Fall Colour Trend

It feels more like Fall in Chicago, well, on some days... and I've been getting ready for it all: the crisp air, Halloween decorations, the beautiful colours of the leaves before they flutter down from outstretched branches.
I've also been thinking of colour schemes and cute jackets and sweaters for this season as well.
One of the main colours I wanted to showcase in some of my outfits is a burgandy, or a wine colour. It fits within mature styles while giving you a pop of colour.

Here are a few items that work as a quick go to template that would look great in this month's colour, fit for fall.

Outer
Coat

My First Tattoo

An associated  had prepped me for the ink work that I wanted done and what to expect. She even assisted me with locations of shops I could go to and the artists she liked and also went to. 

I got an Uber and shared it with the associate named Sandra. 

Sandra  and I being excited 

I made my way to the northside of town, inching through traffic like a snail. She made sure I wasn't hungry at all, and coached me one final time before we stepped foot inside.

In no time at all after entering the shop, I was sending over my idea to my first tattoo artist. And moments after that? I was trying to hold my excitement to fill in paperwork.

Working on my arm

Soon enough, the letters became etched into my skin. It didn't hurt as much as I thought, and the finger tattoos ached in a few spots. The artist, J, made the experience enjoyable, cracking jokes and even pulling a face for a picture.

Serious pictures only, of course!

Thank you so much Pandy/Sandra and J for my first tattoo session!

♡

________________
Notes to keep in mind

・Find a reputable shop and avoid dinky little places. Infections and art that doesn’t match what you want isn't worth it, and you get what you pay for.
・ This day and perhaps the day before as well is NOT the time to fast or forego meals. Getting a tattoo on an empty stomach can make the pain feel worse.
・ Make sure all spelling and line work is correct. No regerts on the work you want done!
・ Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized.

Share your favorite tattoo that you have or would like to get! I'd like to see! 

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 a lot more 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.

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. 

Nailing It! Nailcare Part 3

Lisha's Guide To Nailcare
Pt 3

Nail Extensions

Hi Heartlets, Nail extensions can help if you want your nails to be longer... just without the wait. They last for two to four weeks depending on your upkeep along with the nail tech's quality.

When choosing a salon, you will not only be looking at their prices for their services, but for also any additional services you will want for your appointment and the nail tech's handiwork.
Nail salons offer the basics such as manicures, pedicures and various polish applications, and some offer nail extensions and designs as a part of their skills.

Acrylics, a plastic, is used to sculpt a nail, using either nail tips as the base or a sticker form. This material dries on its own.

photo from Beautylish.com

True gels, usually less common in some areas, is thick and uses a uv lamp to cure it into its hardened state.

Make sure you are vocal, and polite, while the nail tech does your nails. You will need to have some idea of what the final outcome will be. This includes nail shape, if you want colour or designs, or even if the nail tech is being too rough.

Bonus tip!: Make sure you check your nails as they grow out or if you crack one. Water can seep under the acrylic if it has started to lift, resulting in a possible fungal infection! Yikes!!

Read the first Nailcare here and the second one here.

Dammit Hottopic!

Its always just a matter of time til something that's not mainstream gains traction and is seen popping up in alternative stores and in Halloween costume shops.

It was only a matter of time for it to happen to the first Jfashion I fell in love with; Lolita.

Branded lolitawear, in all its modest glory, from Baby The Stars Shine Bright to Metamorphose, was praised for its cloth and lace quality. Indie lolita brands reigning in second place, and the infamous Bodyline being shunned with upturned noses.

Hottopic ceased a trend that grew and was fostered in the Western Jfashion community. Overlooking what Lolita's wanted and were searching for to produce what looks like a one-and-done Halloweeb costume.

Though it makes it more affordable for people who cannot drop 400$ usd on a branded dress, quality and design was a huge factor in lolita clothing.

<i> What do you think about Hottopic picking up lolita style to sell in their stores? Have you checked it out? Share your stories and comments! </i>

Check out my online store, Lishaslooks.storenvy.com . Sales help keep this blog running + future coverage from different conventions, and more !

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! Nailcare Part 2

Lisha's Guide To Nailcare
Pt 2

Polishing Up

Welcome back to the second part of the Nailcare Guide! If you missed the first part, click here.

Polishes, nail varnishes, nail lacquers, are a great and definitely easy way to add a pop of colour and personality to your hands. Polishes come in so many different colours, finishes (if the polish is glittery, shiny, or matte), and not to mention brands.

Date Being Rude?

Subpar Date, Summer Edition


Went on second  date with someone some weeks ago, and I had dinner at a restaurant. The establishment was GORGEOUS and I loved the decorative books and frames that gave an air of sophistication.
I decided to go with liver and onions (not my go to meal )　with a glass of Stella Artois to wash it down. It had been years since I've tasted liver and onions, wanting to see how it will turn out here.
It was actually really delicious, smooth without liver's grainy texture and topped with savory BACON!

My date though it was a good idea to constantly bitch about my choice of meal, calling it a dinner from hell and "so disgusting", while reaching over my ENTER plate to take a few brussel sprouts. He also thought it was sexy to pick food from his teeth with his fingers! Disgustingggg!!! Like, DID YOUR MOM EVEN RAISE YOU?! DO YOU REALLY THINK YOUR BEHAVIOUR IS OK??! Terrible, but also amusing. 

