Concert / Gig | Outfit, Hair & Make up

Set Scene

 

Location: Computer | Time: 8:30am | Mood: Eager/Excited/Anxious

Purpose: Purchase tickets for favourite band/person - on sale at 9:00am

8:30am - Get out of bed. Make cup of tea. Turn on computer. Go to ticket page...Wake up
8:58am - Stare at computer screen obsessively hitting refresh O_O *click click*
9:00am - Site crashes *curses*
9:20am - Now in a queue of 4521569746541231 people (Damn them all!)
9:30am - Finally get X amount of tickets and proceed to payment *squeal*
10:00am - ...Still filling in the form which asks you things about yourself you don't even know - Favourite film!? I can't choose right now!
10:10am - Failing to get the word verification right 50 times because it's so damn blurry
10:30am - 2hours later and it is done!! Purchase complete. Awesome! *bask in glory*
10:31am - .....'Wait...what do I wear!? I have nothing to wear!...Ahhh' *freak out*

 

This is normally how it goes for me whenever I try to get tickets, (even thought they're on sale months in advance of the actual event!) but I think I've got the attire down now. A lot depends on the type of gig/concert your attending, but I figured I'd just share my tips anyway, and you can tweak as you please :]

Bag: Boohoo / Cross Tshirt & Jeggings: Topshop / Hoody: Topman / Boots: River Island / Cardigan: New Look
Nails: OPI - Ink
Eyeshadow: Urban Decay - Sidecar

 

So, the pictures show what I wore when I went to see Ed Sheeran! I had standing tickets, so ideally wanted to get there early to queue to get near the front. Seeing as it was in Manchester, in November, the chances of it being dry weather were slim, so I tried to cover all bases with outfit, face and hair.

Clothing

Think onion! Onions have layers! (Yay Shrek!)

I had a black vest on under the cross T-shirt, then a cardy, and sleeveless hoody, and I also wore a black woolly scarf. This covers all the bases of possible English weather, and I could gradually peel off my layers as I got acclimated.

Leg wise, I passed on jeans because they can be uncomfortable if you get warm. Instead I opted for jeggings, but leggings would be good too. Being comfortable is also important, especially if you’re standing, which leads me nicely onto the footwear. Chances are, if you’re standing/squashed next to people, you'll get stood on at some point. I wore my boots because my feet were cold, but converse are ideal - they have that rubber toe bit to protect the little piggy’s.

Lastly, choice of bag. Now, I'm paranoid that someone will pick pocket me at a gig, so I always go for either a cross body or small shoulder bag, with a zip fastening or the ones that have a large flap over. If you can, take one that's big enough to fit your light layers in.

Voila! You can be weather appropriate, comfortable and not have to hold your jacket the whole time.

Hair

This is mainly depends on your hair type, and how unruly it can get in warm/humid situations. I'll usually just go with down (bottom right picture), because I'm lazy! But if it gets hot, I'll whizz it up into a little top bun (bottom left picture) or ponytail. Bear in mind that people might have drinks, and tend to get excited and jump whilst waving their arms...with their drinks in hand...yeah. So minimal effort on the hair front I would say, just keep it up and out of the way.

Make Up

So, again, totally optional and dependant on your own little routine. I just went with a BB cream, and a neutral shimmery colour across the lid. I also whacked a bit of eyeliner on and smudged it on the lower lash line to so if my make up did run, it looked like it should be that way anyways. Crafty. Nail varnish is not essential, but it looks pretty!

It's all pretty logical stuff, but I hope it's helpful :]

Gem

x

Here's some pictures of the Ed Sheeran gig, in case you’re interested...It was amazing!

 

Honey, I'm Hoooome!

 

I'm back from a lovely little break in Portugal :] super relaxing and just all round awesome.

 



Nice touristy photos



 

I went with my boyfriend, and we stayed in Hotel Vila Gale Praia which is beautiful and out of the way, literally 2 minutes from the beach.

 Highly recommend it :]

So, let's recap...

 

 I was attempting my own version of 'Stoptober'. A few hits and misses, going away had a lot to do with it! But not too bad overall.

1. Stop being lazy - SUCCESS I defiantly appeared in the gym more, to the point were old ladies in the changing rooms started talking to me about the weather  - I assume this is because I had become recognised as a gym dweller.

2. Stop snacking - EPIC FAIL Sorry, but if I want a cookie, I'm going to have to have a cookie (or 3) ... I tried swapping to healthier snacks, and I do love almonds (I munch on those more), but you just can't beat a good choc fix. Plus, I feel my gym trips cancel this out...heh.

3. Stop over spending - SUCCESS I hardly bought any holiday clothes, and had a wardrobe sort out when I was packing. Hurray! It's all for the best seeing as we have Christmas coming up :]

2/3 ain't bad if I do say so myself!

