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OOTD: Soul Mates

ootd-soul-mates-helmut-lang-marble-jacket-5Bomber Jacket: Helmut Lang | Top: Topshop | Culottes: Warehouse* | Watch: Swatch

There comes a time in everyone’s life when they find that one item of clothing they were meant to be with. Yes, it is true. I have found my soul mate, and it comes in the form of a marble jacket by Helmut Lang. I happened to spot this piece whilst walking around Liberty one evening several months ago. It was love at first sight, but I knew it was something I would need to think about. I’m an awkward shopper, and I prefer to take my time. That sometimes means thinking about a piece for a few days. A week or so later I just so happened to pop into TK Maxx, and guess what I spotted? Yes, the exact same jacket, with a hefty discount. Still, it was a lot of money so I needed to think about it. And think about it I did. I couldn’t get the damn thing out of my head for days! I kept trying to convince myself I didn’t need it, but like a moth to the flame, I succumbed to my instincts. And guess what? I haven’t looked back! This bomber jacket has become a staple in my wardrobe. It’s ridiculously cool and comfortably casual. The best part? Since I own mostly “basics”, I can pair it with pretty much anything.

I can see this love affair lasting for quite some time.

Thank you to V.A who took the photos of me.

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bloomzy /

OOTD: My Beyond Retro Dream Vintage Dress

ootd-beyond-retro-my-dream-vintage-dressDress: Beyond Retro* | Backpack: ASOS | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban*

My dream dress is fitting, yet comfortable. It makes me look taller than my actual 5’3. It accentuates my curves, but isn’t overtly sexy. It’s casual, but can be dressed up easily. Hmm I don’t want much, right? Well I’m beginning to think that my style demands are not actually that obscene. As it would appear that I have found my dream dress. Well, my dream vintage dress at least.

When the lovely Plum from Beyond Retro invited me to their Dalston store I was eager to return to my old neighbourhood. Not only for nostalgia sake, but because she had promised to help me find my perfect vintage dress. Now usually when I buy items from vintage stores I never end up wearing them. Why? Well because I like to treat vintage items like pieces of art. Some are so beautiful I just have to own them, if only to look at them. This time though I was determined to find a dress I would get wear out of. I knew that if anyone could do it, it would be Plum. I mean after all, she did find me my ideal Christmas jumper. After trying on around 20 dresses – I kid you not – I was giving up hope. Until I found it. The perfect LBD (little black dress). No, my dream vintage dress.

Fancy winning a vintage wardrobe full of YOUR dream dresses? Beyond Retro are giving one lucky winner £250 to spend in one of their London stores, and an overnight stay at The Hoxton Hotel (with a friend). Enter at Beyond Retro.

Thank you to V.A who took the photos of me.

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bloomzy /

OOTD: Cool Chic

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T-shirt: Zara | Culottes: Warehouse* | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Sandals: Fit Flop*

As a Brit, I do love to complain about the weather. Summertime is no different. Each year, at the beginning of Summer I find myself staring sadly into my wardrobe. What do you wear when it feels like you’re going to melt as soon as your step outside? It can be quite the challenge trying to look good, and feel comfortable. So when I find a Summer staple, I stick with it.

You may remember my current fashion motto: quality over quantity. That means I’ve changed my buying habits. Now I buy one high quality item, instead of several cheaper items. This new motto has transformed my wardrobe, and the way I style outfits. Not surprisingly it has also made it easier for me to find my Summer staples this year. Like these culottes. These are ridiculously comfortable, and perfect for Summer. Apart from being comfortable, they’re easy to dress up or down (these are perfect for the weekend, work, or an evening dinner). My current favourite is pairing them with a breton stripe top. I feel as though I could easily fit in on the streets of Paris in this outfit. In fact, if I squint hard enough, the streets of London can look a little Parisian.

I styled this outfit as part of a project run by think money.

Thank you to V.A who took the photos of me.

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bloomzy /

OOTD: The Caped Crusader

ootd-topshop-cos-clarks-london-fashion-5Sleeveless Duster: Topshop | T-shirt: COS | Jeans: Topshop | Heels: Clarks*

It’s safe to say I’m not a heels kinda gal. My feet ache just thinking about them. To think I wore them religiously whilst living in Japan – I don’t know how I did it. Despite my dislike for wearing heels, I love how they look…and how they make my legs look. This leaves me in a very awkward position. That position is usually staring at beautiful heels online, but never adding them to my basket. However when I spotted these beauties on Shoetique I decided to finally go for it. After all, Clarks are well known for quality, comfortable shoes.

