bloomzy /

Thoughts on Gal…

It’s my birthday tomorrow and maybe it’s something to do with getting older and all the recent backlash in the Gal community but lately I’ve been thinking a lot about…
Obviously my opinion is not going to suit everyone, but I just wonder if I am alone in thinking that it isn’t the cookie cutter, EGG, ‘you need blonde hair and curls’ image everyone thinks it is.
When I attended the Gal Me2 recently in Tokyo, where we were all filmed for ‘Tokyo Kawaii TV’, after introducing myself the cameraman asked me “Are you Gyaru?” I paused and thought about it for a bit and replied with “…maybe?!” Afterwards I wondered why I hadn’t said yes, and when Lou told them she was “…about 80% Gyaru” I realised why.
I guess I feel like I still have a way to go and that I can improve…but that’s not just it. I enjoy wearing the clothes and doing the hair/make-up but I also feel like there’s more to me than that – it’s not what I’m 100% about. My priorities are family, friends, my boyfriend and studying for my degree – but that’s not a bad thing in my eyes.
I know we all have contrasting views of what Gal is… Some people relate to the original blonde hair, big curls, Liz Lisa and ‘EGG Style’ whilst others prefer short, straight dark hair with a bit of W♥C. It seems to me that we all have so many ‘ideas’ about Gal when really there aren’t as many rules as some people might think. We should just take it for what it is – a mixture of styles which allow you to be as sexy, cute or chic as you want. It offers people confidence and it helps people all over the world connect~★
I’ve been called Gyaru by people before and I was even called it by a Japanese Gal recently, which made me happy. I take it as a compliment that I’m doing the clothes and make-up justice, but if someone comes along and tells me “You’re not Gal” it’s not the end of the world. In fact it doesn’t upset me at all, because I enjoy what I’m doing, for myself and this blog. I’m going to keep trying my best and enjoying the style whilst I do it, because one day I’m going to realise that I’m too old for ‘all this nonsense’, although I think I have a while to go yet haha
I’ve met some wonderful people because of Gal and this blog!
Thank you to all my readers and friends for being fabulous and continuing to support me.
bloomzy /

Interview with Kirin of Tokyo Kawaii etc.

Kirin is a Japanese lady living in Tokyo, she runs the popular blog Tokyo Kawaii etc. Her blog focuses on Japanese culture, language, lifestyle and much more. She has also mentioned Gyaru a few times on her blog .
You may remember I recently did an interview for her blog about my life in Tokyo.
Recently, I was lucky enough to meet Kirin in person. We walked around 109 together and chatted in a nearby café over tea and coffee. Whilst we talked she told me how she had not been to 109 in almost 15 years and that she felt her feelings about it had now changed. I found this very interesting and after finding out her reasons I thought it would be informative and helpful to my readers to hear the opinions of a Japanese person who doesn’t dress in Gyaru fashion.
Do you remember when you first heard about Gyaru?

I guess it was some time around 1996 – 1997 (or even before?) when I had already started working after graduating from university – if my memory was correct. Those days Amuro style and “Atsuzoko” boots (platform boots) were popular. Some sales assistants, especially from Shibuya 109 became so famous that they frequently appeared on TV or in fashion magazines. They were called “Karisuma tenin” (charismatic sales assistant) and the outfits they were wearing sold like crazy. Some hair dressers also became famous and they were called “Karisuma biyoushi” (charismatic hair dresser). But “Gyaru” in this period was very different from what it means today.
What were your first impressions? Did you think of a stereotype etc.?
Gyaru at the early stage was more like high school girls who were wearing short skirts and loose socks. That’s why they were called “Ko-Gyaru” (small gyaru). They dyed their hair but they did not wear false lashes or circle lenses. Those things were not available like they are today. Ko-Gyaru were the people who created new trends. Japanese companies liked to listen to what they wanted.
What I thought about it? My generation is always between hot trends. When I was a high school student, college girls were hot. At that time Japan was enjoying the good economy. College/university girls and boys could easily get a good job, nevertheless they were playing around all the time and I expected I could be like that after graduation. But with the bubble economy’s bursting, our economy situation completely changed when I went to university. What came next was high school girls trend. Our society treated university girls well when I was a high school girl, and then they shifted to high school girls once I became a university girl. I felt it was quite unfair. At that time Gyaru = high school girls, so it was not what I was to pursue anyhow. I just regarded Gyaru as something that had no connection with me.
You said that you were too shy to go into 109 by yourself before, why?

