bloomzy /

Doing it Danish Style | Style (OOTD)

danish styleTop: Mads Nørgaard | Trousers: New Look | Sneakers: Converse

Danish style. What does that mean to you? For me it conjures up images of tailored clothes, layers, and white sneakers. Washed down with fresh sea air and delectable pastries. All of which – you’ll be pleased to know – I managed to make the most of whilst travelling in Copenhagen last week. Pastries and gorgeous landscapes aside, I was beyond giddy to finally be in the capital of my style-inspiration. I reckon 99% of my Tumblr and Pinterest combined are made up of Danish brands (homeware & clothing). Danish style is the ultimate for me.

Doing it Danish Style

As well as being the land of clean, minimalist style, Denmark has a few other tricks up it’s sleeve. The country is jam packed full of designers you’ve probably heard of/seen, but never realised were Danish. Wood Wood, Samsøe & Samsøe, and Baum und Pferdgarten to name a few. Yep, Danish designers have a pretty strong hold on the fashion industry, and they’re not letting go anytime soon. I just knew my trip to Copenhagen was going to be heavily influenced by my love of fashion, and these brands.

The Mads Nørgaard store was always going to be on my to-do list, whilst travelling to Copenhagen. I’ve been a fan of the brand ever since I discovered it earlier this year. It’s simplistic style appealed to my minimalist palette almost straight away. The Nørgaard store in Copenhagen is also the home of Nørgaard Paa Strøget #101, the award winning rib t-shirt with long sleeves. The t-shirt – which is made in Denmark – comes in a variety of colors and most importantly, in signature stripes. So it’s no surprise that this little number I’m sporting fell into my hands and onto the register…alongside 3 others.

Check out my previous style posts here.

danish style danish style danish styledanish styledanish style

bloomzy /

London Style, Quite Literally | Style (OOTD)

london styleTop: Marks and Spencer | Culottes: Warehouse* | Sneakers: Converse | Backpack: New Look*

Since my post on The London Look, it would seem that I’ve begun to take London style in the most literal sense possible. This top was one of those amazing finds you happen upon by chance – and it was in the sale too! I absolutely loved the colours, stripes (duh) and the cut. I had to have it! Yet however much I love this top, it’s fair to say that not everyone does. In fact funnily enough, it’s caused quite a bit of controversy. And I’m stuck in the middle of it all.

London Style, Quite Literally

First off, my friends think it’s weird I’m wearing a top with London written on it. They seem to think it’s not cool, because it looks too touristy. Heaven forbid you are mistaken for a tourist in London. We all know how painful that is. Which leads me on to my second problem – the mistaken tourist. This lovely lovely top has caused some confusion between me and the “locals”. It would seem that some people think I’m a tourist in London. Recently whilst out at the pub with friends, I had an East Ender try to talk to me in broken French. Coz French colours and stripes. Of course.

Sure I’m not one for buying tops emblazoned with the city I’m currently travelling in, but problems aside, I don’t see why I shouldn’t wear this in my own city. I mean after all, where will people return me to if I get lost?

Check out my previous London style posts here.

london style london style london style london style london style london style

bloomzy /

An Urban Jungle at Kew Gardens | Style (OOTD)

Kew GardensT-shirt: COS | Jeans: Topshop | Shoes: COS

Continuing my natural Mori Gal vibe, I recently headed to Kew Gardens for the afternoon, with VA and Dodo. Kew Gardens is somewhere I’ve been planning to go and shoot for a year or so now. The gardens are vast, however it’s the conservatories that interest me the most. They house a variety of plants, big and small, and are absolutely stunning. I love stopping by the Prince of Wales conservatory, but the Palm House is my number one recommendation when visiting Kew.

The Palm House was designed by Decimus Burton during early Victorian times. The original structure is still standing now, and is the most important surviving Victorian iron and glass structure in the world. It’s difficult to explain just how awe inspiring it is, not only for architecture geeks like myself, but for anyone. I just couldn’t wait to do a photoshoot there.

An Urban Jungle at Kew Gardens

Finding a fitting outfit for the Palm House was difficult. Part of me wanted to go all out, and wear something overtly feminine and elegant. Something along the lines of an evening gown straight out of 1950s Hollywood. But let’s be serious, I don’t own anything like that. So I went for my new kicks, with matching t-shirt from COS. I actually bought these items separately, but my current love for dusky pink, and COS’s own colour palette meant I ended up accidentally coordinating. Maybe it was the relaxing atmosphere, or the way my off-pink outfit blended nicely with the wrought iron fixtures. I felt like I belonged. Well it certainly wasn’t the humidity, either way.

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

Kew Gardens Kew Gardens Kew Gardens Kew Gardens Kew Gardens

bloomzy /

Mori Gal | Style (OOTD)

mori galT-shirt: Delores Daywear | Trousers: New Look | Sneakers: Comme des Garcon x Converse | Sunglasses: Playn*

I’ve always been fascinated with nature. As a child I would beg my parents to let me explore woodlands, or dip my toes in a babbling brook. Whether it’s plants, animals, fractals…well, you get my point. Of course lifestyle choices often transfer over to personal style. That’s why I love the idea of the Mori Gal fashion trend so much.

