The Next Sale

This boxing day I did something crazy, I set my alarm for 4.30am to meet my friend in Basildon for the Next boxing day sale. The store doesn't open until 6am but Kirsti, a seasoned pro, assured me there was no point in going if you didn't get in the que at 5. My husband thought it was hilarious and was convinced we would be the only people there. 

How wrong he was.. 

At 5.45 the doors opened and people started a panicked run-walk into the store, the line was at least 200 deep by this point (Kirsti was right) From what I could tell the majority of people waiting in line were after children's clothes, absolutely not what I was in the market for. 

What I wanted was knitwear. 

I think the knitwear range in Next is outstanding, however at £32 a pop, quite an investment. From the next sale I managed to pick up four beautiful jumpers one in my last post which you can see here another which I am wearing in these photos. The colours in this one made me reach for it without hesitation, obviously I knew I already had the perfect boots.  

My locket was another Christmas present. For such a long time I have been looking for a vintage locket, one that not just everyone would be able to buy. My mum found this one in a pawn shop in Brentwood and it is perfect. The right size to wear often and no dents or scratches it could have been brand new, although it is not, it is second hand which in my eyes makes it even more special. 

So was the Next sale worth getting up so early for? Actually I think yes. I got quite a lot of stick for getting out of bed at such a stupid hour but it was an interesting experience and the jumpers I managed to snag I know will last me into 2017. 

Happy New Year's Eve

This NYE we decided to have an early dinner at a local restaurant and then head home to drink prosecco with my Shih Tzu. This type of outing calls for a casual ensemble, my total bargain dusty pink jumper which I purchased from the Next sale and also from Next my new leather jacket which just about goes with everything. I thought now was the day to give the beautiful Public Desire boots their first trip outside, sadly I didn't realise this would also be their last as the heel came apart almost as soon as we left the house - beyond devastated. 

I was lucky enough to receive two Jewellery items for Christmas. The top picture is the plectrum bracelet by Laura Whitmore for Daisy Jewellery, this one has the peace sign charm (I am very fond of a peace sign, I even have one tattooed upon my bod) and the quote says 'you make loving fun' which is just about the cutest thing. 

The bottom picture is a family tree necklace which I mentioned ages ago and never for a second thought my husband would remember. It is my favourite gift of Christmas 2015. There is a tiny diamond in the three which catches the little just perfectly, the charms are all of our initials. 

Right on with the food... 

Mangetout is a local family run business in Southend, they are very well known for doing exceptionally good burgers and trying to get a table is not easy. They always have live music which, every time I have been at least, has been fantastic. The cocktail above was a festive mojito, I am lost for words to explain just how good it was. 

For main I chose the Turkey Top, this burger consists of Turkey (obviously) roast peppers and what did it for me melted brie. I chose sweet potato fries because, well lets face it, is there another option? 

My husband basically held a gun to my head and made me have dessert, this is warm cookie dough filled with Nutella, peanut butter and dreams. 

So now as I enter my food coma all that is left to say is Happy New Year to you all, I hope 2016 brings magic and joy. 

Christmas Day Outfit

Merry Christmas Everyone! 

Just a quick one from me today a little festive outfit of the day, I enjoy getting a little bit dressed up on Christmas day, even though I take my onesie in my bag for after dinner. 

I always think a duster coat can dress up any type of outfit so when this one was reduced in the Primark sale I snapped it up. I just love the detailing on this white shirt, its so pretty and feminine. 

If you haven't checked out LYDC you really need to, the quality of their bags is always so amazing and this monochrome beauty is no exception. You can enter a giveaway to win your very own one HERE

Public Desire have the most amazing selection of boots right now, these stunners are a brilliant dupe for Dior with a much more attractive price. I have the beautiful Sinead Crowe to Thank for pointing these out to me. They are so comfy and unique, they certainly add an aspect of fun to any look.

Let me know what is your OOTD for Christmas festivities! 

Winter Wonderland & Elf the Musical

Every year I take it upon myself to organise a Christmas doo for my closest girlie pals. I am such an event planner I really enjoy organising everything and trying to pick a better event each year, competing with myself. 

The girls thought I was crazy when back in February I started discussing the 2015 Christmas doo, but when we saw how quickly the tickets to Elf the musical sold out everyone was pleased that I am super organised. 

First we headed over to Meat Liquor to fill our bellies up, if you haven't been you must. It's a secret little burger bar behind Debenhams on Oxford Street, the windows are blacked out and it looks very much closed. Inside is a joyous occasion I recommend the Fried Pickles and House Grogg as a must. 

After eating ALL the food we popped along the road to Winter Wonderland, there was the most amazing atmosphere there this year. Everyone was singing and dancing and full of Christmas Spirit, we didn't really want to leave. 

The piece de resistance was ELF the musical, it was slightly different to the movie however a lot of the best lines were still included. Kimberly Walsh was very good although I personally wasn't too sure about her american accent. 

Any way lucky for you vlogged the day so if you want to see the day in all it's glory you can check it out for yourself :) 

Black Dress, Red Lips

Just a quick little outfit post from me today, perhaps some NYE inspiration who knows! 

As I get older I find one of the body parts I am more and more keen to cover up are my arms, I am sure everything was lovely and toned and then as that wedding ring slipped on my finger boom I was middle aged. So this LBD from Pretty Little Thing called out to me, the plunge neck is low enough to be a bit cheeky without being at risk of a possible nip slip.

This Butler & Wilson red lips ring is the perfect fun piece of jewellery to liven up this all black ensemble. The LYDC purse is the perfect size for an evening of drinks, big enough to fit your money, phone and makeup essentials. You will receive a 10% discount if you enter GEMMA10 at check out - Merry Christmas!! 

