Art Exhibit and Shopping Day

Saturday, I missed my mentor's Bday, but I networked and got an interview for a documentary about being a black gyaru, nerd, and artist with my Big sis Ashley Woods! I always wanted my art up and around Chicago, and also the world, so people can  see what I can do and what I choose to express. I wore a corset earlier at the showing, and I was pretty nervous talking about myself!

アチスト＋黒人ギャルインタビューがあった！！

Ashley Woods drawing of Cammy!
dat ass.

I dressed a bit more daring for a little dinner with Phil to chill with his friend and just chat about random stuff. I wish I had a nice belt to match up with my outfit though,but I actually suck at belt buying. 

Sunday morning!

Went for a ponytail look today! My inspiration was Rikku from Final Fantasy10s with a lil bit of Cocona lol

 I went shopping with gyaru sister Purin! This was our first time shopping together, and we found some awesome stuff! I have not had a chance to shop because of hardcore budgeting lately, and not feeling what is in shops like Charlotte Russe or WetSeal. But, I was able to snag an AWESOME sale though!
日曜日はPurinとショッピングをしていた～１ｓｔタイムショッピンぐ日は、クール＋安い服を買った！たくさんお金がないけど、いいなセールがさがしていた。

me in sneakers?! but i think they are super cute though

Found a cute lil Betsey phone case!!! SO CUTE.

So frivolous! 

We all went out to eat at Hana in Skokie. It is such a beautiful place to grab a bite! 

HANAに行きって、美味しい食べ物を食べた

Purin, Phil and I were discussing plans and goals for this year! Especially for not only ourselves, but for the gals in America to enjoy Chicago!

PurinXあたしがME3をあった。たくさんプランニングをしていた、ｗｗｗｗ

シカゴのギャルひみつだよ

yes

Purins Tofu X Bamboo Shoot X broccoli dish!

Oppa's Walnut Shrimp

Afterwards, I got to help screw in screws on a door. I love working on things, and I found my new fave tool! 

A1 White dress for a work party! クラブの白いドレス

A2 Black dress for night time　夜の黒いドレス

A3 Cute baggy shirt!　ｔシャツ

A. Steve Madden Shades (so cute!!)　可愛いサングラス

B. bracelets

C. cute case to store my shades in my bag. Suggested by Purin! (thank u!)　サングラスケース

D. Lotion!　ロション！

E. Cute stickers for nails ;P　可愛いシール

F. Betsey phone case. Frivolous, but very cute!　ケイタイポッケト

I can't shop too much because I have to budget for my trip in July!! 

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.

\

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!

Memorial Day; Searching into the Past for the Present

The Real Life of a Chicago Gal

Ramblings and Ponderings

Memorial Day started off dreary, and all I did was research, sip flat bubbly wine, and nibbled on scones, some berries, and texted a few people here and there. I wanted to try and get to things I found inconsistent or that did not seem to match up from my past. I talked with my Aunt, Laura, about myself, and a few things that I liked to do, and we seemed to click pretty fast.

Livin La Vida Gyaru in Chicago

Lisha's... Luxury life?

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$