Gyaru Spotlight: Ari Marie

 This (cross posted) Gyaru Spotlight is for Ari Marie! 

I met her around 2010 or so when she applied to a nago-sa project co-founded by me and LA. We didn’t give her a clear cut answer as the Chicago nago-sa/gyaru project was having internal issues that needed to be resolved first and foremost. Our bad for not being upfront about that when you applied. 

Your makeup and hairstyling improved so much over the years. I believe you went to cosmetic school as well, and you were gaining skills. How did that turn out for you?

Twinsies!

  

(Trigger warning for sensitive people)

You had asked me if being fat was illegal in Japan. As an American living in America and in an ethnic group with a different body beauty standard, and not familiar with the totality of Japanese beauty standards, I did not know what to say. I did not know, but I could tell that it was something that was troubling you.

However, I am glad that it did not deter you from getting into gal and having fun and meeting up with you many years later. And, despite things being misconstrued from me during our time apart in different gal circles, I am glad that we didn't beef or fight despite someone wanting us to.

I hope you’re doing well in your career, Ari.

Best wishes 

Stay tuned for more Gals int the Spotlight!

Veteran Gals Vs. Newbie Gals

Its a thing currently. 

As I dive gently back into the realm of online gyaru worlds, I am met with tons of posts that I would have loved as a beginner gal. There is so much content out there to inspire and enjoy. Some things, also bring to light some of the darkside of Japan and several different fashion subcultures like Jiraikei.

Amongst the plethora of nostalgic fashion posts, or people debating whether or not manba is offensive to black people, I am met with posts declaring how mean and callous gaijin gyaru veterans are. I am met with posts about how ignorant and helpless newbie gals are.

But perhaps, it was always like this. People involved and interested in the subculture are vocalizing it even more now. And, I am also not multitasking with multiple projects like before that had more of my attention and bandwidth.

As a former beginner gal, I had gotten some amazing constructive criticism and advice that I received that propelled my makeup and hair styling skills as a person who was initially only comfortable... er... "comfortable" with using a pencil eyeliner. 

But, as I stated on one of my socials, was that there were people that gave me heat about me doing "rokku" gyaru before it was cool as well as wearing things like Tripp pants while styling myself as a manba gyaru. The reasoning was that manba gyaru were supposed to only be colourful.  Though some of the disrespect I recieved wasn't due to my style, it was interesting. Perhaps a way to show dominance as I was putting forth effort. 

After joining Diamond gyaru sa and after it disbanding, I was in forums giving advice to newbies with some other gaijin gyaru at the time. It was fun, and also a place where people went to get their style evaluated to be able to know what to do next time. On gyaru secrets however, people were torn apart for even trying, or... for trying AND succeeding. 

Haters gonna hate.

I recall chatting on the phone with one particular gaijin gyaru who had offered me advice that I put into practice and her telling me how a newbie was asking her, as well as myself and several others for advice. This particular newbie was asking the same questions over and over, yet there was no effort into putting that advice into action. Eventually, they just moved on. 

Behaviours like that, even outside of gyaru fashion, is deemed as annoying and not taking the other person's time seriously. I do not think the particular seasoned gal was being callous towards them, but imagine helping someone to only have them do nothing! 

I am sure there are people that are just blatantly disrespectful, and sometimes some people aren't practicing the style and decide to lash out at people who do or who are interested. Perhaps feeling jealous over those who have the confidence to do than just watch. There are also newbies who don't want to take advice to get the results that they want. And there are also a few newbies that are disrespectful as well.

Though the community has these issues, you can still enjoy the style and lifestyle if you'd like. 

Mata ne 

SHIBUYA! by softboiledegg

softboiledegg of the legendary egg gyaru magazine just dropped a new catchy song four days ago after sharing some behind the scenes clips on their Tiktok. I was curious how it will turn out as there were clips of gals doing parapara to a nonstandard beat in the background while two of them had close ups of them rapping/singing. Its also a bit refreshing to see a more recognizable gal makeup being worn by the main artists of the song. The song is also complete with some wild lyrics, but what could be wilder than opening your song with how fresh and clean.... you are from their song Gal is Mind?

Check it out here:

If you are a para2x fiend and interested in learning the parapara shown in the video, they published the routine as well.

It looks fairly easy for people accustomed to the dance, and should not be too difficult for beginners getting their feet wet with routines.

Will you be learning the Shibuya! dance?

Graphic Design, Gal, and The Name Game

So, sometimes things do not hit me right away for some reason. I am sitting here trying to update my sad lil Behance page with things related to graphic design work and I just want to nap instead!

ahh.. Good ol memories. 

