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The Big Christmas Jumper Debate

Mint Christmas Pudding Jumper* – New Look

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say “Christmas jumper”? Cheesy? Mulled wine and minced pies? Maybe something hand knitted by your nan? When I asked my colleague the same question he admitted that he wore his for only a few hours on Christmas Day (mainly to satisfy his parents), and as soon as the unwrapping of presents was over he’d take it off again. It seems as though a lot of people feel the same way about Christmas jumpers, and I think it’s a bit sad.

They come in all shapes and sizes but if we’re all being truthful, they’re usually pretty tacky. However fashion brands in recent years have taken on the challenge of changing our view of the traditional Christmas jumper. From Primark to Topshop, the High St is littered with them at this time of year. You’ll find festive ones, funny ones, and maybe even some risqué ones. It sounds cliche, but surely there has to be something for everyone?!

I myself wasn’t a fan of Christmas jumpers until last year, when Topshop released this little gem. But what made me come round to the idea? Honestly I think it’s because stores have finally cottoned on that they aren’t something reserved for dad’s and awkward family dinners. Instead they’ve realised that they can be fashionable (and sometimes even chic), without being ott or tacky. Whether it’s a subtle Nordic print, or dainty crystal Christmas puddings, the Christmas jumper is no longer an embarrassment. It’s a fashion statement, and it’s here to stay. So don’t be a Grinch, join in the fun!

You can view my current Christmas jumper looks here.

bloomzy /

OOTD: Monochrome Madness

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Top* – New Look | Jeans – Topshop | Sneakers* – New Look | Bag* – Oasap
 
I could so easily fall into the crowd in London whilst wearing this outfit. I’d disappear and all that would be left is the tale of a girl with too many striped shirts. Thankfully in Chamonix there is a distinct lack of monochrome (oh hey super bright sports gear), and stereotypes aside, I’ve not spotted anyone wearing Breton stripes…unless I count my own reflection. Truth be told though, I’m not one to care if someone is wearing the same outfit as me. There are far more important things in life to worry about, such as if I have any Camembert left in the fridge.
I have begun to worry though that once A/W hits I’ll be left with no striped tops to wear (as they’re all short sleeved), which I can only imagine would drive me to madness. Note to self: go shopping for more long sleeved striped tops when you return home.
bloomzy /

OOTD: Stay Sunny

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Shirt: Primark | Slip Dress – Primark | Shoes* – New Look | Sunglasses* – Oasap | Necklace: Tatty Devine

Wandering around East London can sometimes feel like you’re in your own personal fashion show, as you exhibit the latest addition to your wardrobe. I love that you can feel proud of what you’re wearing and that others won’t judge your clothes. That and the fact that you’re always going to find someone dressed more outrageously than you. Now I wouldn’t say my personal style has evolved into something that exactly turns heads, but it’s good to feel comfortable in your own skin and I thoroughly believe that East London allows me to do that. Some might think the area is pretentious, and at times it can be, but I’ve never once felt that I had to live up to others expectations…although I do sometimes wonder if that’s purely because of my mind set. Either way, I love this part of town and will continue to flaunt it until I can no longer do so.

bloomzy /

OOTD: Rain Rain Go Away

Top – Primark | Skirt – Topshop | Boots – Topshop | Necklace – Tatty Devine | Watch* – New Look

Last week the weather proved itself to be truly British. We had sunshine, followed by rain and cold winds. No I’m not here to give you a weather update, I’m just trying to explain why I’m dressed for Autumn in the middle of July. I hate having to think of which shoes are waterproof, when really I just want to be chilling in my sandals. Still, this is the reality of living in the UK. Sorry to shatter anyones idillic views of our otherwise lovely country.

Still, I was glad I could pull out this ensemble, as it probably wouldn’t have worked in the scorching heat we had at the weekend. Again, stripes, I know, but I couldn’t resist this top. It was only £3.50! It was definitely the main point of this outfit. I had to pair it with my skater skirt and boots – a bit simple but definitely a good idea for walking around central and east London for the day. I finished it off with my favourite little leopard buddy. I think I would have worn it proudly all day…if I hadn’t been splashed at by a passing car, whilst taking outfit photos for V.A. The risks of being a blogger.

