bloomzy /

Tea & Topshop

Sorry for the lack of updates. I had a very productive weekend, and a very busy last few days Yesterday I travelled cross-country to my fiance’s house, and I am now relaxing in surprisingly sunny Wales

Anyway, rewind a few days…on Monday I got to see one of my best friends, who I hadn’t seen since before going to Japan, shocking haha
Casual~
We caught up over some ice tea at Pret, whilst being attacked by wasps…there seems to be a lot in England this Summer

Then we headed off to Topshop. I’ve never been a devoted Topshop-lover like some of my friends but this season I have loved almost all of their collection…especially the jewellery. So I picked up a few pieces 

I saw this cross double-ring when I was with Alanna, so I went back for it

I had to buy this ear cuff, because it took me back to my grungey high-school days haha It also reminds me of when I was obsessed with learning about the Egyptians in first school. A little bit of me still wants to re-live that dream and become an archaeologist
and the pièce de résistance…

A leotard!

I joked with my friend that my purchases must have been the most hipster they’d had for a while Seriously though, I bought the leotard to go under my high-waisted shorts/skirts because it can be quite awkward sometimes when vest tops get ruffled etcit creates a nice clean silhouette[Thanks Tori]…does that make any senses!? haha

My new favourite bracelet and yes Alanna, I can remove it
The bracelet is not from Topshop, unlike all the other items I bought, but from H&M. I just wanted to add it because I’ve been wearing it a lot lately and I actually bought it when I met with Toni & Alanna.
So there is a little update for now, sorry it’s nothing amazing
I hope you’re all looking forward to my upcoming giveaway. I plan to post it by the end of next week, so keep an eye out
bloomzy /

New hair, gets and a outfit…

Today I visited my stylist as I wanted to get my hair cut and coloured before I headed off to Paris. Disclaimer: Hair is un-styled and too thin, ごめんね！haha

Smiley due to lack of make-up

 

 

 

It took over 3hrs to dye and cut my hair as I had the roots of my bottom layer bleached and then a couple of conditioning treatments (because she didn’t want to damage my hair) and some toner to get it as blonde as possible – then she did my top layer a chocolate brown. She really took her time and did a great job so I can’t complain that I was stuck there for too long.
My hair feels so thin lately though. I am using a new shampoo and conditioner which is helping but I’d still love any ‘volumising’ tips you might have.
A quick outfit shot from Wednesday when I went to the meeting at my university. I wanted to try the ‘blogger’ look in preparation for my upcoming post, but I feel that I needed more statement jewellery (necklace, earrings?) and maybe more layering?
Lace-back top: H&M (from this post).
Shorts: ZARA
Yellow ring: bought in a boutique in France.
Brown & Black rings: H&M (from this post).
Crystal ring: Swarovski
Orb ring: Vivienne….nah 315円 store haha
Earrings: Also H&M (from this post).
 Necklace: Swarovski
THE SHOES~!!
After making the ‘Spring Trend‘ post I decided that I wanted to invest in a pair of Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots, in black. However ‘Office’ didn’t have them in-store or online and I am impatient so… Therefore I headed back to Topshop where I had found their take on the boots and snagged them for only £30 (down from £90). I’m more than happy since that’s a very big saving.
As you can see they’re very similar to the original except they have a buckle across the front (I’m thinking of removing it) and the heel is a darker brown. They are a tiny bit small, but that’s because I’m a half size and nowhere stocks half sizes, so I’m always stuck with something slightly too big or small, but I usually adapt to them so… haha XD
They also make me SUPER tall and almost as tall as my boyf, so I adore them!
LUSH ‘Retread‘ – triple strength conditioner.
I have been using this alongside LUSH’s ‘Trichomania‘ shampoo bar and my hair is feeling so much softer and in a better condition than it has been for a long time – plus it smells great. I will switch to one of their volumising shampoo bars soon though.
Lastly, some headbands from H&M.
I wanted to buy a lot more but I’m saving my money for Paris…as I am more than certain I will find some lovely items there!
bloomzy /

