Wednesday 29 May 2013

Selfridges Summer Beauty Bazaar 2013

Last Thursday night I was lucky enough to go to the Summer beauty event at Selfridges in the Trafford Centre. My friends mum was going to pick up some bits so it turned into a girly night with lots of money spent and a well deserved Nandos. Now, the Selfridges beauty hall is hotter than the sun. So I usually can't spend more than five minutes in there without running for any air conditioned shop I can find, even if it is some properly chavvy shop. But with the offer of freebie products, free make overs and facials, snow cones, popcorn and smoothies, I had to stay until they were dragging us out. (Not really, spicy chicken was calling my name). I didn't really go in the home of getting anything but I picked up a fair bit, including some freebies! My first round of freebies were lots (about ten) of perfume testers which have found their way into my office drawer. Next up I found the Nars counter and with my ten pound off voucher I picked up my favourite base, their tinted moisturiser, and my first Nars Multiple. I opted for Orgasm as I thought the colour would be best for Summer and the highlighter would come in handy. I then headed to Chanel where I bought my first Chanel lipstick, obviously a classic red. I couldn't go wrong. I then picked up a Nails Inc colour, they're my favourite nail polish brand really, their polishes are so easy to use. This pale grey purple is perfect for the office. My last stop was Bobbi Brown. I've recently run out of erase paste and wanted to try a new concealer. I like potted concealers for some strange reason, and this comes with a little setting powder. Now onto more freebies I won some L'ancome toner in a lucky dip they had going on, but my friends mum won this cleanser. I jumped at the chance to swap as I have millions of un used toners as I always go back to the same ones. And I love a good cleanser, so that was amazing. She also kindly gave my some very pricy Creme de la Mer to try. So I feel proper posh upmarket slapping that on me face! It was a great girly evening, and would recommend it to anyone if they hear of one coming up in their area! 

Gem xo

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Birthday Dress

So today is my birthday. I've had a really lovely day with my parents. I went to Birmingham and I made a few cheeky purchases and finished the day with a good ol' Wagamamas courtesy of the bank of the parentals. But first I thought I'd share the dress I bought myself for my birthday. I bought it with mind of going out on a night out. I originally bought it thinking it was going to be a lot shorter, as ASOS Curve describe it as a t-shirt dress. Now I did size up as I wanted it a bit baggier, but I'm fairly tall. At 5ft 7/8 dresses are usually a tad short over the bum area and on my legs. But this dress is super long. As you can see it's much more like a midi dress. I was initially annoyed as I thought, great I'm going to have to alter it. But after trying it on, I really like this style and length of dress. It clings to me in all the right places. And I hate to use the word but it ends at a really flattering length just below my knees. I know I'll definitely be able to wear it in summer without tights as I dislike getting my thighs out. But yes, well done ASOS Curve your cock up has provided me with a perfect dress! I love the skull print, and the as you know I love a good grey marl! Anyway I paired it with my chelsea heeled boots, a must for a night out as the only heels I'll wear out now as they're the only ones I can walk in! And a chunky necklace. I must say I do think this dress suits me! I am looking forward to sharing my birthday purchases. Including a not so quiet orange Zara bag! Happy Birthday to me woohooo.
Dress - ASOS Curve
Necklace - Dorothy Perkins
Tights - M&S
Boots - ASOS

Gem xo


Saturday 25 May 2013

Mirror Image

Woooo, the sun is out today! Me and my mum went out for a lovely summer shop around bolton, had some lovely lunch in the sun and I bought some summer accessories, so I might do a haul to show off the bits and pieces I've bought for summer. Anyway I wore this in the week. It's the oversized shirt I bought from H&M last week, and it's super comfy. I sized up a couple sizes so I could wear it as a kind of dress with tights, it just covers my bum though. A few years ago I'd be all up for the shortest skirt ever, but as I've got older I prefer a longer skirt, so I may have to wear a little black tube skirt underneath to cover my modesty. I was wearing it with skinnies and boots to balance out the baggy top. I really like the print, and I'm still not out of wearing black and white! I'm searching for neon and bright colours to brighten up my wardrobe a little! A bit like this necklace, also from H&M! 
Jeans - Dorothy Perkins
Necklace & Top - H&M
Boots  - Topshop
Knuckle Ring - Past Times

Gem xo


Wednesday 22 May 2013

Brown Paper Bag

So like all bloggers, I love Topshop boots, and I am no exception to this rule. I am also no exception to the love of Zara bags rule. The majority of bloggers love a good Zara bag, they're practical, but simple and usually very easy to wear and use. So I've been lusting after this cute roll up bag for a while now. I love the way it looks like a brown paper bag, and is so simple. It has a few compartments in the inside, for phone and keys, and can fit in a few make up items, a purse and a small perfume before it looks ready to burst! It's perfect for summer teamed with a pretty denim shirt and dress, and I'm looking forward to wearing it out!  The only thing is, it's one of the smallest bags I've had for a while and I'm over filling it so it won't roll down. But that's my fault and I'm learning to travel light! But I've added it to my little Zara bag collection and I have no regrets. Now all I need is that orange one I featured in my birthday wish list! 
Bag - Zara

Gem xo

Monday 20 May 2013

Boom!


