bloomzy /

OOTD: Lovely Lace

(Dress: Pussycat London*, Shoes: H&M, Belt: Primark)

I love to dress up around Christmas time, and I usually end up buying a couple of new dresses just to do it.
So when new brand Pussycat London offered to send me one of their pieces I had to choose a dress just for that.
If you’re a long time reader of my blog, then you will know by now that I love items that can be dressed-up or down.
That’s why it was pretty much love at first sight when I saw this lace dress on their website.
It may just look like any other dress in the images on their site, but I knew I could get to work on it.
I added a thin red belt to compliment the navy and also a subtle yet noticeable silver necklace.
The leaf necklace itself says Christmas to me, but with the navy and red I think it really feels seasonal.
Simple patent heels give it that little bit of extra class, making it a bit more dress-y, at least I think so.
This is definitely a contender for my Christmas day dress!
How do you think I could style it to make it even more Christmas-y?
bloomzy /

OOTD: Black Baroque

(Sweater: Glamorous*, Skirt: Topshop, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Belt: Primark)

I’m back, with a fabulous new baroque look!
Well not exactly, but this baroque style jumper by Glamorous is pretty fabulous (rhyme not intended).
Luckily I have free reign over what I wear to work, and this jumper and skirt combo just seemed perfect.
Smart casual is totally my thing and the gold glitter detail adds a little bit of pizazz for the Christmas season.
The jumper itself was pretty warm and soft, not itchy as I’d feared after seeing the glitter threading.
I did however pop a long sleeve top underneath as I feel the cold a bit too much, but it didn’t obstruct the silhouette.
The jersey skirt I bought from Topshop a couple of months ago has been such an investment.
It really does suit so many looks and I’m able to layer it with jumpers, dresses and tops etc.
I finished off my baroque look with my gold panther heel detail shoes from Urban Outfitters.
Unfortunately they don’t sell the black any more but they do now have black-glitter & burgundy versions.
I’ve missed doing OOTD posts, so I’m going to do a couple in a row this week!
bloomzy /

OOTD: Nana Fancy Dress

(Jacket: Primark, Top: Japan, Shorts: Zara, Tights: eBay, Shoes: Barratts*)

On Saturday I went to a joint party for two friends, and of course there was a theme.
All the best parties have themes, and this one was ‘Cartoon Characters of the 90s/2000s’.
I don’t watch many cartoons but from the ones I have watched/watch I just couldn’t think of a character.
Then I remembered that one of my favourite fictional characters of the 2000s was originally an anime (Japanese cartoon).
So I may have cheated a little bit as mine was based on a live action movie character, but the thought was there.
Who did I go as? Nana Osaki (reference photo here).
I love her strong character, and of course her personal style!
I paired suspender tights with my new faux leather jacket, a staple for any Nana costume.
I also choose a skull motif top I bought in Japan (fitting, no?) and some ripped denim shorts from Zara.
The piece de resistance though were the wedge creepers that Barratts recently gifted me – I’m in love!
They are the comfiest, most badass pair of shoes I own at the moment and I want to pair them with everything.
They are perfect for the rock chick side of my personal style…and for any future fancy dress parties, of course.
I even created a short bob hair style using this cheat by Cheesie, and used a leather bracelet as a choker.
What do you think of my fancy dress costume?
For fans of the creepers, they also come in red, blue and purple – I WANT THEM ALL!
bloomzy /

Event: Birchbox Champagne Afternoon Tea

Birchbox – Joliebox Champagne Afternoon Tea event

As soon as my plus-one and I walked through the doors we were giddy. I’d invited her to the Birchbox event as we both share a love for champagne and afternoon tea. It was held at The Soho Hotel, which is fashionably fancy, as is the drawing room which we were directed to. The tables were lined with cakes, sandwiches, biscuits and scones – with jam and cream, of course!

We arrived early and were greeted by the lovely team behind Birchbox and Joliebox. We were shown samples of October’s Joliebox, whilst waiters offered us salmon sandwiches and champagne. I loved the effort that the team went towards to greet and have a proper talk with everyone, not just a 5min chat. I knew quite a bit about Joliebox but I was really interested in finding out more about Birchbox, an American monthly beauty sample box company which are now moving into the European market, hence the event.

We even got to meet Katia Beauchamp, one of Birchbox’s co-founders – an incredibly funny, intelligent and gorgeous lady – definitely a power woman if I did ever meet one. I thought having some of the American team there was a really great edition to the event and showed just how passionate they are about making it here in Europe. Although I won’t lie, the highlight of the event were the ornately decorated (and incredibly yummy) biscuits! I think we can all expect big things from Birchbox once it’s launched in the UK – I can’t wait!

Birchbox UK will be launching in January 2013.
Joliebox will now be merging with Birchbox and becoming Birchbox UK.

bloomzy /

OOTD: Love the [faux] leather!

(Jacket: Primark, Scarf: Miss Selfridge, Top: Topshop, Jeans: Primark, Shoes: Primark)

As you can see I’ve been layering up now that Winter is here.
It feels like we went right from Summer to Winter and skipped Autumn.
Anyway, I enjoy layering clothes and big comfy scarves, so I don’t really mind.
My new faux leather jacket from Primark is one of my favourite latest additions to my wardrobe.
I know that I’m going to need to wear something warmer now so this allows me to layer without a coat.
I’ve been enjoying staying comfy and still feeling fashionable, and I think that’s going to be my ‘thing’ this Winter.
The new slipper shoes I grabbed from Primark were to replace another pair of flats that died on me.
They’re comfortable and I like the stud detail but I wouldn’t suggest wearing them without socks.
I tried to but my feet felt like they were going to drop off – I’m not impressed English weather!
bloomzy /

OOTD: Gold Leaf

(Blazer: H&M, Top: Chicnova*, Jeans: Primark, Shoes: Oasap*)

Finally I had time to do another outfit post!
I’ve been so busy lately that even when I dress up I don’t have time to take photos.
Well let’s hope that will be sorted soon, because I love dressing up and posting my outfits on here.
This top is one of those items that looks casual but can so easily be coordinated with a dressy outfit too.
I went for something in the middle, and paired it with a simple blazer and jeans – I wanted it to stand out.
This is for fans of this season’s Baroque trend who love the look but want to work it into a more casual outfit.
It’s from Chicnova, another online store that updates constantly with cheap, on-trend items.

I also visited Aurum Jewellers again on this day, but more on that later…
Don’t forget to visit Oasap and use discount code: ‘bloomzy’ for 35% off!
bloomzy /

OOTD: Autumn is here!

(Coat: from Taiwan, Top: Topshop, Shorts: eBay, Shoes: Internacionale, Accessories: Marc Jacobs & eBay)

I think this is probably the first time I’ve been seen in a coat on OOTD?!
Well unfortunately the weather has called for it in the last few days – Autumn is here already!
That’s ok though as there are some fabulous coats, jackets and cardigans out this season and I love layering.
I guess when I put this outfit together I wasn’t too sure what the weather would be like.
Shorts & tight combos are a saviour in A/W though so I knew I couldn’t lose by choosing them.
Lately I’ve fallen for simple outfits with one main point of focus – for me that’s this belt.
I also like the idea of investing in a few key items, which you can work into various looks.
I definitely think I’ll be doing that with this belt as it’s so versatile, and screams out ‘fashion!’ to me.
I’m hoping this post will mark the re-posting of my OOTD posts.
I kind of paused for a little while, for no reason in particular – oh well!