French Pharmacy Haul: Avène, Nuxe, Caudalie & La Roche-Posay

I think it’s safe to say I went a little crazy.
French pharmacies are my version of a toy store.
Once I’m let loose in them, you’re not getting me back for a while.
This holiday I think I outdid myself, this is probably my biggest haul so far.
I bought products I’ve tried before and adore, and new ones that I’d heard good things about.
I’m sure you know all of these but just incase let me introduce you to the brands & products I bought:
Caudalie

La Roche-Posay
Nuxe
Avène

The beauty of French pharmacies is that they have full collections.
It can be difficult to find French beauty products in the UK for a decent price.
For those who are interested in trying them out for themselves, I have included links.
It might seem like I’ve bought far too many products to try out, but trust me, you’ll be seeing reviews.

Photo Diary: Glaciers, Hot Chocolate & Balconies

When you read this I’ll already be packing to head back to London.
It’s been an amazingly relaxing and wonderful holiday and I’m sad to leave.
That said, I know lots of friends, family and adventures are awaiting me in England.
We spent our week going for long walks, inside massive glaciers, and sipping on hot chocolate.
Something as simple as ‘stopping for a coffee’ seems so much better surrounded by pretty things.
(I should make note here that coffee shops and restaurants in London know how to do this very well).
We wanted to relax this holiday, hence coming to Chamonix, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore.
We headed to Montenvers to see the ‘Mer de Glace’  – a glacier on the northern slopes of the Mont Blanc massif.
Lucky for us it’s the longest glacier in France, because who would settle for anything else, ey?
It was lit with various coloured lights, and scattered around were gorgeous ice sculptures.
It was truly beautiful and I hope my photos do it justice.
It’s been a lovely holiday and I hope you’ve enjoyed my photo diaries.

Photo Diary: Holiday in Chamonix

France is a beautiful country to photograph.
The fact that I have Mont Blanc right outside my window helps, obviously.
I love Chamonix as a town and it’s so pretty that I wanted to be a real tourist.
I decided to take a few photos (and will probably take more later) and share them with you.
You can see a bit of all my favourite things; architecture, food and nature.

OOTD: When in France…

Knit – Zara | Trousers – Uniqlo | Shoes – New Look @ ASOS | Backpack* – Oasap
Ok now raise your hands if you hate packing for a holiday! Just me? Oh well, I just never seem to know what to pack to go away. I always end up with a random variety of clothes, accessories and shoes. I guess it’s because I don’t like planning outfits, as I know it depends on my mood. This Zara knit seemed perfect for my holiday in France though, not bad for a charity shop find, ey? I paired it with my Uniqlo legging trousers because they’re so comfy and chilled – perfect for casual walking. It’s quite a thin knit so I’ve been able to wear it by itself, as the weather is lovely and a jacket isn’t needed. Paired with my new backpack (that can also be used as a handbag) from Oasap, I am ready to go!
Don’t forget you can get 20% off with code ‘bloomzy’ when you visit Oasap!

OOTD: Morning Bakery Run

Jacket* – Warehouse | Top – Pull & Bear | Leggings* – Oasap | Necklace – Topshop | Bag* – Oasap
Whenever we stay in France we make a morning trip to the boulangerie (everyday). There really is something special about having warm, fresh baguette and croissants for breakfast. Luckily for us we have one just over the bridge from us, so we don’t have to get up too early.
Dressing up in a town full of skiers/hikers means you tend to stand out a bit. Even my casual style means that people look at me as if I’m crazy for not wearing a gilet. Still, it’s not as if a few looks has ever stopped me before, right? Well that’s pretty obvious. Today I wanted to wear my new leggings & backpack from Oasap as they’re understatedly cool. The leggings have a velvet brocade design on them (detail photo) and I absolutely love them to pieces. The rest of my outfit was basically worked around the leggings, I’m not gonna lie to y’all. Still I think it all works together and my new backpack come handbag is super handy.
Don’t forget you can get 20% off with code ‘bloomzy’ when you visit Oasap!

OOTD: Stripey & Chic

(Dress: China Doll Boutique, Necklace: Tatty Devine, Watch: Marc Jacobs, Bracelet: Rêves D’Hiver)
Finally, after waiting for so long, the warm weather is here!!
I celebrate by stopping by China Doll Boutique’s (now named Sugar & Style) Box Park pop-up.
Nhuc is always lovely & chatty, and after browsing her new items (some from Paris!) I tried a few on.
Although I loved some of the new printed trousers I decided that a light Summer dress would be best.
This one just screamed Parisian-chic to me, and I loved the simplicity of it – more to accessorise with!
The cut is super flattering, which surprised me as I have some rather prominent boobs and bum going on.
I think this may be my go-to Summer casual dress, especially as it suits my new hairstyle so well.
Unfortunately the dress isn’t available on the online store, but you can find it in the Box Park store!

OOTD: Ski Holiday Chamonix

 
 (Kit from various ski stores around Chamonix & Argentière)
 
Now I bet you weren’t expecting me to look this good so early in the morning, were you? Joking aside, as I am currently on a skiing holiday in Chamonix I thought I’d share a fitting outfit post. I was kitted up the morning after we arrived in France, as I don’t actually own any ski gear. The decision to own any kind of sports equipment went out the window after I left high school.
I didn’t really have much choice with the boots and skis as I rented them. However I do love how the rental guy matched my boots and skis to my coat. He was a pretty funny guy who enjoyed my comments about how ski boots could be practical & flashy. We also had a laugh after he asked me whether I wanted “gloves or muffins” – a lost in translation moment. The French word for mittens is ‘moufle’ which kind of sounds like muffins, but only ever so slightly. I felt the need to share that little anecdote with you all…sorry.
Anyway, I don’t think I’ll be investing in any ski gear anytime soon.