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Interview: Keiko Lynn

I’m sure you all know of Keiko Lynn already, but if you don’t then you’re in for a nice surprise. Keiko is the gorgeous face from Brooklyn behind the fashion, beauty and style blog Keiko Lynn. Her blog, (established in 2008) features beautiful photography and even more eye catching content. You’ll find hair & make-up tutorials and outfit posts galore – as a reader you’re spoilt for choice. She took the time recently to answer a few questions for me, and here’s what she had to say.

You’re my style crush, and I think it’s safe to say you’ve influenced a lot of people through your blog. So what I’d like to know is who, and what, influences you?
I take influence from so many places, it’s sometimes difficult to pin down. My great grandma always had a big impact on me – she was an excellent seamstress and taught me everything I know. She had the best style, and the fact that she made most of her own clothes made it even better. Sewing is what got me interested in fashion. I’m also a big fan of the ladies featured on Advanced Style, because I believe in wearing whatever makes you happy, and not adhering to any boundaries set by others. As far as style influences, I’d say I look to the past. The 60s and 90s are big influences. I watched a lot of My So Called Life, growing up.

Do you have any favourite fashion brands you couldn’t live without?
I’m crazy about a lot of niche brands: Sretsis, Vivetta, To Be Adored, Family Affairs, Rachel Antonoff…the list goes on.

Of course your tattoos are a big part of you, and your personal style. Do you have a favourite? And would you have any advice for someone who is thinking of getting their first tattoo?
I waited for years to be tattooed by Amanda Wachob, so my floral piece on my forearm is my favorite. It makes me so happy when I look at it – I can’t remember a time when I was without it! First time tattoos: do your research, and be patient. Don’t go in without a clear idea of what you want. Don’t rush something that will be on your body forever.

You are always looking flawless, so I’d love to know how you keep your skin looking so great, and what your favourite beauty/cosmetic brands are.
I use a lot of Mario Badescu products, and also get my facials there. Lately, I’ve been using Biologique Recherche P50 1970 as my toner, and I swapped out my normal moisturizer for Coconut Oil.

Finally, as the majority of my readers are based in the UK I’m sure they’d love to know a little bit about Brooklyn. 
Do you have any favourite spots you’d recommend? 
I’m actually working on an ongoing guide to Brooklyn, so I’ll have a more cohesive list, soon!
Some of my go-to spots would be:

Treats:
Farmacy (for an egg cream or an ice cream sundae), Dough (for the best donuts), Four and Twenty Blackbirds (pie) 

Brunch, Lunch, Dinner:
Vinegar Hill House,
Buttermilk Channel,
Hunter’s, Al Di La, Clover Club (jazz night on Wednesdays) 

Shopping:
Beacon’s Closet,
Bird
Article, Cloak and Dagger, Catbird,
Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, Brooklyn Flea

Thank you to Keiko Lynn for being kind enough to answer my questions.
Photo credit to keikolynn.com.
bloomzy /

Video & Photo Diary: Look Again SS14 Press Day

A few weeks ago I headed to the Look Again SS14 Press Day. I apologise for the tardiness of this post, but I was waiting on a video. Yes, that rather slick, classy video at the top was well worth waiting for. It features some of my favourite picks from the current SS14 collection. I also talk about the lovely Stacey Solomon, the new face of Look Again.
No, I didn’t spend my entire day giggling obnoxiously to a camera crew. I also met up with Lorna of Studs & Dreams, and Georgina of Georgina Does. Both are lovely ladies and the perfect company for any kind of blogger event. We caught up over champagne as we checked out the stunning items on show. The collection was put together perfectly and the pieces chosen very well. My personal favourite out of everything had to be the Lipsy Floral Chiffon Dress. It certainly wasn’t easy to choose though, surrounded by so many gorgeous items. We also chatted to Stacey Solomon about the collection, and yummy canapés. She was so sweet, and I loved that she changed into her favourite outfit later on.
If you fancy checking out some of the lovely items in this post you can find them on Look Again.
bloomzy /

OOTD: Daisy, Daisy…

Shirt – Primark | Shorts* – Warehouse | Shoes* – Oasap | Necklace – Tatty Devine | Tote – Beyond Retro

You know when you buy an item and end up wearing it the day after? Yeah that, with this shirt. I didn’t have the patience to wait to wear it. Luckily the weather was amazing this weekend so I didn’t need to.
I realise I went a bit floral with the shirt and trainers, but hopefully it’s not ott. The shirt I picked up in Primark as I just loved the casual cut and the cute print. The trainers are from Oasap and just seemed like a fun way to wear comfy shoes. I hate being stuck in uncomfortable shoes, but I still want to look good. It’s a conundrum! I really wanted the pastel blue version but they’d sold out in my size. It wasn’t meant to be. Frida? Well she just seemed to fit in with the vibe of the whole outfit so I added her too.
Don’t forget you can get 20% off with code ‘bloomzy’ when you visit Oasap!
bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Culture, Peanut Butter, Skincare and Me

