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!

Wicker Park Block Party

Some of my old crew from my high school days and I went out to Wicker Park on Saturday to show some support to one of their friends from Columbia. I haven't been to the Silver Room since sometime last year for an art show.

Maybe its just me, but I noticed that they tend to carry a lot of Afrocentric goods there 

 along with jewelry and art pieces. 

Though there were various other "stages" at the back of the Silver Room, I stayed over here chillin with friends. 

"But did you do it for the Homies?"

The Crew! Aerin (dreads) looks very mischievous here. lol

After grabbing a slice of pizza and chatting it up with friends, we rode to Second City to watch two of my classmates do some sets. While waiting for them to go up, I wanted to see if I could do something like that one day. But then I remembered I am not a comedian, LOL. 

This place has birthed and helped sculpt a lot of todays popular and well known comedians.Some of them are Tina Fey, Joan Rivers, and Steve Carrell just to name a few.  If you want to laugh or make others laugh, defo swing by here with friends! 

No lens cuz I ran out of cleaner.

Coord. Denim Casual

 Silver Room 

1442 N Milwaukee Ave, 

Chicago IL 60622

Second City

1616 N Wells St. 

Chicago, IL 60614

Moving On

It’s been a weird couple of years. Though a lot of activity from my part has slowed down, save for attending some anime cons and a few events here and there and some blogging and article writing for Galvip and pix for a site I was formerly associated with, I plan to do a bit more for a lil while I think...

With about 7 derpy years under my belt in the gyaru comms, the highs and lows of (gyaru) circle life and trying to keep it together (I get really passionate about things at times :P ), the highs and lows of young adulthood regardless of being in a subculture, not knowing what I REALLY wanted to do in college or out of it{professionally speaking}, helping make events and promoting them while at times tiring out, its still a bit to process even after all this time. Allthewhile doing so, I am still trying to push forward as fast while wondering if I should try and slow down and rest. Some days, it feels as if I am living a double life! Bold fashioned gyaru life and normal out of college life.

I was told to (and also a part of me wanted to) stop with all my extracurricular activities and focus on my art career.{what am I, a lil kid still? haha}

That would mean:
NO blogging
NO events
NO gyaru related anything
prolly no more conventions

But then a part of me wants to still do it, but tie it into what I've learned at Columbia  I can see it, a faint vision, kinda fuzzy still, a bit patchy. It makes me smile, but then I wonder if its even worth it or just start over.

A few pictures of gal me2s over time, from about '09-'14

I know things will not be the same as the highs during those years, that maybe circle life just isn't a thing, but they were cherishable memories to me. Time moves on,things change, people come and go, shit happens, you learn from it, even if some of the memories still sting, you try and get over it.

Its no use livin' in the past, though I find myself doing that maybe all the time. So, I try to focus on the present and look forward to a brighter future. What does the future bring?  Maybe its one that sparkles and shines like rhinestone studded nails that barely allow you to function, and more glamorous than any sujimori-ed weave to grace any gal's head.

Wish me luck, gals!

Breaking the Habit: No More Workoholic, More Beach

Besides the Watertower, I really like this building.

After reading a few article about Workaholics, I had to take a step back to evaluate my naughty habit of trying to keep busy almost all of the time. Yes, the first time I tried to relax during a month break from work and being officially done with school I had a panic attack. Lame, right?

Even an old teacher had asked why I wasn't taking a year off to do practically nothing after college. And all I could think of  was 'that is bizarre... why would I do that?' You do that before you graduate, then you bust your ass to try to pay off everything. 

But...did I miss a memo or something?

Fall lip colour test

So, on Wednesday, I decided to just chill in downtown Chicago. I checked out the WaterTower mall first after a quick lunch. Katie wanted me to try a purple/lilac lip shade from Smashbox. After trying various purple shades, I settled on a natural shade, "Sugar Cane".  I might also see what the fuss is about non drugstore make ups! 

A doorman/security guard wanted me to come into the jewelry

shoppe that was near Oak Street Beach. 

Some of the pieces were beautiful, and their main motif is the quatrefoil for good luck, prosperity, health, and love. I favored the pieces with black onyx. 

Glass art and timepieces.

Bountiful clovers.

 I grabbed their catalog to check out their pieces while I am at home.

I really liked their bag. I am a sucker for nice shopping bag design. 

Rather be doing some sort of work. LOL

Human Gazing

 As I buried my feet in the cool sand, I gazed off into the sky or watch kids play catch with a football. 

I could get used to this... I think.

Stopped here for a little Italian treat.

Choco + Hazelnut gelato

Being busy (or "busy") all the time isn't a good thing. You are most likely wasting energy and maybe just doing filler if you can't stand doing-nothing-at-all time. I know from experience. Its nice to take a break every once in a while and recharge and cool down.