Thanks to V.A for taking my photos.

bloomzy /

Style: We’re All Going on a Summer Holiday

(Top: New Look*, Sneakers: New Look*, Watch: New Look*)
When New Look sent me an email about with a link to their summer personality quiz it came at the perfect time. I was working from home, which meant I was dreaming of holidays and procrastination. I took the quiz straight away, and was told that Barbados was the answer to my troubles. Sun, sea, sand and reggae is all right by me. Still, my holiday plans don’t stretch much further than France this Summer, but that doesn’t mean I can’t make the most of it. So when New Look asked me to choose a few items that would be holiday perfect, I knew exactly what I wanted. 
This has been the year of stripes in my wardrobe. I can’t get enough of the classic breton stripe top, so this long sleeve beauty is perfect for pairing with distressed denim shorts and these white sneakers, for a casual daytime look. Once night time hits it’s on with the jeans, and off with the sneakers, embracing ballet flats and accessorising with an almost patriotic watch. The French definitely know how to do chic, and it’s something I always admire when I’m walking the streets of Chamonix or Provence. Hopefully these will help me get a little closer to that perfect look when I’m away this summer. 
Bon voyage!

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This post is in collaboration with New Look but all views, photos and words are my own.
bloomzy /

OOTD: Hear Me Roar!

Top – Sugar & Style | Trousers – Uniqlo | Shoes – New Look | Bag* – Heritage & Harlequin

Yesterday saw the sun rear it’s head again, and shine down on us. It was the perfect chance to take a long walk around Stoke Newington. So I quickly threw something light and casual on, and grabbed some cute accessories. No one wants to be wearing layers of clothes when they go walking. Yet I still wanted to look bright and colourful.
You may have guessed the point, and main focus of this outfit. Yes, my new bag from Disaster Designs was calling to be taken out. I love yellow, tiger print, and I love clutches that can be turned into shoulder bags. So as you may have guessed, I can’t get enough of this little beauty. It’s pretty awesome. I matched the yellow of the bag with the neon flecks in my top from Sugar & Style. When paired with my Uniqlo jean trouser leggings, it’s an easy Spring look. I did realise though that I need some light coloured comfortable shoes. 99% of my shoes are black, so I only have myself to blame. I think white sneakers would have perfected this.
Unfortunately I forgot where I bought the headband from.
I bought it last year at the Spirit of Summer fair, and I can’t remember who from, sorry!
bloomzy /

Shoes: New Look Jeffrey Campbell Coltrane Dupes

New Look’s Black Chunky Cut Out Buckle Ankle Boots
I have been after these babies for a long time.
They originally came out earlier this year but I wasn’t interested.
Why? Well I’m odd and don’t like buying boots when it isn’t Autumn/Winter.
Anyway, they pretty much sold out straight away as they’re dupes for the Jeffrey Campbell Coltrane.
However I was lucky enough to grab a pair last week when they went back up on the website again!
Now I’m a UK size 4 in shoes but sometimes 5 in boots, so I ordered a 5.
Just my luck that the 5 was way too big for me so I had to return them and get a 4.
I went to the Holborn New Look branch during my lunch, it was raining and I had a cold.
You can guess that I wasn’t really in the mood to be messing around with returns and exchanges.
Except I had exceptionally wonderful and kind service from the staff in the store, who helped me out.
They refunded me onto a giftcard (even though I’d paid via paypal – awkward!) and ordered me a new pair.
I was so happy because they did everything in-store, at the till, saving me a lot of time – thank you so much!
I like to mention good customer service on here because I think it’s important and should be rewarded.
So my size 4s arrived the next day and they fit like a dream = happy Emma!
Now I just need a dry day so I can wear them outside.
Fancy trying them out in your size?
You can buy them at New Look.