bloomzy /

Trend Alert; Pleats Please!

Cecil McBee

Laguna Moon


Emoda 


Murua

Topshop


Forever 21


Anyone and everyone, from Western fashion to Gal, is working the pleats. 
Skirts; worn high-waisted or on the hip, ankle-skimming or knee-baring are the biggest hit, with pleated trousers coming a close second.
Seen on the runway but found on the high-street, this is one trend you do not want to miss out on this season.
Source; 1, 2, 3
bloomzy /

Trend Alert: Colour Mix, Take 2!

This is more of an update on a previous trend I mentioned. This Summer we saw Gal and Western fashion magazines alike raving about their love for Colour Blocking – which made a nice change to the usual monochrome codes which are so popular in Japan.

Well Autumn is here and the colours we’re seeing pop-up aren’t quite as bright as their Summer counterparts, but colour mixing is still in and the gal magazines don’t want you to forget that!

So what colours should you be adding to your wardrobe this season?


Wine &… Beige


Wine also goes with…

Grey, Deep Green
 Deep Green (Turquoise) &… Brown

 Deep Green (Turquoise) also goes with…

Orange, Black
Smokey Pink &… Black

Smokey Pink also goes with…

Red, Brown
Orange &… Navy

Orange also goes with…

Purple, Blue, Beige

Colour blocking has certainly toned it down for Autumn, with some gorgeous colours and shades making their way into the mix. Navy & Orange is a favourite of mine, along with Wine & Grey

What do you think of the toned down colour mix?
Will you be trying any of these out?
bloomzy /

Stay warm and fabulous this Winter!

At the request of one of my readers I decided to make a post about how to stay fashionable AND warm this Winter, in Gal. I know it’s something that I find important as I often feel the cold, so I hope you all enjoy it too.

The post is split into 4 different categories; Outer, Onepieces, Socks & Legwarmers and Accessories. All of which are centred on items that will keep you cozy and warm this Winter, but won’t be any less fashionable.

Outer

This season there are a variety of different styles of outer wear for Gals to pick from. However I decided to pick 3 of the most popular and different (because not everyone dresses the same, right?) styles right now.

First up, the Fur Coat
It was big last year and it’s back again this year. The fur coat is gorgeous, sexy and fun – not to mention warm! So it makes sense that it is popular again this Winter. Of course not everyone can afford real fur, and a lot of people don’t agree with it – however whereas it may be a little more difficult in Japan it is easy to find affordable, comfy faux fur coats in Europe and America etc.

I’m a fan of the Glad News leopard print fur coat myself as it mixes two of this seasons big trends. If you’re after a cosy, fun, rock-inspired and sexy coat than this style is for you.

However you can always just choose a simple fur coat for a classic feminine look -like this one by Dazzlin’ (it’s fake fur) that comes in various colours and prints.
Another big hit this season is the double button coat, which had a big feature in this month’s JELLY magazine.

Of course I had to feature the WC coat I purchased recently as I am so in love with it, and have received a ton of compliments for it. So for me that was a good buy!

One of my favourites, and a popular choice this Winter is a cross between the double button and fur coat – like this one from LDS. However there are a number of these out right now, including trench coat style, fur cuffs and leopard print fur finish.

This style I picked for the Mode fans out there; the ‘puffer’ jacket (as I like to call it) which was first featured in popular stores such as Emoda and Murua. However other Gal stores have recently picked up on the trend, so this is definitely one to watch out for this season. I have seen lots of Mode-style Gals working these right now – and even though I am not a personal fan they certainly look good in them.

If you like the loose/big top and tight bottom trend then this is the coat for you!

Onepiece

Of course onepieces are always in fashion but this season, sweater dresses are big.
You may remember me purchasing one from HONEYS recently.

They are comfortable, cozy and most definitely warm – not only that, they are big in Gal right now. The majority of Gal stores have their own version of the sweater onepiece, however the most popular right now would certainly have to be…
…WC’s version. Gals and non-Gals alike have gone crazy for it, and I have seen so many people wearing it in a variety of ways, which can relate to other sweater onepieces too. Of course if you just want a cozy, casual coord then you could try pairing it with leggings and boots or try denim shorts, patterned tights and heels – it’s up to you, there are tons of options!

Socks & Legwarmers

Socks aren’t really something many people would automatically link with Gal, but this Winter they are everywhere in every colour and size.

