bloomzy /

OOTD: Amongst The Palm Trees

ootd-outfit-of-the-day-style-fashion-zara-topshop-blogger-blog-1

ootd-outfit-of-the-day-style-fashion-zara-topshop-blogger-blog-3

ootd-outfit-of-the-day-style-fashion-zara-topshop-blogger-blog-2

ootd-outfit-of-the-day-style-fashion-zara-topshop-blogger-blog-5

ootd-outfit-of-the-day-style-fashion-zara-topshop-blogger-blog-4

Shirt: Zara | Jeans: Topshop | Shoes: New Look* | Watch: New Look*

I’ve been so inspired by nature recently. The hidden patterns within leaves (shout-out to my boy Fibonacci). The varying shades of green, and the immense colours that I could never imagine recreating on a canvas. It’s amazing being able to find somewhere in the middle of a capital city where you can appreciate this. Despite what some may say, London is a pretty green city. Even in the middle of a concrete jungle like The Barbican, you can find a tropical oasis.

After V.A and I made a date to visit The Conservatory at The Barbican I knew I had to dress appropriately. I was thinking of cool fabrics (I don’t do humidity) and casually chic prints. During my weekly pilgrimage to Zara I spotted the perfect item – a striped blue and white cotton shirt. It was as if it had been made especially for this one occasion. It was so easy to pair with some plain denim jeans and tennis shoes. This is one shirt that I know I will keep coming back to this Summer.

 

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)

bloomzy /

OOTD: Cherry Blossom Season

bloomzy-cherry-blossom-sakura-chruch-street-stoke-newington-london-1

ootd-outfit-of-the-day-fashion-style-bloomzy-topshop-primark-cos-new-balance-2

bloomzy-cherry-blossom-sakura-chruch-street-stoke-newington-london-1

ootd-outfit-of-the-day-fashion-style-bloomzy-topshop-primark-cos-new-balance-1

Jacket: Primark | T-shirt: COS | Jeans: Topshop | Trainers: New Balance | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban*

Looking at me now, you’d never guess that my teenage years were spent mixing patterns and colours like an overly eccentric cat lady.  In fact I imagine 15 year old me would have detested the clothing I wear now. It’s funny really how our tastes and looks change. Just a quick peek at my Style Evolution post from a few years ago will show you how much my look has changed in recent years.

That doesn’t mean I’m unhappy with my current personal style at all though. In fact I love my more minimalist approach, as of late. It’s nice to feel stylish without having to worry about trying too hard. I like the idea of grabbing a t-shirt and jeans, and pulling on a leather jacket before rushing out the door (which is exactly what I did the morning these photos were taken). Knowing that actually you’re still going to feel pretty cool even though you didn’t stop to think about it. At the end of the day, I guess it says more about my wardrobe than anything. My resolution of “quality over quantity” (style AND substance) really is working.

 

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)

bloomzy /

OOTD: Bookworm

ootd-bookworm-tokyo-laundry-fashion-style-outfit-topshop-wales-bloomzy-2

ootd-bookworm-tokyo-laundry-fashion-style-outfit-topshop-wales-bloomzy-3

ootd-bookworm-tokyo-laundry-fashion-style-outfit-topshop-wales-bloomzy-4

ootd-bookworm-tokyo-laundry-fashion-style-outfit-topshop-wales-bloomzy-1

Jumper: Tokyo Laundry* | Trousers: Topshop | Antumbra Necklace: Clarice Price Thomas*

As a kid I would read 2-3 books a week at school. My dad would read the classics to me and my sister before bed, and I would buy a new horrible history book whenever I was given pocket money. Needless to say, my love for books followed me into my teenage years, and through into adulthood. When I had the chance to visit Hay-on-Wye this weekend I jumped at the chance. For those who don’t know, the small market town is famous for it’s bookstores (lovingly nicknamed The Town of Books) and the Hay Literary Festival. So I wrapped up in my new Tokyo Laundry jumper, ready for a day of rummaging through books. It’s a lovely Welsh town that I could easily spend hours wandering around. However I had my eye’s set on Richard Booth’s (the man behind the town) bookstore – an old, beautiful bookshop that any child would swear is magical. In fact I fell in love with the magic of it myself. Dusty old books sit next to shiny new novels – this store doesn’t discriminate – and comfy sofas and chairs are close-by for those who just can’t wait to get home before they start their new book. It truly is a book lovers paradise. I browsed the shelves for Murakami before grabbing myself a copy of Emer O’Toole’s Girls Will Be Girls. Eventually I was dragged away as I pleaded “No, just a little longer…”