 

Gem

 

x

Quick, Easy DIY Halloween Costumes | Household Items

*sings* "This is Halloween, Halloween" *sings*

 

I know people who are petrified of the thoughts of sew, walking into a fabric shop breaks them out in a cold sweat, and even paying out for something they may wear once makes them feel ill. So I've been racking my brain to think of easy Halloween (or scary fancy dress) costumes, that can be made from household supplies. After raiding the cupboards, I think I've found 2 possible contenders... 

 

*Spooky Drum Roll*

 

 Witch &  Mummy

(With a possible zombie ballerina and/or demented black raven costumes in there too...Maybe?)

 

They're no sew, super easy costumes that cost less than a fiver and can be whipped up in 20mins or less! Now that's not scary at all is it? :]

 

 

 

Witch

x 1 pair of black tights/leggings

x1 black top

x3 black bin bags

A pair of scissors

 

 

This is a good basic skirt/tutu technique that's been flying around Pinterest for awhile.
 

 

1. Take your first bin bag, open it out and measure it around your waist, and attach another if needed to create a waist band to work on. (2nd image) (I'm UK Size 8 and used x2 bin bags)

 

2. Take another bin bag, open it and cut along the open end, so you create lots of thin loops (3rd image)

 

3. Fold the loops in half, and thread under the waist band (4th image), pull the ends of the strip through the little loop you created above the waist band to attach. (5th image)

 

4. Keep doing this until your skirt is full!(6th image) You can add bits of rags, ribbon, or anything else you like, for different textures and effects. Wear it with a black top, grab a broom and your good to go!

 

Further options:

 

5. You can take, yet another, bin bag and cut the closed bottom off so you have a tube. Step into the tube, and pull it up to your waists, pull the excess bag to the side and tie it roughly in a knot. This can be used as a lining for the tutu skirt.

 

6. Also, if you make the tube again out of another bag, and cut down the seam this time to create a large rectangle, this can be tied loosely around the neck to create a cape!

 

7. You can make other witchy accessories out of card like the hat, or roll up brown parcel paper with brown parcel tape to make a wand.

  

 

You could do it with white bin bags for a ballerina skirt, and maybe add some fake blood/red food colouring to zombie-fie it. Also, if you make the black tutu above, but only fill the waist band with the strips to about half way, it makes a cool cape that looks like crazy bird feathers.

 

 

 

 

 

Mummy

x1 pair of cream/white tights/leggings

x1 long cream/white vest

or

x1 pair of white/cream shorts and x1 white/cream top

x5 4m rolls of bandages - 1 for each limb + your torso.

A pair of scissors

 

 

1. Take your bandages and wrap them over your clothes in random criss crossing ways...The end? 

 

2. Bandages are a bit more hard wearing than the good old toilet roll. I've used light cream and white bandages, and layered them up.

 

3. When your happy with the placement cut some holes in your tights/leggings, and you can do the same for your top so it looks old and moth eaten. (can moths even get in tombs?) Leaving bits hanging down, especially around the wrists looks cool.

 

That's pretty much it for this one! But that's what you want right - something quick and simple? 

 

You could always make the tutu again, out of white bags or those white dish cloths so it looks like unwrapped bandages. Fake blood or tea staining the bandages will add to the effect also :]

 

I'd class these as 'dispoable' costumes, as I doubt they would last more than one zombie rave.

So, there's 2 (maybe even 5 at a stretch!) costumes you could try. I'm planning on wearing the mummy one for Halloween, and if I do I promise to post a photo!

 

Hope this was helpful or at least a little inspiring :]

 

Gem

x

 

p.s  I'm off on my holidays tomorrow, see you in a week! x

 

 

A/W 12 | Hair Styles

 

Ponytails, centre parts, side parts, braids, twists, waves, quiffs, bouffants, fringes, buns, colour and accessories... *Phew!*

 So yeah, basically whatever you feel like doing with you lovely locks that day will no doubt be on trend. Awesome.

 

The fancy bouffant would be fab for a Christmas party don't you think? I like the look of the twisty pigtails too, but I don't think I have the patience for that. My favourites are the waviness, and I've been loving the top knot/high bun lately (like the top right picture)

Although for the winter I think my ears may get a little chilly.

 Nonetheless, it keeps it up and out of the way and can be done easily in 2 mins!

 

I was so excited I even did a video

 

 

 

Even though it's fun to do new hairstyles and stuff, everyone seems to miss the most amazing thing about A/W and hair....

 

You can wear your woolly hat so it doesn't even matter! :D

 

Yay for lazy hairstyles :]

 

Gem

x

 

 

P.s I've been MIA lately as I'm off on my jollies in a few days so it's all been a little bit hectic packing and prepping. I'll post more regular soon, promise! x

Crimes of Mascara | Quick Reviews

 

If it's not a lip balm obsession then it's mascara...

 

Some have given me black eyes :O

Crimes of Mascara:

Smudging

Flaking

Clumping

Fugitive

 This picture, my friends, shows the little criminals that have forced me to pay for them, so they could make their way into my home, and hide away in my make up bag for a few months...But now it's judgement day.

