bloomzy /

Guest Post: When Fashion & Culture Clash!

It’s been a while since I featured a guest post and I think this is a great one to come back with!
The lovely Alina is from Germany and blogs at ‘A Panda in Wonderland‘. She is passionate about fashion and travelling, amongst other things. Psst, she’s also currently running a giveaway!

Today she will be sharing with you how she doesn’t give up on her personal style, even when it means loving the fashion of one culture (Japan) that conflicts with her own (Germany).

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When the doors of the arrival gate opens it is not only the cold, rainy weather that welcomes me back to Germany but also the judging gazes that lie upon me.
I’ve been traveling back and forth to Japan since 2008 and the problem of wearing my japanese outfits back home has not gotten any better. In my opinion some countries are either too conservative or too boring to accept something ‘different’ from what they see everyday. Seriously, doesn’t wearing jeans and T-shirts all the time get boring?

The usual comments I receive (most people don’t even have the courage to say it to my face) are: ‘Isn’t that too short?’ , ‘What’s with the dolly look, she must be one of those anime freaks!’ or ‘How old is she to think that she can wear such pattern?!’ Most of them giggle or point fingers on top of that. Honestly speaking, I don’t really give a damn anymore what they think since I rather wear my unique outfits than drown in the boring crowd of Jeans.
I’m facing the same problems with hair accessories like bows or hairbands. In Japan you are constantly being complimented on them while back home everyone is rolling their eyes. It is scary how some people just can’t tolerate what they aren’t used to.

If you have ever been to Tokyo, you are probably aware of the fact that almost no one looks the same, outfit wise. They all have their own style, a different hairdo and fashion taste, yet it seems to be tolerated by everyone around them. If you have time, sit down in a nice câfe and watch the people who pass by, it always inspires me fashion wise.
Colorful or patterned tights are also a little bit risky over here. You immediately end up in the cheap woman section even though you are just trying to pimp your simple H&M dress. Ridiculous in my opinion. Clubbing in my ‘night out’ outfits from Japan is a unbelievable pain in the ass because everything that Japanese consider stylish (Oshare) is judged as slutty over here.
So no matter what you do, you either end up in the ‘slutty’ or the ‘anime freak with no taste’ section. Even though you are just chosing another fashion style than the majority is.

Nevertheless, I’ll continue with my personal style and would like to encourage everybody else who is facing the same problem to do the same.
After all it’s me (you) who have to feel comfortable in what you wear not everybody else 😉

bloomzy /

OOTD: Paris Calling

(Sweater: Oasap*, Skirt: Topshop, Tights: Primark, Shoes: Internacionale)

I love my Sweaters, you all know that by now.
So please welcome the latest edition to my collection.
No it’s not a gawdy tourist sweater – although those can be classy when rocked by the right person.
It’s actually the latest item sent to me by Oasap. I picked it because it looked cozy, and reminded me of my ‘Céline’ tee.
Obviously that’s the point of this particular design, and I kind of love it for that…and because it’s so comfy.
I’ve been trying to add little pops of colour to my outfits, just here and there.
It’s difficult some days as I have to be up early, and snow + early mornings = lazy Emma.
I have been trying for a while to get out of the habit of black on black, so I don’t think I’ve done too bad here.
At least the sweater is grey, and hey! check out those burgundy tights.
At least I tried.
Don’t forget to visit Oasap and use discount code: ‘bloomzy’ for 35% off!
bloomzy /

Street Style: Tokyo

Street Style Snaps taken in Tokyo from Fashion Latte & Tokyo Fashion

As my blog started as a Japanese fashion blog all those years ago, I wanted to pay homage to that.
The amazing fashion seen on the streets of Tokyo is one of the main things I miss about my second home.
Even though in recent years it has been highly influenced by London and ‘Blogger Style’ it’s still very unique.
Models, Idols, Artists and Bloggers are born on the streets of Tokyo, whether it’s Harajuku, Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Fashion Latte is a website I found out about recently when a friend had her photo taken for them.
They are an international site who feature photos from Tokyo, New York, Paris and London.
However they are primarily a Japanese site, but navigating your way through the site isn’t too difficult.
Click on the black button that reads スナップ and then choose your location to view recent street styles.
As for Tokyo Fashion, well they’re quite a well known and established site already.
Entirely in English you can navigate your way through the various areas of Tokyo.
It’s wonderful for seeing the trends and styles that reign in one ward of the city to the next.
I took a couple of street snaps myself during my time in Tokyo, which you can view here.

