GREY DOUBLE DENIM

Snapback - Raccon Brand
Grey Denim Shirt and Jeans - Primark
Biker Boots - New Look

Sorry it has been so long. I had been working very hard to make sure I could make Christmas pretty special, and it was. I've also been spending a lot of time with my niece, which has been the most special thing of all. She can pee, poop and vomit all over me, and I still think she is the cutest thing alive - that must be the definition of real love. She even gets bits of my pizza, my actual pizza...and you know how I feel about melted cheese.

Well fashion wise, I have been dressing down a lot. With no man to pretend I want to impress, with increasing laziness, it is so much more desirable to throw on jeans, as opposed to carefully planning out an outfit, and perhaps having to use the iron....the horror.

How was Christmas and New Year for all my blogger chums?

Gems x

WINTER IS COMING

How do I know when winter has arrived? I start tucking my tops into my underwear, instead of just my trousers, as I feel like I need that extra layer of protection. Winter is here, as my tops are now all firmly tucked into my knickers to prevent any drafts, or as my grandma used to say "cold on your kidneys" - she didnt like those low slung jeans me and my sister wore in our teenage years.

So the parka has come has come out of storage (i.e. where it has been crammed under my bed), the biker boots are on, and the wooly hats that make me feel like a cute little gnome adorn my head daily...I don't deal well with the cold, or the heat for that matter, like a typical Brit. I want to be room temperature at all times...I'm not your typical Geordie that will go out without a coat on in a blizzard, well not anymore.

Parka, Noisy May - Similar Here.
Tartan Tee, Select -  Similar Here.
Faux Leather Trousers, H&M - Similar Here
Biker Boots, New Look - Similar Here.

Wrap up because, Baby it's cold outside...

Gems x

HILLBILLY TUXEDO

The double denim look - also known as the hillbilly tuxedo (sorry Cletus) has always been a look that has passed me by. Because I have huge teeth, I often feel like I look goofy enough, without taking on the hillbilly favourite, denim just everywhere. A stick of corn in my mouth and an attractive cousin by my side and I would be all set. Am I sterotyping a bit?

Denim Shirt Dress (tucked in), Boohoo - Same Here.
Skinny Jeans -Primark

 I'm sorry for the poor quality pictures - I think I have lost my confidence in front of the camera, convinced I am losing my looks as each ay of my 30's progresses. Soon I will become Mrs Havisham-esque - hiding away in a darkened room, covered in dust and a raggedy wedding dress that I will never wear up an aisle, as no man would ever marry my ugle ass.

I also have a double denim look in all grey, you know that colour that really suits my littering personality.

Does double denim work for you? How do you wear it?

Gems x

WHAT'S IN A NAME

As regular readers will know, earlier this year I became an Auntie for the first time, and it has easily been the best thing that has happened to me so far in my life. So when a few months ago, my sister asked me if I would be a Guide Parent for little Imogen at her Naming Day, I was pee-in-my-pants delighted. The little cutie pie means the world to me, and I love spending time with her, she is such a character and she makes me laugh constantly.

For the special occasion I wore a lovely blue lace dress from Missguided and surprised myself by reading the promises I'd written without any nerves, in front of a lot of people.

In case anyone needs some inspiration for naming day promises, why not take a little look at mine...prepare for epic soppyness...

Imogen, first of all I promise my love, complete and unconditional. I promise to nurture your interests and inspire you're imagination, and to be your partner in crime.

When you need to rest your head, I promise to lend you my shoulder to lean on. When you need someone to hear you, I promise to lend you my ears. And when you need comfort I promise to always open my arms to you.

I promise that your laugh will be my greatest joy, and to watch you grow is my greatest privilege. And finally, I promise that you inspire me to be a better person, so I can be the role model you deserve.

I love you my little chicken.

