It's that time...

Hello,

Although it may be slightly early to say it...I am in the Christmas spirit! After another glorious trip to Oxford street with my mum, I was immersed in bright lights, festive windows, smiling faces and pure Christmas 'ness'. The lights as usual were bright and beautiful, but it really was the Departments store windows that excited me.

Selfridges did not disappoint. With a modern take on fables and fairy tales, nothing was too extravagant. Neon birds nests, a giant golden goose and Rapunzel with multi-coloured hair. These windows really had a story to tell and it was a pleasure to stand and read the captions under each window. In a street that is usually bustling with people pushing and shoving, outside Selfridges was like being transported into a book. People stood and stared, mesmerized by the pure creativity.

As well as Selfridges, M&S really pushed the boat out. I am a lover of their fairies advert, and the store window continued this concept. The use of electronic screens created a three dimensional effect, with a fairy ready for takeoff, a sense of amusement was created. And I cant forget the cute mini fairies along side the full sized mannequins...So cute!

John Lewis cannot be forgotten. After the success of their heartwarming Monty the penguin advert, this was carried on in their windows. Think penguins taking on human roles. There was: The cooking penguin, the group of penguins in a hurry wearing satchels, The naughty penguin with knickers on its head and also the penguins partying with the very well dressed humans!

From looking at all of these displays, It is clear that consistency and storytelling are key... Everyone loves to be taken back to their youth! If any of you have time, definitely get down to London!

Hope you are all well, Gemma xx

Window window windows...

Hello everyone, 

As you all probably know by now I love a good window display. There is just something so magical about the story they tell, the emotions they bring out and the excitement that they create. After university I would adore to work within this industry and help to tell some of these stories. However, for the mean time getting loads of snaps will keep me happy!

Whilst in Southampton I came across this M&S display, it really got me into the sparkly Christmas spirit.  I think this is the most exciting time of year for Window displays and brightens up the highstreet.  As well as this, I feel Next never disappoint. Their cosy, glamorous winter feel really makes the garments pop.  I hope you all enjoy my snaps as much as I do!

Hope you are all well J

Gemma

Winter is coming

Hi Guys,

Knitwear. A look seen all over NYFW and the first thing that I think of when the nights are getting darker and the mornings colder.  Oh how I love to get snug in a thick, warm and cosy jumper. However sometimes I find it hard to feel stylish when all I want to do is feel comfortable.  Here is an example of one way the trend could be worn. Comfortable and stylish!

For a university day I would probably pair it with a pair of comfy boots...just to add extra comfort to the look.

Tell me if you like this trend, and like me adore to be comfortable and snug as a bug!

Hope you are all well,

Gemma x x

My day in the City

Hello!

So sorry that I haven't written on here for quite a while, Uni work seems to have got the better of me. But it’s ok... Summer is here! All my work has been lovingly handed in and it is time to relax! I must say it has been a stressful few weeks of deadlines, but hey! What’s a bit of stress between friends?

I have started to plan my dissertation for next year and must say I did have a slight hidden agenda! I have chosen a topic about innovations within retail, this means only one thing...shopping! (All for research purposes obviously). I have begun my research through visiting the wonderful Oxford Street. I must say, the stores were not short of a spot of technology.  I was quite shocked with the sheer amount of videos playing in windows, huge screens in store and tablets located near the counters.  It shows how the industry really has embraced the idea of technology and keeping up with the times! I am a fan.

Here are just a few snaps of the glorious London windows and some examples of technology in retail stores,

Hope you are all well,

Gemma xxx

Vintage heaven

This weekend I visited the most amazing vintage attic in Salisbury. I didn’t even know places like this existed...It was pure heaven (vintage heaven that is). Walking up some metal stares into a small room, I had no idea of how huge and amazing this place would be. It was FULL and I mean jam- packed with vintage goodies on separate independent stalls. From home accessories, to shabby chic inspired furniture. Vintage clothing that provided hours of amusing hat trying on! It was fabulous.