Naturally I chose a pair of black and white heels, and I think they look damn good. I’ve become a bit of a monochrome master, if I do say so myself. I’ve even managed to match my outfits to my location. Did you spot that? Ok so I didn’t really do it on purpose, but I did actually scout the location beforehand. I’d seen a few photos of the new Crossrail Place Bridge, and I wanted to join in too. So me and V.A headed there last weekend for a photography afternoon. The whole area is shiny and new, and surprisingly quiet. We were able to shoot pretty easily, and get THAT shot of the bridge. For something that looks like it’s made of corrugated iron, it’s eerily beautiful.

Thank you to V.A who took the photos of me.

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bloomzy /

OOTD: Layers for Days

ootd-outfit-of-the-day-london-fashion-style-bloomzy-3 ootd-outfit-of-the-day-london-fashion-style-bloomzy-1 ootd-outfit-of-the-day-london-fashion-architecture-bloomzy-3 ootd-outfit-of-the-day-london-fashion-style-bloomzy-2Cardigan: COS | T-shirt: Repertoire Fashion* | Skirt: Pull & Bear | Purse: Wonderound

Fashion bloggers will know the utter joy felt when you discover the perfect location for your next ootd. Actually this was an unexpected find, as I hurriedly took some snaps before meeting friends for dinner. The grey and white outer was the cold backdrop I had been looking for. I wanted to emphasise the lines and layers in my outfit, and this air con unit (?) just happened to be the perfect place to do so.

But why the layers when the weather has been so warm? Well firstly, I know full and well not to trust British weather. One minute it’s boiling hot, the next it’s like being in a wind tunnel. I prefer to layer up, so I can always strip down if need be. Also, have you seen how pale I am!? Even though the weather is gorgeous I have to do my utmost to cover up. Not even factor 50 sunscreen can protect this pasty complexion. That doesn’t mean I don’t get to enjoy Summer though. It just means I have to be more inventive with my outfit choices. White is a must of course, and I like to pair it with black, especially in the evening. This outfit was perfect for a casual dinner date…and I even managed to avoid spilling food down my perfectly white top.

 

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)

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OOTD: Sakura Dream

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Blazer: Missguided* | Top: Cheap Monday | Skirt: Helmut Lang | Boots: Glamorous*

Isn’t cherry blossom just dreamy? You could put anything beside it and people would ooohhh and aaahhh. Luckily for me I spotted some beautiful (albeit fake) cherry blossom at my recent visit to Sake no Hana. My all black outfit contrasted well against the pink of the tree. I’m so envious of people who can layer black on black – I’m looking at you Alice. It’s almost an art form. It would seem I unconciously had this in mind when I wore this outfit. I didn’t really think of layering black items. Actually I just wanted to wear my new Cheap Monday top and Helmut Lang skirt. Still I left the house feeling content with my foray into the world of black ensembles.

Luckily for me there is a ton of inspiration in the London street style scene. Shoreditch is perfect for this. Tailored, minimalism is in, and it’s not going anywhere.  Just yesterday I saw a man wearing an all black outfit that made me stare. Clean, straight lines were accompanied by the simplest of accessories: a black briefcase. It may sound a bit odd, but he inspired me so much. Unfortunately I was too shy to ask him for a photograph. Why a photograph? Because whenever I see someone whose style inspires me, I constantly begin working on a street style photo series in my head. Who knows, perhaps fate will bring us together again and I can start that series. And maybe, just maybe, he will impart his wisdom upon me.

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)

bloomzy /

OOTD: Greetings, from Berlin

ootd-outfit-style-warehouse-primark-nike-asos berlin berlin-ootd-outfit-style-warehouse-primark-nike-asos ootd-outfit-style-warehouse-primark-nike-asos 1 berlin ootd-outfit-style-warehouse-primark-nike-asos-berlin-1Jacket: Primark | Dress: Warehouse | Trainers: Nike | Backpack: ASOS

What do you wear when you go to a city known for it’s fashion? This particular question ran through my mind as I packed my suitcase for Berlin. I only wanted to bring 6 outfits for 6 days, so I knew I had to plan meticulously. Right down to the last midi ring on my little finger. This isn’t something I usually do when I travel. I’m a little haphazard and I end up throwing in half my wardrobe, as I want the freedom to “decide on the day” – but we all know how that goes. I end up annoyed with myself for bringing 5 jumpers and I only end up wearing 1 dress that I’m not even 100% happy with.

But you know what? I think I did pretty good for myself this time. With only a couple of key pieces (and a few accessories) I was able to put together several outfits that I was really pleased with.  This one in particular was comfortable enough to meander around museums for the day; but at the same time I still felt as though I had put an effort into my look. It probably isn’t anything new to most of you, but my mind has been blown by this little “life hack”. I will definitely be bringing a lighter, more stylish case next time I travel.

You can check out my Berlin Travel Diary series here.

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)