I am glad to have worked with my gal sa crew over the years. I have not been one to actually work with people in school due to being reserved and also bad communication between team mates and art times having the work be dropped in my lap.

Anyway, back on topic, I loved brainstorming of what our logo would look like, picking and choosing our circle's name and font to try and lead what style direction we were going for and seeing how we should design our webpage and settling on copy for the web. 

It amazes me how much graphic design work, creative and artistic direction work had sat in my lap for so long when I helped with the non event related things for Black*Cherry and Gal*Luxy. If I would have tied more of my two worlds together a bit more earlier on at Columbia, maybe I would have had more design samples and would have liked the projects a little better. 

Too bad our websites have been deleted off though! boooo!

We picked and choose our font for our logo after deciding on a few names I had came up with for our circle.
I made a video in one of my classes to help promote our circle.

I do not recall when the trend of putting text blatantly on a picture came about, but it is shown here from about May 2010, created by Amara L. Putting text over an image was a BIIIG no no in my design classes. Ha! But you can spot this type of design almost everywhere now. 

As for the things hitting me pretty damn late, Yea BD aka BLACK DIAMOND. I am side eyein yall. Yall can call yourselves Black Diamond all you want and do your thang, but La and I (also Bambi too) were the original Black Diamonds. Get it? We were Black gals... in Diamond gyaru sa.....

The Toxic Gal Comm

Since this little bug has been in my ear for a while, I guess I'll post about it. I've heard people critiquing the gal comms as 'its toxic' blablabla. Ok. So?

First and foremost...

The world and its many subdivisions can and can be toxic. Gamer and tech worlds. Beauty worlds. Queer ones. Straight ones. Heteronormative ones. Poc ones. And that list goes on and on, ad nauseum. People can be mean. People can be assholes.

A fashion subculture or something 'different' isn't exempt and the people who participate in forums where people create rumours to best the competition and spread those rumors are toxic. 

But, if the phrase was reworded to atleast seem like a complete idea, then maybe I'd have more to say.

True it has given me a ton of headaches, but I got to meet people with inspiring talents and style and chatted with people all over the world which made me happy. I got to make events and meet people and give advice to aspiring gals or people who just liked the type of makeup I did.

More on this later...maybe.

Coments? Please share! 

West vs East: Makeup Techniques

Contour

With new steps added into a full face of makeup, the Western makeup trend is way sculpted than ever before. This ''instagram baddie'' look derived from the way drag queens applied their makeup has made way in the makeup world on and off Instagram for the past few years. People contour their foreheads, noses, cheeks, and chins; defining their faces and features with layers of makeup.

from https://www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com/blog/Contour-Tutorial

On the other hand, gyaru makeup and make up trends from the East rarely contour as much. If its done at all, its fairly light for most girly styles. The only styles that broke this rule were Manba, banba and Kuro gal, and at times, goth and vkei styles. 

Heirofglee's contour

With gyaru makeup, onee gyaru for instance, many focus on a gentle nose contour and a slight sweep of it on the cheeks and maybe forehead. This is done fairly light compared to the trend in Western contour make up trends.

mydarlingrainbow's contouring

Which do you prefer for your own makeup? Bold contouring, or more subtle?
Comments are greatly appreciated!

Gal Weekend pt2

This warm weekend was another meet up I decided to attend for a moment.
After work, I got dolled up, and headed on out for a night on the town.

I went for a more banba-esque look with a dress that had a trippy, kaleidoscope print on it and light beige heels. 

Champagne Pop made their entrance at Three Dots and a Dash, sauntering through the packed, tropical themed bar, finding me sitting near the dj, sipping a drink out of a cute coconut cup. 

We danced and chatted to the latest songs with island themes, waiting for our table reservation to enjoy ourselves a bit more with a group drink named The Zombie. 

Group photo 

Afterwards, we para'd nearby the establishment, blasting Night of Fire. Surprisingly, we gained interest from people who were entranced by our precision and skill despite us not having practiced in a while.

On Sunday it was moreso a chill day as we had stayed up late the night before. 

I got to do Sio's nails too, which I was EXTREMELY excited to do! She’s so gorgeous, it hurts! My new rocker gal inspo.

Nail set! 

Coordinate for Yeowoosai 

Kimchi Nachos! 

Sandra and I 

Eteria/Machi and Sio

We wrapped up the weekend on Sunday night filled up on Korean drinks and the kimchi nachos I bought, being flipped off by a gal (idk what that was about)  and zooming through the sleepy windy city. Is this how new gals are these days? Why so angry?

