About Shibuhara Glitter and Myself

ABOUT: 

Hello readers! My name is Darla. However, on various platforms I go by the username ToxicTsukino. This name first came about because I loved Sailor Moon and moons in general-I wanted to somehow incorporate moons into my username.  This is a name I came up with given that if I owned a clothing line; this would be the brand name I would choose. Combined the two one day when I had to come up with a gamer tag for the game Heroes of the Storm. I wanted something intimidating but cute, thus, this username came into existence and kind of just stuck onto everything else. 

I'm currently a thirty-something-year-old college graduate working her first big girl job out in the world. I love learning about new things and much as I love writing. Hence the the need for this blog to share my discoveries and adventures through my hobbies. I also love fashion, traveling to fun places, going to concerts and fashion events, shopping, trying out new products, dabbling into photography and videography..and overall just having a good time. 

I grew up watching a lot of J-Pop/Rock PVs and watching J-Dramas at a very young age. I grew to have a slight fixation on how celebrities dressed from both America and other countries. I loved detailed clothes that were unique and eccentric. J-Fashion was an obtainable way to gain access to the things I was attracted to without there being a huge hole in my wallet. 

I've always romanticized the "old" from my youth and have always loved to coordinate things as a nod to those crazy glory days of the late 90s/00s. 

I got into gyaru through a variety of ways. I can't pinpoint just one because I felt like gyaru was "following" me everywhere. It was in the Eurobeat I listened to when I watched Initial D and was curious to find the music. It popped up as a reference in my favorite videogame Jet Set Radio. Popular J-dramas would feature a toned-down take of the gyaru style. Celebrities such as Namie Amuro, Emi Hinouchi, Koda Kumi, and Ayumi Hamasaki are all also associated with these styles. The magazines finally lured me into figuring out more about the fashion when I would visit Japan Town in San Francisco often on weekends and go into Kinokuniya. It was really Koakuma Ageha that hit the nail on the coffin for me and converted me into being a huge fan and follower of the fashion. I haven't looked back ever since. 

ABOUT SHIBUHARA GLITTER:

Shibuhara Glitter originally wasn't titled as Shibuhara Glitter. I had a blog on tumblr for a good two years. It was pretty stiff and strictly informative up into the beginning of 2013. Once tumblr changed it's text and picture formatting, I realized that maybe I should take on a new blogging platform and new direction for the blog. Thus Shibuhara Glitter was created!

 The term "Shibuhara" comes from not only the gyaru trend but the fact that I wanted to show appreciation for both fashion districts and the fashions that derive from them. I was a gyaru. I was a lolita. I had been v-kei/oshare at one point. Fashion was something I could enjoy by myself alone without the need for community or friends. Fashion was my individuality as much as it became my motivation for wake up early in the mornings at times. Glitter" now a days, derives from the concept of  "a glittery glam lifestyle" so I kept the word in the title because it seemed like a fitting trademark for myself and not just a cosplay group I was a part of. I had came up with the name anyway, so eventually I felt like I had the right to take it apart and make it into my own thing. 'Toxic' is used for "ToxicTsukino" for my screen names on various accounts online. 'Glitter' became a part of my blog/vlog title for "ShibuHara Glitter". 

In all, Shibuhara is an appreciation of all things that are Japanese fashion and pop culture related. I want to reach out to everyone who appreciates the individualized uniqueness that has been based around Shibuya and Harajuku-or just even Japanese Fashion/Pop Culture as a whole. Living in NorCal has taught me to share my adventures because let's face it; we're spoiled with our tea shops, cafes, food places, and clothes boutiques. I wouldn't trade it for the world, and I want to share every bit of it with you guys and the rest of the world watching. 

In this blog I'll share tips and tricks, make-up and product reviews, and share my world with you guys! So I hope you guys will stay around for the ride~! <3 <3 

Shibuhara Glitter also has:

 YOUTUBE ACCOUNT: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgK8ml9-mahKRpxs5E2kb8g

INSTAGRAM: 

https://www.instagram.com/toxictsukino/

Tea Time: The Real Life Confessions and Rants of a J-Fashionista

There are times where when I am faced with normal people and their judgement on my fashion choices (obviously Japanese Fashion inspired most of the time) I feel like Miranda Priestly from the 'Devil Wears Prada'. You know the one scene where they're debating on the colors of belts and Andy kind of chuckles around it thinking they are the same style,color, and silly?  Miranda being the Queen B puts her in her place and I feel exactly like that. Of course I have those moments when people ask why I dress the way I do or knock on it. Where I want to chuckle and say, "You think this has nothing to do with you?"

