Shiny Violet Star

Friday, June 24, 2016

J-Fashionista's Guide to Traveling Stylish feat. HomeAway!

Not only has it been convention season over on my side of the United States this summer, but there has also been a huge trend of plane tickets to Japan/Korea/ect being extremely affordable. A lot of people have made it a thing to not only travel on their school breaks but to plan for their ultimate summer vacation. There are plenty of overseas travelers and convention go-ers especially this summer!

We've seen plenty of posts on "How to travel in lolita" and "How to travel as a cosplayer", and I'm blessed to say, that my deal is a completely different ballgame in terms of traveling with my stuff. Regardless, I would like to give mad props to those people for lugging the crazy amount of stuff that they do with them to their destination. In my case? Traveling is very complex but also simple.

“While I haven’t had experience flying as a gyaru or anything else J-fashion related, it’s come to my attention that it can be quite the challenge to pack all the essentials in a few suitcases and a carry on. I thought to myself “What would I wear and pack on a long flight without sacrificing my J-fashion” Being eccentric as I am, this is a huge challenge because not only have to narrow down my wardrobe and coordinate the perfect outfit for my vacation in order to look flawless; but I also have to narrow down what I'm bring from my MASSIVE make up collection.”

For convention go-ers and myself, this is a huge challenge we face, and can also be one that's a piece of cake for veteran travelers. Some of us travel a lot to get to certain destinations-domestically for events and conventions. Then there are some of us in for the long haul of living out that dream vacation of going to Tokyo, Japan; which happens to be a huge fashion capital of the world. It's only natural to want to look on par with the flawless girls who trek the walkways of Shibuya and Harajuku districts! 

So let's get started shall we? 

First comes first when planning your outfits and what one should haul along with them for travels like these: determine your destination and how long you're staying? Are you going somewhere where there is a huge event? Are you vacationing and just want to bring your personal style along? How many days are you going? Will this determine what you will pack and how many outfits you will bring? How long are you going to be on your means on transportation whether it be car, bus, or plane? 

In my case? Tokyo, Japan's packing plan would be very similar but a completely different ballgame for me in terms of packing due to airport regulations and such an extended stay. For this blog, I'm going to keep it simple and keep it domestic considering my lack of experience with flying! Let's say I'm going to a Japanese Fashion event for the summer. Conventions have plenty of these types of events at them and it IS convention season. Anime Expo in Los Angeles, San Diego Comic Con- for example or even another con are coming up this summer! It's going to be extremely hot in certain places depending on where your destination is-so dress for the weather! 

Gyaru fashion originally is based on a "beach gal" vibe. Gyaru fashion no matter what substyle, I feel like shines the brightest during the summer season. For this request to do a look book in my own style is perfect for summer. Like I said before, while gyaru fashion while cute in the winter, the best outfits I've seen are the ones meant for summer. Short skirts, maxi dresses, and cute shoes are always staple regardless of the season and weather! I've noticed girls wear mini skirts and heels in the dead of winter under a thick coat if it meant being fashionable! But in terms of the  summer season, this means bright colors and floral prints with those staples are a must but that doesn't mean that you have to be uncomfortable in terms of traveling. Let's give us the situation of getting off the plane or bus and not having the option or luxury of fixing up at the hotel and having to go straight to the venue as is in your airport outfit because you have something important you have to attend. As stressful as the time constraint can be, you don't have to dress frumpy and you don't have to sacrifice your style/make up. Use your time wisely and plan accordingly, and you'll be fine!






OUTFIT/CLOTHES COORDINATION: 

