bloomzy /

Tutorial: Velvet Nail Manicure

How to create an on-trend velvet nail manicure

The last nail tutorial I posted seemed quite successful so I thought I would do another. This time I picked this season’s on-trend velvet nail manicure – made popular on the catwalk. Once again I’m going for the accent nail as I didn’t want to over do it. So here is a simple and easy tutorial for a velvet manicure.

You will need…
1 x Brush
1 x Tweezers
1 x Base Coat (optional)
1 x Nail Polish (in your choice of colour)
1 x Pot of  ‘Velvet’ Powder (in your choice of colour)

How to create the look:
1. If you’ve chosen to use a base coat, apply it to your nails.
2. Take your chosen nail polish and apply a coat to your nails – wait til dry.
3. Take the ‘velvet’ powder and use the tweezers to mix and separate the powder.
4. Apply another coat of polish on your chosen nails and then shake the powder onto the nails.
4. Leave the powder to set and the polish to dry, then use the brush to brush off any excess powder.
5. A top coat is not needed as it would ruin the effect, and the powder will stay on without it.

And that’s it! As always these are just simple, easy steps that you can use as a guideline when creating this effect. You can always mix it up a bit – maybe do all your nails or even try and create a design with the powder. I would recommend laying down some paper to catch the excess powder – it also makes it easier to put back after. Don’t worry if you get it wet, it may look soggy and ruined but after a quick dry it’s back to normal. This is a very subtle type of nail art, especially in such a dark colour, but I really like it.

The nail polish I am wearing is Natural Collection’s ‘Cosmic Crush’, and the Velvet Flocking Powder* was provided by Born Pretty Store – the tweezers and brush are included with all sales of the (separate) powder.

You can buy the nail polish in Boots and the Powder here (use code: BLOOMZYK31 for 10% discount).

bloomzy /

Style: Playing with Fashion

(Top: Oasap*, High Waisted Shorts: eBay, Creepers: Oasap* Hat: Topshop)


(Top: Oasap*, Skirt: H&M, Wedges: Internacionale, Handbag: Off Brand)

Recently I received a couple of new tops and straight away I started thinking about how to coordinate them.
I love seeing a selection of items laid out to create an outfit, so I though I might try and give it a go myself.
I decided to create 2 very simple but fashionable looks – one is more of a rock look, the other more feminine.
Look #1
Lately I love pairing baggy stylish t-shirts with my rugged vintage high waist shorts.
I decided to go for a fashionably grunge (in the loosest sense) look, using my creepers and mini roller hat. 
This just seems like a very casual and easy look to re-create, but still individual and memorable.
I’d accessorise with: a chunky gold chain and plenty of rings!
Look #2
I love monochrome looks, so this was my inspiration for this outfit.
Keeping in with this seasons leather trend, I paired a simple silk top with a pleated faux leather skirt.
To top it off I picked my favourite wedges and a white & gold quilted handbag; cute and feminine.
I’d accessorise with: a delicate necklace & bracelet, and big earrings!
I could easily have seen myself wearing either of these outfits to London fashion week.
Would they have garnered attention? I don’t know, but I do know that I’d have felt fabulous!

Don’t forget to visit Oasap and use discount code: ‘bloomzy’ for 35% off!

bloomzy /

Event: The Magic Mirror

Trying out the ‘Magic Mirror’ in Chapelfield Shopping Centre, Norwich
A few days ago I was invited to attend a special press preview at Chapelfield, Norwich.
The preview was for a new amazing technology that we may be seeing in stores near us all, very soon.
The ‘Magic Mirror‘ is a TV screen ‘mirror’ which uses augmented reality and movement sensors to allow customers to try out various outfits with a simple swipe of the hand. As you flick through the items of clothing, sizes can be altered as well as the position of the item on your body. 
The experience was of course slightly surreal as I’d never come across this before.
However after the lovely people explained to me how it worked I started to have a bit of fun.
The idea behind the Magic Mirror is wonderful. Imagine being able to try on all the latest items without even picking anything off the shelves, or taking your clothes off. To a lazy person like me, that is very appealing.
I also noticed that it changed my opinion about items I would never have chosen myself.
The people behind the Magic Mirror are hoping to bring this to more shopping centres across the country.
You may even be seeing it in your favourite store soon – so keep an eye out.

