Make Up vs No make!!

It is kind of amusing, this world, that if one always wears make up (if it is a bit more than "natural" make up) they are being "fake" or if they do not wear anything at all, they are "ugly". Or some people act like the world is going to fall apart if a girl who usually looks very pretty (from wearing some to a lot of make up), doesn't wear anything at all! 

A friend of mine sent me this video of Ms. Izumi Mana where people had made some big deal of her when she posted a photo with her make up on. 

Izumi Mana with out make up

For me, its like, BIG DEAL? But, when you are in the spot light all the time, when all eyes are on you and what you wear and how you dress helps solidify your identity (or part of it), I guess for some audience members, it is a big deal. However, they have to realize, that these idols, celebrities, make up gurus, adult stars, models, etc and so on, are people too and they are not "perfect" all the time.

Here are some more make and no make shots:

a three gal, three step process:

no make up, foundation+brows, then full face

Popular models before and after

How lashes and eyeliner can change the shape of the eye.

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My before and after. 

I would have taken some of the Western gals before and after, but I kind of just rushed with this post, and didn't want to show off the pix without their permission.

For another make up post, 

check out:

Be Natural!

Livin La Vida Gyaru in Chicago

Casual Cute

So, I get to do quite a bit of stuff here in Chicago. I do a bunch of stuff not only because I like to keep busy, but to get funds for shopping or traveling and to keep from being bored. I am doing a bit of freelance photography/graphic design/blogging/clerical in Chicago to gain funds for shopping and also traveling and such.

I personally do not feel like my life is "luxurious" perse, but, I get to (try) to live as much of a gal life as possible, especially on a budget that includes living expenses... And boy oh boy, do I know about living on a budget!

Food

I choose not to eat out a lot, or try not to spend money on take out, but sometimes I do treat myself to something pretty tasty. I prefer to eat fish or chicken over beef and pork, and I prefer not so greasy foods as well. I also get to drink a bit with my coworkers instead of going out, especially when it was cold! When it comes to food, I tend to not go over 25$, and that is I am really hungry. Most dinners, especially including tip, goes up to 20$, which includes a drink and maybe an appetizer or two.

 Fine dining on a budget. Wonton soup with added udon noodles, and kung pao shrimp

• Cheers! at work. 

Living

 I also just found a place with the help of Phil, near the Blue line. This picture does not capture the beauty of the neighborhood so much, but I love walking out side and looking at nature and also the houses around me. Also, my part of the rent does not exceed 500$.

Shopping

Whenever I go shopping, I look hardcore for deals, and usually head to the clearance and sales racks. I shop at The Magnificent Mile and sometimes at the WaterTower in Downtown Chicago (Wetseal, Charlotte Russe, F21, etc) and I also hit up thrift stores and second hand shops. If I have the time to, I customize old clothes, or make scarves, or a purse or two if I am feeling ambitious! I have not done a lot lately, but I might make something again.

Cross necklace by TheSevenology
 I also got this necklace from Keisha Howard of Sugar Gamers. I later gave it to my mom for a mother's day gift. :) 

Magazine Gifts for my collection! 

I also buy gyaru mags or items/clothes that I know I will want if I choose to buy them, and I try to buy things I will actually use quite a few times, than just once or twice, and tossing it. I try to spend wisely if I need to spend, and also save for important things. Some gal mags have gifts from popular brands. It is a nice way to get something cool and useful, and you also get more bang for your buck! 

Steve Madden purse for about 40$

Acen 2013 Recap

This year was Acen's Sweet Sixteenth! For this year, and with a badge provided to me from someone who is buying my silence... I mostly cruised around, looking for cute loli's or gyaru,  interesting things to buy or look at, and to meet up with some familiar faces.

2013-05-17

Busy week for this busy bee! Finals are over, Acen is here, and I will be in a Nikki Lynette's music video shoot. I am nervous, yet excited for this but I think it will be fun.
忙しかった。。。夏休みをはじめた。イェーイ！！今日はアニメコンに行く。
この週末はNikki Lynetteのmusic ビデオにいるよ。　楽しそうね

C2E2+AfterParty!

Working hard!

So, very early Saturday morning (til about 12:30am) I helped a few new cosplaying friends as a volunteer who are apart of Club Adventure. They all create and collaborate on making cardboard Transformer's gear. I got to meet them, and also lend my painting skills to help them edge their project along. They were all working so hard when I got there, and even though they had movies playing in the background, Club Adventure or "The Transformers" (they are known for their costumes at conventions in Chicago) were so productive and dedicated to getting their cosplays done!

The Aging Process (Whats my age again?)

{C2E2 afterparty tickets for Saturday are on sale tomorrow at the <redacted due to issues> booth in Chicago!}

 am almost so close to getting my Bachelors of Fine Arts at Columbia College Chicago and got  some art shows going. I've been working hard on some things lately, hence why I am only popping in and out of a few gal comms at this moment.

 If I were a gal in Japan, I'd probably have a baby by now and looking a bit bland and working somewhere normal. If I'm lucky, I might have my own clothing line like Kaoru Watanabe or my own cosmetics line like Tsubasa Masakawa. However, I am a black gyaru in America, in the Windy City, still going to college and trying to figure out what's happened, happening, and going to happen in my life.

April Events

So, its almost the end of April. Trying to push it with school, the finish line is in sight. Just can't let go of my drive. I NEED to get out of Columbia! ha.

Starting to collect gal mag freebies!/whats in my purse (gal side) 

GalLuxy Weekend recap!

With finals around the corner, I almost forgot to post about the weekend!
Here is a quick post! I have more to show, but it will be shown a bit later and it's part of a secret project. ;)

yahoo!

me! lol

For today....



I was at Woodfield Mall trying to pick out the last pieces of an outfit I needed to get for the Gal*Luxy Midwest me2 up in Michigan. I also checked and talked to people around the mall. I really liked this art gallery here.  I have plans for some art shows  before I get out of college. 

3-20-2013

I'm up super late working on a portfolio piece for class. I have been studying and working on quite a bit of projects and assignments that I feel will be a nice example of how I have grown as an artist.There's a March gyaru meet that I might attend as well. I think it will be fun.

Thinking on it, it seems like a long time since when I wanted to be in Colulu Lovelies and got into Diamond Gyaru sa instead.

2013-03-05 to 03-08

On Saturday, Jade Purin and her boyfriend r chilled at Mitsuwa. It was pretty fun, and we dressed up despite the cold! I found some cosplayers who I hope to see at Acen too.

Thank you for letting me take your photo!

Tough Purin and Tough looking Lisha

At the food court~

You can also check out her post for this day here.

Sunday, Purin and I had a photoshoot with a friend, David of DSA Photography. It was a very cute themed shoot! It was a first for David to do something with a lighter theme, and it was my first time doing a little art directing and helping with the photos and such.

Monday night, I got dressed up to go to a Muse concert. I recieved avip tickets, and it was a very exciting experience! Simply put, Muse was awesome. I have not heard a lot of music from them since I was in high school, so seeing them at the United Center with all the fog and people was mind blowing.

I really wish I could have gotten a good pic of my outfit! oh well. It was just a corset, and black shiny look leggings.

Also, I have a kind of big blog post about my gal journey and my thoughts! I hope my readers will like it. :)