MANICURE MONDAY 01

Those that know me, or follow me on Instagram, will know that I am obsessed with all things nails. The thing is I hardly ever create blog posts about my manicure efforts, eventhough there is barely a day that goes by without me painting my nails (and half my fingers in the process) or popping on some fabulous falsies.

Well, when I picked up this Barry M Silk Polish in Forest, I knew it was blog worthy, as it is bloody beautiful. It applies super smoothly, as you would expect from any Barry M polish and just two thin coats is enough to give a saturated coverage. It dries to a beautiful semi-matte finish, almost like a candy shell, it is just lovely and feels so nice on the nails.

Forest is ther prefect shade for the festive party season with it's deep green metallic shade and subtle glitter flecks that sparkle when they catch the light. I wore the polish like this for a few days, but then the polish started to chip on the ends after washing a mountain of dishes. But I wasn't ready to say goodbye to forest. So I covered the chips with  some silver from Maybelline Color Show and a top coat and the result was dazzling.

My success with Forest has resulted in me lusting over many gorgeous winter shade from Barry M, I am such a nail varnish addict...

1) Silk Effects in Meadow.
2) Chameleon Effect in Blue.
3) `The Royal Textured Glitter Collection in Gold Majesty
4) Nail Paint in Silvery Lilac.
5) Nail Paint in Racing Green.
6) Nail Paint in Raspberry.
7) Nail Paint in Gold Mine.

I hope you liked my first Manicure Monday, there will be plenty more to come as I bought myself a Ciate advent calender from TK Maxx for the bargain prince of £19.99 - it feels like December will never get here. It appears to have sold out online, but if you are lucky you might be able to nab one in store.

Any wintery nail shades you would reccommend?

Gems x

BEETLEJUICE GETS A SECOND OUTING!

It's no secret that I am in love with my black and white striped jeans from Missguided, I have been raving about them at every opportunity - just in case you missed said raves, my bum has never looked so good. So last weekend the Beetlejuice pants were on again, this time going a lot more casual with statement tee and my ever trusty Converse.

Now that I have discovered how versatile these jeans are, I don't think they will be off my legs all summer. Although I'm a little bit nervous a they need their first wash after I was tripped over in the garden by a rather troublesome puppy - I really hope I don't wreck them!

Striped Jeans, Missguided - same here.
Biker Jacket, Matalan - similar here.
Converse - same here.

Dress (worn as top), Sodamix - same here.
Belt, H&M - similar here.
Necklace, H&M - similar here.

Mint Nail Paint, Barry M - same here.
MissBehave Pink Nail Splash, Missguided - same here.

Have I convinced any of you to invest in some striped jeans yet? What about you Miss Country Girl?

It is my birthday on Friday, 29 years old...I'm not even sure how that happened, I was 18 yesterday I'm sure of it :)

Anything big happening to you this weekend?

Gems x

ACCESSORISING APRIL

Throughout April I have been trying to curb my spending since it is a big birthday month - we have had my fabulous sister's 30th, my hero Granda Dava's 80th Birthday and in the first week of May it's Mr Well Done's birthday (how bloody selfish of him), so I've been watching the wallet making sure I can get them the wonderful gifts that they deserve.

Of course, Sods Law dictates that when you can't spend money, you can't stop seeing things that you want to spend money on. But, I was good and instead of buying new outfits that I definitely didn't need, I bought reasonably priced accessories that would change the look of garments that I already had, giving them a fresh feel.

1. Silver Envelope Clutch,H&M
2. NYC Spring Street polish; Collection 2000 Love Your Lips in Passion; Collection 2000, Sherbert Lemon.
3. Snakeskin Woven Straw Clutch, H&M
4. Striped Cotton Scarf, H&M
5.Barry M Mint Green Polish; Rimmel Lasting Polish in Your Majesty.

6. Vintage Beaded Collar

7.) Silver Buckle Bracelet, H&M
8.) Silver Rings, H&M

Also this month I was lucky enough to win a competition this month on Facebook from one of my favourite new bands Clement Marfo & The Frontline, winning a signed T-shirt. It came in the post a few weeks ago, and I can't decide if I should wear it, or keep it safe until they are huge - an investment so to speak. Check out their hit, Mayhem ft Kano - it is one hell of a tune.

So what have you guys been spending your hard earned money on this month?
Hope you all had a fabulous weekend.

Gems x

PERSONAL STYLE VIRGIN!

I have to admit, I am feeling rather nervous getting ready to publish my first ever personal style post - it really is putting your self out there isn't it? Additionally, these pictures were taken quickly with an iphone rushing for a Christening - I do have a digital camera but it is just standard not at all fancy pants. It's a recession don't you know, I need my disposable income to eat (and buy clothes shhhh!).

Any way, enough stalling...please be gentle.

Someone's a little shy!

I really do love this outfit - it is so versatile, swap the shoes for flats and its perfect for a relaxed lunch, or take off the belt for a comfortable cover-up on summer holidays in the sun. I also feel the need to be proud of myself, managing to successfully paint my nails, without having to go through a bottle of nail varnish remover to get rid of the usual plethora of mistakes.

So anyhoo, here is what i wore:
- Leopard print maxi dress with belt from New Look
- Nude studded platforms, an absolute steal from ebay
- Gold croc effect over-sized clutch from ASOS
- Heart perspex ring from H&M
- Personalised necklace from Punky Pins (I never take this off, it was a gift from a dear friend)
- Gold foil effects nail varnish from Barry M

So be honest with me, how did my first personal style post go?

Gems x