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

GOING TRIBAL

I'm going to the cinema tonight to see the new Planet of the Apes movie and if someone doesn't say "Get your paws off me you damn dirty ape!" during the film an usher is going to have some popcorn thrown in their face. I'm looking forward to it, and I will be rooting for the apes, but I can see why some of the humans proper hate them - if it wasn't for that virus James Franco made, you would still be flingling your crap at each other, so don't look down your knows at me...ape jerks!

Anyway, I think I was a little late to the tribal/Aztec print party, but I like to think fashionably late - only the nerds without dates get to the party early. I love this smock dress from the Dorothy Perkins sale, which I picked up for just £7, what a bloody bargain. I've worn it a few times and it is so comfortable for this mini heatwave we have been having here in the UK. The only down side of the sun is that I have seen way more man boobs than I am comfortable with, often in shopping centres too - this isn't the Algarve.

Aztec Smock Dress, Dorothy Perkins - Same Here.

 

As you can see, I am still loving my false nails - these black and clitter beautys from the House of Holland collection from Elegant Touch are just amazing and they lasted an amazing 9 days before one popped off when I was changing the bed. So, yes I highly reccommend you give them a look for an instant manicure - I particularly like these Press On Abstract Deco nails, so perfect for summer.

Nails - Royal Explosion by House of Holland for Elegant Touch - Same Here.

Name Necklace, Punky Pins - Same Here
Dopamine Necklace, I Love Science Store - Same Here.

What films have you seen at the cinema recently? I saw The Anomaly with Noel Clarke a few weeks ago and it was the best Sci-Fi film I had seen in a long time, so if you get a chance to see it, I would.

Gems x

P.S. Thanks to all the enteries in my Dorothy Perkins givaway, the winner was Kim N and she has been contacted. She is delighted with her win  he birthday is coming up next month. Congratulations Kim, stay tuned for another giveaway soon.

A BIT OF A BIRTHDAY HAUL

Well I made a bunch of you jealous,  by telling you that the boyfriend took me on a shopping spree for my birthday last week, and since that jealousy totally fuels my power cells, I though I would try and get a bit more by showing you what he bought me.

To be honest, I was pretty disappointed in what the stores had to offer, that could be because it is mid-season and they are trying to get rid of their crap before the new season starts. But, I did get some little gems and the boyfriend was very patient as I dragged him around...

First up is this little jersey skater dress from H&M - I have never been a lover of pink, but I do love the over-sized floral print and deep back. Now I just need some sun to wear it in, oh wait here's some...and it's gone!

Skater Dress, H&M - Same Here.

Next up was Primark, people may not like the whole disposable fashion thing, and that's fine, but my wardrobe would be very empty without it as I don't have a designer budget. Primark is great to pick up those few pieces to boost up your summer wardrobe and this floral shift (which you can see I have already featured here) and a couple of great tops, I particularly love the sporty chiffon number. I was also delighted with my Rolling Stones pajamas, which you can see on my Instagram feed.

Dress and Tops, Primark - In Stores Now

The finally clothing store I had success in was Dorothy Perkins as their sale was on and I can't resist a good rummage and found this lovely smock dress for just £7 in the sale. And don't forget I also got a clutch bag and necklace (not from the sale) that I am giving away, just follow the link to the competition.

Smock Dress, Dorothy Perkins - Same Here.

No birthday would be complete without some books to read over the summer and I have been excited about these 3 for a while, particularly the sequel to The Shining, Dr Sleep. I will be sure to let you know what I think of them when I have read any of them...you can get some really good deals in WH Smith right now, including half price bestsellers.

Finally, I managed to get the lovely bf to buy me a lip scrub from Lush, I had been wanting one for ages and the fact that he thinks they are totally bogus, it was made all the sweeter. The bubblegum one smells divine and I cannot wait to try it...expect a review soon.

Bubblegum Lip Scrub, Lush - Same Here.

Am I lucky or what? What guys have you been buying, or wanting to buy recently?

