accessories Archives

bloomzy / March 8, 2017

Girl Power Doesn’t Come with a Price Tag | Style

Top: Zara | Culottes: Zara | Necklace: Crux | Earrings: COS | Sneakers: Adidas Superstar

I’ve been wanting to write a post about fashion and feminism for the longest time. But every time I put pen to paper – or fingers to keys in my case – I find myself with writers block. See, I’ve got all these ideas and opinions going around in my head, but I just can’t seem to write them down. Well, in an articulate way. Somehow I don’t think ‘feminism is good, innit’ really gets my point across.

Girl Power Doesn’t Come with A Price Tag

You see I have such conflicting views about the fashion industry and feminism. Let’s be realistic, the fashion industry is still pretty behind (read: archaic) when it comes to equality. But at the same time, fashion helps empower people everyday. And of course there are some really awesome designers out there fighting for equality in different ways. Shout-out to Chitose Abe, The Reformation and Sharmila Nair – and that’s only naming a few.

Then there’s the controversy behind Dior’s recent Summer 2017 collection. Should we all be wearing t-shirts that declare just how proud we are to be a feminist? Sure, why not, there’s no harm in it either way. But girl power shouldn’t come with a price tag. And if it does, it should certainly be for a higher cause. Or bluntly put, a £490 t-shirt should at least donate part (or all) of their proceeds to a charity working towards equality. Otherwise you just come across as a brand that’s capitalising on something that negatively affects people’s lives everyday. Which let’s be honest, wouldn’t be a first for the fashion industry.

So you do you and wear your girl power t-shirt, or trousers, dress…whatever! Because whatever you wear you’re still a feminist, and that’s pretty kick ass. But Dior, you can stuff your ‘feminist’ t-shirts, I don’t need them. I’ll wear my feminism on my sleeve without the price tag, thanks.

Check out my previous style posts here

bloomzy / February 26, 2017

The Bright Lights of Soho (and How to Shine) | Style

Biker Jacket: Zara| Dress: Zara | Bag: Knomo London* | Boots: ASOS

We all want to shine. Whether it’s within our friendship groups, our career, or when walking down the street (bad examples are bad). But how can we stand out when everyone else is trying to do the same? I thought this recently whilst lost in the bright lights of Soho, during London Fashion Week. At this time of year London is awash with people wanting to be snapped in their latest garments. Everyone is hoping to shine a little brighter than usual, but it’s so easy to get lost in the crowd. At least that’s how it can feel for a lot of people.

The Bright Lights of Soho

London can be a confusing place. At the worst of times it feels like you’re just one small cog in a big machine. But at the best of times it can feel like the city was made for you, and only you. As though you are your own Holly Golightly, and if you just walk around that next corner you’ll find the beginning to your story.

Sure we can’t all be Audrey Hepburn (if only), but we don’t need to be. I happen to think that we all shine in our own way. Whether that’s because you feel damn confident in your new Zara dress, and you won’t have anyone tell you otherwise. Or maybe it’s because you returned someone’s wallet, and brought a little hope back to their day. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean we should all walk around like special snowflakes. No one likes a special snowflake. But it does mean that we should delight in what makes us different, channel it, and work it.

Check out my previous style posts here.
Photos of me are by Van Anh Le Thi

bloomzy / December 31, 2016

My 2016 Style Evolution aka The Year of Living Stylishly

It’s the end of 2016, and I think we’ve all had pretty much enough this year. Still, some great things have come out of it too. And I prefer to look back on the good stuff, rather than the bad. So it’s time for my annual style evolution post. Or as I’m so aptly naming it – the year of living stylishly.

2016 Style Evolution

I’ve always wished for a time where I could feel stylish from day-to-day. Not for anyone else, but for myself. I love to play with fashion, and when I look good, I feel good. This year I’ve made a real effort to only purchase quality items. This means saving up for items I’ve coveted or simply found (luckily). On my recent trip to Copenhagen I bought a few staple pieces, and I’ve worn them at least once a week since I got back.

It’s safe to say, my wardrobe is now full of items I can easily turn into a smart-casual look. After all, you never know when you’re going to meet a friend for ‘a drink’ and end up at an after party with Richard Ayoade (this actually happened).

The Year of Living Stylishly

In last year’s style evolution post, I said my goal was to be happier in my style. I think I’ve done pretty well, and I really do feel it. My style has become slightly more refined – if I do say so myself. Black and stripes have been prevalent, oh and I lost my favourite Blake Ldn beanie. Obviously it’s been a year of fashion ups and downs.

To be serious for a minute though, it has actually been a tough year for me. Even so, I’m not letting it get me down. Fashion is a great escape for me, and I hope I can continue to enjoy it all the way through 2017.

Check out this year’s style posts here.

bloomzy / November 29, 2016

Minimalist Winter Style – Is Less Really More?

Sweater Dress: Gestuz* | Biker Jacket: Zara | Trainers: Adidas

Just like a new haircut, a new dress can make you feel like a different person. But what happens when you get both at the same time? Maybe you gain a new persona? Or for the slightly more sound of mind, a tad more confidence. Let’s be honest, it’s a little bit of both for me. A fresh haircut makes me look at my style and wardrobe in a different light. And a new dress makes me feel a little bit fancy. But sometimes even these don’t help, and I just feel like I’m in a little bit of rut. This usually happens at the beginning of a new season. Because no matter how many bloody articles on “let your style transition effortlessly from season x to x” you read, it’s just not that easy!

