bloomzy, Author at Bloomzy

bloomzy / October 7, 2013

Street Style: Japanese (Tokyo) vs. British (London)

Tokyo and London are both well known for their amazing street style.

One may be completely different to the other but that’s why I wrote this post.

This isn’t about comparing the two and choosing a winner, a more fashionable street style…

The point is to show how both cities have so much to offer in terms of fashion and inspiration.

No matter which way you look at it, both cities offer shockingly vibrant and fun fashion.

Both are stylised and brimming with personality, leaving you wanting to see more.

Not that you would expect anything less from two of the world’s fashion capitals.

I love both Japanese and European street style so I hope you can enjoy it too.

Source; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

bloomzy / October 6, 2013

Where to Eat in Chamonix, France: Mat’cha Tearoom

Salon de Thé Mat’cha | Japanese Tearoom | Hotel Cretes Blanches, 16 Impasse du Génépy, Chamonix

Never would I have expected to find a Japanese tearoom in Chamonix. However I was pleasantly surprised to find one on my recent holiday to France. I happened to pass a sign and saw the Japanese kanji for tea – 茶 – which peaked my interest. So we went back the following day and were greeted by a wonderfully serene setting by a hotel.

The hostess is a very sweet Japanese lady who speaks French, English and Japanese. We were both in such awe, especially as it gave us a chance to practice all of our languages. We were shown the wide range of teas, which she brought to us in beautiful red lacquer boxes. After carefully explaining the origins and tastes etc of the teas, we were left to make our decision. After choosing our tea sets we chatted with the lovely hostess in Japanese about our travels. I have to say she really made the experience worthwhile, and showed such kindness to us. You all know I’m a big fan of matcha and Japanese tea and this only fed my love for it. My set came with candied sweet potato too, which was absolutely delicious.

Mat’cha offers traditional Japanese tea sets, as well as regular tea and coffee. They also offer a small lunch menu consisting of one item, which is served Tuesday – Friday. The menu changes day by day, and includes popular Japanese dishes such as curry, sushi or bento. Also on offer are well known Japanese sweet treats, such as chiffon & matcha cake, taiyaki and more. We didn’t opt for a lunch as we had actually just eaten and weren’t aware that they did lunches. However we agreed that we would certainly go back again to try out the lunch menu.

Mat’cha is a part of and connected to Hôtel les Crêtes-Blanches.

bloomzy / October 4, 2013

5 Japanese Fashion Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following

You may remember my previous ‘5 Fashion/Beauty Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following‘ post. Well I wanted to expand on that series and go back to the roots of this blog, and that means Japanese fashion. I’ve picked out 5 of my favourite Japanese fashion Instagram accounts where you can find amazing style inspiration.

Who? @akimoto_kozue Model
Why? Akimoto’s Instagram is a small look into the life of one of Japan’s current ‘it’ models.

She takes you around Japan (and the world; she recently walked the runway at Paris & London’s fashion weeks) with her as she documents her busy schedule through photos. That doesn’t mean it’s all dull and boring though. She posts fun, silly photos, and often takes photos with her close friends, some of whom are other models and designers, such as Kiko Mizuhara & Jeremy Scott. She’s a gorgeous gal with a taste for life!

Who? @gold_erika Model/Fashionista
Why? If you love fashion and sexy selfies, Erika is your lady.

Her Instagram is full of selfies, outfit posts, parties and behind-the-scenes looks at any of the current photo shoots she is taking part in. She’s quite the socialite. Erika has a very subtle sexy look, which is something I quite envy. Her make-up and fashion is always on point…and I can’t get enough of that short sharp bob.

Who? @mogatanpe Idol
Why? Purple is one of my favourite colours and it just so happens to be Mogami’s assigned colour.

That might seem a bit weird, but it’s actually because she is a part of the idol group dempagumi.inc – a pop group with 6 members (each assigned a colour) whose popularity has been rising as of late. Her Instagram is an insight into the life of a young, fun, fashionable woman. She isn’t like your usual Japanese idols, especially in her fashion sense. Her personal style is very cool and I love seeing her outfits.

