Japanese Fashion Trends: Fall 2013

Hi you guys, I decided to blog it up while I had a bit of time on my hands. I had to grab at this entry and write it as I was doing so online window shopping through various brands this season! I have plenty to tell you about since I attended Japan Expo last weekend and made over the last couple of weekends a couple of crazy good investments that I will tell you about later on in another post. For now? Let me cover a couple key trends I've noticed in both gyaru and lolita fashion. 

Colors: 

This season is all about dark colors-especially warm ones. Think of cream, deep burgundy, deep browns and light browns. If you're going for 'cooler' colors this season consider emerald green and navy blue a must in your fall wardrobe! Here are a couple of examples. 

Liz Lisa

Tartan Print:

Tartan print is a HUGE fall staple this season. A couple years back we all rocked plaid as I remember of so well-this is like the warmer less punk-rock version of this though. I've seen this print TONS this fall season whether you are a lolita or a gyaru. Liz Lisa and Baby the Stars Shine Bright have exclusively been rocking this with their one piece dresses and skirts! 

 

Ank Rogue

Alice and the Pirates

Liz Lisa

Pearls:

Pearls have been a HUGE accessory.Whether you wear them dangling off of a bow hair piece or around your neck. Using pearls as a key accessory will make many outfits look very elegant and lady-like!

Ank Rouge

Berrets: 

I'm not talking about those trashy loose knitted ones either. I'm talking about the real deal! Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Ank Rouge have lovely examples. If you add bows/pearls/dangly things? Props to you!

Alice and the Pirates

Ank Rouge

Make-Up Looks/Colors:

Because the colors are so dark and warm this season consider using warm colors for your make-up. Think cranberry colors, creams, and golds for your eye colors. Brown and black eyeliner is always acceptable. Blush wise think rose or cherry red-though I think NARS Super Orgasm/Orgasm blush is always crazy acceptable no matter what the season! Lip tint wise? Go all out with red, plums, or if you're on the lighter side-browns and nudes for lip colors! 

Mac's Indulgence Line has TONS of warm colors. Don't let the advert pic fool you! Go to the counter and look!

That will be it for now my loves! I hope these trends are here to stay during the cooler weather. I'm glad that we get a gorgeous pop of color even for the cooler months! 

J-Pop Summit 2013

Between work and packing to move to a new house last weekend I actually managed to squeeze in J-Pop Summit both days. The line up of actual models this year and the musical performances were way too good to pass up. I had lovely ladies also coming up from SoCal as well so you know that I was going to make this happen after I got word of it. 

3 AM I WOKE UP AND GOT READY. You guys, never-a-fucking-gain. I went to bed at midnight planning shit out for the next day/next couple of hours and had to wake up at three to get ready to leave around 6/borderline 7 to beat traffic among beating other things. Being a gyaru I've learnt to accept the challenge of getting ready in a short amount of time and still looking good or making the sacrifice of hardly getting at sleep to look crazy glamorous for big events. I've always treated J-Pop Summit like a grand fashion week even though it's not. With fashion being my guilty pleasure and currently what everyone knows me for, I feel like I have to look my best. 

My coordinate for both days? Ma*rs limited LA collaboration designs! I didn't get hardly any coordinate pictures showing off the outfits but there's a make-up pic. When we hit Japan Town it was fucking COLD. Actually it was freezing the whole weekend. I should never trust weather reports. Especially for SF. Everytime I dress like a damn hooker it always turns out that it feels like fucking winter time. 

When my photographer friend Dennis (you all are familiar with him, he's kind of like a manager to me too. we always schedule things/events/do trips together because he does the photography for my stuff and does competitions) and I arrived at had Benkyodo for breakfast. I love the atmosphere and mochi there. I've talked about Benkyodo many times but I highly recommend it to everyone if you want good Japanese sweets and just a great atmosphere to relax in the morning time. The staff and even regular customers there are all so very sweet. I got a lot of non-judging 'You look really cute! Is that Juicy Couture?' as I left by a couple of older women who also wished me well in my day. YEAH I got that type of kindness. Totally made my morning.

