THROWBACK THURSDAY - ULTIMATE SCIENCE NERD AND MENTAL ILLNESS

Some of you may know that I am a huge science nerd, I love all things science with a particular fondness for Biology (I have a first class degree in Applied Biology) and space. Following the end of my degree in 2006, I was immediately offered a PhD is genetics. I was of course delighted and the first year, was one of the greatest years of my life. It is funny how much you can feel you achieve when working in a lab everyday, toiling over experiments. I was even chosen to be the face of Postgraduate science for the Northumbria University prospectus (even though they spelled my name wrong and put the incorrect PhD).

Unfortunately, about 18 months in I had a nervous breakdown and I didn't recover in time to complete my PhD. It is my greatest disappointment in life and something I wish I could forget about and leave behind- losing a dream career in science is something I may never get over. But, I have to keep thinking about it, to see how far I have come with my battle with mental illness.

These days, thanks to a supportive boyfriend and family and an amazing course of therapy, I made another of my dreams come true, to be a self-taught professional copywriter and now I write about science and fashion for a living on a number of platforms. One of my favourites is for a site called Femside, because I have total control over what I write.

Although I will probably battle with mental illness my whole life (I'm still on two kinds of medication), I smile a lot more, look a lot healthier and I genuinely love life once again. And although I don't have many friends now (it's hard to stay connected with people when your ill), I hope to meet lots of new people in the future :).

If you are struggling with mental illness, there is no reason to feel ashamed and you can find information and support with the wonderful charity, Mind.

Keep Dreaming Lovelies.

Gems x

SCHOOL GIRL CHIC

Yes, I admit that I am a total whore when it comes to leopard print, I am destined to be one of those old ladies dressed head-to-toe in leopard print, taking the crazy cat lady thing to the extreme. But, I have recently developed quite the fondness for tartan - it is school girl fashion but all grown up, so it's not creepy or Japanese anime. As in the word of Peter Griffin - "Everyone in Japan is either a school girl or a monster."

I'm in a bit of a bad/sad mood today because I'm feeling under the weather - the whole head in a vice feeling, does not for a happy Gemma make. I'm also having a bit of an attack of the green eyed monster - no not the hulk, jealousy stupid. It's my older sister's birthday today and she is off on holiday to Lanzarote in a few days. Of course I hope she has a lovely time and a fab birthday, but I o wish it was me.

So happy birthday Rach...

Tartan Dress, Missguided - Similar Here
White Shirt, ASOS - Similar Here.
Faux  Fur Coat, Next - Similar Here.
Over-the-knee Boots, New Look - Similar Here.

What prints are you loving at the minute?

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

PRETTY IN PAISLEY

Don't you just love Ebay, I can spend hours browsing the dresses people are selling to see if they have one for me. The only thing that can put a dampner on it is if you get stuck in a bidding war - just because someone else is bidding on something you have a minor interest in, you end up bidding like a madwoman, yelling "You're not gonna beat me, you bitch!" at your computer. Then your stuck with a sequin dress that is horrible that you're never going to wear and that you have paid way to much for.

Anyway, I had a lost this H&M dress on Ebay three times before I final won it for the bargain price for £3.70. It is in perfect condition and was perfect for a meal out for my Mum's boyfriend's birthday - I was so chuffed that I didn't slop food or curry all over it, which was a bit of a miracle with the way I went to town on some lamb chops.

Paisley Dress, H&M via Ebay - Similar Here.
Clutch Bag, Next - Similar Here
Shoes, Next - Similar Here.

 

Have any of you had some great Ebay purchases recently?

Gems x

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

SPACE NAILS

Sorry for a little bit of an absence over the last week, I have just been absolutely snowed under with work and things to do, I haven't had any spare time to sit down and blog, which sucks. That is one of the hard things about being a freelancer, if you don't work, you don't get paid, so you don't get a lot of time to yourself. On the other hand, it does make you more appreciative of your evenings relaxing and long Sunday afternoon snoozes (no one can snooze like me).

So with some of my precious time to myself, I decided to mess about with my nails and try a little something different. Inspired by Channel $'s recent 'Space' season (how amazing was the live lap around the planet, courtesy of the International Space Station), I went for sparkly black and silver together. The pictures were taking after I removed the nail varnish from all over my hand...seriously it was everywhere, I'm the twitchiest, shakiest person I know.

 

So If you haven't already guessed, I'm a total space nerd, what brings out you're inner nerd?

Gems x

A QUICK HAUL

I haven't been out shopping for ages, so when I finally had a little bit of spare cash, I looked forward to a relaxing afternoon in town, picking up a few bits and bobs for myself. I wasn't armed with much money, but there was enough to keep the cobwebs in my purse and pocket company.

As is always the case, whenever you have money, there is so little you want to buy, so I ended up getting the boyfriend a jumper and a huge bag of liquorice, because I'm sweet that way. Not that sweet though, because sheer perseverance saw me finding a few things that I did like enough to part with money, I don't spend willy nilly (hehe) like I used to.

How cute is this denim skater dress and it was only £5 in the Primark sale, I've worn it already and it does look lovely on.

 

I'm a sucker for a good racer back vest, so it better be warm this summer so I can wear this Cheap Monday beauty I picked up from TK Maxx for £7 (that's right just £7). TK Maxx is seriously stocking the hotness right now...

I fancied some nail candy and I am a big fan of the Maybelline Color Show polishes at just £3 a pop, they are great quality, So I picked up a couple of sparkly shades..

 

And since it is almost Easter and I don't so much as have a sweet tooth as a sweet lower jaw, I had to get a bag of Cadburys Mini Eggs for weekend munching!

 

What have you guys been buying recently? Or munching on anything delicious?

Gems x