Macy's 2017 Bridal Expo

Hello hello! Been a little m.i.a. for a bit but wanted to pop a new post up!

The Macy's Bridal Expo was just a week ago, and it still feels extremely surreal! I got to choose two gowns to model for the event, 1 ball gown with gorgeous, delicate beading  being worn for the runway.

I started out getting my make up done at Fashion Fair's booth. Then, I made my way over to Pure Beauty Salon to get my hair done into a braid encircling low bun after nibbling on cheese and grapes.

Showcasing gorgeous Demetrios gowns 

After getting all dolled up, I found myself in a sleek, fit and flare sparkling Demetrios gown with a flowing train, greeting people before the show with Michelle in a flirty, shorter gown perfect for a Spring or Summer wedding.

You can check out the live Runway on the Macy's Bridal Salon Facebook page!

Thanks for reading!
Until next time!

Getting Older In A Alternative Fashion Community

As long as I have been blogging, my style has changed over the years. From a bit over the top and youthful edginess to more toned down and a little more sleek, the way I dress myself has definately gotten better. I also have gotten a better sense of what looks good on my figure and what I like and don't like.

(old pic)

As I am getting old and grey, and due to work as well, my style choices has been getting a little more boring! Trying to find decent basics for work functions have preoccupied most of my shopping.
(new pics)

However, I do my best to get a few items for leisure time and events that I can really express myself with.

It also is great that some of my coworkers appreciate dressing against the grain and showcasing your individuality. They help keep me true to myself, and seeking ways to not just stick to a basic pair of jeans and a plain ol' top.

I still incorporate some of my own recent customizations and selfmade items into my wardrobe to fully make my look my own!






Check out my webshop! 20%off on all items! Half the amount on hats will be donated to the Woman's Treatment Center!

PlayCHIC Fashion Show

Playchic fashion show was great and housed in the gorgeous Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, with fashion designer Boris Powell and several others basing their designs off of well known and loved childhood games and toys, one being Twister!
Powell incorporated the playfulness of the game into the dress, having one actually being utilitarian, sliding off and becoming a Twister mat.

There were two other dresses that had playful designs as well, and incorporated the toys into the design.

Orbeez dress

Thank you for reading and have a great Thanksgiving holiday! 

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

Bold enough to keep on trend, yet you can always remove it for your stylish outfit underneath.

Inner

Sweater

What says fall better than a soft and cozy sweater? Nothing...thats what! Pair it with heeled or flat booties and dark pants or jeans!

Footwear
Shoes

A pair of deep red boots or heels looks gorgeous rustling through piles of autumn leaves. With a matching coloured purse or hat, this can keep an outfit on point and cohesive!

Maybe its time to knit a wine coloured sweater....hrm... 

What's your favourite burgandy/wine coloured item for the fall?  

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!

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 !

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

Mortal Kombat: Time Travel

As a person who has played Mortal Kombat as a youngster, it made me quite pleased to know that the new Mortal Kombat was made in Chicago. To some people, this may not be an important bit of information.  To those who know where the game and game kompany originated from, this is a big deal!

Sonya

The first outfit I wanted to highlight is Sonya Blade’s halter top and leggings kombo. Her outfit is fitted to show off her muscles and strength, but very late 80’s early 90’s inspired. Her slightly loose high ponytail, and bangs is a very 90’s athletic look for her, but not very fashionable or kute.

Kitana

Moving on to Kitana’s outfit… I would break down all of the princess’ fighting kostumes, but that would be far too redundant since they wore the same exact thing in the early Mortal Kombat games! Limited game memory for kharacters and all of that for the arcade and Super Nintendo. Old gen konsole problems.

The princess’  wore what looks like halter top styled swimsuits with knee high flat soled boots. No heels were worn in these earlier games, so foot gear was very practical for female fighters in the Mortal Kombat universe. Their fighting gear was sexy in a sense, but very subdued kompared to the feminine outfits of the more kurrent games that have been released.

Sindel

Illustration by Jhonatas Batalha

Queen Sindel, one of the most recognized kharacters in the series is not exempt from this fashion post! Her outfit is more revealing than the other kharacters, and doesn’t have the halter top to secure the outfit at her shoulders/neck like the other ladies. She also wears longer boots that kover up most of her kalf than stopping at the knee.  Out of the female kharacters, her outfit is more “sexy” and too cheesy while not going overboard like in some fighting games.

With these visuals from the old MK games, how do you feel about the fashion direction of these klassic kickass female kharacters? Share your thoughts in the komment section below! We would love to hear from you!

Acen 2015

Wowzers! Another Acen  has passed by!

Machii, Neesie, Tomo, Jade and I at my Gyaru Panel

I had my panel about gyaru fashion on Friday! I let people check out what was in my bag, answered questions about hair, make up and accessories, and had some guest speakers as well! It was a chill atmosphere, and I was glad people were able to come through.

Though I wish I danced the night away at Soap Bubble, I danced, shimmied, and bebopped along throughout the Dealer Hall's floor. 

I bought two books this year... A Kiki's Delivery service art book, and a Tabekoji one. heh heh heh. Um... it was totally because of the detail in the make up and hair! I promise!

 I didnt splurge a lot, but it was very tempting to do so! Too many cute kimono, art books, collectors figures, Legend of Zelda paraphernalia (who wouldn't want the classic and iconic Hyrulian shield or an ocarina?) and animal ears caught my eye this year.