I roamed around a bit and took some pictures with Dennis as I waited for opening ceremonies to start. He had to leave for a bit for another engagement so I was left in Japan Town alone for a bit. I roamed around for a bit and waited for Kinokuniya to open so I could grab up a couple of magazines. I have this unhealthy addiction towards gyaru and lolita magazines right now. Egg, Ageha, and Kera have been huge fixes lately. I for sure want to get September's issues of Ageha and Popteen for my birthday though! The cover girls are Ayumi Hamasaki and Sakurai Rina and that should say enough! 

In the end I ended up picking up an Ageha magazine because the cover really appealed me. The last Ageha I got had the same exact cover model on it so she must be pretty popular right now! I looked for the August issue of Kera that was there the weekend before J-Summit but it had sold already! Ahhh! I should have got it before it sold! 

While I roamed for a bit I got creeped on a bit. This one guy from outside LITERALLY followed me into the mall to bug me. I get that I was dressed weird in frilly short dresses and thigh highs but there was obviously an event going on and Japan Town has always been this amazing safe haven for me when it comes to cosplaying/doing Japanese fashion because everyone is so adapt with people dressing in it here. ANYWAY this awesome security guy intercepted the douche to ask for a picture. He told me that everytime he's seen me (I hit Japan Town pretty frequently) I'm dressed really nice so he took a picture and intercepted this guy who realized this person was mall security. I was secretly thankful. Ugh... As the day went on my clothes blended in painfully compared to the lolita girls around the area. I think I was one of the few gals there at the event.

However a fellow gal I ran into was Jobi! Jobi and I were in the Liz Lisa Fashion Show Contest last year and this lovely lady won second place! She totally deserved it and she was incredibly sweet and warm hearted so we continued to stay in contact after the event and say hello to each other. This year we actually decided to hang out! Me, Sarah, and Sarah's boyfriend waited for New People to open with the Harajuku Pop Up Shop. The line was long but we did eventually get in. 

The Pop-Up shop wasn't unfortunately what I expected. There were a lot of cute clothes but nothing that was my style. I was hoping Hellcatpunks would really go all out and bring a few of their skirts/one pieces/accessories but they were crazy limited. I was hoping also that Liz Lisa's inventory would be crazy updated and while they had some cute stuff that I ALMOST got; I decided not to because there are a couple fall coordinates from their new line that I actually really want more than what they had there. 

In the end Jobi, Sarah, and I went up the Baby the Stars Shine Bright and I actually tested my luck. Baby was selling lucky packs for the event. For those of you who don't know what lucky bags are they usually sell during the end of the season. The biggest ones are usually during the New Years time in Japan. For this we were told that the coordination would be perfect for first time lolitas. Despite me not being a first time lolita, I was looking forward to the winning situation of having a solid color dress. I couldn't go wrong with that. 

Lucky bags are a set price and are pretty much mystery bags. You either get what you paid for in the amount of items or the items can be more expensive/more popular/ect. than the price you paid for. I happened to get really lucky because I scored something that wasn't pink. I'm not a pink girl so the fact that I got white was relieving to me. Not only was the dress white but it was a one piece meaning I didn't have to worry about purchasing or coordinating a blouse for the dress The dress came with a matching bow and a set of bloomers which also made me very happy because they're considered 'under garb'. Usually lolita petticoats are foofy so if you bend your actual underwear could show hence the bloomers. But I never wanted to pay a crazy price for them so I never got them and just tried to be mindful of stairs and how I went down to pick up things (kneeling instead of bending). So the good deal was a really good deal.

