Jen Thomas

I had a visitor this weekend from the Big Smoke, Emily had never been to Nottingham so it was only fair that she was given a tour (and she played photographer for the day, thank you Emily!) of some of my favourite places. She also coined the term ‘tropical goth’ – I adore bright colours but also love gothic/alternative styles so can be in all black one day, bright pink the next. Somewhat of a contradiction.

A trip to H&M turned up a beautifully vibrant cupcake print skater style dress for £12.99, with a neckline that can be worn on or off the shoulder. It fitted perfectly in a 16 (I’m 5’8″ and vary between a 12 and an 18 depending on where I shop!) I’m a 34FF and the fabric is ridiculously stretchy to hug curves without warping the print, and the skater style skirt flares out for a comfortable fit.  I’m a magpie for anything jewel toned in pinks, purples and blues; my hair is currently a mixture of all three, which I styled in a victory roll with the rest in a ponytail as Rock City is warm!

I have far too many pairs of Dr Martens, and a night out calls for my beloved black glitter pair. I save these for special nights out due to our wonderfully unpredictable weather, worn with some Primark tights with a shredded look. The necklace is another Sugar & Vice beauty, a purple Hibiscus from their Tropical collection for £15. http://www.sugarandvicedesigns.com/collections/the-tropical-collection/products/hibiscus-necklace

The eyelashes are by eyelure again, with my all time favourite MAC lipstick in Heroine. Cocktails at Pepper Rocks followed (House cocktails for £3.50 from 5-10pm, mine is a French Martini please!) before heading to Rock City.

Sugar & Vice Hibiscus necklace, MAC Heroine Lipstick, Eyelure lashes

The Claw is a necessity when listening to A7X.

Black glitter Dr Martens

The morning after called for plenty of tea, and preparing for a hangover preventing meal at Annie’s Burgers in Hockley, with some of the most imaginative toppings you’ve ever come across; a burger with a full Sunday dinner on top, or one with pancakes and bacon with maple syrup? It’s a lot nicer than it sounds, ideal if you have a sweet tooth like me and all options are available as meaty, veggie or vegan. Booking is recommended. http://www.anniesburgershack.com/

Casual style was the order of the day for a Sunday, a floral print Jurassic Park t-shirt, men’s navy beanie and long marl grey cardigan all from Primark,  with indigo denim shorts from Dorothy Perkins and cerise pink Dr Martens boots. The cat eye sunglasses are by Collectif http://www.collectif.co.uk The flamingo bag is made by me, at my business http://www.jenmadethis.co.uk – I’ll be selling at festive markets in the next few months. A trawl through Primark and New Look found a new tshirt, dress and boots which I’ll feature this week – it was a good weekend for bargains!