Source; 1, 2

bloomzy /

OOTD: Velvet Galore



(Hat: Topshop, Tshirt: Oasap*, Skirt: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Primark, Accessories: Marc by Marc Jacobs)

I’ve been after a velvet skater skirt for months! 
My bestie even went searching for me for Christmas.
However I’ve not had much luck… that is, until now!
I spotted this one in the Urban Outfitters post-Christmas sale for only £10.
It comes in 3 different colours but I went for red wine, although I wish I’d bought one in every colour!
The rest of the items you probably remember as they’ve been featured before in previous OOTD posts.
Even so they’re items that I love but haven’t worn in awhile, therefore I decided to pop these all together.
I don’t feel so bad buying items in the sales this year as my washing machine broke this weekend.
I’m thinking of asking my landlord if he can just continue to buy me new items rather than a new washing machine. 
Oh well, a girl can always dream!
Don’t forget to visit Oasap and use discount code: ‘bloomzy’ for 35% off!
bloomzy /

Style Inspiration: Alisa Ueno

RAWWWRRRRRR
Fashion producer, Model and DJ Alisa Ueno
I love Alisa’s style because it’s a mixture of styles and I respect that.
Alisa Ueno is a lady of many talents, with a classy, fun personal style to match.
My own style is not one thing or another, and I love mixing brands and looks.
Alisa wears a lot of Fig & Viper, the brand she is currently the producer for.
F&V is the first Japanese brand in a long time that has made me miss shopping in Tokyo.
Thankfully the brands current look is reminiscent of London street style, so it’s easily imitable. 
Alisa loves to share her personal style through various social networks (see source).
You can find me reblogging Alisa’s looks on Tumblr, or liking her photos on Instagram: @bloomzy
Source; 1, 2

bloomzy /

Style: Staying Stylish & Cozy

(Sweater: Oasap*, Leggings: Oasap*, Shoes: Primark, Bag: Topshop, Necklace: Wavy Jewellery)

This Winter I’ve rediscovered my love for big chunky sweaters.
I feel the cold easily so I’m constantly trying to stay warm but stylish when choosing an outfit.
It isn’t always so easy, but luckily there are plenty of cozy sweaters out there this season to help.
The bat-wing sweater above is from Oasap and has an irregular hem, which makes it stand out from regular sweaters. I wouldn’t usually pair a sweater and leggings but luckily due to the irregular hem and length it means it’s longer at the back and I don’t have to worry about showing off my bottom in leggings (a style peeve of mine). The leggings are mixed material (faux leather front & fabric back), which creates a contrast and tricks the eye into making your legs appear skinnier – always a plus! When I wore the two together I chose to pair the them with a simple leather bag and some studded slipper shoes to keep the comfy vibe going.
I wore this out at the weekend and I am in love with the feel of this sweater, it is so soft and cozy.
I often find that a lot of sweaters made with this material make me itch, but this wasn’t the case here.
I managed to stay warm but also felt quite stylish, in an understated way – let’s hope onlookers felt the same.
Don’t forget to visit Oasap and use discount code: ‘bloomzy’ for 35% off!
bloomzy /

Emoda x Miranda Kerr Collaboration

Shots from Emoda’s AW2012 collaboration with Miranda Kerr
Even though I don’t have regular access to Japanese brands anymore, I’m still a fan.
In particular I love Murua & Emoda, both ‘Mode‘ brands are very reminiscent of Western brands.
Even though this may be the case I still find that they offer items in a style that you just can’t find in the UK.
Recently Emoda became the first Japanese brand to sign Miranda Kerr to their label.
Emoda felt that she embodied the ideology of the brand – ‘high sense, yet real clothes’.
I was really interested to see a Western model I like, working with a Japanese brand that I love.
I personally think she is the perfect fit for the brand and I love what they’ve done with their AW concept.
It’s a pretty big deal for her to work with Emoda and they’re delighted to have her as their A/W2012 visual model.
I am hoping that this will help shed more light on the brand, in countries outside of Japan.
Do I like the collection? – of course I do, I wouldn’t be blogging about it if I didn’t!
I love the items and the styling, not to mention the gorgeous new accessories in the AW2012 collection.
The pricing of Emoda’s items may seem high but this reflects the quality of the product you receive.
I have a few items from the brand and I am impressed. Emoda knows how to bring out items to compliment.
I couldn’t feature everything I loved but I hope I’ve given you enough info to tempt you.
Does any of the Emoda x Miranda Kerr AW2012 collection take your fancy?
For those who aren’t in Japan, you can purchase items from the A/W2012 collection on their Global store, here.
Source; 1