 

Now, you might notice that I'm a small fan of the old waterproof mascara. This is purely because I have oily lids, and anything else would cause me to look like a panda burglar, especially with high street products. I'm not really into wearing layers of mascara or the '3 lashes 1 eyeball' look, so anything low maintenance, that gives a natural appearance, with a little bit of volume is a winner for me.

 
Left to Right (Prices RRP)
 
Elf Waterproof Lengthening & Volumizing  £3.75 - Really natural looking, and stays put and incredibly cheap!
 
Collection 200 (now just 'Collection') Plump Up The Volume Waterproof £4.99-  The formula is a little too thick for me, and a definite no no on the bottom lashes. Hello panda.
 
Clinique High Definition Lashes £16.00 - Love.Love.Love. Easy, even application that can be built up for a more dramatic look, and it stays *sings* All.Night.Loooong (all night, all night) Awesome.
 
Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Waterproof £9.99 - Nice and natural, gives a fanned out look, but I can't say my lashes grew/changed.
 
Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof   £7.19 - Liked it, but it was too heavy for my lashes, and flaked a little. Mine dried out quickly too. Also, what is that ' on the end of volume? Why not just put an 'E' there to spell the word?
 
Bourjois Volume Clubbing Waterproof  £7.99 - A bit full on for day, but great for night time smokey eyes, and it does.not.budge.
 
Illamasqua Volume £15.00 - Nice and easy to work with, lots of volume, but it made my lashes look a bit stubby.
 

 

Now, I know, I can hear you - The wands can be as important as the formula right? But I think that if your buying a product for the reasons it says on the tin, (even though that tin can have pretty much any claim it likes on it nowadays) then I feel it's kind of a package deal.

 

Formula + Wand = Description

 Ignorance is bliss

 

So, the decision:
 Clinique is my No 1 favourite in this line up, with Elf a close 2nd and Revlon 3rd. All three can be easily built up for night time, but one coat for the day is natural, long lasting and doesn't smudge.

 

 So, for these reasons, I announce these three mascaras innocent of the crimes stated above ... *Gavel*

 

Hurrah!

 

Gem :]

x

 



Cholé Perfume Dupe!

I have been in love with the Cholé perfume since forever, so I was majorly excited when I found this dupe :]] ! I can't remember where I read about it sorry! Somewhere in the blogisphere, but I was in Next the other day when I remembered this little nugget of information, so I went in search for this magical copycat.
It.Is.So.Similar!
I'd say the Next London is slightly more floral, but still gorgeous, and a fraction of the price for the same size! £8 vs £40-£50 (both are Eau De Parfum)

 It's a really fresh, floral, feminine scent...yes I'm rubbish at describing the smell...beside 'Ahhhh! Lovely' 
All the real and proper info on the notes are below...

 

Top Notes

Cholé- Lily of the Valley, Honeysuckle, Orange Flower, Ylang-Ylang, Hyacinth

Next - Lychee Citrus

 

Middle Notes

Cholé- Jasmine, Rose, Narcissus, Carnation, Tuberose

Next - Peony, Rose

 

Base Notes

Cholé - Tuberose, Sandalwood, Amber, Oakmoss

Next - Musk, Cedarwood

 

Also, with the Next version, they do all fancy house stuff in the 'London' scent! Yay! So you can make everything smell awesome.

Next time your out and about, go and have a sniff of either or both! They're heavenly.

Gem

x

STOPTOBER | For Non Smokers!

 

Did you see the advert on TV? If you’re English and a smoker, go look – it’s here! Basically thousands of people across England are going to unite, and ‘keep calm’, and drink a lot more tea in order to stop smoking for the month! ‘Stoptober’ is a great campaign, at the end of it you could come out a non-smoker, with some extra money, better health and even a longer life, and also reduce passive smoking :] Can't really grumble at that.

I don’t smoke, but I like the idea of quitting something, or a number of things for a month, to help myself and/or others. Plus, if I  can handle a month, then I guess I'm less likely to continue the habit! I also really like the name.
 So for these 28 days I shall stop doing 5 (adventurous?) 3 things in order to improve my health/lifestyle:

    1. Stop being lazy

(This is a lazy aim in its self, must expand) Actually, physically move and go to the gym. I've got out of my routine. So no more thinking of going, then finding it too much effort to get ready, (because I'm a girl) and then saying ‘I’ll go tomorrow’

 2. Stop snacking

Healthy snacking between meals isn’t bad, but it's the nibbling away unnecessarily at the chocolate unhealthy stuff that is! Eat.Less.Junk.

 3. Stop over spending

It's getting a bit silly and excessive, my wardrobe and draws are bursting. As much as the shiny, shiny,  shoes tell me they need me, I will (sadly) leave them, all alone, un-purchased, and walk on by, in my old shoes.

Hopefully (if I survive), come November I shall be healthier and a little bit richer. Hurray! 

 Gem

x

 

P.s   Hopefully this won't result in NO!vember, the month of regret.