bloomzy /

OOTD: Summer Blues

(Skater Dress: Warehouse*, Necklace: Gift from a friend)
Honestly the last few days (I’m writing this on a horrible rainy Tuesday) have been lovely.
We’ve had sun, and even heat, which I know some of you non-Brits may find hard to believe.
That meant that I was finally able to rummage through the depths of my wardrobe, and bring out my Summer clothing.
This dress (from Warehouse) seemed like a ray of hope when it arrived on my doorstep a week or so ago.
It was a reminder that one day we would have sunshine, so naturally it was one of the first things I got out!
I think this is probably the simplest OOTD I’ve done to date.
I’m not a fan of throwing on tons of accessories when it’s warm, and this dress doesn’t need it.
I think the cut and fit of the dress stand out enough by itself, so I went for simple accessories.
The necklace from my friend Anna seemed like the perfect accompaniment. 
I think I’ll often be pairing this with my tennis shoes when Summer finally hits properly.
bloomzy /

Guest Post: When Fashion & Culture Clash!

It’s been a while since I featured a guest post and I think this is a great one to come back with!
The lovely Alina is from Germany and blogs at ‘A Panda in Wonderland‘. She is passionate about fashion and travelling, amongst other things. Psst, she’s also currently running a giveaway!

Today she will be sharing with you how she doesn’t give up on her personal style, even when it means loving the fashion of one culture (Japan) that conflicts with her own (Germany).

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When the doors of the arrival gate opens it is not only the cold, rainy weather that welcomes me back to Germany but also the judging gazes that lie upon me.
I’ve been traveling back and forth to Japan since 2008 and the problem of wearing my japanese outfits back home has not gotten any better. In my opinion some countries are either too conservative or too boring to accept something ‘different’ from what they see everyday. Seriously, doesn’t wearing jeans and T-shirts all the time get boring?

The usual comments I receive (most people don’t even have the courage to say it to my face) are: ‘Isn’t that too short?’ , ‘What’s with the dolly look, she must be one of those anime freaks!’ or ‘How old is she to think that she can wear such pattern?!’ Most of them giggle or point fingers on top of that. Honestly speaking, I don’t really give a damn anymore what they think since I rather wear my unique outfits than drown in the boring crowd of Jeans.
I’m facing the same problems with hair accessories like bows or hairbands. In Japan you are constantly being complimented on them while back home everyone is rolling their eyes. It is scary how some people just can’t tolerate what they aren’t used to.

If you have ever been to Tokyo, you are probably aware of the fact that almost no one looks the same, outfit wise. They all have their own style, a different hairdo and fashion taste, yet it seems to be tolerated by everyone around them. If you have time, sit down in a nice câfe and watch the people who pass by, it always inspires me fashion wise.
Colorful or patterned tights are also a little bit risky over here. You immediately end up in the cheap woman section even though you are just trying to pimp your simple H&M dress. Ridiculous in my opinion. Clubbing in my ‘night out’ outfits from Japan is a unbelievable pain in the ass because everything that Japanese consider stylish (Oshare) is judged as slutty over here.
So no matter what you do, you either end up in the ‘slutty’ or the ‘anime freak with no taste’ section. Even though you are just chosing another fashion style than the majority is.

Nevertheless, I’ll continue with my personal style and would like to encourage everybody else who is facing the same problem to do the same.
After all it’s me (you) who have to feel comfortable in what you wear not everybody else 😉

bloomzy /

Photo Diary: A Week in My Shoes

In the past week I’ve been working but making time for fun also.
It started with me going for dinner with Nhuc & Sophie, for a catch-up.
The amazingly gorgeous cake was mine & Nhuc’s dessert…no not the whole thing.
The next day I attended the Spirit of Summer Fair with Anna – watch my vlog here.
I did some chocolate tasting at the event (with Paul A Young) as well as some shopping.
I should have bought a new perfume as my favourite Jo Malone fragrance ran out, luckily I have another.
During the week my dad came to visit (whilst my mum stayed at home to take care of the dog).
We attended the Netsuke Exhibition at the Japanese Embassy – the main reason for his visit.
We went for lunch at The Breakfast Club, as it’s one of his favourite places.
Then we popped next door to one of Paul A Young’s chocolate shops.
I was treated to a box of amazingly delicious chocolates.
So that’s pretty much my week, it wasn’t anything too crazy exciting but it was fun.
I also took a few outfit shots (see ootd post here), to keep things flowing.
You can follow me on Instagram: @bloomzy
bloomzy /

Video: Spirit of Summer Fair 2013


On Saturday I visited the Spirit of Summer Fair 2013 at the Olympia.
Stalls at the trade show featured fashion, food, jewellery and more.
It was my first time at the venue and I loved it.

