bloomzy /

OOTD: Catch-up

OOTD shots from my Instagram: bloomzy
(click to enlarge)

Lately I don’t have much time to take full on OOTD shots.
So when I do get the chance I try to post a few on my Instagram.
Unfortunately Instagram doesn’t give me as much freedom when taking photos.
That’s mainly due to size restrictions, lighting etc. but I try to make do with what I have.
In the end I think the photos always turn out ok, and it’s a nice way to share them with everyone.
Recently I’ve been keeping warm as it’s been super cold, and of course we’ve had snow.
I love the current ‘Typo T-shirt’ trend so I’ve been pulling out some of my fave pieces from my wardrobe.
I’ve also been making the most of the cold weather by wrapping up in mixed fabric jumpers and cosy cardigans.
My favourite jumper right now is from Whistles (bottom right). 
My favourite t-shirt, Topshop (middle left).
Thank for all your feedback in my giveaway post.
It seems that you do love my OOTD posts, so I promise to keep that in mind!
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 /

Photo Diary: New Years Eve Celebrations 2012

Food and fun on New Years Eve
I saw 2012 out in a Michelin Star restaurant in Wales, with my fiancé, friends and family.
It was lovely to have a small getaway to the countryside, somewhere I always feel I can relax.
I wore my Pussycat London dress and accessorised with a Tatty Devine necklace, rings from Whistles, Swarovski and Beaverbrooks, as well as a 1930s vintage bag from India – a Christmas present from the fiancé’s family.
I also matched my nails to my accessories with some red polish and glitter.
Of course being a foodie meant that I was also rather excited to spend my NYE in an amazing restaurant.
We have been several times to the French restaurant, and the food never disappoints. 

Our menu on New Years Eve consisted of 7 courses:
Kir Royale & Canapés
Soufflé Suisse with apple & almond salad
Seared scallop with crab cannelloni, sauce vierge & Jerusalem artichoke puree
Fillet of Celtic Pride beef wellington, pomme fondant, celeriac puree & red win jus
Selection of desserts
Selection of French & Welsh cheeses
Coffee & Petit fours
– – –
We finished around 11:50pm, when we then left to head outside to the town square.
I said hello to 2013 with over a hundred people, holding hands in a circle.
Of course I also had a quick kiss with the fiancé too.
How did you spend your New Years Eve?
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.