new look Archives

bloomzy / October 10, 2016

Mads for Minimalist Style | Style (OOTD)

Top: Mads Nørgaard | Dress: New Look* | Chelsea Boots: ASOS | Open Ring: Jessie Harris

This minimalist style thing has been going on for quite a while now, right? I’ve actually managed to stick to a style I love for a couple of years now. That’s pretty impressive for me. My wardrobe used to be a garish sight to behold: predominantly black clothing, varying styles that didn’t match, and a bunch of unloved clothes I never wore. Now you’ll find complimentary colours and curated items that each get their fair share of love. It’s beautiful. Well, in my eyes anyway. But I get a lot of people asking me how I’d class my personal style, and when I reply they’re confused by the concept of minimalist style.

What is Minimalist Style?

For me, minimalist style is unpretentious. It’s basic, but not boring. It’s modest. It says a lot, without really saying much at all.

That’s not to say I don’t appreciate styles which are any less minimalist than my own. In fact I think you can see from my personal style evolution that I love a bit of eccentricity and pattern clashing. It just so happens that I’m at a stage where my personal style fits my lifestyle goals, personal beliefs, and outlook. I don’t feel anywhere near as stressed as I used to when having to put an outfit together. Actually I barely worry now (except for maybe big events) about what people will think of my clothes. For those that have grown up – like myself – sporting various styles and shapes of clothing, you’ll understand. It’s not easy to feel stylish, casual yet smart and confident in your style. Maybe that’s why this particular “phase” of my personal style has stuck around for so long. Which is all well and good really, because it feels right.

Check out my previous style posts here.

bloomzy / August 5, 2016

London Style, Quite Literally | Style (OOTD)

Top: Marks and Spencer | Culottes: Warehouse* | Sneakers: Converse | Backpack: New Look*

Since my post on The London Look, it would seem that I’ve begun to take London style in the most literal sense possible. This top was one of those amazing finds you happen upon by chance – and it was in the sale too! I absolutely loved the colours, stripes (duh) and the cut. I had to have it! Yet however much I love this top, it’s fair to say that not everyone does. In fact funnily enough, it’s caused quite a bit of controversy. And I’m stuck in the middle of it all.

London Style, Quite Literally

First off, my friends think it’s weird I’m wearing a top with London written on it. They seem to think it’s not cool, because it looks too touristy. Heaven forbid you are mistaken for a tourist in London. We all know how painful that is. Which leads me on to my second problem – the mistaken tourist. This lovely lovely top has caused some confusion between me and the “locals”. It would seem that some people think I’m a tourist in London. Recently whilst out at the pub with friends, I had an East Ender try to talk to me in broken French. Coz French colours and stripes. Of course.

Sure I’m not one for buying tops emblazoned with the city I’m currently travelling in, but problems aside, I don’t see why I shouldn’t wear this in my own city. I mean after all, where will people return me to if I get lost?

Check out my previous London style posts here.

bloomzy / June 13, 2016

Mori Gal | Style (OOTD)

T-shirt: Delores Daywear | Trousers: New Look | Sneakers: Comme des Garcon x Converse | Sunglasses: Playn*

I’ve always been fascinated with nature. As a child I would beg my parents to let me explore woodlands, or dip my toes in a babbling brook. Whether it’s plants, animals, fractals…well, you get my point. Of course lifestyle choices often transfer over to personal style. That’s why I love the idea of the Mori Gal fashion trend so much.

But you’re not a Mori Gal?!

The first time I fell in love with the style and concept was with the character Shizuru Satonaka in Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru. Mori Gal literally translates to Forest Girl. This fashion subculture originates in Japan, and often features earthy tones, natural fabrics, and loose fitting clothes. The style itself has never really found a foothold in my own wardrobe. Loosely permed hair (natural waves), and always carrying a camera around is about as close as it gets for me. Still, I find the concept incredibly romantic. Being more ethical in your fashion choices. Slowing down your daily life. Spending more time with nature.

True, I may not embody mori gal, but I can be inspired by it. I can be reminded of it; in my love for nature, quality fabrics, and ethical clothing choices. At the end of the day, mori gal is supposed to be whimsical. And we all deserve to have a little whimsy in our lives.

If you like the idea of MG, you can find out more and how-to with “Mori Gal Rules“.

Check out my previous style posts here.
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

bloomzy / May 4, 2016

The Nor-Folk Look | Style (OOTD)

Jumper: Nor-Folk | Trousers: New Look | Hat: Blake LDN | Shoes: New Look

The Nor-Folk Look…

In my last style post I talked about The London Look. So in this post it seemed only fitting to return to my roots and discuss the infamous Norfolk Look. Well really there’s not much to discuss. Most people assume Norfolk is full of people dressed in flat caps, Joules gilets and riding boots. That’s great, but in recent years I’ve seen some amazing brands and designers coming from Norfolk, and that excites me a lot.

