bloomzy /

Shibuya and 109….

Perky promotional Gal invites you in.
The last week I have been so busy meeting with friends, that I ended up going to Shibuya on Tue, Wed and Friday. I don’t know how I made it through the days this week – we’ve had highs of 37 degrees. That’s crazy!!
So this post is just going to be about coordinates, make-up and purchases (of course I ended up in 109 a few times) from those past few days. I also included some fun photos that I took on those days, all Gal related of course ;D
I actually haven’t added a few things in this picture as I purchased them later but that can be for another post ;D
I picked up the W♥C Tiger t-shirt before the sale ended and managed to get it half price, which I’m quite pleased with. I bought the SBY scrunchie and S.12.C (109-2) skirt as inspiration from the t-shirt haha. It’s terrible how I fashion an outfit around one item, and I won’t give up until I find what I want.
As you can see I picked up quite a few of the A/W catalogues from the stores too. I choose MA*RS, Gilfy, Lip Service and Heaven & Earth (for Maya Mori). I received the W♥C one when I made a purchase.
I also bought the Cecil McBee A/W Mook as it came with a free fur tote bag, which is reversible to leopard print – very cute – and picked up the new issue of JELLY. I did have pics of them, but I took them on my camera…the one with the missing cable D:
Coordinates & Make-up
Crop top: H&M
Bandage skirt: H&M
Usamimi: H&M
Bag: Gilfy

T-Shirt: W♥C
Skirt: S.12.C (109-2)
Nude lips are growing on me, so I’m currently hunting for a good lipstick.
I’m considering one by KATE at the moment.
Close-up of my eye make;
Orange & blue shadow, liner and criss-cross lashes.
Finally bought some under-lashes the other day so review soon.
Nothing special, just something to chill in.
Vest: tutuHA
Shorts: Gilfy
And a few bonus pics I took around Shibuya…
These Gals were so cute, just lounging in the heat and enjoying an ice cream.
The 2nd girl from the left was so energetic when I asked for a photo that she replied in English with a big “YES!”
The girl on the far left was really sweet too. She thought I was only asking the others for a photo, and she quietly asked if she could be in it too.
One of them turned away from the camera, until the 2nd girl moaned at her and gave her a push. I didn’t hear but she was probably telling her to stop being so moody ;D
Can you tell which one didn’t want to be in the photo?
Introducing the gorgeous Gaby in all her Co&Lu lovelyness. I’ve known Gaby for about 5 years now and she’s from my hometown. How ridiculous is it that we’re both living in Tokyo for a year (for diff reasons), at the same time XD
And finally, I shall leave you with a picture of yours truly ;D
I look like such a mess next to this lovely W♥C staff-chan – props to anyone who can link me to her blog. She was so cute and liked that we had the same t-shirt on. I also love that we both felt the leopard print vibe with our coordinates.
bloomzy /

Recent/Holiday Coordinates….

☆ ~ French Macarons ~ ☆

I can’t believe it’s been a week since I updated last. I’ve been so busy sorting out everything, as I’M MOVING TO TOKYO NEXT WEEK!! Haha I still can’t quite believe it myself…it’s odd. Can’t wait though. Unfortunately I have some bad news, before I hound you with my latest coordinates. The ‘Gaijin Gyaru’ series is on a small hiatus, until I settle in. Sorry!! It’s just going to be a very hectic first few months, so I need to concentrate. I will still be updating whenever I can, I just won’t be able to send out the last few interviews just yet.

Recent Coordinates

Tshirt: Peacocks | Jeans: Primark | Scarf: H&M | Jewelry: Swarovski

You’ll see this tie-dye shirt and the necklace a couple of times in this post, coz I love them so much XD


The boyf bought me this Swarovski necklace for our 18 month anniversary. I wasn’t expecting anything but he saw me looking on the website and knew how much I wanted it.

 Tshirt: Peacocks | Shorts: GILFY | Bag: tutuHA

I am sending out some tutuHA love to Sara Mari with this one. I think she loves the store just as much, if not more, than me ;D

Holiday & Coordinates

As you’ll see, I didn’t take too many photos of my coords whilst I was on holiday. And I didn’t wear anything too amazing, but I think that was down to the heat (around 33c) and the fact that I spent 1/2 of the day in the pool XD Anyway, here are some photos of my holiday in Provence:

The boyf’s house

Top: TOPSHOP | Skirt: H&M

This outfit was inspired by the gorgeous Ena, and this coord of hers.
Sorry for the lack of accessories, I always tend to put them on last before I rush out haha

Top: H&M | Skirt: Republic | Headband: H&M

This was another inspired coord. I wanted a casual Mode look and I really liked this one (centre) from JELLY.