After we were all done shopping we met back up with Dennis and we all watched the Harajuku Kawaii Fashion show. My friends looked very gorgeous in their outfits on stage! I liked how well the fashion show was organized this year and how they described each outfit and brand for those who weren't familiar with the Harajuku life style and clothing. The clothing for me was a little simple for my tastes but maybe its because I'm super essentric. DokiDoki 6% and Innocent World looked the best in my opinion. I like the others brands like Nadia and Hellcatpunks too but I'm used to these babies being crazy. I think honestly they were toned down a bit. Regardless all the girls up there looked lovely, OGAWD BEAUTIFUL ZIPPER MODELS KILL ME NOW..<3 Ayumi Seto and YURA..ugh. Gorgeous glamorous girls are gorgeous. I need to be that cute..kill me now please...? Done spazzing I swear.

Afteward me and the lovely ladies went to have Okonomiyaki at Mifune Don. This was their first Okonomiyaki experience! I feel like a true gal its a really great idea to have okonomiyaki together. Unfortunately you can't cook it yourself here but it was really delicious anyway! 

After Mifune Don we actually went to go have tea and I think this is also when Vale came to say hello and join us. Vale was super late! We had tea at TanTan however I had Amitsu because yet again, quaint hole in the wall Japanese sweets places are THE BEST. Not that Benkyodo or TanTan are hole in the wall places-I think people just don't know exactly what is in there. Jobi and I looked over my Ageha at pretty models an clothes and we all talked for a while.

We met back up again with Sarah to take a PuriKura together and afterward the girls went home. Around that time I met Leslie, Amorita, and Hana for the first time! Kyaa! They all wanted to roam J-Town so I didn't hold them up but I had lovely conversations with people and at one point things became a blur. I forgot what we did. Kinouniya? Maybe. At one point there was a crazy Daiso raid and from that we met back up with Amorita and Leslie. I think I died on the floor while talking. We photowhored and acted silly and it was just a glorious time. Eventually they headed places and Dennis and Vale and I headed out to get noodles and afterward Purple Kow in which i got sick from exhaustion. As I said, 3 am never again. I died in Dennis' car and collapsed the hell out when I found a bed. 

SUNDAY

Sunday was a little more relaxed. I wore the exclusive LA design one piece dress from ma*rs. The other dress I wore the day before was actually a CAMISOLE but I had actually FIT it like a dress. I was kind of shocked how well this dress fit me. I actually thought I'd love the dress I chose more but I REALLY love this dress. It's super short and clingy. I seriously felt like Park Bom from 2NE1 all fucking day in this dress. 

 Dennis and I arrived early, ate Taiyaki for breakfast before the Baby the Stars Shine Bright Fashion Show which was Enchanted Forest themed. Spectating the contest for the second year in a row, I must say each year its more organized and honestly the ladies and gents are getting better and better with their coordination and make-up skills. San Francisco Lolitas, you are by far the loveliest people I have met and the classiest. Super glad over who won. Totally deserved it after a couple run ins with a couple other contests Was super happy for them. Jeeze.

Afterward we hit Izumiya to have yet again, MORE Okonomiyaki. Afterward I went into Kinokuniya and busted bank on another book because Liz Lisa had a special book solely for the My Melody collaborations. Being a gal fanatic/Liz Lisa follower I just had to get it. It also came with a super cute bag that I've actually been carrying to work lately! One day I WILL own an actual Liz Lisa bag because their bags are gorgeous.

I ran into my kouhai Ashley for a very short time and I took pictures of her and Jobi (who was also in the Baby contest together) because they looked super cute. We also took a selca. Ashley is an up and coming cosplayer and lolita/gal. Super proud of this lady because she's working SUPER hard. 

Jobi and I then headed off to go see the concert down in Union Sqaure and I met some lovely people. Shana who I already knew (she made this super adorable Sailor Moon dress <3), Alina who trolled around with me later on, and one of my instagram followers Sophia who looked SUPER dead on with her coordinate. I seriously fucking thought she was wearing Liz Lisa. <3 There were other wonder people in this group too but we're not creeping on each other on facebook or insta (I don't think), but it was so great seeing/meeting everyone. 