Spring Trends

It may feel like Summer is well on the way, but I thought I would talk about a few of the current Spring trends that have caught my eye. It’s also helpful to keep in mind that a lot of these will probably transition into Summer as well.
Wei Son in a variety of brands, inc. Moussy & Egoist
Momoko Ogihara in Murua
Spring this year has brought us trends such as; polka dots, chiffon, sheer, ‘retro’, ‘blogger’ and ‘spring marine’…
Pinky Girls
Tsubasa x GIRLS’ DOORS
GIRLS’ DOORS current collection and the collaboration that Tsubasa created with them is one of the best examples of the ‘Spring Marine’ trend right now. I also love how they’re combining polka dots and stripes – two big patterns this season. 

So why is this style so different from the other marine trends we’ve seen in previous seasons? 
This time it’s about mixing bright colours and patterns (namely polka dots and stripes) with feminine pieces such a chiffon or sheer blouse. The emphasis is more on a subtle Marine style, rather than the ‘look at me I’m a sailor’ coordinates some of the stores have brought out previously.
W♥C
Rojita 
Ank Rouge 
Liz Lisa
Shorts are of course a staple piece of any Spring/Summer wardrobe, but this season brands are mixing it up by bringing out shorts in different prints and styles – floral and polka dot being quite popular. Coordinate them with over-the-knee grey socks or short lace-trimmed socks for a girly vibe ♥
Another new trend that coordinates well with shorts this season is…
Egoist
Jeffrey Campbell
…nude boots, loafer pumps & chunky boots. 
It’s no lie that Jeffrey Campbell has been one of the biggest crazes worldwide recently. From hipsters to gals, the US to Japan, his shoes and replicas of them are popping up everywhere. It’s the chunky heels and raised fronts that Gal brands and models alike are loving so much about these shoes. His nude boots are the perfect accompaniment to a girly/retro coord this season (check out the pic of Wei Son), or try a black pair for an adult/’blogger’ style (check out the picture I posted above from Egoist). 

The reason I mentioned these is because they are all trends that I have seen available in Western stores right now. H&M are loving polka dots, Miss Selfridge has plenty of chiffon/sheer items and Topshop even have their own version of the classic JC nude boot – so it’s definitely something that Western gals can find and replicate easily. 
I’m planning on doing a bigger post about the current ‘blogger’ trend so keep an eye out!!

What do you think of this seasons trends?
Which ones are you hoping will stick through Summer too?

Update: Mitsu just made a post about JC Gal-replicas, which you can check out here.

bloomzy /

Life in Japan; Streetsnaps & Traditional Japan

I’m currently working on the ‘favourite gal blogs’ post but since I have so many pictures from when I was in Japan I figured a small post wouldn’t hurt. I’m also going to be editing a few old posts and some tags today, in a bid to make things easier to access.

This picture post includes: 
– Gal streetsnaps
– OPA Kyoto
– People watching
– Traditional Japan meets Modern
Location: Kyoto
Click on pictures to enlarge.


This cute girl was decked out in W♥C.
She wore the black tutu over jeans due to the cold, I imagine.
Her boyfriend was in ‘Of the Neige Style’ a predominantly Ora Ora brand.
This girl was so effortlessly gal, even in such a simple coord.
Wish I had taken a better pic, sorry.
OPA, ready for Spring!
The mall has mainly Gyaru/Gyaru-o brands but there are also non-gal brands.
People waiting for OPA to open.
It’s not just the young people who do their make-up in public ;D
 A young girl in a kimono sits by the pond in the park behind Yasaka shrine.
A young couple both in traditional dress.
Happy baby Buddha XD
Mini-geta in a store front window.
My favourite of the bunch!
Deco’d Manekineko♥
bloomzy /

Model Update; Gal Auction


In collaboration with goodbuy some of your favourite models from JELLY, Popteen, Popsister, NUTS and many more magazines are selling off some of their personal effects.