Anyway, at least the food was good.

New Gyaru Make Up Tutorial Coming Monday!

Yippu! Its a new season and not only that, I've been inspired to make a new makeup video again! This time around its not manba or kuro gyaru related! (Le gasp!)

I had fun making it and putting it together as well. 

I will also have a post and maybe a video about how to make bottom lashes too so stay tuned! 

Selling off a few gyaru clothes and items that are taking up space. Buy an item and get a couple free stickers! Limited time only! Shop Now!  

Nailing It! LM22 Guide to Nail

Lisha's Guide To Nailcare
Pt 1

Basics

Hair is done and styled to perfection. Accessories are carefully selected to match with your outfit. Your outfit? On point. The slayage is real.

Regardless if your lolita dress is on trend, or you are donning the most intricate sujimori ( a hairstyle that's teased and uses a layering technique with strips of hair), or happy just wearing jeans and a Tee, if your nails aren't done, or are broken, it knocks off a few points.

Entering the world on nails and nailcare doesn't have to be daunting at all.

Welcome

The least one can do, especially if acrylic nail sets deem themselves too expensive or time consuming, is to make sure your nails are filed, trimmed and clean. Easy peasy.

• Keeping a file that is not to abrasive (a file having a higher grit number) is best to shape the nails as desired.
• Nail brushes and thinner metal nail files help remove dirt that is trapped under the nail. 
• File in one direction as you go and keep the file flat against the nail.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this series; polish colours.

Super Gyaru Weekend

A few weekends ago, Eteria of Champagne Pop wrapped up another Harajuku Fashion Walk in the City of Chicago. It was a sweltering day, but the participants, decked out from head to toe to make the meet up and make a fashionable impression from the WaterTower to Millenium Park.

Friends and supporters, and even local camerapeople were there showing their appreciation of the event. Passerbys were astounded, some even wanting pictures with some of the stylish participants.

The weekend was concluded with a gal styled karaoke party and sleepover.

Stay tuned on the LishaMisha22 instagram, and twitter for upcoming events, panels, official merch and moments from behind the Gyaru Fashion blog of Chicago.

Xoxo

Expanding the Availability of Japanese Fashion Brands

It’s a no brainer that I am in love with eccentric fashion! If you haven’t known… well now you do! I have been a part of a particular Japanese subculture called gyaru for about seven years, experimenting with my looks and fashion sense as I saw fit. I initially used shops catered towards teens around Chicago, went to thrift stores and second hand shops, even customized clothes and made some by hand to be able to create my looks to show off my creative side. Whether they were all on point or nah… is a different story, but I had a lot of fun creating looks and merging things I liked together.

One of the biggest things for the people who were into this fashion over the years, was that unless you had a hook up with someone in Japan, you had to make do with what you could find in the states. Some people where able to use shopping services, or shopped at stores that catered to this fashion in Japan to be able to copy the latest styles that catered to the fashion subculture. If these people decided to resell their clothing, then maybe you would be able to get your hands on some Japanese brand goodies.

Japanese Brands Breaking into the Market

With the last two Anime Expo’s in Los Angeles, there was a breakthrough for people who had a love for some of the brands. They were able to purchase from some of their favorite vendors in person without the hassle of traveling to Japan, going through shopping services, or just simply missing out. Along with this, some of the shops that had more popularity in the states decided to open up their sites for Western shoppers to be able to partake in the shopping experience.
Though a lot of the clothes still run quite petite, it is still wonderful step forward for fashionistas who like Japanese fashion!
You can check out YesStyle.com to check out some of the clothes available such as Golds Infinity.

Let us know what you think about this post!

UPDATER

Lisha's Appreciation 

So my mini appreciation give away is drawing to a close for 2014! Still have to contact the others to finish that up! Thank you, you all. I know I can be a bitch, cranky, and a lil bossy or something... idk. haha, but thank you for stickin through! I know I haven't been on my updates like I used to, but you know I always come up with something fuckin awesome, right?! Right.This makes me excited to do this and show the people who have supported me for this long, tolerated me (heh), and what not throughout my geeked out, galtaku (otaku for gal stuff) journey. 

Mini Store!

Instead of having things up super lowkey like I did on facebook for dreadfall orders/nails/hats etc, I have two ministores now so you can defo hop on some of the things I make. I will tweet and Pinterest about updates about my items and maybe do a blog post or two about anything super exciting. 

Right now, you get a sneak peek of my Storenvy Items before they go up officially for 2015.