Kylee was the first act and she was AMAZING. She's been doing a lot of covers lately! During her sound check the day before she was doing a Rurouni Kenshin song in English and it was super neat. Though it was great hearing the Japanese songs that she regularly does. Dear god Lavendor came on and everyone went crazy. Apparently the lead singer is a previous member of Morning Musume and if there weren't Lavendor fans there were was sure as hell some old gen MoMuSu fans there. 

We like everyone else had actually been waiting for Kyary. The ride up on the bus was crazy, my feet were killing me, and the crowd was getting super crazy. In the end Alina, Jobi, and I left and headed back to Japan Town after over looking the crowd from the Cheese Cake Factory's balcony. 

Heading back the girls and I got crepes and took PuriKura together after we yet again ran into Aya, Leslie, and Amorita. Yay I was with my lovely girls all at the same time like I had intended to be! I LOVE OUR PURIKURA. Jobi got super tired so she didn't want to take any but Alina, Amorita, Leslie, and I look super kira-kira! haha~

Jobi and Alina went to hang with their friends so the rest of us escaped to Tan Tan yet again because Dennis insisted. Aya and Dennis joined us later. I actually got an iced matcha this time because I was actually still full from my crepe. Around this time I also got to see Johnny, Greg, and Jimmy! They were in Japan Town for a bit so I divided my time between three groups of lovely friends who happened to be in the same area at the same time. 

THANK YOU JOHNNY FOR THE THAI TEA! It seriously got me through my packing for the rest of the week! It was so nice seeing you all! I hope you all ran into more familiar faces that day!

After TanTan we all decided to have Korean BBQ together to take our Non-Native San Franciscians at least one other place that wasn't Japan Town. We hit a place on Filmore street which ended up being a great idea because it was cozy and the Japchae was delicious! I also got to meet Ying midway! Ying is such a sweetie! We now officially creep on each other on facebook. How pleasant. haha~

After this we chilled and went home a little later but IT WAS A REALLY GREAT TRIP HOLY CRAP. Thank you guys yet again for an amazing time-especially an amazing (yet again) J-Pop Summit adventure. It was nice seeing familiar faces and seeing new ones. Everyone looked stunning, the events were well planned, the food was delicious, the guest were awesome. Another year well done! 

Let's Talk Make-Up! Cosmetic Recs for Gals and Lolitas (NARS, MAC, Dollywink, Maybelline, Kat Von D)

Hello guys! Long time no see right? I've been incredibly busy lately with work finally starting up for me along with a bit of traveling plans and events that I've attended. Instead of talking about all of that I wanted to do another informational blog since I haven't done one in quite a while! Before I start now, I've noticed I've gained new followers here! Hello new followers! I've also hit a 1,000+ hits which doesn't sound like a lot but considering the fact that I thought nobody would read this blog at all, I feel like it's a huge accomplishment. -is super petty- Regardless, THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!! I'm super shocked and crazy flattered that anyone would follow this silly thing or even lurk on this blog! I means a lot and motivates me to work even harder.

Anyway, enough of my sap; onward to the cosmetics. I've gotten asked a lot of times on how I do my make up for both gyaru and lolita. and there are a couple of key items that I use for things and a couple of key items for signature looks! Lately I've had a lot of new purchases and things that I generally just never go without so let's get onto it!

1. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (using Monte Blanc)

This is by far THE BEST liquid foundation I have ever used. I highly suggest this for fair pigmented girls especially because if you have a very cool undertone and look zombie-fied half the time? This foundation will brighten your skin and make it glow! It's a bit shiny but set it with powder and you're good to go! It also hasn't broken me out and doesn't smother my face. The only con TO this foundation is that it doesn't come with a pump, but you can buy one for an extra charge. This foundation is definitely on the pricey scale of things but a little goes along way. How does this work well with Japanese fashion?