Let's first start with some general outfit planning before showcasing a lookbook later on in the blog. My "airplane" or "bus" outfit would be super comfy. I think this is incredibly important for a flight especially because you're on the flight for so long. However, a lot of people think that comfort means sacrificing stylish and put together. For example, we see celebrities exiting the airport or travel terminals all the time either looking one of two ways. Dead and like they rolled out of bed, or well rested and flawless. I think anyone would want to look like the latter.  In my case, outfit wise, I highly recommend wearing something loose fitting. You're going to be sitting for awhile in a rather cramped space. For the summer time I suggest an airport outfit possibly being a maxi dress and flat shoes.  Also, I don't care where you might be, regardless for the plane or destination-be prepared for both. You might need flat shoes if your feet give out and it might get cold at night. In terms of an outfit. When picking your dress consider also bringing a cardigan or a throw over just in case you get cold. base it on something that you can have neutral colors for. This will eventually transition you into your make up and what you can bring in your carry on on the plane or bus.If you have to wear light make up because none of your "big gun" stuff isn't so travel friendly or has to stay in a different bag, consider wearing light colored clothes. As tempting as it is to wear black, if you're going to bust out a cheap black eye shadow palette with tons of fall out just because it's travel friendly-think again. Nothing it worse than making a huge mess and looking like a raccoon. Keep it simple and keep a neutral color palette in mind when it comes to your clothes as much as your make up- unless you have the luxury of having a pop of color. 

In terms of flat shoes, keep in mind that sandals and such can be potentially dangerous because they're open toed. Even if you *just* have to throw on those cheap roll up flats that go in your purse on the plane-do it. You can change into prettier open toed shoes once you're off the bus or plane. 

When you first board your plane or bus, sunglasses and a cute up-do hair style will be your best friend. You'll be applying your make up on the plane, so there's not much point of applying it there. If anything only focus on small necessities upon departure. Eye brows should be filled, mascara (maybe), and lip gloss. You can focus on correcting imperfections when you're on your means of transportation an hour before you hit where you are supposed to be. 





FACE/MAKE UP/SKIN CARE: 






 SKINCARE IS EVERYTHING! All those little samples you might have possibly horded up from Sephora or your online venture into Etude House, will come handy. Here are some of the things I would personally bring! Travel sized toner would be a must to freshen up the skin. Sheet-masks are also an option for a long travel time. 

Make up? These are my picks to fit into a small make up bag!


If you have a packet of travel sized primer place it in your bag. Concealer is also very necessary because you don't want to cake on your face with loads of foundation. Because it's summer time and you're on a means of transportation (and possibly beside people who don't want make up to possibly fly on them)-BB Cushions are not only travel friendly but also a way to have decent coverage without feeling like your make up will melt off from the heat. This is why concealer is very important, because BB Cushions aren't incredibly high coverage and are light. While they've been trendy in the South Korea and Japan for quite some time, they've just launched in the US. Target carries the Laniege one and L'oreal also just released the Lumi Cushion! These are also great because they have a mirror and you're able to touch up on the go. Personally I use the Etude House Precious Mineral Cushion in 'Pearl Aura' because of the glowing highlight elements.

Sometimes BB Cushions are pretty wet on the skin especially since the trend in South Korea especially is 'wet looking' or 'glowing skin'. If you don't like this look, set your face with a travel sized translucent HD Powder. This is probably the messiest step on the plane so be mindful of the people around you when you apply!

In terms of eye brows, eye brow gel and a pencil are necessary. Your brows will frame your face and also help you out if your eye make up is light!

Eye make up is a huge statement to gyaru make up or Japanese Fashion based make up looks! Travel sized eye shadow palettes are a huge life saver. Personally I use brands like 'Solone' and "Etude House' which make nice and affordable travel sized palettes that have neutral colors or a pop of color! When choosing your palettes for travel in general, be mindful of them being well rounded for each style and outfit you're intending to go for. If you're not huge on the shimmery shades or don't feel like Etude House or overseas brands from Asia pack enough of a pigment punch, Smashbox has the 'Full Exposure' palette in a travel-sized mini and Urban Decay has the 'Naked Basics' palettes that are well coveted among make up junkies!

Eyeliner is a huge must this season. You could opt for the basic black eyeliner to enhance an eye look. Or you could adopt the 'color eye-liner' trend that is very popular this season. NYX Cosmetics has recently released a very affordable eyeliner line titled, 'Vivid Brights' with many colors that pack an amazing punch of pigment.






Highlighting and contouring are a must for me and most others. I personally pick a 'two-in-one' stick for highlighting and contouring to get both out of the way and have both products in one container. Sometimes compacts can be bulky and take up space in a make up bag (and also have the risk of breaking or being dropped)  so using a duo-stick format is very favorable. NYX has also came out with one of these 'duo-sticks' but personally I use the Etude House Play 101 'Highlight and Contour' duo stick and the blending brush that's meant for the line.

