bloomzy, Author at Bloomzy

bloomzy / January 14, 2014

Wish List: It’s (gonna be) My Birthday!

Here it is, the inevitable birthday wishlist.

Yep, it’s my birthday on the 29th Jan – hooray!

I think I managed to keep it pretty minimal, right?

I didn’t do it on purpose but it ended up feeling quite clean.

Lately I’ve really been thinking more and more about quality items.
I’ve always loved high-end designer items, but I’m still quite practical.
I know I (and those around me) can’t always afford that kind of price.
With that said, I still think they are a good investment for most people.
I tend to use a handbag or watch etc for a few years if it’s good quality.
I also use my eyeshadow palettes until they either run out or go out of date.
I think it’s important, especially now as I think about getting older.
Wow, that got a bit too serious a bit too quick. Sorry!

I choose items that I will get a lot of use and wear out of.
I always take such care in the things I own, and I show them a lotta love.
I also appreciate the things I own and I don’t take them for granted.
I’m mega in love with all of these pieces and I hope you like them too.
Wanna know what they are, and where to buy them?

1. Moschino Letter Wrap Bracelet
2. Iseey Miyake Bao Bao Tote Bag
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Truman Watch
4. Original Minerals ‘Maintain The Main’ Giftset
5. Jo Malone Sweet Almond & Macaroon Candle
6. Bobbi Brown Nude Eyeshadow Palette (bought)
7. Deborah Lippmann Exfoliating Cuticle Remover Treatment
8. Trish Mcevoy Power of Brushes Collection

Source: 1

bloomzy / January 13, 2014

Sale Finds Series: Nuxe

I’ve decided to do a small series on some of my online sale finds this month.

That means I’ll be posting mini-wishlists or recommendations from various online stores.

It’s quite simple really, if I find an amazing sale I want to be able to share it with everyone!

This seems like the easiest and also best (I enjoy making wishlists too much) way to do it.

You can find the series here.

Who? Nuxe

What? French Beauty/Skincare products

How much off? Up to 50% off

Running until? Whilst stocks last

Nuxe are one of the few beauty brands I have an email subscription to.
That might seem like an odd thing to say, but I hate newsletters, so maybe that helps explain?
So when I received an email mentioning they had an ‘up to 50% off sale’, I was pretty excited.
They’ve recently worked their way into my heart and bathroom cabinet, to become one of my favourite brands.
The sale is pretty varied and offers products from most of their ranges, as well as including gift sets.
The deals are pretty good, especially if you would usually be put off by Nuxe products due to the price.
So it’s a great opportunity to pick up some old favourites, or to try something new from the brand.

You can view the full Nuxe sale here.

Source: 1

bloomzy / January 12, 2014

Bloomzy’s 4 Year Anniversary

Photos taken from the blog between 2010 – 2014

Can you believe it, this blog has been going for 4 years now!

I never would have imagined in 2010 that I’d still be blogging now.

The blog started out as a Japanese fashion (namely gyaru) central blog.

My muse, and the gorgeous lady who inspired me to start blogging was Mitsu.

I loved her blog and visited everyday, hoping that one day I might be half as amazing.

Whereas the blog still features Japanese fashion from time-to-time, it’s obvious it has evolved.

Now I’m a lot more focused on European fashion and beauty, as you’ll have noticed over the last few years.

It’s not a cliche to say it has opened up a lot of doors for me, some with pretty shiny things behind them, others with amazingly cool people. I have been very lucky to meet the people I have and go to the places I’ve been. I still remember being invited to my first event, and being sent my first pr sample. It’s fair to say I still am shocked when I’m contacted by pr companies, but I am also incredibly grateful. I only hope I can continue to write about the things I love, and everything that’s floating around inside my head. So thank you to those who I have worked with through my blog, but mainly thank you to those who read my blog – you’re the ones who continue to inspire me to blog.

bloomzy / January 11, 2014

Review: Inside the Ciate Advent Calendar 2013

Why am I talking about advent calendars in January?

No I’m not trying to make a head start, and no I’m not a bit slow either.

I’m not someone who is bothered by Advent calendars, so I never get myself one.

Even so I still wanted the Ciate advent calendar last year but didn’t like the price tag.

Don’t get me wrong, you get a lot for your money, but £42 was a bit too steep for me.

So I decided to wait and see what would happen after Christmas and if it would be reduced.

Well luckily for me I managed to grab the last one in the Selfridges in-store sale on Boxing Day.

I’d been thinking about it for ages and as a nail polish addict I figured it would be worth it.

I even used it as an excuse to throw out all of my old nail polishes.

