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Mori Gal | Style (OOTD)

mori galT-shirt: Delores Daywear | Trousers: New Look | Sneakers: Comme des Garcon x Converse | Sunglasses: Playn*

I’ve always been fascinated with nature. As a child I would beg my parents to let me explore woodlands, or dip my toes in a babbling brook. Whether it’s plants, animals, fractals…well, you get my point. Of course lifestyle choices often transfer over to personal style. That’s why I love the idea of the Mori Gal fashion trend so much.

But you’re not a Mori Gal?!

The first time I fell in love with the style and concept was with the character Shizuru Satonaka in Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru. Mori Gal literally translates to Forest Girl. This fashion subculture originates in Japan, and often features earthy tones, natural fabrics, and loose fitting clothes. The style itself has never really found a foothold in my own wardrobe. Loosely permed hair (natural waves), and always carrying a camera around is about as close as it gets for me. Still, I find the concept incredibly romantic. Being more ethical in your fashion choices. Slowing down your daily life. Spending more time with nature.

True, I may not embody mori gal, but I can be inspired by it. I can be reminded of it; in my love for nature, quality fabrics, and ethical clothing choices. At the end of the day, mori gal is supposed to be whimsical. And we all deserve to have a little whimsy in our lives.

If you like the idea of MG, you can find out more and how-to with “Mori Gal Rules“.

Check out my previous style posts here.
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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A Love Affair with Italian Leather Shoes | Style

italian leather shoesA Love Affair with Italian Leather Shoes | Sandals by Lorena Paggi*

My press trip to Italy last October was something I will never forget. Discovering Fermo and the amazing artisan shoemakers of the region was enlightening. Since my visit I’ve definitely gained a new found love for Italian leather shoes, and a variety of new designers.

Italian Leather Shoes: Lorena Paggi SS16

One of the designers I visited during my trip to Italy was Lorena Paggi. Producing Italian leather shoes, bags and accessories, I fell in love with a pair of their brogues, and that was that. The brand had certainly left an impression on me. So when their Spring/Summer 2016 collection popped up on my Facebook feed I immediately clicked through. Dusky pinks, chunky heels and minimalist looks to name a few. These are stylish sandals with a difference.

Where to find them…

This is the question I asked myself…Lorena Paggi…and every social network possible, after I saw these sandals. The dirty pink shade was so perfect, and so perfectly on trend. The style is very me – minimalist, comfortable, high quality and stylish. You couldn’t ask for better. Lorena Paggi luckily saw my pleas on social media, as I desperately tried to find out where I could buy their new sandals. I can’t wait to wear these in Barcelona at the end of the month. And hopefully in London, but I don’t want to jinx this gorgeous weather just yet.

Unfortunately Lorena Paggi shoes are not available in the UK…yet! However if you happen to be in Italy or Eastern Europe/Russia, you will definitely be in luck. Keep an eye on their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts for more info.

Read more: Italy Travel Diaries

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Urban Research in Japan | Style (OOTD)

urban researchTie Waist Top: Urban Research | Trousers: Urban Research | Watch: Timex* | Sneakers: Comme des Garcon

When I visited Japan in March, one thing stood out to me. My personal style was miles away from what it was when I was living in Tokyo. It dawned on me that the stores and areas I once frequented during my time there were now alien to me. For this reason alone, I had resigned myself to the fact that I probably wouldn’t buy any clothes during my visit. However one rainy day, we decided to wander around the Sky Tree Mall – Solomachi. Filled with stores such as Punyus, Loft, and earth, music and ecology; I soon realised I was in good hands.

Urban Research

One store that stood out to me in particular was Urban Research. Sure the name might seem odd to English speakers, but the lifestyle element to the store intrigued me. It reminded me of my favourite London stores, but with a difference. However it was only when I went shopping with Renka that I properly investigated. I ended up picking up an ensemble that felt a little out of my comfort zone. Something I would admire on others, but would maybe be a little nervous to wear myself. Luckily Renka is a great shopping buddy. I knew I could trust her, and when she gushed at how much the outfit suited me I decided I had to have it. I had to admit, I felt kinda cool in it. And this is coming from the person who would never have considered wearing a matching two-piece outfit. As you probably guessed, that outfit was the one in this post. I mean, this story would have been entirely pointless otherwise, right?

Check out my previous style posts here.
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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bloomzy /

The Nor-Folk Look | Style (OOTD)

nor-folkJumper: Nor-Folk | Trousers: New Look | Hat: Blake LDN | Shoes: New Look

The Nor-Folk Look…

In my last style post I talked about The London Look. So in this post it seemed only fitting to return to my roots and discuss the infamous Norfolk Look. Well really there’s not much to discuss. Most people assume Norfolk is full of people dressed in flat caps, Joules gilets and riding boots. That’s great, but in recent years I’ve seen some amazing brands and designers coming from Norfolk, and that excites me a lot.