I've seen a lot of girls in Japan go to a couple of different products. NARS is one of them whether it's the lipstick, the infamous blushes, or the foundation. This foundation is really good for both lolitas and gyaru. Especially gyaru-because it will give you a really gorgeous high lighted dewy complexion. For lolitas, your skin will look flawless and moisturized because this foundation is high coverage and will make your skin glow!

2. NARS Blush (using Angelika)

I know everyone rants about Orgasm and Super Orgasm. They're the gods/goddesses of the coral blushes. We get it. But I'm about to rant about a different color of blush By no doubt, I am SET when it comes to saying NARS blushes are by far the fucking best blushes I have ever used. They're powdery, pigmented, and come with the option of shimmer. A lot of the Harajuku girls are using the cherry colors.

But gals and lolitas? If you want a baby pink blush? You have well damn found it. I know people rave about Canmake's and  Candy Doll's blushes but this has a big more product for your bank and as I said, a whole lot of pigment. It will instantly give you those dolly pink cheeks that we're always seeing the gals especially wear. Again, NARS products are on the pricey side but good quality make up makes a difference and goes a long way! 

3. Kat V Don Concealer (using Porcelain) 

I discovered this concealer around my senior year in high school. I was big on the J-Rock/Visual Kei scene and what caught my attention first about this line was the packaging. It was down right badass. But as soon as I swatched the concealer you guys? It was all over. I have really blotchy bad skin and this tattoo concealer made miracles occur. 

Yet again this is a bit pricey, way back when I only needed to use this and I doubled this for foundation. But that's before I found the joys of liquid foundation so I'm using if you weren't like me in high school and using both, your money is going to go a very long way. You want flawless skin like the girls in the J-Fashion magazines? This is your answer a long with plastering yourself to a window when you take your selcas. 

4. MAC Lipstick: (using Angel)

A lot of gyaru girls are going the more toned down/casual' route. Personally I dislike it. I asked the lady at the counter for a recommendation on nice baby pink color. I had just got Dollywink lashes and decided to aim for getting Tsubasa-esque lips as well since I currently am trying to find a lippie that's as gorgeous as Candy Doll's Ramune pink but in a MAC color. Never trust a counter girl who is as western plain jane as it gets. She probably recommended me the right thing; if I wasn't essentric as fuck as a glam gal. 

I could care less about the lip color standing out, hell that's what I was aiming for! But if you are going for the 'mode style' gal look that's been taking over the the J-Fashion magazines lately, this color is for you. It's sheer and a frost color. It might do something for a girl that doesn't have my lip color but it looked like I just put frost sheen on my lips and didn't the color. Lolitas? This is great for you because you're aiming for a more natural look with your sweet and classic coords! This is also a work friendly color, as this is the color I've been using for work. 

5. MAC Viva Glam Lipstick (using Nicki II)

So here comes the essentric color I got awhile back. We all know Nicki Minaj is really out there and I'm honestly not big on her at all, but I have to give her props on her lip color. Her first one was the perfect 'Barbie' pink. The second go around of her collab with MAC was still gorgeous. This lipstick is bright, pigmented, and has a lavendar undertone. If you want your lips to make a statement? Go for it. Depending on your skin/hair/mouth this could either be extremely wearable or extremely tacky. So approach this lipstick with EXTREME caution because I kid you not, it IS extreme. 

Gals, this is perfect for you-its an eye turning color. I can see Popteen gals and EGG gals abusing the shit out of this in magazines because its so bright and makes a bold statement with what you wear.  Lolitas? I'd stay away from it unless you can get away with it with your pastel coordinates. I've seen the other Nicki II color be used and widely be popular in Japan right now. 

