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My Birthday Suit

(Top; Upson Downes by William Anzenvino, Skirt; new look, Shoes; Internacionale)

I think everybody has the right to be a star on their birthday.
Ok, ok, maybe I took it a little too literal, but this top was a present from my fiancé’s parents & sister! I love the cut of it, so simple yet unique. William Anzenvino’s latest line ‘Upson Downes’ is currently available at Urban Outfitters – sold out online, but some items are still available in-store.
The black chiffon, dip hem skirt is something I’ve been after for a while.
Well luckily I found this one the week before my birthday – perfect timing, and only £22.99!
bloomzy /

Birthday Gifts 1

Parisian Chic: A Style Guide, Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Sloane’ Watch

It’s safe to say I was spoilt rotten on my birthday.
The fiancé took me for breakfast, lunch and dinner and then surprised me with these wonderful gifts.
The book is written by French model Ines de la Fressange. Inside she explains (from her experience in the fashion industry) how Parisian women stay chic, tips on living life with style and charm, how to mix basics and high fashion and more. The book also includes fashion photography and doodles by Ines herself, which are gorgeous. It makes me miss Paris!
Now the watch; well after the fiancé bought me a MBMJ bangle for Christmas my love for the brand grew significantly. I needed a new watch, and he said his choices were between this one and a Michael Kors watch I had seen. Personally, I think this one suits my style better, so I’m pleased he choose it.
bloomzy /

Velvet & Hearts ♥

(Velvet Dress; Topshop, Shoes; H&M, Accessories; Marc Jacobs & Swarovski)
New Years Eve Celebrations; Dressing-up for Mexican Food

I don’t usually go ‘all out’ on NYE, just drinks/food with friends or family. 
For 2011 I wanted to spend it with family, as it was our first New Year together for 2 years – I had abandoned them for Japan in previous years. 
Anyway we (parents, me and the fiancé) booked a table at a Mexican restaurant in the city, as I adore Mexican food. Needless to say the night was wonderful, filled with good food, cocktails & champagne. I couldn’t have asked for more…actually I would have preferred it if I had been able to eat all my dessert, but unfortunately it was too much for me. I only managed half.
It’s a little embarrassing that I’ve only just remembered to post my NYE pictures, so please forgive me. I promise to make it up to you.
bloomzy /

Instagram Weekly 1

I love how Eki updates once a week with photos from her Instagram.

I think it adds a new twist to the ‘photo diary‘ portion of blogs.
Therefore I decided to take a leaf out of her book, as I realised that not everyone has Instagram, nor do you all follow me on Twitter and sometimes I don’t even post my photos there.

This first post will be a catch-up of my favourite photos from previous weeks, then I shall continue with the weekly updates.

Click ‘read more’ for the full post.

I hope you will enjoy this new weekly feature.
Thank you for the inspiration Eki!

bloomzy /

プリクラ for your phone!

My own personal ‘purikura’
プリクラ (purikura) is the name given to the photo-booths and pictures well known and loved in Japan. Why are they so popular? Purikura machines allow you to take a variety of pictures with different backdrops and lighting, afterwards you are given the chance to decorate the final photos.
As they gain popularity worldwide (they’re in a city near you!) mobile app stores have seen an increase in the amount of ‘purikura apps’.
Here is a small review of my current favourite purikura app; DecoPic
Click ‘read more’ for the full post.

I’m not a fan of a lot of the purikura apps on the app store as I find they’re all pretty similar, but DecoPic intrigued me as the stamps, frames etc are very close to the ones used in the machines in Japan.

Once you have chosen to take a picture or use one from your album (awww look at my cute puppy), you can move and scale it to your needs. Then you have the option of adding lots of pretty, sparkly things.

Options include:

Art filters – much like instagram etc.
Not something you would find on a regular purikura machine. Obviously an addition that is aimed at the current ‘filter’ trend hitting the app stores.

Frames – a varied and not bad selection.

Stamps – 15 pages worth, all of which are just like the stamps you find on the machines in Japan.

Message – add messages such as ‘Today’s coordinate’ & ‘I love you’.

Pen – various colours/styles of pen to write by freehand.
Text – various styles and a selection of colours to write by text.

When adding a message, stamp, text etc. there is the option of: resizing, rotating, moving and undoing the item. 
Finally, when you click ‘save’ the photo is automatically stored in your photo album and you have the option of sharing it with the community, or Facebook/Twitter etc.
I like the categories they have used for the stamps, messages and borders (feminine, blogger, vintage and more) – giving you the chance to pick your item depending on your mood/the feeling of the photo. There is also an ‘event’ category, which changes throughout the year.
With over 300 design options, if you want an app to decorate your photos with that is easy-to-use, authentic to the machines and FREE, then this is the one for you!

Want your own personal purikura photobooth on your iPhone/Android?

 

If anyone knows if it is on any other app stores please let me know.

bloomzy /

Yo! You like Sushi?

Yo Sushi; Lemon&Green Tea, Veggie Gyoza, Tofu Salad & Tofu Katsu Curry
A Yo! Sushi date with the fiancé ♥
Contrary to what my selection may have told you I am not a vegetarian. 
I often find the originality and health benefits of a vegetarian diet win me over though when I am browsing a menu. That’s not to say I don’t like meat, I’m just not a big fan. Anyway my decision was correct this time, as the whole meal was absolutely delicious. I am craving the ‘Cruncy Tofu Salad’ already!
bloomzy /

Girl Time

Shopping and food with the girls

On Wednesday I spent the day with Toni, Alanna and Claire.
I know you’ve seen and heard about these lovely ladies before on here – I never make a trip home without seeing them. So we caught up over coffee this time, before hitting the Sales and grabbing a bite to eat. I bought a few items (from: Zara, Topshop, H&M) and had my first ‘Nando’s’ (not that impressive, shame), all in great company.
I was also lucky enough to be given a free drink in Starbucks.
The person behind me in the queue received their drink before mine and I guess I must have looked particularly parched as the barista was kind enough to make my drink quickly and then give me a voucher for a free one! 
Thank you Starbucks for reminding me why I love you!!