Gems x

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY - DOROTHY PERKINS CLUTCH AND NECKLACE

It was my birthday yesterday - I turned 31 and I honestly don't know how that happened, I was 19 just yesterday, I'm sure of it - and I was really spoiled, especially by the boyfriend, who took me on a shopping spree and even bought me a couple of things to giveaway on my blog. Did I hit the jackpot or what? And he is younger (not much younger at 29, but I am still counting him as my delicious toy boy).

Amongst the lovely things he bought me that day, included a lovely smock dress from the Dorothy Perkins that was a bargain £7 in the sale. Whilst in there I saw a lovely clutch bag and thought it would be great as a giveaway to my readers because it was a gorgeous colour and perfect for summer. I wanted something a little bit extra to help you lovely people celebrate my birthday with me, so I picked up this matching necklace.

So I'm giving away these two lovely accessories to add a pop of colour to any outfit. The competition is open to international entries and will close on the 22nd of July at 10pm. If you want to win, grab yourself some multiple entries below with the rafflecopter widget...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A winner be chosen at random and will be announced and contacted on the 23rd of July and must respond within 48 hours otherwise another winner will be selected. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Good luck everyone

Gems x

FORGOTTEN OUTFITS OF THE DAY - PART 1

I bet every fashion blogger who reads this post (thanks for stopping by, why don't I see you more often, too good for me now are you?) will have a number of outfit shoots stored away in the hard drives of their computer, destined never to see the light of day, because you just don't think they are good enough. Is that food on my face? When did that happen to my hair? I should have checked my skirt wasn't tucked into my knickers when I left the bathroom.

I have so many of these, but I didn't want to see them go to waste - you're not allowed to waste things these days, it's against the law or something. Soon we will have campaign groups protesting for the forgotten and neglected photographs, rotting away within cameras and computers, just desperate for some love. So at the risk of embarrassing myself and showing you all how crypt keeper-ish I can look when the light hits me wrong, here are some neglected outfit posts...

Wearing sunglasses so large they are almost a comedy novelty and indoors as well, oh Gemma no!
Dress, H&M
Bag, Primark
Necklace, Punky Pins

I seem to recall rejecting these pictures as I though it looked like I had huge clown feet!
Shirt, H&M
Jeans, Dorothy Perkins
Trainers, Converse

 I like everything about this except the jeans, why is the crotch so low? Like seriously!
Shirt, Warehouse.
Jeans, H&M
Loafers Matalan

A top way so see through that your little pot belly is visible - nice job Gemma.
T-Shirt - Primark
Skirt - Discount Store

Drag queen-esque make-up and goofy teeth on show, not the best in beauty!
Top, Primark
Denim Shorts, H&M

I thought this outfit was too boring, but it is my classic everyday style so I feel bad for ignoring it, a little dishonest even.
Shirt, H&M
Jeans, Primark

I was in a blogging funk when these pictures were taken, they never made it out!
Dress, H&M
Creepers, Tribecca Shoes

There are even more forgotten outfits to come, I am so neglectful of my poor pictures. I would love to see some similar posts from fellow fashion bloggers, so find some love for those lost photos an leave me the link.

Gems x

TRENT ALERT - MOODY BLUES

Yes, yes, I now I can be quite the mood cow, but this has nothing to do with my epic tantrums - I just don't see why animals are used in advertising alright, a bumble bee can't use a mobile phone and a dog can't apply for a mortgage, it's just stupid. OK rant over!

The title refers to the beautiful blue shades that are just flooding the high street at the minute and making my empty pockets ache. Gorgeous sky, cornflower and placid blues are everywhere and as they suit most skin tones and pretty much every hair shade, they can be worn by anyone and everyone.

Wear them head-to-toe or just dip a toe in with calming blue accessories. If you are worried about fading into the crowd with too many cooling tones, mix your blues with hot pink and mustard yellows for a real stand out look.