Patterned knee-high socks are big this season, whether they are diamonds or nordic print they are the perfect accompaniment to a dress, skirt or shorts. So if you’re not a fan of tights and would rather wear bare legs but don’t want to be too chilly then this may be the option for you.

Short socks paired with short boots are also big!!

Legwarmers, preferably fur look great with boots and heels alike. They are EVERYWHERE this season, and it’s almost impossible to not see at least 1 person wearing them when you take a walk down the main streets of Tokyo.

I’m not a fan of legwarmers myself, but if you pick up the latest Gal mags you will be sure to see some cute coords featuring them.

Accessories

Shawls are big this Winter, and they’re also a great to stay warm!

They are so popular right now and I have seen them on tons of girls.
My friends and I have affectionately labelled them ‘Picnic Blankets’ as they are kinda similar. However I still love them and I think they look great with a cute dress or pants.

They’re also a great alternative to coats if you’re not a big fan, or it isn’t cold enough for one.
If you want to keep with the fur trend but don’t want to splash out on a coat, or you just need a new scarf. Then a fur wrap is a great choice. They are popular with both feminine and sexy-style Gals and work with most outfits – I’ve seen them with tiny onpieces, hime-inspired outfits and even Cocolulu!

And finally, hats – the easiest and one of the most fashionable ways to stay warm during Winter!!There are a variety of hats out there to match your style or coordinate.
Whether you prefer a tomboyish, fun look…
Or a cutesy, feminine look…
There are plenty to choose from.
And don’t forget the best hat of them all this season, the bowler haha

What will you be wearing to stay warm this season?
Do you have any favourites? Or something you dislike?

Source; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

bloomzy /

Shokotan in 109…

All the following images are from MMTS clothing line.

Whilst browsing109 today I noticed something that I found quite interesting.

Popular Japanese Idol and blogger Shokotan (Shoko Nakagawa) has opened a pop-up store on 109’s B2F in collaboration with her clothing brand MMTS, which will be open from the 22 Oct 2010 – 31 Jan 2011 – from what I could figure out from the Japanese blog.
When I walked past there were some beautiful ‘congratulations’ bouquets placed outside (this is common for a new store), one of which caught my eye as it was from Tsubasa Masuwaka.
The clothing line itself is very cutesy and has a Valentines High vibe about it. Lots of pinks and pastels, which isn’t particularly my style but I saw maybe a few pieces I could easily work into my everyday look.
The online store says that the majority of the pieces are either sold out, or low in stock so it’s obviously popular right now.
By the way, if you’re not familiar with Shokotan, she is a Japanese idol who has grown popularity over the last few years with her blog, which she updates several times a day about her cats and the other loves in her life. She has even confessed herself to be an Otaku – as she cosplays often and enjoys writing and drawing Manga.

She is also known as a singer, actress and often makes appearances on Japanese TV.


I like the idea that an Otaku who loves Cosplay and Manga now has a pop-up store in 109. Even geeks have to look good too ;D
So please go check out her store if you are in Tokyo and get the time, whether you’re a fan or just curious.

Fianlly, does this surprise you at all?
What do you think of Shokotan opening a store in 109?
Source; 1, 2, and thanks to Kirin who noticed it in the first place.
bloomzy /

Mooks: Are they worth it?

