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Japanese Nail Art | Nail Week

Japanese Nail ArtA selection of Japanese nail art

‘Nail Week’ has just begun and we’re diving into the deep end. Today’s post is all about nail art, of the Japanese variety. Why? Well nail art was one of the first things I fell in love with in the Japanese beauty industry, and with nail art becoming more popular in British fashion and beauty (Company magazine can’t get enough right now) I thought it was quite fitting for me to honour the reigning country of nail art. Fashion magazines in Japan constantly feature nail art in their beauty pages, whilst whole magazines are dedicated to it, such as: Nail Up, Nail Venus and Nail Max. Young girls and Women alike are obsessed with expressing themselves through their nails, and in Japan there are no limits to what you can do with your nails.

Some are simple, feminine and short:
Japanese Nail Art

Whilst others can be intricately decorated, edgy and insanely long:
Japanese Nail Art

Japanese nail art is well known worldwide for its creation of mini 3D artworks, use of various adornments and delicate designs. Nail salons have popped up all over the world trying to re-create the popularity and stylish nails seen on the streets of Japan – London-based Sohotrightnail can offer you some more detailed and embellished designs, whilst WAH NAILS can easily feed your simpler design needs. Of course the originals don’t come cheap. Prices usually start at around 10,000円 for a basic set, that’s about £80! It may seem expensive but when you see the work that goes into them, and the time that it takes, you can forgive them for charging so much. Getting your nails done in Japan is definitely an experience, and the end result is worth the money spent – but if you don’t have the money to spare then you can always make a stop at Donki for some of their press-on nails (photo here), which are just as amazing, for around £15.

Mitsu is a good friend of mine who not only dresses fabulously but styles her nails to match.
You can check out the various Japanese nail art she has had done here.

Source; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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Wish List: H&M and Topshop

Top row: H&M, Bottom row: Topshop

I haven’t done a wishlist for a little while, which is surprising because I’m sure I always have one in mind.
Anyway, this time I decided to feature two stores that I have been impressed with recently, one being H&M, the other Topshop. Now in the last few years I’ve pretty much always been a ‘fan’ of Topshop – they’re constantly bringing out pieces I can’t wait to add to my collection. However, I’ve found that my love for H&M in recent months has faded slightly.
It’s sad to say, but the stores I’ve been visiting just haven’t won me over with their collections.
However I was pleasantly surprised when I went into the Norwich H&M recently. They are back on form!
As for the wishlist itself this time I picked items that I can definitely see in my wardrobe, rather than those I just wish I could add to it. So these are all items that are reasonably priced, which I could coordinate easily.
The ‘Peplum’ trend looks like it will be going through to A/W and I’m pleased as it’s a cute, flattering shape. I’m also enjoying bursts of colour (love that royal blue!) to help brighten up an outfit. The rest are all just items that I want to play around with – especially the Mary Janes, and the denim shorts with suspenders attached.
I hope I can hurry up and get a job asap so I can BUY ALL THE CLOTHES!
Source; 1, 2
bloomzy /

Wish List: Best of British

Best of British

 

Best of British by bloomzy Ok so I may not be a Royalist, and I won’t be celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee…
However I am proud to be British, and I do like limited edition, special occasion items.
I’ve been gazing through windows at the decorations in stores, and the items they’re offering.
So I thought since it’s the Jubilee weekend, I would do an extra special wishlist!

With all the current hype around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, tons of brands have been bringing out limited edition items to celebrate the occasion. This means lots of British brands are showing how proud they are, although that hasn’t stopped a lot of non-British brands also having some fun. Hey, it’s a party & everyone is invited!

The items I choose for this wishlist are items I would happily buy/wear any time of the year!
I love the selection of items, from Union Flag cupcake decorations to red, white & blue nail polish.
Although the ‘Markus Lupfer’ Crown Sweater, the ‘Not for Ponies’ Corgi T-shirt & the ‘Nails Inc’ Jubilee Crystal Colour Polish have to be my favourites…Oh who am I kidding? I want everything!! 

bloomzy /

Review: MUA Primer & Pretty Pastels Palette

MUA Primer & Pretty Pastels Palette
Recently MUA were offering free items with a purchase, to celebrate their birthday.
When I saw the ‘Pretty Pastel Palette‘ was one of the free items I quickly put my order in.
Now whether you love this Spring/Summer’s pastel trend or not, pastel eyeshadows are always a great basic to add to any make-up collection. So is eye primer, therefore I decided to review the two together.
MUA Eye Primer
I am only going to do a short review on this, as I can’t say I’m really sold on the product.
It is quite a thick eye primer, compared to others I have used, and I found that it was a little cakey.
Whilst the primer helps your eyeshadow last throughout the day, I found it very hard to remove my eye make-up at night. 
I liked the applicator, and the slight tint the primer had to it, but that’s about it.
Considering the price though (£2.50), I wasn’t expecting anything amazing.
I feel bad as this is the first MUA product I have disliked, but I don’t think I will be using it again.
Don’t take my word alone though, I have read other reviews that praise the primer.