bloomzy /

OOTD: And it was all Yellow

Coat: Zara | Jumper: Oliver Bonas | Skirt: Zara | Boots: Topshop

Lately I overlooked my monochrome wardrobe rule for one special coat. This yellow parka from Zara called out to me as I walked into the store, and I knew there and then that I had to have it. Coming from a girl whose wardrobe is as black as a witch’s cap, that’s saying something. Not only have I fallen in love with it, but it seems everyone else has too. I genuinely think I could conduct my own psychology experiment involving this coat. People smile at me more now, and tons of people have commented on my “lovely/bright yellow coat”. If anything it has been a great conversation starter.

It was also the perfect coat to take a walk down Columbia Road Flower Market in recently. I paired it with my flouncy (that’s a great word, isn’t it?) black skirt and a simple Breton stripe jumper. It was a lovely Sunny day. So much so that I regretted not bringing my sunglasses to finish off the look.

Spring is definitely on it’s way and I plan to help it along with my daffodil yellow coat.

 

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)

bloomzy /

OOTD: Marble Marble On The Wall

Coat: Sandro | Dress: Warehouse | Boots: Topshop | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Any trip to the V&A involves copious amounts of photos and the occasional selfie. V.A and I went one step further and took outfit shots alongside the beautiful interior of the museum…as any self respecting blogger would do.
I actually came down with a mild cold this past weekend, so taking outfit photos was the last thing on my mind. Nevertheless I layered up in my trusty Warehouse dress and Sandro jumper-coat combo. To be honest the whole outfit was a second thought to my new Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, which I had been dying to premier to the world. Thankfully V.A stole away my camera and decided to document it’s first foray onto the streets of London, whilst I awkwardly posed against marble backdrops, to the confusion (and amusement) of the odd tourist.
If you love all things marble (and decorative arts in general), I’d highly recommend a visit to the V&A.
bloomzy /

OOTD: J’adore Kenzo

ootd-kenzo-sandro-new-balance-asos-bloomzy-japanese-paris-fashion-style-blog-blogger-1 ootd-kenzo-sandro-new-balance-asos-bloomzy-japanese-paris-fashion-style-blog-blogger-2 ootd-kenzo-sandro-new-balance-asos-bloomzy-japanese-paris-fashion-style-blog-blogger-3 ootd-kenzo-sandro-new-balance-asos-bloomzy-japanese-paris-fashion-style-blog-blogger-4 ootd-kenzo-sandro-new-balance-asos-bloomzy-japanese-paris-fashion-style-blog-blogger-6 ootd-kenzo-sandro-new-balance-asos-bloomzy-japanese-paris-fashion-style-blog-blogger-5
Coat – Sandro | Sweater – Kenzo | Trainers – New Balance | Bag – ASOS | Pom-Pom – Wonderound

J’adore Kenzo! Is it really any surprise? The designer perfectly combines my love of Japanese and Parisian fashion into energetic, colourful creations. If the brand had been established today I would have sworn it was created especially for me. Sometimes designer brands can be a little too serious, but I love playing around with fashion. That’s why I love living in East London so much. People take fashion seriously here, but they have fun with it.

However last weekend I took some time to wander around Chelsea, and I made the most of the change of scenery.  South West London is as far away as possible from my East London home, in more ways than one. Shabby chic hipster cafes are replaced with modern, polished eateries…with no street art in sight. There’s no doubt about it, the architecture and streets of Chelsea are a lot prettier than Shoreditch. But then that’s the great thing about living in London, each borough is different to the next. I hope I can discover even more of London’s hidden gems this year.

bloomzy /

My 2014 Style Evolution

 
March – Floral Fancy
 
 

June – I Feel Blue

 
August – Countryside Chic
 
September – Pattern Practise
 
 
November – Autumnal Bliss
 

December – Norfolk Girl

This year saw my style change quite dramatically. Back in April I did a large overhaul of my wardrobe. I got rid of all the items I’d never worn, or only worn once. I focused on creating a collection of quality basics (and the odd rogue dramatic piece) that would be worn again and again. I decided to stop buying lots of cheaper “on-trend” items, and instead focused on higher end timeless pieces. That meant I could finally justify (and afford) my dream coat from Sandro. Gone are the loud, bright outfits from the beginning of the year. Instead they have been replaced with a more minimalistic, monochrome affair…with a dash of colour.
I hope to continue refining my style in 2015 – working with the same mindset.
Will I keep up with it? I guess only time will tell.