bloomzy /

The Scandi Lover Gift Guide | Christmas

scandi lover gift guide showing variety of books on Copenhagen and ScandinaviaThe Scandi Lover Gift Guide

If you’re anything like me you’ve probably spent the last few weeks window shopping – both physical and online – for potential Christmas gifts. I don’t like to make it easy for myself though. I enjoy visiting as many shops as possible, so I can make sure I get a good idea of what’s on offer this year. But that’s time consuming and if I can help anyone save time, or recommend something they haven’t thought of, then my blog’s work has been done. So without further ado, here is 2018’s ‘The Scandi Lover Gift Guide’. And I’ve made sure to pack it full of my favourite products from the year. Enjoy!

The Scandi Lover Gift Guide

As you can see I’ve focused on brands and products from a range of price points. I’ve included items I have in my own home, so you know that I can vouch for their quality and assure you that they are worth purchasing.

I included three of my favourites books this year, as I think they fit perfectly into any Scandiphile’s lifestyle – you have interior design tips for the home by Bungalow5DK, timeless fashion advice by Pernille Teisbaek, and a tour of Copenhagen with recipes by Trine Hahnemann.

I also added some bits for the home, to create that perfect ‘hygge’ feeling. What better way to do that than with a glass of something delicious, some candle light, and a mini urban jungle? And who could forget the accompanying Christmas food? Liberty has such a beautifully packaged selection this year, I couldn’t resist suggesting them.

If you enjoyed The Scandi Lover Gift Guide, check out the rest of my Christmas Gift Guide series.

scandi lover gift guide scandi lover gift guide with whisky glasses on natural wood chopping board scandi lover gift guide

bloomzy /

FLUX Period Proof Underwear – A Sustainable Alternative

FLUX PeriodFLUX Period Underwear – A Sustainable Alternative

I’d been looking at sustainable alternatives to sanitary products for a while, but found that they weren’t UK-based, and cost a lot of money. Fast forward to last month and me happening across FLUX period panties. I ended up buying two pairs – the Bikini (coz cute & lacey) and the Detachable (cute & practical) – which I’ve been using for one cycle, to date. I wanted to share my experience with them in the hopes that it will help others.

FLUX Period Panties

FLUX period panties combines four layers of ultra-thin materials to absorb up to 4 tampons worth:

  • Top layer: moisture wicking, so that you stay fresh as a daisy.
  • Second layer: anti-microbial, keeping you squeaky clean.
  • Third layer: absorbs moisture, so you don’t feel wet.
  • Fourth layer: leak-proof, so you’re worry free.

The lining holds for up to 12 hours, depending on your individual flow. And they’re easy to wash too. They can be hand-washed, or put in a cold/30c wash, and air dried.

Would I recommend them?

I’m finding them to be incredibly comfortable, and basically no different to wearing regular underwear. I don’t want to go into too much detail, but they absorb well and do everything they say on the box. I was caught out once when I decided to have dinner after work, and I found myself nearing the 12hr window. But even then I didn’t have any issues other than my own head telling me I needed to go home and change.

Would I recommend them? 100% yes! These have become a replacement for regular sanitary products for me. They’re more sustainable than pads/tampons, and down the road I’ll also be saving a lot of money. FLUX period panties have helped me feel more comfortable and confident, and have changed the way I approach my periods.

Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!

FLUX Period FLUX Period FLUX Period

bloomzy /

Choosing Bridesmaid Gifts | Wedding Guide

Choosing Bridesmaid Gifts

Choosing Bridesmaid Gifts | Wedding Guide

Of all the things that made up my wedding, I probably had the most fun choosing my bridesmaid gifts. Which makes sense when you know that I’m a serial gifter. I love spending hours looking for the perfect item, and the satisfaction that comes with finally finding it. In the end I probably spent several weeks choosing bridesmaid gifts. But I had set myself some pretty strict criteria to adhere to…

Choosing Bridesmaid Gifts

I didn’t have a massive budget for my bridesmaid gifts, as I’d chosen to also pay for their dresses and accommodation. That said, I wasn’t about to compromise. I still wanted to choose some special gifts that they could use again, whilst still marking the day.

The ‘Initial Necklaces’ were great as I was able to have them personalised, and they came in a selection of precious metals – luckily for me all my bridesmaids wore silver. The make-up for my Maid of Honour wasn’t an issue; she was already using Haloscope, and wanted to try out Lash Slick & Boy Brow – easy! Finally the hair pins and dressing gowns brought everyone’s outfits together – both before and during the wedding – and were a little reminder of the day.