Auntie Gems x

THAT CHEEKY RACCOON

I've made no secret of my love for American Streetwear label, Raccoon Brand. I'm a big fan of those cheeky raccoons, and all the mischeivious antics they get up to. I have plenty of garms from the uber cool brand, but my all time favourite has to be this chilled out smoking dude, despite the fact that he is way cooler than I am - I would describe my level of coolness as 'Hobbit Enthusiast'.

Cardigan, F&F - Similar Here.
Jeans and Belt - Primark

I've learned to accept that I'm never going to be one of the cool kids - I watch documentaries on electricty...for fun, have an obsession for anime, and read science fiction novels, as well as gushing to anyone who will listen about the latest scientific discoveries. Look at this hi-res picture of Pluto...LOOK AT IT!!!

Speaking of being a book worm, I'm looking for some new book suggestions, something a little different. Let me know in the comments.

Gems x

CASUALLY GREY

You will have to excuse the terrible quality of these pictures, I just once again found my camera and I'm not used to the lighting in my new place. That really isn't my own angellic glow floating around me, I just think the light was too bright behind the camera.

I still am an angel though, I gave an old woman five pence to pay for her purchase in Wilko last week, totally because I am a good person, not because I was getting impatient with the amount of time she spent slowly going through her coin purse, irritating the crap out of me and everyone else in line.

Jeans and T-Shirt - Primark
Necklace and Belt - H&M
Boots - Don't Remember

Since I've moved, money has been a little bit more on the tight side - nothing to keep the cobwebs in my pocket company - but, since I lost a lot of weight on the heartbreak diet in the new year, I am in desperate need of new clothes. So these acid wash grey jeans were a bargain at £7 from Primark, as well as the £1.80 t-shirt. I've never been prouder to look so cheap.

I keep saying I'm going to inject some colour into my wardrobe and end up with grey - it's a good match for my glittering personality. Any recommenadations for boosting my wardrobe for little cost?

Gems x

SHE'S SO BARDOT

Bardot Dress, Belt and Earrings, New Look.
Heels, Primark.

It's not often you see scruffy old me all dressed up, so you really should make the most of this one - Gemma looking all sophisticated, is rarer than Kanye "I'm a lyrical genius" West being humble. But since I was going to a wedding, I didn't think casual jumpsuits, or teenage streetwear, would cut the mustard. So I went for a pretty dress, heels and I'm even wearing earring...in my actual ears, can you believe it?

I caught a guy at least twice my age, starring at the butt in a mirror as I walked, so I'm gonna count that as a win.

How are my little lovelies doing? I hope you have been enjoying the sun, at the expense of your career like me!

Gems x

CREATIVES 01 - PERCYCUTE

Wearing the 'FlutterBy' Tee.

So starts my series of interview features of independent creatives - the brands, musicians and artists that don't get the support they so deserve, because they don't have a bottomless marketing budget.

I've made no secret of my love of streetwear (I will be dressing like a teenage skater until I'm 60), so when the lovely Karl, founder of one of my favourite independent brands PercyCute agreed to a feature, I was pretty delighted.

The streetwear brand creates unisex tees, tanks, sweats and jackets, with totally unique prints, sketched and designed by the man himself. Sometimes controversial, but always a conversation starter, it's streetwear for those who aren't afraid to make a statement and stand out. Let's get on to the questions...

How did it all begin for Percycute?

I have been a taxi driver for the past 20 years and in this time I have always drawn even while waiting between jobs in my taxi. My sketches became more intricate, so much so that people would get in my cab to see what I had been drawing. Many times people asked why I was driving a cab when I can draw like I do . So about 7 years ago  I decided to go back to college to study graphic design. I graduated 3 years later and then decided to try freelancing my skills as an illustrator, within this time I was getting more requests to provide t-shirt designs for other companies. After a year of this I decided maybe I should produce my own garments with designs on that did not conform to other peoples briefs, basically use my own imagination to produce what I wanted to produce, without limitation. The name Percy Cute comes form the word persecute which means to oppress as I felt I oppressed in my skills for such along time that the name suited the company I was starting. 

You're designs are seriously original, where do you find your inspiration?