Ko-Gyaru generation grew up and they wanted to have their gyaru taste even after they were aged. Now Gyaru is not limited to high school girls, but I still have a feeling that it’s for younger people. I’m 36, which is too old to dress like Gyaru, and I think it looks too absurd if older people still dress exactly like younger people. I mean it’s cool to take some part and mix with other items or styles, but to dress full Gyaru coordination from head to toe is not very cool. I was afraid to go back to Shibuya 109 because I thought everything sold there was for gyaru style and it would be too gyaru-tasted to me and I would be totally out of place among full-gyaru customers.
Why did you change your mind after we visited?

I saw many non-Gyaru styled people and older people, as well as people with no makeup! My delusion that there would be only Gyaru customers and Gyaru clothes was completely wrong. I found many attractive clothes and I feel like shopping there. Although some pants were too skinny for me even to try them.
☆~♥~☆
How do you think Japanese people view Gyaru?

Young people like it. But as Tsubasa answers in an interview, which I happened to watch on TV, they may not be seen as hard workers or industrious – only because of their appearances. Tsubasa said she tried to work as hard as normal people multiple times because people never believed that she was serious from her looks. Unfortunately many of us don’t always have good impressions of Gyaru just because of its impression of flirting. Unless we become a sales assistant at a Gyaru fashion store, we cannot even continue the style and look at most other jobs. Too much light hair colour is basically banned at work. Also circle lenses, long nails and flashy deco nails or patterns drawn on the nails.
I wonder how working people can continue to be Gyaru after all?!
Gyaru mama can stay like that because they do not work.
Why do you think Gyaru is so popular with young Japanese girls?
And if you have an opinion, why do you think it is popular in the West?#

I think Gyaru is kawaii and if they are young, it’s good to enjoy it. I think it’s got an expiration date, which is to say, before they start working. As mentioned above, most offices have dress code. We cannot work and dress as Gyaru unless we get a job at gyaru brand or something. Everyone has to graduate from Gyaru style someday. I think that’s why they try to fulfil it while they are young.
I don’t know why it’s so well-received by western people. We have a longing for white girls and Gyaru style I guess is a stem from it. Making big eyes with longer lashes and dyed hair in bronze is maybe to make ourselves look like white girls.

Do you think that Gyaru celebrities (idols) are good role models for young girls?

Yes, I think so. But I wonder what their sales points will be after they have aged.
In this respect I think Tsubasa and Momoeri (among others) stand out from the rest of Gyaru models. They make business.
☆~♥~☆

Have you ever been tempted to try Gyaru? If not, why?

No, I’ve felt it’s just too young for me, but I think now it’s OK to buy some Gyaru tasted clothes and mix with others. However I never feel like wearing circle lenses and dye my hair bronze etc. False lashes maybe OK once in a while.
I have no reason to spend so much time transforming myself when I am busy with everything else. If I had time and money, I’d rather spend them travelling abroad than shopping Gyaru tasted items or getting my nails or hair done.
Free talk –
This is only an opinion from a Japanese woman in her mid 30’s. I don’t see anyone in my generation dressing like a Gyaru around me. It’s reasonable because our generation is busy working and raising kids. Our interests are directed toward something else.
As for me, I like to hang out with young people and talk about something kawaii, but my real life is much different from what you may imagine from my blog. It’s full of work and I’ve read books about investment, economy and business and to tell you the truth I don’t read fashion magazines. (So I am not quite sure for the styles, I just pick up whatever I like to wear.) But my hair dresser is so kind as to give some old ones, so I find interesting articles from them to introduce on my blog while I am bathing. (I love to have a long bath time.)
So I have 2 reasons I don’t dress like Gyaru.
1. I’m too old to do so.
2. I’m too busy to keep the style.
If I were 20 something years old now, I think I would love to spend my time and money for Gyaru style and I’d enjoy that so much. I guess I totally missed the chance :p
But while you can enjoy it, you should do it fully.
Bloomzy’s comments:
I am so happy that Kirin could do this interview for my blog. She is very sweet and really interested in other cultures, and those who are interested in her own. If you haven’t already visited her blog (I doubt it) then make sure you head on over.
– She has also written a response to this interview here.

If you have any comments or questions for her, please feel free to comment and I am sure she will respond when she has the time.