I was truly spoilt to an amazing vintage white bag, covered in amazing beads. It is so delicate and feminine. I must say, it was a wonderful day J

Hope you are all well,

Gemma xxx

Funny face

Funny face has to be my all time favourite film...(along with Breakfast at tiffany’s). So after a long week I decided to stay in and have a relaxing evening in with the film. It never disappoints. The glitz and the glam, the feminism and the pure elegance of Hepburn, it is a beautiful era. Don’t you just wish times were still like that?

Although times are not exactly like they were back then, I did create a photo shoot last year that was hugely inspired by Audrey Hepburn! See the picture below. Also after a visit to Stardust Years (an amazing vintage ship in Winchester) I came across some gorgeous gloves on display that transported me back to another time!

Enjoy the images,

Gemma xxx

A blooming marvellous day

What wonderful weather we are having here down south! This weekend it was goodbye to the winter coat and hello to the pastel blazer. I am a girl who just craves the sun, the instant it came out I was overly happy. Doesn’t everything just seem so much better when it is sunny? I forgot about my up and coming presentation and deadlines, instead I made the trip to Winchester. Here I visited local emporium of all things feminine and vintage: Stardust Years.

We discovered this wonderful little treasure when starting our PR project, and I must say it is stunning. We headed down on Saturday as it was international women’s day and Karen (shop owner) was running a lovely little event... and bucks fizz was involved!  If anyone is in Winchester they must visit! Their website is http://www.stardustyears.com/.  They Providing Ladies’ Vintage Fashion specialising in original clothing, accessories, shoes, jewellery and gifts from the 1890s to the 1990s, there is something for everyone.  And to top it all off, you will have a fab shopping experience, greeted by the wonderful and friendly owner Karen.  

Along with this I had a wander around the market. Bright bold flowers, vintage stalls and smells of fresh fruit and veg. It was absolute bliss. I must say, I do love Winchester!

Hope you all had a fab weekend J

Gemma xxx

Dash of darling

Now, River Island always seems to provide wonderful evening dresses. I personally love a vintage inspired look.  You can imagine how much I fell in love when I saw this light blue jacquard dress for £60. However, although it is affordable...I am living on a student budget! This dress could cover two weeks budget. One day maybe?

Paired with a pair of nude, stylish heels and a wonderful daisy ring... What a ‘dash of darling’! Hepburn eat your heart out.

The dress however is extremely similar to those shown in the Chanel Paris Fashion Week show (2014) with super tiny waists and swing tops. So really it is a bargain compared to Chanel prices...right? If you have not looked at the Chanel show you really must! 

Hope you are all well, Gemma xxx 

London loving

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting the Isabella Blow exhibition at Somerset House. It was absolutely fabulous, perfectly fitting for such an icon in the fashion world. Full of quirky garments and wonderful unique mannequins made by Shona Heath, the exhibition really made me think about the fashion industry and inspired me greatly. In Somerset house we stumbled across a wonderful fitting made of fish  in the centre of the winding stairs.   It was beautiful. However we were more concerned with the fact we were locked in Somerset house as we were in there too late! Don’t worry...we did find a way out.

Whilst in London it would have been rude to not visit the V an A museum... and Covent Garden! A girl needs cake and that is the best place for it. I really do find London really inspirational. From the tall intimidating buildings to the wonderful characters on the street.  Nothing can beat it.

Hope you have all had a good few weeks being fabulous.  Here are a couple of snaps, enjoy.

Gemma xxx

Lou Lou's Vintage

Lou Lou’s vintage fair came to Southampton on Saturday. It was absolutely fab. Full of vintage amazingness. I didn’t know where to look first. Beautiful and elegant jewellery stalls mixed with edgy denim and leather. Although I only bought a ring, I think vintage fairs are the best places to go purely for a day of inspiration. It’s wonderful to surround yourself with other eras and fashions. As well as clothing and accessories, there was also a hair boutique. It was amazing. Women were walking around with their hair in vintage styles...it made me feel like I had time travelled!

fashion and home ware are my passion, however cake can sometimes take over. Served in wonderful eclectic tea cups, I indulged in tea and a bit of cake. When I say ‘bit’ imagine a door wedge and you have the size it was. It was HUGE. The worrying thing is I managed to finish it! Yummy.