My main takeaway from choosing my bridesmaid gifts has to be personalisation. Everyone has a different style and personality, so it was important to me that I took this into consideration, rather than buying a blanket gift for several people. I’d suggest anyone buying gifts for their bridesmaids take the time to look, and don’t just buy something because you think you have to (i.e tradition etc).

Check out the rest of my Wedding Series now!

Choosing Bridesmaid Gifts Choosing Bridesmaid Gifts

 

bloomzy /

Why I Buy Expensive Clothing and You Should Too

Buy Expensive ClothingWhy I Buy Expensive Clothing and You Should Too

A few years ago I had an epiphany. I was doing fashion all wrong. I was spending a ton of money on cheap clothing that I didn’t really care about. It would fall apart after a few wears, and if it didn’t I would throw it out (read: give to charity) after only a few months. I decided it was time to change the way I viewed clothing. I decided it was time to start buying expensive clothing.

Before we get into things, I’d just like to say that this is in no way me boasting, let me make that clear. I save for all of my clothing, and I don’t buy anything when I don’t have the money to do so. I also realise that not everyone can save, and sometimes you just need or want to buy something inexpensive and trendy. At the end of the day this is just a simple guide for those who want to try and be a bit more conscious with their wardrobes.

Why I Buy Expensive Clothing

When I say expensive clothing I’m not talking about £500 t-shirts. I mean spending £30+ on a t-shirt or £100 on a pair of jeans etc. All of which are much cheaper than their designer counterparts, but relatively expensive compared to the fast fashion you find on the high street.

But why should you be spending more on clothing?

  • Fast fashion is…fast
    • It is not made to last. It’s trend based, which means that it has to be created quickly and cheaply (for the brand). This often means the wages and working conditions of the labourers creating the pieces is low too. I’m not saying more expensive brands are immune to this, but it’s certainly more prevalent in fast fashion brands.
  • Don’t buy trends, buy timeless
    • Trends can be cute & fun, but they’re also stressful to keep up with, as well as being heavy on the pocket. Consider buying pieces you can see yourself wearing over and over, for years to come. Example: a pair of quality jeans, or a fitted blouse.
  • Invest in quality over quantity
    • Honestly this should be my life motto because I throw it about so often. Quality pieces last, which means you don’t have to buy a new item of clothing every other month, year etc. Example: I try to only buy natural fabrics as they last longer and are much more comfortable. 
  • It actually saves money
    • Be considerate of how much you’re spending and what you’re spending it on. A few years ago I was buying countless amounts of clothing from high street brands, and I was actually spending more money (on a monthly basis) on clothing than I do now.
  • It helps you appreciate what you have
    • It’s quite easy to not put any value on fast fashion. It comes and goes with our tastes and trends. When you save for something it has meaning and sentiment. You’ll also be more likely to think twice before throwing out something expensive. I know I do!

Would you be willing to buy expensive clothing? Let me know in the comments!
Read more of my articles on wellbeing and style.

Buy Expensive Clothing Buy Expensive Clothing Buy Expensive Clothing

bloomzy /

Sexual harassment: how it has changed me

sexual harassmentSexual harassment: How it has changed me

From a young age I’ve had ‘large breasts’; they were there, they were big and they got noticed. My high school years were plagued with comments about them, and how I should show them off more. This kind of attention was mainly from my peers, but it also came from older men. Men in a position of authority. Men who were preying on a young girl. At the time I didn’t think much of it, but looking back on it now, it was clearly sexual harassment. It’s even more infuriating when I think about how it has changed me as a person.

Sexual harassment has changed me

I rarely wear low cut or tight fitting tops, instead I cover up with oversized clothing. And when I do wear them, I feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. Friends, family and even random men have told me that I should ‘be happy that [I] have big breasts’. Because apparently having smaller breasts would make me somehow less satisfied with my life?

A few years ago I was openly groped in a public area. A man came up to me in the middle of the street, grabbed my breasts and squeezed them. When I shouted at him, he laughed in my face and walked off. The people around me who saw the incident did nothing. They said nothing. Last year I was sexually assaulted, again in a public place, but this time it was much worse. And again, no one helped me. Not even the authority figure I went to in my time of need. I felt helpless.

Where do we go from here?

I want some good to come from what has happened. I don’t want to change how I dress or act because of what has happened to me. I want to fight for what is right, and stand beside those who need our support.

I don’t care if someone wants to wear a low cut top and a mini skirt, or chooses to cover up entirely – wear whatever makes you happy and comfortable. Women should be able to dress and act how they like without the fear of sexual harassment. I’m tired of women being objectified. I’m tired of how society deals with sexual harassment. It’s time for change!