If I ever had my own autobiography it would probably be named something close to the title of this post. The past week or so I’ve really been doing a bit of everything I love, which has been really lovely. The change in weather has given me a bit of a boost and it also means I can get out a bit more. Friends and family have also been visiting, so I get to do lots of stuff I wouldn’t usually do.

I’ve been visiting lots of museums, restaurants and art galleries. I live for culture, probably even more than I live for beauty products – shock, horror! It’s been fun being able to indulge in that particular passion, and I know it won’t end soon. I’ve also been receiving some exciting items in the post, which I’m sure you’ll see on here, no doubt. I thought my love of photography might suffer, what with my camera being sent back for repairs. Luckily that hasn’t been the case, and even though my iPhone 5s isn’t as good, it does the job.

You can follow me on Instagram @bloomzy

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OOTD: Eye See You

Top* – Oasap | Skirt – Zara | Shoes – Primark | Watch – Marc by Marc Jacobs


Yesterday saw some amazing weather finally come our way. I was thinking of heading out in nude tights even – the thought of it! Anyway, it was so lovely that I ended up walking around in just this all day.
My new eye top from Oasap got plenty a compliment. I know it’s a cheeky Kenzo ‘dupe’ but I kinda love it, and it’s so fun. It’s colourful and quirky, and the little collar and sleeve detail are super cute. I’m also very much in love with my wrap new skirt from Zara – isn’t it amazing? Zara are bringing out some amazing styles and cuts this season, and at great prices. I’ve been pairing this skirt with odd jumpers so it was nice to finally get my arms out. Showing a little skin aside, I paired the outfit with my new shoes from Primark. These are really simple but I love the style and the royal blue they used. These will look so much better once I finally get my legs out again.
Don’t forget you can get 20% off with code ‘bloomzy’ when you visit Oasap!
bloomzy /

Inspiration: Japanese Fashion Trends

I think a lot of people see Japanese fashion as being ‘wacky’ or ‘weird’. Well sure, sometimes it might seem that way, but I’m here to debunk that myth. Some of my favourite Japanese magazines are showing similarities with British trends. That means it’s even more accessible (and imitable) for those who enjoy Japanese fashion.
Recently I started reading Japanese fashion magazines CUTiE and Jelly again. I was surprised to see a lot of items that could easily be found on the UK high street. Sure, you’ll never find everything, but that’s part of the fun of styling a look to suit you. I love the way these looks have been styled and how each one has it’s own unique point. In Japanese magazine lingo ‘point’ means a specific part of the look that perfects the outfit. It’s usually an item that is on-trend, for example: a pastel pink coat that frames your look. I like this idea and usually centre an outfit around a specific item of clothing or accessory.
Of course at the end of the day I just love getting inspiration from these magazines. It’s a nice change from British magazines that just don’t seem to be as fun, or as inspiring. There is also a great variety of Japanese fashion magazines for different looks and styles. Right now I really love the looks and styling I’m seeing in ViVi, SCawaii, Jelly and CUTiE.
You can buy Japanese fashion magazines on eBay or from the Japan Centre.
Unfortunately they’re usually overpriced online, but there are resources to view them online.
bloomzy /

HAUL: Voucher Codes Blogger Swap Shop ’14

So this is a rather odd haul post, as I didn’t actually pay for any of this stuff. 
Wait! What? How? Yep, these are the beauties I picked up at the swap shop I went to. I kind of just grabbed everything that looked nice and was in a size I thought might fit. Well I was lucky because these items are gorgeous and I’m so happy with my mini haul.
What did I get? I managed to grab two dresses, a pair of trousers, a t-shirt, a shirt and a hat. Although I’m not bothered whether something is branded, it’s nice to know what you’re getting. This little collection of items are from ASOS, Topshop, H&M, Dorothy Perkins and River Island. Those are all tried and tested brands that I know and love, and have bought stuff from in the past. I’ve already worn the ASOS smock dress and H&M hat, because I couldn’t wait!
I’m so happy with everything I swapped at the event, it was such a great idea! I’m really interested to know if anyone got any of my items and is now workin’ them. If you happen to read my post and did attend the event, link me to your haul post!
The items that didn’t get picked up at the end of the night were donated to charity.