His table manners seemed that of a teen, and was definitely not sexy nor did it make me want to eat in public with him. I think if you are kicking it with your friends in a little dive bar or small low key restaurant... like Mcdonalds, maybe somethings can let slide.... I guess.

Besides terrible table manners, he also would mention lowkey racist type statements like, "you don't act like a (stereotypical) black person!" or talking down on Asian people. He seemed to be stuck in white frat boy land than really trying to seem like a halfway decent person. ughhhhh He also though he was being 'romantic'. lmfaoooo

If anything, I'd visit the restaurant again, and grab another plate of 💖💖’s liver and onions. The only highlight of that night.

My Journey

Mental Health and Vitamins

from rebuildingyou.com

This year in the journey of bettering myself and mood, I decided to look into B vitamins. I have added in working out into my schedule, positive affirmations instead of negative self talk, listening to different music that uplift than perpetuate negative moods, and also meditating and yoga. I wanted to do more in my daily routing to not only establish something constant, but to (hopefully) boost my mood and keep me going.

I researched a few things and had to take note that B6 and B12 are helpful with mood. Neesie, a Lolita I met at an anime convention, also told me that Vitamin D is also helpful. We don’t get as much of it here in the Midwest when it becomes cold because we aren’t outside as much to absorb it from the sun resulting in SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you have dairy sensitivity or intolerance like myself, you may also be at risk unless the foods you eat contain enough of it.

Currently I have taken several months of B6 and B12, and will restock my supply along with some Vitamin D. It is still kind of summer, and I usually am in better spirits, but I will defo check back in during the Spring to see how well this new addition to my routine works! I may even buy a Happy Light!

Thank you for reading and stay tuned! Comments are always appreciated!

And It Begins

Headed into work in a bit. Simplicity and pretty basic is the goal for today's look.
Did my meditation and stretches,read some articles, and doodled for a while.

Just ready to get the day started, and finished so I can work on my own projects. Its a little gloomy today, and its already making me want to get cozy, knit and nap. 😌💤

Nostalgia Show Recap

August 19^th, 2016 marked the second year of the Nostalgia Show and the last bit of fall! Local artists, Natalia V. and Elgin B. created the Nostalgia Show to showcase and provide a space for various facets of art produced by other artistically inclined Artists in Chicago.

Horseback Riding!

About to get paired up with a horse

For Sandra’s celebration, one of the members of Champagne Pop, a social group, we took a trip to a stable where we all were able to take horseback riding! We were paired up with a horse that seemed to be a match in Horse Riding Heaven!

Elvis and I

The stable staff was very knowledgeable and taught us some saddling tips and helped us get to know the horses before taking them out to ride. Horseback Riding was a bit of a workout for us. We had to learn how to keep ourselves erect while riding the horse with and without holding on to the reigns as we did laps. It was also pretty hot and sunny which made for a day seeming a little longer than usual!   

We did it!

For me, it was a little difficult trying to match the pace of the horse and I had to concentrate a lot as I was not used to riding and the feel of riding as well. However, I think it is something I would love to do again! 

Snacking... just like me

awwwww!

Now we can be cowboys

After horseback riding, we went to a water park and cooled off. I tried some of the crazy water slides, but I think the Lazy River is the best. Sandra and Porche were the daredevils and tried a slide that was very steep. Way too steep for me!

A little late, but... better late than never right? oh hohoho.....

Thank you for reading and stay tuned! Comments are always appreciated!

Highbrow Lowbrow Straightbrow!

I am a big fan of arched eyebrows and have been perfecting them for years in my gyaru journey.

Recently, straight brows have become a thing for people in and out of kawaii fashion. The straight brow gives a person a supposedly youthful appearance. 

Those were the samples I drew inspiratiom from...

And this is what I came up with. One brow is a little wonky and both are just... ok. Maybe I'll add this brow look in my repertoire.

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned! 

Lishaslooks.storenvy.com

Gyaru items and handmade goodies 

Hello September

August seemed to pass by all too quickly, ending a lot of summer breaks as we know it. I enjoyed my break and the new adventures and memories I was able to make with my colleagues, coworkers and my gyaru-sa, but it did seem a little long for me.

Though I want to see how this year pans out, I already long for the summer days I didn't put to full use, but I did enjoy the rest I was able to catch up on.

Its time to finish up my summer recaps and get super prepared for fall!

Hello September.

Stay tuned readers! 🌟

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

Super Fashionable Weekend!

Anime Midwest was just last weekend, marking the time left that participants and planners have for the Super Gyaru weekend and the upcoming Harajuku Fashion Walk. 

Harajuku Fashion Walk

Hey guys + gals.

 Attended a fashion walk.

Ciao~
😺

Networking Event

This weekend was an exciting one with various events that were held.

I started off the weekend at a yacht party, conversing and meeting with new people. I also reconnected with a few that I met at a previous event. It rained on Friday but it did not stop the wonderful time riding past the gorgeous buildings that were lined up by the river and added a touch of the dramatique to the fashion show.

There were also Dior models showcasing beautiful designs that piqued my interest (you can catch a snippet on my IG) .

After the yacht party, C's party and I made our way to Parliament, then Time for the amazing after party in River North. 🍸

Saturday Night Live

I got to play and experience indie games at Woman Made Gallery. The merging of an art space with indie games and tech themed art was a perfect combination.

Until next time!