1) Rhinestone Necklace,  Zara.
2) Cross Body Bag with Sleek Curb Chain, ASOS.
3) Cami Dress by TFNC, Topshop.
4) Blueberry Muffin and Cornflower Gleam by Models Own.
5) Blue Leather Trench Coat, River Island.
6) Light Blue Patent Block Heels,  New Look.
7) Pleat Back Top, Warehouse.
8) Blue Cotton Skinny Crop Trousers, Dorothy Perkins.

So what do you think? Will you be joining the blue man group?

Gems x

THE WANDERER RETURNS

I honestly don't know where my blogger mojo has gone. I think with the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy going so well, I have been spending a lot of my free time doing my 'homework'. Those who have had CBT will know what that means, put simply it is practicing doing the things that scare you. It's the best homework I have ever had, I really think I am getting somewhere...no panic attacks for 4 weeks (touch wood).

But, I think it's time for me to really get back into the blogging. It does make me happy to connect with my blogger chums. So I may as well start off with an outfit I wore ages ago, but since winter has lasted literally forever, it is still weather appropriate...This stupid country.

Jumper Tee, Dorothy Perkins - Similar Here.
Shirt, H&M - Same Here.
Leatherette Trousers, H&M - Similar Here.
Spiked Platform - Christmas Gift
Necklace, H&M - Similar Here.

 

Did everyone have a lovely Easter? What did you guys get up to?

I'm glad to be back.

Gems x

LIEBSTER AWARD

I was given a great surprise this morning when the lovely (and I mean seriously lovely) Josie from Josie Loves Shoes nominate me for a Liebster Awards. Josie is one of the nicest girls ever and she is truly inspirational the way she keeps her sense of humour dealing with cystic fibrosis. Not only that, she has a seriously enviable wardrobe, with a stunning collection of Zara shorts and the longest legs to show them off to perfection.

For a few pictures, I thought I would show the outfit that was a guest feature on A Country Girl Does Norfolk, as a figured a few of you may not have seen it...

Dress (worn as top), Sodamix - same here.
Skirt, Primark - similar here.
Necklace, Punky Pins - same here.
Belt, Dorothy Perkins - similar here.

 

So here are the answers to my questions from Josie:

Give me a shoe memory! Favourite pair, first pair, the pair that got away...

I have an extremely long second toe, and I mean extremely long - wearing out my first pair of killer peep toes I was horrifies to see the toe in question was hanging right over the edge of the peep-toe dragging on the pavement.

Cringest moment of your life?

When I was around 14 the family went on holiday to Spain - it was around about the same time I discovered boys. So me and my sister were having a game of pool on the table that was right next to the swimming pool, there was a group of young guys chatting on the sun loungers so I was making an effort to impress them, pretending I was all professional, lining up the perfect shot. I was walking around the table chalking up the cue in a way I though the pro's did it and I walked straight into the swimming pool...fully clothed...complete with cue! The cute boys were laughing so loud I could here it under the water...I should have just drowned myself!

What's your favourite book?

It's a tie between Watership Down and Plague Dogs, both my Richard Adams - I love a good story about plucky animals and each time I read them I am as moved as I was the first time. The end of Plague Dogs never fails to make me cry, if you have read it you will know why!

Favourite Disney character and why?

Well I'm not choosing a cartoon character, I'm choosing a character from one of their live action movies and it has to be Tron, and they why should be obvious...he's awesome!

What's your favourite place to shop?

It changes all the time really, but at the moment it is Triple S (they sell the likes of Glamorous, Motel Rocks, Reverse etc) just because they had an amazing buy one get one free sale on at the weekend and I got 4 amazing pieces for just £10. I almost did a little wee right there in my pants.

Favourite blog right now?

Well apart from Josie Loves Shoes (which I honestly check everyday) it is Fashionalization by the super sweet Emma Gaudet. She is just an ace person in general and her blog is so diverse and interesting - there are outfit posts, inspiration and some wonderful photo shoots with her friends. Great blog from a great girl.