I also wanted to present it to you in different way.
Many friends and bloggers have lead to me finally trying out video on the blog.
It doesn’t feature me personally right now, but I plan to get round to that eventually.
As for now, let me know what you think of me presenting events etc in this way.

You can follow me on YouTube here.
Make sure you watch in 720HD for the best version of the video.
Tickets were provided for me on behalf of Figleaves.

bloomzy /

Photo Diary: OOTD(s)

I realise the blog has been lacking in OOTD posts recently.
That’s mainly down to me being lazy poor time management on my part.
I tend to get ready and then head out of the house, and forget to take a photo whilst I’m out.
I’m trying to change as I love doing OOTD posts – yes, I enjoy dressing up and pouting in front of a camera.
Really I need to make more time, but when I’m rushing about there’s always the next best thing.

I have taken to Instagraming a few photos here and there, when I’ve had the time. I’m not a big fan of putting OOTD shots on there as I don’t think you see much detail – I prefer to take shots of particular items on my Instagram, but I’ve had a change of heart recently. So I’ve been having fun taking shots of what I’ve been wearing, in front of my mirror etc.

So I decided to share some of my Instagram outfit shots with you.
I know not everyone has Instagram, and those that do don’t necessarily follow me.
So here you go, I hope you enjoy!
You can follow me on Instagram @bloomzy
bloomzy /

My Tatty Devine Lucky Dip Box

My Tatty Devine Small Lucky Dip Box

As I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to attend the sample sale I ordered a lucky dip box.
I’m quite partial to lucky bags etc so even though I did go to the sale I was still excited.
Well my box arrived on Friday and I was eager to see what it contained.
I received the Swallow Earrings, Pipe Ring & Parcel Bow Necklace.
I can’t say I was overwhelmed with what I got to be honest.
I plan to keep the Swallow Earrings…maybe, but none of it is really something I would wear.
In fact I think I picked up all 3 products at the sample sale but didn’t buy them as they didn’t interest me.
That said, I thought £15 for these 3 Tatty Devine pieces was bargain, even if I’m not into them.
I have put the necklace and ring up on the Tatty Devine Swap Shop on Facebook so I’ll see what happens.
I’d also be happy to swap with any of my readers who want to exchange any Tatty pieces.
I guess I could always sell them on if not, or possibly hold a giveaway maybe?!
ETA: I popped them up on eBay after scheduling this post.
Did you buy a Tatty Devine Lucky Dip Box?
What did you get, and were you happy with it?

bloomzy /

Escentual Micellar Water Trial

The Escentual Micellar Water Trial*

On Saturday I found out that I had been lucky enough to be chosen for the Escentual Micellar Water Trial.
I was chosen amongst 99 other beauty addicts (i.e. bloggers, vloggers etc.) to try out 7 secret samples. These 7 samples, labelled A-G are all well-known/high-end brand Micellar Water’s, but whilst we know which brands will be taking part, we don’t know which sample belongs to which brand. It’s a beauty addict’s dream come true.

The waters on trial are:
I’m a Micellar Water convert and have been using it as a part of my daily skincare routine for over a year now.
I stick to Avène’s Cleanser & Make-up Remover, which is actually one of the samples on trial. However, even though I have stock of it, I’ve been curious about other brands, so I’m excited to give all of these a try and give my opinion on each. We have only 14 days to trial all 7 samples, which logically allocates 2 days per sample. I will be keeping track of each sample and writing up a review for the blog in 2 weeks time, when the trial has ended. I may even have a guess at which sample belongs to which brand – although I’ll probably fail miserably, but it will be fun to see if I can get any right.