The inspiration for the designs come from everyday experiences and my imagination - most of the designs have hidden meanings especially the intricate ones . Although I do find people see completely different meanings in them, as I tend to use objects to portray a feeling or word which are associated to the title of the design.

My favourite design is 'Spaceman'. Do you have an all time favourite?

My favourite design is my gorilla really its a self portrait , if you look at him he’s slightly moody with a could not care less attitude.

Karl's favouurite design, the 'Gorilla'

Streetwear is so huge right now, how will you make sure that Percycute stands out from the crowd?

I'm never concerned about what other companies do, but I do appreciate others work and my favourite brand are Hubert & Calvin . I don’t look to stand out, I look to produce the artwork that I love and put that on a garment and hope that makes me more appealing than others. The designs are all limited editions, I only make 30 of each design before I re-draw, change or retire the design.

Your brand is brimming with attitude, who would you love to see rocking your pieces?

I have had a few celebrities wear my designs but I suppose I would like to see Zayn Malik wearing them, and I know this sounds bizarre, but watching his desire for his artwork really hits home with me and of course he has a massive following. Sportsman wise, obviously Mr Beckham would be amazing and I would love Pharrell Williams to shine in a few.

What's next for Percycute?

Next on the agenda are caps - a few alternative cap designs along with the expansion of full all over prints. As for the company, the aim is to get the brand in as many independent shops as possible and make the general public aware of what we do .

I certainly can't wait for the introduction of caps, I'm a huge fan of a good snap back. Until then, I've picked out some of my favourite PercyCute pieces...

1.) My Headspace Vest.
2.) Grey Skull Jacket.3.) Bleeding Rose.
4.) Love All.
5) Spaceman.
6.) Effing Care Bear Vest.
7.) Gorilla Sweatshirt.
8.) Flutterby 1969.

Be sure to visit the PercyCute website and check out this awesome streetwear label's social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Stay tuned for the next installement of the next installment of the 'Creatives' series.

Gems x

FORGOTTEN OUTFITS OF THE DAY: PART 3

I know I've been a terrible blogger of late, especially to all of my lovely girls, you know who you are. I guess I have just been focusing on other aspects of my life - work, new friendships and thinking about all the things I need before moving into the new place. On what planet is an iron a fun purchase? And thinking about decorating just sends me into panic mode, everytime I'm in the wallpaper section of B&Q I want to crawl into the foetal position, until someone picks for me.

I'm still in need of a new photographer so there are no new outfit posts for me to share with you right now, so i't time for another batch of pictures that were rejected because I hated my face. But, to treat you to something new, here is a picture of me, dressed as Jareth, The Goblin King from Labyrinth...just something I wear om your average Tuesday...

Seriously, I would wear this everyday - why did the pirate shirt ever go out of fashion? Anyway, back to the non-ridiculous (well mostly)...

Feeling a little like a French Prostitute in: Dress, H&M

Being annoyed by the wing in : Jacket, USC
Preppy Tee, Primark
Leatherette Trousers, H&M

Showing some cat lady chic in: Coat, Next
Tie Dye Dress, Primark
Leatherette Trousers, H&M
Satchel, Next.

Playing in the old back yard in: Dress, H&M
Leatherette Jacket, Matalan.
Jumper, Dorothy Perkins
Belt, New Look

Sucking in, wearing the world's tightest pants from H&M
Sporty Tee and Bag, Primark.
Leatherette Jacket, Matalan.

Any suggestions on where I could find a new photographer, and how many outfit posts do you dismiss?

Gems x

CHEEKY

This outfit is a fairly old one, before I had the haircut, but I'm still in need of a new photographer. Applicants will be greatly recieved, preferably non creepy or at least only marginally creepy, no photoshopping my head onto naked bodies, unless the body is better than mine of course.

By the way, if you get a chance to try some Persian food, you need too. People may tell you that garlic has become your main scent, but it is totally worth that, and the meat sweats that come with it.

Any other world foods I should be trying.

Gems x