Would you rather snog, marry or avoid an old Jack Nicholson, a chubby Seth Rogan and Jedward?

Well I would have to avoid Jedward if I also wanted to avoid the murder charge. I find Seth Rogan quite annoying too as his only joke is to do with him being a fat loser so he would get the snog so I woudn't have to put up with him for long. And that leaves me marrying an old Jack Nicholson, but since he is ancient he might die soon and as the richest I could be a very well of lady after a few months of discomfort.

Who's your favourite fashion designer? 

It's a hard one, but I am going to say Henry Holland - his collections are fun and quirky and always with heaps of colour. His collections are what I want to wear if I could afford it, instead my current designer of choice is Primarni!

Do you have any pets?

I don't, but I did used to have a hamster called Wispa - he would run around in his wheel so fast that he would get flinged out into the bars of the cage - didn't seem to bother him that much. He is still buried in his little house in the garden of the old house...I hope!

What's your favourite film?

I can't pick just one, so I'm gonna pick the one which I quote the most in my day to day life...Anchorman! “I wanna say something. I’m gonna put this out there if you like it, you can take it, if you don’t, send it right back. I wanna be on you!"

Who's your favourite model?

To be honest I don't know that much about models, weird for a chick with a fashion blog I know, but I never find my inspiration coming from models, because come on, no one is really that attractive. So I'm going to say Naomi Campbell, because I find her diva tantrums hilarious!

OK on to nominating some bloggers myself:

• Fashionalization: Emma is such a sweetie and I'm so jealous of he pixie looks.
• Country Girl Does Norfolk: Sophie is such a fun-loving girl and so genuine, plus she has a great pair of fake litas, stop by and see how she styles them.
• The Brunette Diaries: Lisa has the best collection of girly dresses ever and she has the secret to eternal youth, I'm sure of it!
• Who Is She: Fellow northern girl Ray is a beauty guru, I'm always checking out her blog for advice.

And now for the questions:

• I have a phobia of onions, what is your weirdest phobia?
• What style of clothing, accessory etc would you like to see wiped from the planet?
• You are the Terminator, who's parents do you go after, Justin Beiber's or Hugh Jackman's? - remember they are both terrible, there is no wrong answer here. 
• What is the worst TV show ever and why?
• Most underrated actor/actress?
• What has been your ultimate fashion faux pas?

I'm so looking forward to seeing the answers!

Gems x

FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE

Come on then, who else has completely caught Olympic fever - I feel like I have been waiting for it forever and now it is finally here, it's an awesome feeling. However, during the Opening Ceremony I felt slightly guilty that I had never heard of some of the countries, but I suppose for the next two weeks there is only one country that matters - Great Britain. That is why I decided to go all patriotic on the first day of the sporting activities, with some Red, White and Blue. I added my gorgeous ASOS Union Jack Sunnies just in case I wasn't patriotic enough!

RED shirt, Bershka - same here.
WHITE belt, Romwe - similar here.
BLUE Jeans, Dorothy Perkins - similar here.
Studded Shoes, Matalan - same here.
UNION JACK SUNNIES, ASOS - same here.

 

 

Of course even if the Olympics is on, you can't miss an opportunity to get some sun, so me and the boyfriend went of for a little jaunt. We came across a bit of a food festival at Newcastle Cathedral, we used this as an opportunity to check out the Cathedral as we had never been in before and what an absolutely amazing building - religious or not (I'm not), I would recommend anyone living in or visiting Newcastle to check it out.

Following a cup of tea we checked out some of the stalls in the courtyard and I picked up this lovely little necklace for just £1 - It was made by Jessica Babirye of the Together We Can Project of Kalule Uganda. The proceeds from the sale will help her feed her family and pay their school fees, how wonderful is that?

Since the proceeds from all their little table top sales were going to charity, I also picked up these 5 amazing wooden rings at an epic 50p a piece - aren't they beautiful?

I'll leave by saying, GO TEAM GB! And by saying another thank you to Jessica from Uganda for the necklace.

Gems x