bloomzy /

OOTD: Floral Fancy

Jacket – Primark | Shirt – Primark | Shorts – Levi | Boots – Topshop | Necklace – Topshop
Rings – Oliver Bonas | Giza x NaNa NaNa | Tatty Devine x Rob Ryan

So the weather has been here and there lately but I’m staying optimistic. I’ve been wearing a lot less black, which as you all know is a big achievement for me. I’ve also been trying to take more photos outside, in surroundings other than a white wall. I’m enjoying finding new places to take my photos, I’m sure you spotted that though.
This outfit was supposed to be an easy solution to the mixed message the weather was sending me. The shirt and shorts were supposed to compliment the lovely warm sunshine we’ve been having. Whereas the tights and ‘leather’ jacket were a practical answer to the cold wind that won’t go away. I still liked the combo and that my hair matched the flowers on my shirt – it’s the little things.
bloomzy /

Photo Diary: London Skies & Coffee Bars

Florin Court, The Barbican, Exchange Building, Shoreditch Grind
There’s nothing better than walking around East London on a sunny day. I took my mum and sister around my usual haunts, and to a few new places. The sky was absolutely clear, so it was no wonder we were looking up at the rooftops. I find that a lot of amazing architecture is missed out on because we just don’t look up. Well I spent last Sunday looking up, and I saw some amazing sites.
bloomzy /

Wish List: White’s Alright

White's Alright
White is a colour that I don’t let into my wardrobe easily. It’s far too pristine for someone who’d drop spaghetti sauce on it in an instant. – aka me. Still, this season I can’t help but find myself considering giving white a chance. If the likes of Ena Matsumoto and Alexa Chung are working it, why can’t I? So I chose some of my top white items out right now:
In fact I kind of want this outfit on me, right now! I can definitely see myself walking to Shoreditch on a sunny day, wearing it. Anyone fancy bringing Christmas to me a little earlier this year?
bloomzy /

Review: Micro Pedi Gift Set

Emjoi Micro Pedi (with Manicure/Pedicure Kit) Gift Set*

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and brands are bringing out gift sets left, right and centre. That makes it slightly more difficult for those who may want to purchase one for their mum. I was contacted about going for a pedicure with my mum, and receiving a gift set from Micro Pedi. Unfortunately I was unable to make it, so they sent me over the gift set so I wouldn’t miss out. I found out about Micro Pedi last year and actually gave one to my mum as she loved the idea. So it made sense to me that this was the perfect gift idea for me to review for Mother’s Day!
Included in the set is:
The Micro Pedi foot smoothing device, with extra coarse roller.
The Micro Pedi Finishing Foot Cream, with peppermint oil and cocoa butter.
Micro Pedi Manicure/Pedicure Kit, compromising of 5 separate attachments.
Nail Scissors, Nail Clippers, Nail Brush, Toe Separators and Pouch.
What did I think?
When I used the Micro Pedi I found all of the claims to be true. It’s so easy to use and you don’t feel anything at all whilst you’re using it. Like most people I’m not immune to rough/hard skin on the heels of my feet. This managed to get rid of it after using it for only a minute or so on both feet. The cream smells amazing (I’m a big fan of peppermint) and is the perfect accompaniment. I prefer to pair it with the cream after use (and some bed socks), for perfectly soft tootsies. As for the manicure/pedicure tools, they were actually the part I was most excited for. You all know I love anything to do with nails so I will be getting plenty of use out of this. The scissors, clippers, toe separators and nail brush are good, useful additions. This is perfect for some Mother’s Day (or all year round) pampering!
The Micro Pedi Gift Set is now half price at Boots (was £79.99, now £39.99).
bloomzy /

Interview: Keiko Lynn

I’m sure you all know of Keiko Lynn already, but if you don’t then you’re in for a nice surprise. Keiko is the gorgeous face from Brooklyn behind the fashion, beauty and style blog Keiko Lynn. Her blog, (established in 2008) features beautiful photography and even more eye catching content. You’ll find hair & make-up tutorials and outfit posts galore – as a reader you’re spoilt for choice. She took the time recently to answer a few questions for me, and here’s what she had to say.