Ciao Ciao❤

Anime Expo 2014

Anime Expo 2014... Gee whiz. I met a lot of people again, familiar and new faces. I didn't do as much exploring the convention floor this year but that is ok. This year was a lot to take in all at once for me! 

Being from Chicago, the land of hotdogs and pizza, I had to try out Tokyo Doggie Style Hotdogs topped with savory curry and tart, crunchy pickled horseradish (?) on top. OMG, SO GOOD! ;-; 

Shop Staff!

LishaMisha22 Is Back!

After a long while of throwing ideas around with several people, tweaking some things and fussing over templates......
Here are some Site updates!

• Added social media buttons! Yippu!
• Still sketching out ideas for a new banner but overall things are updated! Maybe fancier html stuff will be in order... but much later!
• Also updated my Tumblr and finally got around to making pages on there for my art and also other stuff! YIPPU! I am pretty happy with it now.
• I updated the Shoppe and Events tabs with some clothes and events and will keep those (more so the events) updated regularly!
• General Sites maintenance!

So, at least I can chill out about the look of the blog for now.... Just need to get the portfolio site in order more. @__@;

Aside from all that, I am trying to get the finishing touches of packing and prepping for July! I will be attending Anime Expo again. I am nervous or maybe it is excitement! I have a vague idea for my hair style this year.... but clothes... no clue!  But, I cannot wait to see what my L.A. gals will be wearing and what items the brands such as Golds Infinity and Ghost of Harlem will be showcasing for this Spring and Summer collection!

Sadly enough, I will not be able to attend Anime Midwest again this year.But, I do hope to catch a lot of pictures of the cosplays that will be done there!

quikie post

I kinda like the revival of 90s stuff, and seeing a lot of 90s things. I borrowed a few books the other day, and I realized I didnt get into stuff like that with my artsy friends when college life took some of us to separate parts of the Midwest.

Listening to metal songs or maybe the newest hit in Japan.
I remember things like pix of sophisticated looking gold and green houndstooth nail polish stickers. Jp rock concerts in Milwaukee. Huddled in a corner with easels walling us off from the rest of the class. Hiding behind tinted paper and metal structures, like stationary flags on a boat.

I think I continued to do so even after high school. Face staring at the paper or screen all the time. Trying to perfect how to do something while lacking in social skills even when I feel that you are supposed to know how right off the bat.

90s revival? More like social skills of 1990's era kids.
And even now, when I feel like I could be understanding people and not just my own mind, I am not. I am trying to find a job I like that I have to have social skills for and be able to understand people!
Communications design.... okies...

But, life is a learning venture. And things will keep looping until something changes.
One day at a time, right?

Anime Expo ：Be a Gal Fashion Model for 2014!

This year, The following Gal Brands will be showcasing their items for not only for purchase, but also for the Fashion Show!

KokoKim, Swankiss, Golds Infinity, Ghost of Harlem

If you have always wanted to be a runway model for a Japanese Brand for Gyaru gear, this is your chance for 2014! 

Sign Up here!:

http://www.anime-expo.org/fashion-show-2014/#Casting

Rather be a Shop Staff?
Send me an email on FB!

Deadline is June 15th!

See you there and Good Luck!

Acen 2014 Minicap

Acen season has made its way and has passed like the fleeting winds~
I got acquainted with Naoto and Ibi from h.naoto and Sixh. , the super adorbs Wake Up Girls group, and had laughs with the members of angela, a Japanese rock duo .


Here are some slightly behind the scene's pix!

Go GAL Go!

Graduation is right around the corner! OMG

The limbo period is almost over! I do not feel ready even though I am just waiting to hear my name and to walk across the stage to grab a piece of paper... I am so nervous!

5 LOOOOONG years have passed like an eye blinking! Its nuts!

I just hope that since being a graduate will FINALLY be official, I will get more job ops and a lot of freelance! 

YAY!!!

Now, I have to get outfits ready for this weekend! I will be at Acen this year and I hope to meet a lotta people, and to also celebrate my 7th year at Acen! 

I think I will try to cosplay this year... It will be.... something LOL. But I hope it will look decent! 

bye bye! I gotta finish alotta stuff tonight ;-;

Review: Mary Kay Timewise Set

Balance it Out!

Windy City Gal's tips for Beginners!

Over the years, seeing gals try out gal make up, there have been a few things that got to me: the lack of balance. I think it is one of the things that grows with the person doing the make up to learn balancing out the aesthetics especially for the more extreme and heavier make up styles.

Balance issue: Think of your favorite (or a ) Drag Queen. Now, if you have a pic of them without their glorious locks but their make up is on in full, it looks kinda weird until their hair is on and poppin.

Pic from Rupaul's Drag Race

2011
BAHAHAHHAA
Cake faced glory

Got on one of my FAVE pairs of lens and Diamond Nudy eye lashes.... but no hair!! ARRGHGHHGHG!!!

