ULTIMATE AND REALISTIC - MARCH 2014

'I LOVE YOU MAM' EDITION

Mother's Day is coming up, and whilst I still have no idea what to get her, I still wanted to pay tribute to her in my own way. I know everyone says that their mum is the best and for them that is probably true, but my mum (or mam as us Geordies say) really is the best. During my struggles with mental illness she was always there to take care of me - she made a lot of sacrifices and I am incredibly grateful.

I joke a lot of the time with my mam about her fashion choices - it's not that they are bad, she always looks great to me, but she does kind of stick to her trademark look. Then again, she has found a style that works for her and sticks with it, there is nothing wrong with that, and she has certainly had less fashion disaster than me, who can't stick to one look.

My mam loves a good pair of black trousers and all things monochrome, so inspired by that (and the fact that I love my mam a great deal), here is my Ultimate and Realistic wish lists for March 2014. However, since I am a leather fiend, I had to choose leather, instead of a simple black pair of tailored trousers....

Ultimate: Cycle Printed Stretch-Organza Top, Dion Lee £425; Leather Trousers, J Brand £879; Typhoon Leather Pumps, Jimmy Choo £450; Flower Clasp Leather Clutch, Red Valentino £396; Windows Gold-Tone Resin Ring, Marc By Marc Jacobs £50.
TOTAL: £2,200

Realistic: Imitation Leather Trousers, H&M £24.99; White Blurred Zebra Print Woven Vest, River Island £16; Upper East Pointed Court Shoes By CJG, Topshop £115; Pink Oval Diamante Clutch, Quiz £29.99; Black and Gold Raised Diamond Ring, New Look £4.99.
TOTAL: 190.97

A saving of a measly £2,000, it's hardly worth it! I actually prefer the shoes from Topshop, but if I has the money I know I would splurge on a pair of Jimmy Choo's, not to wear I'd wreck them, but just to look at and show people that came round.

So what has been on your wishlist this March.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Gems x

ULTIMATE AND REALITSTIC - JUNE 2012

Regular viewers of my blog will know that each month I like to put together little collages of my current wishlists - one collage covers what I would buy if money was no object, the 'Ultimate'; and the other collage covers what my actual budget could stretch to, the 'Realistic'. This month I have been lusting after little leopard print sundresses - easy to dress up and easy to dress down, just need the sun to put his hat on and come out to play!

In June, I have decided to create the Realistic wishlist out of pieces that can be found within your local supermarket - why not get a cute little dress or rocking pair of shoes while buying that loaf of bread, they are just as essential I would say!

The Realistic (All supermarket finds)
Animal Print Sundress, George @ Asda - £12; Pretty Polly Animal Print Tights, Tesco - £10; Pretty Polly Back-seam Tights, Tesco - £6; Yellow Bandeau Bikini Top, George @ Asda - £2.50; TIA by Made Triple Ring, and Hammered Brass Ring Tesco - £6 and £4; Metallic Tote Bag, Tesco - £12.50; Ella Shoes Metallic Peep-Toe Heels, Tesco - £22.
Total: £75

The Ultimate (All Net-A-Porter finds)
Leopard Print Cotton Blend Jersey Dress, Matthew Williamson - £395; Seamed 15 Denier Stockings, Agent Provocateur - £25; Tiger Printed Tights, Wolford - £35;  Jonny D Ruched Bandeau Bikini Top, Norma Kamali - £170; Hinged Rose Gold-Plated Crystal Ring, Eddie Bongo - £365; Stacy Brass Snake Ring, Chloe - £175; Large Chelsea Leather Shoulder Bag, MICHAEL Michael Kors - £295; Idochine Leather and Patent Wedge Sandals, Camilla Skovgard - £395.
Total: £1855

If truth be told, the 'Ultimate' wishlist is probably never going to be within my grasp, I earn less money than i could in sacrifice to do what I love, so I think for that I can accept the 'Realistic' wishlist. Still it's nice to dream...


What be on your ultimate wishlist if money was no object?

If you want to know what I have been liking, loving and loathing this month, head on over to Futures to check out my Guest Post!

And finally before I go, don't forget to enter my Very First Giveaway, that is open internationally!