6. Maybelline Eye Stiletto Eyeliner

A lot of girls in general have been really digging the fine tipped liquid eye liners. This is super popular for lolita and gals alike because we don't need or want raccoon eyes unless you're aiming for the rock gal or gothic style. Other than that, live that all to the v-kei peeps. This eyeliner I feel is like the Western Version of Asia's Dollywink liquid eyeliner. I'm pretty sure Dollywink's tip is finer but I honestly feel from seeing swatches that Maybelline's formula is stronger and more pigmented. This stuff absolutely doesn't budge off of your eyes and I've been using this since my senior year of high school and refuse to use any other brand. So I feel like that says a little something about how good this eyeliner really is! Perfect for thin lines in the inner corners of your eye to a thick winged end at the outer corner. Especially good for winged eyes and cat eyes! 

7 Maybelline's Colossal Mascara

I have seen this mascara the most in Japanese magazines, and if there's anything J-Fashionistas in Japan are obsessed about other than perfect skin? It's eyelashes. So a while back (more like a wayyy while back) I decided to see what the hype was about this mascara was myself. Boy was I in for a surprise. No wonder girls in Japan ate this stuff up. It really lengthens your lashes and doesn't make your eyes feel uncomfortable/itchy like some mascaras do. It really defines each lash and you know how some mascaras like to clump up your bottom lashes? I get perfect defined thick Dollywink-esque bottom lashes each and everytime (because I actually have bottom lashes and thick lashes and just like to add on even more). Totally worth the money. I think even 2NE1 was promoting this stuff last I checked too! 

8. Dollywink Eyelashes: 1 Dolly Sweet and 2 Sweet Girly 

Idolizing Tsubasa Masuwaka for a long time; of course I wanted Dollywink lashes. I saw them all over Gothic Lolita Bible even and Kera.. They were all over Egg, Ageha, and Popteen. There was obviously something super great about these falsies. However, for awhile? I just couldn't justify the price. Who the fuck would bust 15-20.00 on two sets of fake eyelashes? 

My friends, I now know why. These are the MOST COMFORTABLE falsies ever. They're so comfortable that I don't even feel these bitches ON MY EYE. I've always used Daiso lashes and after awhile they can be tiring or I start having eyelash malfunctions. First off, these lashes are so soft. Seriously, they feel crazy natural. They don't feel plasticy at all. They seriously feel like my real eye lashes. Secondly, they have a clear band. For those of you who DO wear fake lashes, you realize that with a band, you usually have to make your eyeliner thicker to hide it unless you're just a boss at putting those babies on. And with the cheaper IchibanKan brand? The clear band is actually super apparent. So that hasn't helped me either. The band is crazy thin, I was so shocked when I saw how thin the band was. You'd think it would be delicate and just kind of be hard to get off the casing but not even! It's a crazy sturdy band!

So I was sold just from that. And then my god...the glue. If I ever get around to using other eyelashes, I'm about to bust big bank on Dollywink glue or glue by the Koji line in general. It's like a thick paste. It's SO great. You can put it on wet and it not irritate or seep onto your eye...and it doesn't feel cold at all. Some eyelash glues even burn and it doesn't even do that! I was so fucking thrilled. No residue. I didn't even have an eyelash malfunction. 

The packing is super cute and great, even the GLUE is packaged super nice. Because the lashes were so thin however, they're a bit challenging to get on but within time I'm super sure I'll figure out how to maneuver around these and get Tsubasa-status eyes. After the use, I was a bit afraid of pulling the thickish band of glue off but came right off perfectly. I will probably get a lot more uses out of these lashes than the usual Daiso brand I use.

I can totally justify the price of spending bank on these lashes. Even if only once, all lolitas and gals should definitely treat themselves to the Dollywink lashes! I already spent 40.00 on two sets alone but I'm sure I'll be using these for a long time! The wear and tear looks so minimal and they look crazy natural. I wonder if I can 'doll' these up without destroying the lashes. I really want to buy the bottom sets now too!

With that said, this has been my recent cosmetic obsession/recent make-up purchase list. I hope some of this gives you an idea of not only what I use to achieve the look I create but also helps you make a decision/base a decision on what you buy-especially coming from someone who aims for the gyaru look but has also been down the lolita route as well. I look at a lot of Japanese fashion magazines to see what Japanese brands and Western brands are popular among the lolita and gyaru crowd. Not everything on here appears in the magazines but a couple do and a couple of the other products are really good alternatives! So I hope that I've made good recommendations for those interested, based on all of this! I'll probably do a couple more of these as I try out more make-up brands and products! Until next time guys! 