You’re my style crush, and I think it’s safe to say you’ve influenced a lot of people through your blog. So what I’d like to know is who, and what, influences you?
I take influence from so many places, it’s sometimes difficult to pin down. My great grandma always had a big impact on me – she was an excellent seamstress and taught me everything I know. She had the best style, and the fact that she made most of her own clothes made it even better. Sewing is what got me interested in fashion. I’m also a big fan of the ladies featured on Advanced Style, because I believe in wearing whatever makes you happy, and not adhering to any boundaries set by others. As far as style influences, I’d say I look to the past. The 60s and 90s are big influences. I watched a lot of My So Called Life, growing up.

Do you have any favourite fashion brands you couldn’t live without?
I’m crazy about a lot of niche brands: Sretsis, Vivetta, To Be Adored, Family Affairs, Rachel Antonoff…the list goes on.

Of course your tattoos are a big part of you, and your personal style. Do you have a favourite? And would you have any advice for someone who is thinking of getting their first tattoo?
I waited for years to be tattooed by Amanda Wachob, so my floral piece on my forearm is my favorite. It makes me so happy when I look at it – I can’t remember a time when I was without it! First time tattoos: do your research, and be patient. Don’t go in without a clear idea of what you want. Don’t rush something that will be on your body forever.

You are always looking flawless, so I’d love to know how you keep your skin looking so great, and what your favourite beauty/cosmetic brands are.
I use a lot of Mario Badescu products, and also get my facials there. Lately, I’ve been using Biologique Recherche P50 1970 as my toner, and I swapped out my normal moisturizer for Coconut Oil.

Finally, as the majority of my readers are based in the UK I’m sure they’d love to know a little bit about Brooklyn. 
Do you have any favourite spots you’d recommend? 
I’m actually working on an ongoing guide to Brooklyn, so I’ll have a more cohesive list, soon!
Some of my go-to spots would be:

Treats:
Farmacy (for an egg cream or an ice cream sundae), Dough (for the best donuts), Four and Twenty Blackbirds (pie) 

Brunch, Lunch, Dinner:
Vinegar Hill House,
Buttermilk Channel,
Hunter’s, Al Di La, Clover Club (jazz night on Wednesdays) 

Shopping:
Beacon’s Closet,
Bird
Article, Cloak and Dagger, Catbird,
Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, Brooklyn Flea

Thank you to Keiko Lynn for being kind enough to answer my questions.
Photo credit to keikolynn.com.
bloomzy /

Review: Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in #1 Fair*
A few days ago I reviewed the Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation. So it only seemed natural to review the concealer, as like the foundation, I have been won over. Collection says that their new concealer conceals flaws, imperfections & blemishes for up to 16 hours. That’s a pretty big claim, so did I make it through the whole day with perfect skin?

Before and after swatches on a freckle

Pros:
+ Flawless finish
+ Conceals perfectly
+ Lasts the whole day
+ A little goes a long way

Cons:
– Only 4 shades on offer

Notes:
I used the older version of this years ago, and it was my go-to concealer for, well, years. I’m not sure why I stopped using it to be honest. Anyway, this new formula is even better. I’m beginning to think that Collection may have brought out the perfect ‘drugstore’ range for flawless skin, because this concealer lives up to the foundation and further. This concealed all my little blemishes, and even the red pigmentation on my cheeks. In fact it is so good that I stepped out this weekend only wearing this concealer. I felt so confident in my skin whilst wearing this that I didn’t feel the need to put any foundation on. Once again, I am going to complain about the lack of shades for those with darker skin tones – we can only hope Collection brings out some more shades in the future. The Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer retails at £4.19, and is definitely worth forgoing that morning coffee for.
You can purchase Collection’s Ultimate Wear Lasting Perfection Concealer in Superdrug and Boots.
bloomzy /

Submit Your Questions About Japan!

After discussing adventures and experiences this week, I’ve decided to do a post about my time in Japan. I get a lot of people on here (and Twitter) asking me about my time in Japan, so I thought I’d open up to you all. I plan to do a post answering any questions you might have about living/studying in Japan, or just about Japan in general. 
You can leave your questions: 
By commenting on this post. 
By tweeting me: @bloomzy_
Or on Instagram: @bloomzy 
 I plan to round up all the questions early next week, so you have until then to get your questions in. 
 Remember, there are no wrong questions. 
 I can’t wait to see what you have to ask!