Minimalist Winter Style – Is Less Really More?

As Winter hits, the idea of layering item upon item becomes incredibly alluring. Getting dressed every morning becomes a game of “which item will stop me from freezing to death?” – not a lie. With this said, I don’t actually know how to layer very well. I tend to have a few key pieces that work well together, and I stick to those. But then I get lazy and I don’t do my washing, and I’m back at square one.

You know I’m all about that minimalist lifestyle, so this can be a big problem for me. So I love it when an item comes along and solves all those issues for me. This season, it’s a sweater dress that looks like a jumper, layered over a turtleneck and a pleated skirt. Cosy fabric? Check. Stylish? Check. Minimal effort? Check. (Winter makes me lazy, ok?)

Check out my previous style posts, including more minimalist winter style here.

bloomzy / November 21, 2016

The Fashion Addict’s Christmas Gift Guide

It’s that time of the year again when we all start worrying what we should buy our loved ones. To help things go a bit more smoothly this year, I have put together a few gift guides. Each Christmas gift guide has been carefully curated by yours truly, to showcase the perfect gift guide for a fashion addict. I’ve looked high and low, and put together some of my favourite pieces right now. Each guide has an emphasis on quality and affordability, with a unique take. So grab a coffee, relax, and let me do all the hard work for you.

Christmas Gift Guide, for the fashion addict

Sweater Dress, by Gestuz @ Octer*
Biker Jacket, by Zara
Constellation Earrings, by & Other Stories
Circular Stud Earrings, by COS
Handbag, by Marc B*
Commuter A Watch, by Paulin
Leather Wash Bag, by Marks & Spencer

Well there you have it, my 2016 Christmas Gift Guide, for the fashion addict in your life. Whilst choosing the featured items, I kept several things in mind: affordability, quality, and accessibility. For me, all of these things are important. But of course we all want to get something a little bit special for our friends and family. That’s why I chose a selection of items that can be found on the high street, in department stores, and online. Fashion itself is very subjective, so it can be difficult to purchase clothing or accessories for someone else. However I’m trusting that you know your loved ones pretty well. And after all, there will always be pieces that transcend styles and trends. They’re the ones that can fit into pretty much any wardrobe. For me it’s a unique take on a sweater dress, minimalist jewellery, a quality watch to match a faux leather jacket, a make-up bag, and a handbag to throw everything into.

Keep an eye out for more Christmas Git Guides, coming soon!

bloomzy / October 10, 2016

Mads for Minimalist Style | Style (OOTD)

Top: Mads Nørgaard | Dress: New Look* | Chelsea Boots: ASOS | Open Ring: Jessie Harris

This minimalist style thing has been going on for quite a while now, right? I’ve actually managed to stick to a style I love for a couple of years now. That’s pretty impressive for me. My wardrobe used to be a garish sight to behold: predominantly black clothing, varying styles that didn’t match, and a bunch of unloved clothes I never wore. Now you’ll find complimentary colours and curated items that each get their fair share of love. It’s beautiful. Well, in my eyes anyway. But I get a lot of people asking me how I’d class my personal style, and when I reply they’re confused by the concept of minimalist style.

What is Minimalist Style?

For me, minimalist style is unpretentious. It’s basic, but not boring. It’s modest. It says a lot, without really saying much at all.

That’s not to say I don’t appreciate styles which are any less minimalist than my own. In fact I think you can see from my personal style evolution that I love a bit of eccentricity and pattern clashing. It just so happens that I’m at a stage where my personal style fits my lifestyle goals, personal beliefs, and outlook. I don’t feel anywhere near as stressed as I used to when having to put an outfit together. Actually I barely worry now (except for maybe big events) about what people will think of my clothes. For those that have grown up – like myself – sporting various styles and shapes of clothing, you’ll understand. It’s not easy to feel stylish, casual yet smart and confident in your style. Maybe that’s why this particular “phase” of my personal style has stuck around for so long. Which is all well and good really, because it feels right.

Check out my previous style posts here.

bloomzy / August 5, 2016

London Style, Quite Literally | Style (OOTD)

Top: Marks and Spencer | Culottes: Warehouse* | Sneakers: Converse | Backpack: New Look*

Since my post on The London Look, it would seem that I’ve begun to take London style in the most literal sense possible. This top was one of those amazing finds you happen upon by chance – and it was in the sale too! I absolutely loved the colours, stripes (duh) and the cut. I had to have it! Yet however much I love this top, it’s fair to say that not everyone does. In fact funnily enough, it’s caused quite a bit of controversy. And I’m stuck in the middle of it all.

London Style, Quite Literally

First off, my friends think it’s weird I’m wearing a top with London written on it. They seem to think it’s not cool, because it looks too touristy. Heaven forbid you are mistaken for a tourist in London. We all know how painful that is. Which leads me on to my second problem – the mistaken tourist. This lovely lovely top has caused some confusion between me and the “locals”. It would seem that some people think I’m a tourist in London. Recently whilst out at the pub with friends, I had an East Ender try to talk to me in broken French. Coz French colours and stripes. Of course.

Sure I’m not one for buying tops emblazoned with the city I’m currently travelling in, but problems aside, I don’t see why I shouldn’t wear this in my own city. I mean after all, where will people return me to if I get lost?

Check out my previous London style posts here.