I am always open for Gal/Japan related questions, and you can visit my formspring here.
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 /

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Alanna [Week 5]

Here is the fourth interview in the ‘Gaijin Gyaru Series‘ – the gorgeous…
Name: Alanna
Location: England
1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.
Thank you for including me in your series.
I’ve not got a particularly interesting fashion background. I dabbled in trendier styles when I entered high school and then went down the route of grunge/mosher clothing. Eventually I found Fruits magazine and then on to Kera which was a major influence to me when I was 16/17.
It was sometime in the summer of ’07 that I got into gyaru. I found some himegyaru images online and from there it just grew and grew. Though I didn’t fully commit to the style until summer ’08 and it was a difficult transition as I was in my comfort zone but I was never 100% happy with my style before…whereas now I am!
2. What are you favourite things about gal?
My favourite things about gal are definitely the hair and make up, which is what originally drew me into the style. I love the amount of detail and effort that goes into it.
3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn’t try?
Now that I have narrowed down the styles I like, I’d say my preferences switch from rock, agejo, onee, shibuhara and more recently mode – I like elements of all of them.
Jelly has been a massive influence to me in the last year; I can easily imagine myself in the coordinates and the styles. It feels more age appropriate for me.
I don’t think I’d do mamba, the make up doesn’t appeal to me but I admire anyone who has the balls to do it.
4. Your make-up is always flawless, what are your favourite products and what resources do you use for tutorials?
Aww thank you, although I’m not a slave to particular make up brands, I do own and love a lot of MAC products. My fave products (I have too many) are:
  • all my blushes including my MAC, Sleek and Topshop ones,
  • my gel liner-MAC fluid line,
  • YSL #7,
  • Bourjois trio d’ombres-#41,
  • Ben Nye eye shadows,
  • MAC Stable eye shadow,
  • Candydoll lipgloss,
  • Mac painterly paint pot (by far one of my most used and loved products ~perfect for eye shadow bases and I use it for creating nude lips).
Saying that, I don’t think you need an entire collection of high end items to create stunning gal make up. I’ve seen some pretty fabulous make up done entirely with drugstore products.
As for resources, I’m forever researching tutorials and techniques but most of my techniques now are down to practice and adapting tutorials for my own needs. Magazine tutorials can be very good; though I can’t read Japanese so I just look at the pics. A lot of gaijin gyarus do tutorials too which can be valuable. On the flipside though you can get a fair amount of awful ones, it’s just a case of being selective.
5. You recently did a spam of models/gals and their coordinates. Whose look do you admire most and why?
That’s a difficult one; I find that I admire a lot of different gyarus – Japanese and Western. I really love Mipo’s style but she doesn’t blog anymore. The others I like and regularly check blogs of are Chinatsu, Suzu, Nori and Tae, Marimo, Maichi, Maya and more recently Ena Matsumoto. I‘ve got a long list of models and shop staffs blogs that I like looking at as well.
6. Your own personal coordinates are gorgeous. Which trends are you loving right now, and what do you hope to see next season?
Thank you, though its getting nearer autumn now, I’m still loving the floral and denim trends and mode is something I’m very interested in at the moment – I like the sophistication.
I’m looking forward to bowler hats coming in for autumn as I’ve wanted one since I was 14 (I’m baffled as to why I’ve not bought one since then) and I’m usually lucky for winter trends as rock items seem to be more prominent when the weather gets grim and cold 😀
7. With the rise of styles aimed at a slightly older clientele (mode etc.) do you think gal has an expiry date? How long do you plan to carry on with it?
I think it does, but I also feel you’re only as old as you feel.
I always liked the phrase “mutton dressed as lamb” and keep it in mind for when I’m older.
Thankfully my own style preferences seem to be evolving into more mature styles anyways, so I think I’ve a while yet to be into gal.
While I do think it has an expiration date, to me I think it has a pretty big range of ages to begin with and elements of the younger styles can easily be merged into more mature styles. A lot of the models are shockingly alot younger than me but there are also a lot of models that are my age and older, so that gives me comfort.
8. You live in the UK, so do you have any hints or tips for other British gals?
Gal in the UK can be a little awkward but not impossible. In regards to fashion, you just have to pinpoint the items from trends you want and hunt them down. I’ve luckily (or unluckily) inherited from my aunt an intense desire to seek specific items. If I’m after a particular item, I search everywhere, ebay, google, high streets etc until I find it or something like it :O
Anyways I always found the best shops for picking up the trends from Japan were Zara and Berksha, slowly followed by the usual of River Island, New Look and Topshop/Miss Selfridges. Internationale occasionally has some good items as do Bik Bok on Oxford Street.
As for make up, well a lot of Japanese gals use make up from brands that are available here as well, like Revlon, Maybelline, Bourjois and higher end brands such as MAC, NARS, Bobbie Brown, YSL and Chanel.
As for the Japanese cosmetic companies of Canmake, Charcott and Candydoll amongst others, I can’t say I’ve found a place where I can physically buy them, so I buy them online at Ichibankao or Alphabeauty (on ebay).
9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style?
If you decided to join communities and post photos of your style, just be prepared for the outcome and take the con criticism onboard, and ignore the negative criticism as it serves no purpose.
10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of ‘Gaijin Gyaru’ by showing that it’s not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru?
ahh how do I represent gaijin gyaru :O
Eee this is a difficult one as I sometimes don’t feel very gal if I’m honest but I try and am always trying to be better.
I‘d say I represent it with my blog, although its not 100% gal because it includes my other interest as well. I try to update with news about gal make up items, gal photo spams and my own coordinates and make up photos.
Also whenever anyone in my tiny town compliments an aspect of my style I’ll mention gal to them and see if they seem interested.
I’d like to be more physically involved in gal events in the UK but money and time doesn’t permit it.
A note from bloomzy: Alanna is a good friend of mine, and without trying to be too bias she carries off Gal very well. Her make-up skills are amazing, and she really does the latest make-up trends perfectly. I also admire her for being able to carry off so many styles without losing her identity/looking any less gal.
Her posts are interesting and helpful – I especially enjoy her reviews and tutorials. Check Alanna out @ Viva Rilakkuma Time.
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 /