Some of the models included are: Sayoko (nuts), Yui Kanno (popteen), Kumickey (popteen) and Maya Mori (jelly). However the list doesn’t stop there as 43 models are offering their own items for the auction. You can check out the full list here.

So what kind of items are on offer?!

– Kumickey is auctioning a Liz Lisa hat and an Amoureuse vest. Current bid: 1,670円

– Mai Miyagi (JELLY) is auctioning off 3 items right now from Backs, Me Jane and Liz Lisa.

Most of the auctions come with a signed Polaroid of the model wearing/showing the items.

These are the same as ebay auctions so they all have a time limit (not money) – most of them are 31st Dec. A few of the items that have sold went rather cheaply, at around 3,000円. Some of the auctions have already ended but keep an eye out because you may just be able to grab something from your favourite model!!

You can view all of the auctions here.

And for all you secret Gravure fans…there is also a Gravure Idol auction.
With simple vest tops going for around 12,000円 I think we know who and why people are bidding on those o.O

Source; 1, 2
bloomzy /

Stay warm and fabulous this Winter!

At the request of one of my readers I decided to make a post about how to stay fashionable AND warm this Winter, in Gal. I know it’s something that I find important as I often feel the cold, so I hope you all enjoy it too.

The post is split into 4 different categories; Outer, Onepieces, Socks & Legwarmers and Accessories. All of which are centred on items that will keep you cozy and warm this Winter, but won’t be any less fashionable.

Outer

This season there are a variety of different styles of outer wear for Gals to pick from. However I decided to pick 3 of the most popular and different (because not everyone dresses the same, right?) styles right now.

First up, the Fur Coat
It was big last year and it’s back again this year. The fur coat is gorgeous, sexy and fun – not to mention warm! So it makes sense that it is popular again this Winter. Of course not everyone can afford real fur, and a lot of people don’t agree with it – however whereas it may be a little more difficult in Japan it is easy to find affordable, comfy faux fur coats in Europe and America etc.

I’m a fan of the Glad News leopard print fur coat myself as it mixes two of this seasons big trends. If you’re after a cosy, fun, rock-inspired and sexy coat than this style is for you.

However you can always just choose a simple fur coat for a classic feminine look -like this one by Dazzlin’ (it’s fake fur) that comes in various colours and prints.
Another big hit this season is the double button coat, which had a big feature in this month’s JELLY magazine.

Of course I had to feature the WC coat I purchased recently as I am so in love with it, and have received a ton of compliments for it. So for me that was a good buy!

One of my favourites, and a popular choice this Winter is a cross between the double button and fur coat – like this one from LDS. However there are a number of these out right now, including trench coat style, fur cuffs and leopard print fur finish.

This style I picked for the Mode fans out there; the ‘puffer’ jacket (as I like to call it) which was first featured in popular stores such as Emoda and Murua. However other Gal stores have recently picked up on the trend, so this is definitely one to watch out for this season. I have seen lots of Mode-style Gals working these right now – and even though I am not a personal fan they certainly look good in them.

If you like the loose/big top and tight bottom trend then this is the coat for you!

Onepiece

Of course onepieces are always in fashion but this season, sweater dresses are big.
You may remember me purchasing one from HONEYS recently.

They are comfortable, cozy and most definitely warm – not only that, they are big in Gal right now. The majority of Gal stores have their own version of the sweater onepiece, however the most popular right now would certainly have to be…
…WC’s version. Gals and non-Gals alike have gone crazy for it, and I have seen so many people wearing it in a variety of ways, which can relate to other sweater onepieces too. Of course if you just want a cozy, casual coord then you could try pairing it with leggings and boots or try denim shorts, patterned tights and heels – it’s up to you, there are tons of options!

Socks & Legwarmers

Socks aren’t really something many people would automatically link with Gal, but this Winter they are everywhere in every colour and size.

Patterned knee-high socks are big this season, whether they are diamonds or nordic print they are the perfect accompaniment to a dress, skirt or shorts. So if you’re not a fan of tights and would rather wear bare legs but don’t want to be too chilly then this may be the option for you.

Short socks paired with short boots are also big!!

