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