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.

 

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

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

FORGOTTEN OUTFITS OF THE DAY - PART 2

A few weeks ago I shared with you a selection of outfit posts that I had deemed unfit for the blog back when they were first taken. There was many reasons the photos had been rejected - make up was drag queen like, I look too nerdy and butch in my glasses, the lighting was poor or you could see my little jelly roll, the result of years of cake abuse.

What I learned from this experience is that the flaws I so often see in myself are not visible to others. What you may see as a flaw other may see as something beautiful - I've long been a little bit conscious of my big ass teeth, but really, why worry they are nice and straight and have no staining. Plus I am sure to beat anyone in an apple bobbing contest.

So if you have discarded pitures because you think you look awful in them, I can tell you it is a cathartic experience just putting them out there, so here are so more to laugh at or enjoy, your choice...

How could I forget about my Topshop tea dress? I'm so sorry baby, I will never hurt you again.
Faux Fur Coat, Next.

I often feel a total dingus in my glasses, hence the eyes on the floor 'Dont Look At Me!'
Tee, Waxed Jeans and Metallic Vest, all H&M.

I just couldn't cope with the raggedy hair extensions in these pictures and I still hadn't mastered the tripod.
Printed Vest, Cheap Monday.
Printed Jeans, Dorothy Perkins.
Open Shirt, H&M
Checked Jacket, USC.

Rushed make-up application makes for a dirty lookin face, but I really do love this casual look, I'm sorry I neglected you.
'True Love' Tee, ASOS.
Leatherette Trousers, H&M
Over-the-knee Boots, New Look
Satchel, Next.

So many emotions in one set of photos, from super happy to fearful perhaps?!
Faux Fur Jacket and Short Sleeved Sweater, Next.
Zip Detail Shirt, ASOS
Skinny Jeans, Levis.

I've always been a bit conscious of my boyish physique (no boobs), and I think this outfit accentuates my lack of curves up top.
Striped Shirt, H&M
Blue Jeans, Dorothy Perkins
Studded Loafers, Matalan.

I absolutly love this dress and this outfit, but for some reasom my lips are black in almost every picture, what is that?
Dress and Tights, H&M.

I have never been comfortable with my bare legs, white, veiny and always riddled with mystery bruises :)
Dress, H&M.

So if you do decide to share some of your less than favourite pictures on your blog, please leave me the link, I would love to see them. I bet they are no where near as bad as you think.

Gems x

THE PREPPY LEOPARD

I would just like to start with a message to the horrible little *bleep* who stole my boyfriend's bike yesterday: I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you return the bike now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you!

He had owned the bike for only haf an hour, after buying it from someone on Gumtree. It was locked up securely on a bike rack with a D-lock and we were sat just round the corner and some a*****le still stole it. I cried because I was so sad for him - he never treats himself, but is always treating me, so my little heart just broke when someone took his treat from him. It hurts even more as out other bikes were stolen less than 48 hours after moving into a new place last year.

So now that I have got my teary rant out of the way (me so sad) I can talk about the fashion stuff. I bought this ASOS skater dress and shirt in the post Christmas sale and they have been firm favourites since. The dress because it makes me look like I have boobs (and I so don't) and the shirt because it goes with everything, so I can get all wear round wear out of it, as long as I don't get tomato sauce or gravy on it and ruin it. That is a big ask with someone as clumsy as me.

Leopard Skater Dress, ASOS - Similar Here
White Shirt, ASOS - Similar Here

Elegant Touch House of Holland Nails in Tue Dye For - Same Here.

What are your all year round fashion essentials?

Gems x

ULTIMATE & REALISTIC - MAY 2014

SUGARED ALMOND ADDITION

You know what I love? Sugared almonds! That thick sugar shell and soft, sweet nut within - eat ten of them and your halfway to diabetes town, but I challenge you to just eat one. Not only are they delicious, but the look bloody lovely too - I would love a mini prom dress made out of sugared almonds, might be some bare flesh by the end of the day, having a little snack when I'm hungry.

All those lovely candy shells in pastel shades are so hot right now - you can't move through the highstreet without feeling the sugary vibes from all the sweet shades. Usually I am a fan of greys or bold and bright, but I think pastel shades have won me over, I have already bought a pair of mint jeans and once I have more than lint in my pockets I plan to buy more....most likely on the realistic side of things.

ULTIMATE: Tate Dress, Goat - £450; Durham Green Leather Biker, J Brand - £829.50; Leather Pumps, Gianvito Rossi - £415; The Rockstud Medium Neon Leather Trapeze Bag, Valentino - £1,465.
Total: £3159.50

REALISTIC:  Lace Cape Dress, Warehouse - £58, Light Green Cropped Biker Jacket, River Island - £60; New Look Turret Purple Sling Back Heels, ASOS - £17.99; PU Shopper Bag, Next - £28.
Total: £163.99

Just a saving of 3 grand, I'm not sure it's worth it!

What do you prefer, the Ultimate look or the Realistic look?

Gems x

ULTIMATE & REALISTIC - APRIL 2014

CLUB TROPICANA EDITION

Club Tropicana, drinks are free,
Fun and sunshine - there's enough for everyone.
All that's missing is the sea,
But don't worry, you can suntan!

Ah do you remember the days where songs had real meaning and dealt with the real issues, like Club Tropicana by Wham - before that song came out I was constantly worried that I wouldn't be able to suntan, or that there wouldn't be enough sunshine and fun for every one.

Yes for this months Ultimate & Realistic, we are heading off to Club Tropicana in homage to all the fabulous tropical prints that are flooding the high street, as well as being popular with high end designers. Juicy fruit prints, exotic animal prints, tropical floral prints...what would you choose? I think I would choose them all since I have been going wild on colour recently....seriously wild!

Ultimate: Printed Stretch Mini Dress, Just Cavalli - £450; Damsen Neon Matte-Leather Sandals, Jimmy Choo - £625; Square Frame Acetate and Leather Sunglasses, Bottega Veneta - £695; Can't Clutch This Textured-Leather Clutch, Marc By Marc Jacobs - £245.
TOTAL: £2015

Realistic: Draped Dress, H&M - £19.99; Carvela Jessica Ankle Cuff Heeled Sandals, ASOS - £68; Small Square Sunglasses, Topshop - £16; Hot Pink Suede Envelope Clutch, eBay - £17.90.
TOTAL: £121.89

I love the Just Cavalli dress, but £695 on sunglasses? You would have to be more mentally ill than me to pay that -especially if your likely to sit on them like I am.

What do you think of tropical prints?

Gems x

SCHOOL GIRL CHIC

Yes, I admit that I am a total whore when it comes to leopard print, I am destined to be one of those old ladies dressed head-to-toe in leopard print, taking the crazy cat lady thing to the extreme. But, I have recently developed quite the fondness for tartan - it is school girl fashion but all grown up, so it's not creepy or Japanese anime. As in the word of Peter Griffin - "Everyone in Japan is either a school girl or a monster."

I'm in a bit of a bad/sad mood today because I'm feeling under the weather - the whole head in a vice feeling, does not for a happy Gemma make. I'm also having a bit of an attack of the green eyed monster - no not the hulk, jealousy stupid. It's my older sister's birthday today and she is off on holiday to Lanzarote in a few days. Of course I hope she has a lovely time and a fab birthday, but I o wish it was me.

So happy birthday Rach...

Tartan Dress, Missguided - Similar Here
White Shirt, ASOS - Similar Here.
Faux  Fur Coat, Next - Similar Here.
Over-the-knee Boots, New Look - Similar Here.

What prints are you loving at the minute?

Gems x