There is so much more I could say on this topic alone, but maybe that is better left for another time and another place.
Please do feel free to share your personal stories and views on the topic in the comments though.

bloomzy /

Where to Shop in Amsterdam – A Travel Guide

shop in amsterdamWhere to Shop in Amsterdam – A Travel Guide

We all have our own aesthetic, from the clothing we wear, to how we decorate our homes. Of course this influences where we shop too. I prefer independent boutiques with a minimalist lean, but it can be tough finding them even in London. And when I go away on holiday it’s no different. So I do my research. I look for the kind of stores I want to shop in, and the souvenirs I want to bring home. With this and my recent trip holiday in mind, I decided to do a ‘where to shop in Amsterdam’ guide. From style, to homeware, art, beauty and stationary, let me help you discover…

Where to Shop in Amsterdam

X BANK | map
X Bank is a boutique for emerging and established talent in Dutch art, fashion and design. The store itself is housed within the W Hotel in central Amsterdam, and is a work of art within itself. No seriously, it looks like a gallery. But don’t be afraid to touch or try on the clothes and accessories as the staff are friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful.

Tenue de Nîmes | map
Wanna shop where all the cool kids shop? Tenue de Nîmes it is. They may be known for their vast selection of Japanese and American denim, but there’s a lot more to TDN. Founded on the basic principles of quality, function and simplicity, the stores (plural) stock brands such as Acne, A.P.C, Edwin, Japan Blue, Le Bonnet, and Momotaro amongst others.

Anna & Nina | map
Filled to the brim with trinkets galore, Anna & Nina’s stores are a must-visit for any colourful, fun interior/style fanatic. Colour coordinated homeware lines the shelves alongside Scandinavian fashion brands such as Ganni.

Hutspot | map
If you’re a fan of minimalist interiors and Scandinavian fashion, then it’s highly likely you’ve come across Hutspot. Perhaps you’ve seen them on Instagram, or you’ve passed by one of their numerous stores in Amsterdam. Hutspot is the place to pick up an über cool souvenir.

De Bijenkorf | map
Clothes, stationary, homeware, beauty…you name it, De Bijenkorf has it. You’ll only find the best of the best here, which is why the department store is so well known for it’s designer brands. Located over 4 floors, you can easily spend a lot of time – and money – here.

Comme des Garçons Pocket | map
One of my personal favourites is this little gem. Comme des Garçon Pocket may be small, but it sure packs a punch. The store is minimal to say the least, as it only sells clothing and accessories from the limited CDG Play line. And yes, they have those Converse.

&Klevering | map
Last but definitely not least, is &Klevering. This Dutch store knows their homeware brands like the back of their hand. That’s not to say they only carry Dutch brands though; you’ll find Japanese favourites such as Kinto alongside Scandi must-haves like HAY (and much more).

I hope you enjoyed my Where to Shop in Amsterdam guide.
Whilst you’re here, why not check out my other Amsterdam travel guides too.
Header image: Tim Goedhart

shop in amsterdam shop in amsterdam shop in amsterdam shop in amsterdam shop in amsterdam

bloomzy /

The Line Drawing Trend | Style & Interior

line drawing

The end of 2017 saw line drawing become popular in a big way. It started with art prints, but quickly moved onto shirts, jewellery and more. From there the style slowly began to infiltrate the world of Instagram, as all the greats have done. Before we knew it, Instagrammers alike were sporting those Mango earrings – which I love by the way – whilst simultaneously illustrating their Stories with chic line drawings. And we all know that once something has made it big on Instagram, we’ll be damned if we can’t turn it into a mainstream trend.

Drawing the line…

Joking aside, line drawing has quickly become a trend with creative folks and the mainstream alike. It’s simplicity fits in perfectly with the minimalist crowd, whilst also appealing to something bolder. It’s no surprise that such a versatile trend has made it big in both the fashion and interior design industries.

I myself have fallen for it numerous time, as is made evident by my Christmas and birthday wishlists. In fact I love it so much that I decided to write a whole blog post on it. I even plan to spread the love further by showing you how you can bring a piece of the trend to your wardrobe, and or home.

Add a bit of line drawing to your life

I’ve chosen some of my favourite pieces by independent stores, artists and brands below, for both the home and your personal style.

Style

Home interior

See, it really is quite easy to bring a little bit of line drawing into your life. Perhaps it’s a one-off sweater, or maybe you’re more of a quirky vase kinda person. Whatever takes your fancy, you can be sure that you’ll be on-trend and looking pretty damn stylish whilst you do it.

Whilst you’re here, why not check out more of my home and style posts.
Source: 1

line drawing