bloomzy /

Seeing The New Year in with Style…and Lots of Makeup

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Make-up – courtesy of Fragrance Direct*
Having the leisure to spend over fifteen minutes on my make-up is something I treasure. It doesn’t happen very often, so when I am given the chance I like to go all out. Most people won’t spot the minor differences, but then I’m not looking for someone to compliment me on a job well done. Some people think make-up is shallow, but I think it’s empowering. I wear make-up for myself, because I enjoy the ‘art’ of applying it, and experimenting on my features. If something makes you feel good about yourself then you should never be ashamed of indulging in it, right?
I took my basic make-up items (from this post) and one eyebrow palette to create a dewy, fresh faced look. You’re probably wondering why I had an eyebrow palette when there has never actually been any photographic evidence of me having eyebrows. Well that’s because it just so happens to be the perfect shade (for my pale face) to contour with. Dab on some concealer, apply a little ‘contour powder’ on the nose and under the cheekbones, pair it with some highlighter and blush, and voila! Not forgetting the pièce de résistance – Chanel’s rouge allure lipstick…or in lamens terms, a red lip.
It may sound a bit odd, but I love seeing how much make-up I can us to create a natural look.
Maybe I secretly long for the bygone days of manba/ganguro?
bloomzy /

Minimalist Chic: A Resolution

Matt and Nat Wallet* – The Keep @ Street Hub
Mascara* – Maybelline | Eyeliner* – Collection | Highlighter* – BC | Lipstick* – W7
Early Grey & Cucumber Cologne – Jo Malone

Manicure Kit – Essie

Anthumbra necklace* – Clarice Price Thomas @ Parla
Ending 2014 with a big party was great, but it got me thinking about the reality of going back to work and having to eat regular food again – the horror! Seriously though, it’s no wonder people end up feeling down once the holidays end. Therefore I decided that I would fill January with exciting experiences, with friends and family. Of course that means getting dressed up, which is one of my favourite things to do. I ended 2014 with a strong, minimalist approach to style, which was reflected perfectly in my choice of accessories for my NYE party (see above photos). I plan to continue on the same path in 2015, with a few key accessories and a small, yet thorough beauty routine.
bloomzy /

Let’s Get Personal…

After posting my fashion and beauty highlights of 2014, I thought it was only right that I do a more personal roundup of the year. These highlights are things you may not necessarily have seen on the blog, but they’re just as important.

I gave up my ‘day job’ to blog full-time…


It wasn’t easy, but I finally decided that I would give ‘full-time blogging’ a go. I blogged pretty much everyday for 6 months, which made for a very interesting learning curve. It was tough. I started this blog as a hobby, and doing it as a job made it all a bit too serious. Eventually I decided that it wasn’t for me, which in hindsight makes a lot of sense, but I learnt a lot and I don’t regret it at all.


I conquered a blogging fear…

2014 saw me finally take the plunge and show my face on YouTube. I followed my intro video with some Q & A style videos about life in Japan, and some brand exclusives. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to upload a new video for a few months, but I’m still glad I moved to YouTube because making videos is so much fun and the positive response has been lovely.
I met some amazing people, and made some even more amazing friends…
 
 
I’ve always been a big believer that blogging brings people together, and it just so happened that blogging brought me together with some wonderful people this year. The Nuffnang foodie crew was created, and it saw a small group of us bond over our love of food, blogging and general silliness. I also met V.A. (another foodie) who has now become one of my closest friends, if you hadn’t guess by the ridiculous amount of posts with mentions of her in them. Hmmm maybe I should be saying that food blogging brings people together?
I upped my photography game…
 
I invested in a new DSLR, and my first Nikon (the D3200) – along with a couple of lenses. It really gave me the push to finally make 2014 the year that I took my photography seriously again. With the lacklustre effort I was putting into my photos earlier on the blog, you’d never believe I have a degree in photography. I decided that I would take more time in my composition, and I’d actually make use of all the buttons on my camera (you hear that V.A?). Still, I believe you can always continue learning and improving any skill. My new photo series ‘A London Life…’ encapsulates my efforts and desires perfectly.
But mostly, I grew as a person…
 
Yes, I am going to be super cliche and get all soppy on you. This blog has really opened up a world of wonders for me. I am continuously surprised by people and the opportunities given to me, but mostly I’m surprised by myself. I’m not one to brag, but I’m pretty damn proud of what I’ve accomplished with this blog. I hope I can continue to work hard and improve in 2015.
bloomzy /

Blogs I’ll Still Be Reading in 2015

With all my blog highlights etc. I decided that I wanted to share the love and tell you about some of my favourite blogs of 2014. These aren’t just any blogs, they’re the ones that I will still be reading in 2015.