Shirt: Primark | Romper: H&M | Sunglasses: Primark | Accessories: H&M

And with a more attractive background

I may not get the chance to update before I leave for Tokyo, on Wednesday (I arrive on Thur evening)…but I will be updating my twitter so keep an eye out.

bloomzy /

Shibuya 109 Press…

Just a quick update…
The new issue of the Shibuya 109 Press was released recently and I thought it brought up some interesting points with the staff-chans and upcoming Autumn trends.
Staff-chan questions
MA*RS Staff-chan
In the recent issue of the Shibuya 109 Press, a selection of 109 staff-chans were asked some interesting questions about nails, hair, eyelashes and their work life.
Do you paint your own nails?
Surprisingly 85% of the staff-chans said yes they do.
This is probably due to the current vivid and nude trend which has made fashionable yet easy nails more accessible this season. NAIL CRAFT in 109 are even offering simple nail courses for around £19 ($31), where you can learn tricks to achieving gal nails. I’ve not been to NAIL CRAFT but they have reasonable prices and their work looks good, if a little less eccentric than most nail salons.
Some simple but cute nails by NAIL CRAFT
Do you use fake eyelashes?
Not so surprisingly 95% of the staff-chan said yes, they do.
I am a recent convert to eyelashes, and now I can’t get enough. They really are a Gal essential…so unless you have the most amazingly long and luscious lashes, please invest in some.
Brands currently favoured by 109 staff-chan include: MAC, CANMAKE, RMK, Dolly Wink and SBY – Yesstyle and Ichibankao carry some of the mentioned brands.
Dolly Wink; Dolly Sweet lashes
What is your current hair style?
Out of the 20 staff-chan interviewed the results looked like this:
  • Long hair – 10 staff-chan; milk tea colour, curls, super long, two tone, thick hair with extensions and wigs are popular with this length.
  • Medium – 4 staff-chan; Some Gals find this style easy to maintain – and I agree XD
  • Bob cut – 4 staff-chan; bleached hair and wearing heavy wigs are big right now.
  • Short & Very Short – 2 staff-chans; It can be done, just look at Emina. Gals with short hair are favouring blonde colouring right now.
Emina workin’ the short-do
What is your next ideal hairstyle?
Once again some varied answers, but I love this because it shows that not every Gal MUST have long, blonde, curly hair.
  • Long – thick fringes and side partings with a fringe are on the rise.
  • Medium – layers, and lots of them – let’s see some volume.
  • Bob cut – light and bouncy.
  • Very short – Red, with a side parting and a fringe.
I really loved some of the answers the staff-chan gave to working in 109 – ‘I wanted to be able to stand in front of others…’ – and the things that made them happy – ‘when you see a customer really happy after buying clothes that suited them’.
I hope that the 109 press continues to do items like these for their English readers as well as Japanese. It’s always great to see what the people behind the brands wear, and what they think will be trending soon.
Autumn Trends
I was going to write a little something about Autumn trends, but I think Mitsu has done such an amazing job with it that I wouldn’t be able to compare ;D
Once I get to Tokyo and visit 109 again I’ll probably make a post about Autumn trends and my likes/dislikes. But for now enjoy these latest posts by the gorgeous Mitsu:
Sources; 1, 2, 3, 4
bloomzy /

June gets & Giveaway…

June Gets
I missed out May entirely, but here are my June purchases ;D

GILFY faux-shirt shorts – bought from Lucie-Liu.
– Detail pic –
I didn’t like these when they originally came out, but they grew on me.
I like how they’re versatile enough to fit in with several coordinates.
Final verdict: Very cute and they look great on.

Topshop had a sale on Tokyo lashes, so I purchased some criss-cross ones.
I have yet to wear them but I’ll do a quick review when I do.
– Detail pic –
Note: I loved these so much I bought another set for my upcoming giveaway (see info below).

Some stud style bracelets from H&M.
I only own a few bracelets and they are very feminine and a little too expensive to wear everyday. Therefore I wanted something a bit more casual, that I could use as a point for my coordinate.
I need more bracelets~

If you remember I mentioned wanting this, in pink.
Well the amazingly wonderful Cherriparfait sold me hers.
She really is such a lovely person and I really appreciate her kindness.
ありがとうね~!!