Not because they're wearing something Japanese fashion inspired but because when they go out clubbing they put their cheap false eyelashes on just as much as I do. They wear their platforms and rave about BB Cream and their colored contacts they got and yet I can't judge the state of their judgement or them questioning my intelligence. The difference is I don't dress the way I do for the occasion or to impress any man. Not saying that everyone does this but the people I've heard it from that are considered 'normal' do it to impress 'their boo' for to go out somewhere crazy. Hell we even know that Lolita Fashion is the furthest thing from any that. Being a gyaru I feel powerful-like a Spice Girl of some sort with my curled hair, glitter, and platforms. I don't need an occasion or a man to dress the way I do. I dress that way because I feel great in it and it's nothing more than that. 

So I suppose the question is; why the judgement? Why the bitchness and put downs from others on how we choose to dress and spend our time? Do you not treat yourself out ever now and then? Do you take yourself to seriously to fix your hair and put some eye shadow and foundation in the morning? You get your hair done at salons. You do your own or get your nails done at some shop. So why can't I on my off time dress the way I do or spend the money I have on brand or my artistry ? Even when I worked when I was forced to conform to a uniform; foundation and eye brows were a must. Eyeliner was on good days when I didn't favor sleep over looking pretty and if not eyeliner? Blush and eye shadow was a must. You pulled your hair back and got on with it because I was there to get the job done as best as I could. Not to look pretty. But here I would buy clothes from out on an hour long break or mac make up and people would question the occasion or say they wish they could do same. Different situations for different people of course; by why the hell not. You're young and thriving. Set your money aside like I did. Have goals. As for the first question;

"What's the occasion?" they'd ask. On my off days I'd dress how I'd like. I'd put on my circle lenses and ruffles and go out or stay at home. There's nothing wrong with that. Nor is it anyone's business what the hell I do quite frankly.

My family have for ages have been the first of accusing me of living a lie or being fake or having things to hide. When really? This was me and always had been me.They were merely out of touch with their daughter.  I enjoyed make-up. I enjoyed fashion. I just didn't enjoy that frumpy jeans and t-shirt with sneakers type of fashion that they liked. Natural had never been me. Plus what girl likes to been seen without her hair and face done? Excuse me but if I have guests I obviously don't want to look like I just rolled out of bed! 

Yes, I'm starting to sound like that girl on 'My Strange Addiction' who took on a persona and supposedly couldn't show who she really was and such-hell no I won't take off my wig. Last I checked I have a wig cap and flat ass wig hair under there. Unless my real hair is ironed and styled. You won't see it.  But going back to that nonsense show-I feel like because of that show too; a lot of people got the wrong impression on what lolita and J-Fashion really was. I've also been told that I want to look like a doll and while yes; doll-like elements are indeed a part of the fashion, by no means do I want to act or be a living doll. I talk in a normal voice. I do everything that normal person would do in a day. I might just wake up a bit earlier knowing that it takes me a bit longer to get ready. But I have nothing to do with that show. 'I'm a Living Doll' was a whole nother round of fuckery all on it's own. I've heard tons of things on what really happened with that show and a lot of us partially know the truth I suppose but all I can say is, "Way to go America for alienating people who are different from the social norm."Don't you have better things to do than pick on individuals for their harmless hobby? Obviously not. 

It IS true, I'm outlandish but I don't see it harming anyone. I feel like looking your best is as important as being unique. Why would I want to look like every girl out on the street? Same boring clothing and make-up trends at least to someone like me. People accuse gyaru of being this way but there are ways to stand out and be unique. Not all gyaru or lolita look the same or wear the exact same outfits. Just like normal people right? So why would people go there? Another excuse that's been thrown at me; guys like girls with natural make-up and hair. Your boyfriend must be embarrassed or possessive next to you because people have to look or check you out in your sexier stuff.

Trust me honey, if that was the case. I'm sure I wouldn't have who I have as a boyfriend. With or without my make-up he loves me. However, he's into the Japanese fashion scene too and understands how important this life style is to me. Plus any guy who would be like, "You can't wear that out!" Is a no go to me. You're my boyfriend not my father. Even so, why would you date a guy that is insecure about his social standing or whether he can keep me as a girlfriend or not? I'm pretty fucking sure Ying feels pretty damn happy to see other people look because he scored me as a girlfriend and hell yes, he's got a crazy ass gyaru chick who dresses sexy. And nobody else can have that because just because I'm confident doesn't make me a slut. As long as you hold yourself in a dignified and respectable manner dressing sexy shouldn't be looked down upon. I don't get why there's so much shaming. Especially towards fellow females. Whatever happened to girl power? 