Anddddd we're back. I've been doing a six in five at work so I let my blogging slip a little. I found some time this weekend, between dressing up like a man, cooking a three course meal and baking macaroons to take few outfit photos. I went on a solo shopping trip on Saturday round my little local Warrington town centre. I don't mind Warrington, it has a great selection of shops holding clothes for the fatties. H&M hold a great plus section, there's a big Dorothy Perkins, Evans which is always stocking little gems, Next for splurges and pretty purchases, and a good M&S which I love for staples like knits and t-shirts. (There are loads more shops but these are the ones I frequent most). But I noticed on Saturday they'd opened a very large New Look. So I went in with high hopes that they'd have a good Inspire section, or some over sized bits I could squeeze into. And they did! Tucked away at the back. All untouched and neat. If I hadn't already picked up a work dress and oversized shirt from H&M I'd have been in my element. So if any plus sized ladies are in Warrington, there are some great shops you can actually try clothes on in, and shops that are catering for us finally! Anyway this is what I wore to ramble around the shops, unmithered, and with no one to make me feel guilty. I can't stop wearing monochrome. But I thought this t-shirt was a great fun, casual way of wearing the trend. I've seen a few comic themed dresses, but I thought this oversized t-shirt was lovely. I wore it with my trusty black skinnies and boots. But I think it'll look lovely tucked into a pencil skirt for a night out. Wow! I've gone on and on tonight. Must have wanted to share all my life with you!
T-shirt - Primark
Jeans - Dorothy Perkins
Boots - Topshop
Necklace - Primark

Gem xo



Tuesday 14 May 2013

Tempting Fate

I took these photos last weekend on the bank holiday when it was super hot and sunny. So I think I tempted fate as at this particular moment in time it is pissing it down outside my window. I feel like sometimes all I do is wonder what I can wear that will cover all seasons. This morning I left the house without a coat or umbrella. Silly me. For this reason, tomorrow I am filling my bag and car with different weather appropriate shoes, a couple of jackets should the temperature drop and I need to layer, and three umbrellas, well just for the fun of it all really. Major white whine going on here! Anyway when we had that glorious summer (two whole days) I managed to wear my old favourite. I have shown this dress before but I accessorised it differently with a cropped cardigan and boots. This time I wore a cute lace crop top to add some different texture to the outfit, bare legs, and pretty sandals. I've had these sandals years and they're still going strong. But I do need to buy some more. I do think I'll shop at New Look as they offer a great selection and good prices. And they have some really pretty ones on the website! Anyway I think this will be my outfit of choice when the sunny days come rolling in, so expect to see a few more midi t-shirt dresses and sandals if the temperature gets warmer!
Dress - Evans
Top - Primark (Old)
Belt - Dorothy Perkins
Necklace - Gift
Sandals - New Look

Gem xo



Sunday 12 May 2013

Wants of the Week #36 Birthday Special!!

So it's my birthday in a couple of weeks. And I may be jumping the gun a little bit but I've put together a little list of things I would like for presents. So if anyone is reading and thinks 'Ooh she deserves a present, I love her.' Then good new! Because I've put together a little gift guide, all for Gemma. 

1. Summer Perfume - Stella £40 (Debenhams or Boots)
Stella has fast become one of my favourite perfumes and a signature scent of mine. I love that it's a simple rose feminine scent and people always ask what it is. So when I heard there was a Summer version I had to ask for it! It's a good price (£40 for 100ml) and the bottle looks so pretty on a dressing table. Me and my mum went spritzing and smelling yesterday, and it's between this, and the Marc Jacobs summer fragrance. Whilst they're very similar I think I prefer this one. I also managed to pick up my other signature summer scent which is Floral by Paul Smith. I really struggle to get hold of it. So if anyone knows where they have large stocks of it let me know!

2. Orange Bag - Zara £22.99
I love this bright orange bag. It's so not me! I usually go for a black or tan bag. As they're so versatile and go with anything. But I'm super in love with this bright colour. I think the price is really good too, and I love the fact it has little handles and a long strap as well. The zip is great for me as I'm forever getting told off for buying bags that gape open. So yes please I would like this orange bag that is not what I would usually go for at all.

3. iPad Mini - Apple £269 
I love Apple products. I'm not afraid to say I have bought into the massive hype and hysteria surrounding these products. But I would love an iPad. I think it would be great to use it just purely for pleasure and use my mac as my business tool such as job applications and blog things. This is the dream. But I could never ask my parents to buy me an iPad though as they're very extravagant so this may be a present I buy for myself! But I'm a right stinge so this may stay a dream for a long time coming.

4.  iPad Case - Nordstrom £40.31
Look at this case! It goes perfectly with my bright orange bag. I'm really drawn to these bright colours at the moment. Perfect for summer picnics for my dream iPad. Again this is a dream present so it may have to stay a fantasy.