Legwarmers, preferably fur look great with boots and heels alike. They are EVERYWHERE this season, and it’s almost impossible to not see at least 1 person wearing them when you take a walk down the main streets of Tokyo.

I’m not a fan of legwarmers myself, but if you pick up the latest Gal mags you will be sure to see some cute coords featuring them.

Accessories

Shawls are big this Winter, and they’re also a great to stay warm!

They are so popular right now and I have seen them on tons of girls.
My friends and I have affectionately labelled them ‘Picnic Blankets’ as they are kinda similar. However I still love them and I think they look great with a cute dress or pants.

They’re also a great alternative to coats if you’re not a big fan, or it isn’t cold enough for one.
If you want to keep with the fur trend but don’t want to splash out on a coat, or you just need a new scarf. Then a fur wrap is a great choice. They are popular with both feminine and sexy-style Gals and work with most outfits – I’ve seen them with tiny onpieces, hime-inspired outfits and even Cocolulu!

And finally, hats – the easiest and one of the most fashionable ways to stay warm during Winter!!There are a variety of hats out there to match your style or coordinate.
Whether you prefer a tomboyish, fun look…
Or a cutesy, feminine look…
There are plenty to choose from.
And don’t forget the best hat of them all this season, the bowler haha

What will you be wearing to stay warm this season?
Do you have any favourites? Or something you dislike?

Source; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

bloomzy /

W♥C Gets!!

This morning as I was getting ready for class I had the sudden urge to go to the Shinjuku W♥C store. I haven’t visited for a while and even though it’s smaller than the 109 store I think I prefer it, for stock and location.

I originally went for the W♥C print tights but they didn’t have them. They did however have the Kumatan print tights – if you follow me on Twitter you will know that I originally hated these. However I kept thinking about them and they began to grow on me a little.
Well my need for them was sealed when a Staff-chan came over and showed me that she was wearing them. They looked so nice on her (especially with their new socks) and she mentioned how durable they were and started picking and pulling at hers (with long, pointy nails I might add). Now I am always picking my tights accidently so this sealed the deal for me.
As I was leaving I mentioned my blog to the Staff-chan who had helped me and asked if I could take a photo. She was really eager to help and grabbed the other girl too.
I actually ended up going back to the store later the same day after my boyfriend told me to spoil myself and get the coat I had spotted earlier. So I popped back and it fit perfectly – a size small too.
I was happy to pay the money for it as 10,000円 isn’t much at all for a coat, not even in the UK.
Anyway, the photo of my Staff-chan and a cute story ;D

Bad quality, sorry~
The pic was blurred so I had to kill it with photoshop.
My staff-chan, Ayaka, is the one on the right – notice her channelling Chinatsu with the heart sticker? She was the cutest thing and so nice to talk to. I think I surprised myself when I spoke to her so easily but she didn’t act surprised at all, which was refreshing – so many Japanese people do this, I know it’s polite and kind but it can get slightly annoying over time.
So we chatted about the items I bought and she asked if I hung around Shinjuku often to which I replied I was studying at a university there. She was really shocked but thought it was amazing haha
She seemed quite genuine as well as even though the store was packed (the 2nd time I visited) and there were only the two of them working she came over to the counter as I was paying and excitedly told the other staff-chan how I was studying in Shinjuku. So I mentioned the uni I went to and she gasped and said “I go there too!!”
She was really sweet and told me to come speak to her when I saw her next at uni. Whether that will happen or not is a story for another time…but then the cashier went on to joke and ask if I was her Senpai – and it turned out she was older than me! That was nice to know as the majority of Gals I have met at my uni are all younger than me D:
Now onto the gets!

Close-up of the tights.
Detail pics; 1, 2, 3

Pics of it worn; 1, 2

Button detail

Cuff detail

Shoulder detail
The coat is really comfortable btw – it fits snugly but there is still room to move in it, and I think it’s a decent length. There are also a ton of buttons (outside and in) so you can wear it open, buttoned over etc.
I will take more pics of the coat and tights when I wear them next!