MUA Pretty Pastel Palette

Swatches (with MUA Primer)

I really liked this palette, and the colours that were included (better photo here).
They are very pastel-y and light, which is perfect for creating a simple, feminine eye – which is why I bought it.
I was a little put off by the glittery sheen (they may look matte on the website, but they are not) that you can see in the swatches – I would have preferred a matte shadow. However after I applied the eyeshadows and did the rest of my make-up I found that I didn’t really notice it. It is quite difficult to get a pigmented colour, so if this is what you’re after you will definitely have to use a primer and it will take a few applications. However I don’t think you should expect high pigmentation from a pastel palette..
I’ve used this palette several times now, each time with a different colour.
So far the pinks, purples & browns have to be my favourites.
Definitely glad that I bought this! Shame about the primer.

You can purchase the MUA Primer here.
You can purchase the MUA Pretty Pastels Palette here (only £4!).
bloomzy /

Current Inspiration

Please excuse the mess that is me piling a bunch of photos together.
I just wanted to visualise some of my current inspirations, which are:
Girly mixed with boyish, patterned tights, flowers, bright colours, gradients, feminine lingerie,
monochrome, black on black, gold, pearls and studs, polka dots, orange & white,
stiletto nails, comfy t-shirts, petals, purple, brightly coloured food and pastels.
As you can see my inspirations don’t just come from fashion or beauty. Of course when I say inspiration it doesn’t necessarily mean fashion-wise. I love surrounding myself with things that inspire me, and I think that does ultimately translate into my personal style, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t take inspiration for other aspects of my life.
These images are not mine, and were taken from my Tumblr, Style Saint & Pinterest.
Feel free to add me on any or all.
bloomzy /

Discuss: ‘Snaggletooth’ Trend

Japanese ‘Snaggletooth’ Girl Group – TYB48
We all know that Japan loves their trends and fads, nothing new there. The most recent ‘trend’ that seems to be the in-topic of discussion lately, is the ‘snaggletooth’ trend. Snaggletooth is an American term, which refers to pointing out or crooked teeth (prominent canines). In Japan it is called Tsuke Yaeba. This isn’t a new trend, but it has become so popular that a new girl group has been created around the term – check out TYB48 (see what they did there?) in the above photo. They were chosen through a dental clinic that specializes in the trend.
Dental care isn’t that amazing in Japan, and wonky teeth are quite common, although braces are becoming more popular with younger generations. So whereas the term has negative connotations in the West, a lot of Japanese people find it cute and endearing. Why?! Well apparently a more ‘homely’ look attracts more suitors.
Kirsten Dunst & Japanese Idol Tomomi Itano
The trend has become so popular in Japan that a dental surgery in Tokyo’s luxurious Ginza district has started offering it as a service. Women have been spending around $400 on treatments that will allow them to achieve the look. Don’t worry though their teeth aren’t pulled around and moved about! Plastic caps are placed over the teeth to create the effect.
I personally think it’s sweet that ‘wonky teeth’ aren’t seen as unattractive in Japan, and there isn’t as much pressure on having perfect whites. However I am someone who went through having braces etc. to improve my teeth. I also don’t like the idea of altering this kind of part of my body, just to be seen as attractive, so I personally wouldn’t do it. 

What do you think of the trend?
Would you be willing to alter your body just to stay fashionable, or find a partner?

Source; 1, 2, 3
bloomzy /

Event: Boux Avenue Norwich Store Opening

On Tuesday I was invited to the press preview for the Boux Avenue store opening in Norwich, Chapelfield.
I had heard big things about the store, and as someone who finds it difficult to buy bigger sizes in cute/sexy designs 
(one of their big selling points!), I jumped at the chance to attend.
This post is picture heavy, so I have put everything under a cut to make it easier for you.
Click ‘read more’ to view the rest of the post.

Bras on display, and the handy ‘size draws’ that mean you don’t have to rummage through the rack.
I love this idea! It makes finding your size so much easier, and it means tidy shelves – I hate clutter.


A selection of their lingerie – love the clashing colours!

Inside the fitting rooms, which offer plenty of space, big mirrors and adjustable lighting.
There’s also a telecom system so you don’t have to poke your head out to call for assistance!

Boux Avenue don’t just do underwear!
They also sell swimwear, pyjamas, accessories and beauty products.
Their pyjamas are adorable! I personally want the ones posted above.

My gift bag from the event, which included some of their hand cream, lip balm and some underwear.
We were also given a gift card, which was very sweet and helped towards the bras I wanted.
Finally, a lovely picture of the staff who helped out on the day.
Why did I take their picture? Look at their tights & shoes!! After speaking to them about their uniforms they told me that they’re give a LBD and are allowed to customise it how they wish. That really stood out to me as a great way to keep the brand classy but fun & personal – such a great idea.

I was completely won over by the store! Their staff were absolutely lovely, and really sweet. 
I had a bra fitting and the lady who helped me explained everything about the process and their bras. I’ve had quite a few bra fittings in the past, but not like this. It was personal and thorough. I ended up buying the two bras I tried on. I personally think Theo is on to a winner here. He knows what women want when it comes to lingerie, and Boux Avenue is definitely it!
Check out Boux Avenue’s latest sale here.