On another note; being an adult and being wary of surrounding areas, I'm not naive and I do dress according to where we're going and of course, my mood. I don't walk around in lolita fashion unless I am having tea or a photoshoot or even an event going on-and usually that's all in San Francisco. Gyaru? I'm probably a little bit more shameless. Thighs and agejyo wear is solely left for events and San Francisco. Onee-style gyaru is for Sacramento and casual days out in the other parts of the Bay Area. If I feel like a badass? I'll sport shredded stuff, plaid, and leather? If I feel cute? It'll be something with lace and romantic colors. 

It's as simple as that. So what's so wrong about dressing up for yourself? No occasion. No person to impress. Just good old fun and effort. As I said, I have my Spice Girl days where the clothes and make-up I wear make me feel like a powerful woman and the life is my god damn runway. There's no fake or hiding something to that. I am genuine and contrary to popular belief on girls like me; I do my best at everything I try to participate in and take myself pretty seriously. So why the judgement? 

Are people just scared of what's unfamiliar to them? Are they insecure themselves or jealous they can't be brave enough to dress that way or look as pretty? And even then, why do people have to open their mouth. It goes back to for me when someone knocks on it, "You think this has nothing to do with you?" Shorten your business skirt, ad a garter and sexy heels with good gyaru make-up and hair. You'd be an OL Gyaru. Bitch, that floral print you're wearing this season with those flowerly sandals are Liz Lisa style all the way. That printed tight trend and vamp lips? That was a couple years ago in Asia. Same with your browns, nudes, and corals. Not that Japanese fashion hasn't taken inspiration from Western fashion. Hell yes they do. We mooch off of each other but that's the point-why hate when honestly it's the same shit with more effort taken in? 

As ranty as this sounds-I have yet to understand the workings of people outside of my realm. I made this blog to just to show those who have faced this that are v-kei, lolita, gyaru, decora, whatever the fuck you are; you're not alone. I face it. I think everyone does. And every time I do, I have my 'Devil Wears Prada' moment. May one day I be as bitchy as Miranda Priesty-I'll be throwing coats and having people panicking in the presence of me showing up extra early to the office. Because when your eyeliner is on point your life is too! 

Make-Up Review: Urban Decay's Naked3 Palette Review/Overview

First off I'd like to apologize for the lack of updates everyone! Lots of stuff had been going on in my personal life and a lot of things just let up and finally came to a close unfortunately and fortunately. I'm trying my very best to remain optimistic and be as productive as possible now that I have the time to do so! If you'd like to kind of get an idea of where I'm at right now with the blog and YouTube channel; I made an update video about it!

Now on for the review, a month or so ago I received a Christmas gift from boyfriend Ying-and it happened to be the very sought after Naked3 which is as lots of you all already know; the third installment to Urban Decay's Naked Palette line. I had been actually creeping on this palette for a little while because the colors looked really unique in a girly/romantic type of way. Rose Gold was the theme for this palette and for me the brown/pink undertone made me pretty interested in it but I was pretty iffy on whether or not I really wanted it or whether it was worth the investment on it.

SO Ying ended up solving the debate with myself and just got me the palette as a present. I was pretty surprised and quite happy as you can guess! Here is what the packaging and colors look like:

For the most part the colors are all very gorgeous and worth the money. I never really understood why girls fawned over these palettes because I just saw them as a bunch of brown/gold eye shadows. I still see the first two Naked palettes this way but this one had a good gradation of colors and while I was working as soon as I got this palette, it was the only palette I would use for work make up. It makes you look like you've placed effort into your eye make-up even if you really haven't. The colors work really well for all skin tones I feel and the shadows have really nice pay off. You'll have a great variety of shimmers, glitters, frosts, and mattes!

Japanese Fashion wise this is a great palette for gyaru especially. I think if you're really into the Himekaji or Onee Gyaru/Sweet gyaru style this is the perfect palette for you. I wore Liz Lisa on Valentine's Day yesterday and this by far was the perfect palette to pair with Liz Lisa's romantic floral print and unique shade of brown!

If you're a lolita-this palette I think would work really nicely for sweet and classic lolita fashion. You have beautiful brown shades with nice pink under tones that will give your eyes a sweet chocolately feel to them. If you want to have dramatic colors you have the deep browns on the end and if you want to be more subtle you have the other end of the spectrum!

For a more in depth review of this palette and my opinion of it, check out the video below!