GLAD NEWS top, which Cherriparfait also sent me.
We had both wanted to buy this from Mitsu a while ago, and she remembered.
♥ ♥ ♥

Finally, my most recent purchase; my ‘twin dress’ w/Claire – we both bought one.
It has a lace trim and a VERY bodycon feel to it when worn.
It just seemed to fit my current Mode obsession,
and it was only £3.99 from H&M :O
Giveaway
I decided the other day that I would do a giveaway once I reach 300 followers.
This is just to say thank you to all those who follow the blog and of course, read it. The giveaway will feature beauty products (like the above eyelashes) and much more – but for now it’s all hush hush ;D
I never thought that within 7 months I would have almost 300 followers – it really is amazing for a girl like me, who has never publicly blogged before. I wasn’t sure about whether to share my love of Gal with the blogging community, but thanks to you guys I can’t stop ;D
So for those of you who aren’t already following me, or have just dropped by…please click on the link on the right hand side and as soon as the count reaches 300 I shall be doing a giveaway.
I will post it here (of course) and I will announce it on my twitter and tumblr – so keep an eye out.
bloomzy /

Current Faves….

Eurgh, technology and I are not cooperating well today. I figured I’d do a long awaited ‘April Gets’ but I forgot my camera lead. Then I thought of maybe talking about some current trends in the latest issues of JELLY & Happie Nuts but my laptop charger broke, and now all the USB ports are messing up DDD:
I have a feeling that it’s karma for leaving you guys waiting so long. Sorry!!
So instead I’m going to do a short but sweet post on some of my current favourite items this season.
Reminiscent of last seasons WC sandals, and keeping with the open-toe boot trend.
I love these boots, especially in white. They’d be perfect for the current MODE trend.
This t-shirt is also perfect for the MODE look.
H&M have a very similar one in-store now.
I haven’t really been feeling WC lately, but I do love the Kumatan scarf.
Perfect for the current scarf trend, whether you wear it in your hair,
around your neck or as an accessory on your bag.
This 5 item set from the GLAD NEWS Rakuten store is a bargain.
For around £39 you can get an entire Summer outfit.
Including; maxi dress, cropped tee, bag, flip-flops and a hat.
I really like the mix of denim and floral in this, surprise, surprise ;D
You can find some similar items on YesStyle.
Want everyone to know how much you love this seasons MODE trend?
Then this simple but chic tee is for you ;D
And finally, this ethnic onepiece by GIMLET.
I just love the pattern and overall look.
Ethnic has hit the UK highstreet too, so keep an eye out for similar pieces.
Source; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
bloomzy /

Gilfy Store Produced by JELLY….

Better late than never, right? Haha sorry for the delay but as you already know I am busy with deadlines and exams. My last deadline was yesterday and I managed to hand everything in, but now I have to revise for the Japanese exams. Wish me luck ;D
Back on topic, I received the ‘Gilfy Store Produced by JELLY’ catalogue a few weeks ago, which was an Easter present from my lovely boyf. I thought I would post some of my favourite, and not so favourite pieces.
What’s Hot?
Coordinates first and I automatically fell in love with Maya and Yuki’s outfits.


Maya is sporting Gilfy, 06.
Her vintage 80’s look is uber hot and shows off some of this seasons biggest trends;
floral, denim, cardigans and the scarf head-bow.

Yuki is in Gilfy.
I love the sweet adult look of this, which is offset perfectly by the denim hot pants and black boots.
Points include; transparent lace top, scarf head-bow and rosary beads.
Next up, my top items from the catalogue.

I adore this studded bow headband by Gilfy, 06.
And if you UK Gals act quickly you can pick a similar one up at River Island.

Everyone knows and loves the Gilfy Tutu dress.
I would love one in pink, but it would probably make my ass look massive.

These clear belt bracelets look rather 90’s but I love them.
The perfect statement jewellery, which is a big trend right now.
Check out Mitsu’s piece on it.

Denim & Florals?!
Sign me up ;D
What’s Not?
Unfortunately I didn’t love everything in the new catalogue.

Even if it’s Gilfy, writing on your crotch is just not a good look.

These prints remind me of the funk upholstery you used to get in the 80’s.