Lately I have been looking at and buying the latest Mooks for some of my favourite brands A/W collections. I was thinking of maybe doing a post about them and whether they are worth investing in, then I read Kirin’s review of the Kitson mook (bad quality, unfortunately) and Hana asked me whether I thought the WC mook was worth the money, so I finally decided to go ahead with it.
What are Mooks?
Mooks are basically glorified catalogue magazines, made in the style of books (magazine + book = mook). They feature the majority of a brands collection for that season, but also include things such as guest models, staff coordinates and special offers etc. – although this varies depending on the brand. Mooks aren’t limited to only Gal brands either. Well known Western brands such as Cath Kidston and Yves Saint Laurent have also released mooks previously.
But the main selling point of mooks are the FREE GIFTS!! Of course every girl loves a free gift with her magazine, but the ones that come with mooks tend to be a bit better quality but then you are paying more for the mook than you would a regular magazine. The free gifts are so popular (remember the CHER bags?) that some people only buy the mook for the gift – I may be included in this category ;D
Review; Cecil McBee
The Cecil McBee A/W mook was the first one I purchased when I arrived – it was also one of the first to be released of the Gal brands, along with Emoda (which I didn’t buy as it seemed too pricey for a make-up bag which I didn’t need and gel liner which I wouldn’t use).
The magazine side of it features a special editorial with Risa Hirako, who looks stunning at 39!! See people, if you have attitude and a decent stylist Gal has no age limit ;D
Other models also make an appearance throughout the mook and the A/W collection is done justice with some gorgeous photoshoots and a very good layout. My favourite part was seeing what the shop staff were wearing and the feature on how to use an item of clothing and make two outfits from it – elegant and gal.
The free gift with the CM mook was a small reversible tote bag. When I say small, it is quite tiny but it fits my wallet, phone and camera in, so I was quite impressed. The bag itself has a black fur design on one side with a gold Cecil McBee logo – and the other side is leopard print with the CM initials. I personally prefer the fur side as fur is going to be big this season, and it makes more sense to me to have a thinner, more durable fabric on the inside.
I thought the Cecil McBee mook was overall a good purchase. The free gift was stylish and useful. The only complaint I have is that the mook was the same price as the Gilfy one, which featured a much bigger bag as the free gift.
You can see some scans from the mook here @ Universal-doll.
Review; W♥C
I had been looking everywhere for the W♥C mook for a few weeks and then I happened upon it when popping out to buy hair dye. I hadn’t realised that it had only been due out that day – silly me.
The W♥C mook doesn’t feature any special appearances by other models, but then why would they need to when Chinatsu is the producer? Although it does feature some amazingly colourful and gorgeous photoshoots, shot in familiar sights such as Shibuya. But that’s mainly where it stops. Unlike the CM mook, the W♥C one is more like a bigger version of their catalogue and has been done in the same style.
It also features a link to the W♥C webstore where you can purchase items with a special password found in the mook. This is a good marketing strategy as fans of the brand will purchase the mook just for the chance to get special items. However the ‘special items’ were mainly variations on other things, which was a bit of a let down.
The free gift was a W♥C tote bag, with Kumatan print. This was the main reason I wanted the mook, as the tote bag looked adorable and I didn’t yet have anything with the Kumatan print. The bag was on the small side, but still managed to fit all my stuff in but the handles could have been a bit longer. The one thing I was annoyed with was that there was a small hole in my bag and whereas I know you can call the company and claim a new one, my Japanese isn’t that good and I don’t have the time. It can be repaired though, so no worries.
Visually the W♥C mook is very appealing and I loved the way the A/W collection was shown. Chinatsu, as always, is gorgeous and brings the clothing to life. I just wish that the bag had been a little bigger and wasn’t damaged.
Price wise, I was a little upset as this one was the most expensive of the bunch at 1,200円 (£9.25/$14.25) and it seemed a bit steep.
Review; Gilfy
Thanks to Gilfy’s popularity I was able to pick up the mook in my local Lawson.
You may remember Gilfy’s Summer catalogue being produced by Jelly – the one with the free hat and tote bag, which was a great deal. Well their A/W mook is produced by Vivi, which means all the models featured are from Vivi magazine. Rinka takes the glory of the front page and the first editorial, which I’m sure Jenny will be very pleased with. Lena is also featured in an editorial and various other models are used throughout the rest of the mook.
I’m not a big fan of Vivi so that didn’t really appeal to me, but I did enjoy the staff-chan coordinates and the make-up tutorials. Especially the one featuring Gilfy’s Emina, who looks lovely even without make-up btw.
The photoshoots in the mook were ok, but not incredibly inspiring. Some of them were even ruined by one of the models (can’t remember her name, but recognise her face) who refused to shut her mouth in them – not attractive and incredibly annoying.
It also seemed a little too busy when it came to showing off the clothes. It was like they were trying to do high-fashion editorials rather than just simple photoshoots to show off the new items. I preferred the simpler shots where you could see the clothing and it didn’t seem as though they were trying to hard to be something they’re not.
The free gift that came with the mook was a large plastic leopard print tote, with fabric lining and the Gilfy tag. I personally think this is the best gift out of all the ones I purchased. It is incredibly large and is the perfect size for my textbooks etc. It’s on trend with the leopard print and it’s durable. Thumbs up for Gilfy ;D
Price wise, the Gilfy mook was the same as the Cecil McBee one at 980円 (£7.60/$12.60). I personally would have paid that for the bag alone, and even though I wasn’t a big fan of the inside of the mook (nowhere near as good as the ‘produced by Jelly’ one) I will still be checking out the latest items and making a wish-list XD
Which mooks catch your eye?
Do you think they’re worth the money?