5. Dress - ASOS Curve £35
Every girl needs a perfect birthday dress. And this wrap dress is lovely. The wrap dress is very flattering on me with the low cut neckline and the cinched in waist it draws attention to all the right places, if you catch my drift ;) (Sorry didn't mean to go to creepy, but I think I crossed the line). I like the long sleeves and the green colour is something that is yet to grace my wardrobe. I'm definitely leaving photos of this around my house waiting for my mother to pick up on the massive hint!

6. Ring - Pandora Around £90
I can't find this ring on the site anymore but Pandora do offer a great range of pretty rings. I went to Bygone Times in Wigan with my mum yesterday looking for a piece of pretty, reasonably priced jewellery that I can get as a special present. But there wasn't anything I liked. But Pandora always offer pretty rings that everyone can get, I love the sterling silver ones in particular but they have a great range to suit everyones taste.

Also want to say, Happy Birthday to anyone else who shares the same birthday month as me, and what are you getting for your birthdays!

Gem xo

Friday 10 May 2013

To the Left, To the Left


As you probably do not know, because I haven't mentioned it. At all. But I went to Beyonce last night. And since I was seeing the most beautiful woman on earth I wanted to share the special outfit I was wearing for this momentous occasion. I picked up this pretty skater dress in the recent ASOS sale. I love the floaty material and the pretty colours make it perfect for a Spring evening. I loved the different colours that in the dress meaning it can be worn with lots of different colours. The length is perfect for me too, as I'm not too confident with baring my thighs so the knee length is lovely. Due to the rainy weather returning with a vengeance last night with a down pour I made the correct decision to wear black tights and my chunky chelsea heeled boots. But for the purpose of showing my legs for no reason, here is the dress with cute black heels, that I can't walk in whatsoever! But I brightened the outfit up with this amazing turquoise colour from Barry M! Beyonce was amazing and I'm so glad I went.  I'm pretty sure she would have approved my outfit! Has anyone else been to see her?
Dress - ASOS Curve
Necklaces - Primark
Shoes - New Look

Gem xo


Wednesday 8 May 2013

Feathers

Ever since I saw the feather nails that Nails Inc were producing with their new ranges I feel in love. I do like a bit of nail art. But like everything else I like it to be simple and easy (and lazy!) So using my favourite Barry M Gelly Blue nail varnish and a few coats of the feather polish it creates a really pretty nail that gets people complimenting. There are quite a few combinations but I love this blue and peach colour. Perfect with a blue dress and really on trend with the pastel theme. They're not that hard to take off despite hearing other bloggers say so, and as seen in a recent Wants of the Week I already have my eye on the other colours!! This time tomorrow I will be waiting for Beyonce! I actually can't believe it. Doing a little wee in excitement.
Gem xo

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Maybe I'm the One to Blame


So I've been going on about this jacket for a while now and not actually got round to showing you all. I picked this up online a good few months back thinking, 'It'll be perfect for the Spring weather we're about to receive.' But we didn't have spring, it has gone from Winter straight to Summer so I never really had chance to wear it until this weekend. It's been warm but a bit blustery so I knew I could get out my jacket for the bank holiday weekend. I love the pale blue colour, it goes perfectly with jeans. And we all know I'm a massive fan of the biker style jacket. So to my dismay, it's now back on the New Look Inspire website in the sale! I should have waited as I haven't even had chance to wear it. Oh hindsight is a wonderful thing indeed. I wore my new boots as I can't take them off my feet, blue skinnies and a pretty statement necklace. I'm loving plain tops at the moment too, and I've just stocked up on a few like this one from ASOS. They're great with jeans and jackets or tucked into pretty skirts. I'm off to go and sit in a beer garden now. Need to make the most of this sun whilst it's still around. Hope everyone had a lovely bank holiday weekend!
Jeans - Dorothy Perkins
Top - ASOS Curve
Jacket - New Look Inspire
Necklace - New Look
Boots - Topshop

Gem xo


Wednesday 1 May 2013

Sunday Girl

I'm wearing my Blondie T, so I thought the title was only apt really. Although it is stained which I'm bummed about. But you can't really see it. I'm also wearing my favourite skater skirt! I've managed to fashion it into a more casual look with the baggy band top. I love casual t-shirts like this for easy lazy days. (Have you noticed how I always manage to mention in my post one way to be lazy? It's a disease I tell you) But my main gripe is not many plus size retailers make band t-shirts or slogan t-shirts that are cute for a fatty like my self. ASOS Curve do well, they had a Vaccines top and this is where this top is from as well. But again, like I was asking for cute shift dresses, more on trend slouchy t-shirts please? And yes you would be right in saying they are THE boots of destiny. This was the best shot I could get of them. Complete with dog hair intertwined with my tights. Ooh tres chic! On another note, my ear is better, I'm contemplating buying tickets for Bastille (whom I'm in love with) and I'm going to see Beyonce in one week and one day! I'm winning all round! Hope everyone else is feeling as happy as I am! (This is a strange feeling indeed)
Top - ASOS Curve
Skirt - New Look
Tights - M&S
Boots - Topshop
Necklace - Primark

Gem xo