The presale will start on the 15th

I am excited to do this and hope you are too! 

NEW Projects!

I am helping Kamilah on her Artsy Maid Cafe project for the Summer of 2015! 

I hope to see you there when we open!

                I am also working again with Sugar Gamers as a guest writer and will also materialize every now and again on their Twitch days on Thursday and Sunday.

MISC.

I also have a VINE account you can check me out on for quicker clips in between Youtube and blog postings. 

Love you all, and happy holidays if I get a lil MIA before any Christmas postings! 

Bye Bye GGA

Watch the clip here

Since we both have quite a handful of mutual friends, I am sure the lot of you have seen the official end (at least a wrap up for 2013-2014) of the GGA's. For those who are new to the blog and this fashion, "Gaijin Gyaru Awards", an award show created by Lady Li for the Western Gal community. 

An award show that was to have the community participate in something other than the drama and G_S, and not only that, to have some sort of entertainment for us as well besides the gyaru magazines. Like, c'mon, who cannot say that the para para clips sent in were pretty awesome and a good idea!!

I think that with anything created in the world, in and out of the gyaru community, there will always be people who will love it, feel indifferent, and also show their dislike for it for whatever reason. As for the GGA's people will be mad and probably were,  because they weren't nominated but someone else did or for the fact that the Award show existed. Like dayum, we can't have nothin nice! haha

I felt and still feel really honoured to be asked to be a Presenter for the GGA's! Though I was only a presenter for the GGA's, thank you for your hard work, Lady Li, and also those who had sent in clips and what not, to have made this happen. I thought it was a very sweet gesture and gift to the gyaru community.

Thank you

Golds Infinity on Yesstyle + Review

Review!

Sleeveless Lace front Dress

The soft colour of Chocobo feather

I was super scared putting this thing on my head.
 I didn't want it to fall off and break. D:

Though I usually don't use these words to describe clothes I own.... this dress is super cute, girly and flirty! I LOVE IT. I was tempted to wear and get the black dress while I was at Anime Expo, but decided against it. 

Being a one size fits all item, I was worried that it would not fit my boobs, rib cage area, or the straps wouldn't fit my arms and shoulders too well like with a lot of other clothes from Golds. But with this item, that wasn't the case! The chest area is snug enough to combat chest jiggles too which is a plus. 

As part of a wide array of gyaru brands, they are also pretty affordable compared to some of the counterparts in girly wear.

Con: The zipper gets a little stuck while unzipping when its on, but I think maybe a little wax rubbed on the zipper's teeth should fix that problem. 

It does need a bit of ironing to knock out some of the wrinkles.

Doesn't get much bigger than this size... yet...

~~~

So IF you all didn't know, Golds Infinity is now linked on Yesstyle.com as of June!

Check it out here! Golds+Yesstyle

There is also a 20% off sale on select items throughout the webshop 

and free shipping on orders over 25 bucks too!

My Picks!

Ciao ciao~

B-b-but... You're Black!!!

Every so often, after however many months float by, similar questions always pop up in groups dedicated to gyaru fashion. These questions and concerns are not even limited to that niche group either. Even til this day, and maybe even for many years, it will still be a concern for Black people or POC who choose to express themselves beyond what is deemed "normal" for us. Even beyond hobbies and fashion.

Yes, people will wonder why you are into something that is not Afrocentric or considered "Black" or appropriate for Black people to do.
There is a huge world with a lot of things in it. Why limit yourself?

Yes, even our own people will wonder why we aren't acting or dressing "Black".
Being "loud" and or "ghetto" are the only ways we can be in this day and age?

Yes, people will probably think that you are ghetto for dressing differently or having unnatural shades in your hair.
Black people just can't win sometimes with some people!

Yes, people will think that Black people cannot be cute or kawaii, listen to things outside of rap or hip hop. Or shouldn't do anything beyond what is expected of us.
See above.

It sucks, it really does. But, are you going to let a few people and their shitty comments keep you from dressing like a Kawaii Cutie or Fabulous Gal? This even extends to the Cosplay community, or any community where Black people or POC want to branch off into.

Brittany-Chicago

Junko and Junji-Los Angeles

Kamilah-Chicago

Erica

Amira-Chicago

Miyabi-North Carolina

Amber-New York

So, gal, lolita, cosplay n00b$, if people try to mock you or say mean things to you because you are black and trying to do your thing, you get those doubts playing in your head over and over, pay them no mind, and rock your shit!

Go check out the tags with Black Lolita/Cosplayers/Gyaru and be inspired. 

Much thanks to those who submitted their pictures or let me use them!