designer Archives

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 16, 2016

Handmade at Kew x In The Window | Interior

Handmade at Kew x In The Window

Kew Gardens is one of my favourite retreats in London (as you may know). However it’s quite a trek to get there, so I often need an excuse to go. Whether that’s friends inviting me, a photoshoot etc. Last weekend I was given the perfect excuse for my second visit in 3 months. An invite from In The Window, to visit their Handmade at Kew stall.

Handmade at Kew

Meeting designers in person is always eye opening. In The Window’s stall at Handmade at Kew allowed me to meet several of their designers, as well as learning more about their creative process. I met with Daniel Heath, Frame & Cover, and Peaceable Kingdom Cushions. For me, a product/brand truly comes alive when I can feel and see the passion behind it. So I loved hearing the stories behind the designs, products and brands. Of course it always helps if you have the designers on hand to show you.

Live The Story

This time I was able to do some screen printing with Daniel Heath – always a pleasure. As well as Peaceable Kingdom Cushions – gorgeous designs, on organic fabrics. Whilst we learnt more about In The Window’s new Press Spaces (for bloggers & press), whilst lounging in Frame & Cover chairs. Corinne (the founder) is so passionate about organic materials, and UK production. I loved that her outfit on the day mirrored her patterns – now that’s keeping to an aesthetic!

Handmade at Kew really reflected the values and concept behind In The Window, so it makes a lot of sense that the two would pair up. I loved interacting with the designers, as well as learning about all the exciting new projects coming from ITW. Definitely a day worth making the trek for.

You can find out more about all of the designers featured at In The Window.
Follow #LiveTheStory on Twitter and Instagram to find out more.

bloomzy / September 26, 2016

Doing it Danish Style | Style (OOTD)

Top: Mads Nørgaard | Trousers: New Look | Sneakers: Converse

Danish style. What does that mean to you? For me it conjures up images of tailored clothes, layers, and white sneakers. Washed down with fresh sea air and delectable pastries. All of which – you’ll be pleased to know – I managed to make the most of whilst travelling in Copenhagen last week. Pastries and gorgeous landscapes aside, I was beyond giddy to finally be in the capital of my style-inspiration. I reckon 99% of my Tumblr and Pinterest combined are made up of Danish brands (homeware & clothing). Danish style is the ultimate for me.

Doing it Danish Style

As well as being the land of clean, minimalist style, Denmark has a few other tricks up it’s sleeve. The country is jam packed full of designers you’ve probably heard of/seen, but never realised were Danish. Wood Wood, Samsøe & Samsøe, and Baum und Pferdgarten to name a few. Yep, Danish designers have a pretty strong hold on the fashion industry, and they’re not letting go anytime soon. I just knew my trip to Copenhagen was going to be heavily influenced by my love of fashion, and these brands.

The Mads Nørgaard store was always going to be on my to-do list, whilst travelling to Copenhagen. I’ve been a fan of the brand ever since I discovered it earlier this year. It’s simplistic style appealed to my minimalist palette almost straight away. The Nørgaard store in Copenhagen is also the home of Nørgaard Paa Strøget #101, the award winning rib t-shirt with long sleeves. The t-shirt – which is made in Denmark – comes in a variety of colors and most importantly, in signature stripes. So it’s no surprise that this little number I’m sporting fell into my hands and onto the register…alongside 3 others.

Check out my previous style posts here.

bloomzy / July 31, 2016

My Current Beauty Faves | July 2016

Confession time! I don’t like watching beauty videos (unless it’s 100 Coats). I know I’m going against the grain here, but they just don’t appeal to me. That said, I’ve always appreciated a monthly favourites video. Basically I want my information short and sweet. I wanna know which products you loved this month, and which you hated. Since I don’t have the time to review every single beauty product I’m currently loving, I decided that a monthly Beauty Faves post was the best way to go about it.

My Beauty Faves | July

Sephora Express Drying Oil – Place a drop on newly painted nails and they dry within 1 minute. The perfect solution for clumsy ol’me.
Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream | Birthday Suit – The perfect matte lip cream. My perfect shade. The Sleek Matte Me lip creams do not budge through drinking and eating – no lie! I love it so much I’ve stocked up.
YSL Vinyl Couture Mascara | I’m The Clash #1* – I only ask for 2 things in a mascara. That it holds my lashes up – they point downwards usually – and that it doesn’t smudge. YSL have certainly come to my rescue with this one.
YSL Touche Eclat Concealer & Highlighter | Luminous Radiance #1*- Yes I know I’m late to hop on the bandwagon, but now I’m on it, I ain’t gettin off! This is the perfect tool to add a bit of luminosity to my face.
Barry M Gelly Nail Paint | Almond – This is a dupe of my favourite Nails Inc polish – everyone compliments this colour – and I honestly can’t tell the difference when it comes to shade or wear. At £11 cheaper than it’s twin, I know which one I’ll be sticking with from now on.
Canmake Day & Night Treatment Lip Scrub – I picked this up in Japan and haven’t put it down since. It exfoliates my lips gently (it’s a sugar scrub), and prepares them for lipstick. Alternatively, I use it at night after removing my make-up – to prepare my lips for the following day.
Trilogy Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF15* – For a pale lady such as myself, a moisturiser containing SPF is a must! This day cream is thick, but absorbs quickly, and is the perfect base for my make-up.
CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Toilette – I’ve always loved this scent, and so does everyone else! I get numerous compliments when I spritz this on, and everyone says it’s lovely.
Collection Precision Contouring Crayon – This one is sneak peek! It isn’t out yet, but it will be soon. Trust me, if you contour, you NEED this crayon in your life. It applies smoothly, and blends like an angel.

There you have it! My July Beauty Faves. Keep an eye out for more beauty reviews and recommendations here.

bloomzy / June 19, 2016

It’s Graduate Fashion Week, Darling

Graduate Fashion Week 2016 | The University of Northampton – Tiffany Ruff

There’s something special about graduate fashion week. Maybe it’s the buzz surrounding up and coming designers. Maybe it’s the innovative use of cuts and fabrics. Or the innocence and naivety that comes from not being a fully fledged member of the industry…yet. I like to think it’s a mixture of all of these, and more. This year Weleda invited me to attend, as well as watch The University of Northampton’s catwalk show.

Why Weleda?

So why was I a guest of Weleda? Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve all heard of Weleda’s Skin Food. This natural cream has been a staple on the catwalk, and behind the scenes at fashion week for a few good years now. So to celebrate their 90th birthday they invited myself – and several other lovely ladies – along to The University of Northampton’s show, whom they were partnered with. I’ve been using Skin Food (and other Weleda products) for a couple of years now, and it’s always been comforting to know I’m alongside stylish fans such as Alexa Chung and Suki Waterhouse. The holistic natural products promise to offer inspiration to mind, body and soul.

Graduate Fashion Week 2016: Highlights

I live to be inspired, and graduate fashion week is just the place for it. Walking from stall-to-stall, university-to-university, graduates brought forward a variety of materials, textures, cuts, styles and more. I was intrigued by the creativity and imagination that so many designers brought to the show. The judges had a tough time on their hands this year. And whereas I would love to say everyone was a winner, I of course had favourites.

The University of Northampton – Alice Chambers
Manchester Salford University – Adeel Kaiser Ali
Nottingham Trent University – Chloe Jackson
The University of Northampton – Laura Budryte

I wish I had space to write more names, but I would be here forever. All I know is I’ll be keeping my eyes on the designers I came across at Graduate Fashion Week 2016, and crossing my fingers that I’ll be able to buy their pieces one day.

Check out my previous fashion posts here.