Finally, Backs’ Suede Short Boots.
I’m sure there are Gals who could work them, they’re just not for me.
Note: Gilfy’s version of these has sold out.
The Gilfy family member that won it for me, this season:
I loved almost everything in their collection.
But it’s mainly the denim bustier tee, studded headband, jacket
and lace skirt that I DO.WANT.
Finally, the big surprise!?
Flats, flats and more flats.
Ok it’s not that much of a surprise since Gilfy, 06 have been trying to get their silver and gold flats out there for a while. Now they’re pushing out black as well, and maybe after seeing JELLY’s models working them in the pages of the catalogue they will hit the big time!?
I don’t know, I’m not a big fan of them and I think this particular style tends to make your feet and legs look rather stumpy. I personally love the embellished flats trend that’s happening right now though. I have a pair of black stud embellished flats which don’t make my legs look too short and they’re great because they’re a cute and comfortable shoe for me to wear to classes. But I wouldn’t wear them on a day/night out.
I am a little happy that this trend has caught on, because it works well for those Gals (mainly Western) who are tall and just don’t have the confidence for heels – a friend of mine is always saying she’s too tall for heels.
Even so, I prefer heels but then I am a measly 5’2 so I don’t have any worries XD
If they are your thing, check out;
Charmant‘s take on the flats.
R&E‘s wide selection.
and Rezoy‘s gorgeous collection.
What’s your favourite piece from this Season?
Are you wearing flats? If not, why?

bloomzy /

Gyaru gaki….

Here’s an interesting article about ‘Gyaru’ clothing for children.

If we look at the strong revenues of Shibuya 109 and the rise of ex-“Popteen” model Tsubasa Masuwaka, it seems gyaru fashion has pretty much taken over mainstream Japanese fashion. The male equivalent of gyaru is the yankii who have moved on from the extremes of bosozoku jump suits to a slightly more upscale style they call Oniikei (“big brother style”).
Gyaru and yankii tend to marry each other, and they also tend to get married much earlier than the rest of the population. Evidence exhibit A: Tsubasa Masuwaka got knocked up and married Naoki Umeda of Oniikei magazine “Men’s Egg” back in December 2007 when she was 22.
gyaru gaki

If all goes well, your children will be this cool.

So when young gyaru and yankii have children, the only logical thing for them to do is to dress them in the exact same style. Think about it: if upper middle class French mothers are putting their three year-olds in Petit Bateau nautical sweaters, why shouldn’t kyabajo hostess‘ four-year old daughters also wear a black chefon mini-skirt?

This concept has led to the “gyaru gaki” (gyaru brat) phenomenon, where a good portion of Japan’s young children now look like they are about to beat up the kindergarten teacher for catching them with cigarettes. Oniikei magazine “Men’s Knuckle” even does street snaps of the toddlers to show parents the latest kids fashions.
So now we know turning our children on to the joys of extreme taste is in vogue, we have to ask: Where can we buy such glamorous items for my kids?
Start with Coco Market, a site for “kids only.” This is the best place for child-sized leopard print pumps and sweaters with human skull patterns. Angel Kiss is also a good place for skull-motifs. Yankii parents evidently think it is very important to reinforce the concept of mortality to their offspring.
Dream Wing meanwhile has all the leopard print baby sleepers you will ever need. If all goes well, your daughters will end up looking like this.
Yes, the world is so topsy-turvy that it will be kids no doubt that embarrass their parents by not dressing “cool” enough. The only way gyaru gaki will have to rebel in the future is by sneaking off to piano lessons when they are supposed to hit the tanning salon.
I don’t know about you guys, but the author seems to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder when it comes to Gal. The whole article makes way too many generalisations, assumptions and even manages to discriminate against Gyaru. I would be surprised if he had done much research at all. Instead it seems as though he has googled some websites, seen a few Gals in Shibuya and picked on Tsu-chan’s shotgun wedding (he forgets to mention they were a couple for several years beforehand) – why does he also keep picking on Tsubasa (only one he knows probably)? Just because you have one or two examples doesn’t mean you can generalise D:

He also forgets to mention that these items of clothing are nothing different to what you can find/might buy your children in the U.S. or Europe. I personally wouldn’t buy the MA*RS-esque outfit (see top image) for my non-existent child but the rest seem to be cute, casual and fashionable.
What do you think?
Would you buy these clothes for your children?

Source; 1