fashion Archives - Page 7 of 46

bloomzy / October 25, 2015

Blogger Secret Santa with Debenhams

Blogger Secret Santa with Debenhams*

Whether we like it or not, Christmas is fast approaching. Usually I start to get excited about a week or two before the big day. However this year something has changed. That oh-so familiar anticipation has begun to manifest itself. I imagine helping to plan the office Christmas party is the culprit…that and my craving for mulled wine! One of my favourite parts of Christmas is Secret Santa. It’s so much fun working with a budget and a theme. The surprise (and hopefully joy) on the face of your giftee is priceless. Enter Debenhams. Recently the department store contacted me about being a part of their blogger secret santa campaign. With an aim to bring together bloggers, and inspire people’s gift choices, I could hardly say no.

Each blogger was given a theme, a modest budget and a link to their secret santa’s blog. From there we were left to our own devices. I was given a home theme, and Emily of Stylelobster, which was easy as I know her blog well (find out what I gifted her here). As for me, I chose beauty. I sat back and waited (and hopped over to Italy), and soon enough my gifts arrived. All wrapped up in a bow. I’ve had some odd secret santa gifts in the past, which is probably what lead to me holding my breath as I unwrapped these ones. But my nerves were unfounded, as I soon discovered.

What did I receive?
+ Urban Decay Ink for Eyes Waterproof Precision Eye Pen
+ Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in F-Bomb
+ Illamasqua Nail Polish in Charisma
+ Miss Selfridge Oversized Check Scarf
+ Victoria Green Daisy Russet Wash Bag

Perfect gift after perfect gift materialsed in front of me. The note said “I’ve gone for a red theme” and boy was I pleased. I loved everything about my secret santa experience with Debenhams. From the personalised note, right down to the cruelty-free make-up products. Thank you so much to Aimee of Wallflowergirl for my incredibly thoughtful gifts. You made my day! Now I really can’t wait for Christmas.

I’d highly suggest visiting the Debenhams Gifts page for those of you who are stuck on what to get your secret santa. In fact I’d just recommend visiting in general. I know I’ll be browsing the site for my family and friends gifts. Happy shopping!

bloomzy / October 4, 2015

A London Life… at London Fashion Week

The Apartment | London Fashion Week SS16

London Fashion Week. You may have seen my last round up of it, earlier this week. I can’t believe it was three weeks ago already! But could I go back and do it all over again? Would I hang out at The Apartment and have my hair done by Wella again? Hell yeah! Would I shove myself through hoards of fashion-y types? Maybe. More importantly, would I ever want to set eyes on Brewer Street car park again? Yeah, probably not. But you gotta take the highs with the lows. After all that’s part of the fun of London Fashion Week, right?

So what did I get up to on the Saturday? There was… hair styling; at The Apartment. Plenty of wandering around the Royal Academy of Arts, thanks to Open House London. Where we also happened to take some outfit shots. And of course there was some more nibbling of sweet treats, courtesy of Aubaine. It’s such a shame I wasn’t able to continue my adventure on the Sunday, but I had a pretty awesome time whilst it lasted. You can see the rest of my London fashion week adventures on the blog though.

Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

bloomzy / September 30, 2015

OOTD: More Than Basic

Wood Wood T-shirt: Finch Norwich | A-line Suede Skirt: Topshop* | Scarf: Ffion Griffith

My friend and I love the phrase “basic bitch” at this time of year. It sums up all of our silly little pleasures; top down shots of our morning flat white, the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, Autumn…I could go on and on. Joking aside, recently I got thinking about the term “basic”. People love to use it as a dereogetory term, meaning boring or unimaginative. However in recent years basics have taken the fashion world by storm.

Only last year my wardrobe was full of clashing patterns and prints. Whereas I still love a good print, I have found a new confidence and clarity in my style since I introduced basics. Recently I made the decision to switch to timeless, high quality items that I can easily interchange with other pieces in my closet. It’s safe to say I haven’t looked back. Items like the Wood Wood cotton t-shirts I bought from Finch Norwich a few months ago have become staples. A plain t-shirt may seem boring, but I feel anything but when I pair it with a high waisted a-line skirt and scarf.

So I suppose what I’m trying to say is, even the most basic of items can become something special when they’re paired with the right person.

Thank you to V.A who took the photos of me.

bloomzy / September 28, 2015

A London Life… at London Fashion Week

The Apartment | London Fashion Week SS16

London Fashion Week. Yes, only two weeks ago it was that time of year again. The time when the “fashionistas” dust off their extravagant hats, pop on their wildest outfits and head to the HQ of fashion. Brewer Street car park. Wait, what?! It very well may have been controversial to move from Somerset House to Brewer Street car park, but alas move it did. This season, London saw hives of fashion lovers descend upon Soho. Models, designers and bloggers alike took the area by storm. And it was a little crowded to say the least.

What did I get up to? Well actually I got up to a lot over the weekend. So much so that I plan to do another post on my shenanigans. To sum it up? There was… relaxing; at The Apartment. Which included… pampering; courtesy of Jurlique, and food/cocktails; courtesy of Aubaine, Krispy Kreme and Aperol Spritz. And those are just the brands featured in this post! Yes, we were spoilt rotten. Don’t worry though I worked off most of the sugar glaze and alcohol by running around doing photoshoots and attending shows such as Sadie Clayton‘s (love THAT bomber jacket).