Long time..

No speak you guys! It's already two weeks in July and I haven't updated in quite a while. So what have I been up to? A lot of adventures and A LOT of splurging. Here's what I've been up to!

In June I went to the NorCal Cosplay Gathering just merely to stop by and say hello to everyone. I minorly did a 'mode' style gyaru look with blue contacts, black wig, and a couple trendy pieces. I was due for a photoshoot that day as well and went from blinged out collars to elegant gothic lolita.

I was a lolita at the beach! Well technically the beach had a forest but you get my point. It was pretty cold and dreary up that way. It was quite the location though! I love how it made such a cute outfit look crazy creepy. I'll be honest and say despite repping a ton of Black Peace/Peace now items, I was totally inspired by Nana Kitade with this look. 

After the photoshoot I hit up the Art Institute graduating student's 'Style Wow' fashion show. Crazy enough  didn't get to CHANGE out of my lolita like intended after the shoot so I really stood out crazily in my lolita garb! haha

It was super interesting getting to see everyone's hard work up on the runway. The models were equally as gorgeous as the clothes. It's kind of crazy honestly. I've seen tons and tons of Japanese fashion shows whether it be in person or online. Western Fashion is a totally different concept in a sense. The one thing that brings all fashion together is the love for clothing and creativity. It was still a crazy amazing show, I definitely learnt about people's different perceptions of beauty that night.  Despite feeling out of place it was a great time. haha NEXT TIME I show up to a western style fashion show hopefully I can tone shit down or not be in gothic lolita. 

Before the trip to the fashion show, Dennis and I hit Japan Town for dinner and this was my haul! I FINALLY picked up an Ageha magazine. I've been into gyaru fashion since forever and yet my lame face still hadn't bought one. The Ank Rouge accessory case also lured me. Because I'm also a lolita I bought a Kera magazine as well. I swear it wasn't to oogle over how GORGEOUS Akira is... But I highly suggest for lolitas that even though Kera is punk oriented, to pick up the magazine. Especially if you can't afford a Gothic Lolita Bible, Kera magazine is a great alternative. They also feature lolita brands in there as well! 

The next couple weeks later, Anime Expo had hit. I had made the cut for the 'Shibuya Rocks' fashion show and it was huge dream of mine not only to model for Liz Lisa but to also walk the stage in ma*rs wear. Unfortunately due to last minute circumstances and a couple of issues that went on, I wasn't able to attend. However, that weekend I decided to treat myself with my current pay check and not like not going to LA stop me from not hitting San Francisco for the morning.

I totally did a really cute Liz Lisa coordination with my only dress of theirs. I had style Dennis' wig he intended to use for a shoot and just rocked it for the day. The day was pretty lonely but the ride up and back to SF via BART/Bus was crazy smooth and my outfit got a lot of compliments. I was only there in the city until three honestly and I was by myself but I really got to enjoy the peace and quiet. People probably think I'm crazy for saying that but I really feel at home in San Francisco. Yes there's hustle and bustle because it's a city but there's something crazy serene about it. It's crazy enjoyable. Especially Japan Town.

I felt so bad but so good at the same time for splurging so much. It feels really great to buy things with my own money. My first purchase other than Benkyodo mochi for breakfast (which I HIGHLY recommend by the way) was an EGG magazine. Ashley sent me a really gorgeous one for Christmas but I really wanted to purchase one for myself. Yet again,, the magazine goodies lured me. There was a DIA make-up bag that now holds all of my lipsticks/lip wear. 

