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

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

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

STREET STYLIN'

'Flutterby' T-shirt, Percy Cute - Same Here.
Faux Fur Coat, Next - Similar Here.
Faux Leather Trousers, H&M - Similar Here.

So this is where I reveal the extent of my nerdyness - I went to see the first showing of 'The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies' last night at midnight and I have to say it was awesome. All the other midnight showings I have been too, have been really quiet, but this one was packed of Hobbit enthusiasts, but sadly no one dressed as an elf, or orc. So if you do plan on going to see it, I recommend booking in advance.

Anyway to the fashion stuff. This outfit was worn a few weeks ago, whilst the leaves we still clinging onto the trees, as unexplicably as Callum Best clings onto a career. I love simple street style looks, so my Percy Cute 'Flutterby' tee got another outing, teamed with my trust faux leather trews from H&M. As the weather was colder than a witches teat, the faux fur beauty from Next was needed to stop me from complaining all day long.

Is everyone all ready for Christmas? I look at the massive pile of wrapping I have to do, and it makes me want to cry!

Gems x

DUST IN THE WIND

I never told you guys the story about when I got blown over by the wind. About 12 years ago there was a seriously strong wind whipping through the streets of Newcastle - it caused travel disruption, power cuts and a lot of trees suffered its full fury. I was walking from college to the bus stop when an almighty gust of wind whipped me off my feet and threw me unceremoniously to the floor and into a large skip bin.

Cuts all over my face, rips in my jeans and smelly garbage water all over me. I was a bloodied and bruised, and of course pretty darn embarrassed. So I hid behind a little water fountain until my dad came to pick me up, I did my best to walk to the car with dignity, but I'm not sure I really pulled it off.

Fluffy Jumper, AX Paris - Same Here.
Shift Dress, Primark.
Biker Jacket, Matalan - Similar Here.

I can laugh about it now, but I still get a little bit wary when the wind starts whipping up. A little thing like me can get swept up into the clouds never to be seen again. Luckily on a recent super windy day in The Toon, I was lucky enough to survive with my feet on the ground, although I did look a little windswept at times.

I think I have my winter laying sorted, with a cosy cropped jumper worn over one of my dresses with some thermal tights. I might have to let my dresses go soon, but I'm not ready to yet, besides I was informed by Etail PR that I won a dress of my choice from Hybrid (as well as some Wonderful Hair products) and I chose an amazing faux leather gun metal shift dress...I can't wait for it to arrive!!

How do you layer up for winter?

Don't forget there is still time to enter my competition to win a bundle of beauty goodies.

Gems x

FLORALS FOR TOMBOYS

There is so many super gorgeous florals in the shops right now for the Autumn/Winter season., but as a former tomboy, I really struggle with them. Sometimes when I think about myself and how I look, I still see the sixteen year old, round glasses wearing, bad-skinned uber nerd, who had the curves of a ruler. That Gemma wore nothing but tracksuits (the baggier the better) and was painfully shy - she would neer have worn a pretty floral dress, just in case someone noticed her.

Floral Dress, Ribbon @ Bank - Similar Here.
Biker Jacket, Matalan
Necklace, Oasap - Similar Here.
Stiudded Bag, Birthday Gift

Even now, if I try anything too feminine on, I feel incredibly uncomfortable - like how I imagine a dog feels when it is forced to wear a dress. You have to wrestle that dog into the dress and then it spends the rest of the day looking miserable!

I wear a lot of dresses, but none of them are too girly - no frills, never any lace or crochet details, and anything with sequins is out. I tend to go for bold prints, denims and something with a bit of edge. That doesn't mean I can't do florals, I just make sure I accessorise with leather and studs to keep my tomboy vibe. I tend to avoid feminine colours and dainty prints too - My goal is never to be called 'A Lady', it would feel like an insult.

I loved this Ribbon dress from Bank on first sight. The fit accentuates what little curves I have, and the neon print, whilst being floral, is not in the slightest bit girly.

What are you're tips for wearing Autumn Florals?

Don't forget to enter my UK Giveaway for beauty goodies.

Gems x