Finch womenswear are on top of keeping Norwich fashionable, but if I had to choose a brand, hands down it’s Nor-folk. Nor-Folk is a graphic design-led lifestyle brand founded by husband-and-wife graphic designers who reside in Norfolk, UK. Timeless minimalist aesthetics are backed up by the idea that our wardrobes (and lives) should consist of quality over quantity. This is something I thoroughly believe in, and have been working on in my style, and home, for the past few years.

I was so pleased to meet Fiona when I visited Norwich a few months ago. Not only is she incredibly friendly and kind, but her outlook on fashion is so refreshing. We chatted about the use of quality fabrics, interesting cuts, and fair trade. It’s safe to say that my love for Nor-folk was cemented that day. It’s so good to know that the clothes you own are created with such love and care. That’s what the Norfolk look is all about.

Check out my previous style posts here.
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

bloomzy / April 19, 2016

The London Look | Style (OOTD)

Coat: Topshop | Trousers: New Look | Hat: Blake LDN | Backpack: Sandqvist | Sneakers: Luca Verdi*

The London Look…

What is it? This is a genuine question that someone asked me recently. Ok so they may have been American, and things may have gotten lost in translation…culture-wise anyway. Still a lot of people talk about it. One big beauty brand even has it as their tagline. But what does the London look even mean? Honestly I’m no closer to figuring this out. Some days I think it’s a combination of vintage finds. Others, a minimalist outfit made up of greys, nudes and blacks. Truth be told, I don’t think it is one particular look. But that’s what makes the fashion scene so great in London. It’s a hybrid of tons of different trends, styles and looks.

I like to think of it as a different look for every occasion. But what do you wear for brunch on a rainy London afternoon? Simple! Your favourite new tailored trousers, a chic shirt and sweater combo, and some designer Italian sneakers. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!

For me, London is a place where I can dress however I want. Whether it’s smart-casual, ripped jeans, or an evening dress – I can feel like my style is completely my own. I feel secure in what I’m wearing, and I know others feel the same about themselves. That’s something pretty special. Maybe at the heart of it, that’s what “the London look” really is. Its just you, doing you.

Check out my previous style posts here.

bloomzy / January 27, 2016

OOTD | 50 Shades of Grey

Coat: Topshop | Culottes: New Look | Sneakers: Luca Verdi* | Backpack: Sandqvist | Beanie: Blake LDN

Grey slowly started working it’s way into my wardrobe late last year. But after New Year it made itself a permanent fixture. I’ve always stuck to darker colours (read: only wearing black), and my clear-out at the beginning of the month pretty much proved that. But the addition of this grey coat (which is as warm as it is stylish) to my wardrobe has changed all of that. It’s a happy medium between black and white, and it pretty much always looks great with a smart casual ensemble.

Now that the introduction is done with, let’s not avoid the elephant in the room. Yes, I did go and buy another pair of culottes. As ugly as some people may find these oversized trousers, I adore them. You know me, if something is comfortable and stylish, I’ll wear the hell out of it. They work with a variety of shoes, but since the weather was looking ok I decided to test drive them with my Luca Verdi sneakers. I couldn’t get enough of these pointy-toed beauties when I was in Italy; I almost cried when I came back to the UK and found that Expool & Luca herself had sent them to me. These will always be a reminder of an unbelievable travel adventure.

It’s a wonderful thing when your clothes tell a story. Even better when they make you feel good.

Check out my previous style posts: OOTD
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

bloomzy / June 26, 2015

OOTD: The Caped Crusader

Sleeveless Duster: Topshop | T-shirt: COS | Jeans: Topshop | Heels: Clarks*

It’s safe to say I’m not a heels kinda gal. My feet ache just thinking about them. To think I wore them religiously whilst living in Japan – I don’t know how I did it. Despite my dislike for wearing heels, I love how they look…and how they make my legs look. This leaves me in a very awkward position. That position is usually staring at beautiful heels online, but never adding them to my basket. However when I spotted these beauties on Shoetique I decided to finally go for it. After all, Clarks are well known for quality, comfortable shoes.

Naturally I chose a pair of black and white heels, and I think they look damn good. I’ve become a bit of a monochrome master, if I do say so myself. I’ve even managed to match my outfits to my location. Did you spot that? Ok so I didn’t really do it on purpose, but I did actually scout the location beforehand. I’d seen a few photos of the new Crossrail Place Bridge, and I wanted to join in too. So me and V.A headed there last weekend for a photography afternoon. The whole area is shiny and new, and surprisingly quiet. We were able to shoot pretty easily, and get THAT shot of the bridge. For something that looks like it’s made of corrugated iron, it’s eerily beautiful.

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