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Keiko Nishiyama x FitFlop

Is it possible for a shoe to be comfortable and fashionable? I think most fashion (and shoe) lovers would say “you’ll be lucky!” Well FitFlop are challenging that misconception with their range of flip-flops. They have created a multi-density
Microwobbleboard™ midsole to help keep feet happy. That may seem confusing, but it basically means your feet will be thanking you all Summer. Of course I did also mention that their flip flops were fashionable too, which brings me to… Their latest collection, which is a collaboration with Japanese designer Keiko Nishiyama.
Keiko reinterpreted their iconic SHUV Clog, the Bohemian BON and the Summery ‘THE SKINNY’ sandal, by using her own hand-drawn fantasy garden print, which is exclusive to the FitFlops collection. Keiko is often inspired by and uses Japanese printing and hand painting to create botanical and fantasy hybrid plants in her drawings. I love Keiko’s work and her prints. I love the Keiko Shuv and the Keiko Skinny, but my favourite has to be the Keiko Bon. The use of complimentary colours and the style of the shoe makes these the perfect compliment to anyone’s Summer wardrobe.
You can view the full collection and colours at FitFlops.
The FitFlops x Keiko Collaboration will be available to buy soon.
Source: 1
bloomzy /

A Blast from My Past: Japanese Gyaru Fashion & Life in Japan

A few weeks ago I went back to my parent’s house for a few days. Whilst I was there I decided to raid the attic, and see if I could find my old textbooks. I found myself knee-deep in university papers and old cuddly toys from my childhood. Amongst these were a few boxes of items from my time living (and studying) in Tokyo, Japan. Suddenly my objective was out the window and all I wanted to do was reminisce.
Japanese fashion has been a part of my life for over 10 years now. One fashion sub-culture in particular took up a decent amount of that time – gyaru. With hair high enough to reach the gods, and enough make-up to make an MUA weep, gyaru was an enigma wrapped in a mini skirt and fuzzy leg warmers. I was automatically drawn in, and spent most of my time reading magazines and blogs dedicated to the style. Gyaru is the reason behind me starting this blog in the first place! So you can imagine that finding these magazines and books was something quite special. Memories flooded back: Buying the Ranzuki Hair & Make-up Book in a small conbini in Kyoto. Adding points to my WC loyalty card as I bought everything and anything from the brand. Getting a ‘hair set’ (that has since created perpetual hair envy) with a friend for our joint birthday party. 
I met some amazing people because of gyaru, people who I can now call good friends.  So naturally it will always be a big part of my life and although I’m sure there were bad times, I can only remember the good. Recently I’ve missed my time living in Tokyo, but I do wonder if going back might tarnish those memories. It’s safe to say that things wouldn’t be the same now, but maybe that’s a good thing? Gyaru has faded from it’s origins and seems to be evolving into something all together different. So for now, I’m happy to keep my memories as just that. 
Interested in reading more about Japanese fashion and how my blog started?
Check out my Style Evolution post or browse my Japanese Fashion tag.
bloomzy /

OOTD: Little Paris in London

Blazer – H&M | Top – Zara | Leggings – H&M | Necklace – Topshop


This Summer I plan to make a big change in my wardrobe. That isn’t exactly something I declare every day so it may sound a bit odd. This past weekend I re-read Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange. Whereas I don’t agree with everything, I do love her take on the classic Parisian style. It got me thinking about my own style and how I was in love with Ines’s offerings. So this Summer I plan to do a little style overhaul…well, in a way.
I envy those who wear basics like they’re something fantastical. I want to be one of those women who walks down the streets of Paris, wearing H&M as if it were Chanel. Convincing those around her that they’ve put hours of effort in to look chic, when in reality all she had to do was grab a shirt and a pair of tailored trousers from her minimalist wardrobe. My wardrobe will consist of a few key pieces that will work well together (or by themselves), with minimal accessories to match. It isn’t about being specifically on-trend, nor do I believe that you need a wardrobe overflowing with items. Quality over quantity, after all. However that doesn’t mean that I need to spend all of my income on the latest it-bag from Louis Vuitton, or the latest pair of flats from Charlotte Olympia. I’d rather have people wonder where my clothes are from, and where they can buy them for themselves. So since I look up to women with an effortless ability to pair basics (a la Rumi Neely & Audrey Hepburn), I plan to bring out the casual chic part of my personal style even more.
Hopefully I’ll be able to wow a few people myself.
bloomzy /

Wish List: Persun Mall

Persun Mall Wishlist
Recently I joined Persun Mall‘s blogger program and was asked to create a wishlist.
I do love a good wishlist, so of course I jumped at the chance to do one this time round.
After choosing a few items I loved, I realised that I’d started to style an entire outfit.
Little by little it was coming together and it was full of some gorgeous items.

At first look, it would seem I was inspired by the recent festival trend going around.
Even though I’m not a festival fan this outfit and these items probably would be perfect for one.
Sunglasses, bracelet, shawl jacket, dark denim shorts, tan shoulder bag and ankle boots – check!
Persun Mall is similar to a lot of other China based online brands doing the rounds right now.
You’ll find affordable, varied items of a decent quality that can be shipped worldwide.
I’m looking forward to working with them!

bloomzy /

Style: An Outfit for Under £35 ($60)

Clothing – Oasap*

I decided to challenge myself with my recent month’s credit from Oasap. I wanted to know if I could put together an entire outfit for under $60 (£35). I love simple, chic outfits that look good without having to take 3 hours to put together. So with that in mind I first chose a Breton striped inspired t-shirt with short rolled sleeves. Next up was a simple pair of black tight leggings to create a skinny jean look on the bottom. I toyed with the idea of ankle boots but chose some Converse-style high top sneakers instead. I was surprised I had made it this far and still had money left in my internet-wallet to burn. So I settled on the still cute YSL dupe ring that was incredibly popular a few years ago.
The top was reduced down to $6.90 from around $10 and the leggings were only $12.90. The ring was the biggest bargain out of all at only $2!! Whereas the sneakers (which also have a slightly raised platform on the bottom) were the most expensive at $36.90 – and even then that isn’t really expensive for a pair of shoes. All together it came to $58.70…for the entire outfit! I was impressed, and pretty cocky, knowing that I had got an entire outfit for under $60. I didn’t have to stray from my personal style, and I was able to buy basic items that can be paired with other outfits in the future.
Challenge complete!
On a sad side note…
My Oasap orders have usually been on time, however this time round my order took over a month to reach me. That was very disappointing and when it arrived the leggings were far too small – even though they’re ‘one size’ and my other ‘one size’ leggings from Oasap fit me fine. I don’t like to talk bad about companies and before this I would have only had good things to say about Oasap. However I do feel it’s important to tell you my true feelings on here. Yes I would order from them but I would be cautious about the shipping times etc.
bloomzy /

Tatty Devine Lucky Dip Box & Sample Sale

Did you really think I could resist the lure of the Tatty Devine lucky dip boxes? Well I managed to resist the sunglasses box and only buy one small one this year. I never seem to have much luck with lucky dip boxes so I decided not to go overboard. I think I got some good items in my box this time round, but not all are for me really. Even though I love all of the items they’re not really pieces I would get much wear from. I have put the necklace on the Tatty Devine Swap Shop and the rest is on eBay. If you’re interested in Tatty Devine you can find all my sales here on eBay.
The Tatty Devine Sample Sale takes place Saturday 3rd May in their Brick Lane store.
Doors are open from 11am-6pm – I’d suggest getting there about an hour before to join the queue!