Who? @natsuumikunsan Model
Why? Natsumi is a real cutie, that much is obvious.

Her Instagram features pastel hair, silly outfit shots and photo shoot snaps where she looks like she may actually be part angel. Heavily photoshopped images aside, Natsumi is a popular model in the gyaru industry and is often taking part in shoots and shows, which she always shares on her Instagram. I live out my hair and nail dreams through her photos.

Who? @si_oux DJ/Model/Photographer/Designer
Why? Yep, si oux has and does it all.

She’s the designer behind the well-known tights and leggings brand Vive Vagina, and she also just so happens to be a dj, model and photographer in her spare time. Her daily unconventional outfit photo shoots in the corner of her roof terrace are a staple on her Instagram. I have to say she is a lady after my own heart – look at that red hair! It’s what drew me in to begin with and it features a lot in her photos, whether it’s at her current DJ set or a promo image for a brand. Definitely one for fans of alternative fashion.

Do you have some favourite Instagram users?
Let me know in the comments!

Source: Please see the individual Instagram accounts listed above.

bloomzy / September 30, 2013

French Pharmacy Haul: Avène, Nuxe, Caudalie & La Roche-Posay

I think it’s safe to say I went a little crazy.

French pharmacies are my version of a toy store.

Once I’m let loose in them, you’re not getting me back for a while.

This holiday I think I outdid myself, this is probably my biggest haul so far.

I bought products I’ve tried before and adore, and new ones that I’d heard good things about.

I’m sure you know all of these but just incase let me introduce you to the brands & products I bought:

Caudalie

+ Beauty Elixir

La Roche-Posay

+ Serozinc Toner

Nuxe

+ Essential Travel Kit

+ Nirvanesque Eye Contour Cream

Avène

+ Trixera Emollient Cream

+ Cold Cream Body Lotion

+ Eau Thermal Water Spray

+ Skin Rich Recovery Cream

+ Eau Thermal Micellar Lotion Cleanser & Make-up Remover

The beauty of French pharmacies is that they have full collections.

It can be difficult to find French beauty products in the UK for a decent price.

For those who are interested in trying them out for themselves, I have included links.

It might seem like I’ve bought far too many products to try out, but trust me, you’ll be seeing reviews.

bloomzy / September 28, 2013

Photo Diary: Glaciers, Hot Chocolate & Balconies

When you read this I’ll already be packing to head back to London.

It’s been an amazingly relaxing and wonderful holiday and I’m sad to leave.

That said, I know lots of friends, family and adventures are awaiting me in England.

We spent our week going for long walks, inside massive glaciers, and sipping on hot chocolate.

Something as simple as ‘stopping for a coffee’ seems so much better surrounded by pretty things.

(I should make note here that coffee shops and restaurants in London know how to do this very well).

We wanted to relax this holiday, hence coming to Chamonix, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore.

We headed to Montenvers to see the ‘Mer de Glace’ – a glacier on the northern slopes of the Mont Blanc massif.

Lucky for us it’s the longest glacier in France, because who would settle for anything else, ey?

It was lit with various coloured lights, and scattered around were gorgeous ice sculptures.

It was truly beautiful and I hope my photos do it justice.

It’s been a lovely holiday and I hope you’ve enjoyed my photo diaries.

bloomzy / September 27, 2013

OOTD: Polka Loco

Scarf – Ffion Griffith | Shirt* – Oasap | Trousers – Uniqlo | Shoes – Vans x Liberty’s of London @ Office

I was just standing here casually and the camera went off by itself, I’m not a model. Sorry I couldn’t help myself – if you didn’t get that meme reference than educate yo’self.

We happened upon a Japanese tea room yesterday and decided to investigate it today. I popped on my favourite shirt and my scarf, which I actually wear more as a headscarf now. The weather was good again so I knew I had to make the most of the sun and take an outfit shot. Lounging in the sun in comfy clothes with some Japanese tea (genmaicha to be exact) was lovely. I’m going to be so sad when I have to return to London and can’t take an outfit photo everyday.

Don’t forget you can get 20% off with code ‘bloomzy’ when you visit Oasap!