Pick a good colored blush or two for your trip. These can also potentially double as eye shadow if you want a pop of color on your eyes over your vacation. Also pick a favorite mascara to liven up your eyes if you're going for more neutral eyes than usual and are using false lashes.

In terms of false lashes, no gyaru would be complete without her top and bottom lashes. Here, I am packing and using the 'Eyemazing' eyelashes in style 002 because of the volume they give. They also come in a separate container but if you like, there are places such as Daiso or the internet that sells 'eyelash cases' for your eyelashes during travel so you don't have to pack the entire pack! This also can enable you to bring multiple styles of eyelashes in and it be in a compact space. For bottom lashes I'm using Diamond Lash in 'Natural Eye'. If your eye make up is neutral, eyelashes will give your eyes that dramatic effect needed. In terms of Japanese fashion-it's a must to achieve that dramatic look that is coveted among enthusiasts! With this all said, DO NOT forget to bring eyeliner and eye lash glue! Malfunctions happen! Both are a life saver.




For a lip color you can pack your favorite lipstick or lip tint. Finally, setting spray will help your make up last all day long in that summer heat! You won't be melting anytime soon!

Also you'll obviously need to bring make up brushes for your trip so be sure to bring those as well!


In terms of storage this is what my make up bag looks like with all the products in. 




To see how I implemented some of the products in my make up bag for a colorful sweet himekaji gyaru look for summertime, check out the video here: 











MISC THINGS AND TIPS FOR PACKING:

-Can't bring your full sized face wash? Store your face wash in empty contact containers. This can apply for your favorite shampoo and conditioner if you can't opt for travel size.

-Save your travel sized bottles if you have them. Recycle them and place your favorite shampoo and conditioner in them.

-Roll your clothes. Don't fold them. They can potentially save you space.

-Place your shoes in a garment bag in order to not ruin your clothes if you can't use a completely separate bag all together.

-Don't forget to pack sunscreen for your summer stay in order to avoid skin damage and sunburn.

-Other necessities such as razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, ect shouldn't be forgotten!

-Invest in a portable external phone charger. They are lifesavers. You'll thank me later.

-Keep all your charging cords in your purse for easy access.

-Store your jewelry in the small pocket of your purse to ensure nothing is stolen/valueables are on you. Plus I personally recommend not wearing your jewelry until you're fully put together and even off your flight/ride when you're freshening up on a bathroom break.

-Invest in a rollerball perfumes! They're compact and great. 

-Keep your phone and wallet/passport within easy access/close to you because these items are incredibly important and need to be within your reach.

-For your carry on, be sure to use a decent sized purse or a bag to fit your purse in. A huge purse is like a Mary Poppins bag. You can fit your life into it!

-Don't be afraid to wear a wig on the plane or even pack one if you don't want to be bothered with bringing irons. They save you time and can make your "hair" look amazing if you find good enough quality wigs.

-Foaming face cleanser with sturdy packaging (the type with a cap onto of the pump) is not only less likely to get all over your bag, but it's less messy than your typical gel based facial cleansers if you're only concerned with washing your face because you're so exhausted for the night. 

-BRING A COMPACT WITH A MIRROR. You will thank me later. 






SUMMER OUTFITS FOR MY TRIP: 

Day One:  Romantic Florals: Here I'm wearing a vintage Liz Lisa maxi-dress from the Spring/Summer collection from 2012! This dress is extremely comfortable and stylish. It's great for traveling because of this! It's long enough to not fly everywhere if it's windy out and still gives that summer feel necessary for a vacation or event. Paired with 'light' airplane friendly make up, himekaji gyaru style is easily accessible to do and still gives a airy light romantic feel to an outfit without being too plain or too over kill. Pair this with comfortable shoes (sandals in my case at my own risk) for your departure and arrival! This is perfect girls who adore being cute and feminine! 




Dress: Liz Lisa 
Shoes: Offbrand




Day Two: Gypsy Glam Rock:
I chose this outfit because, if it can survive an intense Japanese rock concert? It can survive an airplane or a vacation. This is for those of you who don't want to go the "cute" route and have a more intense dark style. Everything minus the shoes were incredibly comfortable. I've explained this outfit in the 'Dogmatic Trois' post I made but I'll explain why I chose this outfit for vacationing as well. I think this is a great outfit for those of you who are traveling for a rock concert and don't have time to fully get glam and ready once you've reached your destination. I know of plenty of people who travel from far away to see a band perform. There are lines to wait in and music to see! Some people just don't have time to put on their whole face or outfit on when they get off the plane unfortunately. They want to get into their hotel and go. 

