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 /

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 /

Tatty Devine Sample Sale Haul

My haul from the Tatty Devine Sample Sale
 
When I first heard that Tatty Devine were holding a sample sale I knew I had to go.
I didn’t think I would be able to actually, but thankfully things worked out so I could.
So I joined the queue early on a Saturday morning, and I felt quite chilled.
That all changed when we stepped into the store.
If you know their Brick Lane store well, you will also know that it is tiny.
It works perfectly well for Tatty, but it’s not the first place you’d go to hold a sample sale.
So it was a battle of the superfans as ladies (and gentleman alike) scavenged through the boxes.
It was a bit like a treasure hunt in a way, as everyone battled to find the one piece they had been after.
Seriously though, even though I kid about it being chaotic everyone was very bubbly and excited.
I also met a very lovely lady who I wish I’d exchanged info with – all I know of her is ‘Bridezilla on Wheels’.
Don’t worry though, this isn’t going to turn into a ‘We on a blustery morning in Brick Lane…’ post.
So what was I after? Well to be honest with you I didn’t really know. I just wanted to take a peek.
That meant it was even more enticing when I started finding classic pieces I wanted (but couldn’t justify at full price) and old items that I’d missed out on the first time round. So I put up with the pushing and general craziness to search for more hidden gems. And boy, did I find some hidden gems! My Tatty Devine collection is ever expanding, with pieces that reflect my interests & personal style – that’s what I love about Tatty Devine as a brand. In a nutshell? I’ll be back!
bloomzy /

OOTD: Stripey & Chic

(Dress: China Doll Boutique, Necklace: Tatty Devine, Watch: Marc Jacobs, Bracelet: Rêves D’Hiver)
Finally, after waiting for so long, the warm weather is here!!
I celebrate by stopping by China Doll Boutique’s (now named Sugar & Style) Box Park pop-up.
Nhuc is always lovely & chatty, and after browsing her new items (some from Paris!) I tried a few on.
Although I loved some of the new printed trousers I decided that a light Summer dress would be best.
This one just screamed Parisian-chic to me, and I loved the simplicity of it – more to accessorise with!
The cut is super flattering, which surprised me as I have some rather prominent boobs and bum going on.
I think this may be my go-to Summer casual dress, especially as it suits my new hairstyle so well.
Unfortunately the dress isn’t available on the online store, but you can find it in the Box Park store!