - I have been leaving my dresses and jumpsuits in the wardrobe, swaping them for faux leather trousers, sweatshirts and snapbacks. Maybe it is the cold (North East England sucks when it comes to the wind and rain combo) that has made me crave streetwear layers, but right now it's working for me. Maybe at 31, I am a starting to get a little old for streetwear, but I honestly don't care. Life is too short to wear and do things you think you are supposed to...

Faux Leather Biker, New Look - Same Here.
Faux Leather Trousers, H&M - Similar Here.
Satchel - Nica
Shoes, Asos - Similar Here.

One of my favorite streetwear labels, is the cheeky Raccoon Brand, for their mischevious raccoon prints, high quality and comfort. The sweatshirt has a cool unisex fit (I'm wearing an XS) and has a super soft fleecy inside, perfect for a damp day strolling through town. The snapback is also of pretty sick (street lingo alert) quality, with a durable stitched logo and adjustable strap. I decided to wear back to front as I did grow up in the nineties.

Does anyone think they might be incorporating some streetwear into their wardrobe in 2015? What do you think of Raccoon Brand's quirky style?

Gems x
*Snapback and Sweatshirt provided by Raccoon Brand for purpose of review, all opinions are my own.

 

MANICURE MONDAY 04

CIATE MINI MANI MONTH EDITION

December was a good month for nails for me. I couldn't afford the Ciate Mini Manor, but TK Maxx had the Ciate Mini Mani Month for the bargain price of £19.99. This meant I could have the nail varnish advent calender of my dreams, and paint my nails lots of lovely colours, right up until Christmas. Plus each window hid a lovely little message, either fun or inspirational.

Some of the cute daily quotes.

The 5ml nail varishes really brightened up my days, giving me that little extra boost as I coped with the holiday anxiety - painting my nails as a treat to myself for getting through the day. I'm yet to try the world famous Ciate Caviar Manicure (I didn't trust myself to get them everywhere), but I did try the glitter and sequins, and loved them. I have some shades left to try, but the ones I have tried thus far I have loved - they go on very smooth and dry with a durable finish.

Loveliness of 'Snowflake' and 'Boudoir'

'Amazing Gracie with 'Boudoir' and the candy pink of 'Hoopla'.

'Main Stage' and 'Candy Floss' look great together, whilst 'Pillow Fight' is a star on it's own.

A little bit of sparkle added to 'Chinchilla' and 'Tweed & Tails'

The dark and sultry 'Starlet' and the shining star of 'Fit for a Queen'.

I would love to see some more manicures for nail inspiration, so please leave me links to your posts.

Gems x

A WINTER WALK

I have to say a big thank you, for all the support on my previous post. I think for some people it is really difficult to talk about their problems with anxiety or mental illness, so if I can just encourage one person to speak up then it will be worth it. There is no need to be embarrassed or suffer alone, no matter what you feel, there will be someone who understands you.

Since I had been so anxious for a few weeks, all the times I went out felt like a bit of an ordeal (reminder to self: you survived all those 'ordeals'), I felt I deseved a nice winter walk when I felt better. A trip down to the Sunday quayside market, passing through the castle keep, on a cold fresh day, was a real pick me up.

Jumper, White Stuff - Same Here.
Jeans - TK Maxx.
Biker Boots, New Look - Same Here.
Parka, Noisy May - Same Here.
Bobble Hat, Fat Face.
Satchel, Nice - Similar Here.
Hair Extensions - Competition win from Wonderful Hair.

The parka was a fabulous sale find from ASOS and it is now only £20, so get your hands on it quick - it is super warm, and appears to be waterproof, which is going to be useful in the North East of England. Everything else were Christmas gifts (how luck am I?), including the gorgeous satchel from Nica, it was love at first sight. And thanks to the super quality of my real hair extensions from Wonderful Hair, I have realised that bad hair days are a thing of the past. A few clips and I have long glossy locks to make a mermaid spew up her seaweed in jealousy - take that Ariel!!

How have you been keeping warm on these cold winter days?

Gems x