 For this look, I've combined my love for J-Rock and Gyaru fashion into one for a more 'tsuyome' like feel. The gold gives a more glamorous 'summer' type of feel along with the chained feathers of the skirt. Yet again, maxi-dresses are my best friend because they're extremely comfortable. Drapey clothes for trips are a must have. Because I was going to a concert for this one. This maxi dress has a slit in the side that has buckles so it's not 'too hot' to wear in the heat. I also broght a cardigan to go over my spaghetti strap too just in case it got too cold. The top has gold accessories attached for it making in not necessary for me to need to wear a ton of accessories that had the potential of getting lost!



Top: D.i.a Spec
Skirt: Dig Deep 
Cardigan: BPN 
Shoes: Christian Siriano 
Glasses: Forever21xCats and Bats Collection

Day Three: Beach Clubber: This look is for the girl that's a bit wild and sexy. You're not dark and glam. But you're not romantic and cute either. While I wouldn't suggest this one for the airport but this is a great summer outfit to pack on a trip to the beach. It's light weight and super sexy glamorous. The print on this top is colorful and bright and has glittering denim detailing (yes you heard me right) to go along with the shorts. The platforms give height if you are short and bigger thighs like myself! The belt is added for a very sexy gyaru flare. This is great for the beach, partying, or the club. You'll be sure to make a scene in this number. This outfit is inspired by the gyaru girls in the magazine 'EGG' that discontinued a couple years back!


Top: D.i.a Spec
Shorts: Forever21
Belt: D.i.a Spec
Shoes: Offbrand
Necklace: Offbrand



Day Four: Lazy Animal: This outfit, while I don't have a good outfit pic of it, is an ode to those kids that roam around the last day of an anime convention in 'Kigurumi' because they're so comfortable. This however, is my own stylish twist on it! Here I'm wearing long sleeves with it, but as you see in my haul picture this hoodie is sleeveless. What's great about this is you can dress is with sleeves or none. This is a tunic style hoodie to it's long enough to wear multiple ways. If you want to go sexy you can pair this up with tights and boots. But if you want to be a bit more conservative jeggings and leggings also work very well with this. The hood bit is super unique because it has ears on them but if that's not your cup of tea, there is a zipper on the hood that hides the ears. I think if hood is good for those bad hair days where you can't be bothered to fix yourself up on your flight back home. Pair this with comfortable shoes and leggings/jeggings and you're set for the road! The emphasis is less on a crazy style and more so on some neutral eyes and dark lips so it looks like you places effort in! It's the small details in this one that matter!


Hoodie: Ghost of Harlem










Finally, in collaboration with Home Away-here are a couple awesome articles with full on suggestions for for places to explore and do in various parts of the country via your stay. Click the link HERE for some amazing suggestions to contribute to your summer vacation stay: 

CLICK HERE:  Travel Ideas And Destinations for the Summer Season



What is HomeAway? HomeAway is a traveling website and service that allows potential travelers to to look into and rent a property for the extent of their stay! This means having a kitchen, bathroom, and other amenities to yourself-and beyond what a hotel can offer you since it IS a home! You're not sharing with anyone but yourself or your traveling companions! For the time of your stay, it will be like you are living there. 

This great for  personal outings or even for you convention goers that miss the mark for a hotel reservation since places to stay over those long weekends are usually in high demand and book fast. Think about it-you traveling cosplayers with a TON of stuff get the option of not being cramped in a tiny room with a ton of other cosplayers that have such as much stuff.  Some that are either working on late cosplay or need the space. Better yet-can you imagine as J-fashionistas or cosplayers, having the option of having a space for good outfit pictures, a kitchen to cook in and save money for other things, and better yet-not having four or more people sharing ONE bathroom?! 

 For more information and how to look up properties/homes and dates for your trips, click the link HERE;

https://www.homeaway.com/





Happy traveling guys! I hope this entry helped you travel fashionably for the summer! 

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