I ran into my cute friend who was working when I made my second purchase and didn't want to get her in trouble but it was nice seeing her. I was so happy to see a familiar face. Anyway, second purchase was Dollywink eyelashes. I felt so guilty for busting bank on expensive eye lashes. These were 20.00 a pop but oh my god Tsubasa Masuwaka you could sell utter shit and I would buy it. I'll probably do a video review on the lashes. I will say I am super pleased and you'll see why in a bit.

I invaded Hotel Kabuki for an outlet because the mall in Japan Town didn't have an outlets and my iPhone was DYING. I totally didn't belong there. I think there was a bonsai seminar going on. There were really cute Japanese women talking about not being able to drive and about things to see in San Francisco and such. It was funny to listen to while I was sticking out like a sore thumb in gyaru feeling horribly out of place. I was a total hermit on my phone the whole time eavesdropping. heh.. 

I had lunch at Izumiya at my 'forever alone' table while texting Jett and Dennis who were at Anime Expo trolling around. I got my Okonomiyaki fix on while poking at those two. 

Soon after I headed downtown to hit West Field. I went into Bloomingdales to examine a MAC counter and ended up buying a lipstick. Unfortunately when I was really wanting to get 'Tsubasa' lips to go with my 'Tsubasa-esque' eyes, the counter lady did not understand what I meant when I meant 'baby pink'. I should have went with my own instinct. The lip color isn't anything of a baby pink honestly and looks like my regular lip color with a frost sheen. Argh! Oh well better luck next time.

Anyway I headed back home soon after but here was my haul!

YESTERDAY I went out see a couple of friends through Dennis. It was super nice chilling with everyone without the need to do a photoshoot or scurry everywhere to see people or doing something. We literally just went out to troll around and eat. My look for that day was super agejyo meets Popteen gal inspired. I tested out the Dollywink lashes and curled my hair for the first time in months. It was pretty neat. I was honestly testing out my make-up for J-Pop Summit (this is definitely not the hair or make-up I'll be rocking at the festival) because Dennis and Jett (THANK YOU GUYS FOR ALL YOU DO..<3 <3 from the bottom of my heart I appreciate it. You always make me feel like a very happy princess and you both don't HAVE to but do anyway >3< <3) had accomplished the mission of acquiring some ma*rs items for me at Anime Expo!  Since I wasn't able to model for the brand, I am able to own pieces of the brand. I'm SUPER thrilled to wear these out.

We hit Snowflake and I met up with my friend Ashley and we all bought goodies! I had TWO Thai Milk Teas. They were so delicious! I was addicted. The glass was so tall that little me had to sit on my knees so I could drink it. We got two different types of shaved ice to beat the heat too.

It was so nice talking and catching up and just all out relaxing with my kouhai/little sister figure. Ashley is such an ambitious girl. I can't wait to see her future cosplays and see her do fashion stuff. For those of you interested, she's eventually launching an accessories line called SWEET✰RICE very soon. I'm hopefully going to be rocking her accessories with my ma*rs coordinations for J-Pop Summit in a couple of weekends if time permits for her! Once she gets things up and running, for sure check her out! She deserves the love. 

After we parted ways we picked up Vale and went to go have more food and boba elsewhere and eventually raided WestField Mall in San Jose. IT'S SUCH A HUGE MALL YOU GUYS! Seriously, it's crazy huge. I looked at Sephora and didn't see much. Forever 21 has interesting clothes but Japanese fashion has me always wanting to keep an eye out for detail so it makes me question if the clothes are worth the price. However while at the mall I did purchase yet again another set of Dollywink lashes. Now I had sets 1 and 2. I'm officially hooked and not believing I busted this much money on a couple pairs of eyelashes.

After leaving the mall we yet again ate out (we're such fatties) and ended off the night playing on a GameCube until way too late in the morning. In all it was a nice chill day out.

And now I'm back to working and looking forward to (if work permits) attending J-Pop Summit in a couple weekends. Both days I will be rocking agejyo gyaru fashion. I can't wait to see everyone and check out the new brands and models that are arriving in San Francisco especially for the event. Hope to see everyone there!