Finch womenswear are on top of keeping Norwich fashionable, but if I had to choose a brand, hands down it’s Nor-folk. Nor-Folk is a graphic design-led lifestyle brand founded by husband-and-wife graphic designers who reside in Norfolk, UK. Timeless minimalist aesthetics are backed up by the idea that our wardrobes (and lives) should consist of quality over quantity. This is something I thoroughly believe in, and have been working on in my style, and home, for the past few years.

I was so pleased to meet Fiona when I visited Norwich a few months ago. Not only is she incredibly friendly and kind, but her outlook on fashion is so refreshing. We chatted about the use of quality fabrics, interesting cuts, and fair trade. It’s safe to say that my love for Nor-folk was cemented that day. It’s so good to know that the clothes you own are created with such love and care. That’s what the Norfolk look is all about.

Check out my previous style posts here.
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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The London Look | Style (OOTD)

the london lookCoat: Topshop | Trousers: New Look | Hat: Blake LDN | Backpack: Sandqvist | Sneakers: Luca Verdi*

The London Look…

What is it? This is a genuine question that someone asked me recently. Ok so they may have been American, and things may have gotten lost in translation…culture-wise anyway. Still a lot of people talk about it. One big beauty brand even has it as their tagline. But what does the London look even mean? Honestly I’m no closer to figuring this out. Some days I think it’s a combination of vintage finds. Others, a minimalist outfit made up of greys, nudes and blacks. Truth be told, I don’t think it is one particular look. But that’s what makes the fashion scene so great in London. It’s a hybrid of tons of different trends, styles and looks.

I like to think of it as a different look for every occasion. But what do you wear for brunch on a rainy London afternoon? Simple! Your favourite new tailored trousers, a chic shirt and sweater combo, and some designer Italian sneakers. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!

For me, London is a place where I can dress however I want. Whether it’s smart-casual, ripped jeans, or an evening dress – I can feel like my style is completely my own. I feel secure in what I’m wearing, and I know others feel the same about themselves. That’s something pretty special. Maybe at the heart of it, that’s what “the London look” really is. Its just you, doing you.

Check out my previous style posts here.

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COS Superstar | Style (OOTD)

COSDress: COS | Trousers: Topshop | Shoes: Converse x Comme des Garcon

You ever have one of those moments when you just grab something from the shelf of a store – to try on for the fun of it – even though you know it will never suit you? That’s actually how I found this dress. Whilst wandering around COS one afternoon I spotted this little black number. I told myself, “it’s too long” and “it’s too big”, but I wanted to see it on anyway. I’m a sucker for punishment when it comes to gorgeous clothes. And maybe it’s the slits down the side, or the way the bottom of the dress floats like an angel…but something made me fall in love with this dress on that day. Truth be told, I’ve not fallen out of love since.

In all honesty, it’s most likely the way it so easily layers with other items of clothing. Even the COS website suggests pairing it with a turtleneck – something I’ll never do as my own neck is practically non-existent – so that’s saying something. We’ve reached that part of Spring (in the UK) when it’s neither warm nor cold, so I like to layer. Well, that and I love the way certain cuts and fabrics flow together.

Mostly I try to avoid this type of dress. And even though I’d usually feel like I was wearing a bag in this cut, I actually really like the way it sits on my body. It accentuates my curves, but it doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable. I dislike it when people say “that won’t suit your body, skin type etc etc” but I do believe in feeling confident in the clothing you wear. And I definitely do. This dress is a superstar in the making!

Check out my previous style posts: OOTD
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

COS COS COSCOS

bloomzy /

Superhero or Super Villain? | London Fashion Week OOTD

london fashion weekCoat: Urban Outfitters* | Jumpsuit: Topshop | Boots: ASOS

Part of the fun of London Fashion Week is going out in your Sunday best. Dressing up, and seeing if you get papped…snapped…Instagrammed? Photo sharing platforms aside, I genuinely love dressing up, so LFW is a lot of fun for me. I’ve had a couple of photos taken in the past, but I can’t honestly say I’ve turned heads. Not the way I did when I wore this little number, whilst wandering around Soho a couple of weekends ago. Is it the coat? Is it the hair? Is it the daring cleavage I’m flaunting? Who knows!

For such a simple get up, I felt pretty stylish. My trusty Topshop jumpsuit and ASOS boots were the basis for this look, but I couldn’t resist throwing on this (deep emerald green) Urban Outfitters coat when I saw it. The coat had me feeling like a superhero, what with the way it swished as I walked down the street. But maybe my look was more fitting of a super villain with this particular hair style? After all, everyone knows villains are always more stylish…

Check out my previous style posts: OOTD
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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