I am spending NYE on the sofa this year, I always feel like the night is such pressure to have a good time and totally over priced... there I am again showing my age! What are you doing this NYE? Do you have an annual tradition? Let me know! 

L'oreal True Match Genius - Review

When a product comes on the market claiming to be a 4 in 1 Primer, Foundation, Concealer and Powder it is surely worth reviewing. 

I think I was watching a Fleur DeForce video when this product entered my consciousness and I felt compelled to purchase it. In all honesty I didn't really want to like it, it seemed very self indulgent of a piece of makeup to claim that it was the answer to everything, however honestly it is pretty good. 

Although I personally wouldn't use it for any of the uses it claims to cover as my preferred choice. This product is a perfect touch up fix for during the day, save yourself carrying all four products in your bag chuck this one in and it will do the job. 

The outcome of this is definitely worth a try, good to keep in the bag but not a product to use as a stand alone. 

A Weekend in Edinburgh via My iPhone

Hello you lovely lot, this weekend I popped over to Scotland to visit a friend from school. The weekend was so relaxing I didn't want to carry my heavy blog camera about so here are a few of my favourite snaps from my phone. 

It is safe to say Scotland is bloody beautiful :) 

Mental Happy - Guest Post By Katie Ellen

Hello readers!

First of all I would like to say a huge thank you to Gemma for allowing me to be a guest writer for her blog this week. She's the best. 

My name is Katie and I am a small youtuber from Liverpool. I have spoken a number of times on my channel about the struggles myself and others have faced due to mental health. 

My story is pretty much short and sweet as I don't want to go into the details of why I suffer from depression & anxiety as it may be a little deep for our first meeting, eh? Haha! But I have suffered from these pretty much my whole life and although they cause me a never ending amount of pain - I also know that I was meant to have these problems so that I can help others and that somehow makes the struggle worth every second.

I have had the absolute pleasure of working alongside a USA based company called 'Mental Happy' for the past few weeks as they allow people just like you and me to spread joy to others & even ourselves! They sell mental happy boxes that contain gifts such as creative, positive, thoughtful & inspirational things. For example, jar of gratitude, puzzles, handmade crafts, notebooks of positivity - etc.

They have provided me with a special link that allows UK buyers to purchase a box using the cheapest postage possible (as posting from USA to UK can be super pricey!) However, that isn't the only thing they done for me. They also gave me a direct PayPal link to that gives you a 25% discount & a special free item included within the box!

Here is the PayPal link:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=TA3XTG5DWQAZN

And if you wish to check out their website then you can do so here: https://www.mentalhappy.com/

Through ordering one of these you can also be entered into a draw where you could be picked to be featured on their website to share your story with mental health to help and inspire others who may be struggling.

Thank you so much for taking your time to read this & again thank you to Gemma for your never ending kindness!

Don't forget to subscribe to Katie's YouTube Channel

Neptune Jewellery

One of the things I absolutely love about Instagram is finding smaller brands which you otherwise wouldn't have come across. Neptune is a small online Jewellery shop based in the UK which specialises in gemstone and crystal necklaces. As soon as I saw the antique gold chains I couldn't resist, and certainly wasn't disappointed. 

These pieces are totally versatile, you can wear them with a chunky Christmas knit to add a bit of sparkle or a plunge neck top and disco pants ready to party. With prices starting at just £5 you will be amazed at the quality of the pieces and the love which each purchase is handmade or lovingly sourced. 

If you are looking for a last minute unique piece of jewellery for that final Christmas gift look no further than Neptune. Lucky for you I have a 10% discount code which will run until Christmas day enter GEMMA10 at the checkout!! 

Head over to Neptune's Instagram page!! 

A special Thank You to my lovely model Alexandra Mersey. 

One Bag Three Styles (And Very Special Giveaway)

The beautiful ladies over at LYDC contacted me to see if I would be up for a challenge, which of course I was. One bag two styles day to night, that's easy I thought I will give them three!!

Outfit One - Daytime Casual 

I promise I am much happier about this outfit than I look, you know me ever the photogenic one ... not. Because this bag is super eye-catching you have to be very serious about your casual look, you DO NOT want people to mistake you for someone taking part in the walk of shame. Everything about this look has been done on purpose. Hair up in a messy bun, a natural makeup look which screams shopping day and converse of course the comfiest of casual footwear. This ASOS lace up jumper dress can totally be dressed up or down too so by pairing it with turned up skinnies there is no doubt that today I am just chilling.  

Outfit Two - Daytime Smart

Look two is daytime but with somewhere to go. You might be meeting the girls for lunch or popping into town for a meeting, you can totally rock a sequin mermaid bag yes you can! I have kept the dress very simple, a black t shirt dress is the most versatile piece of clothing, you can totally dress this how you want to. The suede jacket keeps it laid back and the boots say 'hello' us and the bag have got this!  

Day Three - Evening

By tucking in the strap and making this bag a clutch there is no doubt that this sparkly joy giver is an evening bag. The Make up has switched itself up a voltage, smokey eye and a red lip means business. All back everything is my favourite party look, not too much detail as the bag is the star of this show but a sexy lace up heel and a pop of bra adds a little edge to the skirt and top combination. 

LYDC GIVEAWAY

Here is your chance to win your very own LYDC bag we have two for you to choose from so please leave me a comment stating which bag you would love to win when entering. The winner will be chosen on the 2nd of January, I can't think of a better way to beat the January blues can you? 

And don't forget you can use GEMMA10 for a 10% Discount

a Rafflecopter giveaway