bloomzy /

Inspiration: Japanese Fashion Trends

I think a lot of people see Japanese fashion as being ‘wacky’ or ‘weird’. Well sure, sometimes it might seem that way, but I’m here to debunk that myth. Some of my favourite Japanese magazines are showing similarities with British trends. That means it’s even more accessible (and imitable) for those who enjoy Japanese fashion.
Recently I started reading Japanese fashion magazines CUTiE and Jelly again. I was surprised to see a lot of items that could easily be found on the UK high street. Sure, you’ll never find everything, but that’s part of the fun of styling a look to suit you. I love the way these looks have been styled and how each one has it’s own unique point. In Japanese magazine lingo ‘point’ means a specific part of the look that perfects the outfit. It’s usually an item that is on-trend, for example: a pastel pink coat that frames your look. I like this idea and usually centre an outfit around a specific item of clothing or accessory.
Of course at the end of the day I just love getting inspiration from these magazines. It’s a nice change from British magazines that just don’t seem to be as fun, or as inspiring. There is also a great variety of Japanese fashion magazines for different looks and styles. Right now I really love the looks and styling I’m seeing in ViVi, SCawaii, Jelly and CUTiE.
You can buy Japanese fashion magazines on eBay or from the Japan Centre.
Unfortunately they’re usually overpriced online, but there are resources to view them online.
bloomzy /

Trend: Pretty in Pastels

Pastel Trend

The pastel trend is back again this Spring and it looks like it’s gonna be bigger than ever.
I’ve always loved the look but it hasn’t ever really made it’s way into my wardrobe.
There are so many gorgeous items right now though that that may change.
So I’ve put together some cute pastel items for inspiration.

1. Daphne Cropped Jumper – Fashion Union
2. Anna PU Pencil Skirt – Fashion Union
3. Mavis Tailored Jumpsuit – Fashion Union
4. Cotu Classic Trainer – Superga @ ASOS
5. Rabbit Ear Cross Body Bag – ASOS
6. Bijana Box Clutch Bag – Missguided
7. Shell Grotto Medium Necklace – Tatty Devine
8. Double Wrap Leather Bracelet – Whistles
9. Monster Phone Case – ASOS

There seems to be a lot more variety this year when it comes to the pastel trend.
I love the idea of working this into the sports luxe trend as well, with trainers etc.
It’s cute and feminine but it can also be worked into a lot of different personal styles.
I can’t wait for Spring to finally hit, so we can all wear it without freezing too!

bloomzy /

Review: Collection Gothic Glam Nail Polish

 

Collection Gothic Glam Nail Polish in shades: Dramatic, Phantom, Deadly*
 
If you remember my Pegasus Beauty Showcase post you’ll know of these.
I was so excited for this range to be released so of course I had to review it.
There are 4 nail polish shades available in the range, and I was sent three of them.
These are: #1 Dramatic (deep red), #2 Phantom (vivid purple) and #3 Deadly (gold speckled black).
Swatches & one coat of shade #1 Dramatic on my nails
 
Pros:
+ Wide brush
+ Great colours
+ Easy application
+ High-shine finish
+ Opaque in one coat
 
Cons:
– Takes a while to dry
– Not easy to remove
 
Notes:
Overall I am impressed with this collection – I love the shades, and the quality of the polish.
I noticed straightaway that I only needed one coat to get an opaque, high-shine finish, which is not something that I come across very often with nail polishes. The swatches and what you see in the bottle are very true to the colour you will get on your nails. Again, very good. The application was nice and easy, thanks mainly to the wide brush. As for dry time – that was slightly disappointing, but these don’t claim to dry quickly so I can’t say I’m upset. The only other downside is that these are a little difficult to remove so you’ll need to take your time and make sure there isn’t any left over around the sides of your nails etc. That’s to be expected of any dark, glitter colour though. The polishes retail at £3.19 each, which is a pretty average and fair price for nail polish, in my opinion.
You can purchase the Gothic Glam polishes at Collection or in Superdrug stores.
bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Burgers, Bleach & Bling

Follow me on Instagram: bloomzy
The last couple of weeks before my holiday have been busy, busy, busy.
I’ve been working a lot and enjoying my internship at Finchittida Finch.
Of course I’ve also managed to pack in a few fun things.
I’ve been meeting old friends and treating them to the delights of London.
I made a stop to Bleach, to be a hair model, where I had the red in my hair re-done brighter.
Tatty Devine held a workshop and I tagged along, and I made a neon ombre elephant necklace.
The odd bottle of wine, hot chocolate and burger helped to keep me going.
I finally received my Tatty Devine name necklace, which I’m utterly in love with.
I also attended the Benefit Fake Up event in Spitalfields, and met some lovely fellow bloggers.
After trying to cut back on spending I caved and bought a cute iridescent phone clutch from Primark.
I got to enjoy cuddles from a cute sausage dog at my internship this week; distracting but adorable.
At the end of the week I was sent some Manuka Doctor goodies, which I can’t wait to try out!
Finally, I’m off on holiday!
I’ll be skiing it up in Chamonix, France until next weekend.
Have a lovely Easter everyone!
bloomzy /

OOTD: Bright & Bold

(Jumper: The Lazy Ones, Skirt: Internacionale, Boots: Oasap*, Necklace: Tatty Devine, Hat: Topshop)
Ok, you got me, this is actually Saturday’s outfit of the day.
I wanted to show off my name necklace before I posted this, so…
As I was heading to the Tatty Devine workshop I wanted to dress accordingly.
That meant neon and gold, as I was going to be creating my own neon & gold creation.
Of course, my new cropped jumper from The Lazy Ones had to make an appearance.
I paired it with my crazy black & gold  Hieroglyph pencil skirt from Internacionale.
And my new amazingly gorgeous gold toed boots from Oasap.
All in all I think I carried off the theme quite well.
I also made an amazing new necklace to add to my collection.
Stay tuned for another post this week, featuring it!
Don’t forget to visit Oasap and use discount code: ‘bloomzy’ for 35% off!
bloomzy /

Trend: Shine Bright

S/S 2013 Trend – Shine
 
It’s a trend post – long time no see!
As London Fashion Week started yesterday it only seemed natural.
I feel like doing more trend posts lately, so I thought I’d start with one of my faves.
The catwalk saw models shine as they went down the runway this season.
Thankfully that’s going to translate to the high street too, so we can all stand out!
That means we’re going to see lots of iridescent & holographic fabrics, as well as foils, glitter & precious-metals.
This trend hasn’t made as big a splash on the high street as I had hoped, but it’s there!
It can be worked into most styles and whether you go all out, or add accents, you’ll shine.
My favourite example on the high street has to be H&M’s Iridescent High Tops, which I had been lusting after for a good month or more. They hit stores and went into the New Year Sale – lucky for those who knew that they would be perfect for one of this season’s big trends. I managed to grab mine for only £5 – I’ll be rocking them soon!
Designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Lanvin, Alexander Wang and Versace paved the way.
If you want to recreate the trend on the high street stores such as ASOS, Urban Outfitters, H&M are representing.

 

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!