Hope you are all well,

Gemma xxx

Good to be home

Home sweet home.

So this weekend I decided to take a spontaneous trip back to sunny Saffron Walden. It is so lovely to be back in the country, it makes a change from the busy streets of Southampton.  My Saturday has consisted of Starbucks, yummy food and the market. I couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing day. I caught up with my lovely friend. Then me, my Mum, Nan and Sister were all ladies who lunch.

I also had a couple of cheeky charity shop purchases, including a lovely Twiggy book for a mere £2.50. I just adore an afternoon of scouring through the charity shops to spot a bargain.

All in all I have had a fabulous day. Hope you have too J

Gemma xxx

Twit twooo

Well, I am more than just a little bit excited.  Just writing this post has reminded me of how little things really can entertain me...and this week, they come in the form of four wonderful birdy mugs. Now I hear you say: "How are mugs so exciting?" And I would reply with: "They are just simply amazing."- Here's the thing, they aren't even from a glamorous and exciting shop. They were purchased from none the less: A supermarket. This is the story:
 I had clocked this pack of four beautiful pastel mugs with printed birds on ages ago just after Christmas. They were reduced to about £7.50. In my head (as I am a poor old student.). This was just far too extravagant on my small budget. But I just wanted them so bad. This led to me going in, looking and walking out of the shop empty handed for the next week. But just when all hope was lost, I walked in the week after, and there it was in all its glory... the word REDUCED again. This time they were only £4.50. To me I took this as a sign and snapped them up. So there it is...my mug story!
I just think they are so pretty, the perfect size and in my favourite pastel tones. It just shows it pays to wait!

Hope you are all well :)

Gemma xxx

Cameo galore

This weekend was one of pure laziness... with a hint of organisation! The university term is starting again tomorrow. This meant I had an excuse to completely rearrange my desk and get my sketch book and all that jazz ready!  I must say that it looks top notch!
As well as organizing, I wore out my new cameo necklace.  I just adore it. Its covered with sparkles,  cameos and pearls (all my fav things). I kept the outfit simple with it, wearing a pearly metallic strap top and paired with black skinnies and cute little pumps.  I find that wearing a simple outfit with statement jewellery really works for me. Finding that perfect piece can make the outfit!

Hope you all had wonderful weekends :) 

Gemma xxx

My weekend away

So this weekend has been perfect!I went to stay in a gorgeous sea front hotel in Bournemouth. Although at points I thought I was actually going to freeze to death, the day itself was beautifully clear and bright. Some may say picture perfect!  While we were there we saw the cutest most miniture doggy I have ever seen!I was slightly concened as it was sand coloured and blended in perfectly with its surroundings. However it seemed extremely happy trotting along the sea front without a care (as was I).
On the way home I couldn't help myself and purchased a miss selfridge dress and bracelet that I have had my eyes on for ages! It'll look great dressed up with heels or down with ankle boots and leather jacket.  Cannot wait for its first outing!
What did you all get up to this week?
Gemma xxx

Lazy afternoon

Recently I have been super busy with uni hand ins. But finally me and my group have completed our 40 page retail trend and range plan! Although it feels amazing to have finished, I faced that 'now what?'  Feeling. Luckily it did not take me long to decide. Bring in a cuppa, my cosy bed and a good book and I was sorted for the afternoon...lush!
Oooh and heres also an image of my cute new alarm clock. I feel like I am fresh out of the John lewis christmas advert (of which I still love!)
Gemma xxx

My friend Julia

Happy new year.
So here it is... the saddest blog post written by anyone or anything...a blog about my new Giraffe. Yes I know I am a 20 year old student but it is just the cutest hand made toy ever! I have always loved Giraffes, and luckily my sister knows me far too well and decided I should have my very own hand made one! Don't get me wrong I can sleep at night without her but she just adds that beaut shabby chic touch to my room! 

Oh and excuse the silly Christmas hats and daddy Gazza smiling uncontrollably in the background (it was christmas after all!).

Hope you all had a wonderful christmas :)

Gemma xxxx 

Me looking very pleased with Julia the Giraffe