Beady little eyes to steal your soul! D:

Weird, yea?! Well I look even funnier when I did Manba and didn't have my hair on yet!

Balance issue: A person doing super extreme Manba make up looks weird with super flat or no hair. The same goes for a person who wears super long and big falsies and bold bottom lashes without circle lens to balance out the lashes and take up some of the white space in the eye.

Hope these tips helped!

Eye Glasses!

It may be a little bit silly to some, but I have been pretty excited about my pairs of glasses !

It has been years since I have had an eye exam and about a year since my old pair of glasses broke. I saw that at one place had a sale for an eye exam and a buy one get one promotion for glasses that I wanted to take advantage of! So, I scheduled an appointment, and went right on in!

They make you fill out a questionnaire about your eyesight, and you get to choose what other tests you want to do for your eyes, for example, getting fitted for lens and also to check for other eye disorders.
I had a pair picked out from the website I liked, and though they did not have the exact frame in store, I found one that was pretty similar! The staff was very patient with me since it was a big investment for me!

The only add on that I bought for the lens was the HD feature so that I do not see curved images when I look towards the edges of my glasses. My two pairs of glasses came out to $422.93! If they were not on sale, the total price would have went up to a whooping $798! And even more if I had selected other features for my pairs.

The glasses I got were Envy and Breezy by Bebe

Pros: Convenient location in the Loop. Being able to understand the prescription. Being able to look and try on the various amount of frames.  

Cons: Pricey when you do not have insurance, or if you decide to buy from online stores like Coastal.

Dream With Me!

So, I have been trying to recall my dreams better these days and to also try harder at Lucid Dreaming!
One of the first times I remembered Lucid Dreaming was when I was in elementary school at O'Keeffe. I had a terrible dream a few nights in a row that replayed over and over about a horrible man trying to harm his customer that went to his barber shop.

I told a loved one about it, and he told me that if I can concentrate really hard while I sleep about what I wanted to do in the dream to prevent it from happening, I could change the outcome of my dream.

So, it took me a while, but when I felt that the dream was happening again, I could think on what I wanted to do to cause a distraction, fight back something. I don't recall what I did since it was so many years ago, but my dream did change! I was able to change the outcome!

There have been a few other dreams that I had where I would slip into it and could almost control my self in the dream world. Albeit, not precisely, as it felt similar to trying to control a shopping cart with a very wobbly wheel that won't let you push it 100% in one direction!

I hope to keep trying at Lucid Dreaming more!

Until next time!

Windy City Gal Cooking!

Sometimes I like to cook and make things if I can get in some nice time for it. It can be pretty relaxing for me.
時々、時計があるなら、りょうり作るの大好き。リラックスなだよ。

Here, I made a chicken alfredo dish.
チキンアルフレドを作った。　美味しかった。

Fave Kawaii Android Apps

Ever since I got into this Android app downloading thing a few years ago, I have come across some great ones and some that were not so hot.

The ones that I keep now either social media related, or just some random things to pass the time.

I have a few deco apps that I have used over the past several years, so I will share em with you! Deco apps are great for gals and lolita's alike,  people who love purikura (photo booth picture stickers), and people who just love to put stamps on their photos!

R.I.P. Ageha...and Almost Everything Else

Soooo, every gal and their momma has been talking about the publisher of Ageha, Aneageha, I love Mama, and NUTS being so in debt, 3 billion yen, and the deaths of the beloved mags.The debt deal that the publisher incurred is beyond ridiculous! It sucks. It really does, but with certain styles dying down, people who did the styles like agejo growing older, it is no surprise. Also no surprise that the media is picking and choosing what it wants to show.

While others seem to be freaking out, im just here like:

I had already taken a hard hit when Soul Sister died. I wanted to collect as many magazines as possible when I had some better income coming in. And now that I kinda do (at least before career hindering related things...) now Ageha has jumped the ship. 

Okies.... I can deal... Hopefully people won't jack up their prices on ebay when I search for issues I want.

But then, Egg has decided to call it quits too? 

WHAT THE FUCK...

So, what am I going to collect now? Or peep through when I visit Mitsuwa? What about the beloved Animal Talk and the silly cute illustrations? Maybe things will pop back up for the magazines. Even though I loved looking at the magazines, it was there for a reason. To help showcase styles and current fashion trends and what the stores were selling at the moment.

As I am in America, some of the items just did not fully apply because there were not a lot of Gyaru fashion being exported from Japan for Western Gyaru lovers. Now, things have changed thanks to shopping services and Yesstyle.com. Not only that, but around the time I started, a lot of the gyaru found their items in their local shops and did the best they could! 

While people emulate what they see in magazine, I feel that the gyaru subculture here might not improve or grow JUST because the mags are not there! BOOO. There has already been girls dismissing the crazier styles because the magazines didn't show them, so I can only speculate what will happen if the mags never resurface. 

Hey... I may be wrong though.

But for now, we play the waiting game.