The Calendar contains:

19 x 5ml Mini Ciate Polishes

1 x 13.5ml Ciate Polish

2 x 10g Ciate Caviar Pearls
1 x Ciate Caviar Pearl Funnel

2 x 5g Ciate Sequin/Glitter Pots

– With a total value of £119 –

I removed them all from the calendar, which was still fun even after Advent by the way.

And looking at them all together made me realise that they are actually great value for money.

Even though the majority of the polishes are mini pots, you’re going to get plenty of uses from them.

I liked the inclusion of Ciate’s famous caviar pearls, even if they are slightly off-trend right now.

They’re still a fun item to play with and are still sold in stores for full price, so it’s not bad value.

The sequin and glitter pots excited me immensely, as did the amount of glitter polishes – I live for glitter!

The full size polish wasn’t exactly to my taste but I thought it was a good colour to include.

The majority of the polishes are inoffensive and would suit most tastes and styles.
There are a couple of shades I’ll be giving away but I’m pretty happy with the rest.

You can purchase the Ciate Advent Calendar 2013 at Ciate for £21.

In case it sells out, it’s also available on ASOS for £33.50.

bloomzy / January 10, 2014

OOTD: Are We There Yet?

Rucksack – Lazy Oaf @ ASOS | Top: H&M | Leggings* – Oasap | Necklace – Marc by Marc Jacobs

If you hadn’t already guessed by the title, and the rucksack on my back, I’m off again! This weekend I’m back home to spend some time with my family before my sis returns to Hong Kong. I’m such an awkward traveller and I like to wear something super comfy, with minimal accessories.

I choose my Oasap leggings, as they’re soft and casual…and they always get compliments. Pairing those with my new H&M ‘très jolie’ top was an easy decision, being the Francophile that I am. I always wear my rings when travelling, but I dislike big necklaces so my Marc Jacobs one was an easy choice.

I also needed a new rucksack, as my last one disappeared into the gigantic hole that is beneath my bed. I needed something big, but I also wanted something fashionable – that’s where Lazy Oaf came in. Luckily for me ASOS have a great sale on Lazy Oaf items, even ones that are full price on the LO site! I picked the Betty Backpack as I’m a bit of a leopard print lover and it was perfect for what I wanted. The leopard print is soft and fluffy, and the little hands that tighten the backpack are an adorable feature.

I’m pretty pleased with my recent purchases and this travel outfit, if I do say so myself.

bloomzy / January 9, 2014

5 Nail Art Instagrams You Should Be Following

Do you remember the ‘Instagram 5 Series‘ I started last year. Well it’s back and I thought we’d start with one of my favourite topics – nail art. I’ve picked out 5 of my favourite Instagram accounts where you can find amazing nail art inspiration.

Who? @nancy_mc

Why? Before we became friends and worked together I loved Nancy’s nail art. I followed her on Tumblr & Instagram, so it seemed only fitting that she should be part of this line up. She is an amazing nail artist who is always coming up with fun, cute and sassy designs – they’re honestly some of the best I’ve seen. I think she has a real signature design to her work too. You know when you spot some Nancy Mc nails!

Who? @nailyuu

Why? Luna-che is a Japanese nail salon that really stands out to me. In a country where nail art is so good, it takes a lot for a particular salon, or in this case salon’s Instagram to stand out! I think the more personal aspect to this account is why I like it. Not only do you see the designs created for customers, but you see what Luna Che’s nail artist Yuu (et al) is up to – and it’s always something fabulous. It’s nice to have that personality.

Who? @glossin

Why? I’ve been lucky enough to have my nails done by Jessica and she is a great nail artist. Her designs are absolutely gorgeous and always on-trend. She has a lot of experience and has now started her own company – it’s great to see her share her designs and creations through her Instagram. I always end up pressing ‘like’ when I see one of her photos pop up on my feed.

Who? @diy_nails

Why? DIY Nails is a nail art Instagram with a difference. The brand, started by the lovely Tammy, is all about making nail art easier and more accessible for everyone. It features Tammy’s designs and the DIY Nails products, namely their nail transfers (which are now stocked in Urban Outfitters). The account is full of fun designs, customer photos and the gorgeous Betty (Tammy’s French Bulldog).

Who? @theillustratednail

Why? Of course it wouldn’t be fitting not to include The Illustrated Nail in my line up. Fans of nail art and nail artists alike will have seen or heard of The Illustrated Nail somewhere down the line, and if you haven’t, then what have you been doing all this time? I love that she includes mini-tutorials from time to time, so you can diy it. From creating original designs for celebrities, to designs for Dior, this is one nail artists who has earnt her stripes.

I often post photos of my nails, and you can follow me @bloomzy

Source: Please see individual Instagram accounts listed above.