But you’re not a Mori Gal?!

The first time I fell in love with the style and concept was with the character Shizuru Satonaka in Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru. Mori Gal literally translates to Forest Girl. This fashion subculture originates in Japan, and often features earthy tones, natural fabrics, and loose fitting clothes. The style itself has never really found a foothold in my own wardrobe. Loosely permed hair (natural waves), and always carrying a camera around is about as close as it gets for me. Still, I find the concept incredibly romantic. Being more ethical in your fashion choices. Slowing down your daily life. Spending more time with nature.

True, I may not embody mori gal, but I can be inspired by it. I can be reminded of it; in my love for nature, quality fabrics, and ethical clothing choices. At the end of the day, mori gal is supposed to be whimsical. And we all deserve to have a little whimsy in our lives.

If you like the idea of MG, you can find out more and how-to with “Mori Gal Rules“.

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

mori gal mori gal mori gal mori gal mori gal mori gal

bloomzy /

Urban Research in Japan | Style (OOTD)

urban researchTie Waist Top: Urban Research | Trousers: Urban Research | Watch: Timex* | Sneakers: Comme des Garcon

When I visited Japan in March, one thing stood out to me. My personal style was miles away from what it was when I was living in Tokyo. It dawned on me that the stores and areas I once frequented during my time there were now alien to me. For this reason alone, I had resigned myself to the fact that I probably wouldn’t buy any clothes during my visit. However one rainy day, we decided to wander around the Sky Tree Mall – Solomachi. Filled with stores such as Punyus, Loft, and earth, music and ecology; I soon realised I was in good hands.

Urban Research

One store that stood out to me in particular was Urban Research. Sure the name might seem odd to English speakers, but the lifestyle element to the store intrigued me. It reminded me of my favourite London stores, but with a difference. However it was only when I went shopping with Renka that I properly investigated. I ended up picking up an ensemble that felt a little out of my comfort zone. Something I would admire on others, but would maybe be a little nervous to wear myself. Luckily Renka is a great shopping buddy. I knew I could trust her, and when she gushed at how much the outfit suited me I decided I had to have it. I had to admit, I felt kinda cool in it. And this is coming from the person who would never have considered wearing a matching two-piece outfit. As you probably guessed, that outfit was the one in this post. I mean, this story would have been entirely pointless otherwise, right?

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

urban research urban research urban research urban research urban research

bloomzy /

The Nor-Folk Look | Style (OOTD)

nor-folkJumper: Nor-Folk | Trousers: New Look | Hat: Blake LDN | Shoes: New Look

The Nor-Folk Look…

In my last style post I talked about The London Look. So in this post it seemed only fitting to return to my roots and discuss the infamous Norfolk Look. Well really there’s not much to discuss. Most people assume Norfolk is full of people dressed in flat caps, Joules gilets and riding boots. That’s great, but in recent years I’ve seen some amazing brands and designers coming from Norfolk, and that excites me a lot.

Finch womenswear are on top of keeping Norwich fashionable, but if I had to choose a brand, hands down it’s Nor-folk. Nor-Folk is a graphic design-led lifestyle brand founded by husband-and-wife graphic designers who reside in Norfolk, UK. Timeless minimalist aesthetics are backed up by the idea that our wardrobes (and lives) should consist of quality over quantity. This is something I thoroughly believe in, and have been working on in my style, and home, for the past few years.

I was so pleased to meet Fiona when I visited Norwich a few months ago. Not only is she incredibly friendly and kind, but her outlook on fashion is so refreshing. We chatted about the use of quality fabrics, interesting cuts, and fair trade. It’s safe to say that my love for Nor-folk was cemented that day. It’s so good to know that the clothes you own are created with such love and care. That’s what the Norfolk look is all about.

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

nor-folk nor-folk nor-folk nor-folk-4 nor-folk

bloomzy /

The London Look | Style (OOTD)

the london lookCoat: Topshop | Trousers: New Look | Hat: Blake LDN | Backpack: Sandqvist | Sneakers: Luca Verdi*

The London Look…

What is it? This is a genuine question that someone asked me recently. Ok so they may have been American, and things may have gotten lost in translation…culture-wise anyway. Still a lot of people talk about it. One big beauty brand even has it as their tagline. But what does the London look even mean? Honestly I’m no closer to figuring this out. Some days I think it’s a combination of vintage finds. Others, a minimalist outfit made up of greys, nudes and blacks. Truth be told, I don’t think it is one particular look. But that’s what makes the fashion scene so great in London. It’s a hybrid of tons of different trends, styles and looks.

I like to think of it as a different look for every occasion. But what do you wear for brunch on a rainy London afternoon? Simple! Your favourite new tailored trousers, a chic shirt and sweater combo, and some designer Italian sneakers. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!

For me, London is a place where I can dress however I want. Whether it’s smart-casual, ripped jeans, or an evening dress – I can feel like my style is completely my own. I feel secure in what I’m wearing, and I know others feel the same about themselves. That’s something pretty special. Maybe at the heart of it, that’s what “the London look” really is. Its just you, doing you.

Check out my previous style posts here.

the london lookthe london lookthe london lookthe london look