Would you use it?
You can try it out for yourself at Chapelfield Norwich between 27-30 Sept.
bloomzy /

Introducing: Shopcade

A preview of my Shopcade page
Shopcade is a new way to keep track of the things you love and the items you want to buy.
As you all know I am a wishlist addict. I love compiling them and sharing them with everyone else.
So it’s only natural for me that Shopcade is a site that is not only fun but essential for me when I’m online.
Shopcade is a social shopping application that allows you to share the items you’re buying or just want to buy.
You have your own personal page where you can add products and lists of items to show off to your friends and the Shopcade community. If you have ever seen a photo of an item online and wondered where it’s from and how you can buy it – Shopcade is your saviour! You can click through the product and be taken directly to the brands page where you can buy the item and earn points (& cash!) on Shopcade. You can also just earn points by adding products to your page. Once you have a certain amount you can use your points to get free gifts or vouchers. I used my points to get myself some new business cards and I’m currently saving the rest for a big prize!
I personally was drawn to Shopcade through the product sharing/list creating, and by the idea that you can then buy the item you just re-blogged/pinned. Earning points and cash whilst doing this is just an extra perk for me really. 
I also don’t feel any pressure to buy items – I can just enjoy sharing products and making my page pretty.
Add me on Shopcade here, and check out my Shopcade feature here.
Please ignore the name, it’s old and is in the process of being changed.
bloomzy /

Style: 1 Skirt 4 Ways

Click image to enlarge
As soon as I pick up a potential clothing purchase I automatically start contemplating outfits.
A few days ago I bought a new waterfall skirt (it sounds dreamier than dip-hem), and that’s what I did.
It’s no wonder I’m such a fan of things like Polyvore and putting together coordinates in photoshop.
Therefore today’s post is a little bit of fun for me and hopefully helpful to a few people also.
I put together 4 separate outfits, all using the same skirt as the central piece.
My style varies a lot between trends and fashion ‘labels’ and I think that’s reflected here.
I managed to add a few Baroque pieces, and the outfits range from casual to slightly more formal.
I also wanted to think a little bit about accessories, make-up and nails – as I know I dress those to match.
I think the outfits themselves though are pretty self-explanatory so I won’t ramble on too much.
The skirt featured is from Topshop, and the items included are from various other High Street stores.
Please comment if you’d like to know where any of the items are from.
‘1 ___ 4 Ways’ is something I’d like to continue with.
Would you guys like to see more of this kind of post?

bloomzy /

Dupe: MUA Undressed vs. UD Naked Palette

MUA Undressed Palette & Urban Decay Naked Palette
I love seeing dupe posts on beauty blogs, and I recently acquired MUA’s Undressed palette, 
which is supposedly a dupe of Urban Decay’s Naked palette, so I thought I would do my own. 
From the start it’s easy to see where MUA got their inspiration from.
With Urban Decay’s palette at almost 10x the price (£36) of MUA’s (£4), I was certainly curious. 
After putting the two palettes side-by-side I was shocked and also a little amused at how similar the shades are.
True, MUA’s palette does not look as ‘high end’ as Urban Decay’s but it’s simple and clean – it also comes with a double ended applicator, but no primer unlike UD – although MUA’s primer is only £1.50.
Also, the UD palette is heavier, and not as easy to transport as MUA’s.
Anyway, onto the reason why you’re all here…
The following swatches come courtesy of my fiancé who allowed me to use his forearm as a model.
MUA’s £1.50 eyeshadow primer was used as a base before applying these.
Top row: MUA Undressed Palette
Bottom row: Urban Decay Naked Palette
The proof is in the picture.
Honestly, apart from a couple of the matte browns, the MUA shadows are pretty much identical.
A primer is needed with the MUA shades, but I don’t think anyone would expect anything else from a £4 palette.
I am incredibly impressed with how similar these are, and with previous experience with MUA palettes they are definitely worth the money. When used with a primer, they are long lasting and the colour stays as clear and fresh as when you first applied it. Both palettes have some amazing colours, perfect for this seasons nude make-up trends.

Final decision: This is an amazing dupe, and I would definitely use the MUA palette as a replacement for my UD one.
MUA Undressed Palette is available in Superdrug stores, and online here (worldwide shipping available).
Urban Decay’s Naked Palette is available in Debenhams & House of Fraser (UK) stores, and online here.
bloomzy /

Trend: Rock the ‘Baroque’ for A/W 2012

Rock the Baroque

Rock the Baroque by bloomzy

Wow, now that’s an intimidating image, isn’t it?
Don’t worry, I’m not here to tell you that the latest trend is to wear everything in one print and clash as much as possible.
I am going to write about one of A/W 2012’s latest trends though, and it’s one of my favourites.

 Baroque certainly isn’t anything new, in fact that’s the point; inspired by the Rococo movement, the Baroque trend is all about decadence and opulence. Designers such as Dolce & Gabanna, Versace, Givenchy and Balmain have inspired the high street to join in on the fun – in fact, everyone wants in on the Baroque trend.

When done right, Baroque can make a high street outfit look like it’s just come off the catwalk.
When it’s done wrong, well…let’s not try to think about that.

Key points to remember?
– Embellishments
– Black & Gold
– ‘Scarf print’
– Brocades, texture & embroidery
– Lace, ruffles, velvet & metallics

This is a trend that is going to be super easy to find on the high street.
River Island are paying homage to the trend amazingly, whilst stores such as ASOS, H&M,
M&S and Topshop are also doing pretty good jobs.

Good luck and have fun!

 Would you like to see more UK trend posts in the future? 
Leave a comment, and let me know.