Hiatus over….

ただいま~ ♥
Well I am back from France…already missing the weather and food.
I shall be updating soon, so don’t give up on me.
Whilst you’re waiting for me to update, check out some recent posts:
Up-coming posts on the blog:
bloomzy /

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Hana [Week 4]

Here is the fourth interview in the ‘Gaijin Gyaru Series‘ – meet the always wonderful…


Name: Hana
Location: Tokyo
1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.
I have been a lover of fashion since junior-high school. I used to watch runway shows instead of whatever kids my age then were watching. I used to have a lot of fun predicting trends. I got into gal style around the time I found out about the internet. Pure accident. I still remember the first two sites I ever found about Japanese fashion, trust me there were not many at all out there during that time. I was hooked from the moment I saw the huge socks, platforms and white lipstick. It is nice to see such a large resource on the internet now.
2. What are you favourite things about gal?
The over-indulgence of attempting to look and live your own ideal lifestyle. I like how gal is associated with a lifestyle, even if it isn`t always associated with a good one. I love that gals wear clothes the way they want, take trends and turn them on their head, and basically promote a fun, free, party life. I no longer have a party life (ha ha) but I still love how that is an image associated with gal (despite all the nastiness that goes with it!). So, instead of naming trends (which are always changing) or models (which decline in popularity) I will say I love the lifestyle that goes with the look. I love how people will deco everything, design their room to match their very own style, and transform their own look to model the life they want: the gyaru life. I love the extremes of gal style.
3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn’t try?
I tend to like more rock-inspired looks or looks that I can mix and match easily with more classic looks in my wardrobe (mode is a nice trend for me). I wouldn`t try some of the styles geared toward younger gals, I am afraid I would just look silly as I am no longer 16 and while age doesn`t matter I feel that it would make me feel childish to wear certain styles like American-casual. I also have little love for anything Hime in my life. It can be nice to look at, but I am not partial to frills.
4. You are currently living in Tokyo with your fiance. What does he think of your interest in Gal?
He is amused by it more than anything. Sometimes, he will suggest I try a makeup look or look “gyaru” for a day when we go out. But then, we met at club ATOM which is kind of known for being a place where gals go so…he can`t say much about it. I have an interest in all types of styles, so my own style is more of a blend rather than all out gal.
5. As a fiance and a working girl, do you find that you have to tone down your gal style? If so, how do you do this?
I do, but mainly because my job is in a more business-oriented environment so I am expected to wear certain things. I keep my nails short and save fake nails for weekends or a night out. I also keep my makeup less eye-heavy and have a more natural look. If I plan to go out after work, I bring some fake eyelashes or eyeliner to put on in the bathroom (along with a change of clothes). For work, I follow a more body conscious style, such as skirts with a wide belt etc. It is professional, but it still looks good and follows current trends.
6. Your weekly wrapups of what’s going on in Japan/fashion/gal related blogs is always great to read. But what makes you choose a post?
I choose posts that interest me, of course! Seriously, though, I like posts that can incite discussion or bring up a particular point that I haven`t thought about before. I also love posts with pictures of someone`s style. Pictures and someone talking about what gal means for them is a sure fire way to get your post on my weekly wrapup. Also, emailing me and informing me of your post is another way 🙂 I try to pick things that I like but also that I think my readers will be interested in.
7. You also like to talk about cultural and social issues/phenomemons in Japan, on your blog. Keeping this in mind, how do you view gal?
