GETTING SHIFTY

Eurgh! I can't believe it is Monday again - People often think it must be amazing to work for yourself because you can take the day off whenever you feel like it. That is just rubbish; you actually probably work more than most, because if you don't work you don't get paid. There is no sick pay, no holiday pay and no personal days - before I start taking time off, I better consider whether or not I feel like continuing to enjoy food and shelter.

So this Monday the blues have hit me hard - Monday you can kindly *Bleep* *Bleep* *Bleep* and go *Bleep* yourself right in the *Bleep*. I suppose I can't complain too much, I do something I genuinely love, I wish I just didn't have to do it so blooming often.

So rant over, on the the fashion bit. This is one of my amazing charity shop finds, a gorgeous printed shift dress from Primark that was brand new - tags, little spare button, the lot. It looks better on than I could have hoped and I seriously love the little pockets in the front. Because the print is so beautiful I kept the accessories to a minimum, just adding some studded boots and bag, and a contrasting nail polish.

Faux Fur Coat - Next
Shift Dress - Primark via Charity Shop
Studded Boots - I Don't Remember (Sorry)

HyperGel in Blue Glint - Models Own

How do you guys deal with the Monday Blues?

Gems x

DOPAMINE MAKES ME FEEL GOOD

When you have clinical depression, like I have and still do at times, you have problems with the chemical signalling pathways in the brain. You aren't producing enough of those 'feel-good' neurotransmitters, which leaves you feeling inexplicably down. So, imagine my delight when my boyfriend surprised me with a necklace featuring the chemical structure of Dopamine, one of those feel-good neurotransmitters.

I now always have that little bit of extra feel good when I need it - I seriously almost cried when I opened it, and I am not usually the mushy type. I love the simple silver design and I am going to wear it everyday - so expect to see it a lot. I think he bought it from the I Love Science Store, but they seem to be out of stock, but they do have super adorable Dopamine Earrings, which are on my wishlist for sure.

I think it may be the nicest gift I have ever received, it is both super personal and appeals to my mega nerdy, science-loving side. Go on admit it, I know you're jealous - your envy sustains me :)

Dopamine Necklace - I Love Science Store.
Denim Skater Dress - Primark.

Shoulder-robing like a pro.

Nail Varnish - Aqua Violet Beetlejuice from Models Own.

What has been the best gift you have ever received?

Gems x

NOTHING WRONG WITH CASUAL LOVE!

Sorry for the lack of posting this week, I have been really run down for a few days and really busy for the other few - doesn't it suck when life gets in the way of what you really want to do, like nothing, or being in your pajamas whilst doing nothing, or eating chocolate in your pajamas and doing nothing. You see what I'm trying to say.

Did everyone have a wonderful Easter break? You will still be wiping chocolate off your face if it was truly successful. I do have a question though, how do eggs and rabbits come together? Did the rabbit do it with the chicken to get the chocolate eggs? I bet Keit from Beauty in Insanity has an opinion, she usually has a quirky and unique take on things :)

Anyway on to the fashion bit - the outfits often featured here are fairly smart and pretty, but I am a huge lover of casual fashion, because I am still a tomboy at heart, the one that wore tracksuits and no make-up until I was almost 18. All evidence of those days should be burned. Anyhoo, I do love to sometimes just through on some boyfriend jeans, a vest and some sneakers to mooch around town.

I love my Primark vest, even the fact that my bra kept popping out to say hello, does not put me off it. I do love the odd skull and it is perfect to team with my grungy checked shirt and ripped jeans.

Vest, Primark.
Open Checked Shirt, H&M - Similar Here.
Ripped Boyfriend Jeans, New Look - Similar Here.
Leather-Look Biker, Matalan - Similar Here.

Models Own Ice Neon in Bubblegum - Same Here.
Maybelline Color Show Crystallize in Nearly Black - Same Here.

So what are your casual go-to basics?

Gems x

FASHION AND BEAUTY HAUL AND A BIG THANK YOU

First I have to say a huge thank you for all the really moving responses on my previous post, I was close to tears reading them, as I didn't know how many of you lovely bloggers had and still are struggling with similar issues. I know there is still a stigma attached to mental illness, but it is not something you need to be ashamed of and it certainly does not make you weak or less worthy than anyone else. Never blame yourself, it is not something you do on purpose, it is something that has happened to you that you could not control and keep fighting!

So after that rather serious opening, lets get back to the really important stuff...shopping. The web designer extraordinaire that is my boyfriend thought I deserved a little treat, so he put a few notes in my hand and told me to have a fun afternoon browsing around town.

Of course my first stop was Primark because I have been seriously crushing on their Summer collection, I don't care if ten other girls on the bus will be wearing the same thing, I just have to make sure I wear it with more attitude than anyone else - I'm talking Mick Jagger level attitude. I bought a couple of things, a gorgeous shift dress in a psychedelic neon print and a long-line casual vest in a lovely mint green.

Then I skipped on down to H&M, where ai found a great maxi skirt for just £5.99 - you can't really see it in the picture, but it is mostly sheer with a split on either side, very sexy. Now we just need some sun to I can blind you all with my pearly white legs - look directly at them at your own risk.

 

I'm a huge fan of painting my nails, it breaks up the long days staring at my computer going all fuzzy eyed at the letters swimming off the page, so when I saw that Superdrug had 3 for 2 on all Models Own, I had to pick up a few shades - Blueberry Muffin, Blue Glint one of their Beetlejuice shades. I have to say their Hyper Gel shades are amazing, they feel so smooth and are super shiny!

I have also been really lucky on Ebay and in charity shops recently so stay tuned for another haul post, it may be my last for a while after getting cleared out by bills - being a grown up sucks!

What have you guys been purchasing recently?

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