Thank you to The Apartment & Dina Tsesarsky for the photos of me & V.A.

bloomzy / September 24, 2015

OOTD: London Fashion Week SS16

Sleeveless Duster: Topshop | Draped Top: Zara | Chelsea Boots: ASOS | Bucket Bag: Zara

How do you stay fashionable and comfortable during London Fashion Week? Honestly I thought it was impossible. I spent a good 30 minutes trying on outfit combo after outfit combo on Saturday morning. I was feeling bloated – thanks for visiting at such a great time Mother Nature – and wanted something I didn’t feel rubbish in. For me that solution was layers, and lots of them!

I’m currently in the middle of having another love affair with Zara. I’d gone off the brand for a while. But now they’re back on form, and bringing out products that are better than ever. This draped top is equal parts fashion and function. Paired with a waterfall sleeveless duster I almost look like I’m trying. Then there’s the bag. THIS BAG! Oh my god. I fell in love at first sight (thanks to V.A for pointing it out). Yes it does look like THAT designer, but I think Zara have actually one upped the original. Funny anecdote, I happened to be walking next to someone with the original, during LFW. People actually thought mine was the original, and commented on how much nicer it was. I managed to fit my DSLR, phone and purse in here, with plenty of room to spare. This bucket bag is magical. It just goes to show you that designer does not always trump high street.

Thank you to V.A who took the photos of me.

bloomzy / September 20, 2015

Yauatcha x Charlie May | London Fashion Week

Yauatcha x Charlie May London Fashion Week Collaboration*

Food and fashion – in my opinion – don’t mix enough. But then of course I would say that about two of my life passions. So when the two do eventually come together, I am very gleeful indeed. Luckily for me, one of my recent faves Yauatcha, have done just that. To celebrate London Fashion Week’s move to Soho, Yauatcha have collaborated with fashion designer Charlie May. The collaboration includes 4 brand new macarons, and a petit gateau (based on Charlie’s fabrics).

Macarons:
Cinnamon and raisin – cinnamon ganache with a pedro ximenez raisin compote and cinnamon crumble.
Black sesame – black sesame ganache with toasted black sesame seeds.
Blackcurrant cheesecake – cheesecake cream with a blackcurrant pate du fruit.
Smoked salt caramel – smoked salted ganache with a salted caramel centre.

Petit Gateau:
Gianduja lemon petit gateau – Gianduja mousse, layered with hazelnut and almond daquoise and centred with lemon crème.

During the rush of London Fashion Week, these were a life saver; V.A and I were running in-between photoshoots and shows, trying to keep our energy up. So we grabbed some macarons and a petit gateau from Yauatcha, before heading round the corner to The Apartment (where I shot these photos). The cake is spectacular in looks and taste – the light, crisp outer shell encompasses a slightly tart lemon centre. A smooth and sophisticated dessert. Let’s be realistic though, you all want to know how the macarons were. I’ve come to love Yauatcha’s macarons, and I personally think they’re the best in London (for taste, and price). Their latest offering is very unique, featuring smokey flavours and dark aesthetics, among others. The Cinnamon and Raisin Macaron was my favourite by far, but then I am a big fan of spices in puddings. However I appreciated the diverse use of ingredients. I honestly can’t say I’ve tried anything like these before.

Walking in to The Apartment with my Yauatcha bag, everyone asked “Is that the Charlie May collaboration!?” It seems as though I’m not the only one who enjoys a good mash-up between fashion and food. Whilst me and V.A enjoyed our macarons and cake with a coffee, I realised that we are two very lucky ladies. Being able to do (and eat) the things I love makes me very happy, especially when it’s in the company of good friends. Yo ho, a blogger’s life for me!

The Yauatcha x Charlie May collaboration is available now, until 27th September.
Macarons are priced at £1.80 each, and the Petit Gateau is £5.90 (£8.80 a la carte).

bloomzy / August 24, 2015

OOTD: Soul Mates

Bomber Jacket: Helmut Lang | Top: Topshop | Culottes: Warehouse* | Watch: Swatch

There comes a time in everyone’s life when they find that one item of clothing they were meant to be with. Yes, it is true. I have found my soul mate, and it comes in the form of a marble jacket by Helmut Lang. I happened to spot this piece whilst walking around Liberty one evening several months ago. It was love at first sight, but I knew it was something I would need to think about. I’m an awkward shopper, and I prefer to take my time. That sometimes means thinking about a piece for a few days. A week or so later I just so happened to pop into TK Maxx, and guess what I spotted? Yes, the exact same jacket, with a hefty discount. Still, it was a lot of money so I needed to think about it. And think about it I did. I couldn’t get the damn thing out of my head for days! I kept trying to convince myself I didn’t need it, but like a moth to the flame, I succumbed to my instincts. And guess what? I haven’t looked back! This bomber jacket has become a staple in my wardrobe. It’s ridiculously cool and comfortably casual. The best part? Since I own mostly “basics”, I can pair it with pretty much anything.

I can see this love affair lasting for quite some time.

Thank you to V.A who took the photos of me.