I am not sure how to answer this question. I guess I have a pretty mixed view, simply because Sho (and other Japanese people I know) do not have a fondness for gal. I am sure that seems pretty surprising for some people to hear from me! However, mostly it is because I understand where the bad stereotypes come from because I see those types of ladies (ones who sell themselves to older men for money or goods etc.) in society and guess what style of clothes they are wearing? Exactly. This is not everyone and I have met Japanese gyaru who seem totally awesome and the shop staff have always — always — been wonderful to me. So I guess my opinion is people are people, no matter the style they wear.
8. You recently started a series of ‘self-love’ posts on your blog. Do you think there is a problem with this in the gal community?
I think our community (blogging) is very self-loving and I absolutely adore this community we are creating together! However, on anonymous forums or even on personal blogs, you can see people put down not only themselves but others and I find that so sad and discouraging. The world already sends so many messages of unrealistic beauty ideals and gal magazines do too (hello, massive amounts of photoshop, models who have had plastic surgery done) — I have no real problem with this choice but for those who don`t realize work has been done it can create another unrealistic ideal — and with the constant image of dieting and messages that these magazines promote so that you can become a skinner, better you, I want to try to encourage people to love themselves as much as possible. You can be beautiful and never realize it, simply because all you see are flaws. I want to change that around, so I try to make a weekly post that shows people how to not only love their outside, but also their personality, skills, and what they have contributed to in their life. The most beautiful women are always the most confident women, no matter your size, style, or appearance.
9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style?
Don`t be afraid to jump right in! Make mistakes, find out what your style is, keep a notebook with pages torn out of your favorite magazines or a tumblr full of images you love, rock a look for a night — honestly, just have fun. After all, I showed up when I was in school, in America, in a short skirt with baggy leg-warmers and outrageous 90s-styled makeup for a day and while there might have been comments no one dared to make fun of me to my face (and even if they did, I would have ignored them or asked what their problem was)! As long as you don`t care what other people think, their comments will mean nothing. There is absolutely nothing to be apprehensive about, this style is supposed to be fun!
10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of ‘Gaijin Gyaru’ by showing that it’s not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru?
What a loaded question! I think the only reason people think Japanese ladies can do it right is simply because the style originated here! As for how I represent gaijin gyaru, well, I keep a blog that hopefully inspires a lot of people and also links to a lot of other wonderful gaijin gals. In this way, I try to connect people with other bloggers so no one feels alone in this style — it is so much more fun to gossip about makeup and photoshoots and trends with each other, after all. Also, I hope I try to think outside of the box in my own style. A lot of ladies in Japan (especially the Japanese ladies — I am looking at you!) take magazine copying to the extreme. So definitely, I try to develop a personal style that can still relate to the basics of gyaru and I try to bring that across in my blog.
This is why I love gaijin gyaru, they definitely have a lot of great personal style going on and I think, as a whole, we could develop our own trends instead of just following what is happening in Japan. Does that sound lofty? Maybe it is because I live here, but I think a lot of gaijin gals are so incredibly creative and they have to find their own way of doing the style simply because they don`t have everything available to them like people in Japan do (nor do they have shop staff making coordinates for them in-store!). I suppose, in that way, I am a bit jealous of other gaijin gals…I have it easy, after all! So, I hope I represent gaijin gals by encouraging them and repeatedly telling them how awesome they are–because really, ladies (& gents) you are awesome!
A note from bloomzy: Hana is, like myself, relatively new to the blogging community. However that doesn’t mean she lacks talent. Her posts are always packed full of interesting topics, personal opinions and amazing photographs taken by the lovely lady herself. I enjoy her gal related topics (of course) but the fact that she also posts about her life in Tokyo really adds a personal touch to her blog….and her style is super cute ;D
Keep up with the busy Tokyoite herself @ Finding Tokyo.