From the MisoLucki shoppe

I had trouble picking out something from the MisoLucki shoppe. They had some super cool shirts and I was too tempted to get the shirt with Bruce Lee on it!!!

I thought buying something small would suffice... but there were too many cute and sassy pins and earrings. I asked a group to help me choose a pin with words while I settled on a decision that dealt with food. (^w^)

I even got cute hair ties and a super cute bag from Machii/Eteria. Apparently she likes to give gifts to new people. 

Julie from my high school! Hadn't seen her in 5 years!!

I met up with a lot of people that I hadn't seen in a while! From Alan and Dino (the two I met at a parapara panel years ago) to classmates from highschool and gals who were apart of the Chicago Diamond gyarusa, Black*Cherry/Gal*Luxy. We were all running around so it was hard to all come together and stay put this year, but even a quick hello brought joy to my heart.

Pic cred from Neesie!

Me and my sis as BlackWidow!

So cool!

Suiting up

 I tried on two kimono and Samurai armour too! I didn't get a lot of selfie's this year, but that's ok!

You can check out more pictures I posted on my post for SugarGamers here. I am required to redirect to her site and such. 

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!

Be Cool Cat as You Listen to Music

Source: http://www.axentwear.com/

In a world where the majority of the population has a music player of some sort attached to them, it is no question that having a trusty pair of headphones that also look good is a staple.

The thing is, that in this world where you need a trusty pair of headphones to listen to your favorite tunes, there are so many different varieties, looks and colours that are available to choose from!

Loving technology and being a part of a tech and gaming group, I think it was a no brainer that my attention was going to be captured by these nifty pair of headphones I saw on Tumblr from Axent.

Being a kawaii item lover, these won even more points in my heart!

Source: http://www.axentwear.com/

The design of the models from Axent is sleek, futuristic and to top it all off very trendy even for the more discerning of eccentric otaku, nerd and techie tastes.

Besides being stylish and just super cool, you can also use these headphones as speakers too to share your music with your friends and the world! Or, if you would rather listen to your music by yourself, that is always an option too.

You can also have the ears light up. Another thing about these headphones is that you can either have the cord attached or not to the ears while listening to your music, giving you a little bit more freedom compared to some other models of headphones on the market.

You can check out their website here: http://www.axentwear.com/.

What do you all think about these headphones? If you were to get one, what would be your go to colour?

Source: http://www.axentwear.com/

In a world where the majority of the population has a music player of some sort attached to them, it is no question that having a trusty pair of headphones that also look good is a staple.

The thing is, that in this world where you need a trusty pair of headphones to listen to your favorite tunes, there are so many different varieties, looks and colours that are available to choose from!

Loving technology and being a part of a tech and gaming group, I think it was a no brainer that my attention was going to be captured by these nifty pair of headphones I saw on Tumblr from Axent.

Being a cat person myself, these won even more points in my heart!

Source: http://www.axentwear.com/

The design of the models from Axent is sleek, futuristic and to top it all off very trendy even for the more discerning of eccentric otaku, nerd and techie tastes.

Besides being stylish and just super cool, you can also use these headphones as speakers too to share your music with your friends and the world! Or, if you would rather listen to your music by yourself, that is always an option too.

You can also have the ears light up. Another thing about these headphones is that you can either have the cord attached or not to the ears while listening to your music, giving you a little bit more freedom compared to some other models of headphones on the market.

You can check out their website here: http://www.axentwear.com/.

What do you all think about these headphones? If you were to get one, what would be your go to colour?

Northern Illinois Jfashion Meet Up

I was invited to come out to Saturday's event that was hosted by Stellarkei from the Northern Illinois Jfashion Club at Mitsuwa and also Round 1 that recently opened up in Bloomingdale.

We chatted and conversed a bit more as we ate snacks and shared stories at our table. One of the ladies noticed I was knitting after I ate my lunch... something people who are into gyaru fashion aren't necessarily known for!

After eating, we got ready for photo ops to capture our outfits that we wore to the meet up.

Group Photo

Elegant mori kei

Get wild and be sexy

Kiana and Galaxxy looked way too cute! ;-;

Not gonna lie, This jacket was just too cute lol

I'll wear black until they make a darker colour.

Something's not quite right...

 Too kawaii to live, too sugoi to die!

Much better!

 Pastel Cuties

Dapperest fellas

After magazines were bought, lunch eaten, and pictures taken, we headed to the recently opened Round 1 in Bloomingdale to take purikura!
I was so excited to see these beautiful machines, I almost cried in excitement! Though it is not that close to Mitsuwa or Gameworks, or even Chinatown for that matter, these machines were a Godsend and have been long awaited for YEARS for Chicagoans!

Glorious!

"What is this contraption?"

They had matching Sailor Moon pendants!

When we had our fill of playing arcade games, trying to win cute plushies, and taking purikura, the rest of the group toured and shopped at various stores in the mall.

Despite the cold weather, it was an enjoyable day out meeting with other (Japanese fashion) and alternative fashion enthusiasts!

You can also check out a few more pix on my instagram here!

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

Harajuku Fashion Walk

Fashion Walk-Harajuku Version

I attended the Harajuku Fashion walk on Saturday. I got to strut my stuff with the other very fashionable people all decked out in our gear in Downtown Chicago! From cool to kawaii, we took lots of pictures and chatted with each other. 

The walk ended at Millenium Park and we took pictures, had pictures taken by passersby, and also had a mini dance party!

Good job Harajuku Fashion Walk for your Day 1!