bloomzy /

OOTD | 50 Shades of Grey

ootdCoat: 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.

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bloomzy /

OOTD | Kenzo Kool

kenzoJumper: Kenzo | Culottes: Warehouse* | Sneakers: Converse | Backpack: ASOS

Since I put my Kenzo jumper away for the Summer, I’ve been dying to get it out again. Of course the British weather likes to tease us all, so I had to wait a little longer than usual. But last week we finally started seeing some colder weather. So I dusted the old gal off and threw her on with my faithful culottes (thankfully it’s not too cold).

I really do adore this jumper. Why? Because it works for itself. I don’t need to dress it up at all. I could pop it over a dress, or with a pair of jeans, and it would still look just as awesome. For me this is the ultimate in smart casual. We all have those days where we wish we were in a movie. You know the kind; the female lead wakes up, grabs whatever is lying on the floor, and hops out of the door whilst tying her hair in a top knot. She hasn’t made any effort whatsoever, yet she looks effortlessly beautiful. I can’t say I look beautiful in this sweater, but it definitely gives me the confidence to feel like a strong female lead.

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

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bloomzy /

OOTD | Land of Liberty

ootdShirt: Liberty | Vest: Uniqlo | Trousers: Topshop | Trainers: Nike

I love the fashion that pops up around the party season. For some reason we all feel that we can ever so slightly more eccentric than we usually would with our style. I’m talking about dresses made entirely of sequins, glitter embellished skirts, and novelty sweaters. As soon as Christmas hits, these main offenders start to pop up all over the place. However as you all know, my personal style is a little more minimalist. That means I have to be creative and look elsewhere for my seasonal inspiration.

Since I can remember my mum has been a fan of Liberty. We would wander around the Victorian department store during our visits to London, in awe of their wares. However it was their prints that my mum always went back to. Even now she calls me and tells me how she simply “must visit Liberty” next time she visits. This year she has her eye on one of their many scarves. I personally have my eye on their new collection of shirts.

Liberty has brought their prints to 2015, with a contemporary range of shirts. I can’t say I ever imagined myself wearing a Liberty print shirt, but I fell in love with the almost monochrome Eloise Print Selena Shirt. I just love the length and cut of it. It certainly doesn’t feel like something my mum would wear, but if she did she’d definitely be way more stylish than me. In true Emma fashion, I went for a smart casual look, and paired the shirt with some trousers and my trusty Nikes. After all, dressing it up would be way too easy.

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

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bloomzy /

OOTD: Winter is Coming

ootd-primark-topshop-asos-fashion-miss-selfridge-2Coat: Primark | Scarf: Miss Selfridge | Bag: ASOS | Boots: Vialactea*

As of late, it’s been pretty grey in London, which can only mean one thing. It’s time for everyone to start making 2 year old references. Yes, Winter is coming. In England that means grey skies, rain and wind. I live in such a beautiful country. Seriously though, it can make taking outfit photos a little bit tricky. But life would be boring without challenges, no?

Luckily for me I don’t mind wrapping up in layers and a big ol’ scarf. Actually this year I feel pretty prepared for the cold weather. In previous years I’ve found myself with only one pair of water-proof shoes, and a lone coat. 2015 has seen me take a different approach to fashion, and being more considerate of what I buy. However that has actually meant that I’ve ended up with everything I need, such as the items I’m wearing here. I’m content in not having to worry about whether I’ll be in trouble if I get stuck in a downpour, or if it suddenly gets chilly. In fact I’m pretty certain that with just a little bit of thought, fashion can also be functional.

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

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bloomzy /

OOTD: London Fashion Week SS16

ootd-london-fashion-week-zara-bucket-bag-6Sleeveless Duster: Topshop | Draped Top: Zara | Chelsea Boots: ASOS | Bucket Bag: Zara

How do you stay fashionable and comfortable during London Fashion Week? Honestly I thought it was impossible. I spent a good 30 minutes trying on outfit combo after outfit combo on Saturday morning. I was feeling bloated – thanks for visiting at such a great time Mother Nature – and wanted something I didn’t feel rubbish in. For me that solution was layers, and lots of them!

I’m currently in the middle of having another love affair with Zara. I’d gone off the brand for a while. But now they’re back on form, and bringing out products that are better than ever. This draped top is equal parts fashion and function. Paired with a waterfall sleeveless duster I almost look like I’m trying. Then there’s the bag. THIS BAG! Oh my god. I fell in love at first sight (thanks to V.A for pointing it out). Yes it does look like THAT designer, but I think Zara have actually one upped the original. Funny anecdote, I happened to be walking next to someone with the original, during LFW. People actually thought mine was the original, and commented on how much nicer it was. I managed to fit my DSLR, phone and purse in here, with plenty of room to spare. This bucket bag is magical. It just goes to show you that designer does not always trump high street.

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

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bloomzy /

OOTD: The Caped Crusader

ootd-topshop-cos-clarks-london-fashion-5Sleeveless 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.

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bloomzy /

OOTD: Cherry Blossom Season

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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)