Gems x

THE ULTIMATE AND THE REALISTIC - MAY 2012

So this month (after Accessorising April was a huge success), that I was going to only boost my wardrobe with purchases and bargains from ebay. I was doing seriously well picking up three great dresses - one half price from the Boohoo outlet, a monochrome scarf printed dress from New Look for 99p and a draped black Berska dress, with studded shoulders for just £1.20 (they will feature in a post soon I promise).

My big mistake was to think that I could indulge in a bit of 'harmless' screen shopping - I would like to say that I felt guilty buying the dress and tights from Missguided, oh and the shoes from ASOS (least they were in the sale), but I don't...not even a little bit, I wore them all together and I felt great in them and I get to share the look with you in my next outfit post...so that makes it OK right?

So to make up for my digressions from the plan, I am going to construct my realistic wish list for May, entirely from bargains to be found on ebay...it was actually easier than I thought!

The Realistic (all ebay remember)

MTV Leopard Print Vest - £4.99; Silver Metallic Jeans - £24.99; Studded Cuff - £2.65; Faux Suede Leopard Platforms - £18.55; Pink Silver Studded Bag - £19.99; Double Cross Ring - £1.99.

TOTAL: £73.16

The Ultimate

Wildfox Love is Everything Tee - £65.00; Rag & Bone Metallic Zebra Legging - £158.00; Felder Felder Taupe Gold Spike Bracelet - £95.00; Vagabond Conga Flatform Sandals - £65.00; Rebecca Minkoff Wallet Bag with Studs - £145.81; RP/Encore Carrot Spike Rings - £75.00 for silver/quartz.

TOTAL: £472.81

I'm really loving all my ebay picks, the pink studded bag and MTV tee may just have to be purchased immediately (I have an addiction, I need help). Still if I had the money, I would replace my entire wardrobe with Wildfox pieces - the LA brand only made it onto my radar this week after discovering it on the gorgeous Tessa-Jay's blog Circa Now. Check her out, she is a dream!

So what is on your wishlist this month?

Any fab ebay bargains to share?

Gems x

THE ULTIMATE & THE REALISTIC - APRIL 2012

With any spare five minutes that I have, I will be browsing the internet checking out all the latest fashions. I would liken it to a yo-yo dieter longingly browsing the bakery, or a pyromaniac in a match factory - the ultimate tease and temptation. However, every now and then I come across a little gem that isn't way out of my price range, and that I wouldn't be to afraid to wear - the new attainable and realistic loves of my life.

So without further ado, I share with you all the things I have been drooling over this month...maybe get a bib ready :)

Ultimate Wish List - April 2012

1. Holly Fulton Avalon Print Dress
2. Angel Jackson  Papilio Attatche
3. Charlotte Olympia Priscilla in Stripes
4. Acne Mape Leather Jacket
5. Linda Farrow Luxe Python Cats Eye Sunglasses
6. AG Highlight Blue Stilt Jean.

Realistic Wish List - April 2012

1. New Look Limited Edition Two Tone Dress
2. Romwe Skull Texture Black Clutch
3. Dune Donald High Vamp Peep Toe Shoes
4. H&M Leather Jacket
5. Romwe Oversized Round Sunglasses
6. Rare Printed Shirt
7. Topshop Moto Metallic Pewter Leigh Jeans
8. Firetrap Bella Floral Maxi Dress

What have you guys been lusting after this so far this month?
I hope everyone out there has a very Happy Easter - bring on the chocolate! Anyhoo, must dash off to get ready, going out for my sister's 30th birthday tonight. Have a fab weekend!

Gems x

RELIGION - SPRING/SUMMER 2012

I have never really considered myself to be a religious person, but I certainly would worship at the alter of cult British fashion label Religion. With collections inspired by international street culture and the grungy style of East London, Religion have the key to my fashion heart - edgy, distressed and innovative silhouettes. It's fashion for the rock star that lies within. Here are some of my favourite looks from their latest collection, Spring/Summer 2012.

The icy blue dress with delicate drapery is definitely on my wish list, what are your favourite pieces?
I hope all of you have had a wonderful weekend and are ready (as you will ever be) for Monday!

Gems x