Park and Cube

Anyone who knows my blogging habits will know that Park and Cube is my all-time favourite blog. Shini’s posts are decadent yet tasteful, without loosing sight of reality. In a nutshell this is an elegant blog with beautiful photography, that continues to inspire me on a daily basis.

There’s no doubt about it, In My Sunday Best is a beautiful blog to scroll through, but it’s the ideas and execution that really keep me reading Sade’s blog. It’s also quite a chilled blog. By that I mean that just by reading it I feel relaxed and happy. There’s not many blogs I can say that about.

Hecticophilia is a lifestyle blog unlike most that I have come across. I always feel that I learn a little something from Jesse’s blog. Whether it’s about her, france or the best place to grab a cocktail in London, it’s always feels personal and unique. As my friend, Jesse is a constant inspiration to me, and I really think her blog does that for her readers.
Ok I’ll admit it, I read Epiphannie’s blog purely because I love her personality. She’s such a fun, lovely person, and that definitely shines through in her posts. I also love her colourful and pristine her outfit posts are. There are so many fashion blogs out there, but there aren’t many that really stick in your mind – this is one of those few.

Not Just Another Milla is a blog I feel a personal link with. Milla and I have a lot in common, not to mention our views and passion for politics. However it’s her time spent in Paris and Tokyo, as well as her love for matcha and the Japanese language that really made me feel a connection with this wonderful, articulate lady.

Worship Blues
Yasumi and Hiro are a wife and husband blogging team, which makes for a refreshing change. They often feature fashion, lifestyle and travel posts with a difference. This duo are incredibly humbling, and I can’t help but fall in love with their delightful point of views. I can promise you that all of the posts on this blog are unlike anything you will have read elsewhere.
bloomzy /

My 2014 Style Evolution

 
March – Floral Fancy
 
 

June – I Feel Blue

 
August – Countryside Chic
 
September – Pattern Practise
 
 
November – Autumnal Bliss
 

December – Norfolk Girl

This year saw my style change quite dramatically. Back in April I did a large overhaul of my wardrobe. I got rid of all the items I’d never worn, or only worn once. I focused on creating a collection of quality basics (and the odd rogue dramatic piece) that would be worn again and again. I decided to stop buying lots of cheaper “on-trend” items, and instead focused on higher end timeless pieces. That meant I could finally justify (and afford) my dream coat from Sandro. Gone are the loud, bright outfits from the beginning of the year. Instead they have been replaced with a more minimalistic, monochrome affair…with a dash of colour.
I hope to continue refining my style in 2015 – working with the same mindset.
Will I keep up with it? I guess only time will tell.
bloomzy /

Beauty Hits of 2014

I’ve done a whole host of reviews this year for the beauty section of my blog, so it only seemed right to go back and take a look at some of the best. I’d like to say “it wasn’t easy” but the four products I chose are so good that I am still using today.
Essential’s Nuance Airy hair mask was a saviour for my bleached ends, and even though they’ve now been chopped off, I’m still using this beautifully scented product. My hair is smooth and soft, and I can’t wait to try out more of the brands products in 2015. Click the link above for the full review.
2014 saw a flashback to my high school beauty routine. Collection re-branded their best (in my opinion) item, and I was reminded of a product that I should never have forgotten about. I was sent several to trial, and after running out I saw myself running to the shops for more. I’m sold on this concealer, and I swear by it as an affordable, high-quality product. Click the link above for the full review.
Witch is another brand I thought I had left behind with my teenage hormones. Well it seems that my hormones have not had enough of me yet, as the occasional chin blemish likes to remind me. Instead of succumbing to my emotions and falling into a crying heap, I now just apply the blemish stick to my spots, and zap! they’re gone…within a few days anyway. Click the link above for the full review.
My final beauty hit of 2014 is one I would never have seen coming. I’ve never been a fan of Playboy as a brand, so when they invited me to the launch of their new cosmetics line I was curious to see what they had to offer. I’m a liquid liner addict and it’s a staple in my make-up routine, and Playboy’s is one of the best I’ve tried. It applies perfectly and stays put all day. It’s a keeper! Click the link above for the full review.
bloomzy /

OOTD: Norfolk Girl

Coat – Sandro | Sweater* – Oasap | Trousers – Topshop | Boots – Topshop
 
A lot of people spent their Boxing Day queuing up for the sales. Now this may be a fashion blog, but Boxing Day for me means time with family, walks with the dogs and eating tons of food. That doesn’t mean I won’t be hitting the sales this weekend, but in the meantime I thought I’d relax and snap some photos.
Heading back to Norfolk for Christmas has been lovely, but I won’t deny that the weather feels a lot more fitting for Winter here than it does in London. So I grabbed my new Sandro coat, paired it with a chunky sweater, jeans and boots, and braved the cold. Walking the dogs isn’t really a stylish affair, but then I never really believed that you can’t be fashionable and practical.